Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof. (Leviticus 25:10a)
The inscription on the Liberty Bell.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)If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:36)
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. (Matthew 21:9)
This was the Lord's public claiming of authority over Israel. He was the son of David, and so He was by natural right the King of the Jews. If He had taken possession of His own, He would have been sitting on the throne of the chosen dynasty of David by right of birth. Also as the Messiah, the Christ, He was the King of His people Israel. Concerning Him it had been said by the prophet, Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold! thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass (Zechariah 9:9). Our Lord Jesus literally came to Zion in this way. As King He rode to His capital and entered His palace. In His priestly royalty the Son of God went to His Father's house, to the temple of sacrifice and sovereignty. Among the tribes of Israel He is seen to be One chosen out of the people, whom the Lord had given to be a leader and commander for the people. They might afterwards choose Barabbas and cry that they had no king but Caesar, yet Jesus was their King, as Pilate reminded them when he said, Shall I crucify your king? And also His cross declared, it, bearing the legal inscription, This is Jesus the King of the Jews. Before His trial and condemnation He had put in a public claim to the rights and prerogatives of Zion's king, whom God has set on His holy hill. Would to God all fully recognized our Lord's kingdom, yielding to His sway! Oh, that you would bow before Him, and put your trust in Him! Part of His intent in riding through Jerusalem was that we also who dwell in the isles of the sea might know Him and reverence Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Matthew 21:9 in Devotional Classics of C.H. Spurgeon, p. 86Whereas, we all came into these parts of America with one and the same end and aim, to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to enjoy the liberties of the Gospel in purity and peace. -- The New England Confederation, May 19, 1643
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
The question of Paul, Is Christ divided? is one to which professing Christians have not given sufficient heed, and the evil consequences are abundantly apparent.
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.
If, as we presume will be readily admitted, the whole of Christ's offices are necessary to the salvation of fallen man, it follows that they are all essential to the character of the Saviour, and that, of course, we can not suppose him to have existed for a moment without any one of them, as this would suppose him to have been, for the time at least, no Saviour. -- William Symington (1795-1862)Briefly stated, where Christ is demoted or limited, His Kingdom and crown rights are limited and demoted. There is then a shift of sovereignty from God to man, which means the triumph of the state. The state as the new sovereign becomes god walking on earth, and the result is the rapid death of all freedom. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001)
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 TruthA 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 NationsYe have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. (Exodus 19:4-6a)
What a loving preface to the law! If anything could have engaged rebellious man to obedience, this would have done it, but, alas, the Lord has nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against him. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Exodus 19:4-6a in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible, p. 92
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.
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.phpQ. 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; xvii. 14 [Revelation 17:14], 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. 130-133Traditionally, law was never construed as legalist. It was always construed as a result of covenant. If we can define the word covenant as bond, that lovely four letter word, b-o-n-d, then it's a relationship, it's a solidarity with God or with another person. And from that relationship flows duty. So we can think of convent as that marvelous combination of promise and duty. And so I really see law as a response to a relationship. -- Joseph Kickasola
True, the state as the policeman can be corrupt; in fact, if the society as a whole is corrupt, the state will also be corrupt. In a healthy and godly society, the state will function successfully to restrain the minority of evildoers. The key to the situation is not the state but the religious health of the society. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), Institutes of Biblical Law, p. 470
If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the Word of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Him. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proven; and to be steady on all the battlefront besides is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point. -- Martin Luther (1483-1546)
It is a poor and pitiful kind of knowledge, to know many loose parcels, and broken members of truth, without knowing the whole, or the place and the relations which they have to the rest. To know letters and not syllables, or syllables and not words, or words and not sentences, or sentences and not the scope of the discourse, are all but an unprofitable knowledge. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691), A Christian Directory, p. 269 (Soli Deo Gloria Publications reprint)
Contents: Chapter 9, "Corporate Faithfulness and Sanctification" (parts 1, 2, 3, and 4), interactive
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html#index9
Combined Interactive Contents for The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/combtoc.html
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)See the Theological Notes: "Jesus' Heavenly Reign," at Acts 7:55 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)See the Theological Notes: "The Kingdom of God," at Luke 17:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.
No hand becomes the sceptre of Zion better, than that which saved her sons from going down to the pit. The redemption of the immortal spirit was precious. None among the fallen sons of men could pay the ransom. In vain is the anxious eye directed to the most virtuous of our race, or to the most potent in the ranks of creation. The children of Adam, without exception, were involved under the sentence of condemnation. [Romans 5:12]. Vainly, then, would the benevolent heart, urge the feeble hand to attempt, the removal of the more than mountainous load of guilt. None of them can, by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him. [Psalm 49:7]. The same disappointment would answer the imploring voice, should it be directed to those intelligences, who excel in glory, and against whom, the charge of criminality has never been preferred. They stand high, indeed, among the works of God; but bounds are set to their power. They would sink under the pressure of those penal ills, impending over the head of the guilty man. Here we see the necessity of divine interposition. The Mediator has effected, what the prowess of creation could not accomplish. He hath set us free from the law of sin and death. [Romans 8:2,3]. He is characterized, therefore, as the Captain of Salvation, [Song of Solomon 3:11]. and the Church sets the crown thereof upon his head. -- Gilbert McMaster (1778-1854), The Duty of Nations
See the Theological Notes: "The Final Judgment," at Matthew 25:41 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Christians and Civil Government," at Romans 13:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
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)
See Isaiah 40:1 -- Isaiah 55:13 and annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.
The question of Paul, Is Christ divided? is one to which professing Christians have not given sufficient heed, and the evil consequences are abundantly apparent.
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.
If, as we presume will be readily admitted, the whole of Christ's offices are necessary to the salvation of fallen man, it follows that they are all essential to the character of the Saviour, and that, of course, we can not suppose him to have existed for a moment without any one of them, as this would suppose him to have been, for the time at least, no Saviour. -- William Symington (1795-1862)The Treasury of David, Psalm 118, C.H. Spurgeon
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. (Psalm 118:8,9)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps118.phpBriefly stated, where Christ is demoted or limited, His Kingdom and crown rights are limited and demoted. There is then a shift of sovereignty from God to man, which means the triumph of the state. The state as the new sovereign becomes god walking on earth, and the result is the rapid death of all freedom. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001)
The Bishop of Rome claims to be the head of the Church. He alone who is in communion with him is a member of the Church, and consequently a member of Christ. Now he must either be a real and true head, or a symbolical and typical head. If the former, then, as a body cannot have two real heads without being a monster, the headship of Christ is displaced. If the latter, then, as the body must partake of the nature of its head, the Church is a symbolical and typical body, and the reality of the Church is destroyed. -- J.H. Thornwell (1812-1862)
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)
Calvin's commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 resolves the sophist's confusion over verse 28 [1 Corinthians 15:28], 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.
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol40/htm/i.iii.htm
Anonymous, Ministers of Perth and Fife, A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ to the Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government of the Kirk of Scotland and to the National Covenant of Scotland and to the Solemn League and Covenant of the Three Nations, England, Scotland and Ireland and to the Work of Uniformity in Religion and against the errors, heresies, blasphemies and diverse practices of the times, especially against the vast toleration now on foot in these nations / by sundry ministers of the Gospel in the provinces of Perth and Fife, Ephes. 6:14,15; 2 Tim. 1:7,8 [Ephesians 6:14,15; 2 Timothy 1:7,8], 1648. Alternate title: A TESTIMONY TO THE TRUETH OF JESUS CHRIST, AND TO OUR SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT, 1660. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/testimony_against_cromwells_toleration.html
A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ and to our Solemn League and Covenant
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/a-testimony-to-the-truth-of-jesus-christ
*Augustine, Saint (Aurelius Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 AD), Philip Schaff (editor), and Marcus Dods (translator), St. Augustine's City of God and Christian Doctrine (A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church -- Volume 2), new edition, 624 pages, English, ISBN: 0802880991. Available (2 volumes, 1872 edition), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Augustine is said to be the greatest Christian thinker next to the Apostle Paul. Luther set the BIBLE and the CONFESSIONS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE above all other books.
"One of the classic texts of Western civilization [it explains the fall of Rome in terms of Scripture -- compiler]. . . . DE CIVITATE DEI is an important contribution of interest to students of theology, philosophy, ecclesiastical history, the history of political thought, and late antiquity." -- Publisher (from the Cambridge University Press edition)
"Calvin paraphrased Augustine about 400 times in THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.
"St. Augustine's final sentence of THE CITY OF GOD is 'All things must be referred to the Glory of God.'
"When you see that, then you will see the key to the story, and you will see the key to history. . . .
"The classic exposition of history in terms of Scripture." -- C. Gregg Singer
"Augustine began writing THE CITY OF GOD at age 59 [shortly after the city of Rome had been sacked by the Goths in 410 A.D., much to the surprise, it is said, of both the Romans and the Goths. -- compiler], and worked on it, off and on, for much of the next 14 years. The impetus for the beginning of this vast work (and its recurring focus), was the charge of Pagans (polytheists) that Christianity was responsible for the decay and demise of the Roman Empire. The charge put forward the claim that the prosperity and social stability of the state was dependent upon polytheistic worship. In response, Augustine arrays several lines of argument, rebutting the assumed 'goodness' of the Pagan state, as such, and detailing the ethical/moral and logical failings of Paganism. Augustine displays tremendous scholarship, employing the writings of Paganism's greatest historians and philosophers in his case against their religious claims. The result is a giant literary, philosophical, historical, theological and exegetical work. . . .
"Against the 'city', i.e., society, of many gods, there is but one alternate society, this Augustine calls The City of God, adopting the expression found in several of King David's psalms. Not only is the society of many gods the society of polytheists, it is also the 'city' of pantheists, atheistic materialists and philosophical Cynics. In the case of the Cynics and atheists, these false gods are the myriad gods of self, indeed, at least as many gods (selves) as there are believers in them. Thus there are two 'cities,' two loves, two ways to understand the big questions of existence, two destinations. Says Augustine:
"The one City began with the love of God; the other had its beginnings in the love of self." XIV:13."Augustine reflects deeply here on human nature and the meaning of eternal life and eternal punishment, within an explication of the 'meaning' of history. He writes of all human history as a single narrative. This also a work of Biblical exegesis, as Augustine treats Scripture as a historical document. For Augustine, creation is good, creation exists in time and has a history. Indeed, since God enters into history to show man His love, history itself is sanctified, through the City of God.
"The city of man seeks the praise of men, whereas the height of glory for the other is to hear God in the witness of conscience. The one lifts up its head in its own boasting; the other says to God: Thou art my glory, thou liftest up my head. (Psalm 3:4). In the city of the world both the rulers themselves and the people they dominate are dominated by the lust for domination; whereas in the City of God all citizens serve one another in charity . . ." (XIV:28) -- Reader's Comment
Black, John (1768-1849), The Everlasting Kingdom: A Discourse on the Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ, 1848. Available in Reformed Presbyterian Church Pamphlet Collection.
Brown, C.J., Christ's Kingship Over the Nations Maintained and Defended in the Establishment Principle; or, The Principle of the National Recognition of Religion. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
*Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The First Sermon Preached to the Honorable House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament at Their Public Fast, Nov. 17, 1640. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"A beautifully clear facsimile copy of this amazing sermon (published by order of the British House of Commons in 1641), exhorting this Parliament to 'stand to the covenant' of God; by, 'endeavouring of a further Sanction of, and stronger Guard about our true Palladium, the true Religion, already established among us; in the perfecting of the Reformation of it; in the erecting, maintaining, protecting, and encouraging of an able, godly, faithful, zealous, profitable, Preaching Ministry, in every Parish Church and Chapel throughout England and Wales; in interceding to the Kings sacred Majesty for the setting up of a Faithful, Judicious, and Zealous Magistracy, where yet the same is wanting, to be ever at hand to back such a Ministry: without either of which, not only the power of Godliness will sooner degenerate into formality, and zeal into lukewarmness; but Popery, Arminianism, Socinianism, Profaneness, Apostasy, and Atheism itself will more and more crowd in upon us, and prevail against us, do You all You can be all other means.' Points out that where a godly ministry and magistracy are lacking, society degenerates into a godless mob, headed by one of the above named heresies -- as we have seen in our day. Presses national covenant renewal, from Jer. 50:5 [Jeremiah 50:5], and explains from scripture how and why this should take place. Cites many biblical examples of the great Scriptural blessing that has followed previous national covenanting; while making practical application to the situation of the day. This sermon foreshadows chapter 23, of the celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], on 'the Civil Magistrate,' and gives much insight into this watershed period of Christian political development. It is highly recommended for anyone even remotely interested in seeing their nation prosper politically and ecclesiastically. Furthermore, it will be a great help for anyone seeking to formulate a biblical doctrine explaining the four way relationship between: loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; Jesus Christ as mediator; the everlasting covenant (and covenanting); and the state, as set forth in Scripture. A very rare item. A Covenanter's delight! 70 pages." -- Publisher
Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), and Ferdinando Fairfax (1584-1648), The Saint's Thankfull Acclamation at Christ's Resumption of his Great Power and the Initials of his Kingdome. Delivered in a Sermon . . . before the . . . House of Commons, upon the day of . . . thanksgiving . . . for the . . . victory given our armie, under the command of . . . Lord Fairfax, at Selby . . . and the other . . . forces in Pembrockshire, April 23d, 1644 . . . Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Church of Scotland, General Assembly, 1638-1649, The Acts of the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland, From the Year 1638 to the Year 1649 Inclusive, 1682. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #11.
"Exceedingly rare, these are the acts from what many consider the greatest general assembly gatherings since the days of the apostles. The work accomplished and ratified at these meetings has been called 'the most perfect model' of Presbyterial Church Government 'as yet attained.' Sitting during the momentous days of the Covenants (National and Solemn League), and the Westminster Assembly, this general assembly included the likes of Samuel Rutherford and George Gillespie. Judicially binding on covenanted Presbyterians (WCF 31:3), these Acts demonstrate how these godly leaders officially dealt with individual, family, ecclesiastical and civil Reformation (including national and international matters). Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that these rulings had major national and international ramifications in their day and that they still guide faithful Presbyterians at the close of the twentieth century (as terms of ministerial and Christian communion in the Reformed Presbyterian church). Moreover, they contain 'noble examples to be followed in testifying against all corruptions embodied in the constitutions of either churches or states.' (Reformed Presbytery, Act, Declaration and Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation, p. 216). Christ's Kingship has never since been so boldly and clearly proclaimed to the nations by a duly constituted general assembly -- neither has His rule and reign been upheld and actually embodied into the laws of a nation (civil and ecclesiastical), as it was during these days in Scotland. Much of this can be attributed to the work (humanly speaking), done by the ministers present while these Acts were debated and passed. Regarding doctrine, worship, government and discipline there are few books that will be as helpful -- especially to elders and those advanced in the faith. Additionally, if you want a glimpse at the heart of the Second Reformation this is one of the best places to look. It may also be considered 'the eye of the Puritan storm,' seeing that the Scottish Covenanters exerted such a godly influence among their English Presbyterian brothers (and the Westminster Assembly), during these days -- the two nations having covenanted with God (in the Solemn League and Covenant), for the international 'reformation and defense of religion . . . the peace and safety of the three kingdoms . . . the glory of God, and the advancement of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, etc.' Over 500 pages and indexed for easy reference to all major topics." -- Publisher
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), Church and State, the Biblical View: A Compilation of Articles From Some of the Best Christian Minds in History. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"A compilation of articles from some of the best Christian minds in history, including Cunningham, Smeaton, M'Crie, Symington, Gillespie, the Westminster Divines, Bannerman, Owen and Shaw. This book shows that, generally speaking, the leaders of the Reformed faith have all come to substantial agreement regarding what the Scriptures teach about Christ's Kingship over the nations and the Church. Establishmentarianism is clearly seen to be the historically Reformed consensus, and this has a huge impact on the way one views both the Church and the state, in relation to Scripture." -- Publisher
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), The Westminster Confession on the Relationship Between Church and State. Alternate title: REMARKS ON THE TWENTY-THIRD CHAPTER OF THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, AS BEARING ON EXISTING CONTROVERSIES. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Chapter eight excerpted from DISCUSSIONS ON CHURCH PRINCIPLES. Answers the false claims that the Westminster Divines contradicted themselves on this issue and/or that they were Erastians. Proves that changes made to the original Westminster Confession, concerning church and state issues, were in error -- clearly demonstrating why this is so." -- Publisher
The Westminster Confession on the Relation Between Church and State, William Cunningham
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-westminster-confession-on-the-relation-between-church-and-state.php
*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
Davies, Samuel (1723-1761), The Mediatorial Kingdom and Glories of Jesus Christ. A Sermon, on John xviii. 37 [John 18:37], Bristol, 1783.
Dick, James, The Authority of Christ Over the Individual, the Church, and the Nation.
Dick, James, The Headship of Christ: A Discourse on Rev. XIX. 12: "On His Head Were Many Crowns." [Revelation 19:12]
Ferguson (Fergusson), James (1621-1667), The Headship of Christ Over His Church and her Independent Jurisdiction, 1841. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
*Flavel, John (1628-1691), The Fountain of Life Opened up, or, A Display of Christ in his Essential and Mediatorial Glory. Available (JOHN FLAVEL'S WORKS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"If my pen were both able, and at leisure, to get glory in paper, it would be but a paper glory when I had gotten it; but if by displaying (which is the design of these papers), the transcendent excellency of Jesus Christ, I may win glory to him from you, to whom I humbly offer them, or from any other into whose hands providence shall cast them, that will be glory indeed, and an occasion of glorifying God to all eternity. It is not the design of this epistle to compliment, but to benefit you; not to emblazon your excellencies, but Christ's; not to acquaint the world how much you have endeared me to yourselves, but to increase and strengthen the endearments between Christ and you, upon your part."
The Fountain of Life
http://archive.org/details/TheFountainOfLife
The Fountain of Life
http://www.ccel.org/flavel/fountain/flavfoun.txt
Fleming, Robert (1630-1694), Christology, or A Discourse Concerning Christ; in Himself, his Government, his Offices, &c. by the Rev. Robert Fleming, . . . abridged: in two parts. By Alexander Cleeve, 1795.
Forrest, David W., The Authority of Christ, 1906.
Gee, Edward (1613-1660), and Richard Hollingworth (1607-1656), An Exercitation Concerning Usurped Powers: Wherein the Difference Betwixt Civill Authority and Usurpation is Stated. That the obedience due to lawfull magistrates, is not owing, or payable, to usurped powers, is maintained. The obligation of oaths, and other sanctions to the former, notwithstanding the antipolitie of the latter is asserted. And the arguments urged on the contrary part in divers late printed discourses are answered. Being modestly, and inoffensively managed: by one studious of truth and peace both in Church and state, 1650.
*Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), Christ our Mediator. A Christian classic. Available in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN, volume 8, ISBN: 1892777916 9781892777911.
Goodwin, Thomas, The Works of Thomas Goodwin
http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasgoo01good
Graham, John, The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland: Its Provisions, in Several Respects, Inconsistent With the Approved Principles of the Second Reformation, 1841. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30. Available in LECTURES ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION.
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
*Hall, David W., Savior or Servant? Putting Government in its Place.
"SAVIOR OR SERVANT? is the single best volume of Christian thinking on the issue of the increasingly intrusive state . . . Theology at its very best: orthodox, relevant, and provocative." -- George Grant
"SAVIOR OR SERVANT? PUTTING GOVERNMENT IN ITS PLACE is an attempt to define the role of the state: Shall it be a minister or a Messiah? Using ancient but timeless information, David W. Hall has surveyed the Bible and arrived at a coherent theology of the state. This study succeeds in identifying the responsibilities that the civil state is mandated to do, permitted to do, and prohibited from doing. Along the way, it is discovered that all political schemes and issues are fraught with theological value. Moreover, the most enduring grid to keep government in its rightful place is found in the Bible. Drawing upon thousands of verses and hundreds of thinkers, this volume is comprehensive yet readable. Theologians from Augustine to Calvin and from Aquinas to Barth are studied and presented in a non-technical manner. The Christian who is interested in politics should absorb these summaries before launching out into unstudied political activism. Rather than adopting a politics-as-usual posture, Hall challenges partisans from the right and from the left. He summons Christians to the old paths, which God's Word has occupied for centuries. Discussed in these chapters are perennial matters of practical importance, such as: taxation; resistance to evil governments; methods of influence; the escalation of rights; limited government; moral qualities for leaders; separation of powers. This book will provide excellent fodder for discussion and guidance. It returns spiritual principles to their place, while seeking to put government in its proper place.
"SAVIOR OR SERVANT? is a revival of a classic approach to limited government. In a time when nations are finally beginning to shrink bloated governments, a surprising source commends itself as an able assistant in reform. The scriptural view of the state, removed from the varied fads of political science, provides an enduring perspective by which to measure all states. This study begins with a survey of biblical teaching on pressing matters of state today. Following the contours of the Old and New Testaments, SAVIOR OR SERVANT? calls all levels of government to a servant posture, rather than allowing officials to dominate. A historical tracing of the best and most pertinent that theology has to offer on the subject is contained in these pages." -- Publisher
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), Scotland Under the Papacy: Some Historical Facts Concerning our Country From the Time of Queen Margaret to the Days of John Knox.
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), The Dominion and Glory of the Redeemer: The Support and Confidence of the Church, and the Joy of the Saints.
*Hutchison, Matthew, The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland: Its Origin and History, 1680-1876, 450 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"This is the only book-length history covering the period after 1680 (to 1876), when the majority Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland merged with the Free Church of Scotland. The history after 1822, when the Auchensaugh Renovation was removed as a term of communion, merely chronicles the wholesale backsliding of the church and eventual split in 1863; from which a majority emerged which joined with the Free Church of Scotland in 1876. A remnant of the minority of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland still exists, however they never returned to the original position of the church from which it began to depart in 1822 (with the removal of the Auchensaugh bond -- which bond is the Auchensaugh Renovation. This book is a fine illustration of the 'footsteps of the flock,' (as seen in the Protesters [paleopresbyterians] and their spiritual posterity), during the period of which it deals, while at the same time serving as a clear warning to those who have declined from Reformation attainments (i.e. the Resolutioners [neopresbyterians] and those who continue their deformation of the faith). 'By the National Covenant,' notes Thomas Sproull, 'our Fathers laid Popery prostrate. By the Solemn League and Covenant they were successful in resisting prelatic encroachments and civil tyranny. By it they were enabled to achieve the Second Reformation . . . They were setting up landmarks by which the location and limits of the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day . . . How can they be said to go forth by the footsteps of the flock, who have declined from the attainments, renounced the covenants and contradicted the testimony of 'the cloud of witnesses.'. . . All the schisms (separations) that disfigure the body mystical of Christ . . . are the legitimate consequences of the abandonment of reformation attainments -- the violation of covenant engagements.' Understanding where the faithful covenanted servants of Christ have been historically, not only helps individuals to separate between truly constituted churches and the those that are false (because they have constitutionally backslidden from Reformation attainments); but is a necessary component to the keeping the fifth commandment, as the Reformed Presbytery has pointed out: ' Nor otherwise can a Christian know the time or place of his birth, or the persons whom God commands him to honor as his father and mother, than by uninspired testimony; and the same is true of his covenant obligation, if baptized in infancy. Against all who ignorantly or recklessly reject or oppose history as a bond of fellowship, in the family, in the state, but especially in the church, we thus enter our solemn and uncompromising protest.' (excerpted from: The Act, Declaration and Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation . . . by the Reformed Presbytery, pp. 177-178 -- a SWRB rare bound photocopy [1761], reprinted 1995 from the 1876 edition). This edition of THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SCOTLAND: ITS ORIGIN AND HISTORY, 1680-1876 also contains an introductory note by William Goold (the editor of John Owen's WORKS). In introducing this book Goold writes, 'This volume may claim attention as supplying an essential link in the ecclesiastical history of Scotland. It is the history of that body of men who adhered to the civil part of the Second Reformation, according to which Presbytery was established and recognized by the State between 1638 and 1649 . . . The Church of which this volume is a history took its rise in its distinctive character at this period, and on the ground that it could not, while acknowledging the relief from oppression which the Revolution (of 1688), afforded, acquiesce in the arrangements made by the State for the recognition of the Church and the due exercise of its authority within its own spiritual domain (because the so-called 'glorious revolution' was Erastian to the core and also denied the previous national covenant engagements -- RB). . . . Apart, however, from their testimony in regard to this evil and danger, resulting from a Civil Government in which Prelacy was continued as an essential element, those who dissented from the Revolution Settlement, and from whom the Reformed Presbyterian Church arose, were animated with an earnest zeal for the maintenance of religious ordinances. They strove to exist as a Church, and how far they succeeded, and what difficulties they had to surmount in the attempt, is the interesting story recorded in this volume' (pp. v-vi). In summary, this book (of 450 pages), is an one-of-a-kind chronicle of an integral part of the history of the battle for the 'Crown Rights and Royal Prerogatives of the Lord Jesus Christ'." -- Publisher
Johnston, Archibald, Regnum Lapidis, or, The Kingdom of the Stone: A Dissertation on the Crown Rights of Christ
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/archibald-johnstons-regnum-lapis-or-the-kingdom-of-the-stone
Johnston, Nathan Robinson, Christ Jesus Lord of Nations, 1875.
*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).
Martin, Hugh (1822-1885), The Atonement: In its Relations to the Covenant, the Priesthood, the Intercession of our Lord, 1882.
*Martin, Hugh (1822-1885), The Connexion Between the Headship of Christ and Revival in the Church: With Present Relative Duties.
*McAuley, John (1807-1883), Christ's Mediatorial Dominion; or, What our Standards Teach in Relation to the Headship, or Dominion of Christ the Mediator.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/john-mcauleys-article-on-christs-mediatorial-dominion-or-what-our-standards-teach-in-relation-to-the-headship-or-dominion-of-christ-the-mediator
*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
*McLeod (M'Leod), Alexander (1774-1833), Messiah: Governor of the Nations of the Earth: A Discourse. Available (MESSIAH: GOVERNOR OF THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (MESSIAH: GOVERNOR OF THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25. Available
(MESSIAH: GOVERNOR OF THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH and THE WRITTEN LAW, OR THE LAW OF GOD REVEALED IN THE SCRIPTURES, BY CHRIST AS MEDIATOR; THE RULE OF DUTY TO CHRISTIAN NATIONS TO CIVIL INSTITUTIONS) at Covenanter.org. Available (the pamphlet, MESSIAH: GOVERNOR OF THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH, which includes THE WRITTEN LAW, OR THE LAW OF GOD REVEALED IN THE SCRIPTURES, BY CHRIST AS MEDIATOR) at Covenanter and Reformed Presbyterian Pamphlets.
"The doctrine of the Mediatorial Reign of Christ has formed the subject of those principles accounted distinctive to the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Christ's kingship over the nations and the implications of this doctrine will not be popular amongst a people deeply compromised with the spirit of the age. The prescription may seem tough, but the results of centuries of ignoring this doctrine have left the church effete and gutted when it comes to addressing matters concerning church and state relations. In the various modern debates one viewpoint has been left out, and it is the only one which presents a serious and rigorous biblical vision -- the Covenanter position on civil government.
"In the first discourse, Alexander McLeod explains the biblical basis and the importance of professing that Christ is the head over all nations. McLeod moves from an explanation of what is meant by confessing that Christ rules as Mediator, to a discussion of his administrations as ruler over the nations. Afterward he addresses numerous objections that are raised against the doctrine, in which he explains many finer points respecting Christ's Mediatorial administration.
"The second discourse, THE WRITTEN LAW, by Dr. James Renwick Willson (1780-1853), takes up a number of matters of great practical concern and application of the doctrine of this Mediatorship over the nations. Willson is particularly concerned with the place of the written law of God in the constitution of civil governments. Willson often courts controversy, and does not shy away from consistency. It is a blueprint for how things ought to be, if we would submit to Christ as a nation." -- Publisher
McLeod (M'Leod), Alexander, Messiah, Governor of the Nations of the Earth
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/alexander-mcleods-sermon-on-messiah-governor-of-the-nations-of-the-earth
Willson, James Renwick, The Written Law, or The Law of God Revealed in the Scriptures, by Christ as Mediator; The Rule of Duty to Christian Nations to Civil Institutions
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/james-r-willsons-sermon-on-the-written-law
Covenanter and Reformed Presbyterian Pamphlets
http://www.covenanter.org/pamphlets/
*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 I, John, 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
Miller, Hugh, and Peter Bayne, The Headship of Christ and the Rights of the Christian People, 1861.
Myers, Andrew, King of Nations as Well as King of Saints, e-text only (September 4, 2017).
KING OF NATIONS AS WELL AS KING OF SAINTS "is a compendium of statements and resources on the subject of the scope and extent of Christ's mediatorial kingship derived from a wide range of Reformed divines from the 16th to the 21st centuries. It attempts to demonstrate that the historical Reformed witness of the universal scope of Christ's mediatorial kingship is not unique to the Reformed Presbyterian Church, but rather a hallmark of Reformed theology." -- Publisher
King of Nations as Well as King of Saints
https://view.publitas.com/p222-10242/king-of-nations-revised-november-2016/page/1
Oburn, William, The Dominion of our Savior Jesus Christ as Mediator: Shown to Extend to all Things External to His Church, Eph. 1:22 [Ephesians 1:22], 1878. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Oldfield, Joshua, Christ the Head of Civil Government. A Sermon Preach'd Novemb. 13 [Before] the Societies for Reformation of Manners, 1699.
O'leary, David, and John H. Skilton, God as Ruler-king.
Paisley, Ian R.K., The Crown Rights of Jesus Christ: An Address Delivered by Request Before the General Synod of the Bible Presbyterian Church of America.
*Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Andrew Symington (editor), Lectures on the Principles of the Second Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"Contents: Second Reformation / Andrew Symington
Headship of Christ Over His church / James Ferguson
Evils, Constitutional and Practical of the Prelatic Establishment of the British Empire / Thomas Neilson
The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland / John Graham
Patronage Opposed to the Independence of the Church and to the Scriptural Rights of Christian people / W.H. Goold
Headship of Christ Over the Nations / Andrew Symington
Nature and Obligation of Public Vows / William Symington
The sin and Danger of Union Between the Church of Christ and the Immoral or Anti-christian Civil Government / Stewart Bates."
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
*Reformed Presbytery, Auchensaugh Renovation of the National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant; With the Acknowledgement of sins and Engagement to Duties as They Were Renewed at Auchensaugh in 1712 . . . Also the Renovation of These Public Federal Deeds Ordained at Philadelphia, Oct. 8, 1880, by the Reformed Presbytery, With Accommodation of the Original Covenants, in Both Transactions, to Their Times and Positions Respectively, 1880 edition. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2, #25, #30.
" 'In 1712, at Auchensaugh, the Covenants, National and Solemn League, were renewed . . . At the renewal the covenant bonds were recognized as binding the descendants of those who first entered into those bonds. The Covenanters, however, sought to display the true intent of those Covenants with marginal notes. These notes explained that the Church of Jesus Christ, in Scotland (and around the world), must not join hands with any political power in rebellion to the crown rights of King Jesus. The Covenanters pledged the Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church to the support of lawful magistracy (i.e. magistracy which conformed itself to the precepts of God's Word), and declared themselves and their posterity against support of any power, in Church or State, which lacked biblical authority.' (From 'About the Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church' P.O. Box 131, Pottstown, PA 19464). An excellent introduction (historical and moral), regarding the reasons, motives and manner of fulfilling the duty of covenanting with God. Especially helpful concerning the Biblical view of the blessings (for covenant-keepers), and cursings (for covenant breakers), related to covenanting. As noted on page 37, 'the godly usually in times of great defection from the purity and power of religion, and corruption of the ordinances of God's worship, set about renewing their covenant, thereby to prevent covenant curses, and procure covenant blessing; as we find both in scripture record, 2 Chron. 15:12-13 [2 Chronicles 15:12-13]; 29:10 [2 Chronicles 29:10]; 34:30-31 [2 Chronicles 34:30-31]; Ezra 10:3, and in our own ecclesiastical history.' Times like ours certainly call for a revival of the Scriptural ordinance of covenanting, for 'the nations throughout Christendom, continue in league with Antichrist and give their strength to the beast. They still refuse to profess and defend the true religion in doctrine, worship, government and discipline, contrary to the example of the kingdoms of Scotland, England and Ireland in the seventeenth century'." -- Publisher
McMillan, John, I (1669?-1753), Renovation of Covenants, Auchensaugh
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/19/renovation-of-covenants-auchensaugh-1712
Price, Greg L., The Auchensaugh Renovation, 2 audio cassettes [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This is the story of the renewal of the National and Solemn League and Covenant, which took place under the leadership of John Macmillan (cf. The Cameronian Apostle by Reid), at Auchensaugh, July 24, 1712. Events leading up to this renewal are especially pertinent, as they expose the Satanic tactics which often become most useful to the devil in attacking all revivals and those seeking to return to covenanted attainments. Price notes how Cromwell's tolerationism opened the floodgates of iniquity and helped pave the way (though not intended by the covenant breaking Cromwellians), for the tyranny of Charles II. This set the stage for the corrupted and defective revolution of 1688 and the malignant Revolution church, which left the Covenanted Reformation buried under the debris of William's Erastianism, Prelacy (in England and Ireland), and the compromised Presbyterianism of the Revolution Church in Scotland (cf. Clarkson's Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting from the Revolution Church of Scotland; this Revolution church was the root of much modern day Presbyterian defection and this book still eloquently denounces this defection). The Auchensaugh Renovation cleared away all the Reformation denying rubbish that had accumulated from 1649 to 1712, and 'being agreeable to the Word of God' became part of the terms of communion of the Reformed Presbyterian church on Nov. 3, 1712 (cf. Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, point 4 of 6). It is also interesting to note that at the Lord's Supper (on July 27, 1712), following this covenant renewal, Macmillan, in 'fencing the tables' proclaimed, 'I excommunicate and debar from this Holy Table of the Lord, all devisers, commanders, users, or approvers, of any religious worship not instituted by God in His Word, all tolerators and countenancers thereof; and by consequence I debar and excommunicate from this Holy Table of the Lord, Queen and Parliament, and all under them, who spread and propagate or tolerate a false and superstitious worship, ay, and until they repent.' Furthermore, concerning those who opposed the covenants and the work of reformation, Macmillan trumpeted these faithful words, 'I excommunicate and debar all who are opposers of our Covenants and Covenanted Reformation, and all that have taken oaths contrary to our covenants, and such particularly as are takers of the Oath of Abjuration, whether Ministers or others, until they repent.' (Reformed Presbytery, The Auchensaugh Renovation . . . p. 55). Beyond the fascinating and detailed story of the history and reasons for the Auchensaugh renovation of the covenants, these studies also clearly and biblically explain the continuing obligation to renew lawful covenants, makes application to our day, and demonstrates how covenanting was foundational to the Second Reformation. A fine (and unique), set of tapes defending the attainments of our Covenanted Reformation! For more information see our bound photocopy The Auchensaugh Renovation . . . by the Reformed Presbytery." -- Publisher
The Reformed Presbytery, The Auchensaugh Renovation of the National Covenant and: Solemn League and Covenant With the Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, as They Were Renewed at Auchensaugh, Near Douglas, July 24, 1712. (Compared With the Editions of Paisley, 1820, and Belfast, 1835). Also, The Renovation of These Public Federal Deeds Ordained at Philadelphia, October 8, 1880, by the Reformed Presbytery, with Accommodation of the Original Covenants, in Both Transactions, to Their Times and Positions Respectively
http://archive.org/details/theauchensaughre12381gut
*Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite" (David Steele [1803-1887], James Campbell, Thomas Sproull, James Fulton), A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, 2nd Edition, Revised, and Enlarged by a Committee of the Reformed Presbytery ("Circular" and "Review" prefixed), 1879, 50 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2 (also #1, #25, and #30).
"Until the church comes to terms with what is written in this book it will remain weak and divided. Covenant breakers will not prosper, as this rare item demonstrates from both Scripture and history. The power packed ordinance of covenanting (the National and Solemn League and Covenant in particular), was foundational to the Second Reformation and the work of the Westminster Assembly. 'By the National Covenant our fathers laid Popery prostrate. By the Solemn League and Covenant they were successful in resisting prelatic encroachments and civil tyranny. By it they were enabled to achieve the Second Reformation . . . They were setting up landmarks by which the location and limits of the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day . . . How can they be said to go forth by the footsteps of the flock, who have declined from the attainments, renounced the covenants and contradicted the testimony of 'the cloud of witnesses. . . . All the schisms (separations) that disfigure the body mystical of Christ . . . are the legitimate consequences of the abandonment of reformation attainments, the violation of covenant engagements.' If you are interested in knowing how to recognize a faithful church (or state), when and why to separate from unfaithful institutions, who has held up the standard of Covenanted Reformation attainments and who has backslidden (and why), what it means to subscribe to the Westminster Confession (1646), (and why most that say they do so today do not have any idea of what that means), and much more concerning individual, family, church and civil, individual, family, church and civil duties, this is one of the best books you will ever lay your hands on. It chronicles 'some instances of worldly conformity and mark(s) some steps of defection from our 'covenanted unity and uniformity,' noting how 'it is necessary to take a retrospect of our history for many years; for we did not all at once reach our present condition of sinful ignorance and manifold apostasy.' Presbyterian and the Reformed churches lay under the heavy hand of God's judgement in our day, because of the very defections noted throughout this fine work. 'We heard (hear) from various quarters the cry, "maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation"; and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' Are we married to the Lord, or have we thrown off the covenants of our forefathers; are we the chaste bride of Christ, or a harlot who is found in the bedchambers of every devilish suitor (whether ecclesiastical or civil), who tempts us with the favors of this world? Let us cry out, as with 'the noble Marquis of Argyle, upon the scaffold,' when he said, 'God hath tied us by covenants to religion and reformation. These that were then unborn are yet engaged, and it passeth the power of all the magistrates under heaven to absolve them from the oath of God. They deceive themselves, and it may be, would deceive others, who think otherwise.' Not for the weak of heart." -- Publisher
A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, Reformed Presbytery
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/a-short-vindication-of-our-covenanted-reformation
*Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," David Steele (1803-1887), John Thorburn (1730?-1788), John Courtass (d. 1795), et al., Act, Declaration, and Testimony, for the Whole of the Covenanted Reformation, as Attained to, and Established in, Britain and Ireland; Particularly Betwixt the Years 1638 and 1649, Inclusive. As, Also, Against all the Steps of Defection From Said Reformation, Whether in Former or Later Times, Since the Overthrow of that Glorious Work, Down to This Present day (1876), (Philadelphia, PA: Printed by Rue and Jones, 1876), a new edition of the Ploughlandhead Testimony of 1761, the subordinate standard of the original "Steelite" Reformed Presbytery that was constitutes in 1840. Available (the 1850 edition only) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (the 1850 edition only) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"And now, when time has proved that more recent Testimonies, Terms, and Covenants, have failed to preserve either unity or uniformity among those who framed them; it cannot be unseasonable to re-exhibit the original ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY, which has been justly characterized as 'the most profoundly reasoned document ever emitted by the Reformed Presbyterian Church'." -- The Reformation Advocate Magazine, Vol. I, No. 8, December, 1875, page 267
"Upholds the original work of the Westminster Assembly and testifies to the abiding worth and truth formulated in the Westminster family of documents. Upholds and defends the Crown Rights of King Jesus in Church and State, denouncing those who would remove the crown from Christ's head by denying His right to rule (by His law), in both the civil and ecclesiastical spheres. Testifies to the received doctrine, government, worship, and discipline of the Church of Scotland in her purest (reforming) periods. Applies God's Word to the Church's corporate attainments 'with a judicial approbation of the earnest contendings and attainments of the faithful, and a strong and pointed judicial condemnation of error and the promoters thereof.' (The Contending Witness magazine, Dec. 17/93, p. 558). Shows the church's great historical victories (such as the National and Solemn League and Covenant, leading to the Westminster Assembly), and exposes her enemies actions (e.g. the Prelacy of Laud; the Independency, sectarianism, covenant breaking and ungodly toleration set forth by the likes of Cromwell [and the Independents that conspired with him]; the Erastianism and civil sectarianism of William of Orange, etc.). It is not likely that you will find a more consistent working out of the principles of Calvinism anywhere. Deals with the most important matters relating to the individual, the family, the church and the state. Sets forth a faithful historical testimony of God's dealings with men during some of the most important days of church history. A basic text that should be mastered by all Christians." -- Publisher
Act, Declaration, and Testimony (1876)
https://archive.org/details/actdeclarationte00refo
Act, Declaration and Testimony, 1761 (edition of 1876)
"Compared with the 1777 edition, Philadelphia. We hereby certify that this is a true edition of the ORIGINAL JUDICIAL TESTIMONY, emitted by the Reformed Presbytery at Ploughlandhead, Scotland, 1761; together with the Supplements adopted by the Reformed Presbytery at this date, June 2d, 1876. [Signed -- compiler] David Steele, James Campbell, Robert Clyde, Robert Alexander, Committee.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/
*Reid, H.M.B., A Cameronian Apostle: Being Some Account of John Macmillan of Balmaghie, 1896. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
"The author wrote this book 'considering the renewed interest taken at present in questions of Church government and establishment,' noting that 'there seemed to be some room for a detailed treatment of a career which covers so interesting a period as that embraced between 1690 and 1750.' Macmillan is an important historical link to those who still fight for Christ's Crown and Covenant. 'For many years he fought the battle of the Covenants alone, and he fought it on lines of policy and wisdom.' states Reid. Furthermore, the author continues, 'I have tried to indicate his position among the 'Suffering Remnant' by calling him 'a Cameronian Apostle;' for, during the long period of 36 years, he was the sole ordained minister among the scattered congregations of the 'Society' people. The name seems not unfitting, and it receives a certain sanction from the authority of Dr. Cunningham, who styled him the 'high-priest' of the Societies . . . Further, Macmillan's story is also the record of the development of a most interesting side of Scottish Church life. He may be said, indeed, to have made the history of what, at last, became the Reformed Presbyterian Church. This is so true, that that Church long bore the popular name of the 'Macmillanites.' And the name of Macmillan is bound up with more than one congregation still existing.' An important book for those who would trace the backsliding of modern Presbyterianism (the neopresbyterians), and also be encouraged by the remnant of those who remain faithful to the position of the original Covenanters (the paleopresbyterians). This book's 308 pages includes illustrations and a detailed appendix containing important church documents." -- Publisher
Reid, H.M.B. (Henry Martyn Beckwith), The Kirk Above dee Water, 1895. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'This little book (128 pages), . . . embodies a few scattered notices of (the) Balmaghie Church since the year 1615 . . . The dominating figure in the following pages is, of course, the great Macmillan' (Preface). Here 'they went to hear the word of God properly preached' in the Kirk of the Hill Folk, which had never fyled its hands with 'an Erastian Establishment!' (Introduction). An interesting look at a Covenanter congregation." -- Publisher
Roberts, William L. (1798-1864), The Covenanting Martyrs and Revival of the Covenants! Quoting the Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CovMart.htm
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
*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
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.
*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,"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
but sin in a reproach to any people. [Proverbs 14:34 ]
*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)
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Sadness Because Christ's Headship not set Forth -- His Cause Attended With Crosses -- The Believer Seen of all, a letter. Available (THE LETTERS OF SAMUEL RUTHERFORD, PDF and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Letters of Samuel Rutherford
http://archive.org/details/lettersofsamuelr00ruthrich
Letters of Samuel Rutherford
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/letterCXV.htm
*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 judgement 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 defence, 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/
Brutus, Junius, The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm
Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Mediator -- Judge and Saviour, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day Morning, May 30, 1880, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1540.
Spurgeon carefully analyses Peter's sermon at Pentecost that brought about the visitation of the Holy Spirit.
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols25-27/chs1540.pdf
Stevenson, George, and William S. Plumer, The Offices of Christ: Abridged From the Original Work of the Rev. George Stevenson, 1834. Alternate title: A TREATISE ON THE OFFICES OF CHRIST.
*Sundry Ministers of London, A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ, And to our Solemn League and Covenant; As Also Against the Errours, Heresies and Blasphemies of These Times, and the Toleration of Them. Wherein is Inserted a Catalogue of Divers of the Said Errours &c. All of them being collected out of their authors own books alleadged in the margin, and laid down in their own words; except one that was maintained in a dispute in Oxford, December 11, 1646, and six or seven which were asserted before a Committee of the Honourable House of Commons in the Star-Chamber, and reported to the House, Sept. 12, 1643. Subscribed by the Ministers of Christ Within the Province of London, December 14 &c., 1647.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/a-testimony-to-the-truth-of-jesus-christ
Sundry Ministers of London, Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ and our Solemn League and Covenant
http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/testimony_truth.html
*Symington, Andrew (1785-1853, the older brother of William), Headship of Christ Over the Nations, 1841. Alternate title: INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13, #25.
"Provides Scriptural evidences for Christ's headship over the nations and the church, demonstrating the importance of this doctrine to the kingdom of 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
*Symington, Andrew (1785-1853, the older brother of William, editor), and Ministers of The Reformed Presbyterian Church, Scotland, Introductory Lecture on the Principles of the Second Reformation, 1841. Alternate titles: LECTURES ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION, and HEADSHIP OF CHRIST OVER THE NATIONS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18, #30.
"Contents: Second Reformation / Andrew Symington
Headship of Christ Over His church / James Ferguson
Evils, Constitutional and Practical of the Prelatic Establishment of the British Empire / Thomas Neilson
The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland / John Graham
Patronage Opposed to the Independence of the Church and to the Scriptural Rights of Christian people / W.H. Goold
Headship of Christ Over the Nations / Andrew Symington
Nature and Obligation of Public Vows / William Symington
The sin and Danger of Union Between the Church of Christ and the Immoral or Anti-christian Civil Government / Stewart Bates."
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
*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
*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
*Symington, William (1795-1862), On the Atonement and Intercession of Jesus Christ, 1854. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
"This is the companion volume to Symington's classic MESSIAH THE PRINCE OR, THE MEDIATORIAL DOMINION OF JESUS CHRIST. In part one, we find an extensive work comparing differing views regarding the nature, necessity, matter, value, extent, and result of the atonement. Part two deals with the reality, nature, matter, properties and results of the intercessory work of Christ. Encouraging and precise. Over 300 pages." -- Publisher
On the Atonement and Intercession of Jesus Christ (1836), William Symington
http://archive.org/details/onatonementandi02symigoog
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807
*VanderKemp (Van der Kemp), Johannes, The Christian Entirely the Property of Christ, in Life and Death: Exhibited in Fifty-three Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism, ISBN: 9781142354152 1142354156. See: "all editions" in WorldCat.org.
The Christian Entirely the Property of Christ in Life and Death (Free download, Kindle format)
http://archive.org/details/christianentire00kempgoog
*Willson, James McLeod (1809-1866), Bible Magistracy: or, Christ's Dominion Over the Nations: With an Examination of the Civil Institutions of the United States, 1842. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #12.
"A Covenanter examination of the Biblical doctrine of the Kingship of Christ and the Civil Magistrate. Written in 1842 by James McLeod Willson, the son of James Renwick Willson, this book also contains a critique of the United States' Constitution in Light of Scripture." -- Publisher
Willson, James McLeod, Bible Magistracy
http://archive.org/details/BibleMagistracyChristsDominionOverTheNations
Willson, James McLeod, Bible Magistracy
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/6/29/bible-magistracy-or-christs-dominion-over-the-nations-with-an-examination-of-the-civil-institutions-of-the-united-states
*Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), Prince Messiah's Claims to Dominion Over all Governments: and the Disregard of His Authority by the United States in the Federal Constitution, 1832. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PRINCE MESSIAH'S CLAIMS TO DOMINION, PDF and MP3) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #12, #13, #25.
"Why treat thus all religion? Why disfranchise, by a solemn act the church of the living God? Is the benevolent, pure, holy, heaven born religion of Emmanuel, hostile to the happiness of the republic? Shall commerce, agriculture, the arts, literature -- all the other lawful pursuits, be countenanced, fostered, protected, and established on as permanent a basis, as possible and the true religion be put under the ban of the empire? But they say, let religion alone. Do they, however, adopt the laissez nous faire, in relation to manufactures and trade? No. We cherish all, but respecting the advancement of religion, Congress shall never do any thing. When the child is born, were the father and mother to say, laissez l'infant faire -- leave the babe to itself -- would that lie to act as a nursing father and mother? Surely no. There must be a far different kind of constitution among the nations, when the promise is fulfilled, that 'Kings shall be nursing fathers.' God Almighty says, in the text quoted above, that civil rulers shall nurse the church -- the Constitution says they shall not. Which is right? 'Ah! sinful nation, laden with iniquity.' God spares thee for the sake of his redeemed, that his moral subjects on earth may be, by the gospel of his Son, reclaimed from sin and rebellion -- that on the earth, through his own holy religion, he may expatiate the glories of redemption. The Constitution says religion shall be discountenanced by the Congress of the United States." -- James Renwick Willson
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath be kindled but a little. (Psalm 2:12). This book will go a long way to exposing the fact, as Willson writes, that 'ungodly men have occupied, and do now occupy, many of the official stations, in the government,' and that 'Tyrants are yet on their thrones, and unholy republics refuse to acknowledge Him (Christ -- RB), as Lord of all'." -- Publisher
Willson, James Renwick, Prince Messiah's Claims to Dominion Over all Governments
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/24/prince-messiahs-claims-to-dominion-over-all-governments-and-the-disregard-of-his-authority-by-the-united-states-in-the-federal-constitution
*Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), The Subjection of Kings and Nations to Messiah, 1820. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13, #29.
"A lengthy sermon of 64 pages preached Dec. 6, 1819. Based on the text: All Kings shall bow down before him: all nations shall serve him. (Psalm 72:11). Maintains that this text refers to a commanded duty, concerning Christ not Solomon, and should be translated Let all kings bow down before him: Let all nations serve him. Explains this national duty, inquires as to how it is to be nationally preformed, then proceeds to make practical application of the subject. Shows that nations have a duty, as nations, to bind themselves to Christ by covenant, to consecrate themselves to Him, to swear allegiance to Him (as their King and Lord), and to obey all His holy law! Furthermore, Willson maintains that it is a great sin for nations to remain in rebellion against Christ by not performing these duties. He also demonstrates how and why a high-handed sin of this nature brings corporate guilt upon the nation. Moreover, this sin provokes God to wrath (as seen in an escalation of national calamities), until the day, barring repentance, that the national 'cup of wrath' overflows. Also contains helpful direction regarding the individual's social responsibility as a Christian in times of national corporate defection from Christ's crown and covenant (i.e in times exactly like those that we live in)." -- Publisher
The Subjection of Kings and Nations to Messiah, 1820
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/james-r-willsons-sermon-on-subjection-of-kings-and-nations-to-messiah
Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), The Written Law: or, The Law of God Revealed in the Scriptures by Christ as Mediator: The Rule of Duty to Christian Nations in Civil Institutions.
Willson, James Renwick, The Written Law, or The Law of God Revealed in the Scriptures, by Christ as Mediator; The Rule of Duty to Christian Nations to Civil Institutions
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/james-r-willsons-sermon-on-the-written-law
Covenanter and Reformed Presbyterian Pamphlets
http://www.covenanter.org/pamphlets/
Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), and Gordon J. Keddie, Political Danger: Essays on the Mediatorial Kingship of Christ Over Nations and Their Political Institutions 1809-1838, ISBN: 9781884527302 1884527302.
*Wylie, James Aiken (1808-1890), The Papacy is the Antichrist, 1888. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13 (and 14,15,16,17,18).
"Classic Protestant Historicism demonstrating why both futurism and preterism are hermeneutically flawed.
"This book contains the classic teaching of the Protestant Reformation regarding Antichrist (an integral part of that Reformation, we might add -- as all the Reformed creeds and confessions attest). The easy reading format and style make this book an ideal introduction to this topic." -- Publisher
The Papacy is the Antichrist (1 of 3), (1888), Reformation Eschatology by J.A. Wylie [audio file]
"This sermon quickly climbed to the #2 spot (for the day), on Sermon Audio (out of 16,620 sermons).
"Brief Overview: Contains the teaching of Scripture and the Protestant Reformation (Historicism) exposing the Papacy as the Antichrist or 'that Man of Sin.' The original WCF [1646] even applied 666 to the Papacy. This doctrine was an integral part of the Reformation as all the Reformed creeds, covenants, and confessions attest.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=111502234113
The Papacy is the Antichrist (2 of 3), (1888), Reformation Eschatology by J.A. Wylie [audio file]
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=111702165824
The Papacy is the Antichrist (3 of 3), (1888), Reformation Eschatology by J.A. Wylie [audio file]
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=111702212150
The Papacy is the Antichrist, J.A. Wylie, a free PDF
http://www.historicism.net/readingmaterials/thepapacy.pdf
*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
Young, Thomas (1587-1655), Dies Dominica, 1672.
See also: The incarnation of our lord (the deity of the lord jesus christ), The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The glory of the lord jesus christ, 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, Judges, Psalm 2, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Nahum, Matthew, Revelation, The covenant faithfulness of god, Lordship of jesus christ, Christ's kingdom, Trusting god, The all-sufficiency of christ, The history of reformation of the church, The duty of nations, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant of redemption, History "his-story," Christ's influence on western civilization, A theological interpretation of american history, The mediatorial reign of christ: the crown rights of christ, An introduction to the covenanted reformation, The covenanted reformation, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The national covenant, God's deliverance of nations, The solemn league and covenant, The westminster confession of faith (1646), (westminster standards) and related works, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, The covenanted reformation author/title listing, Biography of covenanters, The one and the many, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Confession of national sin and covenant renewal, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Treason and impeachment, Covenanting in america, The scottish covenanting struggle, alexander craighead, and the mecklenburg declaration, David steele (1803-1887) and the reformed presbytery of north america, Testimony, testimony-bearing, The reformed presbytery of america, and other smaller reformed associations, Acts of faithful assemblies, National establishment of religion: establishmentarianism, The second coming, parousia, and escatological coming of christ, and the preterist, futurist, and historical approaches to the apocalypse, Politics, Church and state, Sermons preached before governing bodies, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Bible magistracy, Justifying faith, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Forgiveness, Sanctification, Hope, Heaven, Systematic theology, Calvinism, The religion of secular humanism: man as god, human autonomy, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Reform, state sovereignty, and corporate immunity: reform of corporations, Political and economic freedom, Politics and economics, Biblical economics, Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement, Power, Authority, Power religion, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Churches that abuse, Priestcraft, pharisaism, soul-stealing, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Glory in iniquity, the temptation of vainglory, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, substance abuse, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Arminianism, Caveats, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 692, 695, 701, 702, 707, 708, 710, 715, 716, 718, 726, 735, 872, 873, 1229, 1355, 1368, 1463, 2012, 2152, 2483, 2619, 2731, 2732, 2863, 2977, 2979, 3014, 3078, 3117, 3360, 3364, 3421, 3807, 3838, 3849, 4123
TETB: Kingdom, 3. Eternal Kingdom of God and Christ . . .
Christ the Mediator (FGB #183)
Christ the Mediator of the new Covenant, Watson, Thomas (1620-1686) | Of Christ the Mediator, London Baptist Confession 1689 | Of Christ's Offices in General, Boston, Thomas (1676-1732) | Mediator of the Covenant Described in His Person, Nature, Whitaker, William (1548-1595) | A Mediator, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Fullness of the Mediator, Gill, John (1697-1771)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/ctmefg/christ-the-mediator
The Historicism Research Foundation
http://www.historicism.net
The Mediatorial Reign of Christ Homepage
http://www.covenanter.org/MediatorialReign/mediatorialreign.htm
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807
Nave's Topical Bible -- Commandments
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T1189
Nave's Topical Bible -- Kingship of Christ
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2806
Nave's Topical Bible -- Precepts of Jesus, Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse
https://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/commandments.html
Nave's Topical Bible -- Prophecies Concerning Universality of the Kingdom of Christ
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2806
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
The Scottish Covenanting Struggle, Alexander Craighead, and the Mecklenburg Declaration
http://www.lettermen2.com/craig.html
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
The Treasury of David, Psalm 99, C.H. Spurgeon
The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob. (Psalm 99:4)
"This may be called THE SANCTUS, or, THE HOLY, HOLY, HOLY PSALM, for the word 'holy' is the conclusion and the refrain of its three main divisions. Its subject is the holiness of the divine government, the sanctity of the mediatorial reign." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps099.php
The United States Constitution and Classic Verses National Establishments of Religion (Appendix B). Found in BIBLICAL CIVIL GOVERNMENT VERSUS THE BEAST; AND, THE BASIS FOR CIVIL RESISTANCE. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Hence it ought to be observed that something remarkable is here demanded from princes, besides an ordinary profession of faith; for the Lord has bestowed on them authority and power to defend the Church and to promote the glory of God. This is indeed the duty of all; but kings, in proportion as their power is greater, ought to devote themselves to it more earnestly, and to labor in it more diligently." -- John Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah (1550).
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/national-establishments-of-religion
See the Theological Notes: "God's Covenant of Grace" at Genesis 12:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations. (Deuteronomy 7:9)
Nothing so much distinguished our ancestors, as their public covenanting with God. Divinely assured, that, in the days of Moses, Joshua, Asa, Joash, Josiah, and Nehemiah, the Hebrews had, with his approbation, thus dedicated themselves and their seed to the Lord. Convinced that public covenanting is no where, in the sacred page, represented as a ceremonial service, and so must be equally lawful under the New dispensation as under the old. Convinced that it was expressly promised to take place under the Gospel [Isaiah 19:18,21]; and, with apostolic approbation, was probably practiced in the Macedonian church [2 Corinthians 8:5]. Convinced, that if subjects, on proper occasions, may enter into a solemn association and bond, to promote the service, honor, and safety of their Sovereign, the professed subjects of Jesus Christ, may, in a social manner, devote themselves to promote his interest and honor. Convinced, that if a number of purchasers at once may take out a charter fort their property, wherein they constitute themselves and their heirs the vassals of a Prince, Duke or Lord; there can be nothing unreasonable if a number of men take hold of the everlasting covenant, and God in it, for their God, and the God of their seed; and hereon devote themselves and posterity to be his honorable vassals and servants. Convinced, that if one man may solemnly devote himself to his Maker, hundreds, nay, thousands, may do so together; convinced, that if one, or more, may in baptism surrender his seed to the Lord, a whole nation may surrender their posterity to him; -- therefore they did so in their public covenants. -- Alway supposing such vows good in their matter, plain in their form, seasonable in their juncture, and taken in truth, judgment, and righteousness, our ancestors were convinced, the three first precepts of the moral law approved thereof. The first requires us to avouch the Lord to be our God; -- why may not a number do this together? The second enjoins our receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, the ordinances of God's worship; -- why may we not vow to be faithful to this trust, and to cleave to the Lord? Especially, when the third requires us to swear by his name, and vow to the mighty God of Jacob. -- John Brown (of Haddington, 1722-1787)
Calvin's Commentary on Psalm 89:1-52
I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant. (v. 3)
Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. (v. 4)
And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. (v. 5)
For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD? (v. 6)
God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. (v. 7)
O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee? (v. 8)
Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. (v. 15)
In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. (v. 16)
For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.(v. 18)
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol10/htm/xxiv.htmIncline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (Isaiah 55:3)
As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever. (Isaiah 59:21)
See the Theological Notes: "The Kingdom of God," at Luke 17:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Humble Obedience of Christ," at John 5:19 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Church," at Ephesians 2:19 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Sacraments," at Matthew 28:19 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)
See the Theological Notes: "Heaven," at Revelation 21:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it. (Nehemiah 9:38)
Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God. Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said,
Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever:
And blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous:
And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea; And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day. And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters. Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.
Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant: And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.
Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations; Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go. Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan. Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it. So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they might do with them as they would. And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.
Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.
But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies; And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments (which if a man do, he shall live in them), and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear. Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands. Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day. Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly: Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them. For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it: And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it. (Nehemiah 9:1-38)The prophets are advocates for God in a covenantal lawsuit. For their arguments for the continued obligation of covenantal faithfulness and the hope of God's covenantal faithfulness see:
Isaiah, a covenant prosecutor, Jeremiah's theme of judgment for covenant breaking, The themes of the wrath, severity, covenant faithfulness, trustworthiness, and ultimate goodness of God in the book of Lamentations, Ezekiel's message of judgment against Israel, then judgment against foreign nations, and then grace and mercy to Israel, and the themes of the holiness, transcendence, grace, mercy, and sovereignty of God along with individual responsibility, Daniel, the covenant head, with his theme of the absolute sovereignty of God in the affairs of man, Hosea's theme of covenant relationship, Joel's themes of covenant, the day of the Lord, and repentance unfeigned, Amos furthering the prosecution's case for the covenantal lawsuit with themes of idolatry and social injustice, The emphasis on God's sovereign justice by Obadiah, Jonah's themes of the sovereignty of God and the universality of God's goodness, The themes of Micah, covenant relationship, salvation is of the Lord, the church rebellious and perverse, and judgment followed by restoration, Nahum's theme of God's government of history according to his covenant, Habakkuk, the forefather of the Reformation, and his themes of God is sovereign in history and persistence in prayer, Zephaniah's themes of covenant, the day of the Lord, and the restorative nature of God's wrath, Haggai's theme of covenant, Zechariah's themes of the presence, kingship and deliverance of God and Christ, and Christ dwelling among his people, and Malachi, another advocate of God in the covenant lawsuit, with his themes of the continued obligation of covenantal faithfulness, and hope. 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
Hear, O you ends of the earth; the mighty God, the Lord has spoken: Gather My saints unto Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice (Psalm 50:1, 5). Behold, I establish My covenant between Me and you (Genesis 17:7). By My holiness have I sworn that I will be your covenant Friend. I lift up My hand to heaven. I swear I live forever, and because I live you shall live also (John 14:9). I will be yours (Jeremiah 32:38-40), your for all intents and purposes, your refuge and your rest (Jeremiah 50:6; Psalm 90:1; Psalm 46:1), your patron and your portion (Psalm 73:26; Isaiah 25:4-5), your heritage and your hope, your God and your guide (Psalm 48:14). While I have, you shall never lack; and what I am to Myself, I will be to you (Psalm 34:9-10). You shall be My people, a chosen generation, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people (Exodus 19:5-6; 1 Peter 2:9). I call heaven and earth to witness this day that I take you for Mine forever. My name shall be upon you, and you shall be pillars in the temple of your God, and shall go out no more (Revelation 3:12). -- Joseph Alleine (1634-1668)
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 NationsTraditionally, law was never construed as legalist. It was always construed as a result of covenant. If we can define the word covenant as bond, that lovely four letter word, b-o-n-d, then it's a relationship, it's a solidarity with God or with another person. And from that relationship flows duty. So we can think of convent as that marvelous combination of promise and duty. And so I really see law as a response to a relationship. -- Joseph Kickasola
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)
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20,21)
Anderson, John, and W.C. Brownlee, A Catechism, Setting Forth the Principles of Public Covenanting as it is Practiced in the Session Church (1889). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"On covenanting the preface perceptively notes, 'In this exercise the covenanter engages to no new duty but declares upon oath that he believes the doctrine and practice of this church to be the very truth of God, and engages in the strength of promised grace to continue faithful to Christ and his cause. The unrest and spirit of change that moves the church of today is the chief reason why this ordinance is so much opposed. It carries with it a certainty of knowledge, a fixedness of principle, and steadfast in profession that is counter to the Spirit of our times. A declining church is not a covenanting one; it (covenanting -- RB), has only been practiced by those churches that were seeking to hold that to which they had attained.' A concise and easy-to-read introduction to covenanting. 88 pages." -- Publisher
Anonymous, The Case of the Accommodation, 1671, 134 pages. Alternate title: THE CASE OF THE ACCOMMODATION LATELY PROPOSED BY THE BISHOP OF DUMBLANE, TO THE NON-CONFORMING MINISTERS EXAMINED: WHEREIN ALSO THE ANTIENT PROSTASIA, OR EPISCOPUS PRAESES, IS CONSIDERED; AND THE SOLEMNE LEAGUE AND COVENANT OCCASIONALLY VINDICAT. TOGETHER WITH A COPY OF THE TWO LETTERS HEREIN REVIEWED. WHEREUNTO ALSO IS SUBJOINED AN APPENDIX. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"This title has been attributed to Robert M'Ward [McWard]." -- Publisher
Anonymous, National Covenanting for Reformation Defended: Wherein Particularly, the National, and Solemn League and Covenants of These Lands . . . Are Vindicated From the Unjust Calumny and Reproach Cast Upon Them, by Mr. Smith . . . in a pamphlet intitled, An account of the form and order of the Church of God, &c. Published, 1765. By a remnant, who, . . . are still endeavouring to bear witness to, and contend for Scotland's covenanted reformation.
See: Smith, James, The Defence of National Covenanting, Non-toleration, and Sword of Steel, for Reformation Under the New Testament, by Mr. Flocker, &c. shewed to be insufficient: and the doctrine in the tract, intitled "A compendious account of the church of God, taken from Holy Scripture only, established.
Baker, J. Wayne, Heinrich Bullinger and the Covenant: The Other Reformed Tradition, ISBN: 0821405543 9780821405543.
Baker, J. Wayne, and Heinrich Bullinger, Covenant and Society: The Republica Christiana in the Thought of Heinrich Bullinger.
Ball, John, A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace, 1645. Also attributed to Simeon Ash. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Barrow, Reg, Calvin, Covenanting, Close Communion and the Coming Reformation, 1996, a book review of ALEXANDER AND RUFUS . . . by John Anderson, 1862. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #3.
"Shows how Calvin practiced covenanting and close communion and how the biblical view of these ordinances is intended to purify the individual, church and nation. Refutes the Popish, Independent and paedocommunion heresies -- as well as all views of open communion (so common in our day). Also argues that Arminians, anti-paedobaptists, anti-regulativists, and all those who openly violate the law of God (and are unrepentant), should be barred from the Lord's table -- as a corrective measure ordained of God for their recovery. Also demonstrates that those that would not swear to uphold the Geneva Confession (or 'human constitution,' as it was agreeable to the Word of God), of 1536 in Calvin's day were to be excommunicated and exiled from Geneva. This is Reformation History Notes number two." -- Reg Barrow
Calvin, Covenanting and Close Communion
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CalvinCC.htm
Belcher, Richard P., A Comparison of Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology, 46 pages, ISBN: 0925703389 9780925703385.
"This short work is neither a polemic for or against one or the other of these two systems. Rather a chapter is devoted to each system and then a third is used to compare the two. The author has stressed objectivity in order to aid the reader in determining his own system of theology . . ." -- GCB
Blake, Thomas, Anthony Burgess, and Samuel Shaw, A Treatise of the Covenant of God Enterd With Man-kinde: In the Several Kindes and Degrees of it, in which the agreement and respective differences of the covenant of works and the covenant of grace, of the old and new covenant are discust. Alternate title: VINDICIć FOEDERIS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2.
Bogue, Carl W., Jonathan Edwards and the Covenant of Grace.
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), A View of the Covenant of Grace From the Sacred Records: Wherein the parties in that covenant, the making of it, its parts conditionary and promissory, and the administration thereof, are distinctly considered. Together with the trial of a saving personal inbeing in it, and the way of instating sinners therein unto their eternal salvation. To which is subjoined, a memorial concerning personal and family fasting and humiliation, presented to saints and sinners. Available (THE MARROW OF MODERN DIVINITY), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE MARROW OF MODERN DIVINITY), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), Covenant of Grace. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*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
*Buchanan, James (1804-1870), The Doctrine of Justification: An Outline of its History in the Church and of its Exposition From Scripture. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20. (ACL, DVD Five, CD #25)
"The doctrine of justification by faith is like Atlas: it bears a world on its shoulders, the entire evangelical knowledge of saving grace." -- Publisher
"This is still the best textbook on its subject, from the standpoint of the classic covenant theology." -- J.I. Packer
*Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The First Sermon Preached to the Honorable House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament at Their Public Fast, Nov. 17, 1640. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"A beautifully clear facsimile copy of this amazing sermon (published by order of the British House of Commons in 1641), exhorting this Parliament to 'stand to the covenant' of God; by, 'endeavouring of a further Sanction of, and stronger Guard about our true Palladium, the true Religion, already established among us; in the perfecting of the Reformation of it; in the erecting, maintaining, protecting, and encouraging of an able, godly, faithful, zealous, profitable, Preaching Ministry, in every Parish Church and Chapel throughout England and Wales; in interceding to the Kings sacred Majesty for the setting up of a Faithful, Judicious, and Zealous Magistracy, where yet the same is wanting, to be ever at hand to back such a Ministry: without either of which, not only the power of Godliness will sooner degenerate into formality, and zeal into lukewarmness; but Popery, Arminianism, Socinianism, Profaneness, Apostasy, and Atheism itself will more and more crowd in upon us, and prevail against us, do You all You can be all other means.' Points out that where a godly ministry and magistracy are lacking, society degenerates into a godless mob, headed by one of the above named heresies -- as we have seen in our day. Presses national covenant renewal, from Jer. 50:5 [Jeremiah 50:5], and explains from scripture how and why this should take place. Cites many biblical examples of the great Scriptural blessing that has followed previous national covenanting; while making practical application to the situation of the day. This sermon foreshadows chapter 23, of the celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], on 'the Civil Magistrate,' and gives much insight into this watershed period of Christian political development. It is highly recommended for anyone even remotely interested in seeing their nation prosper politically and ecclesiastically. Furthermore, it will be a great help for anyone seeking to formulate a biblical doctrine explaining the four way relationship between: loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; Jesus Christ as mediator; the everlasting covenant (and covenanting); and the state, as set forth in Scripture. A very rare item. A Covenanter's delight! 70 pages." -- Publisher
*Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), Vindiciae Legis: or, A Vindication of the Moral Law and the Covenants, From the Errors of Papists, Arminians, Socinians, and More Especially, Antinomians (1646). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'A nonconformist clergyman,' Burgess 'was a member of the [Westminster] Assembly of Divines. Ejected at the Restoration . . . his works are much valued and have become very scarce.' (Darling, Cyclopedia Bibliographica, p. 439). This book contains 30 lectures preached at London 'against the antinomian errors of the times.' It is the second edition corrected and augmented. Burgess says that he wrote to 'maintain the dignitie and use of the Morall Law against late errours about it.' Taking on all the errorists listed in the subtitle Burgess also notes that he has 'endeavoured to give the Law its due, and the Gospel its due, remembering that of Luther . . . He that knoweth how to distinguish between Law and Gospel, let him give thanks to God, and know he is a Divine' [i.e. a scholar of Scripture -- RB].
"An exceedingly rare item that sells for over $300 a copy on the rare book market. This book should be read by everyone in the Protestant Reformed church (or anyone who must deal with them), as it demolishes their (i.e. Protestant Reformed), errors concerning covenants -- especially in regard to their denial (and disregard for the biblical, 'Westminster' view), of the covenant of works. Some of its 62 chapter heads include: 'What a man cannot do by the power of nature;' 'Whether there are any antecedaneous works upon the heart before grace;' 'What does this Image [of God in man -- RB], consist;' 'Whether God did enter into a covenant with Adam;' 'How God can be said to covenant, or enter into a promise with man;' What Law this delivered in Mount Sinai is, and what kind of laws there are, and why it's called the Moral Law;' Whether this Law repeated by Moses, be the same with the law of nature implanted in us;' 'Why God gave the Moral Law;' Whether the Law be an instrument of sanctification;' 'Whether the Law be a covenant of grace;' Wherein the Law and Gospel do oppose or differ from each other; under which is handled the false differences between the Law and Gospel made by Anabaptists, Papists, and Antinomians;' 'Whether the Law command faith;' 'How Christ is the end of the Law.' Indexed." -- Publisher
Calamy, Edmund (1600-1666), The Great Danger of Covenant-refusing, and Covenant-breaking. Alternate title: THE GREAT DANGER OF COVENANT-REFUSING, AND COVENANT-BREAKING: PRESENTED IN A SERMON PREACHED BEFORE THE RIGHT HONORABLE THOMAS ADAMS, LORD MAYOR, AND THE RIGHT WORSHIPFULL THE SHERIFFES, AND THE ALDERMEN HIS BRETHREN, AND THE REST OF THE COMMON-COUNCELL OF THE FAMOUS CITY OF LONDON, JAN. 14, 1645. UPON WHICH DAY THE SOLEMNE LEAGUE AND COVENANT WAS RENUED BY THEM. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God. (Psalm 76:11a)
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it: for he hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou hast vowed.
Better it is that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. (Ecclesiastes 5:4,5)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/calamy_sermon_danger_of_covenant_refusing_and_breaking.html
*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
*Cameron, Richard (1648-1680), God Defends His Covenanted Remnant. Available (MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Cameron, the 'lion of the Covenant,' had to travel to Holland to receive ordination at the hands of two of Samuel Rutherford's former students, McWard and Brown of Wamphray (who were earlier exiled to the Netherlands for faithfulness to Christ's cause). Cameron could not be ordained in Scotland due to the fact that all the other 'presbyterian' ministers remaining in Scotland had defected from the covenanted cause. But Cameron (as Elijah and others before him), persevered, as the church is often brought to such extremities concerning her public testimony. Holding to the attainments won at Westminster and in the Solemn League and Covenant, Cameron refused to yield an inch of the blood bought ground he occupied. He was later joined by a second minister, Donald Cargill, and both were eventually martyred for their unwillingness to 'sell' even the least of the church's covenanted attainments (Prov. 23:23 [Proverbs 23:23]). He was said to be a powerful preacher and this sermon gives us a glimpse of what it must have been like to hear him. It covers numerous topics but focuses on Christ's victory in His church and God's anger against those who oppose his faithful servants. It contains a testimony against unlawful civil rulers and against Scotland's national apostasy (and covenant breaking). It also defends the use of defensive arms, the testimony of the Scottish martyrs during the killing times and some of the specific attainments of the Covenanted Reformation. Here again we get a taste of Covenanter field preaching in days of great persecution. This sermon is read (by Ruling Elder Lyndon Dohms), from the book SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND, BY SUFFERERS FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST." -- Publisher
Clemens, R.E., Prophecy and Covenant, 1965.
Colquhoun, John, A Treatise on the Covenant of Works, 1821.
Copeland, E. Clark, The Church a Covenant Community as Seen in the Jerusalem Council, 1967.
*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 judgements, 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
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), Church and State, the Biblical View: A Compilation of Articles From Some of the Best Christian Minds in History. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"A compilation of articles from some of the best Christian minds in history, including Cunningham, Smeaton, M'Crie, Symington, Gillespie, the Westminster Divines, Bannerman, Owen and Shaw. This book shows that, generally speaking, the leaders of the Reformed faith have all come to substantial agreement regarding what the Scriptures teach about Christ's Kingship over the nations and the Church. Establishmentarianism is clearly seen to be the historically Reformed consensus, and this has a huge impact on the way one views both the Church and the state, in relation to Scripture." -- Publisher
Cunningham, William (1805-1861), Discussions on Church Principles: Popish, Erastian, and Presbyterian, ISBN: 0921148232 9780921148234. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
Cunningham, Discussions on Church Principles: Popish, Erastian, and Presbyterian
http://archive.org/details/discussionsonchu00cunnuoft
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), The Westminster Confession on the Relationship Between Church and State. Alternate title: REMARKS ON THE TWENTY-THIRD CHAPTER OF THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, AS BEARING ON EXISTING CONTROVERSIES. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Chapter eight excerpted from DISCUSSIONS ON CHURCH PRINCIPLES. Answers the false claims that the Westminster Divines contradicted themselves on this issue and/or that they were Erastians. Proves that changes made to the original Westminster Confession, concerning church and state issues, were in error -- clearly demonstrating why this is so." -- Publisher
The Westminster Confession on the Relation Between Church and State, William Cunningham
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-westminster-confession-on-the-relation-between-church-and-state.php
*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
*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
Drummond, Andrew Landale, and James Bulloch, The Scottish Church, 1688-1843: The Age of the Moderates, ISBN: 0715201867 9780715201862.
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
Erskine, Ralph (1685-1752), Christ the People's Covenant. A Sermon preached immediately before the celebration of the Lord's supper, at Dunfermline, August, 19. 1722. To which is annex'd the substance of some discourses after the sacrament, upon the same subject. By Mr. Ralph Erskine. the fourth edition, corrected and amended, Glasgow, 1739. Available in Erskine, THE SERMONS AND OTHER PRACTICAL WORKS OF THE LATE REVEREND RALPH ERSKINE, DUNFERMLINE (1865), vol. 1 of 10.
http://archive.org/details/sermonsotherpr01ersk
Erskine, Ralph (1685-1752), Covenanted Grace for Covenanting Work: A Sermon Preached at Stirling, December 28, 1743, in the Evening of That day, on Which the Ministers of the Associate Presbytery did, With Uplifted Hands, Solemnly Renew the National Covenants, 1865 Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
Erskine, Ralph, The Sermons and Other Practical Works of the Late Reverend Ralph Erskine, Dunfermline (1865), vol. 1
http://archive.org/details/sermonsotherpr01ersk
Fisher, Edward, Marrow of Modern Divinity, ISBN: 0585074550 9780585074559. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A controversial and detailed book on covenant theology. Distinguishes the Covenant of Works from the Covenant of Grace, and embraces ideas of theonomic thought, and expounds the Ten Commandments as well." -- GCB
Fitzgerald, David, and William Hetherington (1803-1865), A True and Brief Account of the Proceedings Between Mr. David Fitz-Gerald and William Hetherington Before His Majesty in Councel on Friday the 11th of February, 1680/81 . . .: and also the articles of the said Hetherington against Mr. Fitz-Gerald: with Mr. Fitz-Gerald's answer to each article: with six high and transcendent articles preferred by the said Mr. Fitz-Gerald against the said Hetherington, fully proved before His Majesty in councel.
George, R.J., The Covenanter Vision, 1917. Alternate title: LECTURES IN PASTORAL THEOLOGY, THIRD SERIES: THE COVENANTER VISION. ISBN: 0524074216 9780524074213. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
*Gillespie, Patrick (1617-1675), The Ark of the Covenant Opened; or, A Treatise of the Covenant of Redemption Between God and Christ, as the Foundation of the Covenant of Grace, 1677. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"John Owen, in his preface to this treatise writes, 'I do freely declare my judgement that for order, method, perspicuity in treating, and solidity of argument, the ensuing discourse exceedeth whatsoever single treatise I have seen written with the same design.' (cited in Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 337). David Lachman tells us that 'in addition to arranging his brother's papers (published as Miscellany Questions [now found in George Gillespie's two volume Works, -- RB]), Gillespie used his materials also for the beginning of the first of a five-volume work on the covenant. Only two were published: THE ARK OF THE TESTAMENT OPENED . . . (1661) and THE ARK OF THE COVENANT OPENED . . . (1677), respectively treating the nature and kinds of covenants and the Mediator of the covenant. The third, on the condition of the covenant and the instrumentality of faith in justification, was extant in 1707, when the remaining two, respectively on the privileges and duties of the covenant, were believed lost (Analecta, I, 168-9) . . . Gillespie (was a -- RB) Covenanter, Principal of Glasgow University, and leading Protester.' (Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 382). In this volume Gillespie proves:
1. That there is such a Covenant (of Redemption)."Owen, in his preface (who also notes his long friendship with Gillespie), further underscores the importance of this work when he writes, 'For the Doctrine hereof, or the truth herein, is the very Center wherein all the lines concerning the Grace of God and our own duty, do meet; wherein the whole of Religion doth consist. Hence unto the understanding, Notions, and Conception, that men have of these Covenants with God, and according as the Doctrines of them is stated in their minds, their Conceptions of all other sacred Truths, or Doctrines, are conformed'." -- Publisher
2. The necessity of it.
3. The nature, properties, and parties thereof.
4. The tenor, articles, subject matter of Redemption.
5. The commands, conditions, and promises annexed.
6. The harmony of the Covenant of suretyship made with Christ, and the Covenant of reconciliation made with sinners: wherein they agree, wherein they differ.
7. Grounds of comfort from the Covenant of suretyship; and, of course, much, much more!
*Gilmour, Robert, Samuel Rutherford: A Biographical and Historical Study in the History of the Scottish Covenant. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
"In CRITICAL REVIEWS RELATING CHIEFLY TO SCOTLAND (also in this bound photocopy section), compiled by Hay Fleming, we read, 'Mr. Gilmour has produced an excellent volume, which is worthy of being placed alongside any of its predecessors . . . Scattered throughout its pages there are numerous quotations from Rutherford's own works . . . Rutherford's admirers will relish it, because of its keen sympathy with and high appreciation of him.' Rutherfurd (sic) was a master scholar of Scripture, a great devotional writer (see his Letters), a devoted minister of Christ, one of the Scotch commissioners to the Westminster Assembly, and a world class political philosopher (whose LEX, REX forever changed the face of political thought). Gilmour writes, '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.' Few saints in history were given the gifts this man possessed." -- Publisher
Guthrie, James (1612?-1661), and Ebenezer Erskine (1680-1754), The Great Danger of Backsliding and Defection From Covenanted Reformation Principles: In a Sermon on Isaiah LVII, 13, 14 [Isaiah 57:13,14]: Preached Before the Sectaries, April 21st 1661.
Guthrie, John (1632-1669), Covenanting and God's Blessing and Wrath. Available (MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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.
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.
Hall, David W., The Practice of Confessional Subscription.
"A unique and historical study of how various Reformed churches view adherence to their confessions. Expert theologians survey a range of traditions and practical considerations.
"David W. Hall is the author or editor of SAVIOR OR SERVANT? PUTTING GOVERNMENT IN ITS PLACE, THE ARROGANCE OF THE MODERN, PARADIGMS IN POLITY, ELECTION DAY SERMONS, and 10 other volumes." -- Publisher
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), The Story of the Scottish Covenants in Outline. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A great short (96 pages of larger print), easy reading introduction to the covenants and the Covenanters. Tells the story of many of the Scottish religious bonds and the people and places that surrounded them. A good introductory study for homeschoolers or those that do not have time for the larger volumes covering this topic." -- Publisher
http://archive.org/details/storyofscottishc00flemiala
Henderson, George David, The Idea of the Covenant in Scotland, Evangelical Quarterly, 27, 1955, 1-14.
Hendriksen, William, The Covenant of Grace, ISBN: 0801041953 9780801041952.
"Here is an easy reading explanation of the Covenant of Grace by a master theologian and commentator. Need something to give to new members? Here it is." -- GCB
Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), and Allan M. Harman, Matthew Henry's Unpublished Sermons on the Covenant of Grace, ISBN: 1857927966 9781857927962.
*Hislop, Alexander (1807-1865), Christ's Crown and Covenant or National Covenanting Essentially Connected With National Revival, 1860.
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), A Memorial of Covenanting. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27. Also available in WORKS [of Thomas Houston], DOCTRINAL AND PRACTICAL, volume 3.
Howell, Robert Boyte C., The Covenants.
"Originally published in 1855, this is a book on God's covenants with nine chapters covering the covenant of works, Eden, redemption, promise in Christ to Abraham, the Law, old and new covenants, and much more." -- GCB
*Hurst, Henry, Whether Well-composed Religious Vows do not Exceedingly Promote Religion, 1661. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"A Puritan sermon on a much neglected means to spiritual victory, ecclesiastical revival, and national reformation." -- Publisher
Karlberg, Mark W., Covenant Theology in Reformed Perspective: Collected Essays and Book Reviews in Historical, Biblical, and Systematic theology, ISBN: 1579103154 9781579103156.
*Kerr, James (1847-1905, editor), and et al., The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation, 1895, ISBN: 9781406876109 1406876100. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"The Reformed Presbytery (in 1879), has well noted the following incongruity that is still with us today, 'We heard from various quarters the cry, 'maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation:' and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' (A Short Vindication of Our Covenanted Reformation, p. 20). This book should go a long way to remedying the above noted ignorance and hypocrisy among those who now call upon the name of the Lord especially those who claim a Reformation heritage and are still open to further growth as it spells out in no uncertain terms what lay at the heart of the Second Reformation. Moreover, these covenants (landmarks of the Lord), stand as beacons to all nations of their continuing moral duty to bind themselves to Christ (First Commandment), or suffer His avenging wrath. (Ps. 2 [Psalm 2]). And make no mistake about it, the Lord will utterly destroy all those who quarrel with His covenant bonds, whether individuals, churches or nations the mystery of iniquity will fall! The prefatory note to this magnificent volume well describes its value: The Covenants, Sermons, and Papers in this volume carry the readers back to some of the brightest periods in Scottish history. They mark important events in that great struggle by which these three kingdoms (England, Scotland and Ireland -- RB), were emancipated from the despotisms of Pope, Prince, and Prelate, and an inheritance of liberty secured for these Islands of the Sea. The whole achievements of the heroes of the battlefields are comprehended under that phrase of Reformers and Martyrs, 'The Covenanted Work of Reformation.' The attainments of those stirring times were bound together by the Covenants, as by rings of gold. The Sermons here were the product of the ripe thought of the main actors in the various scenes -- men of piety, learning, and renown. Hence, the nature, objects, and benefits of personal and national Covenanting are exhibited in a manner fitted to attract to that ordinance the minds and hearts of men. The readers can well believe the statements of Livingstone, who was present at several ceremonies of covenant-renovation: 'I never saw such motions from the Spirit of God. I have seen more than a thousand persons all at once lifting up their hands, and the tears falling down from their eyes.' In the presence of the defences of the Covenants as deeds, by these preachers, the baseless aspersions of novelists and theologians fade out into oblivion. True Christians must, as they ponder these productions, be convinced that the Covenanters were men of intense faith and seraphic fervour, and their own hearts will burn as they catch the heavenly flame. Members of the Church of Christ will be stirred to nobler efforts for the Kingdom of their Lord as they meditate on the heroism of those who were the 'chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof;' and they will behold with wonder that 'to the woman were given two wings of And Statesman will discover how princes, parliaments, and peoples united in the hearty surrender of themselves to the Prince of the kings and kingdoms of the earth; and will be aroused to promote that policy of Christian Statesmanship which, illustrating the purpose and will of God, the Father, shall liberate Parliaments and nations from the bonds of false religions, and assert for them those liberties and honours which spring from the enthronement of the Son of man, and King of kings and Lord of lords. This volume of documents of olden times is sent out on a mission of Revival of Religion, personal and national, in the present times. It would do a noble work if it helped to humble classes and masses, and led them to return as one man to that God in covenant from Whom all have gone so far away. A national movement, in penitence and faith, for the repeal of the Acts Recissory and the recognition of the National Covenants would be as life from the dead throughout the British Empire. The people and rulers of these dominions shall yet behold the brilliancy of the Redeemer's crowns; and shall, by universal consent, exalt Him who rules in imperial majesty over the entire universe of God. For, 'The seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.' Here we have some of the most moving sermons ever addressed to a people and their nations, given before the most solemn of occasions national covenant renewal! Alexander Henderson, Andrew Cant, Joseph Caryl, Edmond Calamy and a host of other Puritan Covenanters (even the turncoat Independent Philip Nye), are included here in easy to read modern (1895) type. Anyone interested in seeing the royal prerogatives of King Jesus once again trumpeted throughout the nations, on a national and international scale, needs this book for these men 'were setting up landmarks by which the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day'." (Thomas Sproull cited in the Reformed Presbytery's Short Vindication, p. 38) -- Publisher
"Contents: The national covenants: Introduction [Part One]. | The national covenant, or confession of faith | Exhortation to the Lords of Council | Sermon at St. Andrews / Alexander Henderson | Exhortation at Inverness / Andrew Cant | Sermon at Glasgow / Andrew Cant | Sermon at Edinburgh / Andrew Cant [Part Two]. | The solemn league and covenant | Act of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland | Exhortation at Westminster / Philip Nye | Address at Westminster / Alexander Henderson | Sermon at Westminster / Thomas Coleman | Sermon at Westminster / Joseph Caryl | Sermon at London [the first, of Sat., 30th Sept., 1643] / Thomas Case | Sermon at London [the second, of Sun., 1st Oct., 1643] / Thomas Case | An ordinance of the Lords and Commons | Exhortation by the Westminster Assembly | Sermon at London / Edmund Calamy [Part Three]. | The national covenants. Coronation sermon at Scone / Robert Douglas | Charles II, taking the covenants | The acts rescissory | The Torwood excommunication | Act against conventicles | The Sanquhar Declaration | Protestation against the Union | Secession from the revolution church."
The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation. Introduction on the National Covenants by James Kerr, 1895
http://archive.org/details/covenantscovenan00kerr
The Covenants and the Covenanters
Project Gutenberg free e-text online.
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/19100
Koo Jeon, Jeong, Covenant Theology: John Murray's and Meredith G. Kline's Response to the Historical Development of Federal Theology in Reformed Thought, ISBN: 0761815104 9780761830627 0761830626 9780761815105.
"In COVENANT THEOLOGY, author Jeong Koo Jeon makes a much-needed contribution to 21st century biblical and systematic theology. He explores the debate between John Murray and Meredith G. Kline, placing their ideas in the larger context of Biblical studies that have had a direct influence on Reformed theology and evangelicalism in North America." -- Publisher
Leith, John H., Assembly at Westminster: Reformed Theology in the Making, 1973, ISBN: 0804208859 9780804208857.
Lumsden, John, The Covenants of Scotland, 1914. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Includes "The Ladies Covenant."
*Maier, Walter A., The Book of Nahum.
"A lengthy, critical commentary in which every word of each verse is evaluated and expounded in light of the theme of the book. Very extensive." -- Cyril J. Barber
*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
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
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), Psalm 119, ISBN: 0851515762. See: THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON (Volumes 1 to 11). Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4.
Marshall, John Lewis, Natural Law and the Covenant: The Place of Natural Law in the Covenantal Framework of Samuel Rutherford's "Lex, Rex."
A dissertation. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Theological Seminary, 1995.
*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
*McComiskey, Thomas Edward, The Covenants of Promise: A Theology of the Old Testament Covenants, ISBN: 0801061830 9780801061837 0801062004 9780801062001.
"An assessment of Covenant Theology. One of very few book-length examinations of the structural relationship of the Old Testament covenants. The author places the covenants into the categories of promissory and administrative and opens them up to the reader from this point of view." -- GCB
McLeod (M'Leod), Alexander (1774-1833), The Character, History, Death and Resurrection of "The Two Witnesses . . ." With an Introduction, Notes, and Extracts From Various Writers on Prophecy, 1843.
*McLeod (M'Leod), Alexander (1774-1833), Lectures Upon the Principal (sic) Prophecies of the Revelation, 1814. Alternate title: WHO IS ANTICHRIST (666); 666: THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST; ANTICHRIST: CIVIL AND ECCLESIASTICAL; THE TWO WITNESSES, OR LECTURES UPON THE PRINCIPAL PROPHECIES OF THE REVELATION. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (PDF and MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PDF and MP3 files), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #12, #13, #14, #15, and #17.
"M'Leod, a Reformed Presbyterian, here defends (in 480 pages), classic historicist Reformation eschatology from the book of Revelation. David Steele, in his massive NOTES ON THE APOCALYPSE commends this work numerous times. Steele writes, 'the best works to be obtained as helps to understand the prophetic parts of scripture, will be found in the labors of those who, from age to age, have obeyed the gracious call of Christ' -- who have 'come out from mystic Babylon,' from the Romish communion, from the mother and her harlot daughters, and who have associated more or less intimately with the witnesses. Among these may be consulted with profit the works of Durham, Mason and M'Leod (p. 312) . . . The late Rev. Alexander M'Leod, D.D., who had the works of learned predecessors before him, has successfully corrected many of their misinterpretations in his valuable publication, entitled LECTURES UPON THE PRINCIPAL PROPHECIES OF THE REVELATION. At the time when he wrote that work, he possessed several advantages in aid of his own expositions. He had access to the most valuable works which had been issued before that date (1814). He was then in the vigor of youthful manhood; and he was also comparatively free from the trammels which in attempts to expound the Apocalypse, have cramped the energies of many a well disciplined mind, political partialities. At the time of these profound studies, he occupied a position 'in the wilderness,' from which as a stand point, like John in Patmos, he could most advantageously survey the passing scenes of providence with the ardor of youthful emotion, and with unsullied affection for his divine master . . . expressing my obligations to the Doctor's labors, to whose system of interpretation as well as to most of his details, I cheerfully give my approbation in preference to all other expositors whose works it has been in my power to consult (pp. 317-19) . . . Doctor M'Leod and Mr. Faber I consider among the best expositors of the prophecies on which they severally wrote . . . On material points they have shed much light where those who preceded them left the reader in darkness, or involved him in perplexing labyrinths. Faber preceded M'Leod, and the latter availed himself of all the aid furnished by the former; yet till the 'mystery of God shall be finished,' his people will be receiving accessions of light from the 'sure word of prophecy . . .' (p. 321). I can again cordially recommend to his attention the LECTURES of Doctor M'Leod, as the best exposition of those parts of the Apocalypse of which he treats, that has come under my notice.' (p. 324). But Steele is not shy about pointing out that 'the principal defect pervading the LECTURES, and one which most readers will be disposed to view in an opposite light, appears to be, a charity too broad, a catholicity too expansive, to be easily reconciled with a consistent position among the mystic witnesses. Their author, however, deriving much information from the learned labors of English prelates on prophecy, could not 'find in his heart' to exclude them from a place in the honorable roll of the witnesses. I am unable to recognize any of those who are in organic fellowship with the 'eldest daughter of Popery,' as entitled to rank among those who are symbolized as 'clothed in sackcloth.' The two positions and fellowships appear to be obviously incompatible and palpably irreconcilable. It is true that there have been and still are in the English establishment divines who are strictly evangelical; but the reigning Mediator views and treats individuals, as he views and treats the moral person with which individuals freely choose to associate; and we ought to have the mind of Christ. (I Cor. 2:16 [1 Corinthians 2:16], pp. 322-23, bold emphases added throughout). Notwithstanding a few shortcomings, this is probably the best book available (at present), on the book of Revelation." -- Publisher
Lectures Upon the Principal Prophecies of the Revelation, Alexander McLeod [M'Leod]
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/alexander-mcleods-lectures-on-the-principal-prophecies-of-revelation
Lectures Upon the Principal Prophecies of the Revelation
https://archive.org/details/lecturesuponprin00mcle
McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), Ecclesiastical and National Covenanting: An Ordinance of God, 1828.
Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Doctrinal Integrity: The Utility and Importance of Creeds and Confessions and Adherence to Our Doctrinal Standards. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Miller deals with the necessity of written creeds and subscription to them. He shows that the principle doctrines of Scripture are proclaimed in the Westminster Standards and answers common objections against confessions. Creedalism is inescapable, thus this book is of prime importance for those interested in the purity and peace of the church. . . . Related items include: Gentry's USEFULNESS OF CREEDS or OUR REFORMATION HERITAGE." -- Publisher
"With the turbulent decades of the 1820's and 1830's, Miller arose to defend the doctrine and order of the Westminster Standards. His most prominent statements on doctrinal purity are found in his book CREEDS AND CONFESSIONS and his open letters on "Adherence to Our Doctrinal Standards." This book contains these writings." -- GCB
Doctrinal Integrity: The Utility and Importance of Creeds and Confessions and Adherence to our Doctrinal Standards
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/DI_ch0.htm
Moots, Glenn A., Politics Reformed: The Anglo-American Legacy of Covenant Theology.
"Many studies have considered the Bible's relationship to politics, but almost all have ignored the heart of its narrative and theology: the covenant. In this book, Glenn Moots explores the political meaning of covenants past and present by focusing on the theory and application of covenantal politics from the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries. Moots demands that we revisit political theology because it served as the most important school of politics in early modern Europe and America. He describes the strengths of the covenant tradition while also presenting its limitations and dangers. Contemporary political scientists such as Eric Voegelin, Daniel Elazar, and David Novak are called on to provide insight into both the covenant's history and its relevance today. Moots's work chronicles and critiques the covenant tradition while warning against both political ideology and religious enthusiasm. It provides an inclusive and objective outline of covenantal politics by considering the variations of Reformed theology and their respective consequences for political practice. This includes a careful account of how covenant theology took root on the European continent in the sixteenth century and then inspired ecclesiastical and civil politics in England, Scotland, and America. Moots goes beyond the usual categories of Calvinism or Puritanism to consider the larger movement of which both were a part. By integrating philosophy, theology, and history, Moots also invites investigation of broader political traditions such as natural law and natural right. POLITICS REFORMED demonstrates how the application of political theology over three centuries has important lessons for our own dilemmas about church and state. It makes a provocative contribution to understanding foundational questions in an era of rising fundamentalism and emboldened secularism, inspiring readers to rethink the importance of religion in political theory and practice, and the role of the covenant tradition in particular." -- Publisher
Murray, John (1898-1975), Covenant of Grace: A Biblico-Theological Study, ISBN: 0875523633 9780875523637.
*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
Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), The Divine Covenants, ISBN: 0801069386 9780801069383.
"In this complete and helpful book on the covenants Pink covers the following: The Everlasting Covenant, The Adamic Covenant, The Noahic Covenant, The Abrahamic Covenant, The Sinatic Covenant, The Davidic Covenant, The Messianic Covenant, and The Covenant Allegory (Galatians 4)." -- GCB
*Price, Greg L., The Complete 1 John Series, an audio cassette [audio file], series of 27 tapes, 1997-1998. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20, #22, #27, etc.
"This series is a good example of contemporary Puritan preaching, as well as a taste of the teaching of one of the leading figures in the growing movement toward a third Reformation in our day. Price maintains and promotes the biblical balance between individual and corporate (i.e. ecclesiastical and civil), sanctification, all the while exalting the Lord Jesus Christ as Prophet, Priest and King!" -- Publisher
*Price, Greg L., Covenant Theology and its Implications. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27 and #28.
"An easy-to-understand introduction to the basics of Covenant Theology. Explains what Covenant Theology is, while adducing a number of practical and theological implications which must follow when this view of Scripture is adopted. Shows how Covenant Theology is (and was), foundational to all true Reformation. Refutes Dispensationalism. Includes overviews (with Scripture proofs), of the covenant of Redemption, the covenant of Works and the covenant of Grace. In short, Price proclaims the classic Reformed position on covenants (and the implications of covenant theology), as it has been declared in the best Reformed Confessions (e.g. The Westminster Confession of Faith [1646]), and in books like THE MARROW OF MODERN DIVINITY (by Fisher and Boston), THE COVENANT OF LIFE OPENED (by Samuel Rutherford), THE ARK OF THE COVENANT OPENED and THE ARK OF THE TESTAMENT OPENED by Patrick Gillespie and THE LIFE OF JUSTIFICATION OPENED (by John Brown of Wamphray). This is the best single tape sermon on Covenant Theology that we have knowledge of." -- Publisher
Covenant Theology and its Implications a sermon by Greg Price
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=22801202653
*Price, Greg L., The National Covenant of Scotland, 2 audio cassettes [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9, #27.
"This covenant has been considered (along with the Solemn League and Covenant), as one of two major historical covenants binding the moral person of the church -- since the days of the covenants of Old Testament Israel. Price gives a fascinating account of what led up to this watershed document, what is contained in it (and why), and shows why this is of great importance to the church today. If you are interested in the present testimony concerning the Lord's covenanted Zion, this is one of the best places to start. Teaching like this has not been heard in North America for some time and it marks the revival of the most consistent Calvinism that the church has attained thus far in history." -- Publisher
The National Covenant of Scotland
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sid=8501202735
*Price, Greg L., Peacemakers at war With sin, audio cassette [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Focusing on Matthew 5:9, Blessed are the peacemakers, Price demonstrate what this portion of Scripture means by contrasting it with what it does not mean. Using this 'Turretin-like' method of proclaiming the truth some surprising results are often mined from God's Word, and this sermon is no exception. Special attention is given to marriage and family relationships, but how this verity applies to the church and the state is also covered -- the United Nations receiving its share of scathing rebukes for the false, anti-Christian peace it promotes. Mere external 'peace' and 'obedience' are condemned as Price sets his sights on promoting classic Puritan experimental heart Christianity. Showing that true peace only consists in reconciliation based on God's truth, the peacemaker's Scripture refers to are often judged by the carnal and disaffected to be the greatest troublemakers -- the Lord Jesus Christ being the prime example. He hated and fought against idolatry, covenant breaking and all other violations of God's law (as the greatest peacemaker that ever lived), to such an extent that those who desired the peace of the world tortured and murdered him. Prophets and wise men since have often fared no better in seeking to set forth the only true peace. Biblical peace is not based on compromise, pragmatism or the removal of Biblical (Reformation) landmarks, it is seen in this sermon to be based on truth and faithfulness. 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). Heresy, the false ecumenical movement of mystery Babylon, Calvin on schism, unity and numerous other points are all addressed. 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." (John 14:27) -- Publisher
Peacemakers at war With sin
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=101005105926
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
Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, Historical Part of the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Britain and Ireland, Containing an Account of the Faithful Contendings of the Witnesses of Christ . . . (In overture), 1863. Available (REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN TESTIMONY) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN TESTIMONY, 1842.
*Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), An Explanation and Defence of the Terms of Communion, Adopted by the Community of Dissenters, etc. Alternate title: AN EXPLANATION AND DEFENCE OF THE TERMS OF COMMUNION, ADOPTED BY THE COMMUNITY OF DISSENTERS: TOGETHER WITH AN INTRODUCTION, CONTAINING SOME REMARKS ON THE PROPRIETY OF TERMS OF COMMUNION, IN GENERAL, THE WHOLE INTENDED TO OBVIATE SOME MODERN OBJECTIONS AND TO SATISFY THE MINDS OF THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO BE INFORMED ON THE SUBJECT. Available (PDF and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2 and #19.
"Defends the inescapable necessity of creeds and confessions, while promoting a fully creedal church membership. Shows how the law of God obliges all Christians to think the same things, and to speak the same things; holding fast the form of sound words, and keeping the ordinances as they have been delivered to us (Col. 3:13), [Colossians 3:13]. After laying some basic groundwork, this book proceeds to defend the six points of the 'Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion Agreed Upon by the Reformed Presbytery.' These six points are the most conservative and comprehensive short statements of consistent Presbyterianism you will likely ever see. Besides the obvious acknowledgement of the alone infallible Scriptures, the Westminster Standards, and the divine right of Presbyterianism, these points also maintain the perpetual obligation of our Covenants, National and Solemn League, the Renovation of these covenants at Auchensaugh in 1712, and the Judicial Act, Declaration and Testimony emitted by the Reformed Presbytery. In short, this book sets forth adherence to the whole of the covenanted reformation, in both church and state, as it has been attained by our covenanting forefathers." -- Publisher
An Explanation and Defense of the Terms of Communion, Adopted by the Community of Dissenters, etc.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/24/an-explanation-and-defense-of-the-terms-of-communion
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Historical Part of the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland: Containing a Brief Sketch of the Contendings of the Witnesses, From the Earliest Period to the Present Time, 1841.
*Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Reformed Presbyterian Testimony, 1842. Alternate title: TESTIMONY OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SCOTLAND: HISTORICAL AND DOCTRINAL (Glasgow: John Keith, 1842), over 400 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Keddie describes this as 'a doctrinal and historical statement, explaining and expanding upon the RPC's commitment to the Westminster Standards, the National Covenant, and the Solemn League and Covenant.' (Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 699). It contains the historical part of the testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland including a brief sketch of the contending of the witnesses from the earliest period to the present time. The doctrinal section of the Church's testimony follows, covering everything from 'Divine Revelation' to 'Covenanting'." -- Publisher
*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
*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.
*Roper, David H., The New Covenant in the Old Testament, ISBN: 0876804652 9780876804650.
"An informative and instructive study showing how the New Covenant relationship was anticipated and 'mirrored' in the Old Testament, and how in the Gospels, in the writings of Paul, and in the epistle to the Hebrews we have an explanation of the way in which believers in Christ may benefit from its soteriological blessings." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Christ Dying, and Drawing Sinners to Himself, 1647 (1727 edition). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9, 21.
"The title continues (providing a nice summary for this rare valuable work): 'Or, A Survey of our Saviour in His Soul-Suffering, His Loveliness in his Death, and the Efficacy thereof. In Which Some Cases of Soul-trouble in weak Believers, Grounds of Submission under the Absence of Christ, with the Flowings and Heightenings of free Grace, are opened. Delivered in Sermons on the Gospel according to John, Chap. xii. ver. 27,28,29,30,31,32,33 [John 12:27,28,29,30,31,32,33]. Where are also interjected some necessary Digressions, for the Times, touching divers Errors of Antinomians; and a short Vindication of the Doctrine of Protestants, from the Arminian pretended Universality of Christ's Dying for All and every One of Mankind; the moral and feigned Way of irresistible Conversion of Sinners; and what Faith is required of all within the visible Church, for the Want whereof, many are condemned.' The DICTIONARY OF SCOTTISH CHURCH HISTORY AND THEOLOGY says of this work, 'Rutherford's writings during the London years provide a significant commentary of the theology of the Westminster Confession (1646) and Catechisms. In CHRIST DYING AND DRAWING SINNERS TO HIMSELF Rutherford elaborately scrutinizes the Antinomian notion that the law has no obligation for the Christian.' (p. 736). This book contains an extensive index, is 760 pages in length and is an excellent example of sound and faithful Covenanter preaching, balancing both faith (doctrine) and manners (practice). Classic Rutherford!" -- Publisher
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The Covenant of Life Opened; or, A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace, Containing Something of the Nature of the Covenant of Works, the Sovereignty of God, the Extent of the Death of CHRIST, the Nature and Properties of the Covenant of Grace: And Especially of the Covenant of Suretyship or Redemption Between the LORD and the SON JESUS CHRIST, and the Seal of Baptism: With Some Practical Questions and Observations (1655). A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9.
"A exceedingly rare Covenanter classic! These are deep waters and this title is recommended for those who have already developed some fair strength in swimming the strong theological currents of the Second Reformation. Containing some of Rutherford's most mature thought, this book was published six years before Rutherford passed on to glory." -- Publisher
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Testimony Left by Mr. Rutherfoord (sic) to the Work of Reformation, in Britain and Ireland, Before his Death, With Some of his Last Words. February the last, 1661. To Which is Added a Testimony of one of the Ministers of the Church of Scotland, Against the Oath of Abjuration, a little before it was taken, 1719. Alternate title: MR. (SAMUEL) RUTHERFORD'S TESTIMONY TO THE COVENANTED WORK OF REFORMATION (FROM 1638 TO 1649), IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
"This is Rutherford's dying testimony. It sets forth what he thought most important to communicate in his last earthly words. Rutherford was one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly and has been acknowledged by many Reformed theologians since his time as a theological genius of the first order. Walker said of Rutherford, 'It is not easy to find any one in Church history with whom to compare this remarkable man . . . a man of power, I may say of genius, fresh, bold, penetrating, to whom no subject came amiss, teeming with intellectual energy, distinguished for his learning, but never cumbered by it, the greatest scholastic of our Presbyterian Church, and yet we are told, the plain and faithful preacher, the fieriest of Church leaders and the most devout of saints, equally at home among the tomes of Aquinas, and writing letters to a poor congregation. Altogether a sort of intellectual, theological, religious prodigy!' (The Theology and Theologians of Scotland), p. 13). Men graced with Rutherford's abilities, intellect and faith come but once or twice a millennium. Augustine, Calvin and Gillespie are others of this class. If you want to know what one of the greats of church history was thinking just before he went to be with the Lord, pick up this item." -- Publisher
Mr. Rutherford's Testimony to the Covenanted Work of Reformation (From 1638 to 1649), in Britain and Ireland
http://covenanter.org/Rutherfurd/rutherfurdtestimony.htm
A Testimony Left by Mr. Rutherford to the Work of Reformation
http://www.apuritansmind.com/WCF/RutherFordTestimonyCovenant.htm
A Testimony Left by Mr. Rutherfoord (sic) to the Work of Reformation
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/RuthTest.htm
*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.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.
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
*Schwertley, Brian M., and Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States. Publications Committee, National Covenanting and Christ's Victory Over the Nations. Available at Reformed Online.
"This is the first book-length, scholarly exposition and defense of national covenanting since 1843. This comprehensive treatment includes the binding nature of covenants, covenant renewals under the godly kings of Israel, objections to covenanting answered, the unbiblical nature of the U.S. Constitution, the unscriptural alteration of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1789, the necessity of the Old Testament moral law for a Christian nation and the biblical requirements for civil office. In the book, Rev. Schwertley not only sets forth the biblical case for social or national covenanting in a simple and organized manner but also critiques the modern pluralistic alternatives to the original Presbyterian teaching on this topic." -- Publisher
It was preceded by 'Social Covenanting,' a series of 31 sermons in MP3 format, given by the author starting in the summer of 2012.
Social Covenanting series of 31 sermons [audio files] by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=ccc&keyword=National+Covenanting&keyworddesc=National+Covenanting
*Scott, David, Distinctive Principles of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"This book is not designed to discuss 'the (many -- RB), doctrines which the Reformed Presbyterian church holds in common will others,' but is written to set forth RP distinctives. It tackles its subject from three major heads: 'Social Covenanting;' 'The Dominion of Christ;' and 'The Universal Application of Scripture (civil as well as religious).' It shows that while these doctrines 'are held by many, as abstract doctrines of divine truth, they are not embodied in the testimony of any other Christian denomination: nor made necessary to ministerial or Christian fellowship. Although other individuals may hold these doctrine, it is a "distinctive" feature of the RPC to embody them in her testimony; and to make them terms of communion.' It also explains how these are the same distinctives that were maintained 'at the era of the reformation the covenanted church of Scotland bore a distinguished testimony for all the offices of Christ, as prophet, priest and king: and for the pure doctrines, worship, discipline, and government of the house of God.' The author states that 'the great object aimed at is to help forward the glorious triumph of the Messiah, so beautifully described in the 72nd Psalm [Psalm 72]. When "all Kings shall fall down before him; and all nations shall serve him"'." -- Publisher
*Shaw, J.W., Hephzibah Beulah. Our Covenants the National and Solemn League; and Covenanting by the Reformed Presbyterian Synod in America: Considered, 1872. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"A very useful, easy-to-read, introductory work (by an RPCNA minister), to the topics it deals with. General Scriptural principles upon which this book is based are:
1. Departure from former laudable attainments, is a great evil, severely threatened in the Holy Scriptures; and that for which every one, who is guilty, must be accountable to the Righteous Judge of all the earth."Chapters include: The National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant reviewed; Their Binding Obligations Shown; The Possibility That Adherence to Them may be Professed, While They are Virtually Abandoned; The Covenant Sworn and Subscribed by Synod at Pittsburgh, May 27th, 1871; Is it a Renovation or a new Covenant?; The Covenant Does not Contain all That the Church is Bound to in America; Charges Against the Covenant; Reason why Some who do not Like it, Swear it; The Covenants National and Solemn League Must Be Maintained." -- Publisher
2. They who consent unto the unrighteous deeds of others, are chargeable with guilt, as well as the principal actors.
3. Societies, or individuals, having once publicly and solemnly vowed unto the Most High God; and still, after the strictest enquiry, remain satisfied in their own mind, that their vows were scriptural; should seriously endeavor to act up to the true spirit and intention of these vows; and no power upon earth, nor any class of men, whether majority or minority, in a nation, can ever possibly dissolve the obligation.
Sheehan, Robert, Chosen for Glory, ISBN: 0906731968 9780906731963.
"Sheehan points out the evidence from the Bible that God has chosen his people and that man must choose the service of God." -- GCB
*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
Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly, Acts 1:11; Romans 13 (1 of 3 audio files [MP3]). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Great historical teaching, Singer at his best!" -- Publisher
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=124071413102
Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly, Hebrews 11:39; 1 Peter 2:13-14 (2 of 3 audio files [MP3]). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Great historical teaching, Singer at his best!" -- Publisher
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=125071244422
Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly, Daniel 4:35; Acts 13:17 (3 of 3 audio files [MP3]). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Great historical teaching, Singer at his best!" -- Publisher
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12607114250
*Smellie, Alexander (1857-1923), Men of the Covenant: The Story of the Scottish Church in the Years of the Persecution, 534 pages, ISBN: 0851512127. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'A great book dealing with one of the most inspiring periods of Church history,' said Dr. C. Gregg Singer. Brilliant sketches of Covenanter history addressed to ordinary readers who do not have the opportunity or leisure for protracted personal studies in this area. A testimony, as Smellie notes, to 'the dogged fighters for freedom in Church and State.' The great sufferings these Christians endured gave them a seriousness about the faith, and a 'vision' of the truth, which has been unequaled since -- stirring reading!" -- Publisher
"Recounts the events in seventeenth century Scotland in which men and women, bound by 'covenant' to Christ, laid down their lives for His cause. Recaptures the intensity, zeal, heroism, and faith of these martyrs, as well as the craftiness and cruelty of their persecutors. First published in 1903." -- Cyril J. Barber
Men of the Covenant, volume 1 of 2
http://archive.org/details/menofcovenant01smeluoft
*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
*Sproull, Thomas (1803-1892), The Duty of Social Covenanting Illustrated and Enforced: A Sermon Preached March 14th, 1841, in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Allegheny. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
The Duty of Social Covenanting Illustrated and Enforced, Thomas Sproull
http://www.covenanter.org/TSproull/dutyofsocialcovenanting.htm
*Sproull, Thomas (1803-1892), The Reformed Presbytery's Short Vindication
A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, Reformed Presbytery
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/a-short-vindication-of-our-covenanted-reformation
*Stalker, James, John Knox: His Ideas and Ideals. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Published the year before the Quatercentenary 'of the birth of the greatest of Scotsmen,' as Stalker calls Knox, this is an easy-reading look at this great Reformer. Expressing great gratitude for David Laing's 'immortal labours' in editing Knox's Works, and humbly directing the reader to these six volumes 'if he desires to see Knox face to face,' Stalker summarizes his intent, stating, 'I do not pretend to have given a complete collection of Knox's good things; but at least I have creamed them and furnished enough to familiarize the reader not only with his ideas but with the remarkable phraseology in which these were expressed; and my hope is that the following pages may help to make it true that he, being dead, yet speaketh.' For the bibliophiles this item contains a nice chapter summarizing Knox's books and letters." -- Publisher
Steele, David (1803-1887), The Nature and Duty of Covenanting With God, 1850. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
*Steele, David (1803-1887), Notes on the Apocalypse, ISBN: 0978098706 9780978098704. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #14.
"In 1779, in their TESTIMONY AND WARNING AGAINST THE BLASPHEMIES AND IDOLATRY OF POPERY, the Reformed Presbytery called Durham's COMPLETE COMMENTARY . . . ON THE BOOK OF REVELATION 'the best exposition of that book that has yet been published.' (p. 61n). Had they had the privilege of reading Steele's NOTES ON THE APOCALYPSE we are quite certain that they would have given it a similar endorsement. Though written in a different style than Durham's work, Steele's NOTES ON REVELATION may be even more valuable in many respects, Steele having taken a more decided position 'in the wilderness.' Steele also had the benefit of many more resources, having written over two centuries later. Steele's aim in writing this book is made clear in his own words taken from the preface,
As this work is intended for the instruction and edification of the unlearned, rather than for the entertainment of the learned, words of foreign extract are used as seldom as possible. Practical remarks and reflections are rarely introduced; the principal aim being simply to ascertain and present to the reader the mind of the Holy Spirit. How far this object has been accomplished, is of course left to the judgment of the honest inquirer. The reader, however, in forming his judgment of the value of these NOTES, may be reminded of that inspired rule in searching the Scriptures, "Comparing spiritual things with spiritual." To assist him in the application of this divine rule, many chapters and verses are quoted from other parts of the Bible, but especially within the Apocalypse itself; that by concentrating the various rays upon particular texts or symbols, their intrinsic light may be rendered more luminous. Thus the interpretation given, if correct, may be confirmed and illustrated."Appendices include a section on, The New Jerusalem, The Antichrist, The Image of the Beast, The Beast's 'deadly wound,' The Little Book, The Death of the Witnesses, The Mark of the Beast, The First Resurrection, The Identity of the Two Witnesses, Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet and The Title of this Book (i.e. the Book of Revelation -- RB). This work also includes various 'animadversions on the interpretations (of Revelation -- RB), of several among the most learned and approved expositors of Britain and America.'
the author adduces a greater number of Scriptural illustrations than any other writer on prophecy we ever met with."Hutcheson writes,
I can recommend it to any person as condensing the best thoughts to be had on the subject."Brooks says,
I have derived more knowledge of the Apocalypse from this work than from all other expositions which I have consulted."And finally, John Cunningham comments,
It is neither a dictionary nor concordance; neither a confession of faith, nor an encyclopedia, but a thesaurus of Theology, embodying the characters of all these."Steele dedicated this work to John Cunningham, author of THE ORDINANCE OF COVENANTING." -- Publisher
*Steele, David (1803-1887, editor), Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," The Contending Witness (vol. 1:1 -- 2:6, Apr. 1841 to Feb. 1843), The Reformation Advocate (vol. 1:1 -- 1:12, March 1874 to Dec. 1876), The Original Covenanter (vol. 2:1 -- 2:16, March 1877 to Dec. 1880), and The Original Covenanter (vol. 3:1 -- 3:16, March 1881 to Dec. 1884). Available (all four volumes, a complete set of this continuous periodical under its various names) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (all four volumes, a complete set of this continuous periodical under its various names) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"The following list [complete and found above -- compiler] of [continuous issues under various names -- compiler] magazines, edited by David Steele, comprise what is likely the best compilation of Christian periodicals ever amassed under one set of bindings. Nothing we know of (before or since), authored as magazine articles related to full-orbed nation shaking biblical Reformation, even comes close to the consistent quality of writing found in these short works on various subjects. Steele himself should probably be considered the best theologian of the nineteenth century, and the other contributors to these magazines were all approaching the same class. A healthy portion of Steele's writing is found in these magazines, as he only wrote a few other books, so the reader is encouraged to sample for himself some of the best writing (defending the Covenanted Reformation), you will find anywhere!" -- Publisher
Various excerpted articles may be found elsewhere in the topical listing for David Steele.
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, September 1874, no. 3, "Has the Government of the United States a Christian Character?"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/5_Has%20the%20US%20a%20Christian%20Character.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, December 1874, no. 4, Signs of the Times
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/6_Signs%20of%20The%20Times.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, March 1874, no. 1, "To our Patrons"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/1_To%20Our%20Patrons.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, June 1874, no. 2, "Christmas Trees"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/4_Christmas%20Trees.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, March 1874, no. 1, "Are Hymns Idols"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/3_Are%20Hymns%20Idols.pdf
The Contending Witness magazine, Vol. 1:1-2:6, Apr. 1841 to Feb. 1843. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.See also: Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publishing, The Best of The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness Magazine. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available from Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publishing.
The Reformation Advocate magazine, Vol. 1:1-1:12, March 1874 to Dec. 1876. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Original Covenanter magazine, Vol. 2:1-2:16, March 1877 to Dec. 1880. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Original Covenanter magazine, Vol. 3:1-3:16, March 1881 to Dec. 1884. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Stevenson, David (b. 1942), The Origins of Freemasonry: Scotland's Century, 1590-1710, ISBN: 0521396549 9780521396547. Alternate title: LODGE OF EDINBURGH (MARY'S CHAPEL) NO.1.
Apparently "This book is a new edition of David Stevenson's classic account of the origins of Freemasonry," THE FIRST FREEMASONS: SCOTLANDS EARLY LODGES AND THEIR MEMBERS.
"Professor Stevenson, a non-mason, has stumbled upon freemasonry while specializing in the history of the Scottish covenanters. He adds academic structure and his formidable historic knowledge to the unwritten part of Scottish masonry -- an oral tradition of memorized texts and a rich variety of lodge rituals -- way before George I's (a Hanoverian who spoke no English) attempt in 1717 to create a system of control by establishing the Grand Lodge of England. Mr. Stevenson may be forgiven for not understanding Masonic imagery, however he has given us a well presented insight into Scottish masonry. His impressive work sets new standards in Masonic history, based on verifiable and reproducible evidence rather than on wishful thinking. A highly recommendable book." -- Reader's Comment
"Stevenson, professor emeritus of history at the University of St. Andrews, argues that Masonic history ought to be treated like any other kind of history: with objective analysis of the available evidence taken in context of the wider history in which it occurred. When he set out to take on the subject, he discovered to his surprise that the available evidence overwhelmingly points to modern freemasonry having developed not in England, as is generally claimed, but rather in Renaissance and early modern Scotland. Not a Mason himself, Stevenson wrote with the full cooperation of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and the resulting book, though academic in tone, is worth reading for anyone with an interest in Masonic history, in medieval and early modern Scottish history, or in historiography." -- Reader's Comment
"The first seventy pages or so are extremely dry, and after a while started to wear on my patience. My advice: bear with Stevenson as he lays out the facts here, grounding Freemasonry's murky prehistory firmly in the socioeconomic facts of Medieval Scotland. From this he can demonstrate convincingly how Renaissance elements of Hermeticism, Neo-Platonism, the Art of Memory, and Vitruvian valorizations of architecture came to inform the self-characterizations and common practices of these prior craft guilds, gradually transforming the latter in the process. He sticks closely to previously unconsidered primary sources of the time in question rather than later reconstructions so as to uncover the unfolding of this complicated process, mining fragmentary manuscripts, local records, and other such often overlooked sources tucked away in the shadowy corners of old archives for what they have to tell us -- cautiously and painstakingly distinguishing certain fact from plausible but ultimately unverified speculation based on those facts as he goes along. In the bargain he makes a strong case for his rather original thesis that much of early Freemasonry as we know it today developed in Scotland and only then spread to England (and from there to the rest of the world), substantially altering our picture of this intriguingly complex process thereby.
"And it's rather amusing to think that it all started with a stray reference the author came across in the midst of pretty much unrelated historical research, one he decided to follow up on for the heck of it, and maybe write a little article -- an article that grew into two whole books, this one and the more locally detailed THE FIRST FREEMASONS: SCOTLANDS EARLY LODGES AND THEIR MEMBERS. Stevenson's extensive consideration of the Scottish proto-Freemason Robert Moray -- crucial in accounting for the evolution of Freemasonry's symbolism, social values, and ethical orientation -- has apparently also blossomed recently into his editing of LETTERS OF SIR ROBERT MORAY TO THE EARL OF KINCARDINE, 1657-73. So what started out as a lark has grown into a sustained scholarly pursuit, of which THE ORIGINS OF FREEMASONRY here is a key work and perhaps the most accessible for the generalist. Indeed, if you are looking for a sober, reliable book on this topic, this one fits the bill nicely." -- Reader's Comment
"Beginning in Britain, Freemasonry swept across Europe in the mid-eighteenth century in astonishing fashion -- yet its origins are still hotly debated today. The prevailing assumption has been that it emerged in England around 1700, but David Stevenson demonstrates that the real origins of modern Freemasonry lie in Scotland around 1600, when the system of lodges was created by stonemasons with rituals and secrets blending medieval mythology with Renaissance and seventeenth-century history. This fascinating work of historical detection will be essential reading for anyone interested in Renaissance and seventeenth-century history, for freemasons themselves, and for those readers captivated by the secret societies at the heart of the bestselling THE DA VINCI CODE. David Stevenson is Emeritus Professor of Scottish History at the University of St. Andrews. His many previous publications include THE SCOTTISH REVOLUTION, 1637-1644; REVOLUTION AND COUNTER-REVOLUTION IN SCOTLAND, 1644-1651; and THE FIRST FREEMASONS; SCOTLAND, EARLY LODGES AND THEIR MEMBERS. His most recent book is THE HUNT FOR ROB ROY (2004)." -- Reader's Comment
"The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel) No.1 is a Masonic Lodge in Edinburgh, Scotland under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. It is number 1 on the Roll, and as it possesses the oldest minute of any Masonic lodge in existence (July 1599) and the first historical reference of a non-operative or speculative freemason being initiated as a member (1634), it is reputed to be the oldest Masonic Lodge not only in Scotland, but the world.
"It is often styled Mary's Chapel or The Ancient Lodge of Edinburgh Mary's Chapel, the former of which derives from its ancient origins, where it first met within the old chapel of St. Mary's on Niddrie's Wynd in Edinburgh, which has since been demolished to make way for Edinburgh's South Bridge." -- Wikipedia article
"His study is a welcome and refreshing antidote to all the junk that has been written about Freemasonry in the past three centuries. It explodes Masonic authors' extravagant claims for an origin in ancient civilizations and possession of powerful supernatural secrets. It also undermines anti-Masonic authors' equally bizarre accusations of pacts with supernatural forces of evil. . . .
"If you only read one book about Freemasonry in your lifetime, this is the book to read." -- Reader's Comment
Review of The Origins of Freemasonry: Scotland's Century 1590-1710, by David Stevenson, T.E. Wilder
http://www.contra-mundum.org/cm/reviews/tw_masonry.pdf
*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
*Thomson, James Pringle, Alexander Henderson the Covenanter (1583-1646). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The period which followed the Union of the Crowns of Scotland and England contains the opening of that contest between Presbytery and Episcopacy, which occupies so much of our history, and some of its most interesting episodes took place between 1618-1646, the years which comprise the active public life of him who is the subject of the following pages. For this reason the life and career of Alexander Henderson must always possess the greatest interest to any student of Scottish history . . . The virtues of the great are apt to be overestimated after they are dead and gone, but there is not one word of exaggeration in the eulogy which Baillie delivered to the General Assembly in 1647, . . . 'That glorious soul of blessed memory, who now is crowned with the reward of all his labours for God and for us, I wish his remembrance may be fragrant among us, so long as free and pure Assemblies remain in this land, which we hope shall be to the coming of the Lord. You know he spent his strength, and wore out his days, he breathed out his life in the service of God and of his Church. This binds it on our back, as we would not prove ungrateful, to pay him his due. If the thoughts of others be conformed to my inmost sense, in duty and reason, he ought to be accounted by us and posterity the fairest ornament, after John Knox, of incomparable memory, that we the Church of Scotland did enjoy.' (pp. 5, 158). Henderson had a major hand in the writing of and international subscription to the Solemn League and Covenant. He was also one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly." -- Publisher
Alexander Henderson (1583-1646), the Covenanter, Thomson
http://archive.org/details/alexanderhenders00thomuoft
Timorcus, Theophilus, Thomas Gataker (1574-1654), 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."
Todd, Adam Brown, Covenanting Pilgrimages and Studies (1911). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
"This title was written after the two volumes, THE HOMES, HAUNTS, AND BATTLEFIELDS OF THE COVENANTERS. It represents the author's continuing studies and contains some new information regarding incidents and people noted in the earlier volumes. This is especially true concerning the portrayal of Alexander Peden. Others covered include Renwick, Cargill, Sharp, the Howies, and many more. The story regarding Samuel Rutherford's 'two witnesses' is classic Scottish lore. Official acts (e.g. the proceedings surrounding the signing of Covenants), martyrdoms, Declarations, battles, etc., are all covered." -- Publisher
Todd, Adam Brown, The Homes, Haunts, and Battlefields of the Covenanters, 2 volumes.
Vos, Johannes Geerhardus, The Scottish Covenanters: Their Origins, History and Distinctive Doctrines, a dissertation, 1938, ISBN: 0951148443 9780951148440.
See the detailed contents in three parts in Worldcat.org.
Wagner, Michael, A Presbyterian Political Manifesto: Presbyterianism and Civil Government. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1 and #25.
"Philosophical considerations alone should not be considered sufficient to prove that an establishment of religion is a moral obligation. For Christians only the Bible can be accepted as the foundation for any belief, not only those beliefs related to 'spiritual' matters, but also those related to political issues. The critical question, then, for Christians is, 'Does the Bible teach the necessity of the establishment of the Christian religion?' The Bible does indeed demonstrate the need for an establishment of Christianity, and the Old Testament in particular provides the Biblical basis for the concept of an established church. In Old Testament times there was a pervasive cooperation between church and state, and that pattern was not abrogated in the New Testament.
"In the New Testament the passage with the most explicit teaching on civil government is probably Romans 13. In that chapter it is explained that political rulers 'are ordained of God' (v. 1 [Romans 13:1]); 'they are God's ministers' (v. 6 [Romans 13:6]), who must reward good and punish evil (vv. 3-4 [Romans 13:3,4]). This raises an important question: by what standard is the ruler to distinguish 'good' from 'evil?' Clearly, that standard can only be the Bible. How can rulers be God's ministers and yet not rule according to God's will? In other words, Romans 13:1-6 teaches not only that God has instituted civil government, but also that the rulers must govern according to the Word of God. The Bible is not only the exclusive rule of faith and practice for the church, but also for the state. With the Bible being the standard for the civil authorities, it is unmistakable that Christianity is the foundation of the law order, i.e., the established religion in this sense. Romans 13, then, at least in a general way, teaches the necessity of the establishment of Christianity.
"At this point it is important to be more specific about what is being proposed as the Biblical concept of established religion. The Bible teaches a cooperation between church and state that has been variously called the 'Scottish Theory of Ecclesiastical Establishments' (Smeaton 1875), the 'Establishment Principle' (Brown n.d., 1), and other similar terms.
"The Establishment Principle, or the Principle of the National Recognition of Religion maintains the scriptural view of the universal supremacy of Christ as King of Nations as well as King of saints, with the consequent duty of nations as such, and civil rulers in their official capacity, to honour and serve Him by recognizing His Truth and promoting His cause (Brown n.d., 1).
"As William Cunningham explains it, 'an obligation lies upon nations and their rulers to have respect, in the regulation of their national affairs, and in the application of national resources, to the authority of God's word, to the welfare of the church of Christ, and the interests of true religion' ([1882] 1991a, 391). What is being maintained here is that the true church of Christ, and the civil authorities (both in submission to their common Lord), have as their goal the promotion of God's glory and true Christianity, and that they should work together for the promotion of this common goal. On the one hand, they should be allied together, but on the other hand, they should remain completely sovereign in their respective jurisdictions."
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/presbpol.htm
Walker, Patrick, and David Hay Fleming, Six Saints of the Covenant: Peden, Semple, Welwood, Cameron, Cargill, Smith, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0790572621 9780790572628. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Covers the lives of Peden, Semple, Welwood, Cameron, Cargill and Smith. These two volumes are edited with illustrative documents, introduction, notes, and a glossary by David Hay Fleming. Walker's advantage in writing of these men, as Hay Fleming points out, can be seen in 'that he lived in the times of which he wrote, that he personally knew many of the Covenanters and martyrs of whom he wrote, and that he was himself a shrewd observer and was endowed with a tenacious memory.' Walker himself had endured imprisonment and torture for the Covenanted cause of Christ and Burton writes that his 'unadorned descriptions of suffering and heroism convey a lesson to the heart which no genius or learning could strengthen,' indexed." -- Publisher
Six Saints of the Covenant: Peden, Semple, Welwood, Cameron, Cargill, Smith, vol. 1 of 2
https://archive.org/details/sixsaintscovena00walkgoog
Six Saints of the Covenant: Peden, Semple, Welwood, Cameron, Cargill, Smith, vol. 2 of 2
https://archive.org/details/sixsaintscovena02walkgoog
Waltke, Bruce, Theonomy and Covenental/Dispensational Theology, (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette CS881 [audio file].
*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:
Whytock, George, A Defence of Covenanting, Against the Attacks Made Thereon in a Late Publication, Intituled, A Dissertation on the Nature and Genius of the Kingdom of Christ, 1780.
*Williamson, G.I. (Gerald Irvin), The Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] for Study Classes, ISBN: 0875525385. A Christian classic.
"The most thorough work on the Confession since A.A. Hodge." -- William Grier.
"Describes the Christian faith. You will also find this treatment excellent in coverage and application to contemporary living. Examples of divergent doctrine, problems with other philosophy and cultural standards are presented. The arguments and Q&A after each section makes it practical for knowing and living a Christian life. This is not feel-good theology, but how intelligent and responsible people can seek to understand the breadth of scripture in a concise book." -- Publisher
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism, ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
*Willson, James McLeod (1809-1866), Social Religious Covenanting, 1856. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27,
Social Religious Covenanting, 1856.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/7/27/social-religious-covenanting
*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
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), The Establishment Principle as now Interpreted: A Novelty Unknown to our Reformers and Subversive of Christ's Headship.
*Wylie, James Aiken (1808-1890), The Papacy: Its History, Dogmas, Genius, and Prospects. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"In its day, this book, of 572 pages, won the Evangelical Alliance first prize for an essay on Popery. 'With all we have read of Popery, we have yet met with nothing in the English language which we regard to be so complete in itself, and so overwhelmingly destructive to Romanism,' noted the Evangelical magazine. (Evangelical magazines of Wylie's day obviously knew who their enemies were then; there are few that recognize this today. Some, in our day, even teach that a return to Rome is advisable, thinking that an alliance with idolaters will help free the land of social evils. In reality this will only serve as a further provocation against 'the Holy one of Israel,' bringing more curses, wrath and guilt upon our land.) Wylie's book combines the qualities of clear structure, vigorous logic, and eloquent style and yet is written with an absence of unchristian passion and prejudice; making its argument all the more useful to those trapped in Rome's web of deceit (or those seeking a fair and comprehensive treatment of this massive topic). It is also indexed. When this book first appeared in German, the Papists were careful to give it the 'silent treatment,' lest an inquiring Papist should hear of it and be inclined to read it. These same Romanists (later) also invoked the civil power against it, so fearful were they of its contents." -- Publisher
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), The Papal Hierarchy: An Exposure of the Tactics of Rome for the Overthrow of the Liberty and Christianity of Great Britain.
See: The History of Protestantism (1902), vol. 1 of 3.
http://archive.org/details/historyofprotes01wyli
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), Pilgrimage From the Alps to the Tiber; or, The Influence of Romanism on Trade, Justice and Knowledge.
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), Protestantism in Scotland (1878), Book 24 (illustrated), from Wylie's THE HISTORY OF PROTESTANTISM. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"For the period covered by this book, Scotland went from a nation of uncivilized barbarians to national covenants with Christ, and then through many ups and downs as various factions tried to destroy true Christianity. From darkness to Hamilton, Wishart, Knox, and Melville, through to the Covenanters, the Westminster Assembly and the tragic deception used by Charles II, Wylie's racy style makes it hard to put this book down. Few other nations and periods of history provide such edifying reading. Highlights include Knox's call to the ministry, his interview with Queen Mary, his trial for treason, Melville's work, the National and Solemn League and Covenant, the civil war, the Westminster Assembly, and more." -- Publisher
*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
Wylie, Richard Cameron, Social Covenanting, 1900.
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), A Sermon on Covenanting. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
*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), The westminster confession (1646, approved 1647), the westminster standards and related works, the westminster assembly, 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, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Church discipline, Church and state, God's deliverance of nations, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant of redemption, The covenant faithfulness of god, The regulative principle of worship, public worship, The covenant faithfulness of god, Acts of faithful assemblies, Background, foundation, and history of the covenanted reformation of scotland, An introduction to covenanted the reformation, The reformed presbytery of america, and other smaller reformed associations, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, 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, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, Reform of the church, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, The westminster confession (1646), the westminster standards and related works, The westminster confession of faith (1646), (the westminster standards) and related works: a study guide, The Lord's Supper, Communion, and Close Communion, Reformation eschatology, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), and so forth, and so on.
Covenant Theology (also known as Covenantalism, Federal Theology, or Federalism)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_theology
Justifying Faith
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#justfaith
The Ordinance of Covenanting, John Cunningham
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/ordinance-of-covenanting
Puritan Downloads, The Puritan Hard Drive
http://www.puritandownloads.com/swrb-puritan-hard-drive.html
The Scottish Covenanting Struggle, Alexander Craighead, and the Mecklenburg Declaration
http://www.lettermen2.com/craig.html
Sermons by Eminent Covenanting Presbyterians
http://www.covenanter.org/Sermons/sermonhome.htm
A Theological Interpretation of American History
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#stiahis
Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
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.
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
Bremer, Francis J., Puritan Crisis: New England and the English Civil Wars, 1630-1670, ISBN: 082406173X 9780824061739.
*Brook, Benjamin, Lives of the Puritans, 3 volumes, ISBN: 1877611794. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This scarce three volume set was first published in 1813 in London, and there has never been a second printing until now. It contains biography and bibliography of many noted as well as relatively unknown (but not insignificant), Puritan pastors and authors of the 16th and 17th centuries. Brook's massive endeavor was, at his own admission, an updating of Edmund Calamy's classic NONCONFORMIST MEMORIAL. In volume one there are such men as Edward Deering, Bernard Gilpin, and Richard Greenham. In volume two are sketches of Thomas Gataker, Henry Smith, William Perkins, Richard Rogers, Henry Ainsworth, John Preston, Robert Bolton, William Ames, Henry Scudder, Arthur Dent, Daniel Dyke, Samuel Hieron, Nicholas Byfield, Richard Sibbes, and John Ball. Volume three contains Jeremiah Burroughs, Thomas Hooker, Thomas Shepard, Christopher Love, John Cotton, Obadiah Sedgwick, William Gouge, and Thomas Goodwin. And these are but a sampling of the hundreds of godly men you will find profiled." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Gardiner, Samuel Rawson, The Constitution Documents of the Puritan Revolution, 1625-1660. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
"This period of time and thought had great bearing on the foundations of many nations, not the least of which include the United States and Canada. These documents are intended to serve either as a basis for the study of the constitutional history of this important period, or as a companion to the political history of the time. Relevant to both church and state." -- Publisher
The Constitutional Documents of the Puritan Revolution, 1628-1660
http://books.google.com/books?id=wAUwAAAAMAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*[Geneva Bible 1599 -- compiler] Calvin, John (1509-1564), et al. [John Knox, Theodore Beza, Miles Coverdale, William Whittingham, Anthony Gilby, Martin Luther, and others], Peter A. Lillback (foreword), Tolle Lege Press (preface), Gary DeMar (Notes to the Modern Reader), Marshall Foster (The History and Impact of the Geneva Bible), 1599 Geneva Bible, (Tolle Lege Press), 1400 pages, ISBN: 0975484699 9780975484692 0975484613 9780975484616 0975484621 9780975484623. Available (Tolle Lege Press restoration) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"When the Pilgrims arrived in America in 1620, they brought along supplies, a consuming passion to advance the Kingdom of Christ, a bright hope for the future, and the Word of God. Clearly, their most precious cargo was the Bible. The GENEVA BIBLE, printed over 200 times between 1560 and 1644, was the most widely read and influential English Bible of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This superb translation was the product of the best Protestant scholars of the day and became the Bible of choice for many of the greatest writers, thinkers, and historical figures of that time [but the translation was surpassed by the AUTHORIZED KING JAMES VERSION in 1611, see 'Textual Criticism' -- compiler]. The GENEVA BIBLE is unique among all other Bibles. It was the first Bible to use chapters and numbered verses and became the most popular version of its time because of the extensive marginal notes. These notes, written by Reformation leaders such as John Calvin, John Knox, Miles Coverdale, William Whittingham, Anthony Gilby, and others, were included to explain and interpret the scriptures for the common people. For nearly half a century these notes helped the people of England, Scotland, and Ireland understand the Bible and true liberty. King James despised the GENEVA BIBLE because he considered the notes on key political texts to be seditious [to question the Divine Right of Kings -- compiler] and a threat to his authority. Unlike the KING JAMES VERSION, the GENEVA BIBLE was not authorized by the government. It was truly a Bible by the people and for the people. You can see why this remarkable version with its profound marginal notes played a key role in the formation of the American Republic. Until now, the only complete version available was a large, cumbersome, and difficult-to-read facsimile edition. But this new edition contains all the original words and notes [see the errata listing below -- compiler], but the type set has been enlarged and the font style change for today's reader." -- Publisher
"This is the Bible that eventually put an end to Feudalism in Europe, strengthened Puritans, Quakers, and came to America on the Mayflower. This was the first Bible published in the language of the common people, the first Bible to contain commentary and verse numbers, and the first Bible written in English from Greek and Hebrew texts available from Constantinople, not from the Latin Vulgate. The dynamite in this Bible is the commentary accounting for about one third of its length.
"The Church of England and King James were so upset they determined to create a new translation. They called it the KING JAMES VERSION. They choose to use language so formal and grand, even by the standards of those days, that the common people would find it difficult to understand. The GENEVA BIBLE was found seditious by it's insertions of commentary that spoke directly about the priesthood of lay believers, the church as naturally anti-oligarchy, and setting forth some other ideas considered anarchy by the King, but meaning freedom to the masses who read it. . . .
"Important facts to remember about this Bible. The Reformation was strong in England and the Lollards were a lay group of huge influence that had to go underground. English Christian theologians, not Catholics and not Anglicans, fled in huge numbers to Geneva for freedom. Geneva was not part of Switzerland at that time, because Geneva was its own city-state. . . . The GENEVA BIBLE was printed 1560-1644. THE KING JAMES VERSION was published in 1611. The GENEVA BIBLE was against the law to own. . . ." -- Reader's Comment
Available "in printed formats with various binding options from Tolle Lege Press. Tolle Lege Press has given Puritan Downloads permission to provide a PDF copy of their retypeset and fully searchable edition of the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE (Copyright 2006-2008, Tolle Lege Press), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The GENEVA BIBLE is the Puritan Bible with Reformation promoting marginal notes authored by prominent leaders of the Reformation (during the time of John Calvin and John Knox). The New Testament was translated out of the Greek, by Theodore Beza. The GENEVA BIBLE was the predominant English translation during the period in which the English and Scottish Reformations gained great impetus.
"Iain Murray, in his classic work on revival and the interpretation of prophecy, THE PURITAN HOPE, notes,
The two groups in England and Scotland developed along parallel lines, like two streams originating at one fountain. The fountain was not so much Geneva, as the Bible which the exiles newly translated and issued with many marginal notes . . . it was read in every Presbyterian and Puritan home in both realms. (p. 7)"This time also saw the rise of the forces for covenanted Reformation against the corruption and abuses of prelacy and the royal factions. Darkness was dispelled as people read this Bible and saw for themselves that there is no authority above the Holy Scriptures. Discerning this truth, it became apparent that the civil tyranny and the heretical superstitions imposed by Pope, King and Bishops were to be resisted unto death, if necessary (i.e. because these innovations in church and state were opposed to the Kingship of Christ and the law of His kingdom, as set forth in Holy Scripture).
The notes of TOMSON'S NEW TESTAMENT of 1576, which took the place of the New Testament of the Bible of 1560 in many editions from 1587 onward, are entirely different from those in the GENEVA BIBLE. They are taken from Beza's Latin Testament, and are controversial and strongly Calvinistic."Furthermore, Eason cites Pocock (a rabid anti-Calvinist), in the same book,
The changes adopted in the GENEVA BIBLE and New Testament synchronize with the gradual spread of the Calvinistic heresy and the contemporaneous development of hatred of the whole Papal system of doctrine. The notes attacked the Sacramental teaching of the Church, substituting for it the Calvinistic doctrines of election and reprobation. They taught that Sacraments are nothing more than signs and seals of grace previously given to the elect. All passages about the Sacraments are explained away.("We cite this quote, though it is full of a good deal of devilish nonsense, to demonstrate that even the enemies of biblical truth recognized the powerful impact that the GENEVA BIBLE was having in furthering the Protestant Reformation, as well as to show that the notes in the later versions of the GENEVA BIBLE were moving in the direction of a more distinct testimony against error and for the truth." -- RB) -- Publisher
(1) The editions that follow the first edition of 1560."In our opinion, the notes in the 1599 edition were the most faithful to Scripture." -- The Genevan Bible, Notes on its Production and Distribution [Of course, the judgment and candor of Calvin are renown. This Bible played a key role in the Reformation, and anyone not using it 'will be the poorer for their neglect.' However, very few works are without caveats. Calvin used the LATIN VULGATE. His comments had to be translated from French. Experts (see 'Textual Criticism'), consider the authorized KING JAMES VERSION to be the most accurate translation. It used a literal approach to translation of the Traditional Text, which is referred to today as the Majority Text or Textus Receptus. Beza's translation of the New Testament is in a different category. One is urged to not neglect the knowledge developed over 400 years of Reformed scholarship since 1599. For example, compare the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE (1400 pages, 1366 in the Tolle Lege restoration edition), annotation with the annotation, theological notes, text notes, scripture notes, and other study aids of the NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE (2228 pages), with its own noted caveats. -- compiler]
(2) The editions in which TOMSON'S NEW TESTAMENT of 1576 is substituted for the 1560 New Testament.
(3) The Bibles from 1598 that contain the Notes on Revelation of Francis Junius."
Excerpts from two articles on the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE may be read at the Puritan Downloads site: "The Forgotten Translation," Gary DeMar, President of American Vision and Honorary Member of the 1599 Geneva Bible Advisory Board, and "Introduction to the 1599 Geneva Bible," Marshall Foster, President of the Mayflower Institute, Member of the 1599 Geneva Bible Advisory Board.Word-for-word accuracy with the 1599 Geneva Bible [see the errata listing below -- compiler]
Original cross references
Modern spelling
Original study notes by Reformers
Old English Glossary
2-page Family Tree Chart
Presentation page with several family registry pages
Easy-to-read print [see the errata listing below -- compiler]
Size: 8.75" X 11.5"
Approximately 1,400 pages." -- Publisher
1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege Press Restoration, Fourth Printing, 2008, Probable Errata ListingGenesis 1:11 "So that we see it is the only power of God's word that maketh the earth fruitful, which else naturally is barren.
Genesis 1:12 "This sentence is so oft repeated, to signify that God made all his creatures to serve to his glory, and to the profit of man: but for sin they were accursed, yet to the elect, by Christ they are restored, and serve to their wealth.
Genesis 2:16 "So that man might know there was a sovereign Lord, to whom he owed obedience.
Genesis 2:17 "By this death he meaneth the separation of man from God, who is our life and chief felicity: and also that our disobedience is the cause thereof.
Genesis 3:4 "This is Satan's chiefest subtlety, to cause us not to fear God's threatenings.
Genesis 4:5 "Because he was an hypocrite, and offered only for an outward show without sincerity of heart.
Genesis 9:6 "Not only by the magistrate, but oft times God raiseth up one murderer to kill another.
Therefore to kill man is to deface God's image, and so injury is not only done to man, but also to God.
Psalm 37:1,7,11 "1 This Psalm containeth exhortation and consolation for the weak, that are grieved at the prosperity of the wicked, and the affliction of the godly. 7 For how prosperously soever the wicked do live for the time, he doth affirm their felicity to be vain and transitory, because they are not in the favor of God, but in the end they are destroyed as his enemies. 11 And how miserably that the righteous seemeth to live in the world, yet his end is peace, and he is in the favor of God, he is delivered from the wicked, and preserved.
Psalm 37:5 "Be not led by thine own wisdom, but obey God, and he will finish his work in thee.
Psalm 37:6 "As the hope of the daylight causeth us not to be offended with the darkness of the night: so ought we patiently to trust that God will clear our cause and restore us to our right.
Psalm 37:8 "Meaning, except he moderate his affections, he shall be led to do as they do.
Psalm 37:12 "The godly are assured that the power and craft of the wicked shall not prevail against them, but fall on their own necks, and therefore ought patiently to abide God's time, and in the meanwhile bewail their sins, and offer up their tears, is a sacrifice of their obedience.
Psalm 37:16 "For they are daily fed as with Manna from heaven, and have sufficient, when the wicked have never enough, but ever hunger.
Psalm 37:25 "Though the just man die, yet God's blessings are extended to his posterity, and though God suffer some just man to lack temporal benefits, yet he recompenseth him with spiritual treasures.
Psalm 37:29 "They shall continually be preserved under God's wings, and have at least inward rest.
Psalm 37:30 "These three points are required of the faithful, that their talk be godly, that God's law be in their heart, and that their life be upright.
Psalm 37:37 "He exhorteth the faithful to mark diligently the examples both of God's mercies, and also of his judgments.
Psalm 37:39 "He showeth that the patient hope of the godly is never in vain, but in the end hath good success, though for a time God prove them by sundry tentations.
John 1:1 "The Son of God is of one, and the selfsame eternity or everlastingness, and of one and the selfsame essence or nature, with the Father.
"From his beginning, as the Evangelist saith, 1 John 1:1, as though he said, that the world began not then to have his being, when God began to make all that was made: for the word was even then when all things that were made, began to be made, and therefore he was before the beginning of all things.
"Had his being.
"This word, That, pointeth out unto us a peculiar and choice thing above all other, and putteth a difference between this Word, which is the Son of God, and the Laws of God, which otherwise also are called the word of God.
"This word (With) putteth out the distinction of persons to us.
"This word (Word) is the first in order in the sentence, and is that which the learned call (Subjectum) and this word (God) is the latter in order, and the same which the learned call (Predicatum).
John 1:3 "The son of God declareth that same his everlasting Godhead, both by the creating of all things, and also by the preserving of them, and especially by the excellent gifts of reason and understanding, wherewith he that beautified man above all other creatures.
"Paul expoundeth this place, Col. 1:15 and 16 [Colossians 1:15,16].
"That is, as the Father did work, so did the Son work with him: for he was fellow worker with him.
"Of all those things which were made, nothing was made without him.
Jude 1:24 "He commendeth them to the grace of God, declaring sufficiently that it is God only that can give us that constancy which he requireth of us.
Hebrews 13:8b "all precepts of manners, and that is this: That we ought to quiet and content ourselves in Christ only: for there was yet never any man saved without the knowledge of him, neither is at this day saved, neither shall be saved hereafter.
Revelation 4:9 "God is said to have glory, honor, kingdom, and such like given unto him, when we godly and reverently set forth that which is properly and only his." -- excerpts from 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege Press, 2006, 2007)
*Geneva Bible Notes, 1599
The GENEVA BIBLE contained "marginal notes which were heavily influenced by John Calvin, John Knox, and many other leaders of the Reformation. The GENEVA BIBLE was the predominant English translation during the period in which the English and Scottish Reformations gained great impetus. Iain Murray, in his classic work on revival and the interpretation of prophecy, THE PURITAN HOPE, notes that, 'the two groups in England and Scotland developed along parallel lines, like two streams originating at one fountain. The fountain was not so much Geneva, as the Bible which the exiles newly translated and issued with many marginal notes . . . it was read in every Presbyterian and Puritan home in both realms.' (p. 7). This time also saw the rise of the forces for covenanted Reformation against the corruption and abuses of prelacy and the royal factions. Darkness was dispelled as people read this Bible and saw for themselves that there is no authority above the Holy Scriptures.
"Although most people today have never heard of the GENEVA BIBLE, it was so popular from 1560 to 1644 that it went through 140 plus printings. The reason for its popularity among the faithful is obvious: the marginal notes promoted a full-orbed, nation-changing Protestantism. . . !
" 'By 1599, the GENEVA BIBLE . . . added many Calvinist annotations for household use' (Bremer, The Puritan Experiment, p. 12). A number of the notes argued for family worship and instruction by the head of the household. Puritanism in the British Isles is known as an effort to continue the Reformation of the church in the area of worship and church government. However, the Puritans also sought to reform the family life according to Biblical principles . . . as a result of their efforts they 'were creators of the English Christian marriage, the English Christian family, and the English Christian home'." (J.I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness, p. 260) -- Publisher
1599 Geneva Bible Notes
http://www.reformedreader.org/gbn/en.htm
For other GENEVA NOTES text see the following:
*King James Bible With the Geneva Bible Notes, 1672.*KING JAMES BIBLE WITH THE GENEVA BIBLE NOTES, 1672,
1599 GENEVA BIBLE, Tolle Lege Press restoration,
THE 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, TOLLE LEGE ONLINE EDITION,
"1599 GENEVA BIBLE, Tolle Lege Press Restoration, Fourth Printing, 2008, Probable Errata Listing," and
"A Resolution That Tolle Lege Press and White Hall Press of Chicago Complete the Limited Modernization of the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE Begun in 2004."
Miller, Perry (editor), and Thomas H. Johnson (editor), The Puritans: A Sourcebook of Their Writings, two volumes in one, ISBN: 0486416011 9780486416014.
"Critically acclaimed classic lets Puritans speak for themselves in crucial documents covering history, theory of state and society, religion, customs, behavior, biographies and letters, poetry, literary theory, education, science, and more. Regarded by historian Samuel Eliot Morison as 'the best selection ever made of Puritan literature, point of view and culture.'
"This thematic consideration of primary source material covers the major epochs of early American Puritanism. It includes the Puritan's views on the state and society, this world and the next, poetry, education, and so on. First published in 1938." -- Cyril J. Barber
Solt, Leo F., Saints in Arms: Puritanism and Democracy in Cromwell's Army.
Symonds, Richard, Diary of the Marches of the Royal Army During the Great Civil War.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Church and state, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Puritanism: works by and about puritans, Puritan paperback series from banner of truth, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, Background, foundation, and history of the covenanted reformation of scotland, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, Reformation eschatology, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), and so forth, and so on.
The Puritan Theological and Cultural Heritage
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Puritan Heritage, 47 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9220394856The Puritan Political Heritage
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Puritan Heritage, 47 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=922039503The Departure From the Puritan Heritage
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Puritan Heritage, 52 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=92903104657
The Treasury of David, Psalm 133, C.H. Spurgeon
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps133.phpFor as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (Romans 12:4,5)
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:1-6)
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:15,16)
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:2)
For you must give up your own right if you would discharge your duty: a regard to your own interests must not be put in preference to Christ's glory, or even placed upon a level with it. -- John Calvin commenting on Philippians 2:21
See the Theological Notes: "The Church," at Ephesians 2:19 in The Reformation Study Bible.
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. (Ephesians 4:15)
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:3-6)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 Notes: "Heaven," at Revelation 21:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)
The Treasury of David, Psalm 133, C.H. Spurgeon
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps133.phpAnd Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:25)
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)
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2,3)
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"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
All things in life are interrelated. It was in recognition of this that universities (for unity in diversity), were instituted for higher learning. Recognition of Christ as the center of all things: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11b) For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36) It becomes easier to understand the necessity for unity of believers. "And for real worship to take place there must be unity." -- Ravi Zacharias
Anderson, John, Overcoming Division and Unifying the Visible Church: A Rebuke Against the Sin of Occasional Hearing, 1794 Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A sermon on Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. (Proverbs 19:27). What is aimed at in this discourse is, to strike at a principal root of the numerous divisions now in the visible church. It teaches that we ought not to be in a state of separation from any church-communion, but upon such grounds as are scriptural; and upon such considerations, as involving the declarative glory of God, are of inconceivable and infinite importance. Were this doctrine embraced, there would be no separate church-communions upon trivial pretences; or for the sake of religious tenets or usages in the worship of God which have no foundation in his word; no separate church-communions on account of local customs, uncertain opinions, or uninstituted ceremonies; no separate church-communions founded on the narrow and interested views of a faction. What is here attempted is a seasonable application of the cautions, with which the scriptures abound, against false teachers. To direct church-members to the right use and application of such cautions will be the endeavor of the faithful ministers of Christ; an endeavor which is rendered peculiarly necessary by the corruptions which prevail in the present (divided -- RB), state of the visible church. Those who reckon that practical religion is not concerned in the subject of this discourse should consider that true believers have it for their distinguishing character, that they abhor false doctrine, and avoid communion with the teachers of it. (John 10:5, Rev. 14:4 [Revelation 14:4]),' notes the author. 24 pages." -- Publisher
Anonymous, A Vindication of the Presbyteriall-government, and Ministry: Together, with an Exhortation, to all the ministers, elders, and people, within the bounds of the province of London, whether joyning with us, or separating from us. Published, by the ministers, and elders, met together in a provinciall assembly, Novemb. 2d. 1649. Wherein, amongst other things, these ensuing particulars are contained; 1. That there is a Church-government, by divine right. 2. That the magistrate, is not the fountain of Church-government. 3. That the presbyterial-government, is by divine right. 4. The inconveniencies of the congregationall-way. 5. That the ruling-elder is by divine right. 6. That it is the will of Jesus Christ, that all sorts of persons should give an account of their faith, to the minister, and elders, before admission to the Lords Supper; . . . 7. Directions to the elders, for the right managing of their office. 8. Directions to such as are admitted to the Lords Supper, . . . 9. Rules to preserve people, from the errours of these times. 10. That separation from our churches, is justly charged with schisme. 11. That ministers formerly ordained by bishops, need no new ordination. 12. The necessity and usefulness of catechizing. Licensed, entred, and printed according to order, 1649. Available (under Robert Baillie and Sundry Ministers of London) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
*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)
*Associate Synod of Scotland (1733-1820), A Solemn Warning . . . Wherein the Great Sin, Danger, and Duty of the Present Generation in These Lands, are Pointed out and Declared (1758). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A stinging rebuke against personal, ecclesiastical and national sins; with the intent to turn the readers of this title from these sins and thus avoid God's wrath: for the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation." (Jeremiah 10:10) -- Publisher
Bacon, Richard, The Visible Church and the Outer Darkness: A Reply Against Those Claiming to be True Presbyterians Separating in Extraordinary Times.
Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), The Unlawfulness and Danger of Limited Prelacy, or Perpetual Presidency in the Church, Briefly Discovered, 1641. Alternate title: THE UNLAVVFULNESSE AND DANGER OF LIMITED EPISCOPACIE. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"A defense of Alexander Henderson."
*Bannerman, James (1807-1868), The Church of Christ: A Treatise on the Nature, Powers, Ordinances, Discipline, and Government of the Christian Church, 1869, 2 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"Two large volumes. A classic on the Church and worship! This is one of the most extensive studies of its kind ever compiled. Nothing compares to it on this subject. Regarding these gems, Iain Murray has stated, 'In our day, however greatly we need an evangelical revival, we need more than that. We need another Reformation, a movement which will go 'to the root of the mischief' and bring back the visible church to the pattern of God's Word in her government, ordinances and ministry. The republication of Bannerman is a step in that direction . . . For those who wish to study the doctrine of the Church in its several aspects as it was held by the majority of the Reformers, Puritans, Covenanters and leaders of 'The Third Reformation,' it will prove an invaluable textbook." -- Publisher
Barrow, Greg, Protestant Antidote to Modern Disunity (1/5) (Debate with Richard Bacon), audio files. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"Defection from Reformation teaching on separation, unity, church membership, church government, terms of communion, creeds, confessions, covenants, etc., exposed (in modern Presbyterian and Reformed churches), and corrected in accordance with Scripture and the best teachers and preachers of the (first and second), Protestant Reformations. This is chapter four from the book THE COVENANTED REFORMATION DEFENDED: "Misrepresentation #4: The Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton (PRCE) is guilty of imposing the traditions of men upon the conscience by requiring terms of communion that are unscriptural." -- Publisher
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/misrep4.htm
Protestant Antidote to Modern Disunity (1/5) (free audio file)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=81202235217
Protestant Antidote to Modern Disunity (2/5) (free audio file)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=8130218525
Protestant Antidote to Modern Disunity (3/5) (free audio file)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=815022132
Barrow, Greg, and Larry Birger, Covenanted Uniformity: The Protestant Remedy for Disunity, three (3) audio files. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Black, John (1768-1849), Church Union and Communion, 1819. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Nature of Church Communion Illustrated: or, The Unity of the Body of Christ, and the duty the members owe to one another opened. Being the substance of several sermons on 1 Cor. x. 17. [1 Corinthians 10:17]. Alternate title: ON CHURCH COMMUNION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Exhortation to Unity and Peace. 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.
*Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The First Sermon Preached to the Honorable House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament at Their Public Fast, Nov. 17, 1640. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"A beautifully clear facsimile copy of this amazing sermon (published by order of the British House of Commons in 1641), exhorting this Parliament to 'stand to the covenant' of God; by, 'endeavouring of a further Sanction of, and stronger Guard about our true Palladium, the true Religion, already established among us; in the perfecting of the Reformation of it; in the erecting, maintaining, protecting, and encouraging of an able, godly, faithful, zealous, profitable, Preaching Ministry, in every Parish Church and Chapel throughout England and Wales; in interceding to the Kings sacred Majesty for the setting up of a Faithful, Judicious, and Zealous Magistracy, where yet the same is wanting, to be ever at hand to back such a Ministry: without either of which, not only the power of Godliness will sooner degenerate into formality, and zeal into lukewarmness; but Popery, Arminianism, Socinianism, Profaneness, Apostasy, and Atheism itself will more and more crowd in upon us, and prevail against us, do You all You can be all other means.' Points out that where a godly ministry and magistracy are lacking, society degenerates into a godless mob, headed by one of the above named heresies -- as we have seen in our day. Presses national covenant renewal, from Jer. 50:5 [Jeremiah 50:5], and explains from scripture how and why this should take place. Cites many biblical examples of the great Scriptural blessing that has followed previous national covenanting; while making practical application to the situation of the day. This sermon foreshadows chapter 23, of the celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], on 'the Civil Magistrate,' and gives much insight into this watershed period of Christian political development. It is highly recommended for anyone even remotely interested in seeing their nation prosper politically and ecclesiastically. Furthermore, it will be a great help for anyone seeking to formulate a biblical doctrine explaining the four way relationship between: loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; Jesus Christ as mediator; the everlasting covenant (and covenanting); and the state, as set forth in Scripture. A very rare item. A Covenanter's delight! 70 pages." -- Publisher
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."
Calamy, Edmund (1600-1666), An Indictment Against England Becavse of her Selfe-mvrdering Divisions: Together With an Exhortation to an England-preserving Unity and Concord: Presented in a Sermon Preached Before the . . . House of Lords in the Abby Church at Westminster, at the Late Solemne Fast, Matt. 12:25, December 25. 1644. [Matthew 12:25] Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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]
Calvin, John (1509-1564), The True Method of Giving Peace to Christendom and of Reforming the Church, 1548. Available in CALVIN'S SELECTED WORKS, TRACTS AND LETTERS. Available (CALVIN'S SELECTED WORKS, TRACTS AND LETTERS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Unity of the Reformed Churches. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
*Durham, James (1622-1658), Concerning Scandal. A Christian classic. Alternate title: THE DYING MAN'S TESTAMENT TO THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: OR, A TREATISE CONCERNING SCANDAL. A Christian classic. Available (1659 edition), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The Rise of The Following Treatise
"Having had occasion to consider the Book of the Revelation, and being on the Epistle to the Church of Pergamos in the second chapter, ground was given to speak something of Scandal, by reason of several doctrines clearly arising from that place. Upon this occasion I did first essay the writing of something of the doctrine of scandal in general, intending only to have spent a sheet or two thereupon, as elsewhere on some other subjects. When this was brought to a close, I found the place to give ground to speak of public church offenses, as they are the object of church discipline and censures. And being convinced, that that subject was not impertinent to be spoken of, I yielded to spend some thoughts upon it also, which did draw to a greater length than at first was intended or was suitable for a digression. This being finished, as it is, and any more thoughts of this subject laid by, it occurred again to me to think of doctrinal scandals or of scandalous errors. And considering that the scandals mentioned in that place, are of such nature, and that such are very frequent in this time, I yielded also to put together what thoughts the Lord would furnish concerning the same, whereupon followed the third part of this treatise.
"When this was even at the closing, there was a fourth part of the same subject that did occur to me to be thought on, which before that had never been minded, and that was concerning scandalous church divisions. To this my mind and inclination was exceedingly averse at first, as knowing it not only to be difficult in itself to be meddled in, but also exceedingly above me, who am altogether unsuitable to hazard on such a subject. Yet considering the rise of the motion, and how the Lord had helped through the other parts, I did resolve to condescend to follow it, at least so far till it might appear what was his mind to me therein, and accordingly did follow it till it came to the period (whatever it be), that now it is at.
"This is the true rise and occasion of this treatise, and of the several parts thereof, and therefore I have continued its entry in the original mold thereof, to wit, in laying down some general doctrines from that place of Scripture, and if there is afterward any more particular relation to the second and third chapters of the Revelation than to other Scriptures, this simple narration of the rise thereof may satisfy any concerning the same. Whereof we shall say no more, but first lay down grounds of all from that text, and then proceed in the treatise, which is divided in four parts, upon the reasons formerly hinted.
"The Grounds of This Treatise
"Among other things that troubled the church in the primitive times, scandal, or offense, was a chief one. The many directions that are given concerning it, and the reproofs that are of it, show that it is a main piece of a Christian's conversation to walk rightly in reference thereto, and a great evidence of looseness where it is not heeded. On verse 6 [Rev. 2 (Revelation 2:6)], we show that this was a sole fault of the Nicolaitans to be careless of offending, or of giving of offense, and not to regard scandal; and here the Lord holds it forth to be so by comparing it with Balaam's practice (v. 14 [Revelation 5:14]), which is aggreged from this, that he taught Balak to lay a stumbling block before Israel. From which these doctrines may be gathered:
1. That there is such a fault incident to men in their carriage, even to lay stumbling-blocks before others and to offend them."In this work Mr. Durham, in opening and examining the different scandals which deface the visible church, causing both the professed people of God, and the heathen to stumble and fall in the snares of sin and the devil, shows carefully and clearly the various means of avoiding and remedying these offenses, and what the people of God in their various places and stations must do to maintain the beauty of Zion in godliness and holiness, in purity and in peace.
2. That men ought to walk so as not to offend others, or so as to lay no stumbling-block before them. So that it is not enough not to stumble themselves (if this could be separated from the other), but also they ought to be careful not to stumble others.
3. The Lord takes special notice how men do walk in reference to others in this, and is highly provoked where he sees any guilty of it.
4. The Devil has ever endeavored to have offenses abounding in the church, and to make some lay such stumbling-blocks before others.
5. It is most hurtful to the church, and destructive to souls where offenses abound, and men walk not tenderly in reference to these; so that the Lord expresses it with a twofold woe (Matt. 18 [Matthew 18]), as being a woe beyond sword and pestilence.
6. We may gather that corrupt doctrine never [lacks] offenses joined with it, and that ordinarily those who spread that, are untender in this.
7. That offenses often accompany the rise and beginning of any work of Christ's among a people; these tares of offenses are ordinarily then sown.
8. That some offenses are of a public nature, and that church officers should take notice of such, and that it is offensive to Christ when they are overlooked and not taken heed unto.
9. Church officers, even such as other ways are approved in their carriage and ministry, may fall in this fault, as by comparing the Epistles to Pergamos and Thyatira, is clear.
10. When officers fall in this fault, it is yet no reprovable thing in members that are pure in respect of their own personal carriage, to continue in communion with such a church, the ordinances other ways being pure." -- Author's Introduction
Ellul, Jacques (1912-1994), Anarchy and Christianity, 1991, ISBN: 0802804950 9780802804952.
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Of Uniformity in Religion, Worship of God, and Church Government. This is chapter 15, "A Treatise of Miscellany Questions," pp. 82-85 in GEORGE GILLESPIE'S WORKS, VOLUME 2. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Uniformity.htm
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
*Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), The National Covenant (1638) and Solemn League and Covenant (1643). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"The National Covenant, a Scottish Presbyterian document, primarily composed by Alexander Henderson and Archibald Johnstone of Wariston. It was composed in opposition to the 'policies of Charles I. Written in the context of the riots resulting from the imposition of 'Laud's Liturgy' in 1637 and the King's refusal to receive the petitions of supplicants for redress, the National Covenant was an appeal . . . to defend the true Reformed religion, and to decline the recent innovations in worship decreed by the King.' (Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 620)
"Furthermore, it was 'an assertion by the Kirk of freedom from royal or state control, a personal oath of allegiance to Jesus Christ, the only Head of the Church, the King of kings, and a dedication of life to him. It stemmed directly from God's covenant of grace, was in the succession of those earlier bonds the Scots had made with God for his people's defence and deliverance, and represented a call in the Pauline sense to 'conduct themselves a citizens.' (Idem.) This covenant (and the Solemn League and Covenant described below), are still binding on all true Presbyterians and the hearty and steadfast renewal of these faithful documents would constitute a mighty means toward modern reformation, seeing that much of the contemporary church and all modern states have set themselves against the Lord, and against his anointed (Psalm 2:2); excepting, maybe, the African state of Zambia, which seems to be presently reforming, but not yet covenanted to the Lord. The Solemn League and Covenant was first of all a religious covenant and secondly a civil league. 'After noting that they had one king and one Reformed religion and expressing their concern about the estate of both the Church and kingdom of England and Scotland, the signatories swear to preserve 'the Reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland' and the Reformation of religion in England and to bring the churches to the 'nearest Conjunction and Uniformity in Religion', confession, government, and worship. They also bound themselves to extirpate popery and prelacy as well as superstition, heresy and whatever is contrary to sound doctrine . . . to bring to trial all who hinder such reformation of religion or divide the king from his people and to continue such 'to all Posterity' and not suffer themselves to be withdrawn from 'this blessed Union and Conjunction.' (Ibid., pp. 786-789). This covenant gave teeth to the work of the Westminster Assembly and united three nations under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It was publicly taken by the Westminster Divines and the English parliament on September 25th. 'On the 9th of October the king issued a proclamation from Oxford, denouncing this document as 'in truth nothing else but a traitorous and seditious combination against us and the established religion of this kingdom;' straitly charging and commanding all his loving subjects, upon their allegiance, 'that they presume not to take the said seditious and traitorous Covenant.' And at last an order was issued by the Parliament, in February 1644, commanding the Covenant to be taken throughout the kingdom of England by all persons above the age of 18 years; which order was accompanied by an exhortation prepared by the Assembly of Divines. In Scotland, as soon as information was received of what had taken place in London, the Committee of Estates ordered the Covenant to be subscribed by all ranks and conditions of people, on penalty of the confiscation of property, or such other punishment as his Majesty and the parliament might resolve to inflict.' (Hetherington The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, pp. 127-128). Furthermore, Hetherington goes on to call this bond 'the wisest, the sublimest, and the most sacred document ever framed by uninspired men.' (p. 134). If you want to understand Presbyterianism these two covenant documents offer as much light as any others we know of. They are inextricably linked to the Westminster Standards, historical testimony and the covenanted reformation. Some still believe that they will once again be renewed on an international basis near the beginning of the millennium, in preparation for the days when the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:9). With this sentiment we wholeheartedly concur!" -- Publisher
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), The National, 1638 and Solemn League and Covenant, 1643
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CRTSol.htm
Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), National Covenant
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/4/1/the-national-covenant
Henry, Carl F.H., W. Stanley Mooneyham, One Race, One Gospel, One Task; Official Reference Volumes: Papers and Reports, 2 volumes.
*Hetherington, William H. (1803-1865), The Independent Controversy, the Westminster Assembly and Cromwell. Alternate titles: HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES, and INDEPENDENT CONTROVERSY, THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY, AND CROMWELL. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"Though Cromwell has been lauded by many in our day, faithful lovers of truth in his day rejected him and the attendant errors of his Independent abettors. Concerning Cromwell and company, the ACT, DECLARATION AND TESTIMONY . . . by the Reformed Presbytery (1876 ed.), witnesses to the truth that Presbyterians, 'both refused subjection unto, and testified against the usurpation of Oliver Cromwell and his accomplices (the Independents -- RB), his invading the land,' and 'his anti-Christian toleration of all sectarian errors and heresies,' which were at that time 'threatening the ruin and destruction of the true religion, as well as liberty.' Cromwell's so-called 'tolerance' extended to the execution of one Presbyterian minister and the persecution of others. He played an instrumental part in scuttling the Christ honoring covenanted uniformity of the Reformed religion that was being fought for in the period covered by this book. The debates, especially between the Independents and the Presbyterians, in this eventful period, are still with us today and have changed very little, if at all. This is a good place to examine the historical context and the theological argumentation that is foundational to these two antagonistic systems." -- Publisher
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), The Covenanter's Narrative and Plea: Exhibiting the Error, Schism, Radicalism, and Slander of Dr. Paul and Other Separatists From the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Alternate title: NARRATIVE OF COVENANTING.
*Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), Unity and Uniformity in the Church, 1881. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"This item lays out the case for unity among churches, proving its assertions from: (1) throughout Scripture; (2) from our Lord's declaring His will both in precept and prayer; (3) from apostolic practise; and (4) from the Covenanted Reformation's 'Solemn League and Covenant' which lead to the production of the Westminster Standards. Houston notes that in the Apostolic church 'the government of the church was one and common wherever churches were planted. It was Presbyterian, and neither Prelatic, a system of monarchial despotism, nor Congregational, a system of popular democracy.' This biblical and Presbyterian uniformity was considered the apostolic, visible and doctrinal manifestation of the scriptural injunction to 'one Lord, one faith (and) one baptism.' Houston also points out that 'the only true and safe way of union is based on the platform of Scriptural uniformity; while that which is framed on allowing diversity in doctrine, and differences in government and worship, is a mere human contrivance, and its effect is to sanction and perpetuate divisions (which is to sanction schism under the false pretence of unity -- RB), and to mar the prospect of an ultimate happy union in the church of Christ.' Biblical union and uniformity is shown to be based on 'agreement in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government.' Moreover, the author contends that, 'this is to be constantly sought after by men united in mind and heart, pledged to God and to one another; it is to be externally manifested, and to be diligently labored for, that it may be generally and universally prevalent. It is never to be viewed as impracticable. This was the main design of the convocation of the Westminster Assembly.' The eschatological aspect of visible unity is also noticed, shedding valuable light on such postmillennial strongholds as, The watchmen on the walls of Zion shall see eye to eye, they shall lift up the voice together, and together shall they sing (Isaiah 52:8), and The Lord shall be King over all the earth; in that day there shall be one Lord, and His name one. (Zechariah 14:9). This book is full of faithful encouragement and is one of the best introductions to this topic we have seen." -- Publisher
Lim, Paul Chang-Ha, In Pursuit of Purity, Unity, and Liberty: Richard Baxter's Puritan Ecclesiology in its Seventeenth-century Context, ISBN: 1429408065 9781429408066 9789004138124 9004138129.
"Richard Baxter's ecclesiology will be the focus of this study. Baxter (1615-1691) lived through the British Civil Wars, the Regicide, the Interregnum, the restoration of monarchy and episcopacy in 1660, subsequent ejection of numerous Puritan pastors, and the Glorious Revolution of 1689. His ecclesiology was formed within these multifarious contexts. Among others, three significant facets of purity, unity, and liberty are examined in detail. This book re-examines the central role of catechizing and congregational discipline in Baxter's understanding of the true church, his insistence that the purity and unity of the church are to be pursued concurrently, the self-perceived identity of English Puritans, and the question of the true church in the latter-half of the seventeenth century." -- Publisher
*Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), The Basis of Christian Unity: An Exposition of John 17 and Ephesians 4.
MacPherson, John, Unity of the Church: The Sin of Schism in DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH IN SCOTTISH THEOLOGY: THE SIXTH SERIES OF THE CHALMERS LECTURES, ISBN: 1331600987 9781331600985.
McAuley, John (1807-1883), The Duty of the Church to be one, to be Undivided, Unseparated
http://www.covenanter.org/JMcauley/dutyofchurchtobeone.htm
McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), Thoughts on the Union of the Church, 1846.
M'Crie, Thomas (the younger, 1797-1875), Two Discourses on the Unity of the Church: Her Divisions, and Their Removal; To Which is Subjoined a Short View of the Plan of Religious Reformation Originally Adopted in the Secession. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
The Unity of the Church
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Unity_00.htm
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].
*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/
Newell, John, and Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, Synod, Scriptural Unity: A Sermon Preached at the Opening of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod in Belfast, June 29th, 1863.
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Church Purity and Unity, ISBN: 9780851511306 0851511309. A Christian classic.
"Discourses on liturgies, their imposition, evangelical love, Church peace and unity, and argument for congregationalism, with an answer to critics, a defense of the Puritans against charge of schism, a brief (84 pages!), introduction to the worship of God via a short catechism."
*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
Price, Greg L., Only True Unity, 1997, audio file. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Price, Greg L., Worldwide Calvinistic Unity and Loving one Another (1 John Series 18 of 27), MP3. 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)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonsspeaker&sermonID=5270121261
*Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), An Explanation and Defence of the Terms of Communion, Adopted by the Community of Dissenters, etc. Alternate title: AN EXPLANATION AND DEFENCE OF THE TERMS OF COMMUNION, ADOPTED BY THE COMMUNITY OF DISSENTERS: TOGETHER WITH AN INTRODUCTION, CONTAINING SOME REMARKS ON THE PROPRIETY OF TERMS OF COMMUNION, IN GENERAL, THE WHOLE INTENDED TO OBVIATE SOME MODERN OBJECTIONS AND TO SATISFY THE MINDS OF THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO BE INFORMED ON THE SUBJECT. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2 and #19.
"Defends the inescapable necessity of creeds and confessions, while promoting a fully creedal church membership. Shows how the law of God obliges all Christians to think the same things, and to speak the same things; holding fast the form of sound words, and keeping the ordinances as they have been delivered to us. (Col. 3:13 [Colossians 3:13]). After laying some basic groundwork, this book proceeds to defend the six points of the 'Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion Agreed Upon by the Reformed Presbytery.' These six points are the most conservative and comprehensive short statements of consistent Presbyterianism you will likely ever see. Besides the obvious acknowledgement of the alone infallible Scriptures, the Westminster Standards, and the divine right of Presbyterianism, these points also maintain the perpetual obligation of our Covenants, National and Solemn League, the Renovation of these covenants at Auchensaugh in 1712, and the Judicial Act, Declaration and Testimony emitted by the Reformed Presbytery. In short, this book sets forth adherence to the whole of the covenanted reformation, in both church and state, as it has been attained by our covenanting forefathers." -- Publisher
An Explanation and Defense of the Terms of Communion, Adopted by the Community of Dissenters, etc.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/24/an-explanation-and-defense-of-the-terms-of-communion
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), False Unity and Biblical Separation From the Act, Declaration, and Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation. Cited in the Act, Declaration, and Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation . . . by the Reformed Presbytery, 1876 edition. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/FalseUnity.htm
Smeaton, George, The Scottish Theory of Ecclesiastical Establishments and how far the Theory is Realised: An Address to the Glasgow Conservative Association, April 13, 1875. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
Spear, Wayne R., Covenanted Uniformity in Religion: The Influence of the Scots Commissioners on the Ecclesiology of the Westminster Assembly, 1976.
Tesdale, Christopher (b. 1591 or 2), Hiervsalem: or A Vision of Peace, Isa. 28:18 [Isaiah 28:18]; Judg. 5:8 [Judges 5:8]: In a Sermon Preached at Margarets in Westminster, Before the Honourable House of Commons at their monethly fast, Aug. 28. 1644. By Christopher Tesdale, Pastor at Husborn Tarrant, in the county of Southampton, and a member of the Assembly of Divines. Alternate title: JERUSALEM: A VISION OF PEACE. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Wilder-Smith, A.E., The Basis of True Fellowship, an audio file.
*Willson (alt. Wilson), James McLeod (1809-1866), Some Reasons for Retaining the Westminster Confession as the Basis of Ecclesiastical Union. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"Explains why the use of the Westminster Confession is one of the best ways in which to obtain godly ecclesiastical union. This booklet pays special attention to the biblical teaching regarding civil government and shows why changes to the original WCF (regarding this matter), has resulted, not surprisingly, in much ecclesiastical disunity. It also contains some interesting notes on the millennial power and glory that will be exhibited in both church and state 'in the day of the Lord's power.' Excerpted from The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness Magazine, (volumes 1:1-4).
Wood, James (1608-1664), A Declaration of the Brethren who are for the Established Government and Judicatories of This Church, Expressing Their Earnest Desires of Union and Peace With Their Dissenting Brethren, 1658.
Wood, James (1608-1664), A Little Stone, Pretended to be out of the Mountain, Tried, and Found to be a Counterfeit, [refutation of an Independent] or, An Examination and Refutation of Mr. Lockyers lecture, preached at Edinburgh, anno 1651, concerning the mater of the visible church: and afterwards printed with an appendix for popular government of single congregations: together with an examination, in two appendices, of what is said on these same purposes in a letter of some in Aberdene, who lately have departed from the communion and government of this church, 1654.
Separation From Corrupt Churches
"Extracts From James Wood, A LITTLE STONE PRETENDED TO BE OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN, TRIED AND FOUND TO BE A COUNTERFEIT."
http://www.naphtali.com/wood.htm
Wordsworth, John, The One Religion: Truth, Holiness and Peace Desired by the Nations and Revealed by Jesus Christ: Eight Lectures Delivered Before the University of Oxford in the Year 1881, on the Foundation of John Bampton, 1887.
*Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), The Uniqueness of Christ in World Religions (part 1 of 2)
This is a very sensitive presentation of major differences between Islam and Christianity.
The address also applies to a wide array of other issues such as "duality" (the Western position), logic, the law of non-contradiction, "either/or," absolutism verses relativism, etc. -- and "non-duality" (the Eastern position), "both/and," the Hegelian dialectic (the synthesis of opposites into a "higher truth"), situational ethics, values clarification, political compromise, democracy, "have your cake and eat it too," and so forth, and so on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJHUOmOpd4U
The Uniqueness of Christ in World Religions (part 2 of 2)
"The reality of human nature is best portrayed in the teaching of Christ."
Christianity alone explains the questions of unity in diversity, the one and the many, The Trinity, and spiritual oneness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYCdlk67lWY
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, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, The lord's supper, communion, and close communion, Hope, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Glory in iniquity, the temptation of vainglory, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, The one and the many, The Holy Bible, Inspiration, revelation and infallibility, Sola scriptura, Reform of the church, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Bible magistracy, Absolute truth and relativism, Textual criticism, Logic based on god's truth, Canonicity, Church and state, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, The Westminster Standards and Family of Documents, The national covenant, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Introduction to the covenanted reformation, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, National establishment of religion: establishmentarianism, Church government, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Unfaithful reformed ministries, The heart and the mind, the mind/body relationship, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 3724-3735
Worldwide Calvinistic Unity and Loving one Another (1 John Series 18/27)
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)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonsspeaker&sermonID=5270121261
As far as I am able to judge by the information in all history of that kind, the Christian world, since the day of the Apostles, had never a synod of more excellent divines (take one thing with another), than this Synod [The Westminster Assembly], and the Synod of Dort [Dordt] were. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)See the Theological Notes: "The Word of God: Scripture as Revelation" at Exodus 32:16, in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "True Knowledge of God," at Jeremiah 9:24 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Many scholars consider alterations to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), originally compiled by the Westminster Assembly of Divines, to be a "reverse plagiarism," an alteration of the original document by someone beside the author, and then passed off to the public, under the original title, as the work of the original authors. Plagiarize: to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another), as one's own use (a created production), without crediting the source; to commit literary theft: present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source. (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary)
Revisers have altered the content of the original WCF (1646), have removed key doctrine related to Christ's Crown and Covenant, and yet have retained the name given by the Westminster Assembly. Consequently, revisers have deceived many in the Church into believing that their alterations are the work of the Westminster Assembly of Divines in 1646.
Most Presbyterian and Reformed denominations and seminaries today prescribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1879), the "American Version." Ideas have consequences. Because theology is truth, when men delete or alter key doctrines, or replace sound doctrine, deducted from God's infallible Word by logic, with human imaginations, then the course of history is changed.
For a detailed analysis of the devastating consequences to American history caused by non-Biblical alterations in the Westminster Confession of Faith and non-Biblical alterations to constitutional government in the United States see the following:
Lawson, George (1749-1820), Considerations on the Overture, Lying Before the Associate Synod: Respecting Some Alterations in the Formula Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters of Religion; and The Obligation of our Covenants, National and Solemn League on Posterity.
The Topical Listing "A Theological Interpretation of American History"
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#stiahis
In Great Britain the Independents and Calvinistic Baptists edited the Westminster Confession (1646) for their own use, but they gave the new confessions a different name, the Savoy Declaration and the Baptist Confession. Certainly this was the honest procedure.
"In 1788 the U.S. Constitution and the revised Westminster Confession were ratified. For a detailed discussion see:
From Old School to New School in CROSSED FINGERS: HOW THE LIBERALS CAPTURED THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, by Gary North
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gncf/Chapter03.htm
See also the following:
American Revisions to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1789)
http://www.opc.org/documents/WCF_orig.html
Appendix A: Major Changes of the Savoy Declaration
http://www.bible-researcher.com/wescoappa.html
Appendix B: Major Changes of the PCUSA (1788-1958)
http://www.bible-researcher.com/wescoappb.html
Appendix C: Major Changes of the UPCUSA and PCUS (1958-1983)
http://www.bible-researcher.com/wescoappc.htmlIn 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 in "Ministers Sailing Under False Colours," Sword and Trowel, February, 1870, quoted by John W. Robbins, February 10, 2006
*Beeke, Joel R. (editor), and Sinclair B. Ferguson (editor), Reformed Confessions Harmonized, ISBN: 080105222X.
"A helpful tool for ministers, scholars, church leaders, and all who love the Reformed faith." -- R.C. Sproul
"Despite the acknowledged importance of confessional statements throughout church history, the most significant of these documents have never before been published in a single volume. Now Drs. Beeke and Ferguson have harmonized seven important Reformed confessions into a convenient parallel arrangement.
"Joel R. Beeke is pastor of Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. Sinclair B. Ferguson, former professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, is now the minister of St. Georges-Tron parish in Glasgow, Scotland, and the author of numerous books on Reformed theology." -- Publisher
*Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), Westminster's View of the "Everlasting" Solemn League and Covenant. Available in THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY, IN BRITAIN, 1797. Available (THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION), 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
"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'." -- Publisher
*Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The First Sermon Preached to the Honorable House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament at Their Public Fast, Nov. 17, 1640. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"A beautifully clear facsimile copy of this amazing sermon (published by order of the British House of Commons in 1641), exhorting this Parliament to 'stand to the covenant' of God; by, 'endeavouring of a further Sanction of, and stronger Guard about our true Palladium, the true Religion, already established among us; in the perfecting of the Reformation of it; in the erecting, maintaining, protecting, and encouraging of an able, godly, faithful, zealous, profitable, Preaching Ministry, in every Parish Church and Chapel throughout England and Wales; in interceding to the Kings sacred Majesty for the setting up of a Faithful, Judicious, and Zealous Magistracy, where yet the same is wanting, to be ever at hand to back such a Ministry: without either of which, not only the power of Godliness will sooner degenerate into formality, and zeal into lukewarmness; but Popery, Arminianism, Socinianism, Profaneness, Apostasy, and Atheism itself will more and more crowd in upon us, and prevail against us, do You all You can be all other means.' Points out that where a godly ministry and magistracy are lacking, society degenerates into a godless mob, headed by one of the above named heresies -- as we have seen in our day. Presses national covenant renewal, from Jer. 50:5 [Jeremiah 50:5], and explains from scripture how and why this should take place. Cites many biblical examples of the great Scriptural blessing that has followed previous national covenanting; while making practical application to the situation of the day. This sermon foreshadows chapter 23, of the celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], on 'the Civil Magistrate,' and gives much insight into this watershed period of Christian political development. It is highly recommended for anyone even remotely interested in seeing their nation prosper politically and ecclesiastically. Furthermore, it will be a great help for anyone seeking to formulate a biblical doctrine explaining the four way relationship between: loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; Jesus Christ as mediator; the everlasting covenant (and covenanting); and the state, as set forth in Scripture. A very rare item. A Covenanter's delight! 70 pages." -- Publisher
Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), Samuel William Carruthers, Presbyterian Church of Australia in the State of New South Wales. Westminster Society. The Westminster Confession of Faith: From the Original Manuscript Written by Cornelius Burges in 1647.
"Notes: First printed 1946. "Supplement: The amendments to the Confession made by the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church of Australia and The declaratory statement of 1901."
Carruthers, S.W., The Everyday Work of the Westminster Assembly.
Carruthers, S.W., Westminster Confession of Faith [1646]: An Account of the Preparation and Printing of the WCF's Seven Leading Editions, to which is appended a critical text of the Confession, with notes thereon. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Carson, John L. (editor), David W. Hall (editor), To Glorify and Enjoy God: A Commemoration of the 350th Anniversary of the Westminster Assembly, ISBN: 0851516688 9780851516684.
"Contents: Westminster Assembly commemorations / David W. Hall -- The context and work of the assembly / Samuel T. Logan, Jr. -- The men and parties of the assembly / William S. Barker -- The preaching of the assembly / Robert M. Norris -- The Westminster Confession of Faith and Holy Scripture / Wayne R. Spear -- The Westminster Shorter Catechism / Douglas F. Kelly -- The Westminster Larger Catechism / W. Robert Godfrey -- The form of church government / John R. de Witt -- The directory for public worship / Iain H. Murray -- The sovereignty of God / James M. Boice -- The pre-eminence of Christ / Joel Nederhood -- The application of redemption / Eric J. Alexander -- The influence of Westminster / Jay E. Adams -- The unfinished Westminster Catechism / Wayne R. Spear -- Parliamentary background of the assembly / David W. Hall -- A bibliographical guide / David W. Hall."
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), Church and State, the Biblical View: A Compilation of Articles From Some of the Best Christian Minds in History. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"A compilation of articles from some of the best Christian minds in history, including Cunningham, Smeaton, M'Crie, Symington, Gillespie, the Westminster Divines, Bannerman, Owen and Shaw. This book shows that, generally speaking, the leaders of the Reformed faith have all come to substantial agreement regarding what the Scriptures teach about Christ's Kingship over the nations and the Church. Establishmentarianism is clearly seen to be the historically Reformed consensus, and this has a huge impact on the way one views both the Church and the state, in relation to Scripture." -- Publisher
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), The Westminster Confession on the Relationship Between Church and State. Alternate title: REMARKS ON THE TWENTY-THIRD CHAPTER OF THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, AS BEARING ON EXISTING CONTROVERSIES. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Chapter eight excerpted from DISCUSSIONS ON CHURCH PRINCIPLES. Answers the false claims that the Westminster Divines contradicted themselves on this issue and/or that they were Erastians. Proves that changes made to the original Westminster Confession, concerning church and state issues, were in error -- clearly demonstrating why this is so." -- Publisher
The Westminster Confession on the Relation Between Church and State, William Cunningham
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-westminster-confession-on-the-relation-between-church-and-state.php
De Witt, John R., Jus Divinum: The Westminster Assembly and the Divine Right of Church Government.
English Parliament, A.H. Scoto-Britan, A Declaration of the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament Concerning the Papers of the Scotts Commissioners, 1647. Alternate title: A BITTE TO STAY THE STOMACKS OF GOOD SUBIECTS, OR, A SUDDAINE AND SHORT VINDICATION OF THE SCOTTS COMMISSIONERS PAPERS INTITULED, THE ANSWER OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE KINGDOME OF SCOTLAND, &C. FROM THE IMPUTATIONS LAID UPON THEM, IN THE DECLARATION OF THE LORDS AND COMMONS ASSEMBLED IN PARLIAMENT, CONCERNING THE PAPERS OF THE SCOTS COMMISSIONERS, &C.
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Notes of Debates and Proceedings of the Assembly of Divines and Other Commissioners at Westminster, February 1664 to 1645, 1846.
Hall, David W., and Duncan III, J. Ligon, The Westminster Assembly: A Guide to Basic Bibliography (Oak Ridge, TN [The Covenant Foundation, 190 Manhattan Avenue, Oak Ridge 37830]: The Covenant Foundation), ISBN: 1884416012.
*Hetherington, William (1803-1865), The History of the Westminster Assembly, ISBN: 0921148321 9780921148326. Available (PDF and MP3), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #10, #30.
" 'Every person who has directed his attention to the events of the seventeenth century, whether with regard to their civil or their religious aspect, has felt that it was impossible fully to understand either the one or the other line of study, without taking into view the character of the Westminster Assembly, the purpose for which it met, and the result of its deliberations . . . The man who penetrates a little deeper into the nature of those unrevealed but powerful influences which move a nation's mind, and mould its destinies, will be ready to direct his attention more profoundly to the objects and deliberations of an assembly which met at a moment so critical, and was composed of the great master-minds of the age; and the theologian who has learned to view religion as the vital principle of human nature, equally in nations and in the individual man, will not easily admit that weak idea, that such an assembly could have been an isolated event, but will be disposed earnestly to inquire what led to its meeting, and what important consequences followed. And although the subject has not hitherto been investigated with such a view, it may, we trust, be possible to prove, that it was the most important event in the century in which it occurred; and that it has exerted, and in all probability will yet exert, a far more wide and permanent influence upon both the civil and the religious history of mankind than has generally been ever imagined,' writes William Hetherington in this book THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY (pp. 16-17, emphasis added). This book is probably the best popular historical account ever published regarding this unsurpassed Assembly. The history leading up to the Assembly is especially important and not only set the context for what became the major debates among the ministers present, but even dictated who was selected to this august body of scholars. These debates and their resolutions have defined and directed Christian thought and culture ever since their original ratification. Hetherington covers the period from 1531 to 1662. Many consider this era a historical high water mark for doctrinal and practical precision. Also included is a chapter on the theological productions of the Westminster Assembly and six valuable appendices (one containing six biographical notices of the Scottish Commissioners -- including Rutherford, Gillespie, Henderson and Baillie)." -- Publisher
History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1653), by William Maxwell Hetherington, D.D., LL.D.
http://www.reformed.org/books/hetherington/west_assembly/index.html
*Hetherington, William H. (1803-1865), The Independent Controversy, the Westminster Assembly and Cromwell. Alternate titles: HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES, and INDEPENDENT CONTROVERSY, THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY, AND CROMWELL. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"Though Cromwell has been lauded by many in our day, faithful lovers of truth in his day rejected him and the attendant errors of his Independent abettors. Concerning Cromwell and company, the ACT, DECLARATION AND TESTIMONY . . . by the Reformed Presbytery (1876 ed.), witnesses to the truth that Presbyterians, 'both refused subjection unto, and testified against the usurpation of Oliver Cromwell and his accomplices (the Independents -- RB), his invading the land,' and 'his anti-Christian toleration of all sectarian errors and heresies,' which were at that time 'threatening the ruin and destruction of the true religion, as well as liberty.' Cromwell's so-called 'tolerance' extended to the execution of one Presbyterian minister and the persecution of others. He played an instrumental part in scuttling the Christ honoring covenanted uniformity of the Reformed religion that was being fought for in the period covered by this book. The debates, especially between the Independents and the Presbyterians, in this eventful period, are still with us today and have changed very little, if at all. This is a good place to examine the historical context and the theological argumentation that is foundational to these two antagonistic systems." -- Publisher
*Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), Unity and Uniformity in the Church, 1881. Reproduced in this form from The Original Covenanter 2:23. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"This item lays out the case for unity among churches, proving its assertions from: (1) throughout Scripture; (2) from our Lord's declaring His will both in precept and prayer; (3) from apostolic practise; and (4) from the Covenanted Reformation's 'Solemn League and Covenant' which lead to the production of the Westminster Standards. Houston notes that in the Apostolic church 'the government of the church was one and common wherever churches were planted. It was Presbyterian, and neither Prelatic, a system of monarchial despotism, nor Congregational, a system of popular democracy.' This biblical and Presbyterian uniformity was considered the apostolic, visible and doctrinal manifestation of the scriptural injunction to 'one Lord, one faith (and) one baptism.' Houston also points out that 'the only true and safe way of union is based on the platform of Scriptural uniformity; while that which is framed on allowing diversity in doctrine, and differences in government and worship, is a mere human contrivance, and its effect is to sanction and perpetuate divisions (which is to sanction schism under the false pretence of unity -- RB), and to mar the prospect of an ultimate happy union in the church of Christ.' Biblical union and uniformity is shown to be based on 'agreement in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government.' Moreover, the author contends that, 'this is to be constantly sought after by men united in mind and heart, pledged to God and to one another; it is to be externally manifested, and to be diligently labored for, that it may be generally and universally prevalent. It is never to be viewed as impracticable. This was the main design of the convocation of the Westminster Assembly.' The eschatological aspect of visible unity is also noticed, shedding valuable light on such postmillennial strongholds as, The watchmen on the walls of Zion shall see eye to eye, they shall lift up the voice together, and together shall they sing (Isaiah 52:8), and The Lord shall be King over all the earth; in that day there shall be one Lord, and His name one. (Zechariah 14:9). This book is full of faithful encouragement and is one of the best introductions to this topic we have seen." -- Publisher
Keyes, Kenneth Scofield, C. Gregg Singer, George Aiken Taylor, E.C. Scott, and B. Hoyt Evans, A Manual for new Members [Presbyterian Church in America -- compiler], 33 pages. "Reprinted from The Presbyterian Journal."
Contents: I. The story of Presbyterianism / C. Gregg Singer -- II. What Presbyterians believe / G. Aiken Taylor -- III. Presbyterian government / E.C. Scott -- IV. Joining the Presbyterian Church / B. Hoyt Evans -- Appendix. The creed of Presbyterians -- The Westminster Assembly, 1643-1648 -- A brief history of the developments in the Presbyterian Church in the United States (Southern) which led to the formation of the Presbyterian Church in America / by Kenneth S. Keys [sic] -- PCA vision 2000 presented to the 1987 General Assembly.
*Lawson, George (1749-1820), Considerations on the Overture, Lying Before the Associate Synod: Respecting Some Alterations in the Formula Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters of Religion; and The Obligation of our Covenants, National and Solemn League on Posterity.
Lee, Francis Nigel, The Westminster Confession and Modern Society: or, How may we Confess Christ in a Twentieth-century Expression of the Westminster Confession of Faith to a Changing Hostile Society?
"How may we confess Christ, to a changing and hostile society, in the twentieth century? Dr. Lee leads us to the teaching of the WCF [1646], showing how it addresses every area of life with its comprehensive and Biblically faithful testimony to the Truth!" -- Publisher
Leith, John H., Assembly at Westminster: Reformed Theology in the Making, 1973, ISBN: 0804208859 9780804208857.
McKnight, William John (1865-1951), A Study in Standards: Meant to be a Companion-piece to The Young people's Manual.
McKnight, William John (1865-1951), and Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America, The Young People's Manual Setting Forth in Plain Terms What we of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America Believe and why we Believe it, 1929.
The Young People's Manual
http://books.google.com/books?id=Cm1gHAAACAAJ&dq=The+Young+People's+Manual&hl=en&sa=X&ei=JRa5ULajAcW7iwKwyoDoCA&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAg
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), The Westminster Confession Explained not Altered: The Substance of a Speech Before the Convention of Reformed Churches, on the Proposition to Adopt the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] With an Act Explanatory of its Statements Concerning the Magistrate's Relations to the Church. Allegheny, May 15, 1844. Available in The English Presbyterian Messenger, No. 171, March 1862
https://archive.org/details/englishpresbyter1417unse
*Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899), Minutes of the Sessions of the Westminster Assembly of Divines While Engaged in Preparing Their Directory for Church Government, Confession of Faith, and Catechisms (November 1644 to March 1649), 1874, ISBN: 0921148291 9780921148296, 643 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Warfield states, 'The fundamental authority for the study of the work of the Assembly for the period covered by it is, of course, the volume of its Minutes edited by Drs. A.F. Mitchell and John Struthers.' This work was also called the best book concerning the Assembly by Gregg Singer. It was compiled from transcripts originally procured by a committee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. An invaluable aid for all those who love creedal Christianity, as it is revealed in the Holy Scriptures. A very rare resource that should contribute much to the ongoing Reformation. Indexed." -- Publisher
Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899), and J.P. Struthers,Minutes of the Sessions of the Westminster Assembly of Divines While Engaged in Preparing Their Directory for Church Government, Confession of Faith, and Catechism (November 1644 to March 1649), From Transcripts of the Originals Procured by a Committee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, ISBN: 0837089573 9780837089577. (Appears to be an additional edition.)
Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899, editor), with J. Christie, Church of Scotland, General Assembly, Commission, The Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland holden in Edinburgh in the years 1646-52, 3 volumes.
Contents: Vol. 1. 1646-47; v. 2, 1648-49; v. 3, 1650-52.
*Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899), The Westminster Assembly: Its History and Standards, ISBN: 0837087732 9780837087733. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"William Hetherington has written: 'Every person who has directed his attention to the events of the seventeenth century, whether with regard to their civil or their religious aspect, has felt that it was impossible fully to understand either the one or the other line of study, without taking into view the character of the Westminster Assembly, the purpose for which it met, and the result of its deliberations . . . The man who penetrates a little deeper into the nature of those unrevealed but powerful influences which move a nation's mind, and mould its destinies, will be ready to direct his attention more profoundly to the objects and deliberations of an assembly which met at a moment so critical, and was composed of the great master-minds of the age; and the theologian who has learned to view religion as the vital principle of human nature, equally in nations and in the individual man, will not easily admit that weak idea, that such an assembly could have been an isolated event, but will be disposed earnestly to inquire what led to its meeting, and what important consequences followed. And although the subject has not hitherto been investigated with such a view, it may, we trust, be possible to prove, that it was the most important event in the century in which it occurred; and that it has exerted, and in all probability will yet exert, a far more wide and permanent influence upon both the civil and the religious history of mankind than has generally been ever imagined.' (Hetherington, History of the Westminster Assembly, pp. 16-17). Beattie, (Memorial Volume, p. xxxv, 1879), called this book, 'perhaps the best single popular book on the Assembly yet published.' Read this rare item and find out why. Limited stock remaining. When our hardcover stock is depleted we will substitute a 'bound photocopy' edition in its place, at the same low price, unless you instruct us otherwise.
"In the first three lectures, the author has given a succinct account of English Puritanism from its origin to the meeting of the Westminster Assembly, and in the tenth lecture, he has given a similar account of the history of doctrine in the British Churches during the same period. The seven intervening lectures were prepared in accord with the author's desire to complete his researches on the Westminster Assembly. Throughout this work, Mitchell has endeavored to give prominence to aspects of this magnificent period in Puritan history which have hitherto been generally overlooked and to treat more briefly of those which have been previously dwelt on -- making this the ideal companion volume to Hetherington's THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES and Gillespie's notes taken at this assembly (found in his WORKS). Moreover, Mitchell writes in an irenic manner, making this a perfect introductory volume to Puritanism and the work of the Assembly. Mitchell notes the importance of the Westminster Assembly in the following manner, 'Richard Baxter, who was perhaps as competent as any of their contemporaries to give an impartial verdict, does not hesitate to affirm that 'the divines there congregated were men of eminent learning and godliness, ministerial ability and fidelity; and being not worthy,' he modestly adds, 'to be one of them myself, I may the more freely speak that truth which I know, even in the face of malice and envy, that so far as I am able to judge by the information of all history . . . the Christian world since the days of the apostles had never a Synod of more excellent divines.' (p. 118). Thus, it has been noted by many, that next to the Scripture itself, there is probably more to be gained from the study of this segment of history (and the works of the men God called to produce the Puritan intellect and the Westminster family of documents), than any other single period of history -- right up to the present era. Mitchell's account of this age of brilliance is a veritable information cornucopia in which all lovers of Puritanism, the Westminster Assembly, and especially the truth of Christ (which these our forefathers in the faith so boldly proclaimed), can readily take delight! 'The Westminster Assembly, if it does not form a landmark in the history of our common Protestantism, must at least be admitted to constitute an epoch, and a notable one, in the history of Puritanism,' notes Mitchell." -- Publisher
Morris, Edward D., Theology of the Westminster Symbols: A Commentary Historical, Doctrinal, Practical, on the Confession of Faith and Catechism and the Related Formularies of the Presbyterian Churches. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Published in 1900, this massive 857 page commentary has a later American flavor to it. The author 'has desired not merely to set forth the Presbyterian theology of the seventeenth century as embodied in these Symbols, but as well to indicate though only in outline the interesting evolution of that theology from the historic germ, to describe its normal growth through the succeeding ages, and to exhibit as far as practicable its remarkable effect and fruitage as seen in the belief and teachings of living Presbyterianism.' NATURE AND USE OF CREEDS (1900). The first chapter of THEOLOGY OF THE WESTMINSTER SYMBOLS above. A good defense of the necessity of creeds, the importance of doctrine, the formulation of creeds, historic development, theories of subscription, etc." -- Publisher
Norris, R.M., The Thirty-nine Articles of the Westminster Assembly, (Ph.D. thesis, St. Andrews University), 1977.
Nye, Philip (1596-1672), The Excellency and Lawfulnesse of the Solemne League and Covenant. Set forth in a speech, or exhortation made by Mr. Phillip Nye to the Honorable House of Commons and reverend assembly of ministers at their taking the said Solemne League and Covenant, 1643.
Orr, Robert Low, Alexander Henderson: Churchman and Statesman, 1919.
Paul, Robert S., The Assembly of the Lord: Politics and Religion in the Westminster Assembly and the Grand Debate, ISBN: 0567085597 9780567085597.
"Too bad this excellent book is so expensive. It is the kind of book that anybody interested in the background of the Westminster Assembly would enjoy reading. Detailed, scholarly, and thoroughly documented. We think it is well worth the price for the understanding that it imparts." -- GCB
*Pribble, Stephen, and The Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), Scripture Index to the Westminster Standards. Alternate title: THE COMPLETE SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION (1646), LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
Price, Greg L., History of the Assembly at Westminster, a series of 13 audio file. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9. Available (series of 13 audio files), at SermonAudio.com.
"This lecture is probably the best introductory historical account of this unsurpassed Assembly in audio format. It fulfills the same purpose for which Hetherington noted he wrote his classic, THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES (only it is in audio format and much shorter):
In common with all true Presbyterians, I have often regretted the want of a History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines . . . Especially in such a time as the present, when all distinctive Presbyterian principles are not only called in question, but also misrepresented and condemned, such a want has become absolutely unendurable, unless Presbyterians are willing to permit their Church to perish under a load of unanswered, yet easily refuted, calumny. And as the best refutation of calumny is the plain and direct statement of truth, it is by that process that I have endeavored to vindicate the principles and the character of the Presbyterian Church (p. i.)."The Puritan history leading up to the Assembly (which this lecture takes an in-depth look at), is especially important and not only set the context for what became the major debates among the ministers present, but even dictated who was selected to this august body of scholars. Civil wars, national upheavals, emigration to the 'new world' and a host of other epoch making events surrounded this momentous period of history. These debates and their resolutions have defined and directed Christian thought and national cultures ever since their original ratification -- and Hetherington (in THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES), is not shy about noting the significance of this Assembly when he writes,
But the man who penetrates a little deeper into the nature of those unrevealed but powerful influences which move a nation's mind, and mould its destinies, will be ready to direct his attention more profoundly to the objects and deliberations of an assembly which met at a moment so critical, and was composed of the great master-minds of the age; and the theologian who has learned to view religion as the vital principle of human nature, equally in nations and in the individual man, will not easily admit the weak idea, that such an assembly could have been an isolated event, but will be disposed earnestly to inquire what led to its meeting, and what important consequences followed. And although the subject has not hitherto been investigated with such a view, it may, we trust, be possible to prove, that it (the Westminster Assembly -- RB), was the most important event in the century in which it occurred; and that it has exerted, and in all probability will yet exert, a far more wide and permanent influence upon both the civil and the religious history of mankind than has generally been even imagined. (p. 17)"Many consider this era a historical high water mark for doctrinal and practical Puritan precision and this work is indispensable for understanding the work accomplished by the Westminster Assembly, Presbyterian and Independent history, Cromwell, and much more. For example, consider the lofty and Christ honoring goal of the Assembly as summarized by Hetherington (in THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES):
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.' (pp. 337-339)"Further demonstrating his grasp of the most important events of the Second Reformation, Hetherington comments on the Solemn League (the epitome of Second Reformation attainments), 'no man who is able to understand its nature, and to feel and appreciate its spirit and its aim, will deny it to be the wisest, the sublimest, and the most sacred document ever framed by uninspired men.' (p. 134). Price gives special attention in this study to the central place of the Solemn League and Covenant in the thinking and international vision for Biblical Reformation of the Westminster Divines. Anyone interested in the work of the Westminster Assembly -- and the men, teaching and events which were at the heart of the Puritan revolution against the forces of antichrist -- should read listen to this audio track at least once." -- Publisher
*Reid, James, Memoirs of the Westminster Divines, ISBN: 0851513573 9780851513577.
"As far as I am able to judge, the Christian world, since the days of the apostles, had never a synod of more excellent divines than this." -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
"The Assembly was called into being by the English Parliament, and convened on July 1, 1643. The result of their deliberations was a CONFESSION OF FAITH and the famous SHORTER CATECHISM. The synod met over a period of several years and comprised the finest church historians, Hebraists, Greek scholars, theologians, and pastors of their time. This book records their activities. It is a fine work and should be read for its intrinsic worth." -- Cyril J. Barber
"First published in 1811, this authoritative work of 756 pages contains biographical sketches of 106 who worked on the historic Westminster Confession of Faith (1646)." -- GCB
Reid, James, Memoirs of the Lives and Writings of Those Eminent Divines who Convened in the Famous Assembly at Westminster, in the Seventeenth Century (1811), vol. 1 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/memoirsofliveswr01reid
Reid, James, Memoirs of the Lives and Writings of Those Eminent Divines who Convened in the Famous Assembly at Westminster, in the Seventeenth Century (1811), vol. 2 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/memoirsoflivesw02reid
*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.
Rogers, Jack Bartlett, Scripture in the Westminster Confession: A Problem of Historical Interpretation for American Presbyterianism, 1967.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) With Scripture Proofs
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
*Shaw, Robert (1795-1863), and W.M. Hetherington (1803-1865 introduction), An Exposition of the Confession of Faith of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, 1845. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" '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 William Hetherington in THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. The WCF [1646] is without a doubt the greatest human confession ever written, 'being the chiefest part of that uniformity in religion, which by the Solemn League and Covenant' the British Isles are bound, even to this day, to uphold and defend -- in both church and state! Shaw's Exposition is the standard work on the WCF [1646], for he admittedly states 'that he has not found it necessary to differ from the compilers of the Confession in any one point of doctrine.' This edition includes an introductory essay by Hetherington defending the use of Confessions in general and the WCF [1646] in particular. Hetherington also gives a brief outline of the historical context of the period in which the WCF [1646] was composed while demonstrating the harmonious nature of the Reformational Creeds and Confessions." -- Publisher
The Reformed Faith: An Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], by Robert Shaw with an introductory essay by WM.M. Hetherington
http://www.reformed.org/documents/shaw/
*Shedd, William Greenough Thayer (1820-1894), The Proposed Revision of the Westminster Standards (1890)
http://archive.org/details/proposedrevision00shed
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly, Acts 1:11; Romans 13 (1 of 3 audio files [MP3]). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Great historical teaching, Singer at his best!" -- Publisher
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=124071413102
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly, Hebrews 11:39; 1 Peter 2:13-14 (2 of 3 audio files [MP3]). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Great historical teaching, Singer at his best!" -- Publisher
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=125071244422
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly (tape 3 of 3), [audio file], 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
Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
The Topical Listing "A Theological Interpretation of American History"
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#stiahis
*Smith, Morton H., Harmony of the Westminster Confession and Catechisms.
"In this wonderful volume, Dr. Morton H. Smith helpfully lists together the various corresponding parts of the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION AND CATECHISMS. This harmony will be of invaluable use for Bible Studies, Sunday Schools, as well as other venues.
"THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS are unsurpassed among confessional statements in precision and comprehensiveness and few would deny that they deserve close reading and careful study. But it is easy to be overwhelmed by the breadth and depth of the STANDARDS, and as a result many parts are often neglected. The CONFESSION's statements about Scripture, and the doctrines of God, predestination, providence, and the person and work of Christ, as well as the famous first question of the SHORTER CATECHISM, are, of course, known to many. But few have been introduced to what the STANDARDS have to say about sanctification, faith, ethics, prayer, the sacraments, the church, etc. Even fewer have been introduced to the LARGER CATECHISM which expands on points covered in the CONFESSION AND SHORTER CATECHISM, and at times, provides material that can be found nowhere else in the STANDARDS.
"THE HARMONY was designed to remedy this situation. First, the distinct, somewhat self-contained paragraphs of the Confession are used as the anchors of the work and these smaller, digestible pieces are easier to follow and grasp. Second, points made by the CONFESSION are, of course, often reiterated by the CATECHISMS. This repetition helps with retention and comparison of the documents also forces one to look more closely at each statement. Third, all of the statements of the CATECHISMS are included in THE HARMONY. This especially makes the LARGER CATECHISM more accessible. Fourth, the wide margins provide space for personal notes. THE HARMONY has, therefore, been a useful and popular tool for the study of the STANDARDS for many decades. It is our prayer that it will continue in its usefulness for many more, helping God's people to see the beauty and richness of the faith that has been so carefully summarized in THE STANDARDS, and ultimately, driving them back to the Word of God and the worship and service of our great God and Savior. Soli Deo Gloria!" -- Publisher
Smith, Thomas (of Glasgow), Select Memoirs of the Lives, Labours, and Sufferings of Those Pious and Learned English and Scottish Divines: Who Greatly Distinguished Themselves in Promoting the Reformation From Popery, in Translating the Bible, and in Promulgating its Salutary Doctrines by Their Numerous Evangelical Writings, and who Ultimately Crowned the Venerable Edifice With the Celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith, 1828. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2, and #16.
*Warfield, B.B. (1851-1921), On the Revision of the Confession of Faith.
Warfield, B.B. (1851-1921), The Printing of the Westminster Confession, ISBN: 0837088747 9780837088747.
Warfield, B.B. (1851-1921), Proposed Reply to the Recommendations of the Assembly's Committee on the Revision of the Confession of Faith: Proposed to the Presbytery of New Brunswick, at its Meeting at Ewing, Oct. 6, 1891.
*Warfield, B.B. (1851-1921), The Westminster Assembly and its Work.
"Much excellent and amazing information is contained in this volume defending the greatest of Reformed standards concerning many of its most important points. Extremely pertinent for today are the chapters dealing with inspiration, God's decree (absolute sovereignty), and the Holy Spirit." -- CBD
Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), Exhortation by the Westminster Assembly. Available in THE SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT
http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/candcexhortwestassembly.html
*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:
*The Westminster Assembly, The Confession of Faith of the Westminster Assembly of Divines
The original text of 1646, from the manuscript of Cornelius Burges, Assessor to the Westminster Assembly, with the Assembly's proof texts, as published in the modern critical edition of 1937 by S.W. Carruthers.
Free downloadable PDF file.
http://www.greenvillepresbyterian.com/?s=The+Confession+of+Faith+of+the+Westminster+Assembly+of+Divines
The Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), The Humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines, now by Authority of Parliament Sitting at Westminster, Concerning Part of a Confession of Faith, (1646).
Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), Propositions Concerning Church Government and Ordination of Ministers, 1647. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
*The Westminster Assembly, Cornelius Burges, and S.W. Carruthers, The Confession of Faith of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster: From the Original Manuscript Written by Cornelius Burges in 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Contains the original and unedited text of this judicially binding document, the greatest of Christian Confessions, with the full scripture proof texts written out. This book represents Reformed thinking at its purest and best. '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 in THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. (p. 345, emphasis added)
"Also included are the following documents, which are usually bound together with THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH:
a. THE SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT,
b. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND: OR, THE NATIONAL COVENANT,
c. THE WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM (with full Scripture references),
"Concerning the WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM, Mitchell writes, '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)
"Richard Baxter said of THE WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM,
'It is the best Catechism I ever saw -- a most excellent sum of the Christian faith and doctrine, and a fit test to try the orthodoxy of its teachers.'
d. THE WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM (with full Scripture references),
e. "To the Christian Reader, Especially Heads of Families" (Prefaced to THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION and CATECHISMS),
f. "Mr. Thomas Manton's Epistle to the Reader" (prefaced to THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION and CATECHISMS),
g. THE SUM OF SAVING KNOWLEDGE,
h. THE (Westminster) DIRECTORY FOR THE PUBLICK WORSHIP OF GOD,
i. THE (Westminster) DIRECTORY FOR FAMILY WORSHIP,
j. THE (Westminster) FORM OF PRESBYTERIAL CHURCH GOVERNMENT, and
k. A SOLEMN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PUBLIC SINS, AND BREACHES OF THE (SOLEMN LEAGUE AND), COVENANT; AND A SOLEMN ENGAGEMENT TO ALL THE DUTIES CONTAINED THEREIN.
*Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), and other Puritans (Gouge, Gataker, et al.), The Westminster Annotations and Commentary on the Whole Bible, 1657, 6 volumes. Alternate title: ANNOTATIONS UPON ALL THE BOOKS OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT: THIS THIRD, ABOVE THE FIRST AND SECOND, EDITION SO ENLARGED, AS THEY MAKE AN ENTIRE COMMENTARY ON THE SACRED SCRIPTURES: THE LIKE NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH. WHEREIN THE TEXT IS EXPLAINED, DOUBTS RESOLVED, SCRIPTURE PARALLEL'D, AND VARIOUS READINGS OBSERVED; BY THE LABOUR OF CERTAIN LEARNED DIVINES THEREUNTO APPOINTED, AND THEREIN EMPLOYED, AS IS EXPRESSED IN THE PREFACE, 1657. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The preface (found in the first volume), recounts not only a short history of the English Bible, but sets forth the great advantage to true Religion which accrues (contrary to the mysticism of the Anabaptists and the anti-intellectualism of the modern backsliding church), when faithful notes are 'bound in' with the Scripture text -- this bringing forth nothing different than the effect generated (through God's grace), by faithful preaching, faithful commentaries, faithful creeds, faithful covenants, faithful confessions, etc. Pointing out that this blessing from God was never more obvious than in the case of the Geneva Bible and its marginal notes (and that the people knew it to be so when they were left with Bibles without annotations honoring to God), the preface further states, 'hence were divers of the Stationers and Printers of London induced (by the people -- RB), to petition the committee of the Honourable House of Commons, for license to print the Geneva notes upon the Bible, or that some notes might be fitted to the new translation: which was accordingly granted, with an order for review and correction of those of the Geneva edition, by leaving out such of them as there was cause to dislike, by clearing those that were doubtful, and by supplying such as were defective. For which purpose letters were directed to some of us from the Chair of the Committee for Religion (in 1648 -- RB), and personal invitations to others, to undertake and divide the task among us, and so cometh in our part, whereof we shall give the world a true and just account in that which followeth.' The detailed account which follows in the preface is fascinating, mentioning, among many other things, the divines' 'use of . . . the Dutch Bibles . . . set forth at . . . Holland, by order of the States'. . .
The diligence given, the energy expended, the obvious humility, and the fearful trembling before God's Word which is evident in these commentators makes this truly a classic Puritan work -- a work of great value! Just knowing, as Barker points out, that this commentary was prepared mostly by Westminster divines, by order of Parliament, at the time of the Assembly. (Puritan Profiles, p. 37),"certainly bodes well for the level of scholarship it contains. Moreover, with Gouge, one of the most respected English Covenanters at the Assembly playing a major role, the thoughtful student of Scripture and history ought to take note: for a theological feast of mature Puritan thought surely awaits those that sup at this table. Esteemed, by the mid-1640's, 'as the father of the London Ministers,' Gouge was elected as Assessor for the Westminster Assembly on Nov. 25, 1647. His detractors sometimes called him an 'arch Puritan.' (cf. Ibid., p. 35). Dr. Gouge's 'share of the useful work consisted of Kings, and the subsequent books down to Esther, inclusive.' (Smith, Select Memoirs of English and Scottish Divines, p. 534). Most of the others chosen to this work had similar credentials, though not all exhibit equal proficiency and some later backslid from attainments reached at this point. Nevertheless, when the commentators were first chosen, these Annotations were produced by some of the most qualified English Puritans -- as a historical high water mark for Puritan scholarship was beginning to crest. Furthermore, in prosecuting this work the divines note, 'therefore we have put ourselves to much more pains (for many months), in consulting with many more authors, in several languages, than at first we thought of, that (for the propriety of the original text, for pertinent and profitable variety of versions, for consonancy of parallel Scriptures, and for perspicuity in clearing of the darkest places), we might bring in such observations, as might not only serve to edify the ordinary reader, but might likewise gratify our brethren of the ministry, at least such among them, as have not the means to purchase, or leisure to pursue, so many books, as (by order of the Committee), we were furnished with all, for the finishing of the work, committed to our hands' (Preface). As the work wore on, however, it became apparent that the original intention (of printing these annotations as marginal notes in the Bible), would no longer fit the scope and length of commentary that had been produced. Thus, the notes were not added to the Scriptures directly, but rather published as a separate commentary (which we are offering here), -- except that we have divided the work into six volumes rather than the original two, because of logistics." -- Publisher
*Williamson, G.I. (Gerald Irvin), The Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] for Study Classes, ISBN: 0875525385. A Christian classic.
"The most thorough work on the Confession since A.A. Hodge." -- William Grier
"Describes the Christian faith. You will also find this treatment excellent in coverage and application to contemporary living. Examples of divergent doctrine, problems with other philosophy and cultural standards are presented. The arguments and Q&A after each section makes it practical for knowing and living a Christian life. This is not feel-good theology, but how intelligent and responsible people can seek to understand the breadth of scripture in a concise book." -- Publisher
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation, 1996), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
*Willson (alt. Wilson), James McLeod (1809-1866), Some Reasons for Retaining the Westminster Confession as the Basis of Ecclesiastical Union. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"Explains why the use of the Westminster Confession is one of the best ways in which to obtain godly ecclesiastical union. This booklet pays special attention to the biblical teaching regarding civil government and shows why changes to the original WCF (regarding this matter), has resulted, not surprisingly, in much ecclesiastical disunity. It also contains some interesting notes on the millennial power and glory that will be exhibited in both church and state 'in the day of the Lord's power.' Excerpted from The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness Magazine, (volumes 1:1-4).
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Creeds, confessions and catechisms, Covenanting theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The scottish reformation, The national covenant, The solemn league and covenant, Church and state, Antichrist, The second coming, parousia, and escatological coming of christ, and the preterist, futurist, and historical approaches to the apocalypse, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, and so forth, and so on.
Exhortation by the Westminster Assembly. Available in THE SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT
http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/candcexhortwestassembly.html
Historical Setting of the Confession
http://www.bible-researcher.com/wescon01.html
Presbyterian History
Internet Resources for Students of Scripture
http://www.bible-researcher.com/index.html
John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly (tape 3 of 5), [audio file] 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
The Reformation in England 1 of 2 (The Providential Historical Preparation for the Westminster Assembly), Hebrews 11:2; Ephesians 4:11 [audio file]
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian History, 44 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12607144153
The Reformation in England 2 of 2 (and America) [audio file]
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian History, 76 min., Matthew 5:13-16; Luke 19:13
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=126071623510
Regulations at Yale College (1745)
Showing the centrality of Calvinism and the Westminster Confession in Colonial higher education.
http://www.constitution.org/primarysources/yale.html
Select Writings of Samuel Rutherfurd (sic), Minister of the Gospel And Commissioner to the Westminster Assembly.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/rutherford/index.htm?doc_list_banner_show=false
The Significance of The Westminster Standards as a Creed
http://www.fpcr.org/blue_banner_articles/signific.htm
The Westminster Assembly [audio file]
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, 50 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12160371617
*The Confession of Faith of the Westminster Assembly of Divines
The original text of 1646, from the manuscript of Cornelius Burges, Assessor to the Westminster Assembly, with the Assembly's proof texts, as published in the modern critical edition of 1937 by S.W. Carruthers.
Free downloadable PDF file.
http://www.greenvillepresbyterian.com/?s=The+Confession+of+Faith+of+the+Westminster+Assembly+of+Divines
The Westminster Assembly Project
The Westminster Assembly Project exists to publish The Minutes and Papers of the Westminster Assembly.
http://www.westminsterassembly.org/
Westminster Assembly and Related Documents
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#wstandards
Westminster Assembly and Related Documents Index (of titles)
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/westminster-assembly-and-related-documents-index
The Westminster Confession on the Relation Between Church and State, William Cunningham
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-westminster-confession-on-the-relation-between-church-and-state.php
*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
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) is said to be the finest summary of The Holy Bible available.
*Dickson, David (1583-1663), and Robert Wodrow (1679-1734), Truth's Victory Over Error: A Commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith, 296 pages, ISBN: 0851519490 9780851519494. Alternate title: TRUTH'S VICTORY OVER ERROR: OR, THE TRUE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, STATED AND VINDICATED . . . BY THE LATE . . . DAVID DICKSON, . . . TO THIS EDITION IS PREFIXED, A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR'S LIFE, BY . . . ROBERT WODROW, KILMARNOCK, 'THE TRUE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, STATED AND VINDICATED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING HERESIES, VIZ, ARIANS, ARMINIANS, ANABAPTISTS, ANTINOMIANS, BROWNISTS, DONATISTS, EPICURIANS, EUTYCHIANS, ERASTIANS, FAMILISTS, JESUITS, INDEPENDENTS, LIBERTINES, MANICHEANS, PELAGIANS, PAPISTS, QUAKERS, SOCINIANS, SABELLIANS, SCEPTICS, VANINIANS, ETC. THE WHOLE BEING A COMMENTARY ON ALL THE CHAPTERS OF THE (Westminster -- RB), CONFESSION OF FAITH, BY WAY OF QUESTION AND ANSWER: IN WHICH, THE SAVING TRUTHS OF OUR HOLY RELIGION ARE CONFIRMED AND ESTABLISHED; AND THE DANGEROUS ERRORS AND OPINIONS OF ITS ADVERSARIES DETECTED AND CONFUTED . . . TO THIS EDITION IS PREFIXED, A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR'S LIFE, BY THE LATE MR. ROBERT WODROW . . .' " Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"One of the best commentaries on the Westminster Confession of Faith. This item is part of the elder's reading/training list in the Puritan Reformed Church (the church of the Covenanted Reformation)." -- Publisher
Dickson, David, Truth's Victory Over Error
http://www.truecovenanter.com/dickson/truthsvictory.html
Of Justification, from David Dickson's TRUTH'S VICTORY OVER ERROR
http://www.truecovenanter.com/dickson/truthsvictory11.html
Dickson, David (1583-1663), and Robert Wodrow (1679-1734, short account of the Reverend Mr. David Dickson), Truth's Victory Over Error, or, the True Principles of the Christian Religion, Stated and Vindicated Against the Following Heresies, viz. Arians . . . Vaninians, &c. The whole being a commentary on all the chapters of the Confession of Faith, by way of question and answer: in which, the saving truths of our holy religion are confirmed and established; and the dangerous errors and opinions of its adversaries detected and confuted. (1764)
Bound with the author's: TRUE CHRISTIAN LOVE.
https://archive.org/details/truthove00dick
*Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899), Westminster Assembly: Its History and Standards. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The first three lectures give a succinct account of English Puritanism from its origin to the meeting of the Westminster Assembly. The tenth lecture is a similar account of the history of doctrine in British churches during the same period. Mitchell endeavors to give prominence to aspects of this historical period which have hitherto been overlooked, making this an ideal companion volume for other recent releases of Warfield, Hetherington, and George Gillespie. A perfect introductory volume on Puritanism and the work of the Assembly." -- GCB
Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Doctrinal Integrity: The Utility and Importance of Creeds and Confessions and Adherence to Our Doctrinal Standards. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Miller deals with the necessity of written creeds and subscription to them. He shows that the principle doctrines of Scripture are proclaimed in the Westminster Standards and answers common objections against confessions. Creedalism is inescapable, thus this book is of prime importance for those interested in the purity and peace of the church. . . . Related items include: Gentry's USEFULNESS OF CREEDS or OUR REFORMATION HERITAGE." -- Publisher
"With the turbulent decades of the 1820's and 1830's, Miller arose to defend the doctrine and order of the Westminster Standards. His most prominent statements on doctrinal purity are found in his book CREEDS AND CONFESSIONS and his open letters on "Adherence to Our Doctrinal Standards." This book contains these writings." -- GCB
Doctrinal Integrity: The Utility and Importance of Creeds and Confessions and Adherence to our Doctrinal Standards
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/DI_ch0.htm
*Shaw, Robert (1795-1863), and W.M. Hetherington (1803-1865 introduction), An Exposition of the Confession of Faith of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, 1845. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" '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 William Hetherington in THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. The WCF [1646] is without a doubt the greatest human confession ever written, 'being the chiefest part of that uniformity in religion, which by the Solemn League and Covenant' the British Isles are bound, even to this day, to uphold and defend -- in both church and state! Shaw's Exposition is the standard work on the WCF [1646], for he admittedly states 'that he has not found it necessary to differ from the compilers of the Confession in any one point of doctrine.' This edition includes an introductory essay by Hetherington defending the use of Confessions in general and the WCF [1646] in particular. Hetherington also gives a brief outline of the historical context of the period in which the WCF [1646] was composed while demonstrating the harmonious nature of the Reformational Creeds and Confessions." -- Publisher
The Reformed Faith: An Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], by Robert Shaw with an introductory essay by WM.M. Hetherington
http://www.reformed.org/documents/shaw/
*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:
*Williamson, G.I. (Gerald Irvin), The Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] for Study Classes, ISBN: 0875525385. A Christian classic.
"The most thorough work on the Confession since A.A. Hodge." -- William Grier
"Describes the Christian faith. You will also find this treatment excellent in coverage and application to contemporary living. Examples of divergent doctrine, problems with other philosophy and cultural standards are presented. The arguments and Q&A after each section makes it practical for knowing and living a Christian life. This is not feel-good theology, but how intelligent and responsible people can seek to understand the breadth of scripture in a concise book." -- Publisher
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation, 1996), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
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), Epistemology, The ten commandments: the moral law, The person and work of jesus christ the Lord (christology), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Church discipline, Systematic theology, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Medical ethics, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, The all-sufficiency of christ, The words of christ, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, Trusting god, Loving and obeying god, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, The westminster confession of faith (completed by the assembly in 1646, approved by parliament in 1647), the westminster standards and related works, the westminster assembly, Commentaries on the westminster standards (westminster confession, larger catechism, and shorter catechism), and so forth, and so on.
*The Confession of Faith of the Westminster Assembly of Divines
The original text of 1646, from the manuscript of Cornelius Burges, Assessor to the Westminster Assembly, with the Assembly's proof texts, as published in the modern critical edition of 1937 by S.W. Carruthers.
Free downloadable PDF file.
http://www.greenvillepresbyterian.com/?s=The+Confession+of+Faith+of+the+Westminster+Assembly+of+Divines
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646, The Westminster Standards) and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
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 TextsSee 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.
*Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Commentary on the Shorter Catechism, 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 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/
*Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Of Justification. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON. (1:581-612).
Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24)
Boston, Thomas, A Sermon on Justification
"Excerpted from his COMMENTARY ON THE SHORTER CATECHISM."
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/boston_justification.html
Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), Essay Towards an Easy Explication of the Shorter Catechism. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.
"The author has taken great care to correct, enlarge, and improve this edition of his catechism, particularly by adding a great number of Scripture texts in order to more clearly elucidate and confirm different points of doctrine and practice." -- Publisher
*Cotton, John (1584-1652, editor), and The Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), New England Primer: Improved for the More Easy Attaining the True Reading of English. To Which is Added The Assembly of Divines, and Mr. Cotton's Catechism. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"THE NEW ENGLAND PRIMER was the first textbook ever printed in America and was used to teach reading and Bible lessons in our schools until the twentieth century. In fact, many of the Founders and their children learned to read from THE PRIMER. This pocket-size edition is an historical reprint of the 1777 version used in many schools during the Founding Era." -- Publisher
"THE NEW ENGLAND PRIMER was one of the greatest books ever published. It went through innumerable editions; it reflected in a marvelous way the spirit of the age that produced it, and contributed, perhaps more than any other book except the BIBLE, to the molding of those sturdy generations that gave to America its liberty and its institutions.
"The Founding Fathers of this country and other Americans learned to read from this little treasure. There is much that we can learn about them and the way they thought by examining its contents. The true study of history should incorporate the study of what motivated people to do the things they did. This reprint makes for great classroom discussion. It makes for an excellent addition to any American History class at all grade levels and all ages. It is pocket-size, and kids and adults love it. I highly recommend it!" -- Reader's Comment
"WEBSTER'S BLUE-BACKED SPELLING BOOK and the NEW ENGLAND PRIMER were basic, foundational textbooks used in the schools of our Republic in the 18th and 19th centuries.
"These two textbooks prove our founding fathers expected moral truths to be taught in every school subject." -- Reader's Comment
The New-England Primer Improved for the More Easy Attaining the True Reading of English: To Which is Added The Assembly of Divines, and Mr. Cotton's Catechism (1777)
http://archive.org/details/newenglandprimer00west
Doolittle, Thomas (1632?-1707), The Young Man's Instructer, and the old Man's Remembrancer, or, Controversies and Practical Truths, Fitted to the Capacity of Children, and the more ignorant sort of people: Being done in a catechetical exercise, on the Lords Day, in explaining the questions of the Reverend Assemblies Shorter catechisme . . .: Together with a practical application of the truth confirmed . . . Alternate title: THE YOUNG MAN'S INSTRUCTER, AND THE OLD MAN'S REMEMBRANCER, OR, CONTROVERSIES AND PRACTICAL TRUTHS, FITTED TO THE CAPACITY OF CHILDREN, AND THE MORE IGNORANT SORT OF PEOPLE, 1673. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Fisher, James, Ebenezer Erskine (1680-1754), and Ralph Erskine (1685-1752), et al., The Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism Explained, by way of Question and Answer, Wherein it is Essayed to Bring Forth the Truths of God Contained in That Excellent Composure, more fully than has been attempted in any one of the explicatory Catechisms hitherto published. Part second. Of the Duty Which God Requires of man. Alternate title: FISHER'S CATECHISM -- THE GREAT SCOTTISH COMMENTARY ON THE WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Dr. M'Crie writes, 'this well-known work was very generally employed by ministers as their test-book at the public examinations of their people, when both old and young were duly catechised. This was, in fact, a profound system of divinity, and was especially devoted to an explanation of the Marrow doctrines." (cited in the Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 474)
"Mackay notes that it 'displays a rich fund of sound theological practical erudition; and it soon became, and still continues to be, the favorite religious manual in thousands of Scotland's religious families, and had associated his name (i.e. Fisher -- RB), with the Erskines especially as a household word.' (Ibid.)
"We have also added the original sections of this book that were taken out by the backsliding (American) Presbyterians that published this later edition. And what they left out is very telling about their defection from Reformation attainments. Among other things they deleted sections dealing with worship (iconoclasm), national covenanting, civil government, toleration, capital punishment (as proved from Old Testament case law), baptism, etc. We have placed all these previously excluded questions and answers in a separate section at the front of the book so that it will be easy for you to see what these unfaithful editors did not want you to see. Thus, you still get the benefit of the superior typesetting of this later edition, with the full text as the original (more Reformed), authors intended it. 485 pages, indexed." -- Publisher
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/
Flavel, John (1630-1691), An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism (1767)
http://archive.org/details/anexpositionass00flavgoog
An Exposition of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism, John Flavel (1630-1691)
http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/flavel/wsc_fl_001.html
An Exposition of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), The Catechising of Youth and Christ's Favour to Little Children Displayed (1713). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
"The two sermons noted above form foundational teaching that every family should be aware of and practice. A faithful ministry and faithful parents, who catechize their children daily, will do more for true Reformation and godliness than just about any other means to this end. Here Henry also adds simple questions to each question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism to help explain it to beginners. Very practical!" -- Publisher
Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
Kelly, Douglas F., Philip B. Rollinson, and Frederick T. Marsh, The Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern English, ISBN: 0875525482 9780875525488.
"Since its completion in 1647 [sic] the Westminster Shorter Catechism has been unsurpassed as a concise tool for teaching the Reformed understanding of Scripture. Though the truths of the catechism are unchanging, the English language has undergone many changes, which have made using the catechism in its original form increasingly difficult." -- Publisher
Lockman, Vic, The Westminster Shorter Catechism With Cartoons, ISBN: 0936175281 9780936175287.
McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), The Shorter Catechism Analyzed: Containing a Distinct Exhibition of the Particular Doctrines Under Each Question, With Appropriate Proofs From Scripture. Alternate title: ANALYSIS OF THE WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM.
Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899), Catechisms of the Second Reformation (1886), ISBN: 9070009315 9789070009311. Later published as RUTHERFORD'S CATECHISM CONTAINING THE SUM OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION, ISBN: 0951148435 9780951148433. Preface and editing by James A. Dickson. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
"Part 1: The Shorter Catechism and its Puritan Precursors. Part 2: Rutherford's and other Scottish Catechisms of the same epoch. Includes a historical introduction and biographical notices. Explains the composition and sources of the Catechisms of the Westminster Assembly. Gives specimens of the Catechisms which were previously in use among the doctrinal Puritans in England and Scotland and those laid before the Assembly. Mitchell was Professor of Ecclesiastical History at the University of St. Andrews." -- Publisher
Catechisms of the Second Reformation . . . (1886)
http://archive.org/details/catechismsofseco00mitc
Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
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."
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
*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
"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/
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), Body of Divinity: Contained in Sermons Upon the Westminster Assembly's Catechism, ISBN: 0851511449. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The first book published by the Trust, this has been one of the best sellers and consistently the most useful and influential of our publications . . . It deals with the foremost doctrinal and experimental truths of the Christian faith . . . It is based on the Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism, in which the main principles of Christianity that lie scattered in the Scriptures are brought together and set forth in the form of question and answer. This catechism is unsurpassed for its 'terse exactitude of definition' and 'logical elaboration' of the fundamentals. . . . Watson conveys his thorough doctrinal and experimental knowledge of the truth in such an original, concise, pithy, pungent, racy, rich, and illustrative style that he is rightly regarded as the most readable of the Puritans." -- Publisher
"As an introduction to Puritan theology, as a short and sweet course in Christian doctrine, as devotional reading, and as a preacher's gold-mine, Watson's work can hardly be praised too highly." -- J.I. Packer
"Contains Watson's exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, excluding the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments." -- GCB
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project: Body of Divinity Contained in Sermons Upon the Assembly's Catechism by the Rev. Thomas Watson
http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/vincent/wsc_vi_001.html?page_id=205
Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
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/
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
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation, 1996), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Lord's Prayer, ISBN: 0851511457. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Watson's three works on the Westminster Shorter Catechism is concluded by his exposition of the Lord's Prayer. In this book he analyses in detail the Preface to the prayer and the six petitions. His treatment of the second petition ('thy Kingdom come'), is exceptionally full and illuminating. This book affords instruction and practical help to praying Christians." -- Publisher
"A full and powerful Puritan exposition of the Lord's Prayer. So excellent that it may be without equal." -- GCB
"A part of the writer's famous BODY OF DIVINITY. An excellent exposition combining sound doctrine with practical application." -- Cyril J. Barber
The Lord's Prayer, Thomas Watson
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-watson-lprayer.html
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
*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/
*Westminster Divines (1643-1653), Shorter Catechism With Scripture Proofs, ISBN: 095392419X 9780953924196. Available (PDF and MP3), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Catechisms have been greatly employed in the Church since the days of the Apostles. A great revival of their use took place at the Reformation. None rivals the WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY'S SHORTER CATECHISM, for extensive use, succinctness, or clarity. Richard Baxter said of it in his day, 'It is the best Catechism I ever saw -- a most excellent sum of the Christian faith and doctrine, and a fit test to try the orthodoxy of its teachers.' Excellent for training youth, it has been used with profit starting as early as three years of age." -- Publisher
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/
Whitecross, John, The Shorter Catechism Illustrated, ISBN: 1932474080 9781932474084.
The Shorter Catechism Illustrated, John Whitecross
http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/whitecross/wsc_wh_001.html
Illustrations of the Shorter Catechism for children and youth (1864), Jonathan Cross [Whitecross -- compiler]
http://archive.org/details/illustrationsoft01crosuoft
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.
Williamson, G.I. (Gerald Irvin), The Shorter Catechism for Study Classes, ISBN: 0875525210 9780875525211.
*Williamson, G.I., and Paul Gunter Settle, Catechism for Young Children: An Introduction to the Shorter Catechism. Alternate title: FIRST CATECHISM. ISBN: 0934688680 9780934688680.
"FIRST CATECHISM is a primer on the Christian faith in general and the Reformed faith in particular. It is intended to be used with children, beginning at the earliest age feasible.
"The structure and content are drawn from the CATECHISM FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, originally published in 1840 by Joseph P. Engels. His work was an effort to introduce and simplify the concepts of the
Shorter Catechism -- one part of the Westminster Standards, which serve as the doctrinal foundation of Presbyterians worldwide.
"In this adaptation, we have incorporated changes in vocabulary, grammar and the sequence of questions to make the catechism clearer and more accessible to young children. Where possible, the more personal first- or second-person pronouns are used.
"Catechizing -- systematic instruction using simple questions and answers -- is a tried and effective tool for spiritual nurture. In the Presbyterian/Reformed tradition, this has been a common form for expressing and memorizing key elements of the Bible and our system of doctrine. The objective of FIRST CATECHISM is to make that process work better and with greater dynamic impact in the lives of the learners.
"Ideally, covenant children should begin learning the answers from FIRST CATECHISM as they begin to talk. By so doing, they will add to their vocabulary the words that reflect biblical truth and especially the doctrines of grace. This will prepare them to take on a Godward perspective toward themselves, God and his creation.
"It should be regarded as a stepping stone for young people to later study the WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM.
"FIRST CATECHISM teaches children to know, love and serve God.
"Our prayer is that the fruit will be a desire in them to fulfill man's chief end -- to glorify God and enjoy him forever." -- Preface
New First Catechism to Go: Beginning Discipleship in the Christian Faith
"Interactive PDF to use on all devices."
https://www.gcp.org/downloads/DigitalDownloads/FC2Go-website-sample.pdf
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
A Commentary on the Shorter Catechism, Alexander Whyte
http://www.bpc.org/resources/whyte/wsc_whyte_001.html
An Exposition of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism, John Flavel
http://www.bpc.org/resources/flavel/wsc_fl_001.html
Of Man's Chief end and Happiness, Rev. Thomas Boston
http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/boston/wsc_bo_001.html
The Shorter Catechism Deck
"The Shorter Catechism Deck is a card deck that incorporates all 107 questions of the Westminster Shorter Catechism (17th Century) on 54 bridge sized playing cards. The idea for this project spawned out of necessity. The Shorter Catechism is normally printed in a collection of other documents, which can often make for a rather large book. So, what we did was create something that would allow for a convenient and practical catechizing tool for at home or on the go."
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/386341857/the-shorter-catechism-deck?ref=user_menu
*Westminster Shorter Catechism, video series
"THE WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM is a catechism written in 1646 and 1647 by the Westminster Assembly, a synod of English and Scottish theologians and laymen intended to bring the Church of England into greater conformity with the Church of Scotland. The Catechism is in a question and answer format, which had been popularized by Martin Luther as a way to help children learn the meaning of the material, rather than simply memorizing the Lord's Prayer, Ten Commandments, and Apostles' Creed as had been the practice prior to the Reformation. The catechism is composed of 107 questions and answers. Each video segment in the 'Westminster Shorter Catechism Series' is a self-contained unit for use in individual and family study. Suggested uses may include use as part of a Home School Curriculum or for discussion in Family Worship. We trust the Lord would use these lessons to enrich and bless your souls."
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCliClfWuYGWapz08HOsTQHA?app=desktop
*Westminster Larger Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html
*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 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/
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project: Body of Divinity Contained in Sermons Upon the Assembly's Catechism by the Rev. Thomas Watson
http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/vincent/wsc_vi_001.html?page_id=205
*Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
The Larger Catechism: Agreed Upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, With the Assistance of Commissioners From the Church of Scotland, as a Part of the Covenanted Uniformity in Religion Betwixt the Churches of Christ in the Kingdoms of Scotland, England, and Ireland and Approved anno 1648, by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to be a directory for catechising such as have made some proficiency in the knowledge of the grounds of religion, with the proofs from the Scripture. -- The long title for The Larger Catechism
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.htmlSee the Theological Notes: "The Law of God," at Exodus 20:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
*Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The end for Which God Created the World, ISBN: 0300011989 9780300011982. Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"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's inherent 'goodness' or ability to 'save himself,' will be given a wide open door to run rampant." -- Publisher
"Two dissertations . . . by the late reverend, learned and pious Jonathan Edwards, A.M., president of the college in New Jersey. Concerning the end for which God created the world."
Edwards, Jonathan, Two Dissertations: I. Concerning the end for Which God Created the World; II. The Nature of True Virtue (1765)
http://archive.org/details/twodissertations00edwa
A Dissertation Concerning the End for Which God Made the World
http://www.ccel.org/e/edwards/works/vol1/end_of_world/end.htm
*Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), A Practical Exposition of the Lord's Prayer by . . . Thomas Manton, 1684. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4 and #5.
Notes: Contains engraved portrait frontispiece.
Morecraft, Joseph C., Authentic Christianity: An Exposition of the Theology and Ethics of the Westminster Larger Catechism, 5 volumes, ISBN: 9780984064137 0984064133.
"These nearly four thousand pages of pastoral writing by Dr. Joseph Morecraft on the WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM draw from two thousand years of church writers and theologians to produce the most practical, down-to-earth commentary ever written." -- Publisher
"Every Christian who is serious about the Reformed Faith and the WESTMINSTER STANDARDS should have and use this set. It is much more than an exposition of the LARGER CATECHISM; it is a thoroughly researched work that utilizes biblical exegesis as well as historical and systematic theology." -- Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr., President, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
*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
Wishart, William, parson of Restalrigg, An Exposition of the Lord's Prayer. Delivered in two and twenty lectures, at the church of Lieth in Scotland; by Mr. William Wischart parson of Restalrigg, 1633.
Westminster Larger Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html
The "glorious marriage day between God and Scotland."The ratification of these covenants by the state, on some of the covenanting occasions, no doubt inferred a civil security of the religion therein espoused, even as the ratification of the Confession of Faith, and other subordinate standards, inferred a civil security to the Protestant religion therein exhibited. But as the latter makes not the Protestant religion a mere state religion; neither did the former render the covenants merely state covenants. In the national, the covenanters expressly declare, that therein they join themselves to the true Protestant church, as lively members of the same in Christ their Head. Times without number, they represent their engagements as covenants with God, which necessarily infers their reckoning them religious, not state covenants, which cannot be made with God, without supposing a renovation of the Jewish Theocracy, in which God sustained the character of principal magistrate. In 1596, and 1638, the most noted occasions of covenanting, they were not so much as influenced by the smallest injunction from the state. In 1643 and 1648 the other two most remarkable seasons thereof, the ecclesiastical authority had the lead, and the civil did little else than add its sanction to what appointments the church had made. And in every period, ministers, not statesmen, were the ordinary administrators of these oaths. -- John Brown (of Haddington, 1722-1787)
Anonymous, National Covenanting for Reformation Defended: Wherein Particularly, the National, and Solemn League and Covenants of These Lands . . . Are Vindicated From the Unjust Calumny and Reproach Cast Upon Them, by Mr. Smith . . . in a pamphlet intitled, An account of the form and order of the Church of God, &c. Published, 1765. By a remnant, who, . . . are still endeavouring to bear witness to, and contend for Scotland's covenanted reformation.
See: Smith, James, The Defence of National Covenanting, Non-toleration, and Sword of Steel, for Reformation Under the New Testament, by Mr. Flocker, &c. shewed to be insufficient: and the doctrine in the tract, intitled "A compendious account of the church of God, taken from Holy Scripture only, established.
Anonymous, An Order That the Solemn League and Covenant be Read in Church on Every Fast Day, and That Every Congregation Have a Copy Printed in a Faire Letter, Hung up in the Church. The Covenant bears the signatures (244) of the House of Commons. Alternate title: WE SHALL ALSO ACCORDING TO OUR PLACES AND CALLINGS IN THIS COMMON CAUSE OF RELIGION, LIBERTY AND PEACE OF KINGDOMES, ASSIST AND DEFEND ALL THOSE THAT ENTER INTO LEAGUE AND COVENANT.
Brinsley, John, The Saints Solemn Covenant With Their God: As it was Opened in a Sermon Preached at Beccles in the Countie of Suffolk, at the Taking of the Nationall Covenant There, by the Ministers and Other Officers of That Division. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Craighead, Alexander (1707-1766), Renewal of the Covenants, National and Solemn League; A Confession of Sins; An Engagement to Duties; and a Testimony; as They Were Carried on at Middle Octorara in Pennsylvania, November 11, 1743.
Renewal of the Covenants at Middle Octorara, Pennsylvania
http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/octorara_covenant_renewal.html
The Scottish Covenanting Struggle, Alexander Craighead, and the Mecklenburg Declaration
http://www.lettermen2.com/craig.html
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."
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.
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), The Subscribing of the National Covenant in 1638, 1912. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The "glorious marriage day between God and Scotland."
*Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), The National Covenant (1638) and Solemn League and Covenant (1643). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27. Available in THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646).
"The National Covenant, a Scottish Presbyterian document, primarily composed by Alexander Henderson and Archibald Johnstone of Wariston. It was composed in opposition to the 'policies of Charles I. Written in the context of the riots resulting from the imposition of 'Laud's Liturgy' in 1637 and the King's refusal to receive the petitions of supplicants for redress, the National Covenant was an appeal . . . to defend the true Reformed religion, and to decline the recent innovations in worship decreed by the King.' (Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 620)
"Furthermore, it was 'an assertion by the Kirk of freedom from royal or state control, a personal oath of allegiance to Jesus Christ, the only Head of the Church, the King of kings, and a dedication of life to him. It stemmed directly from God's covenant of grace, was in the succession of those earlier bonds the Scots had made with God for his people's defence and deliverance, and represented a call in the Pauline sense to 'conduct themselves a citizens.' (Idem.) This covenant (and the Solemn League and Covenant described below), are still binding on all true Presbyterians and the hearty and steadfast renewal of these faithful documents would constitute a mighty means toward modern reformation, seeing that much of the contemporary church and all modern states have set themselves against the Lord, and against his anointed (Psalm 2:2); excepting, maybe, the African state of Zambia, which seems to be presently reforming, but not yet covenanted to the Lord. The Solemn League and Covenant was first of all a religious covenant and secondly a civil league. 'After noting that they had one king and one Reformed religion and expressing their concern about the estate of both the Church and kingdom of England and Scotland, the signatories swear to preserve 'the Reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland' and the Reformation of religion in England and to bring the churches to the 'nearest Conjunction and Uniformity in Religion', confession, government, and worship. They also bound themselves to extirpate popery and prelacy as well as superstition, heresy and whatever is contrary to sound doctrine . . . to bring to trial all who hinder such reformation of religion or divide the king from his people and to continue such 'to all Posterity' and not suffer themselves to be withdrawn from 'this blessed Union and Conjunction.' (Ibid., pp. 786-789). This covenant gave teeth to the work of the Westminster Assembly and united three nations under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It was publicly taken by the Westminster Divines and the English parliament on September 25th. 'On the 9th of October the king issued a proclamation from Oxford, denouncing this document as 'in truth nothing else but a traitorous and seditious combination against us and the established religion of this kingdom;' straitly charging and commanding all his loving subjects, upon their allegiance, 'that they presume not to take the said seditious and traitorous Covenant.' And at last an order was issued by the Parliament, in February 1644, commanding the Covenant to be taken throughout the kingdom of England by all persons above the age of 18 years; which order was accompanied by an exhortation prepared by the Assembly of Divines. In Scotland, as soon as information was received of what had taken place in London, the Committee of Estates ordered the Covenant to be subscribed by all ranks and conditions of people, on penalty of the confiscation of property, or such other punishment as his Majesty and the parliament might resolve to inflict.' (Hetherington The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, pp. 127-128). Furthermore, Hetherington goes on to call this bond 'the wisest, the sublimest, and the most sacred document ever framed by uninspired men.' (p. 134). If you want to understand Presbyterianism these two covenant documents offer as much light as any others we know of. They are inextricably linked to the Westminster Standards, historical testimony and the covenanted reformation. Some still believe that they will once again be renewed on an international basis near the beginning of the millennium, in preparation for the days when the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:9). With this sentiment we wholeheartedly concur!" -- Publisher
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), The National, 1638 and Solemn League and Covenant, 1643
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CRTSol.htm
Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), National Covenant
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/4/1/the-national-covenant
*Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), Preparing for Covenant Renewal, MP3 file [audio file]. Available (MP3 and WORKS OF ALEXANDER HENDERSON) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2, #8.
"Originally preached on the occasion of the swearing of the National Covenant of Scotland (1638). This sermon is read (by Lyndon Dohms), from the book SERMONS, PRAYERS AND PULPIT ADDRESSES by Henderson. It is a representative example of the focus of the Covenanted Reformation in its earlier stages." -- Publisher
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), and Philip Nye (1596?-1672), The Covenant: With a Narrative of the Proceedings and Solemn Manner of Taking it by the Honourable House of Commons, and reverent Assembly of Divines the 25th day of September, at Saint Margarets in Westminster. Also, tvvo speeches delivered at the same time; the one by Mr. Philip Nye, the other by Mr. Alexander Hendersam. Published by speciall order of the House, 1643.
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), and Philip Nye (1596?-1672), Two Speeches Delivered Before the Subscribing of the Covenant, the 25. of September, at St. Margarets in Westminster the one by Mr. Philip Nye, the other by Mr. Alexander Henderson, 1643.
*Hislop, Alexander (1807-1865), Christ's Crown and Covenant or National Covenanting Essentially Connected With National Revival, 1860.
Lumsden, John, The Covenants of Scotland, 1914. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Includes "The Ladies Covenant."
Morrill, John (editor), The Scottish National Covenant in its British Context, 1638-1651, ISBN: 0748602038 9780748602032.
Mullan, David, National Covenant.
"The National Covenant is a Scottish manifesto of about 4,000 words embracing issues both political and religious, first signed in the Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh, on February 28, 1638, the "glorious marriage day between God and Scotland." -- Publisher
*Price, Greg L., The National Covenant of Scotland, 2 audio cassettes [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9, #27.
"This covenant has been considered (along with the Solemn League and Covenant), as one of two major historical covenants binding the moral person of the church -- since the days of the covenants of Old Testament Israel. Price gives a fascinating account of what led up to this watershed document, what is contained in it (and why), and shows why this is of great importance to the church today. If you are interested in the present testimony concerning the Lord's covenanted Zion, this is one of the best places to start. Teaching like this has not been heard in North America for some time and it marks the revival of the most consistent Calvinism that the church has attained thus far in history." -- Publisher
The National Covenant of Scotland
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sid=8501202735
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Tercentenary of the National Covenant of Scotland, 1638-1938: Memorial Convention of the Three Reformed Presbyterian Churches of Scotland, Ireland and America, 1939.
*Schwertley, Brian M., and Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States. Publications Committee, National Covenanting and Christ's Victory Over the Nations. Available at Reformed Online.
"This is the first book-length, scholarly exposition and defense of national covenanting since 1843. This comprehensive treatment includes the binding nature of covenants, covenant renewals under the godly kings of Israel, objections to covenanting answered, the unbiblical nature of the U.S. Constitution, the unscriptural alteration of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1789, the necessity of the Old Testament moral law for a Christian nation and the biblical requirements for civil office. In the book, Rev. Schwertley not only sets forth the biblical case for social or national covenanting in a simple and organized manner but also critiques the modern pluralistic alternatives to the original Presbyterian teaching on this topic." -- Publisher
It was preceded by 'Social Covenanting,' a series of 31 sermons in MP3 format, given by the author starting in the summer of 2012.
Social Covenanting series of 31 sermons [audio files] by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=ccc&keyword=National+Covenanting&keyworddesc=National+Covenanting
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), The Covenanters: The National Covenant and Scotland, ISBN: 0854110429 9780854110421.
Worden, Blair, and Edward Vallance, Revolutionary England and the National Covenant: State Oaths, Protestantism and the Political Nation, 1553-1682, ISSN: 0013-8266.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), 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, Background, foundation, and history of the covenanted reformation of scotland, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, 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, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Confession of national sin and covenant renewal, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, and so forth, and so on.
That we shall sincerely, really, and constantly, through the grace of GOD, endeavor, in our several places and callings, the preservation of the reformed religion in the Church of Scotland, in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, against our common enemies; the reformation of religion in the kingdoms of England and Ireland, in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, according to the Word of GOD, and the example of the best reformed Churches; and shall endeavour to bring the Churches of GOD in the three kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in religion, Confession of Faith, Form of Church Government, Directory for Worship and Catechising; that we, and our posterity after us, may, as brethren, live in faith and love, and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us. -- Solemn League and Covenant
Anonymous, An Order That the Solemn League and Covenant be Read in Church on Every Fast Day, and That Every Congregation Have a Copy Printed in a Faire Letter, Hung up in the Church. The Covenant bears the signatures (244) of the House of Commons. Alternate title: WE SHALL ALSO ACCORDING TO OUR PLACES AND CALLINGS IN THIS COMMON CAUSE OF RELIGION, LIBERTY AND PEACE OF KINGDOMES, ASSIST AND DEFEND ALL THOSE THAT ENTER INTO LEAGUE AND COVENANT.
Anonymous, Ministers of Perth and Fife, A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ to the Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government of the Kirk of Scotland and to the National Covenant of Scotland and to the Solemn League and Covenant of the Three Nations, England, Scotland and Ireland and to the Work of Uniformity in Religion and against the errors, heresies, blasphemies and diverse practices of the times, especially against the vast toleration now on foot in these nations / by sundry ministers of the Gospel in the provinces of Perth and Fife, Ephes. 6:14,15; 2 Tim. 1:7,8 [Ephesians 6:14,15; 2 Timothy 1:7,8], 1648. Alternate title: A TESTIMONY TO THE TRUETH OF JESUS CHRIST, AND TO OUR SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT, 1660. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/testimony_against_cromwells_toleration.html
A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ and to our Solemn League and Covenant
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/a-testimony-to-the-truth-of-jesus-christ
Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), A Review of the Seditious Pamphlet Lately Published [sic] in Holland by Dr. Bramhell, Pretended Bishop of London-derry, Entitled, His Faire Warning Against the Scots Discipline: in which his malicious and most lying reports, to the great scandall of that government, are fully and clearly refuted: as also the Solemne League and Covenant of the three nations justified and maintained, 1649. Alternate title: BAILLIE'S REVIEW OF BRAMHALL'S SEDITIOUS PAMPHLET . . . ALSO THE HOLY LEAGUE AND COVENANT OF THESE THREE NATIONS JUSTIFIED AND MAINTAINED. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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
Dick, James, and the Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland). Synod. Publication Committee, The Descending Obligation of the British Covenants.
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Whether it be Lawful, Just, and Expedient, That the Taking of the Solemn League and Covenant be Enjoined by the Parliament Upon all Persons in the Kingdom Under a Considerable Penalty. Available (by title and in THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE, volume 2) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19. Available (Chapter XVI. of "A Treatise of Miscellany Questions," pp. 85-88), in THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE, volume 2.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/SL&CGil.htm
*Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), Unity and Uniformity in the Church, 1881. Reproduced in this form from The Original Covenanter 2:23. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"This item lays out the case for unity among churches, proving its assertions from: (1) throughout Scripture; (2) from our Lord's declaring His will both in precept and prayer; (3) from apostolic practise; and (4) from the Covenanted Reformation's 'Solemn League and Covenant' which lead to the production of the Westminster Standards. Houston notes that in the Apostolic church 'the government of the church was one and common wherever churches were planted. It was Presbyterian, and neither Prelatic, a system of monarchial despotism, nor Congregational, a system of popular democracy.' This biblical and Presbyterian uniformity was considered the apostolic, visible and doctrinal manifestation of the scriptural injunction to 'one Lord, one faith (and) one baptism.' Houston also points out that 'the only true and safe way of union is based on the platform of Scriptural uniformity; while that which is framed on allowing diversity in doctrine, and differences in government and worship, is a mere human contrivance, and its effect is to sanction and perpetuate divisions (which is to sanction schism under the false pretence of unity -- RB), and to mar the prospect of an ultimate happy union in the church of Christ.' Biblical union and uniformity is shown to be based on 'agreement in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government.' Moreover, the author contends that, 'this is to be constantly sought after by men united in mind and heart, pledged to God and to one another; it is to be externally manifested, and to be diligently labored for, that it may be generally and universally prevalent. It is never to be viewed as impracticable. This was the main design of the convocation of the Westminster Assembly.' The eschatological aspect of visible unity is also noticed, shedding valuable light on such postmillennial strongholds as, The watchmen on the walls of Zion shall see eye to eye, they shall lift up the voice together, and together shall they sing (Isaiah 52:8), and The Lord shall be King over all the earth; in that day there shall be one Lord, and His name one. (Zechariah 14:9). This book is full of faithful encouragement and is one of the best introductions to this topic we have seen." -- Publisher
Lawson, James R., The Solemn League and Covenant: A Lecture Published by the Renwick Association in Connection With the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Saint John, N.B., 1868, ISBN: 0665255993 9780665255991.
McWard (M'Ward), Robert (1633-1687), Case of the Accommodation Lately Proposed by the Bishop of Dumblane, to the Non-conforming Ministers Examined. Wherein also the antient Prostasia, Episcopus praeses, is considered; and the Solemn league and covenant occasionally vindicat. Together with a copy of the two letters . . . Also . . . an appendix. Available (THE WORKS OF ROBERT M'WARD) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF ROBERT M'WARD) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
Menteath, Mrs. A Stuart, Lays of the Kirk and Covenant, 1850, poetry. Available on THE HISTORY OF THE COVENANTERS, a CD-ROM of The Scotland Historic Society. ISBN: 1290208670 9781290208673.
Nye, Philip (1596-1672), The Excellency and Lawfulnesse of the Solemne League and Covenant. Set forth in a speech, or exhortation made by Mr. Phillip Nye to the Honorable House of Commons and reverend assembly of ministers at their taking the said Solemne League and Covenant, 1643.
*Nye, Philip (1596-1672), An Exhortation to the Taking of the Solemne League and Covenant for Reformation and Defence of Religion, the Honor and Happinesse of the King, and the Peace and Safety of the Three Kingdomes of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Price, Greg L., The Solemn League and Covenant by Greg Price (1 of 21), [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9, #27.
"Hetherington, concerning the Solemn League and Covenant (the epitome of Second Reformation attainments), writes, 'no man who is able to understand its nature, and to feel and appreciate its spirit and its aim, will deny it to be the wisest, the sublimest, and the most sacred document ever framed by uninspired men.' (The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, [1856] SWRB reprint 1993, p. 134). What took place during the days of the writing and international subscriptions to the Solemn League and Covenant has been cited before as a foretaste of the millennial glory to come. The Reformed Presbytery writes, 'These modern pigmies are too far dwarfed in intellectual stature to measure the altitude, of our glorious Covenanted Reformation -- a Reformation which, imbedded in the law and the covenant of God, has already brought civil and ecclesiastical freedom to many millions; and which is doubtless destined to be laid in the foundation of reconstructed society in the millennial period of the world.' (A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, [1879], p. 4). In this lecture Price gives a brief history of the three major causes leading up to the Solemn League and Covenant. These were: 1) the erroneous beliefs and practices associated with the so-called divine right of Kings; 2) the apostasy of Prelacy in doctrine (e.g. the Arminianism of Rome), worship (tolerating and introducing anti-regulativist Romish superstitions), and government (against the divine right of Presbyterianism) -- all three of these areas being a practical denial of sola Scriptura in that man ordained elements were idolatrously adopted over those clearly prescribed in Scripture; 3) the desire of the Reformers for a covenanted Presbyterian uniformity in church and state. Price shows how many of the national Protestant churches of the day (outside of the British Isles) were also looking into swearing this covenant (including the Netherlands, France, Switzerland and Sweden), as a means to biblical unity and uniformity. In fact, this covenant was framed (primarily by Alexander Henderson) with the intention of uniting Protestants worldwide. As Price shows, this goal quickly unraveled with the coming to power of that Judas of the Covenant (Cromwell), his army and the Independents. The descending obligation of this covenant is also covered, and application is made to modern nations (like the USA, Canada, etc.), who are the national posterity of the original covenanters. Application is also made to the apostate modern church (and Price names names). It is also shown how this covenant was a term of communion in the church and how negative civil sanctions were to be applied to those who publicly opposed the Solemn League and Covenant -- students could not even enter college without proof of subscription. Price uses various historical citations from THE ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND FROM THE YEAR 1638 TO THE YEAR 1649 INCLUSIVE (available from SWRB as a rare bound photocopy), to demonstrate these historical facts. Later defections from the Covenanted Reformation, such as those by Charles II and William's civilly and ecclesiastically corrupted Revolution settlement are also dealt with. The second half of the tape summarizes the six articles of the Solemn League and Covenant; concentrating on the biblical (civil, ecclesiastical and individual), responsibilities that were sworn in this covenant. Application is made to our day and the tape closes with some questions regarding American history and government and the Canadian constitution. The Solemn League and Covenant (because it was agreeable to the Word of God), formed the foundation of the Second Reformation internationally (as is seen in the letter received by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on June 4, 1644, from the Scottish commissioners [Rutherford, Gillespie, et al.], at the Westminster Assembly; cf. The Acts . . . pp. 228,250). This covenant still binds the church and many nations today, and until these 'moral persons' renew this covenant (in spirit and in truth), the Lord will continue to prosecute the quarrel of His covenant. Thus, this is an exceedingly important tape as it explains one of the major, modern causes of God's wrath upon the nations and the church. When the churches and nations are granted repentance in (or preparing for), the millennium they will be found going forth by the footsteps of the flock (Song of Solomon 1:8), and not turned aside by the flock of thy companions (i.e. those that appear religious but are actually a hindrance to the work of the building of Christ's kingdom, Song of Solomon 1:7, cf. Douglas' Strictures on Occasional Hearing, [1820] SWRB reprint 1996); and there is no 'footstep of the flock' more clearly distinguished in the bedrock of history (since the second century), than the Solemn League and Covenant.
The Solemn League and Covenant by Greg Price (1 of 21), [audio file]
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=22008130214
The Solemn League and Covenant
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/crtsol.htm
*Sundry Ministers of London, A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ, And to our Solemn League and Covenant; As Also Against the Errours, Heresies and Blasphemies of These Times, and the Toleration of Them. Wherein is Inserted a Catalogue of Divers of the Said Errours &c. All of them being collected out of their authors own books alleadged in the margin, and laid down in their own words; except one that was maintained in a dispute in Oxford, December 11, 1646, and six or seven which were asserted before a Committee of the Honourable House of Commons in the Star-Chamber, and reported to the House, Sept. 12, 1643. Subscribed by the Ministers of Christ Within the Province of London, December 14 &c., 1647.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/a-testimony-to-the-truth-of-jesus-christ
Sundry Ministers of London, Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ and our Solemn League and Covenant
http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/testimony_truth.html
Timorcus, Theophilus, Thomas Gataker (1574-1654), 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."
*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:
See also: Church and state, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, and so forth, and so on.
The Directory for the Public Worship of God
http://www.covenanter.org/Westminster/directoryforpublicworship.htm
Reed, Kevin, Presbyterian Government in Extraordinary Times. Available in LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY.
Presbyterian Government in Extraordinary Times
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/PGET_ch0.htm
*Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), The Form of Presbyterial Church Government, ISBN: 0665420390 9780665420399. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18. Available in THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646).
The Form of Presbyterial Church Government
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/documents/the-form-of-presbyterial-church-government
See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The westminster confession of faith, Church government, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Bad relationships as a cause of disease and death, and so forth, and so on.
Family reformation is the easiest and the most likely way to a common reformation; at least to send many souls to heaven and train up multitudes for God, if it reach not to national reformation. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)Family worship was also, to the Puritans, vitally important. Every home should be a church, with the head of the house as its minister. Daily and indeed twice daily, the Puritans recommended, the family as a family should hear the word read, and pray to God. Sunday by Sunday, the family should seek to pool the profiting of its members from the public ordinances; day by day, its members should seek to encourage each other in the way of God. Parents must teach their children the Scriptures; all members of the household must be given time and a place to pray. Thus, informally, but conscientiously, the worship and service of God in the home must be carried on. -- J.I. Packer
*Alexander, James W. (1804-1859), Family Worship: A Biblical Duty, 1847. Alternate title: THOUGHTS ON FAMILY WORSHIP, ISBN: 1573580813 9781573580816. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
First printed in 1847 by the Presbyterian Board of Education.
"No minister in our church was a more accomplished scholar. The pulpit was his appropriate sphere." -- Charles Hodge
"It would be almost impossible to overemphasis the importance of daily family worship. It is a blessed privilege for those who have known it as children and/or adults. It is foundational to any lasting revival or reformation. It is a duty commanded by God in Scripture, and to neglect it is, without a doubt, sinful. The Westminster Divines made it clear, in their amazing Directory for Family Worship, that obstinacy in the sin of neglecting family worship should lead where there are faithful elders to the head of the offending house being 'suspended and debarred from the Lord's supper.' This book gives the nature, warrant, and history of family worship in easy to read large print." -- Publisher
"The author's goal is 'extending the domestic worship of God's people and especially in arousing the children of the covenant to honor the God of their fathers.' To fulfill this purpose, Alexander traces family worship from Eden on through the Old and New Testaments and church history. The universal voice of the Church, in its best periods, has been in favor of family worship. . . .' He demonstrates that family worship is a means of intellectual improvement: 'True piety improves the understanding. . . .' " -- Robert H. Duvall
*Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), A Church in the House: A Sermon Concerning Family Religion, 1704. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Family worship is presently one of the most powerful weapons in a Christian parents arsenal of truth. Read this Puritan sermon and see why! In time past, when the churches saw the family as 'little churches' within the church, elders saw to it that family worship was practiced daily and that offenders against this Godly order were censured. Daily family worship is a monumental blessing on the one hand and a serious sin of omission, when not practiced, on the other. Though Kevin Reed was speaking of public worship in the following quotation, the directive can easily be applied to family worship also. Reed notes, 'heads of households you husbands and fathers -- it is incumbent on you to lead your family in the narrow path which leads to life. Compromise in worship is a form of apostasy, which teaches children that we love family approval more than obedience to Christ . . . You have no right to set aside biblical principles of worship.' (John Knox the Forgotten Reformer, p. 99). Furthermore, Ptacek has written that, 'the role of the head of the family was given the highest possible status by Matthew Henry. In a 1704 sermon on family religion, Henry followed Cawdrey in arguing that the head of the family holds all of the offices of Christ with respect to his household: prophet, priest and king. Henry's design for family religion is based on the exercise of these three offices. As a prophet the head of the family teaches doctrine through the reading of Scripture and catechizing. The head's priestly office is expressed in praying for his family. His exercise of discipline reflects the office of king, both in encouraging godly behaviour and discouraging sinful practices. Although Matthew Henry was the best known Puritan preacher of his time, he asserted without fear of controversy that his view of the role of the head of the family was one in which all agree.' (Family Worship, pp. 52-53). For parents, and especially fathers, this may be one of the most important works you will ever read. When family worship is practiced faithfully (and the responsibility for this rests with the head of the house primarily, and the elders of the church secondarily -- through encouragement, help and discipline of the unfaithful), nations and generations to come will be greatly influenced to bow humbly before the Lord Jesus Christ and serve Him alone!" -- Publisher
*Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, The Book of Psalms for Singing, ISBN: 1884527108 9781884527104.
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, The Book of Psalms for Singing: Tune Library (Pittsburgh, PA: Crown & Covenant Publications), a CD-ROM or MP3 files of audio files.
See also: McBurney, Charles, Improving Our Praise: Four Studies in Congregational Singing Using the Book of Psalms for Singing, a video [DVD].
*Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), The Directory for Family Worship, (1646). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"It doesn't get any better than this! These are the documents approved by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in her purest days. Reproduced in large print for easy reading. The DIRECTORY FOR FAMILY WORSHIP lays out the Biblical path to piety and uniformity in secret and private (family) worship, for godly edification. THE DIRECTORY FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP aimed at fulfilling the Reformation goals of covenanted uniformity in religion between the churches of Christ in the kingdoms of Scotland, England and Ireland. 'Behind its production lay extensive discussion of the proper application of the Puritan regulative principle reducing elements of acceptable worship to what is prescribed or necessarily deducible from Scripture alone. . . . It contains perhaps the finest brief description of expository preaching to be found in the English language.' (Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History, p. 864). During the days of the Second Reformation Gillespie notes that 'the parliament heath also, by their ordinance dated the 23d of August 1645, imposed the DIRECTORY OF WORSHIP under certain mulcts and penalties to be inflicted upon such as do not observe it, or preach or write against it.' ('Miscellany Questions' in Gillespie's Works, p. 87). Oh, for the days of comprehensive, full-orbed, God honoring Reformation like that again! An indispensable document for those who are Presbyterian's. However, it can also be very helpful to all those who seek to worship the LORD in spirit and in truth, regardless of denominational affiliation. These two fine historic documents have yet to be equaled in terms of the intent and purpose for which they were originally produced." -- Publisher
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 (1646)
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/14/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
Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
*Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1652), and other Puritans (Gouge, Gataker, et al.), The Westminster Annotations and Commentary on the Whole Bible, 1657, 6 volumes. Alternate title: ANNOTATIONS UPON ALL THE BOOKS OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT: THIS THIRD, ABOVE THE FIRST AND SECOND, EDITION SO ENLARGED, AS THEY MAKE AN ENTIRE COMMENTARY ON THE SACRED SCRIPTURES: THE LIKE NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH. WHEREIN THE TEXT IS EXPLAINED, DOUBTS RESOLVED, SCRIPTURE PARALLEL'D, AND VARIOUS READINGS OBSERVED; BY THE LABOUR OF CERTAIN LEARNED DIVINES THEREUNTO APPOINTED, AND THEREIN EMPLOYED, AS IS EXPRESSED IN THE PREFACE, 1657. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The preface (found in the first volume), recounts not only a short history of the English Bible, but sets forth the great advantage to true Religion which accrues (contrary to the mysticism of the Anabaptists and the anti-intellectualism of the modern backsliding church), when faithful notes are 'bound in' with the Scripture text -- this bringing forth nothing different than the effect generated (through God's grace), by faithful preaching, faithful commentaries, faithful creeds, faithful covenants, faithful confessions, etc. Pointing out that this blessing from God was never more obvious than in the case of the Geneva Bible and its marginal notes (and that the people knew it to be so when they were left with Bibles without annotations honoring to God), the preface further states, 'hence were divers of the Stationers and Printers of London induced (by the people -- RB), to petition the committee of the Honourable House of Commons, for license to print the Geneva notes upon the Bible, or that some notes might be fitted to the new translation: which was accordingly granted, with an order for review and correction of those of the Geneva edition, by leaving out such of them as there was cause to dislike, by clearing those that were doubtful, and by supplying such as were defective. For which purpose letters were directed to some of us from the Chair of the Committee for Religion (in 1648 -- RB), and personal invitations to others, to undertake and divide the task among us, and so cometh in our part, whereof we shall give the world a true and just account in that which followeth.' The detailed account which follows in the preface is fascinating, mentioning, among many other things, the divines' 'use of . . . the Dutch Bibles . . . set forth at . . . Holland, by order of the States'. . .
The diligence given, the energy expended, the obvious humility, and the fearful trembling before God's Word which is evident in these commentators makes this truly a classic Puritan work -- a work of great value! Just knowing, as Barker points out, that this commentary was prepared mostly by Westminster divines, by order of Parliament, at the time of the Assembly. (Puritan Profiles, p. 37),"certainly bodes well for the level of scholarship it contains. Moreover, with Gouge, one of the most respected English Covenanters at the Assembly playing a major role, the thoughtful student of Scripture and history ought to take note: for a theological feast of mature Puritan thought surely awaits those that sup at this table. Esteemed, by the mid-1640's, 'as the father of the London Ministers,' Gouge was elected as Assessor for the Westminster Assembly on Nov. 25, 1647. His detractors sometimes called him an 'arch Puritan.' (cf. Ibid., p. 35). Dr. Gouge's 'share of the useful work consisted of Kings, and the subsequent books down to Esther, inclusive.' (Smith, Select Memoirs of English and Scottish Divines, p. 534). Most of the others chosen to this work had similar credentials, though not all exhibit equal proficiency and some later backslid from attainments reached at this point. Nevertheless, when the commentators were first chosen, these Annotations were produced by some of the most qualified English Puritans -- as a historical high water mark for Puritan scholarship was beginning to crest. Furthermore, in prosecuting this work the divines note, 'therefore we have put ourselves to much more pains (for many months), in consulting with many more authors, in several languages, than at first we thought of, that (for the propriety of the original text, for pertinent and profitable variety of versions, for consonancy of parallel Scriptures, and for perspicuity in clearing of the darkest places), we might bring in such observations, as might not only serve to edify the ordinary reader, but might likewise gratify our brethren of the ministry, at least such among them, as have not the means to purchase, or leisure to pursue, so many books, as (by order of the Committee), we were furnished with all, for the finishing of the work, committed to our hands' (Preface). As the work wore on, however, it became apparent that the original intention (of printing these annotations as marginal notes in the Bible), would no longer fit the scope and length of commentary that had been produced. Thus, the notes were not added to the Scriptures directly, but rather published as a separate commentary (which we are offering here), -- except that we have divided the work into six volumes rather than the original two, because of logistics." -- Publisher
See also: The westminster confession of faith (westminster standards) and related works, the westminster assembly, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Family worship, and so forth, and so on.
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: "One and Three: The Trinity," at Isaiah 44:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
To fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 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: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:25b-28)
For ages philosophy has debated the question of which is most important, the ONE or the MANY.
The answer is found in the doctrine of the Trinity. The individual, the family, the church, and the state are all of equal importance, just as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are co-equal.
Therefore, pietistic Christianity is in error by withdrawing from the affairs of State.And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:25)
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 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.
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)
Our Triune God has ordained that the preeminent leader of the Church is the Lord Jesus Christ, the God Man, Our Righteousness. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 19:30; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 49:7; Colossians 1:16-19; Colossians 2:9,10; Hebrews 12:1,2; Revelation 5:1-14; Revelation 19:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 22:12, and so forth, and so on). Human leadership is also divinely ordained and tends to devolve to those who are most perfectly at one with Christ, and to those who also know the most Truth (the Apostle Paul, Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Puritan leaders, The Scots Worthies, and so forth, and so on).
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28). See: (Matthew 19:28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master's joy. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21) (Matthew 25:21 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34). See: (Matthew 25:34, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he said unto him, Well, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing, take thou authority over ten cities. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:17) (Luke 19:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Therefore I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:29) (Luke 22:29, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17). See: (Romans 8:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3). See: (1 Corinthians 6:3, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6). See: (Ephesians 2:6, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and corrections among the people:
To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron,
That they may execute upon them the judgment that is written: this honor shall be to all his Saints. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 149:7-9) (Psalm 149:7-9, 1599 Geneva Bible)
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12), (1 Timothy 2:12, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:26). See: (Revelation 2:26, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To serve God is to reign. -- Seneca (4 BC -- 65 AD)The Christ 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
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.htmlIt is a poor and pitiful kind of knowledge, to know many loose parcels, and broken members of truth, without knowing the whole, or the place and the relations which they have to the rest. To know letters and not syllables, or syllables and not words, or words and not sentences, or sentences and not the scope of the discourse, are all but an unprofitable knowledge. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691), A Christian Directory, p. 269 (Soli Deo Gloria Publications reprint)
Against the totalitarianism of the pagan world empires, Christ taught the limitation of state power and the separation of church and state: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's (Matthew 22:21). Neither Caesar nor any other mere man was pontifex maximus. Christ himself was the way, the truth, and the life, the only mediator between God and man (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). He explicitly denied the political theory and practice of the pagans: You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise dominion over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. (Matthew 20:25-26). Christ demanded that rulers -- both civil and ecclesiastical -- serve, not control, the people. He outlined a limited role for civil government, not as the shaper of souls, as in pagan philosophies, but simply as the punisher of criminals. He founded a church whose government was representative and republican, whose officers were elected by the people, and whose constitution -- the Bible -- was written. Inspired by his words, the American Founders made their plans for a new Republic, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.(13)
The early Christians, condemned by pagans such as Celsus and Porphyry(14) as stupid, foolish, and superstitious, were not killed for their stupidity, but because they rejected the highest value of pagan society: worship of the totalitarian state in the person of the Emperor. The Christians rejected Aristotle ('The state is the highest of all. Citizens belong to the state'), and believed Christ. Christ, in dying for the salvation of individual men, exalted both the individual and God. God is eternal and men are immortal; nations and rulers come and go with surprising rapidity, but individual souls live forever. Rome is not an eternal city; only individual men enjoy everlasting life.
Christ taught that man was a creature of God and the lord of creation. Man's ancestry was not animal, but divine, and the Earth was made for man. Individual men were immortal; what they believed and did on Earth would have eternal consequences. After death, they did not descend into some shadowland, but each was required to give an account of his life to his maker and judge. All men were equal before God and his law, and each man would be judged individually. The classes of ancient society -- the nobles, the proletariat, the slaves, the citizens, the men, the women, the Jews, the barbarians -- meant nothing to God. In the new Christian faith, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:8)
Christ's kingdom grows only by persuasion, never by coercion(15) -- it is a republic of knowledge, truth, and doctrine, not an empire of dominion, compulsion, or violence -- and it has taken centuries for some Christian ideas to be understood and believed. Nevertheless, as the anguished wailing of Friedrich Nietzsche in the nineteenth century so clearly indicates, the absorption of Christian ideas has been widespread, though far from complete. -- John W. Robbins in Christ and CivilizationA religious doctrine involves practical consequences so important, and its effects upon individual and social life are so infallible and so profound, that it can never be contemplated with indifference by the mass of society, and much less by their rulers. We pray you to observe, amongst other things, that the stronger the feeling of dependence to which religion reduces the individual, the more she invests him, on the other hand, with a lofty independence. All religion is freedom. By introducing us into the service of one master, she emancipates us from the dominion of all others. If she does not altogether do away with dependencies of another order, she transforms them from absolute into relative ones. We still belong to society, we are perhaps linked to it by closer ties than before; but it is in a mediate manner, for man cannot serve two masters. It is this independence which exasperates the rulers of this world, and indeed, for the most part, all those who do not share in it. It is this sacred retreat of liberty which they would invade -- this freedom, of which they would deprive us; as if the numerous sacrifices which from time to time liberty has made for the common weal were insufficient, as if it were not enough, or rather as if it were nothing, for us to have devoted all our bodily powers and all our worldly goods to the service of society, so long as this offering is not completed by the sacrifice of the soul. It is spiritual domination, dominion over the soul, of which despotism, whether of princes or of the people, is especially desirous. Thus, when a tyrant has bereft a nation of all its liberties, until throughout the realm his will has become law, his ambition having nothing else wherewith to satiate its appetite, directs itself against religion. Thenceforward, having subjugated the bodies of men, he directs his attacks against their souls. It is because he cannot but be sensible that dominion over souls -- what do you say? -- over one single soul, is as much superior to that over bodies, as the soul itself is superior to its envelope of clay. He cannot endure the humiliation of knowing that there is a sphere in which the most obscure man, by the force of sympathy alone, wields a greater power than his own. A deep-rooted and bitter feeling of envy takes possession of him; he can enjoy no more repose, until moral force shall have yielded to the pressure of physical force -- until the second Mordecai shall have bowed down to this second Haman -- until the soul, by dethroning itself, shall have delivered him from this odious rivalry. And should he encounter in this enterprise an unlooked-for resistance, his impatience becomes fury, and he destroys those whom he cannot subdue. This has been the origin of many religious persecutions, and it discloses the secret motives of those atrocities by which some have been distinguished.
It does not follow, however, that all the evils with which the world has been inundated in the name of religion, are to be referred to this cause alone. They have originated in that preeminently just idea, that religion gives the true signification of every man, and of the whole of society; that there is nothing more deeply seated in us, nothing which more decisively determines what we are; and that to declare what we believe, is at the same time, and as a matter of necessity, to declare what we wish to be. The influence of a lordly spirit apart, it is not astonishing that the social power has everywhere, more or less, attempted to regulate the faith of the citizens and the instructions of the priesthood. Nor is it surprising that the priesthood, in aid of the state, have themselves attempted to dictate in a matter of this importance. For the suppression of this evil, the assistance of ages has been necessary, and this has not proved sufficient; the veto of public opinion has been also needed. Perhaps in certain countries something further has been required -- the progress of religious indifference. But nowhere is the fire extinguished, because nowhere is man changed; he will never witness unmoved, the energetic manifestation of religious principle; he may be indulgent to philosophical religions, or to religious philosophy, which penetrates not to the very sources of will and of action; but he will be, with his own full knowledge and consent, severe upon genuine faith. And why? because man possessing genuine faith, rises to his highest elevation; an elevation to which it is necessary that others should rise also, not indeed to rule over him (for this is impossible), but to treat with him, and to be at peace together. This is the true position and individuality of each renewed man, and everything is put in requisition to annul, subdue, and modify it.
We dwell no longer upon these different attempts, but return to the principle. We find that in the judgment of the community, the religious conviction of a man moulds his character, estimates his worth, and foretells his life. It is the invisible source of many efforts, and often of much violence. Well, then, we infer [sic] unhesitatingly, that the faith of a member of society cannot remain either a mystery or a matter of doubt to those who surround him. If, as we have sought to establish a former part of this work, the spiritual unity of society, its reality in the elevated sense of that word, depends on the mutual interchange of sentiments; and if that individual only can be said to belong to the community, with whose character she is acquainted, it must be especially in the sphere of religious convictions that this truth is apparent; we may even go further, and say, that although we might keep our sentiments on other subjects to ourselves, those that we entertain respecting religion could not be concealed. For our religious convictions imbue us so thoroughly and practically, that society knows not what she possesses in us, except as she knows what we are with respect to God.
This fact is more conspicuous, we admit, with reference to the Christian religion than to any other. In comparison with it, all other systems of faith are superficial; and we may remark in passing, that this is the reason why Christianity has drawn upon itself, and even excited among its followers, more intolerance than any other religion. The experimental character of its doctrines, coming in contact with the diverse passions of the human heart, has enkindled in the midst of society an active and devouring flame; and its profession has occasioned a host of outrages and calamities. Christianity is radical in the highest degree; radical in morals. It uproots one life, it implants another. Of all religions, it alone is in direct hostility with human nature in its fallen condition, as it is also the only religion which coincides with that same nature in all that sin has not polluted; at once the most human, and the least human of all systems; appearing to grant us everything, and to refuse us everything, but, in reality, granting everything to humanity, and refusing everything to sin. No religion consequently so effectually reforms the moral being; in such a manner, that the complexion of our life and conduct depends on whether we are or are not Christians, and upon what sort of Christians we are.
We should find it impracticable to attempt to distinguish between the doctrines of Christianity and its morals; between what is called its natural and universal morality, and its peculiar and arbitrary doctrines. Christian doctrine is morality -- Christian morality; to wish to distinguish between the two is to desire to divide a stream from its source. Christian doctrine is no sooner received than it regulates the conduct; the character of God becomes a model for man; what God is, man ought to be; and inasmuch as God in the Scriptures is invested with attributes which belong not to human nature, so also man, by means of the Gospel, is invested with a character which nature had not impressed upon him; it makes him a new man in every sense of the term: a man peculiar and extraordinary in the eyes of nature, but in every case a man, who, by the judgment of that very nature, is approved and esteemed. To declare our opinion upon Christian doctrine avails much; it is in fact to profess certain principle of conduct, and to attach ourselves to one or another system of morality; it is to reveal our inward man, to publish the operations of conscience; it is to give the standard of our judgments, and the rule of our actions.
We do well to avow it: whenever we revert to the considerations which most forcibly recommend a duty, we revert to the greatest difficulties in the way of its accomplishment; indeed, in most cases, to point out the motive, is to recognize the difficulty. In the present case, for example, nothing can render candour more difficult than that which enforces its obligation. It is just because such a religious doctrine, of necessity involves such a principle of morality, and such a rule of conduct; it is precisely because it is a disclosure of inward man, that so many persons are averse to declare to what doctrine they adhere. And it is sometimes because their opinion condemns them, sometimes because it elevates them, not so much in itself as in the characteristics and practical consequences with which public opinion has invested it. It is painful to excite repugnance or aversion, and it is sometimes still more painful to excite expectations which we feel but too conscious we cannot fulfill. If it were not so, why should we make a secret of our religious opinions, when we are at no pains to conceal any other? Why, when we are open and unreserved upon all the rest, should we not allow free expression to our thoughts upon this, the noblest of subjects? Why should communications of this nature be so generally regarded as the acme of candour and the pledge of intimacy? Why is there no real union, no true communion of soul, until both parties have expressed what they think, and above all, what they feel upon invisible and infinite subjects? Why do beings long united by the closest ties of affection, as soon as spiritual communion is formed between them, discover with surprise, that up to that period they had really never known, understood, or loved each other? -- that, as Montaigne expresses it, there was wanting to their friendship 'a certain inexplicable, yet essential power, the mediatrix of that union;' or that (as is really the fact), 'God is the true medium of true friendship?' All such instance go to confirm the truth of what we have said. A great effect supposes a powerful force -- a powerful force is employed only against a formidable resistance, and a formidable resistance has no place but in opposition to an urgent necessity. Here the necessity is a moral one -- it is a duty; an evident, and urgent, but a painful duty; for the consequences, even limiting them to their narrowest range, and considering none but those which are developed in the bosom of private relations, these consequences are, it must be confessed, of a startling character.
Nevertheless, if regarded only in the light of morality and natural reason, this candour, which appears so difficult and dangerous, would be found to possess real advantages, whilst reserve would have none but what are false and deceptive. Candour would break the ice which dissimulation thickens and consolidates from day to day; it would procure a more lasting peace; it would put the seal to confidence and friendship. You dread a storm: any storm would be preferable to the dead calm in which you live, -- a calm without peace and without security; for since no one can suppose that you are altogether destitute of religious prepossessions, that you have not some inward conviction to disclose, it will become a matter either of dread or of desire that you should disclose it. This very feeling of anxiety will be an evil in your social relations; if your connexions are desirous of it, when you are averse to making it, their importunity will disturb your peace; on the contrary, if they are averse to its manifestation, when you yourself desire it, they will avoid your company; there will of necessity be in your social relations something painful, constrained, and, in the end, insupportable. If they neither desire nor fear it, it must be because they are not acquainted with your character, and have no desire to become so, because they are not solicitous about your most important interests -- in other words, because they do not love you. And as between a mind occupied with spiritual things and one that is not, there is a wide gulf fixed, as true intimacy between two persons so different is altogether impossible, it is the duty of the more serious of the two, to sound the mind of his friend by disclosing his own, to provide a declaration by declaring himself. Every connexion founded upon a voluntary and designedly prolonged misunderstanding, every factitious union between minds pursuing directly opposite courses, is contrary to human dignity. . . . -- Alexander Vinet (1797-1847), and Charles Theodore Jones (translator), An Essay on the Profession of Personal Religious Conviction, pp. 73-81, and Vinet on FreedomHow sobering that it took the sudden devastation of September 11, 2001 to remind this nation and the world that we are all one, that the "many" are of equal importance to the "one."
*Bickersteth, Edward, The Trinity: The Classic Study of Biblical Trinitarianism, ISBN: 0825423945 9780825423949. A Christian classic.
"A must for gaining a grasp of the doctrine of the Trinity." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Bickersteth, The Trinity by E.H. Bickersteth
http://archive.org/details/TheTrinityByEHBickersteth
Bovard, James, Freedom in Chains: The Rise of the State and the Demise of the Citizen, ISBN: 0312229674 9780312229672.
"Bovard (LOST RIGHTS), throws more red meat to angry libertarians in this anti-government jeremiad. While he provides some frightening examples of how governments -- mostly the U.S. federal -- do more harm than good, his passion leads him to some hyperbolic conclusions. There are many passages that will make readers -- not only welfare-state liberals but also moderate Democrats and Republicans -- wonder whether they live in the same country as Bovard. One of his biggest targets is the notion of state sovereignty: 'The doctrine of "sovereignty" often does nothing more than provide a respectable gloss for some people's lust to control other people's behaviors, or to seize the fruits of other people's labor.' That last clause is telling, for it could just as well be turned against Bovard. It is precisely to stop nongovernmental entities (e.g., factory owners), from seizing the fruit of other people's labor (e.g., factory workers), that so many of the regulations and laws Bovard decries (e.g., a minimum wage or corporate taxes), were instituted. But Bovard is well-read and makes entertaining use of Rousseau, Hegel, Hobbes (he's very fond of Leviathan), and other thinkers. He's also consistent and intellectually honest enough to follow his own ideology to its logical conclusion about, for instance, marijuana (legalize it, he says). Few readers will agree with Bovard that the dominant spirit in America today is one that idolizes the state, but most will find that he makes a rousing theoretical case against statism." -- Publishers Weekly
*Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), Corporate Sanctification: Holding Fast the Attainments of Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1. Available in OBSERVATIONS ON THE PUBLIC COVENANTS BETWIXT GOD AND THE CHURCH: A DISCOURSE.
"An overview of the Covenanter doctrine of reformation attainments by one of the great Covenanter theologians. Helpful in dispelling false charges of Anabaptism and perfectionism laid at the feet of faithful Covenanters by schismatics. John Brown was one of Samuel Rutherford's best students." -- Publisher
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/attain.htm
*Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The First Sermon Preached to the Honorable House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament at Their Public Fast, Nov. 17, 1640. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"A beautifully clear facsimile copy of this amazing sermon (published by order of the British House of Commons in 1641), exhorting this Parliament to 'stand to the covenant' of God; by, 'endeavouring of a further Sanction of, and stronger Guard about our true Palladium, the true Religion, already established among us; in the perfecting of the Reformation of it; in the erecting, maintaining, protecting, and encouraging of an able, godly, faithful, zealous, profitable, Preaching Ministry, in every Parish Church and Chapel throughout England and Wales; in interceding to the Kings sacred Majesty for the setting up of a Faithful, Judicious, and Zealous Magistracy, where yet the same is wanting, to be ever at hand to back such a Ministry: without either of which, not only the power of Godliness will sooner degenerate into formality, and zeal into lukewarmness; but Popery, Arminianism, Socinianism, Profaneness, Apostasy, and Atheism itself will more and more crowd in upon us, and prevail against us, do You all You can be all other means.' Points out that where a godly ministry and magistracy are lacking, society degenerates into a godless mob, headed by one of the above named heresies -- as we have seen in our day. Presses national covenant renewal, from Jer. 50:5 [Jeremiah 50:5], and explains from scripture how and why this should take place. Cites many biblical examples of the great Scriptural blessing that has followed previous national covenanting; while making practical application to the situation of the day. This sermon foreshadows chapter 23, of the celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], on 'the Civil Magistrate,' and gives much insight into this watershed period of Christian political development. It is highly recommended for anyone even remotely interested in seeing their nation prosper politically and ecclesiastically. Furthermore, it will be a great help for anyone seeking to formulate a biblical doctrine explaining the four way relationship between: loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; Jesus Christ as mediator; the everlasting covenant (and covenanting); and the state, as set forth in Scripture. A very rare item. A Covenanter's delight! 70 pages." -- Publisher
Ellul, Jacques (1912-1994), Anarchy and Christianity, 1991, ISBN: 0802804950 9780802804952.
Fuller, Andrew (1754-1815), Importance of Union of Public and Private Interests in the Service of God. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER (1:469-74).
*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 14th 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/
*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.
*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
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Glory of the Trinity. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN.
"Owen is called the 'greatest of the Puritans,' and this volume is one of the reasons why. The glories of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit shine in all their radiance."
Owen, John (1616-1683), A Brief Declaration and Vindication of the Doctrine of the Trinity: as Also, of the Person and Satisfaction of Christ. . . . By the Rev. John Owen, D.D., 1798. Alternate title: COMMUNION WITH GOD.
R.P. (anonymous), Joseph Caryl (1602-1673), and Thomas Manton (1620-1677), The Sole and Soveraign (sic) way of England's Being Saved Humbly Proposed by R.P., 1671.
*Robinson, Ralph (1614-1655), Simeon Ashe, Edmund Calamy, William Taylor (contributor), Christ all and in all, or, Several Significant Similitudes by which the Lord Jesus Christ is described in the Holy Scriptures being the substance of many sermons, ISBN: 1877611492. A Christian classic.
"Each chapter examines a Scripture metaphor which reveals Christ to be all that the Christian needs. This great preacher (1614-1655), calls us back to rational thinking as he proclaims the sufficiency of Christ. Excellent sermonic material for preachers." -- GCB
*Rushdoony, R.J. (1916-2001), The Nature of the American System. Available through Exodus Books.
"Originally published in 1965, these essays were a continuation of the author's previous work, THIS INDEPENDENT REPUBLIC, and examine the interpretations and concepts which have attempted to remake and rewrite America's past and present. 'The writing of history then, because man is neither autonomous, objective or ultimately creative, is always in terms of a framework, a philosophical and ultimately religious framework in the mind of the historian.' To the orthodox Christian, the shabby incarnations of the reigning historiographies are both absurd and offensive. They are idols, and he is forbidden to bow down to them and must indeed wage war against them." -- Publisher
*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
*Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Salvation and Godly Rule, ISBN: 999144789X. Available through Exodus Books.
"The Christian is commissioned to bring all things into captivity to Christ. Godly rule in our personal, family, social, vocation, political, and economic life is a consequence of salvation. Includes 72 short chapters, over 500 pages." -- GCB
*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
*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 composed). 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
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.
*Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), The Uniqueness of Christ in World Religions (part 1 of 2)
This is a very sensitive presentation of major differences between Islam and Christianity.
The address also applies to a wide array of other issues such as "duality" (the Western position), logic, the law of non-contradiction, "either/or," absolutism verses relativism, etc. -- and "non-duality" (the Eastern position), "both/and," the Hegelian dialectic (the synthesis of opposites into a "higher truth"), situational ethics, values clarification, political compromise, democracy, "have your cake and eat it too," and so forth, and so on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJHUOmOpd4U
The Uniqueness of Christ in World Religions (part 2 of 2)
"The reality of human nature is best portrayed in the teaching of Christ."
Christianity alone explains the questions of unity in diversity, the one and the many, The Trinity, and spiritual oneness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYCdlk67lWY
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, 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 ten commandments: the moral law, Trusting god, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, substance abuse, 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, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Justifying faith, Forgiveness, Sanctification, The covenant faithfulness of god, The all-sufficiency of christ, Lordship of jesus christ, Christ's kingdom, Church and state, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The one and the many, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Politics, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Friendly facsism, State sovereignty and corporate immunity: reform of corporations, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, Reformation eschatology, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 2527, 3694
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. (Psalm 33:12)Joshua is here subordinated to the priest on one point, viz., to inquire of him by the Urim and Thummim: for, as we have seen before, the dignity of the priesthood was exalted by this symbol, that the prince should consult God by the mouth of the priest, who, being clothed in the sacred Ephod, the emblems of which were the Urim and Thummim, gave replies as the interpreter of God Himself. This passage, then, shows that the rule of Joshua was not profane; as in all legitimate dominion religion ought surely to hold the first place; for, since all things depend upon God, it is absurd that they should be separated from His service.
Mishphat, that is, judgment, is here used for a rule, or prescribed course of action, as if he were commanded to seek the Law from the oracles of God, which the priest was to receive and deliver from him, and that in perplexing matters he was to follow nothing else.
Moses adds, in conclusion, that he did what God had enjoined, so that all might be fully assured that God would rule, no less than before, in the person of Joshua. -- John Calvin commenting on Numbers 27:21 in the context of vs. 15-23 [Numbers 15-23]He now subjoins the punishment of such as should creep in under the name of a prophet to draw away the people into rebellion. . . . those who are the authors of apostasy, and so who pluck up religion by the roots. . . . no pardon could be granted to such impious contempt, since God had abundantly proved the glory of His Godhead by the miracle of their redemption, and had manifested His will in the Law. . . .
Thus, whilst their severity is preposterous who defend superstitions with the sword, so also in a well constituted polity, profane men are by no means to be tolerated, by whom religion is subverted. . . .
What insolence is this! As to their denial that the truth of God stands in need of such support, it is very true; but what is the meaning of this madness, in imposing a law upon God, that He should not make use of the obedience of magistrates in this respect? And what avails it to question about the necessity of this, since so it pleases God? God might, indeed, do without the assistance of the sword in defending religion; but such is not His will. And what wonder if God should command magistrates to be the avengers of His glory, when He neither wills nor suffers that thefts, fornications, and drunkenness should be exempt from punishment. . . . Finally, the magistracy, if its own authority be assailed, shall take severe vengeance upon that contempt; and shall it suffer the profanation of God's holy name to be unavenged? What can be more monstrous! But it is superfluous to contend by argument, when God has once pronounced what is His will, for we must needs abide by His inviolable decree. . . .
Nor was it causelessly that Paul, when he enjoins prayers to be made for kings and other worldly rulers, added the reason that under them we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:2.) Christ, indeed as He is meek, would also, I confess, have us to be imitators of His gentleness, but that does not prevent pious magistrates from providing for the tranquillity and safety of the Church by their defense of godliness; since to neglect this part of their duty, would be the greatest perfidy and cruelty. And assuredly nothing can be more base than, when we see wretched souls drawn away to eternal destruction by reason of the impunity conceded to impious, wicked, and perverse impostors, to count the salvation of those souls for nothing. . . ." -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 13:5 and contextAnd kings shall be thy nursing fathers. (Isaiah 49:23) After having spoken of the obedience of the Gentiles, he shews that this relates not to the common people only, but to 'kings' also. He compares 'kings' to hired men who bring up the children of others, and 'queens' to 'nurses, who give out their labour for hire. Why so? Because 'kings' and 'queens' shall supply everything that is necessary for nourishing the offspring of the Church. Having formerly driven out Christ from their dominions, they shall henceforth acknowledge him to be the supreme King, and shall render to him all honour, obedience, and worship. This took place when the Lord revealed himself to the whole world by the Gospel; for mighty kings and princes not only submitted to the yoke of Christ, but likewise contributed their riches to raise up and maintain the Church of Christ, so as to be her guardians and defenders.
"Hence it ought to be observed that something remarkable is here demanded from princes, besides an ordinary profession of faith; for the Lord has bestowed on them authority and power to defend the Church and to promote the glory of God. This is indeed the duty of all; but kings, in proportion as their power is greater, ought to devote themselves to it more earnestly, and to labour in it more diligently. And this is the reason why David expressly addresses and exhorts them to be wise, and serve the Lord, and kiss his Son. (Psalm 2:10-12) -- John Calvin commenting on Isaiah 14:23This shews how mad are the dreams of those who assert that kings cannot be Christians without laying aside that office; for those things were accomplished under Christ, when kings, who had been converted to God by the preaching of the Gospel, obtained this highest pinnacle of rank, which surpasses dominion and principality of every sort, to be 'nursing-fathers' and guardians of the Church. The Papists have no other idea of kings being 'nursing-fathers' of the Church than that they have left to their priests and monks very large revenues, rich possessions and prebends, on which they might fatten, like hogs in a sty. But that 'nursing' aims at an object quite different from filling up those insatiable gulls. Nothing is said here about enriching the houses of those who, under false pretenses, hold themselves out to be ministers of the Church, (which was nothing else than to corrupt the Church of God and to destroy it by deadly poison), but about removing superstitions and putting an end to all wicked idolatry, about advancing the kingdom of Christ and maintaining purity of doctrine, about purging scandals and cleansing from the filth that corrupts piety and impairs the lustre of the Divine majesty.
Undoubtedly, while kings bestow careful attention on these things, they at the same time supply the pastors and ministers of the Word with all that is necessary for food and maintenance, provide for the poor and guard the Church against the disgrace of pauperism; erect schools, and appoint salaries for the teachers and board for the students; build poor-houses and hospitals, and make every other arrangement that belongs to the protection and defence of the Church. But those unnecessary and extravagant expenses for Anniversaries and Masses, for golden vessels and costly robes, which swell the pride and insolence of Papists, serve only to uphold pomp and ambition, and corrupt the pure and simple 'nursing' of the Church, and even choke and extinguish the seed of God, by which alone the Church lives. When we see that matters are now very different, and that 'kings' are not the 'nursing-fathers,' but the executioners of the Church; when, in consequence of taking away the doctrine of piety and banishing its true ministers, idle bellies, insatiable whirlpools, and messengers of Satan, are fattened, (for such are the persons to whom the princes cheerfully distribute their wealth, that is, the moisture and blood which they have sucked out of the people;) when even princes otherwise godly have less strength and firmness for defending the Word and upholding the Church; let us acknowledge that this is the reward due to our sins, and let us confess that we do not deserve to have good 'nursing-fathers.' But yet, after this frightfully ruinous condition, we ought to hope for a restoration of the Church, and such a conversion of kings that they shall shew themselves to be 'nursing-fathers' and protectors of believers, and shall bravely defend the doctrine of the Word. -- John Calvin commenting on Isaiah 14:23They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off. (Hosea 8:4)
We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29b)
Rulers are ministers to God to the people for good; they are revengers to execute upon him that doeth evil (Romans 13:4). They are to be a terror not to good works but to the evil (Romans 13:3). Their Laws are to be conformable to the laws of God. . . . Human laws, therefore, in order to be obeyed, must accord with the laws of God: for where they differ, God is to be obeyed rather than man (Acts 5:29). . . . How can an infidel, who fears not God nor believes His Word nor regards His law, be a minister of God for good? Would not such a man, if made a ruler, in all probability be a terror to good works and not to the evil? . . . Let us resolutely resolve that we will spare no exertions to elect such rulers as God shall approve. This, believe me, is the only course of relief and safety to our afflicted country. Under the rulers of no other character has any Christian nation ever flourished for any length of time. Under rulers of a different stamp, nations have always degenerated and been finally brought to desolation and ruin. . . . -- Jedidiah Morse, A Sermon, Delivered at Charlestown, July 23, 1812, the Day Appointed by the Governor and Council of Massachusetts, to be Observed in Fasting and Prayer Throughout the Commonwealth; in Consequence of a Declaration of War With Great Britain
The following leading principles are worth remembering . . .
1. Every Government is responsible to God, and no Government can expect to prosper without God's blessing. Every Government therefore is bound to do all that lies in its power to obtain God's favor and blessing. The Government that does not strive to promote true religion, has no right to expect God's blessing.
2. Every good Government should endeavor to promote truth, charity, temperance, honesty, diligence, industry, chastity among its subjects. True religion is the only root from which these things can grow. The Government that does not labour to promote true religion cannot be called either wise or good.
3. To tell us that a Government must leave religion alone, because it cannot promote it without favoring one Church more than another, is simply absurd. It is equivalent to saying that, as we cannot do good to everybody, we are to sit still and do no good at all.
4. To tell us that no Government can find out what true religion is, and that consequently a Government should regard all religions with equal indifference, is an argument only fit for an infidel. In England at any rate a belief that the Bible is true is a part of the Constitution; an insult to the Bible is a punishable offense, and the testimony of an avowed atheist goes for nothing in a court of law.
5. It is undoubtedly true that Christ's kingdom is a kingdom independent of the rulers of this world, and one which they can neither begin, increase, nor overthrow. But it is utterly false that the rulers of this world have nothing to do with Christ's kingdom, may safely leave religion entirely alone, and may govern their subjects as if they were beasts and had no souls at all. -- J.C. Ryle, Five Points on GovernmentFor we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 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 2:15,16)
It is a challenge to be tactful with the godless, especially when they usurp government. (James 4:4; Acts 26:18) Men with the courage to stand up to evil in public office will always be needed.In the history of the church-state relationship, two major errors have developed: Papalism and Erastianism. The former teaches that the church (i.e., the Pope), is to rule both church and state. The latter maintains that both institutions are under the headship of the civil magistrate. Calvin disavows both. "Biblical Christianity, says the Reformer, teaches that these two are separate God-ordained institutions, while at the same time they are both under his law (i.e., there is a separation in function, but not in authority). In Romans 13:1-7, we read that civil rulers are God's ministers. Thus, it is incumbent upon civil magistrates to adopt the principles of civil law, i.e., The Ten Commandments and the general equity of the Mosaic judicials, as found in Scripture. Likewise, the church is to be governed by Scriptural ecclesiastical law. The church wields only the sword of the Spirit in dealing with sin, whereas the state wields the sword of iron in accordance with Scripture, in dealing with crime. The state is not to administer the Word of God or the sacraments. It has no authority over the keys of the Kingdom. And the church is not to enter into the affairs of the civil government, other than for advice and counsel (Institutes IV:11:3; 20:1-13; Commentary on Romans 13:1-7). -- W. Gary Crampton in What Calvin Says
If any instruction can be drawn from these and similar portions of sacred writ, it is this; that the constituted authorities are bound to treat with friendly attention the Church of God. An indifference like that of Gallio ["Proconsul . . . of Achaea in A.D. 51-52 or 52-53 in residence at Corinth, ((Acts 18:12-17))" -- compiler] can never be justified, in national more than in family government. Infidelity alone, with unblushing face, can recommend to the head of a family, and utter disregard of its moral and religious state. Those who but in a slight degree regard religion are not more solicitous for the literary, than the moral and religious character of the seminary where their sons shall receive an education. Is the moral and religious character of a nation less important than that of a common school? Or are religion and civil order so inconsistent with each other, that those who superintend the latter, must not, in their official character, cast their eye toward the sacred temple where Jesus reveals himself! Enlightened reason and the Bible of God forbid such conclusions. The church is the vehicle of Divine communication with the world. She deserves and ought to enjoy the providence of nations as such." -- Gilbert McMaster in (1778-1854), The Duty of the Nations
The ratification of these covenants by the state, on some of the covenanting occasions, no doubt inferred a civil security of the religion therein espoused, even as the ratification of the Confession of Faith, and other subordinate standards, inferred a civil security to the Protestant religion therein exhibited. But as the latter makes not the Protestant religion a mere state religion; neither did the former render the covenants merely state covenants. In the national, the covenanters expressly declare, that therein they join themselves to the true Protestant church, as lively members of the same in Christ their Head. Times without number, they represent their engagements as covenants with God, which necessarily infers their reckoning them religious, not state covenants, which cannot be made with God, without supposing a renovation of the Jewish Theocracy, in which God sustained the character of principal magistrate. In 1596, and 1638, the most noted occasions of covenanting, they were not so much as influenced by the smallest injunction from the state. In 1643 and 1648 the other two most remarkable seasons thereof, the ecclesiastical authority had the lead, and the civil did little else than add its sanction to what appointments the church had made. And in every period, ministers, not statesmen, were the ordinary administrators of these oaths. -- John Brown (of Haddington, 1722-1787)
A truth not generally known is that the ancient Biblical covenant was the taproot from which America, its constitution, its law, and its liberty grew. That ancient Biblical covenant was the solemn agreement, an everlasting mutual agreement between God and man and between man and God. God promised man great blessings, freedom and prosperity, providing man kept the conditions of the covenant -- conditions defined by God's law. -- Charles Hull Wolfe
To [James] Thornwell, the real issue is not the relation between states and the church, but the relation between states and Christ. Although Thornwell opposed the establishment of a single denomination over another, he clearly supported a Christian government: "The state realizes its religious character through the religious character of its subjects; and a state is and ought to be Christian, because all its subjects are and ought to be determined by the principles of the gospel." [Thornwell, "National Sins," p. 517]. To this point, states must acknowledge Jesus Christ. Thornwell insisted that it is not enough for a state "to acknowledge in general terms the supremacy of God; it must also acknowledge in general terms the supremacy of His Son." Jesus "is the ruler of the nations, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords." [Thornwell, "Relation of the State to Christ," p. 554]. Thornwell argued that "religion of the state is embodied in its constitution," and that it is legitimate for the state to have a religion (i.e., Christianity). Neutrality is impossible. . . . Further, the state must mold its institutions in conformance with Christian principles.
Although Thornwell sought less protection of the church than did the Covenanters, their beliefs regarding this topic are not inconsistent. They both held the state accountable as a moral agent to recognize Christ as king and to protect Christianity. Thornwell, like Christ, focused his attack on the false church, not the errant state, for Christ's zeal is for the house of the Lord. Exclusively attacking the externals of civil society was not the way of our Lord when on this earth; however, his silence is not an endorsement.
Thornwell contended that the gospel is the only solution for the state. Therefore, Christians should avoid conflicts that distract from the primary object of Christianity. The power of the gospel is the only force that can change the inner man and eventually transform the outer world. These changes can only take place in the context of the church, and reformation must begin with God's people. -- Edwin Nisbet Moore from the conclusion to Our Covenant Heritage: The Covenanters' Struggle for Unity in Truth, p. 351The Relation of the State to Christ, James Henley Thornwell
"The Constitution of the United States was an attempt to realize the notion of popular freedom, without the checks of aristocracy and a throne, and without the alliance of a national church. The conception was a noble one, but the execution was not commensurate with the design. The fundamental error of our fathers was, that they accepted a partial for a complete statement of the truth. They saw clearly the human side -- that popular governments are the offspring of popular will; and that rulers, as the servants and not the masters of their subjects, are properly responsible to them. They failed to apprehend the Divine side -- that all just government is the ordinance of God, and that magistrates are His ministers who must answer to Him for the execution of their trust. The consequence of this failure, and of exclusive attention to a single aspect of the case, was to invest the people with a species of supremacy as insulting to God as it was injurious to them. They became a law unto themselves; there was nothing beyond them to check or control their caprices or their pleasure. All were accountable to them; they were accountable to none. This was certainly to make the people a God; and if it was not explicitly expressed that they could do no wrong, it was certainly implied that there was no tribunal to take cognizance of their acts. A foundation was thus laid for the worst of all possible forms of government -- a democratic absolutism, which, in the execution of its purposes, does not scruple to annul the most solemn compacts and to cancel the most sacred obligations. The will of majorities must become the supreme law, if the voice of the people is to be regarded as the voice of God; if they are, in fact, the only God whom rulers are bound to obey. It is enough, therefore, to look upon government as simply the institute of man. Important as this aspect of the subject unquestionably is, yet if we stop there, we shall sow the seeds of disaster and failure. We must contemplate people and rulers as alike subject to the authority of God. His will is the true supreme; and it is under Him, and as the means of expressing His sovereign pleasure, that conventions are called, constitutions are framed and governments erected. To the extent that the State is a moral person, it must needs be under moral obligation, and moral obligation without reference to a superior will is a flat contradiction in terms. If, then, the State is an ordinance of God, it should acknowledge the fact. If it exists under the conditions of a law superior to all human decrees, and to which all human decrees behoove to be conformed, that law should be distinctly recognized. Let us guard, in this new Confederacy, against the fatal delusion that our government is a mere expression of human will. It is, indeed, an expression of will, but of will regulated and measured by those eternal principles of right which stamp it at the same time as the creature and institute of God. And of all governments in the world, a confederate government, resting as it does upon plighted faith, can least afford to dispense with the Supreme Guardian of treaties.
"Your honourable body has already, to some extent, rectified the error of the old Constitution, but not so distinctly and clearly as the Christian people of these States desire to see done. We venture respectfully to suggest, that it is not enough for a State which enjoys the light of Divine revelation to acknowledge in general terms the supremacy of God; it must also acknowledge the supremacy of His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds. To Jesus Christ all power in heaven and earth is committed. To Him every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess. He is the Ruler of the nations, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.
"Should it be said that the subjection of governments to Jesus Christ is not a relation manifested by reason, and therefore not obligatory on the State, the answer is obvious -- that duties spring not from the manner in which the relation is made known, but from the truth of the relation itself. If the fact is so, that Jesus Christ is our Lord, and we know the fact, no matter how we come to know it, we are bound to acknowledge it, and act upon it. A father is entitled to the reverence of his son, a master to the obedience of his servant, and a king to the allegiance of his subjects, no matter how the relation between them is ascertained. Now, that Jesus Christ is the supreme Ruler of the nations, we know with infallible certainty, if we accept the Scriptures as the Word of God.
"But it may be asked -- and this is the core of all the perplexity which attends the subject -- Has the State any right to accept the Scriptures as the Word of God? The answer requires a distinction, and that distinction seems to us to obviate all difficulty. If by 'accepting the Scriptures' it is meant that the State has a right to prescribe them as a rule of faith and practice to its subjects, the answer must be in the negative. The State is lord of no man's conscience. As long as he preserves the peace, and is not injurious to the public welfare, no human power has a right to control his opinion or to restrain his acts. In these matters he is responsible to none but God. He may be Atheist, Deist, infidel, Turk or Pagan: it is no concern of the State, so long as he walks orderly. Its protecting shield must be over him, as over every other citizen. We utterly abhor the doctrine that the civil magistrate has any jurisdiction in the domain of religion, in its relations to the conscience or conduct of others, and we cordially approve the clause in our Confederate Constitution which guarantees the amplest liberty on this subject.
"But if by 'accepting the Scriptures' it is meant that the State may itself believe them to be true, and regulate its own conduct and legislation in conformity with their teachings, the answer must be in the affirmative. As a moral person, it has a conscience as really and truly as every individual citizen. To say that its conscience is only the aggregate of individual consciences, is to say that it is made up of conflicting and even contradictory elements. The State condemns many things which many of its subjects approve, and enjoins many things which many of its subjects condemn. There are those who are opposed to the rights of property and the institution of marriage, yet the public conscience sanctions and protects them both. What, then, is this public conscience? It is clearly the sum of those convictions of right, that sense of the honourable, just and true, which legislators feel themselves bound to obey in the structure of governments and the enactment of laws. It is a reflection of the law of God; and when that law is enunciated with authoritative clearness, as it is in the Scriptures, it becomes only the more solemnly imperative. And as the eternal rule of justice, the State should acknowledge it. Considered in its organic capacity as a person, it no more violates the rights of others in submitting itself to the revealed will of God, than a Christian, when he worships the supreme Jehovah, violates the rights of an Atheist or idolater. What the State does itself, and what it enjoins upon others to do, are very different things. It has an organic life apart from the aggregate life of the individuals who comprise it; and in that organic life, it is under the authority of Jesus Christ and the restraints of His holy Word.
"That, in recognizing this doctrine, the State runs no risk of trespassing upon the rights of conscience is obvious from another point of view. The will of God, as revealed in the Scriptures, is not a positive constitution for the State; in that relation it stands only to the Church. It is rather a negative check upon its power. It does not prescribe the things to be done, but only forbids the things to be avoided. It only conditions and restrains the discretion of rulers within the bounds of the Divine law. It is, in other words, a limitation, and not a definition, of power. The formula according to which the Scriptures are accepted by the State is: Nothing shall be done which they forbid. The formula according to which they are accepted by the Church is: Nothing shall be done but what they enjoin. They are here the positive measure of power. Surely the government of no Christian people can scruple to accept the negative limitations of the Divine Word. Surely, our rulers do not desire that they shall have the liberty of being wiser than God.
"The amendment which we desire, we crave your honourable body to take note, does not confine the administration of the State exclusively to the hands of Christian men. A Jew might be our Chief Magistrate, provided he would come under the obligation to do nothing in the office inconsistent with the Christian religion. He would not be required to say that he himself believes it, nor would he assume the slightest obligation to propagate or enforce it. All that he would do would be to acknowledge it as the religion of the State, and to bind himself that he will sanction no legislation that sets aside its authority. The religion of the State is one thing; the religion of the individuals who may happen to be at the head of affairs is quite another. The religion of the State is embodied in its constitution, as the concrete form of its organic life.
"Your honourable body will perceive that the contemplated measure has no reference to a union or alliance betwixt the Church and State. To any such scheme the Presbyterians, and, we think we can safely venture to say, the entire Christian people of these States, are utterly opposed. The State, as such cannot be a member, much less, therefore, can it exercise the function of settling the creed and the government, of a Church. The provinces of the two are entirely distinct: they differ in their origin, their nature, their ends, their prerogatives, their powers and their sanctions. They cannot be mixed or confounded without injury to both. But the separation of Church and State is a very different thing from the separation of religion and the State. Here is where our fathers erred. In their anxiety to guard against the evils of a religious establishment, and to preserve the provinces of Church and State separate and distinct, they virtually expelled Jehovah from the government of the country, and left the State an irresponsible corporation, or responsible only to the immediate corporators. They made it a moral person, and yet not accountable to the Source of all law. It is this anomaly which we desire to see removed; and the removal of it by no means implies a single element of what is involved in a national Church.
"The amendment which this General Assembly ventures respectfully to crave we have reason to believe is earnestly desired, and would be hailed as an auspicious omen by the overwhelming majority of the Christian people of these Confederate States. Is it not due to them that their consciences, in the future legislation of the country, should be protected from all that has a tendency to wound or grieve them? They ask no encroachments upon the rights of others. They simply crave that a country which they love should be made much dearer to them, and that the Government which they have helped to frame they may confidently commend to their Saviour and their God, under the cheering promise that those who honour Him He will honour. Promotion cometh not from the East, nor from the West, nor from the South. God is the ruler among the nations; and the people who refuse Him their allegiance shall be broken with a rod of iron, or dashed in pieces like a potter's vessel. Our Republic will perish like the Pagan republics of Greece and Rome, unless we baptize it into the name of Christ. "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth . . . Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little." We long to see, what the world has never yet beheld, a truly Christian Republic, and we humbly hope that God has reserved it for the people of these Confederate States to realize the grand and glorious idea. God has wooed us by extraordinary goodness; He is now tempering us by gentle chastisements. Let the issue be the penitent submission of this great people at the footstool of His Son.
"The whole substance of what we desire may be expressed in the following or equivalent terms, to be added to the section providing for liberty of conscience:
"Nevertheless we, the people of these Confederate States, distinctly acknowledge our responsibility to God, and the supremacy of His Son, Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords; and hereby ordain that no law shall be passed by the Congress of these Confederate States inconsistent with the will of God, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures." -- James Henley Thornwell (1812-1862), "Relation of the State to Christ (A Memorial)," The Collected Works of James Henley Thornwell, Vol. IV: Ecclesiastical, pp. 549-56. Edited by B.M. Palmer, 1875; reprint edition, Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1986Every Government is responsible to God, and no Government can expect to prosper without God's blessing. Every Government therefore is bound to do all that lies in its power to obtain God's favour and blessing. The Government that does not strive to promote true religion, has no right to expect God's blessing. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)
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
Please notice that the First Amendment of the US Constitution is a contradiction of the First Commandment of the Decalog. Therein lies a root problem behind government corruption, violent crime, economic enslavement, mass shootings, and so forth, and so on.
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (Romans 13:4)
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 [Isaiah -- compiler] 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 5:13The Erastian Revolution, anno 1689, was "utterly inconsistent with the covenanted constitution of the Reformed Church of Scotland, anno 1648."
In fact, the relationship between Church and State has been in decline since 1661. "In early 1661 . . . the Scottish Parliament passed the Act Rescissory, which established the king as supreme judge in all matters civil and ecclesiastical, and which made owning the covenants [National and Solemn League], unlawful. These acts undid all the works of Reformation from 1638 to 1650 and made it high treason to acknowledge Jesus Christ as head of the church. . . ." See: Act, Declaration, and Testimony, 1876, Part II.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
See Isaiah 40:1 -- Isaiah 55:13 and annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.
The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit. (Jeremiah 2:8)
See the Theological Notes: "God Reigns: Divine Sovereignty," at Daniel 4:34 in The Reformation Study Bible.
We content ourselves in the only word of God; and do therefore simply believe and teach, that God by his providence doth govern all things. -- Heinrich Bullinger (1504-1575)
The Christ is the only One truly called. . . . The flesh has always struggled against Him, as we see when we survey the history of God's people. The struggle was especially acute at Golgotha. -- S.G. De Graaf in Promise and Deliverance
The four "Servant Songs" of Isaiah are Isaiah 42:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-7; Isaiah 50:4-11; and Isaiah 52:13 -- Isaiah 53:12. See the annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.
Our Triune God has ordained that the preeminent leader of the Church is the Lord Jesus Christ, the God Man, Our Righteousness. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 19:30; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 49:7; Colossians 1:16-19; Colossians 2:9,10; Hebrews 12:1,2; Revelation 5:1-14; Revelation 19:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 22:12, and so forth, and so on). Human leadership is also divinely ordained and tends to devolve to those who are most perfectly at one with Christ, and to those who also know the most Truth (the Apostle Paul, Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Puritan leaders, The Scots Worthies, and so forth, and so on).
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28). See: (Matthew 19:28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master's joy. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21) (Matthew 25:21 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34). See: (Matthew 25:34, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he said unto him, Well, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing, take thou authority over ten cities. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:17) (Luke 19:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Therefore I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:29) (Luke 22:29, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17). See: (Romans 8:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3). See: (1 Corinthians 6:3, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6). See: (Ephesians 2:6, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and corrections among the people:
To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron,
That they may execute upon them the judgment that is written: this honor shall be to all his Saints. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 149:7-9) (Psalm 149:7-9, 1599 Geneva Bible)
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12), (1 Timothy 2:12, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:26). See: (Revelation 2:26, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To serve God is to reign. -- Seneca (4 BC -- 65 AD)The question of Paul, Is Christ divided? is one to which professing Christians have not given sufficient heed, and the evil consequences are abundantly apparent.
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.
If, as we presume will be readily admitted, the whole of Christ's offices are necessary to the salvation of fallen man, it follows that they are all essential to the character of the Saviour, and that, of course, we can not suppose him to have existed for a moment without any one of them, as this would suppose him to have been, for the time at least, no Saviour. -- William Symington (1795-1862)Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king. And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day. Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city. (1 Samuel 8:4-22)
The Supremacy Act was 1534 under Henry VIII.
"The first Act of Supremacy granted King Henry VIII of England Royal Supremacy which is still the legal authority of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom. Royal Supremacy is specifically used to describe the legal sovereignty of the civil laws over the laws of the Church in England." -- Wikipedia article, Act of SupremacyThey [the Scottish Parliament], passed an act rescissory [The Act Rescissory of 1661], declaring all the parliaments, and acts of parliament made in favor of reformation, from the year 1640 to 1651, null and void. The king's supremacy over all persons, and in all causes, is asserted. All meeting's, assemblies, leagues and covenants, without the king's authority, are declared unlawful and unwarrantable. The renewing of the solemn league and covenant, or any other covenants or public oaths, without the king's special warrant and approbation, is discharged. -- ACT, DECLARATION AND TESTIMONY. PART I. PLOUGHLANDHEAD, June 6, 1761
The Erastian Revolution, anno 1689, was "utterly inconsistent with the covenanted constitution of the Reformed Church of Scotland, anno 1648."
In fact, the relationship between Church and State has been in decline since 1661. "In early 1661 . . . the Scottish Parliament passed the Act Rescissory, which established the king as supreme judge in all matters civil and ecclesiastical, and which made owning the covenants [National and Solemn League], unlawful. These acts undid all the works of Reformation from 1638 to 1650 and made it high treason to acknowledge Jesus Christ as head of the church. . . ." -- Act, Declaration, And Testimony, 1876, Part II.
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
Act, Declaration, and Testimony (1876)
https://archive.org/details/actdeclarationte00refo
The Covenanted Reformation of Scotland Author/Title Listing
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chb.html#crsstlAnother turning point occurred in 1758 with the reunion of the Old Side and the New Side of American Presbyterian Church. "This signaled the end of the influence of Calvinism in American Politics." For a detailed discussion see:
From Old School to New School in CROSSED FINGERS: HOW THE LIBERALS CAPTURED THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, by Gary North
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gncf/Chapter02.htm
Another turning point occurred in 1789 with the adoption of the American Version of the Westminster Confession of Faith.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 in "Ministers Sailing Under False Colours," Sword and Trowel, February, 1870, quoted by John W. Robbins, February 10, 2006
The Biblical doctrine of Christian Magistracy functions correctly only when State leadership is Christian, and when the State can be depended upon to wield their sword to protect true religion. The history of the human depravity in State leadership (secular leaders who destroy true religion instead of protecting it), should not cause theologians to abandon sound doctrine as stated in the original WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646). Treachery in State leadership would be far less of a problem if the writers of the U.S. Constitution had not removed the religious test clause of Colonial constitutions. This was done in America with the adoption of the "AMERICAN VERSION" OF THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH and THE U.S. CONSTITUTION in 1789.
Besides arguing in support of the "AMERICAN VERSION" OF THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION "he [Charles Hodge], repudiated the unhistorical position of those who denied the validity of Roman Catholic baptism . . . Hodge supported slavery in the 1830s, and while he condemned the mistreatment of slaves he did not condemn the institution of slavery itself. The background to this attitude, however, was not primarily his understanding of the Bible's teaching on the matter, but rather his churchmanship. . . .
"In 1846, however, he became convinced that slavery was wrong, reversing his earlier anti-abolitionist stance, and he then publicly denounced slavery and supported both the Abolitionist movement and President Lincoln (Adams, 2003)." -- New World Encyclopedia, February 15, 2014
American Covenanters decried the "American Version." See the Covenanter document:
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
We love Gordon Clark, and we hold him in highest esteem, one of the great minds of the 20th century. However, astonishingly, he seems to have adopted Hodge's position on the "American Version." This relieves the State of judicial responsibilities to preserve true religion, and delivers the Church into the hands of the State. Hence, today we have the "church effeminate" and, consequently, a destabilization of every sphere of society, including that of the Reformed Church. Could this be one reason for the failure of Church courts today?
The Relation of Church and State -- The American Church, Charles Hodge
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=92
In "The Reformed Faith and the Westminster Confession," an address given at Weaverville, NC, August 17, 1955, found in the Appendix to this work [WHAT DO PRESBYTERIANS BELIEVE?], Clark eloquently extols the virtues of the Westminster Confession of Faith and condemns neo-orthodoxy for departing from the Word of God found in the Bible.
Yet, incredibly, one year later, in 1956, he published this work, [WHAT DO PRESBYTERIANS BELIEVE?], which is a commentary on the "American Version (1789)." To more fully understand Clark's error here and the consequences of such an error see:
The Topical Listing "A Theological Interpretation of American History"
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#stiahisMany scholars consider alterations to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), originally compiled by the Westminster Assembly of Divines, to be a "reverse plagiarism," an alteration of the original document by someone beside the author, and then passed off to the public, under the original title, as the work of the original authors. Plagiarize: to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another), as one's own use (a created production), without crediting the source; to commit literary theft: present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source. (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary)
Revisers have altered the content of the original WCF (1646), have removed key doctrine related to Christ's Crown and Covenant, and yet have retained the name given by the Westminster Assembly. Consequently, revisers have deceived many in the Church into believing that their alterations are the work of the Westminster Assembly of Divines in 1646.
Most Presbyterian and Reformed denominations and seminaries today prescribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1789), the "American Version." Included are The Presbyterian Church in America and the newly constituted Evangelical Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Ideas have consequences. Because theology is truth, when men delete or alter key doctrines, or replace sound doctrine deducted from God's infallible Word by logic, with human imaginations, then the course of history is changed.
For a detailed analysis of the devastating consequences to American history caused by non-Biblical alterations in the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) and non-Biblical alterations to constitutional government in the United States see the following:
The Topical Listing "A Theological Interpretation of American History"
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#stiahis
In Great Britain the Independents and Calvinistic Baptists edited the Westminster Confession (1646) for their own use, but they gave the new confessions a different name, the Savoy Declaration and the Baptist Confession. Certainly this was the honest procedure.
American Revisions to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1789)
http://www.opc.org/documents/WCF_orig.html
Appendix A: Major Changes of the Savoy Declaration
http://www.bible-researcher.com/wescoappa.html
Appendix B: Major Changes of the PCUSA (1788-1958)
http://www.bible-researcher.com/wescoappb.html
Appendix C: Major Changes of the UPCUSA and PCUS (1958-1983)
http://www.bible-researcher.com/wescoappc.htmlIn 1788 the U.S. Constitution and the revised Westminster Confession were ratified. For a detailed discussion see:
From Old School to New School in CROSSED FINGERS: HOW THE LIBERALS CAPTURED THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, by Gary North
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gncf/Chapter03.htmUnfortunately these revisions (see listing of revisions to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) above and under "The Westminster Confession (1646, The Westminster Standards), and Related Works)" removed Christian Magistracy from the Confession (WCF 1646), essentially emasculated Christianity, and set aside Christ's Crown and Covenant. Conveniently this removed churchmen and laymen from the battlefront of standing for Christ's Crown and Covenant and turned them into effeminate figureheads.
Mortimer Adler, in GREAT BOOKS OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION, concluded that more problems are caused by the denial of God than by anything else -- it changes the whole tenure of life.
I long for the day when the precepts of the Christian religion shall be the rule among all classes of men, in all transactions. I often hear it said, "Do not bring religion into politics." This is precisely where it ought to be brought, and set there in the face of all men as on a candlestick. I would have the Cabinet and the members of Parliament do the work of the nation as before the Lord, and I would have the nation, either in making war or peace, consider the matter by the light of righteousness. We are to deal with other nations about this or that upon the principles of the New Testament. -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), The Sermon on the Mount
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.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:12)
Moral habits . . . cannot safely be trusted on any other foundation than religious principle, nor any government be secure which is not supported by moral habits . . . Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens. -- Daniel Webster
The void which is created [by abandonment of religion] is soon filled with wantonness and violence. The State cannot be restored to order until it settles down upon some form of religion again . . . a Commonwealth can no more be organized which shall recognize all religions, than one which shall recognize none . . . A Godless State is, in fact, a contradiction in terms. -- James Henley Thornwell (1812-1862)
If a church is willing to consider the Scripture unable to give sufficient guidance for the exercise of its ministry or the construction of its government, how long will it be before it comes to doubt the sufficiency of the Word in those doctrinal matters upon which the eternal destinies of men and women depend.
It is right at this point that Rome has stumbled. There is no question within the papal communion as to the absolute truth and authority of God's Word. It is, rather, the sufficiency of the Word which is doubted. Tradition is to be considered as equally necessary to the church for the construction of that fully balanced teaching which will bring salvation to the world.
Will the Presbyterian churches have progressed any further beyond Rome if they provide the suggestion that there are matters of importance to the Christian Life and Faith which the Lord has been pleased to withhold from the Scripture and has left up to the human intellect to supply as the context of historical life makes necessary?
Where will the church be if the time comes when the arguments of the exigencies of the moment can influence the doctrinal stance of the church as much as it influences its ecclesiological stance? When the church begins to travel down this road, it will be a road that will be found to be under the dominion of the "spirit of the age." -- Brian Wingard in As the Lord Puts Words in her Mouth, Ph.D. dissertation, p. 290Personally 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
Anonymous, Church and State. Available (The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness, Vol. 1, February 26, 1993, No. 5) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Anonymous, A Vindication of the Presbyteriall-government, and Ministry: Together, with an Exhortation, to all the ministers, elders, and people, within the bounds of the province of London, whether joyning with us, or separating from us. Published, by the ministers, and elders, met together in a provinciall assembly, Novemb. 2d. 1649. Wherein, amongst other things, these ensuing particulars are contained; 1. That there is a Church-government, by divine right. 2. That the magistrate, is not the fountain of Church-government. 3. That the presbyterial-government, is by divine right. 4. The inconveniencies of the congregationall-way. 5. That the ruling-elder is by divine right. 6. That it is the will of Jesus Christ, that all sorts of persons should give an account of their faith, to the minister, and elders, before admission to the Lords Supper; . . . 7. Directions to the elders, for the right managing of their office. 8. Directions to such as are admitted to the Lords Supper, . . . 9. Rules to preserve people, from the errours of these times. 10. That separation from our churches, is justly charged with schisme. 11. That ministers formerly ordained by bishops, need no new ordination. 12. The necessity and usefulness of catechizing. Licensed, entred, and printed according to order, 1649. Available (under Robert Baillie and Sundry Ministers of London) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
*Augustine, Saint (Aurelius Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 AD), (author), Philip Schaff (editor), Marcus Dods (translator), St. Augustine's City of God and Christian Doctrine (A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church -- Volume 2), new edition, 624 pages, English, ISBN: 0802880991. Available (2 volumes, 1872 edition), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Augustine is said to be the greatest Christian thinker next to the Apostle Paul. Luther set the BIBLE and the CONFESSIONS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE above all other books.
"One of the classic texts of Western civilization [it explains the fall of Rome in terms of Scripture -- compiler]. . . . DE CIVITATE DEI is an important contribution of interest to students of theology, philosophy, ecclesiastical history, the history of political thought, and late antiquity." -- Publisher (from the Cambridge University Press edition)
"Calvin paraphrased Augustine about 400 times in THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.
"St. Augustine's final sentence of THE CITY OF GOD is 'All things must be referred to the Glory of God.'
"When you see that, then you will see the key to the story, and you will see the key to history. . . .
"The classic exposition of history in terms of Scripture." -- C. Gregg Singer
"Augustine began writing THE CITY OF GOD at age 59 [shortly after the city of Rome had been sacked by the Goths in 410 A.D., much to the surprise, it is said, of both the Romans and the Goths. -- compiler], and worked on it, off and on, for much of the next 14 years. The impetus for the beginning of this vast work (and its recurring focus), was the charge of Pagans (polytheists) that Christianity was responsible for the decay and demise of the Roman Empire. The charge put forward the claim that the prosperity and social stability of the state was dependent upon polytheistic worship. In response, Augustine arrays several lines of argument, rebutting the assumed 'goodness' of the Pagan state, as such, and detailing the ethical/moral and logical failings of Paganism. Augustine displays tremendous scholarship, employing the writings of Paganism's greatest historians and philosophers in his case against their religious claims. The result is a giant literary, philosophical, historical, theological and exegetical work. . . .
"Against the 'city', i.e., society, of many gods, there is but one alternate society, this Augustine calls The City of God, adopting the expression found in several of King David's psalms. Not only is the society of many gods the society of polytheists, it is also the 'city' of pantheists, atheistic materialists and philosophical Cynics. In the case of the Cynics and atheists, these false gods are the myriad gods of self, indeed, at least as many gods (selves) as there are believers in them. Thus there are two 'cities,' two loves, two ways to understand the big questions of existence, two destinations. Says Augustine:
"The one City began with the love of God; the other had its beginnings in the love of self." XIV:13."Augustine reflects deeply here on human nature and the meaning of eternal life and eternal punishment, within an explication of the 'meaning' of history. He writes of all human history as a single narrative. This also a work of Biblical exegesis, as Augustine treats Scripture as a historical document. For Augustine, creation is good, creation exists in time and has a history. Indeed, since God enters into history to show man His love, history itself is sanctified, through the City of God.
"The city of man seeks the praise of men, whereas the height of glory for the other is to hear God in the witness of conscience. The one lifts up its head in its own boasting; the other says to God: Thou art my glory, thou liftest up my head. (Psalm 3:4). In the city of the world both the rulers themselves and the people they dominate are dominated by the lust for domination; whereas in the City of God all citizens serve one another in charity . . ." (XIV:28) -- Reader's Comment
Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), The Unlawfulness and Danger of Limited Prelacy, or Perpetual Presidency in the Church, Briefly Discovered, 1641. Alternate title: THE UNLAVVFULNESSE AND DANGER OF LIMITED EPISCOPACIE. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"A defense of Alexander Henderson."
Bannerman, D. Douglas (1842-1903), The Scripture Doctrine of the Church Historically and Exegetically Considered, 1887, ISBN: 0801006562 9780801006562. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
*Bannerman, James (1807-1868), The Church of Christ: A Treatise on the Nature, Powers, Ordinances, Discipline, and Government of the Christian Church, 1869, 2 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"Two large volumes. A classic on the Church and worship! This is one of the most extensive studies of its kind ever compiled. Nothing compares to it on this subject. Regarding these gems, Iain Murray has stated, 'In our day, however greatly we need an evangelical revival, we need more than that. We need another Reformation, a movement which will go 'to the root of the mischief' and bring back the visible church to the pattern of God's Word in her government, ordinances and ministry. The republication of Bannerman is a step in that direction . . . For those who wish to study the doctrine of the Church in its several aspects as it was held by the majority of the Reformers, Puritans, Covenanters and leaders of 'The Third Reformation,' it will prove an invaluable textbook." -- Publisher
Bannerman, James (1807-1868), Church and State: The Spiritual and Civil Courts.
Bates, Stewart, The Sin and Danger of Union Between the Church of Christ and an Immoral or anti-Christian Civil Government, 1841. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
*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
Begg, James (1808-1883), Anarchy in Worship or Recent Innovation Contrasted with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church and the Vows of Her Office-Bearers (1875). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3, #4 and #24.
"The principles upheld in this book are extremely important today, for as the title page notes 'When nations are to perish in their sins, 'Tis in the Church the leprosy begins.' Begg lays his foundations in the second commandment and deals with all man-made innovations in the worship of God. The four types of innovators exposed are especially interesting, being: 1. the presumptuous and blasphemous innovator; 2. the popularity-hunting innovator; 3. the politic and scheming innovator; 4. the aesthetic innovator. Women preachers, drama, dance and numerous other modern inventions in public worship would all be rejected outright if these Biblical principles were faithfully followed. Herein we also see why those holding to the Scriptural law of worship and the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) must reject musical instruments in public worship as just another Popish and Judaizing innovation -- a resurrecting of the abrogated ceremonial law -- and thus a denial of the finished work of Christ. The discussion of vows taken by office holders to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), as they relate to worship, is also extremely important and should be read not only by all elders who have bound themselves to uphold the WCF [1646], but also by all Christians who love the truth and want to maintain the church in purity." -- Publisher
*Boot, Joseph, The Mission of God: A Manifesto of Hope for Society, ISBN: 9780994727909 0994727909.
"This is a work of practical theology and cultural philosophy, demonstrating the religious nature of all human actions and institutions." -- Publisher
"The problem with most contemporary thought regarding missions is the tendency towards a truncated view of God's plan for the world and Christians' role within it. The strong focus on the salvation and transformation of individuals, and not so much on how this transformation can be externalized to communities and nations as well -- a phenomenon which one Christian thinker refers to as a 'flight to the interior.' This means that social thought has become monopolized by those who hold to non-Christian philosophies, who then get to frame the terms by which social thought is discussed. Even those Christians who try to articulate a social vision inadvertently borrow from these philosophies, rather than drawing from the resources of the Christian worldview.
"It is good, then, that Dr. Joseph Boot has provided us in THE MISSION OF GOD a comprehensive, well thought out treatise on how God's plan does not just involve the salvation of individuals, but the transformation of the world to one that is characterized by godliness. He describes the purpose of the book as follows:
I have endeavored in the following pages, to further biblical faith and life through what I hope is an engaging analysis of key themes in contemporary missiology through a reformed, puritan lens. This is done, not simply out of an academic interest in missiological concerns, but because I genuinely believe that the core elements of Puritan thought must be restated with relevance in our time, as central to both the recovery of the church, and the Western world itself from the brink of disaster -- a cultural auto-homicide (p. 17)."In producing this treatise, Boot does not weave entirely news idea out of thin air, but draws upon historic Christianity, especially the Puritan movement that sprung out of the Protestant Reformation. He shows that Christianity provides a coherent social vision, that it alone can provide a stable foundation for society, and how our present societies will not be able to sustain themselves if they abandon those foundations. . . ." -- Reader's Comment
Bowyer, Gerald (editor in 1991), The Christian Statesman, 1867 -- Present, ISSN: 0009-5664.
"The organ of the National Reform Association and the oldest continuous publication associated with Reformed Presbyterianism."
The NRA and The Christian Statesman are currently dormant (May 3, 2018).
Bridgett, T.E., The Religious Test Acts, 1790.
"An address to the common sense and understanding of the people; shewing, that the repeal of the Test Act must be necessarily attended with the greatest dangers both to church and state." -- Publisher
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.
Brown, Guy S., Calhoun's Philosophy of Politics: A Study of the "Disquisition of Government," ISBN: 0865546800 9780865546806.
Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), An Apologetical Relation of the Particular Sufferings of the Faithful Ministers and Professors of the Church of Scotland Since 1660, Wherein Several Questions, Useful for the Time, are Discussed: The king's prerogative over parliaments and people soberly inquired into; the lawfulness of defensive war cleared; the supreme magistrate's power in church matters examined; Mr. Stillingfleet's notion concerning the divine right or forms of church government considered; the author of "The seasonable case" answered; other particulars, such as the hearing of the curates appearing before the high commission court, etc., canvassed . . . etc., Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.
Brown, Thomas (1811-1893), Annals of the Disruption, 1893. Includes two volumes: FORMATION OF THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND and CHURCH AND STATE: A NARRATIVE OF THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE FROM 1560 TO 1843. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"ANNUALS OF THE DISRUPTION chronicles the formation of the Free Church of Scotland, with extracts from the narratives of ministers who left the Scottish establishment in 1843. This battle over unlawful civil encroachments upon the church can be instructive today as the same principles still apply. Church government and education (re: home schools and private Christian schools), are most affected in our day by tyrannical civil 'authorities'." -- Publisher
*Brown, Thomas (1811-1893), Church and State: A Narrative of the Struggle for Independence From 1560 to 1843: The Third Series of Chalmers Lectures by Thomas Brown, ISBN: 0790541602 9780790541600. Alternate title: ANNALS OF THE DISRUPTION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Hits all the historical high points surrounding the great Scottish struggle for the spiritual independence of the church -- against unbiblical usurpation by statist forces. From Knox to the author's day, the cause of civil liberty and the interests of vital (Reformed) religion, in church and state, are both set forth." -- Publisher
Buchanan, George (1506-1582), and Duncan Harald MacNeill, The art and Science of Government Among the Scots, Being George Buchanan's "De jure regni apud Scotos," 1964.
*Buchanan, George (1506-1582), Roger A. Mason, and Martin S. Smith, A Dialogue on the law of Kingship Among the Scots: A Critical Edition and Translation of George Buchanan's De jure regni apud Scotos dialogus. Alternate title: DE JURE REGNI APUD SCOTOS DIALOGUS and A DISCOURSE CONCERNING THE DUE PRIVILEGE OF GOVERNMENT IN THE KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND and A DIALOGUE CONCERNING THE DUE PRIVILEGE OF GOVERNMENT IN THE KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND, 1680, ISBN: 1859284086 9781859284087.
"A detection of the actions of Mary queen of Scots: concerning the murder of her husband, and her conspiracy, adultery, and pretended marriage with Earl Bothwel: and a defense of the true lords, maintainers of the king's majesty's action and authority." -- Publisher
*Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The First Sermon Preached to the Honorable House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament at Their Public Fast, Nov. 17, 1640. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"A beautifully clear facsimile copy of this amazing sermon (published by order of the British House of Commons in 1641), exhorting this Parliament to 'stand to the covenant' of God; by, 'endeavouring of a further Sanction of, and stronger Guard about our true Palladium, the true Religion, already established among us; in the perfecting of the Reformation of it; in the erecting, maintaining, protecting, and encouraging of an able, godly, faithful, zealous, profitable, Preaching Ministry, in every Parish Church and Chapel throughout England and Wales; in interceding to the Kings sacred Majesty for the setting up of a Faithful, Judicious, and Zealous Magistracy, where yet the same is wanting, to be ever at hand to back such a Ministry: without either of which, not only the power of Godliness will sooner degenerate into formality, and zeal into lukewarmness; but Popery, Arminianism, Socinianism, Profaneness, Apostasy, and Atheism itself will more and more crowd in upon us, and prevail against us, do You all You can be all other means.' Points out that where a godly ministry and magistracy are lacking, society degenerates into a godless mob, headed by one of the above named heresies -- as we have seen in our day. Presses national covenant renewal, from Jer. 50:5 [Jeremiah 50:5], and explains from scripture how and why this should take place. Cites many biblical examples of the great Scriptural blessing that has followed previous national covenanting; while making practical application to the situation of the day. This sermon foreshadows chapter 23, of the celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], on 'the Civil Magistrate,' and gives much insight into this watershed period of Christian political development. It is highly recommended for anyone even remotely interested in seeing their nation prosper politically and ecclesiastically. Furthermore, it will be a great help for anyone seeking to formulate a biblical doctrine explaining the four way relationship between: loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; Jesus Christ as mediator; the everlasting covenant (and covenanting); and the state, as set forth in Scripture. A very rare item. A Covenanter's delight! 70 pages." -- Publisher
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.
*Calderwood, David (1600-1666), The History of the Kirk of Scotland, 8 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #11.
" 'The extensive learning and eminent talents of the Rev. David Calderwood, his matured experience in ecclesiastical affairs, and especially in those of his native country, the persecutions he had endured for his beloved Church, and the numerous works he had written in its defense, all qualified him, in the happiest manner, for becoming a Historian of the Kirk of Scotland. Above all, when the narrative was to be one of struggle and suffering, in which the principalities and powers of the earth, as well as those of darkness, were the antagonists, the record of such a conflict fell most aptly into the hands of a man whom a monarch had in vain attempted to brow-beat, and a whole hierarchy to silence. His own heart also appears to have affectionately inclined towards this his most congenial occupation, so that, after his return from exile, he spent many years in collecting and arranging the materials necessary for such an important task. At last, when he had reached his seventy-third year, the General Assembly, for the purpose of enabling him to perfect his work, granted him an annual pension of 800 pounds Scots. Calderwood died only two years afterwards; but he lived to accomplish his purpose of writing the History of our National Church from the commencement of the Reformation to the close of the reign of James the Sixth, in two, if not three successive and copious revisals' (Preface to volume one, pp. v-vi). More on the prominent role Calderwood played in the church of his day is supplied by Johnston, TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT, p. 47, when he writes that 'the Second Book of Discipline was sworn to in the National Covenant in 1581, and revised by the Assembly of 1638. The most important parts of the book were legalized in 1592, and again in 1690. Calderwood, the historian, edited 'The First and Second Book of Discipline,' printed in 1621.' Furthermore, the DICTIONARY OF SCOTTISH CHURCH HISTORY AND THEOLOGY (p. 118), tells us that Calderwood was 'excluded from the church courts when he opposed Bishop James Law of Orkney's (FES VII, 322), substitution of royal supporters in place of the Presbytery's duly elected representatives to the General Assembly. But when King James VI visited Scotland in 1617, Calderwood and 54 other ministers meeting in Edinburgh wrote a protest against the King's intention that the monarch and men of his preference should appoint forms of worship and discipline in the Church. Calderwood was required to appear with Archibald Simson before the King at St. Andrews, where from his knees he boldly opposed the King's will and asserted the freedom of the General Assembly to control the Church's ceremonies and government (emphasis added, and some today say these are points of little or no consequence -- how different from our Reformed forefathers -- RB). Calderwood was deprived of his charge, imprisoned and banished. In 1619 he went to Holland, whence he issued anonymously his monumental critique of English episcopacy, The Altar of Damascus (n.p., 1621), greatly enlarged in Latin . . . Calderwood's writings were erudite and widely persuasive, preparing the way for the restoration of Presbyterian practice at the 'Second Reformation' . . . With Alexander Henderson and David Dickson he was appointed by the General Assembly of 1643 to draft a directory for public worship, to fill a need for guidelines after the episcopal conventions had been removed (in keeping with the Solemn League and Covenant -- RB).' The same article, commenting on this eight volume history, relates, 'it is a major source for the history of the Church of Scotland from the Reformation until 1625.' This massive set (of over 6000 pages), was printed between 1842 and 1849. It contains a 171 page index and Thomson's 'Life of David Calderwood. The contents are listed and dealt with chronologically by year; beginning in the preamble with the descent of the Scots from the ancient Gauls, but formally covering the period (focusing to the church), from 1514 to 1625. Documents and information available no where else (that we know of), are also included in this set. Must reading for researchers and those interested in church history!" -- Publisher
The History of the Kirk of Scotland (1842), David Calderwood, Volume: 1
http://archive.org/details/historykirkscot05caldgoog
*Calderwood, David (1600-1666), The Pastor and the Prelate or Reformation and Conformity Shortly Compared, 1844. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. (PB #4, ACL, DVD One, CD #3)
"This 17th century work refutes prelacy. Calderwood, bound by solemn oath to defend the doctrine and discipline of Biblical Presbyterian government and worship, and to oppose the hierarchy, along with all rites and ceremonies added to the worship of God, does a masterful job here. He uses the Word of God and the proceedings of the ancient and Reformation churches to make his points. He deals with controversies over things 'indifferent,' people's souls, state and society, etc. -- as they are affected by these two systems of government. He points out the far-reaching consequences of the implementation of various systems of church government and worship, showing how these specific ideas are eventually mirrored in the culture in general. Summarizing, he notes the classic saying concerning these matters and their consequences in the civil realm, 'no ceremony no bishop, no bishop no king,' and in the ecclesiastical arena, 'no ceremony no prelate, no prelate no pope'." -- Publisher
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0664220207 9780664220204. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. A Christian classic.
"Edited by John McNeill and translated by Ford Lewis Battles, this is the definitive English language edition of one of the monumental works of the Christian church -- Calvin's INSTITUTES.
"Still considered by many to be the finest explanation and defense of the Protestant Reformation available.
"The work is divided into four books: I. The Knowledge of God the Creator, II. The Knowledge of God the Redeemer in Christ, III. The Mode of Obtaining the Grace of Christ, IV. The External Means or Helps by Which God Allures us Into Fellowship With Christ and Keeps us in it. . . . THE INSTITUTES is praised by the secular philosopher, Will Durant, as one of the ten books that shook the world." -- GCB
Calvin spent a lifetime writing and perfecting INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION. His Prefatory Address makes it clear that he intended the work to be a defense of Christianity to the King of France.
Therefore, plainly stated, one of the most influential works ever published in the English language is a defense of Christianity to leaders of State.
Prefatory Address to His Most Christian Majesty, The Most Mighty and Illustrious Monarch, Francis, King of the French, His Sovereign, John Calvin. Available in THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.
"Indeed, this consideration makes a true king: to recognize himself a minister of God in governing his kingdom. Now, that king, who in ruling over his realm does not serve God's glory, exercises not kingly rule but brigandage. [Footnote: 'Nec iam regnum ille sed latrocinium exercet.' An echo of Augustine's famous phrase: 'When justice is taken away, what are kingdoms [[regna]] but a vast banditry [[magna latocinia]]?' City of God, IV. iv (MPL [[Migne, J.P., Patrologiae cursus completus, series Latina]], 41. 115; tr. NPNF [[A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series]], II. 66)]. Furthermore, he is deceived who looks for enduring prosperity in his kingdom when it is not ruled by God's scepter, that is, his Holy Word; for the heavenly oracle that proclaims that where prophecy fails the people are scattered [Prov. 29:18 (Proverbs 29:18)], cannot lie." (Battles translation)
"The characteristic of a true sovereign is, to acknowledge that, in the administration of his kingdom, he is a minister of God. He who does not make his reign subservient to the divine glory, acts the part not of a king, but a robber. He, moreover, deceives himself who anticipates long prosperity to any kingdom which is not ruled by the sceptre of God, that is, by his divine word. For the heavenly oracle is infallible which has declared, that where there is no vision the people perish (Proverbs 29:18), (Beveridge translation)."
See the entire Prefatory Address, Beveridge translation. Considered to be one of the greatest prefaces ever written.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.ii.viii.html
"The doctrines of covenant liberty were rediscovered in the Reformation. John Calvin went further than anyone else in defining liberty and what Christians need to do to maintain it. Includes bibliographies."
It is recommended that INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION be used for daily devotions and may be used in combination with Ford Lewis Battles and John Walchenbach, AN ANALYSIS OF THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION OF JOHN CALVIN and with CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES.
Calvin's Commentaries at BibleStudyGuide.org
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_index.htm
Calvin's Commentaries, complete
From the Calvin Translation Society edition.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/commentaries.i.html
One Hundred Aphorisms, Containing, Within a Narrow Compass, the Substance and Order of the Four Books of The Institutes of the Christian Religion
http://www.lettermen2.com/pringle.html
Contents and Chapter Sections for Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1559 (McNeill/Battles)
http://www.lettermen2.com/icrcont.html
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 1
http://archive.org/details/instituteschrist01calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 2
http://archive.org/details/institutesofreli02calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Beveridge translation
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.iii.vii.html
Monergism: Commentaries
From Mongergism.com search "commentaries."
http://www.monergism.com
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
Cameron, Fraser, J. (author), Sinclair B. Ferguson (foreword), Learning From Lord Mackay: Life and Work in two Kingdoms, e-book, ISBN: 9780995995314 0995995311.
"James Mackay served as Lord Advocate of Scotland (1979-84) and Lord Chancellor of Great Britain (1987-97). He is, in the words of a past President of the Law Society of Scotland, 'not only an outstanding man in his profession, but one of the most brilliant Scottish scholars of all time.' He is also a humble Christian who has served his Lord in church and state. This book seeks to introduce him to a wider Christian audience, while pointing out lessons that may be learned by others in political office and seeking to locate him in terms of the contemporary (largely American) 'two kingdoms' controversy."
"There is no Scotsman, indeed no British person in public life whom I admire more." -- Sinclair B. Ferguson, Professor of Systematic Theology, Redeemer Seminary, Dallas, Texas
"There ought to be a copy of this book in the Oval office and all the offices of senators and members of Congress." -- Reader's Comment
Campbell, William M., Samuel Rutherfurd [Rutherford], Propagandist and Exponent of Scottish Presbyterianism: An Exposition of his Position and Influence in the Doctrine and Politics of the Scottish Church.
Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), George Miller, and Giles Calvert, The Arraignment of Unbelief, as the Grand Cause of our Nationall Non-establishment: Cleared in a Sermon to the Honourable House of Commons in Parliament, at Margarets Westminster, Upon the 28th. of May, 1645. Being the day of Their Publike Fast. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Chellis, William, Origins of American Covenanter Political Theology (National Reform Association). Probably available in a publication of the National Reform Association. However, NRA is currently dormant (May 3, 2018).
Author's Note: "This article is an excerpt from a larger paper on the place of God's law in Anglo-American Christendom."
Christian Amendment Movement, Problems Related to Christian Civil Government, 1947.
*Church of Scotland, Covenantal Lawsuits of the Church of Scotland.
"The consequences of disobeying the covenant of God was suffering the severity of God's judgment. If the persecutors of the Scottish Church refused to repent, they would suffer excommunication. Knox and his followers knew that God himself would give victory to the Church. The sovereign judgment of God would come on their oppressors in some manner. Armed uprising was not the first priority of the Church. They were first to dispense with all effective means of Church discipline. But armed resistance, as a last means of self-defense, was never ruled out." -- see John Knox, The Reformation in Scotland, pp. 168,169,171,172.
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, A Solemn and Seasonable Warning: to the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burrows, Ministers and Commons of Scotland: and Also to the Scottish Armies Without and Within That Kingdom / From the General Assembly, 12 Feb. 1645; and the Humble Remonstrance of the Aforesaid Assembly to the King, 13. Feb. 1645.
*Coleman, John, Diplomacy by Deception, ISBN: 0964010488 9780964010482.
"True and accurate account of the treasonous conduct by the British and American governments. An account of how their citizens are deceived by policies provoking actions that are totally detrimental to the well-being of their citizens.
"Thoroughly research, the book provides unpublished information on the gulf war and the Bolshevik Revolution. The chapter on covert actions throws new light on the murder of Martin Luther King, Pope John Paul, and other notables marked for elimination.
"The bloodshed that resulted from the creation of an artificial 'Saudi Arabia;' the foreign policy making role of the petroleum industry; the rape of Mexico by British and American oil barons; the revolutions they ignited which cost thousands upon thousands of lives; British conquest of India, the pernicious Indian 'apartheid' caste system. These are some of the subjects dealt with in this historic exposé of how our governments deceive us under the color of diplomacy.
"DIPLOMACY BY DECEPTION tells us that the United Nations is a war-making body, not a peace-keeping organization, and how the Rockefellers and Alger Hiss, aided by the top Illuminati Dulles family, got the United States involved with the United Nations. There is a masterly analysis of constitutional roadblocks barring U.S. membership of the United Nations that will come as a surprise and leave no doubt that we are not now, nor can we ever be, a member of the United Nations.
"DIPLOMACY BY DECEPTION will forever alter your perception of the two leading governments in Western civilization. This is an excellent companion book to the COMMITTEE OF 300 by the same author." -- Publisher
Collins, William Edward, Church and Stated in England Before the Conquest, 1903, ISBN: 0524054932 9780524054932.
Cornelison, Isaac A., The Relation of Religion to Civil Government in the United States of America, 1895.
*Cunningham, John (1819-1893), The Church History of Scotland: From the Commencement of the Christian Era to the Present Time, 1882, 2nd edition, 2 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
"Few people are as well qualified to write such a history as the author of these volumes. Provides a vivid recounting of the struggle for independence and religious freedom." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), Church and State, the Biblical View: A Compilation of Articles From Some of the Best Christian Minds in History. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"A compilation of articles from some of the best Christian minds in history, including Cunningham, Smeaton, M'Crie, Symington, Gillespie, the Westminster Divines, Bannerman, Owen and Shaw. This book shows that, generally speaking, the leaders of the Reformed faith have all come to substantial agreement regarding what the Scriptures teach about Christ's Kingship over the nations and the Church. Establishmentarianism is clearly seen to be the historically Reformed consensus, and this has a huge impact on the way one views both the Church and the state, in relation to Scripture." -- Publisher
Cunningham, William (1805-1861), Lecture on the Nature and Lawfulness of Union Between Church and State: Delivered at Edinburgh on the 27th November, 1834: Being the First of a Series of Lectures, at the Request of "The Edinburgh Young Men's Association for the Promoting the Interests of the Church of Scotland".
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), The Westminster Confession on the Relationship Between Church and State. Alternate title: REMARKS ON THE TWENTY-THIRD CHAPTER OF THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, AS BEARING ON EXISTING CONTROVERSIES. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Chapter eight excerpted from DISCUSSIONS ON CHURCH PRINCIPLES. Answers the false claims that the Westminster Divines contradicted themselves on this issue and/or that they were Erastians. Proves that changes made to the original Westminster Confession, concerning church and state issues, were in error -- clearly demonstrating why this is so." -- Publisher
The Westminster Confession on the Relation Between Church and State, William Cunningham
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-westminster-confession-on-the-relation-between-church-and-state.php
*Dabney, Robert Lewis (1820-1898), Discussions: Evangelical and Theological, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0851513506 9780851513508. Alternate title: DISCUSSIONS OF ROBERT LEWIS DABNEY.
"Warfield called Dabney 'the most conspicuous figure and the leading theological guide of the Southern Presbyterian Church, the most prolific theological writer that Church has as yet produced.' These three volumes of articles and essays vindicate Warfield's statement. 'This is not a book to be read and returned to the library shelf,' states the well known Baptist minister Al Martin, 'rather, as I have found to my own profit, it ought to be read, digested, and kept close at hand as a guide, companion and constant prod to us.' Dr. Archibald Alexander called Dabney, 'the best teacher of theology in the United States, if not the world.' Freundt notes, 'Dabney championed the doctrines of Calvinism and applied them consistently and practically to the great issues of his times'." -- Publisher
Discussions of Robert Lewis Dabney Vol. 1: Evangelical and Theological.
http://archive.org/details/DiscussionsOfRobertLewisDabneyVol.1EvangelicalAndTheological
*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
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
*Davies, Samuel (1723-1761, editor), et al., The Godly Family: A Series of Essays on the Duties of Parents and Children, ISBN: 1877611735 9781877611735, 341 pages.
"Gary Ezzo has collected 16 essays and sermons from 17th and 18th century pastors on ordering a godly home. The book is divided into four section: 1) The Importance of Family Religion, 2) The Duties of Parents, 3) The Duties of Children, 4) The Eternal Family. . . . All of these have been retypeset and updated for easier reading." -- Publisher
"The necessity and excellence of family religion / by Samuel Davies -- The great duty of family religion / by George Whitefield -- A plain and serious address on the important subject of family religion / by Philip Doddridge -- Parental duties illustrated / by Samuel Worcester -- The duties of parents towards their children / by Henry Venn -- Disciplining children / by Arthur Hildersham -- On the method of instructing children / by Henry Venn -- Four sermons on the religious education of children / by Philip Doddridge -- Blessings consequent upon parental fidelity / by Thomas Houston -- The duties of children to their parents / by Samuel Stennett -- The duties of children / by Henry Venn -- Heaven considered as a family / by Samuel Stennett."
Dawson, Jane E.A., The Early Career of Christopher Goodman and his Place in the Development of English Protestant Thought, a thesis, 1978.
De Witt, John R., Jus Divinum: The Westminster Assembly and the Divine Right of Church Government.
Dick, James, and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Synod, Civil Rulers Serving the Lord, or, The Scriptural Doctrine of National Religion: A Sermon, Preached at the Opening of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod of Scotland, May 15th, 1882.
Dill, James Renwick, Christian Government and the Sabbath.
Dodds, Josiah, Essay on Civil Government, 1851.
http://www.covenanter.org/CivilGovt/doddsessay.htm
Elazar, Daniel Judah, Covenant and Commonwealth: From Christian Separation Through the Protestant Reformation, ISBN: 1560002085 9781560002086.
*Fentiman, Travis (editor, annotation, introduction), All of George Gillespie's Writings on Christ's Mediatorial Kingdom is the Church Only, e-text only (September 4, 2017)
"George Gillespie, the Westminster divine, (while being able to affirm this Group's Description) has the most in-depth writings on the majority puritan view that Christ's Mediatorial Kingdom is the Church only. Now collected and published for the first time in a contemporary format with explanatory notes.
"As a bonus, these writings are also the classic delineation of the Establishment Principle, the Biblical relation between Church and State.
"If one does not agree with Gillespie's viewpoint, this should still be a helpful resource as his writings on the subject are often neglected and unread due to not (until now) being collected in a convenient, contemporary format." -- Publisher
https://reformedtheologybooks.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/gillespie-george-christs-mediatorial-kingdom-is-the-church-only.pdf
Fiske, John, The Beginnings of New England, or, the Puritan Theocracy in its Relations to Civil and Religious Liberty, 1902, ISBN: 0781228492.
Fissel, Mark Charles, The Bishops' Wars: Charles I's Campaigns Against Scotland, 1638-1640, ISBN: 0521345200 9780521345200 0521466865 9780521466868, 1994.
Flint, Robert, Christ's Kingdom Upon Earth: A Series of Discourses, 1865, ISBN: 0790536749 9780790536743.
Christ's Kingdom Upon Earth: A Series of Discourses
http://archive.org/details/christskingdomup00flin
Forbes, Steve, A New Birth of Freedom: Vision for America, ISBN: 0895263203 9780895263209.
"America today has the potential for the greatest economic boom and spiritual renewal in our history. Presidential candidate and publishing magnate Steve Forbes shows how we can once again brighten economic prospects for everyone, reform our corrupt political institutions, and restore the severely weakened moral foundations of our country." -- Publisher
Forrester, Thomas, John Scott, and Alexander Monro, The Hierarchical Bishops Claim to a Divine Right, Tried at the Scripture-bar, or, A Consideration of the Pleadings for Prelacy: From Pretended Scriptural Arguments, presented and offered by Dr. Scott, in his book intituled, The Christian life, part II, A.M., D.D. in his Enquiry into the New Opinions, &c., and by the author of the second part of the Survey of Naphtali. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
Forsyth, Peter Taylor, Theology in Church and State, 1915.
Foster, Finley Milligan, Church and State, Their Relations Considered, a thesis, 1940.
Free Church of Scotland, a Committee of Free Church Ministers and Elders, Serious Objections to the Proposed Declaratory act of the Free Church of Scotland: Submitted for the Consideration of Office-bearers and Members of the Free Church.
Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Synod, History of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland (1893-1970), ISBN: 0902506099 9780902506091.
Fuller, Andrew (1754-1815), Importance of Union of Public and Private Interests in the Service of God. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER (1:469-74).
Gage, Royal, A Treatise on Resistance and Nonresistance: In Which is Included a Scriptural Distinction Between the Church of Christ and the Civil Government of the World, 1848.
*Geller, Pamela, Robert Spencer, and John Bolton (foreword), The Post-American Presidency: The Obama Administration's War on America, ISBN: 9781439189306 1439189307 9781439189900 1439189900 9781439190364 1439190364.
"Popular conservative blogger Pamela Geller, and New York Times bestselling author Robert Spencer team up to expose the Obama administration's destructive agenda -- largely ignored by the mainstream media -- and rally Americans to protect the sovereignty of a country that is under siege by the highest levels of its own government.
"America is being tested in a way that she has never been tested before. Since taking the oath of office in January 2009, President Barack Obama has cheered our enemies and demoralized our allies. He is hard at work 'remaking' America by destroying the free-market system and nationalizing major segments of our economy, demonizing dissent and restricting freedom of speech, turning against our longtime friends, and above all, subjecting us to the determinations of foreign authorities.
"As Americans see their paychecks shrinking every day, Obama ignores our forefathers' founding principle: individual rights. Instead, he seeks to level the playing field -- to transform both the global and national landscape in favor of our enemies -- even if it means cutting America off at the knees. He envisions himself as more than just a president of the United States, but as a shaper of the new world order, an internationalist energetically laying the groundwork for global government: the president of the world.
"A vital guide to helping conservatives prepare for the tough battles ahead, THE POST-AMERICAN PRESIDENCY critically examines the Obama administration's ominous and revealing moves against our basic freedoms, particularly as he seizes control of the three engines of the American economy: health care, energy, and education. The Shining City on a Hill has gone dark. But America is not dead. The time is NOW to stand up and fight. -- Publisher
George, R.J., Political Dissent: Defending Covenanter Dissent and Separation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), CXI Propositions Concerning the Ministerie and Government of the Church, 1647.
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Aaron's Rod Blossoming; or, the Divine Ordinance of Church Government Vindicated, 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE PRESBYTERIAN'S ARMOURY.
"The remainder of the title reads: 'So as the Present Erastian Controversy Concerning the Distinction of Civil and Ecclesiastical Government, Excommunication and Suspension, is Fully Debated and Discussed, from the Holy Scriptures, for the Jewish and Christian Antiquities, from the Consent of Later Writers, from the True Nature and Rights of Magistracy, and from the Groundlessness of the Chief Objections made Against the Presbyterial Government, in Point of a Domineering Arbitrary Unlimited Power.'
"In short, this book deals with the biblical view of the separation of church and state, and is especially pertinent concerning the modern political climate, in which the old Erastian tree of civil ecclesiastical interference is growing strong and spreading much poisonous fruit. As with just about everything else Gillespie wrote, this book has been widely recognized as THE classic in its field. Three major sections cover 'Of the Jewish Church Government;' 'Of Christian Church Government;' and 'Of Excommunication from the Church, and of Suspension from the Lord's Table.' Lachman, in his Preface writes, 'It presents the classic Reformed point of view, one now little heard and perhaps less understood. Gillespie writes carefully and clearly, in many respects resembling the better know John Owen in the clarity and power of his reasoning.' Bannerman states, 'This famous treatise is unquestionably the most able, learned, systematic, and complete work on the Erastian controversy in existence. It deserves, and will repay, the most careful study.' (The Church of Christ, vol. 2, p. 432). Beattie, (Memorial Volume, p. xxxvi, 1879), called this book, 'the ablest plea for Presbytery ever made'." -- Publisher
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Aaron's Rod Blossoming, or, The Divine Ordinance of Church Government Vindicated. (1844)
http://archive.org/details/aaronsrodblosso00gillgoog
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), A Dispute Against the English Popish Ceremonies Obtruded Upon the Church of Scotland, 1637, ISBN: 0941075141. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"George Gillespie was one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly, the youngest member there, and undoubtedly one of the most influential. William Hetherington observes 'The effect produced by this singularly able work may be conjectured from the fact that within a few months of its publication, a proclamation was issued by the Privy Council, at the instigation of the Bishops, commanding that all copies of the book that could be found be called in and burned by the hangman. Such was the only answer that all the learned Scottish Prelates could give to a treatise written by a youth who was only in his twenty-fifth year when it appeared' ('Memoir,' from the Works of George Gillespie, p. xviii). James Bannerman notes, 'This was Gillespie's first work, and it may be truly said to have settled the controversy which called it forth, so far as argument was concerned. No answer to it was ever attempted by the Prelatic party; and no answer was possible. It displays singular acuteness, learning, and force of reasoning; and the thoroughness of the discussion is as remarkable as the power with which it is conducted.' (The Church of Christ, vol. 2, p. 435). Possibly the best uninspired book ever written on biblical worship, an extensive and thorough masterpiece that leaves no stone unturned. For advanced study." -- Publisher
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), A Dispute Against the English Popish Ceremonies, Obtruded Upon the Church of Scotland
http://archive.org/details/EnglishpopishCeremonies
A Historic Introduction to Popish Ceremonies, introduction by Roy Middleton
http://www.naphtali.com/epcextrc.htm
English Popish Ceremonies, George Gillespie (extracts)
http://www.naphtali.com/epcextr2.htm
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Ezekiel's Vision of Millennial Glory, Preparation for Coming Reformation and a Remedy for Backsliding and Lukewarmness. Available (THE PURITAN FAST SERMONS, 1640-1652, THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE, and as two MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (two MP3 files), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"This sermon was originally preached to England's House of Commons 'At Their Late Solemn Fast, Wednesday, March 27, 1644.' It is taken from volume one of Gillespie's two volume WORKS. It gives great insight into the covenanted unity, uniformity and worldwide Reformation sought by the majority of the Westminster Divines and the best of the civil leaders of Gillespie's day. Gillespie searchingly deals with the individual, the church and the state, while painting a Scriptural picture of prophesied earthly victory (Isa. 2:2-5 [Isaiah 2:2-5], Ezek. 47:1-12 [Ezekiel 47:1-12], etc.) -- in classic historicist postmillennial style -- which is sure to stir even the coldest Christian heart. He shows how the worst disease the land can suffer is corruption in religion (particularly as exhibited in false worship), rebukes those opposing the Solemn League and Covenant and calls upon all to maintain (and even improve upon), the Reformation attainments whereunto we have already attained. (Philippians 3:16). It is also interesting to note, especially since this sermon was preached before civil rulers, that though Gillespie points out the need for humility, repentance, prayer, tears, godly affections, sanctified minds and honorable actions, he does not forget to mention the importance of a covenanted army in this great cause of Christ's Covenanted Reformation. Also noted is the destruction of Antichrist, the calling and conversion of the Jews (Rom. 11 [Romans 11]), the two witnesses and the 1260 year apostasy. Gillespie closes with an appeal to the English House of Commons, with whom the Scots had 'joined in covenant and in arms,' to be faithful 'according to the word he (God -- RB), hath covenanted with you (i.e. in the Solemn League and Covenant -- RB), so his spirit remaineth among you' -- exhorting these magistrates to fear not but to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. This is classic Covenanter preaching, among the best sermons you may ever hear!" -- Publisher
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), On Holy Days
http://www.naphtali.com/gghodays.htm
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Part 1: Holy Days Take Away our Christian Liberty Proved out of the Law
http://www.naphtali.com/articles/george-gillespie/holy-days/epc-out-of-the-law/
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Part 2: Holy Days Take Away our Christian Liberty Proved out of the Gospel
http://www.naphtali.com/articles/george-gillespie/holy-days/epc-out-of-the-gospel/
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Whether it be Lawful, Just, and Expedient, That the Taking of the Solemn League and Covenant be Enjoined by the Parliament Upon all Persons in the Kingdom Under a Considerable Penalty. Available (by title and in THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE, volume 2) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19. Available (Chapter XVI. of "A Treatise of Miscellany Questions," pp. 85-88), in THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE, volume 2.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/SL&CGil.htm
*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 parćnetick 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
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), George Buchanan, John Brown (of Wamphray), David Hay Fleming, The Presbyterian's Armoury, 3 volumes, 1846. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"In terms of 'bang for your book buying buck,' you will not find more fire-power 'under one roof' than in THE PRESBYTERIAN'S ARMOURY! Can be purchased as the three volume set or individually as listed below."
Volume One of THE PRESBYTERIAN'S ARMOURY
"Contains GILLESPIE'S LIFE AND WRITINGS by Hetherington, plus all of the following works by George Gillespie: A DISPUTE AGAINST ENGLISH POPISH CEREMONIES, 1637; AN ASSERTION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, 1644; 111 PROPOSITIONS CONCERNING THE MINISTRY AND GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH, 1644; two of Gillespie's sermons, preached before the House of Common (1644), and the House of Lords (1645); and Gillespie's answers to Coleman which defend Presbyterian polity against Erastianism. 'Noted for his erudition, keen mind, powerful debating skills and articulate speech and often called 'Great Mr. Gillespie' in his day, he has been referred to as the prince of Scottish theologians and the supreme defender of Presbyterian church government'." (Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 359).
Volume Two of THE PRESBYTERIAN'S ARMOURY
"Contains all of the following works by George Gillespie: AARON'S ROD BLOSSOMING, OR THE DIVINE ORDINANCE OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT VINDICATED; A TREATISE OF MISCELLANY QUESTIONS; NOTES OF DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER (February 1644 to January 1645). Gillespie is most famous for his AARON'S ROD which Walker called 'the chef d'oeuvre' of Scottish ecclesiastical theology. (cited in Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, pp. 359-360). He was a thundering preacher and a prominent member of the famous Westminster Assembly. Johnston, TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT cites the following concerning Gillespie: 'That is an excellent youth; my heart blesses God in his behalf. There is no man whose parts in a public dispute I do so admire. He has studied so accurately all the points that are yet to come to our Assembly; he has got so ready, so assured, so solid a way of public debating; that however there be in the Assembly divers very excellent men, yet, in my poor judgement, there is not one who speaks more rationally and to the point than that brave youth has done ever (Baillie from his Letters and Journals). He was one of the great men that had a chief hand in penning our most excellent Confession of Faith and Catechisms. He was a most grave and bold man, and had a most wonderful gift given him for disputing and arguing. The end of a dispute held by him with some of the promoters of the Engagement was, that Glencairn said, 'There is no standing before this great and mighty man.' He was called malleus Malignantium, 'the hammer of the Malignants' (Wodrow's Analecta), 558 pages."
Volume Three of THE PRESBYTERIAN'S ARMOURY
"Contains: Samuel Rutherford's LEX, REX, or THE LAW AND THE PRINCE; John Brown of Wamphray's APOLOGETICAL RELATION; David Calderwood's PASTOR AND PRELATE, OR REFORMATION AND CONFORMITY SHORTLY COMPARED; and CAUSES OF THE LORD'S WRATH AGAINST SCOTLAND AGREED UPON BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 1651. 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.' (Idem.) Brown's anti-prelatical work deals with the lawfulness of defensive wars, ecclesiastical and civil government, the hearing of curates, etc. Brown's writing has been said to be 'decidedly superior to most of the Scottish writers of his day, and even to Owen.' Calderwood upholds Presbyterianism over and against prelacy. THE CAUSES OF GOD'S WRATH was written anonymously (James Guthrie was the reputed author), and was at one time burnt along with LEX, REX, 615 pages." -- Publisher
Brutus, Junius, The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Assembly, Glasgow, 11th Session, 1638, Sermon, Prov. 21:1 [Proverbs 21:1], The King's Heart is in the Hand of the Lord. Available in THE WORKS OF MR. GEORGE GILLESPIE.
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
Graham, John, The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland: Its Provisions, in Several Respects, Inconsistent With the Approved Principles of the Second Reformation, 1841. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30. Available in LECTURES ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION.
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
Green, Steven K., The Second Disestablishment: Church and State in Nineteenth-Century America, ISBN: 9780195399677 0195399676.
Green, Steven K., The Bible, the School, and the Constitution: The Clash That Shaped Modern Church-state Doctrine, ISBN: 9780199827909 0199827907.
"Few constitutional issues have been as contentious in modern times as those concerning school prayer and the public funding of religious schools. But as Steven K. Green reveals in THE BIBLE, THE SCHOOL, AND THE CONSTITUTION, this debate actually reached its apogee just after the Civil War, between 1863 and 1876. Green shows that controversy over Bible reading in public schools, commonly called 'the School Question,' captured national attention to an unprecedented degree. Public education during the nineteenth century faced many competing pressures, including a widespread belief that schooling required a moral if not religious basis, a belief among many Protestants that Catholic immigration presented a threat to Protestant culture and to republican values, the need to accommodate increasing religious pluralism in the schools, and evolving understandings of constitutional principles. THE SCHOOL QUESTION provided Americans with the opportunity to address and articulate these pressures, and to engage in a grand -- and sometimes not so grand -- public debate over the meaning of separation of church and state. Green demonstrates that the modern Supreme Court's decisions on school funding and Bible reading did not create new legal doctrines or abolish dominant practices, but built on legal concepts and educational trends that had been developing since the early nineteenth century. He also shows that while public reaction to a growing Catholic presence was a leading factor in this development, it was but one element in the rise of the legal doctrines the high court would embrace in the mid-twentieth century. Rarely in the nation's history have people from such various walks of life -- Protestants and Catholics, skeptics and theocrats, nativists and immigrants, educators and politicians -- been able to participate in a national discussion over the meaning of a constitutional principle. The debates of this period laid the foundation for constitutional arguments that still rage today." -- Publisher
Green, Steven K., The Second Disestablishment: Church and State in Nineteenth-century America, ISBN: 9780195399677 0195399676.
Gregory, William L.S. (W.L.S.G.), The Trial of Antichrist, Otherwise, The Man of Sin, for High Treason Against the Son of God, 1830. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.
"The Pope is charged with High Treason against the King of Heaven, for usurping his Supremacy, dignified Titles, Power, etc. The indictment goes as far back as the year 606, when he first was acknowledged as the Universal Bishop, and some of the principal circumstances recorded in History from that time to the present are brought forward to support the charge. The form of a State Trial is almost if not altogether constantly attended to, and such legal phrases used, as to keep up the idea of a Court of Justice." -- Preface
The Trial of Antichrist (1830)
http://archive.org/details/trialofantichris00gregiala
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
Hall, David W., Jus Divinum Regiminis Ecclesiastici, or, The Divine Right of Church-government, ISBN: 0941075214 9780941075213 0941075222 9780941075220.
*Hall, David W., Savior or Servant? Putting Government in its Place, ISBN: 0965036715 9780965036719.
"SAVIOR OR SERVANT? is the single best volume of Christian thinking on the issue of the increasingly intrusive state . . . Theology at its very best: orthodox, relevant, and provocative." -- George Grant
"SAVIOR OR SERVANT? PUTTING GOVERNMENT IN ITS PLACE is an attempt to define the role of the state: Shall it be a minister or a Messiah? Using ancient but timeless information, David W. Hall has surveyed the Bible and arrived at a coherent theology of the state. This study succeeds in identifying the responsibilities that the civil state is mandated to do, permitted to do, and prohibited from doing. Along the way, it is discovered that all political schemes and issues are fraught with theological value. Moreover, the most enduring grid to keep government in its rightful place is found in the Bible. Drawing upon thousands of verses and hundreds of thinkers, this volume is comprehensive yet readable. Theologians from Augustine to Calvin and from Aquinas to Barth are studied and presented in a non-technical manner. The Christian who is interested in politics should absorb these summaries before launching out into unstudied political activism. Rather than adopting a politics-as-usual posture, Hall challenges partisans from the right and from the left. He summons Christians to the old paths, which God's Word has occupied for centuries. Discussed in these chapters are perennial matters of practical importance, such as: taxation; resistance to evil governments; methods of influence; the escalation of rights; limited government; moral qualities for leaders; separation of powers. This book will provide excellent fodder for discussion and guidance. It returns spiritual principles to their place, while seeking to put government in its proper place.
"SAVIOR OR SERVANT? is a revival of a classic approach to limited government. In a time when nations are finally beginning to shrink bloated governments, a surprising source commends itself as an able assistant in reform. The scriptural view of the state, removed from the varied fads of political science, provides an enduring perspective by which to measure all states. This study begins with a survey of biblical teaching on pressing matters of state today. Following the contours of the Old and New Testaments, SAVIOR OR SERVANT? calls all levels of government to a servant posture, rather than allowing officials to dominate. A historical tracing of the best and most pertinent that theology has to offer on the subject is contained in these pages." -- Publisher
Hamburger, Separation of Church and State, ISBN: 0674007344 9780674007345 0674013743 9780674013742.
"In a powerful challenge to conventional wisdom, Philip Hamburger argues that the separation of church and state has no historical foundation in the First Amendment. The detailed evidence assembled here shows that eighteenth-century Americans almost never invoked this principle. Although Thomas Jefferson and others retrospectively claimed that the First Amendment separated church and state, separation became part of American constitutional law only much later. Hamburger shows that separation became a constitutional freedom largely through fear and prejudice. Jefferson supported separation out of hostility to the Federalist clergy of New England. Nativist Protestants (ranging from nineteenth-century Know Nothings to twentieth-century members of the K.K.K.) adopted the principle of separation to restrict the role of Catholics in public life. Gradually, these Protestants were joined by theologically liberal, anti-Christian secularists, who hoped that separation would limit Christianity and all other distinct religions. Eventually, a wide range of men and women called for separation. Almost all of these Americans feared ecclesiastical authority, particularly that of the Catholic Church, and, in response to their fears, they increasingly perceived religious liberty to require a separation of church from state. American religious liberty was thus redefined and even transformed. In the process, the First Amendment was often used as an instrument of intolerance and discrimination." -- Publisher
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), The Subscribing of the National Covenant in 1638, 1912. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The "glorious marriage day between God and Scotland."
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), and Church of Scotland, General Assembly, Parliament, The Scotts Declaration, in Answer to the Declaration, Sent Unto Them by Their Commissioners now at London, From the Honourable Houses of Parliament of England: Expressing Their Care to Prevent the Effusion of Christian Blood; and Their Affections to Reformation Both to Kirk and State, 1642.
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.
Herle, Charles (1598-1659), A Pair of Compasses for Church and State: Delivered in a Sermon Preached at St. Margarets in Westminster Before the Honorable House of Commons, at Their monethly Fast November the Last, 1642. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Hodge, Charles (1797-1878), The Relation of Church and State, by Charles Hodge, in the Trinity Review, July/August, 1988.
"Hodge was one of the greatest exponents and defenders of historical Calvinism in America during the 19th century." He was the principal of Princeton Theological Seminary between 1851 and 1878.
Charles Hodge "has been called the 'prince of American theologians.' Hodge was perhaps the most influential Presbyterian theologian of the nineteenth century, an instructor at Princeton Seminary for decades, and the author of many books, including his three volume SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY." (John W. Robbins)
Read what Charles Hodge says in THE RELATION OF CHURCH AND STATE -- THE AMERICAN CHURCH, in support of the newly discovered "novel, yet sound, doctrine" of the relationship between Church and State in America. Then decide for yourself if he unscripturally conceded to delivering the Church into the hands of the State in the "American Version, 1789" of THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH.
The Biblical doctrine of Christian Magistracy (Bible Magistracy Turns Back the Wrath of God) functions correctly only when State leadership is Christian, and when the State can be depended upon to wield their sword to protect true religion. The history of the human depravity in State leadership (secular leaders who destroy true religion instead of protecting it), should not cause theologians to abandon sound doctrine as stated in the original WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646). Treachery in State leadership would be far less of a problem if the writers of the U.S. Constitution had not removed the religious test clause of Colonial constitutions. This was done in America with the adoption of the "AMERICAN VERSION" OF THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH and THE U.S. CONSTITUTION in 1789.
Besides arguing in support of the "AMERICAN VERSION" OF THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION "he [Charles Hodge], repudiated the unhistorical position of those who denied the validity of Roman Catholic baptism . . . Hodge supported slavery in the 1830s, and while he condemned the mistreatment of slaves he did not condemn the institution of slavery itself. The background to this attitude, however, was not primarily his understanding of the Bible's teaching on the matter, but rather his churchmanship. . . .
"In 1846, however, he became convinced that slavery was wrong, reversing his earlier anti-abolitionist stance, and he then publicly denounced slavery and supported both the Abolitionist movement and President Lincoln (Adams, 2003)." -- New World Encyclopedia, February 15, 2014
American Covenanters decried the "American Version." See the Covenanter document:
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
We love Gordon Clark, and we hold him in highest esteem, one of the great minds of the 20th century. However, astonishingly, he seems to have adopted Hodge's position on the "American Version." This relieves the State of judicial responsibilities to preserve true religion, and delivers the Church into the hands of the State. Hence, today we have the "church effeminate" and, consequently, a destabilization of every sphere of society, including that of the Reformed Church. Could this be one reason for the failure of Church courts today?
The Relation of Church and State -- The American Church, Charles Hodge
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=92
Howie, John (1735-1793), James Stewart and John Knox: Scotland's "Two Sons of oil" (excerpted from John Howie's Scots Worthies, 1781 edition, narrated by Larry Birger, Jr.). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"As Birger accurately observes in his introduction to this one-tape reformational powerhouse, 'One great reason the Church is so weak and divided today is precisely because she has rejected these commandments of her Lord and Husband [to walk in the footsteps of the flock (Song of Solomon 1:8), and to seek out and walk in the old paths (Jeremiah 6:16)]. Forgetting the works of God in history, she has thus become an easy prey to the old lies and idolatries of the Roman Catholic Church, that whore of Babylon, such that so-called Protestantism today in many ways bears more resemblance to the Roman Church than to the biblical churches of the Reformation. We are indeed ignorant of our history, and therefore have been doomed time and again to repeat its mistakes.' He continues, pointing to one of God's powerful remedies for our sinful failings in this area: Our gracious Lord has nonetheless provided a way out for us, by preserving for us the narratives of His great works in history, as well as His infallible Word by which to judge which are truly the good old paths. . . . On this tape you'll hear of the lives of two men who exemplified the work of Christ's "Two Witnesses" in Scotland, James Stewart, Earl of Moray, and John Knox. These "Two Sons of oil," like their ancient predecessors, Zerubbabel and Joshua, illustrate the holy beauty and mighty effectiveness of God's institutions of Scriptural civil magistracy and gospel ministry. We see from their high regard for one another and from the work they accomplished in the Lord how both righteous civil rulers and faithful gospel ministers are necessary for true and lasting, society-changing reformation. In our age of ungodly toleration and pretended liberty of conscience (as opposed to the true Scriptural liberty of conscience promoted by these two eminent reformers), the emphasis is generally laid upon the ministry only as the agent of reformation -- and truly, there will be no lasting reformation without a faithful ministry. Nevertheless, we see from the Scriptural examples of Hezekiah, Josiah, and other godly rulers, as well as from various instances throughout subsequent history that the civil rulers are called by, and used by, God to promote and protect the welfare of His Bride, the Church. These rulers have no authority in matters of religion, but they have a responsibility about matters of religion -- to do things like suppressing and uprooting heresy, blasphemy, and idolatry, and encouraging and promoting faithful ministers -- as all our faithful Reformed forefathers taught.' Learn with excitement how God used these two faithful men to defeat Antichrist in Scotland, and purify and unify His faithful Church there. A great tool for seeing the vital importance of the civil government (as well as the ministry), in reformation!" -- Publisher
James Stewart and John Knox: Scotland's "Two Sons of oil," audio file.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=122501142339
Howie, John (1735-1793), Reformation Principles, &c. Re-exhibited: A Collection; Containing, I. The National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant, With the Acknowledgment of Sins, and Engagement to Duties, as They Were Renewed at Douglass, July 24, 1712, With Accommodations to the Present Times -- Together with a preface, containing a narrative of the manner of the action, &c. II. Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting From the Revolution-church in Scotland. As also, their principles concerning civil government, and the difference betwixt the reformation and revolution principles. Alternate title: PLAIN REASONS FOR PRESBYTERIANS DISSENTING FROM THE REVOLUTION-CHURCH IN SCOTLAND.
*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
Innes, Taylor, The law of Creeds in Scotland: A Treatise on the Relations of Churches in Scotland Established and not Established to the Civil law, 1902 and 1867.
Jacoby, Stewart Olin, The Religious Amendment Movement: God, People and Nation in the Gilded Age, 2 volumes.
"We the People of the United States, humbly acknowledging Almighty God as the source of all authority and power in civil government, the Lord Jesus Christ as the Ruler among nations, his revealed will as the supreme law of the land, in order to constitute a Christian government, and in order to form a more perfect union. . . . -- proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution, introduced in memorial by Senator Charles Sumner, 1864."
*Johnston, John C., Treasury of the Scottish Covenant. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"A massive listing (over 671 pages), covering Covenanting literature from the period of the Reformation to its publication in 1887. Contains not only the principal literary productions of the Covenanters (in the course of the long-sustained and heroic resistance offered by them to the spiritual despotism thrust against them in both church and state), but all of the chief historical documents connected with this period of history. Inspiration and courage can be drawn from the memories and associations of these events and writings. Here is one example of what you will find (from page 349 in the book): '(Richard) Camerons' head and hands, cut from his body at Airsmoss, were taken to his father, then suffering in prison in Edinburgh for the Covenant. He was asked if he knew them. 'His words,' says Dr. Kerr, 'were surely the most touching of all the memories of that cruel time: 'I know, I know them! they are my son's, my dear son's! It is the Lord: good is the will of the Lord, who cannot wrong me nor mine, but has made goodness and mercy to follow us all our days.' After which, by order of the Council, his head was fixed upon the Netherbow Port, and his hands beside it, with the fingers upward, a kind of preaching 'at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors,' that told more for his cause and against the persecutors than all the words he could have spoken.' A must for every serious theological student, religious library, or rare book collector who has any interest in Reformation thought and/or literature. It is a veritable gold mine of information, facts, documents, book listings and more!" -- Publisher
Johnston, John C., Treasury of the Scottish Covenant
http://archive.org/details/treasuryofscotti00john
Kah, Gary, and Rick Blanchette (editor), The New World Religion, ISBN: 0967009804 9780967009803.
"The New Age movement is a complicated mass of false religious systems dating back to the Tower of Babel. Gary takes them as a whole and shows the reader exactly where this system is headed. From the religious and social implications to the political and environmental, Gary's research shows us that we are closer to anti-Christian upheaval in the name of peace than we ever thought.
"What's most interesting is the Catholic tie in. Gary proves that Catholicism has, right now, the inside track to being the official religious arm of the U.N. He also does a great job in documenting the Catholic/New Age relationship." -- Reader's Comment
Keith, Robert, John Parker Lawson (editor of volumes 1 and 2), and C.J. Lyon (editor of volume 3), History of the Affairs of Church and State in Scotland: From the Beginning of the Reformation to the Year 1568. By Robert Keith . . . With Biographical Sketch, Notes, and Index, by the Editor, 3 volumes.
*Kelly, Douglas F., The Emergence of Liberty in the Modern World: The Influence of Calvin on Five Governments From the 16th Through 18th Centuries, ISBN: 0875522971.
"Examines Calvin's influence on the civil governments of Geneva, Huguenot France, Knox's Scotland, Puritan England, and Colonial America. Shows how Calvin's legacy continues to bear upon the issues that guide and agitate Western nations today." -- Publisher
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jim Nelson Black, Character and Destiny: A Nation in Search of its Soul, ISBN: 0310443806 9780310443803.
"America faces a crisis of moral authority. In this penetrating, informative book, Dr. D. James Kennedy takes readers to the core of today's cultural erosion. The United States' rich heritage of Christian liberty is now being corrupted by those who are trying to rewrite or reinterpret history. Even our traditional values are being undermined by our educational system. More than ever, we need to assert the truth -- the truth of the existence of sin and of the absolute nature of morality." -- Publisher
Dr. Kennedy regards this work as his most important book to date.
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if the Bible had Never Been Written? ISBN: 0785271546 9780785271543.
"Following its predecessor, WHAT IF JESUS HAD NEVER BEEN BORN, WHAT IF THE BIBLE HAD NEVER BEEN WRITTEN is a veritable compendium of the major accomplishments of the western world. D. James Kennedy demonstrates quite capably that many of the most fundamental stages of advancement for mankind over the last 2000 years began with the impetus of people whose lives were influenced by the Holy Scriptures. The book reads easily and keeps the attention of the reader as the author moves from one aspect of human development to another. He also explodes some myths along the way with clear and concise excerpts from personal letters, writings and biographies of the individuals about whom he writes. All in all, I would recommend this book to those who question the validity and potency of the Bible and to those who need to bolster their faith and resolve in the Book of books." -- Reader's Comment
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born? The Positive Impact of Christianity in History, ISBN: 0785271783 9780785271789.
Hospitals, universities, literacy and education, capitalism and free-enterprise, representative government, separation of political powers, justice and common law, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, and so forth can all be attributed to Christianity.
*Kerr, James (1847-1905), Church and State: Three Lectures. I. Religious Equality -- National Disaster. II. Erastian Establishment -- Ecclesiastical Dishonour. III. Scriptural Establishment -- Imperial Glory. Available in pamphlet format from:
Covenanter Pamphlets
http://www.covenanter.org/pamphlets/
Church and State: Three Lectures. I. Religious Equality -- National Disaster. II. Erastian Establishment -- Ecclesiastical Dishonour. III. Scriptural Establishment -- Imperial Glory
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/james-kerrs-three-lectures-on-church-and-state
*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 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), John Knox Debates Theonomy, Idolatry, and Civil Resistance in the General Assembly of 1564. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Lambert, Frank, The Founding Fathers and the Place of Religion in America, ISBN: 0691088292 9780691088297 9780691126029 069112602X.
"How did the United States, founded as colonies with explicitly religious aspirations, come to be the first modern state whose commitment to the separation of church and state was reflected in its constitution? Frank Lambert explains why this happened, offering in the process a synthesis of American history from the first British arrivals through Thomas Jefferson's controversial presidency. Lambert recognizes that two sets of spiritual fathers defined the place of religion in early America: what Lambert calls the Planting Fathers, who brought Old World ideas and dreams of building a 'City upon a Hill,' and the Founding Fathers, who determined the constitutional arrangement of religion in the new republic. While the former proselytized the 'one true faith,' the latter emphasized religious freedom over religious purity. Lambert locates this shift in the mid-eighteenth century. In the wake of evangelical revival, immigration by new dissenters, and population expansion, there emerged a marketplace of religion characterized by sectarian competition, pluralism, and widened choice. During the American Revolution, dissenters found sympathetic lawmakers who favored separating church and state, and the free marketplace of religion gained legal status as the Founders began the daunting task of uniting thirteen disparate colonies. To avoid discord in an increasingly pluralistic and contentious society, the Founders left the religious arena free of government intervention save for the guarantee of free exercise for all. Religious people and groups were also free to seek political influence, ensuring that religion's place in America would always be a contested one, but never a state-regulated one." -- Publisher
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The Christian and the State: A Look at Contemporary Issues in the Light of Romans 13, 3 audio files.
*Loane, Marcus L., Makers of Religious Freedom in the Seventeenth Century: Henderson, Rutherford, Bunyan, Baxter.
"Students of church and state will appreciate this book because it narrates the vigorous struggle for religious freedom on the part of Alexander Henderson and Samuel Rutherford in Scotland, and John Bunyan and Richard Baxter in England." -- Cyril J. Barber
Long, Thomas (1621-1707), A Compendious History of all the Popish and Fanatical Plots and Conspiracies Against the Established Government in Church and State in England, Scotland, and Ireland from the first year of Qu. Eliz. reign to this present year 1684 with seasonable remarks / Tho. Long. Alternate title: THE INTRIGUES OF THE PAPISTS AND FANATICKS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT AND RELIGION ESTABLISHED HISTORICALLY RELATED, 1684.
Lyall, Francis, Of Presbyters and Kings: Church and State in the law of Scotland, 1980, ISBN: 0080257151 9780080257150.
Machin, G.I.T., Politics and the Churches in Great Britain, 1977.
Macleod, John (1872-1948), Calvin's Idea of the Church in its Bearing on our History.
Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), A Sermon Preached to the two Houses of Parliament, at Their Solemn Meeting to Praise God for his Infinite Mercy in the Restoring of the Said Houses of Parliament to Their Honor and Freedome With so Little Effusion of Blood: at the Abbey-Church in Westminster, Aug. 12. 1647. By Stephen Marshall, 1647.
Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), and Giles Firmin (1614-1697), The Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters of Religion Vindicated: The Extent of his Power Determined in a Sermon Preached Before the First Parliament on a Monthly Fast day / by Mr. Stephen Marshall / published by G. Firmin, with notes upon the sermon, 1657.
*Matthews, Steven T., The Fed, Fiat Currency, and Feckless Keynesian Economics
The creation of the Fed [The Federal Reserve -- compiler], is "the most tragic blunder ever committed by Congress. The day it [the Federal Reserve Act of 1913] was passed, old America died and a new era began. A new institution was born that was to cause, or greatly contribute to, the unprecedented economic instability in the decades to come." -- Hans F. Sennholz in Money and Freedom, quoted in End the Fed, p. 23
The Fed, Fiat Currency, and Feckless Keynesian Economics, Steven T. Matthews
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=316
*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 I, John, 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
MacMillan, III, John, Letter Anent Civil Government and Political Dissent, 1781
http://www.truecovenanter.com/mcmillan/mcmillan_letter1781.html
MacPherson, Hector, The Doctrine of the Church in the Scottish Theology, 1903.
*MacPherson, Hector, Scotland's Battles for Spiritual Independence, 1905.
"Ably delineates between the quest for power (ecclesiastical as well as political), and a true spirit of independence based upon Biblical principles. Describes the struggle between church and state, and lays justifiable stress upon the far-ranging effects of the battles they fought and won." -- Cyril J. Barber
Marshall, John Lewis, Natural Law and the Covenant: The Place of Natural Law in the Covenantal Framework of Samuel Rutherford's "Lex, Rex."
A dissertation. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Theological Seminary, 1995.
Martin, Hugh (1822-1885), Where Will the Free Church be Found?
McAllister, David, Constitutionality of the Reading of the Bible in the Public Schools, 1902.
McAllister, David, The Moral Ends of the State, 1906.
McAllister, David, The Ultimate Source of the State's Authority.
*McClure, Alexander D., The First Amendment: A Masterpiece 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
McKay, W.D.J., An Ecclesiastical Republic: Church Government in the Writings of George Gillespie, ISBN: 0946068607 9780946068609.
McKinney, James, A View of the Rights of God and man in Some Sermons, Matthew 22:21, 1833.
McLagan, James, Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge, Spiritual Views of the Divine Government: A Sermon Preached Before the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge at Their Anniversary Meeting in St. Andrew's Church, Edinburgh, on Thursday, June 2, 1831.
McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), Moral Character of Civil Government: Considered With Reference to the Political Institutions of the United States, in Four Letters, 1832.
http://archive.org/details/moralcharacterc00mcmagoog
*M'Crie (McCrie), Thomas (1772-1835), Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion. Available in STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS, LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD, Section VII. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"M'Crie published at Edinburgh in 1807 a helpful discussion of the biblical evidence for an obligation of nations and their civil rulers to give recognition to the true religion. His book is a protest against the church in which he was ordained, and which subsequently departed from the principles it had espoused: STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS, LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD. It has often been regarded as the best presentation of the confessional point of view respecting a national acknowledgment of religion. Churches formed after M'Crie's death found their conflicts over church principles defined in his literary output." -- Publisher
Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-exercise-of-civil-authority-about-religion.php
*M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), Statement of the Difference . . . Particularly on the Power of Civil Magistrates Respecting Religion, National Reformation, National Churches, and National Covenants, 1871. Alternate title: STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
" 'The ablest exposition in the English language of the Establishment Principle . . . Dr. (George) Smeaton describes the Statement as a masterly defense of the principles of establishments as Scripture truth: and the most complete vindication ever given to the world of the position occupied by the Reformed Church of Scotland, on the whole subject of national religion and the magistrates legitimate power in promoting it. 'The same thoroughness,' wrote the late Rev. D. Beaton, 'which gave such abiding value to his great biography of Knox, is shown in this, his less known work . . . Dr. McCrie in his STATEMENT shows that all the Confessions of the Protestant and Presbyterian Churches of the Reformation, both in Britain and on the Continent of Europe, held and maintained the Establishment Principle. 'These harmoniously agree,' he writes, 'in declaring as with one mouth that civil authority is not limited to the secular affairs of men, and that the public care and advancement of religion is a principle part of the official duty of magistrates.' He goes on to give extracts from THE CONFESSION OF HELVETIA; THE CONFESSION OF BOHEMIA; THE CONFESSION OF SAXONY; THE FRENCH CONFESSION; THE BELGIC OR DUTCH CONFESSION; THE CONFESSION OF THE ENGLISH CONGREGATION IN GENEVA; THE SCOTS CONFESSION AND THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646). 'Such is the harmony of doctrine in the Protestant churches on this head,' he remarks, 'expressed in their confessions and public formularies drawn from the Word of God; a harmony which deserves great attention, and from which none should rashly depart' (as cited in CHRIST'S KINGSHIP OVER THE NATIONS by C.J. Brown). Concerning the doctrine of national obedience to Christ, M'Crie demonstrates in the most convincing way that there are few doctrines 'of the practical kind, in which the best interests of mankind and the general state of religion in the world, are more deeply concerned, than in the right and wrong determination of this question.' Contains an excellent preface by George Smeaton. Considered one of the definitive works on Church/State relations, defending the historic Reformed position. An extremely rare and very expensive item if located as a rare book." -- Publisher
Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-exercise-of-civil-authority-about-religion.php
*McLeod (M'Leod), Alexander (1774-1833), Messiah: Governor of the Nations of the Earth: A Discourse. Available (MESSIAH: GOVERNOR OF THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (MESSIAH: GOVERNOR OF THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25. Available
(MESSIAH: GOVERNOR OF THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH and THE WRITTEN LAW, OR THE LAW OF GOD REVEALED IN THE SCRIPTURES, BY CHRIST AS MEDIATOR; THE RULE OF DUTY TO CHRISTIAN NATIONS TO CIVIL INSTITUTIONS) at Covenanter.org. Available (the pamphlet, MESSIAH: GOVERNOR OF THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH, which includes THE WRITTEN LAW, OR THE LAW OF GOD REVEALED IN THE SCRIPTURES, BY CHRIST AS MEDIATOR) at Covenanter and Reformed Presbyterian Pamphlets.
"The doctrine of the Mediatorial Reign of Christ has formed the subject of those principles accounted distinctive to the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Christ's kingship over the nations and the implications of this doctrine will not be popular amongst a people deeply compromised with the spirit of the age. The prescription may seem tough, but the results of centuries of ignoring this doctrine have left the church effete and gutted when it comes to addressing matters concerning church and state relations. In the various modern debates one viewpoint has been left out, and it is the only one which presents a serious and rigorous biblical vision -- the Covenanter position on civil government.
"In the first discourse, Alexander McLeod explains the biblical basis and the importance of professing that Christ is the head over all nations. McLeod moves from an explanation of what is meant by confessing that Christ rules as Mediator, to a discussion of his administrations as ruler over the nations. Afterward he addresses numerous objections that are raised against the doctrine, in which he explains many finer points respecting Christ's Mediatorial administration.
"The second discourse, THE WRITTEN LAW, by Dr. James Renwick Willson (1780-1853), takes up a number of matters of great practical concern and application of the doctrine of this Mediatorship over the nations. Willson is particularly concerned with the place of the written law of God in the constitution of civil governments. Willson often courts controversy, and does not shy away from consistency. It is a blueprint for how things ought to be, if we would submit to Christ as a nation." -- Publisher
McLeod (M'Leod), Alexander, Messiah, Governor of the Nations of the Earth
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/alexander-mcleods-sermon-on-messiah-governor-of-the-nations-of-the-earth
Willson, James Renwick, The Written Law, or The Law of God Revealed in the Scriptures, by Christ as Mediator; The Rule of Duty to Christian Nations to Civil Institutions
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/james-r-willsons-sermon-on-the-written-law
Covenanter and Reformed Presbyterian Pamphlets
http://www.covenanter.org/pamphlets/
*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
Miller, Darrow L., and Stan Guthrie, Discipling Nations: The Power of Truth to Transform Cultures, ISBN: 1576580156 9781576580158.
"In DISCIPLING NATIONS, Darrow Miller walks us through the ever-unfolding nature of the relationship between God and man-the Scriptures-revealing a very clear, evidential and logical Development Ethic that can only be understood, and therefore, realized, in the context of the Biblical worldview. Unveiling the other prevailing worldviews, Miller exposes the inevitable implications and consequences they have on human development and boldly builds a case for intolerance of these lies -- lies that impoverish individual souls and entire nations.
"Having implications not only upon Relief and Development, DISCIPLING NATIONS is a must-read for every Christian! Pastors, Counselors, Educators, Scientists, Mathematicians, Physicists, Astronomers and Technologists, as well as Christian Fundamentalists and Apologist, can all derive benefit from the continuity and comprehensiveness of this book. I think they will find many ground-breaking, certainly thought-provoking, and, hopefully, transformational, Truths and ideas, that, to this point, and for many reasons, have not yet had the impact that God intended on their lives and/or their vocations. Such has been the case for me. For others, especially those already engaged in Relief and Development work, it will be controversial -- challenging their worldviews and calling for the transformation of their own minds before even considering developing others." -- Reader's Comment
*Moore, Joseph S., Founding Sins: How a Group of Antislavery Radicals Fought to put Christ Into the Constitution, ISBN: 9780190269241 0190269243. Alternate title: THE FAILURE TO FOUND A CHRISTIAN NATION: COVENANTERS AND THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC, TRACES THE COVENANTERS' POLITICAL ROOTS FROM SCOTLAND TO THE NEW WORLD.
"The Covenanters, now mostly forgotten, were America's first Christian nationalists. For two centuries they decried the fact that, in their view, the United States was not a Christian nation because slavery was in the Constitution but Jesus was not. Having once ruled Scotland as a part of a Presbyterian coalition, they longed to convert America to a holy Calvinist vision in which church and state united to form a godly body politic. Their unique story has largely been submerged beneath the histories of the events in which they participated and the famous figures with whom they interacted, making them the most important religious movement in American history that no one remembers.
"Despite being one of North America's smallest religious sects, the Covenanters found their way into every major revolt. They were God's rebels -- just as likely to be Patriots against Britain as they were to be Whiskey Rebels against the federal government. As the nation's earliest and most avowed abolitionists, they had a significant influence on the fight for emancipation. In Founding Sins, Joseph S. Moore examines this forgotten history, and explores how Covenanters profoundly shaped American's understandings of the separation of church and state.
"While modern arguments about America's Christian founding usually come from the right, the Covenanters have a more complicated legacy. They fought for an explicitly Christian America in the midst of what they saw as a secular state that failed the test of Christian nationhood. But they did so on behalf of a cause -- abolition -- that is traditionally associated with the left. Though their attempts to insert God into the Constitution ultimately failed, Covenanters set the acceptable limits for religion in politics for generations to come. . . .
"Joseph S. Moore is Assistant Professor of History at Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina. His work has appeared in The New York Times and various scholarly journals." -- Publisher
"The facts recorded in this book should have been common knowledge in our schools. The book helps complete the history of early colonial America, which has been censored in public education. Christians should be familiar with the names of Samuel Rutherford and George Gillespie. Their followers, Alexander McLeod and James R. Willson, though less known, did repeat the same Christian message, to wit: Jesus Christ is King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and, per Isaiah 60:12, For the nation and kingdom that will not serve Thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. So, it is imperative for any nation's survival to recognize Jesus Christ, as did many of the Colonial Charters and State Constitutions.
"This books traces that struggle and attempt by Christians to do just that. In a way, our current situation is a big 'I told you so' for the early colonial Christians. In the name of toleration, sin is tolerated. We are committing national suicide, slowly. The people discussed in this book point out a better alternative." -- Reader's Comment
*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.
*Murray, Iain, The Reformation of the Church: A Collection of Reformed and Puritan Documents on Church Issues, ISBN: 085151118X 9780851511184.
"First published in 1965 and once again available. Documents are drawn largely from the 16th and 17th centuries and presents the finest thinking of the fathers on authority and freedom, the need for reformation, the nature of the government, unity, and membership of the Church of Jesus Christ." -- GCB
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
National Association to Secure the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, Proceedings of the National Convention to Secure the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States: Held in Cincinnati, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 1872: With an Account of the Origin and Progress of the Movement.
National Convention to Secure the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, Proceedings of the National Convention to Secure the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States: Held in New York, Feb. 26 and 27, 1873: With an Account of the Origin and Progress of the Movement, 1873.
http://archive.org/details/proceedingsofn00nati
National Association to Secure the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, Proceedings of the National Convention to Secure the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States: Held in Pittsburgh, Feb. 4,5, 1874: With an Account of the Origin and Progress of the Movement.
National Reform Association, Is the United States a Christian Nation? 1907.
*North, Gary, Political Polytheism: The Myth of Pluralism, ISBN: 093046432X 9780930464325.
"Political pluralism is not simply a political philosophy; it is a theology. This theology teaches that there must never be a nation that identifies itself with any religion." -- Publisher
"This book presents a new vision of politics and a new vision of America, a vision self-consciously tied to the Bible. . . . Dr. North, a trained historian, seeks to lead us from this downward spiral to full recovery." -- GCB
Institute for Christian Economics Freebooks.com
http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/
North, Gary, Tools of Dominion: The Case Laws of Exodus, ISBN: 0930464109 9780930464103.
Regarding Article VI, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, "the Framers knew that religious oaths were required for testifying in local and state courts. They knew that religious oaths were sometimes required for exercising the franchise in state elections, but they made it clear: Federal jurisdiction is governed by another covenant, and therefore by another god. It is therefore a rival system of hierarchy. It is not a complementary system of courts; it is a rival system, for an oath to the God of the Bible is prohibited by law in one of those hierarchies." -- Gary North in Appendix H: "Selling the Birthright: The Ratification of the U.S. Constitution," pages 1190-1216.
Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
Gary North, Freebooks.com
http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/
*Nye, Philip (1596-1672), An Exhortation to the Taking of the Solemne League and Covenant for Reformation and Defence of Religion, the Honor and Happinesse of the King, and the Peace and Safety of the Three Kingdomes of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Advantage of the Kingdome of Christ, in the Shaking of the Kingdoms of the World: or, Providential Alterations, in Their Subserviencie to Christ's Exaltation. Opened in a sermon preached to the Parliament, Octob. 24. 1651. A solemn day of thanksgiving for the destruction of the Scots army at Worcester, with sundry other mercies; by John Owen, minister of the Gospel, 1652. Alternate title: THE ADVANTAGE OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST, IN THE SHAKING OF THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Owen, John (1616-1683), Truth and Innocence Vindicated in a Survey of a Discourse Concerning Ecclesiastical Polity, and the Authority of the Civil Magistrate Over the Consciences of Subjects in Matters of Religion, 1669.
Parker, Samuel (1640-1688), A Discourse of Ecclesiastical Politie Wherein the Authority of the Civil Magistrate . . . is Asserted, the mischiefs and inconveniences of toleration are represented, and all pretenses pleaded in behalf of liberty of conscience are fully answered, 1671.
*Parliament, The First Parliament During the Reign of James VI of Scotland, Christ's Triumphant Entry Into Scotland; Or, The Subjugation of the People, Laws, Liberties, and Crown of Scotland to His Supreme Majesty Jesus Christ, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; Being, The Complete Text of all of the Acts of the First Parliament During the Reign of James VI of Scotland.
He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. (Isaiah 42:4)
The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. (Psalm 97:1)
And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. (Psalm 37:6)
http://truecovenanter.com/official/acts_of_parliament_scotland_james_vi_p01.phtml
See: Skene, John, THE LAVVES AND ACTES OF PARLIAMENT, MAID BE KING IAMES THE FIRST, AND HIS SUCCESSOURS KINGES OF SCOTLAND.
Paul, John (1777-1848), The Power of the Civil Magistrate, in Matters of Religion; A Letter to the Editor of the Belfast News-Letter, 1831.
Peck, Joseph E., Soul Problems, With Other Papers, 1875.
Subject: Church and State.
Percy, Eustace, John Knox, 1964.
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
*Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Andrew Symington (editor), Lectures on the Principles of the Second Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"Contents: Second Reformation / Andrew Symington
Headship of Christ Over His church / James Ferguson
Evils, Constitutional and Practical of the Prelatic Establishment of the British Empire / Thomas Neilson
The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland / John Graham
Patronage Opposed to the Independence of the Church and to the Scriptural Rights of Christian people / W.H. Goold
Headship of Christ Over the Nations / Andrew Symington
Nature and Obligation of Public Vows / William Symington
The sin and Danger of Union Between the Church of Christ and the Immoral or Anti-Christian Civil Government / Stewart Bates."
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
*Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Synod, Claims of the Divine Government Applied to the British Constitution and the use of the Elective Franchise: Vindicating the Authority of Messiah Against the Encroachments of Antichristian Power. Prepared and Published by Direction of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod in Scotland.
*Reformed Presbytery, Auchensaugh Renovation of the National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant; With the Acknowledgement of sins and Engagement to Duties as They Were Renewed at Auchensaugh in 1712 . . . Also the Renovation of These Public Federal Deeds Ordained at Philadelphia, Oct. 8, 1880, by the Reformed Presbytery, With Accommodation of the Original Covenants, in Both Transactions, to Their Times and Positions Respectively, 1880 edition. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2, #25, #30.
" 'In 1712, at Auchensaugh, the Covenants, National and Solemn League, were renewed . . . At the renewal the covenant bonds were recognized as binding the descendants of those who first entered into those bonds. The Covenanters, however, sought to display the true intent of those Covenants with marginal notes. These notes explained that the Church of Jesus Christ, in Scotland (and around the world), must not join hands with any political power in rebellion to the crown rights of King Jesus. The Covenanters pledged the Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church to the support of lawful magistracy (i.e. magistracy which conformed itself to the precepts of God's Word), and declared themselves and their posterity against support of any power, in Church or State, which lacked biblical authority.' (From 'About the Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church' P.O. Box 131, Pottstown, PA 19464). An excellent introduction (historical and moral), regarding the reasons, motives and manner of fulfilling the duty of covenanting with God. Especially helpful concerning the Biblical view of the blessings (for covenant-keepers), and cursings (for covenant breakers), related to covenanting. As noted on page 37, 'the godly usually in times of great defection from the purity and power of religion, and corruption of the ordinances of God's worship, set about renewing their covenant, thereby to prevent covenant curses, and procure covenant blessing; as we find both in scripture record, 2 Chron. 15:12-13 [2 Chronicles 15:12-13]; 29:10 [2 Chronicles 29:10]; 34:30-31 [2 Chronicles 34:30-31]; Ezra 10:3, and in our own ecclesiastical history.' Times like ours certainly call for a revival of the Scriptural ordinance of covenanting, for 'the nations throughout Christendom, continue in league with Antichrist and give their strength to the beast. They still refuse to profess and defend the true religion in doctrine, worship, government and discipline, contrary to the example of the kingdoms of Scotland, England and Ireland in the seventeenth century'." -- Publisher
McMillan, John, I (1669?-1753), Renovation of Covenants, Auchensaugh
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/19/renovation-of-covenants-auchensaugh-1712
Price, Greg L., The Auchensaugh Renovation, 2 audio cassettes [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This is the story of the renewal of the National and Solemn League and Covenant, which took place under the leadership of John Macmillan (cf. The Cameronian Apostle by Reid), at Auchensaugh, July 24, 1712. Events leading up to this renewal are especially pertinent, as they expose the Satanic tactics which often become most useful to the devil in attacking all revivals and those seeking to return to covenanted attainments. Price notes how Cromwell's tolerationism opened the floodgates of iniquity and helped pave the way (though not intended by the covenant breaking Cromwellians), for the tyranny of Charles II. This set the stage for the corrupted and defective revolution of 1688 and the malignant Revolution church, which left the Covenanted Reformation buried under the debris of William's Erastianism, Prelacy (in England and Ireland), and the compromised Presbyterianism of the Revolution Church in Scotland (cf. Clarkson's Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting from the Revolution Church of Scotland; this Revolution church was the root of much modern day Presbyterian defection and this book still eloquently denounces this defection). The Auchensaugh Renovation cleared away all the Reformation denying rubbish that had accumulated from 1649 to 1712, and 'being agreeable to the Word of God' became part of the terms of communion of the Reformed Presbyterian church on Nov. 3, 1712 (cf. Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, point 4 of 6). It is also interesting to note that at the Lord's Supper (on July 27, 1712), following this covenant renewal, Macmillan, in 'fencing the tables' proclaimed, 'I excommunicate and debar from this Holy Table of the Lord, all devisers, commanders, users, or approvers, of any religious worship not instituted by God in His Word, all tolerators and countenancers thereof; and by consequence I debar and excommunicate from this Holy Table of the Lord, Queen and Parliament, and all under them, who spread and propagate or tolerate a false and superstitious worship, ay, and until they repent.' Furthermore, concerning those who opposed the covenants and the work of reformation, Macmillan trumpeted these faithful words, 'I excommunicate and debar all who are opposers of our Covenants and Covenanted Reformation, and all that have taken oaths contrary to our covenants, and such particularly as are takers of the Oath of Abjuration, whether Ministers or others, until they repent.' (Reformed Presbytery, The Auchensaugh Renovation . . . p. 55). Beyond the fascinating and detailed story of the history and reasons for the Auchensaugh renovation of the covenants, these studies also clearly and biblically explain the continuing obligation to renew lawful covenants, makes application to our day, and demonstrates how covenanting was foundational to the Second Reformation. A fine (and unique), set of tapes defending the attainments of our Covenanted Reformation! For more information see our bound photocopy The Auchensaugh Renovation . . . by the Reformed Presbytery." -- Publisher
The Reformed Presbytery, The Auchensaugh Renovation of the National Covenant and: Solemn League and Covenant With the Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, as They Were Renewed at Auchensaugh, Near Douglas, July 24, 1712. (Compared With the Editions of Paisley, 1820, and Belfast, 1835). Also, The Renovation of These Public Federal Deeds Ordained at Philadelphia, October 8, 1880, by the Reformed Presbytery, with Accommodation of the Original Covenants, in Both Transactions, to Their Times and Positions Respectively
http://archive.org/details/theauchensaughre12381gut
*Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," David Steele (1803-1887), John Thorburn (1730?-1788), John Courtass (d. 1795), et al., Act, Declaration, and Testimony, for the Whole of the Covenanted Reformation, as Attained to, and Established in, Britain and Ireland; Particularly Betwixt the Years 1638 and 1649, Inclusive. As, Also, Against all the Steps of Defection From Said Reformation, Whether in Former or Later Times, Since the Overthrow of that Glorious Work, Down to This Present day (1876), (Philadelphia, PA: Printed by Rue and Jones, 1876), a new edition of the Ploughlandhead Testimony of 1761, the subordinate standard of the original "Steelite" Reformed Presbytery that was constitutes in 1840. Available (the 1850 edition only) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (the 1850 edition only) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"And now, when time has proved that more recent Testimonies, Terms, and Covenants, have failed to preserve either unity or uniformity among those who framed them; it cannot be unseasonable to re-exhibit the original ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY, which has been justly characterized as 'the most profoundly reasoned document ever emitted by the Reformed Presbyterian Church'." -- The Reformation Advocate Magazine, Vol. I, No. 8, December, 1875, page 267
"Upholds the original work of the Westminster Assembly and testifies to the abiding worth and truth formulated in the Westminster family of documents. Upholds and defends the Crown Rights of King Jesus in Church and State, denouncing those who would remove the crown from Christ's head by denying His right to rule (by His law), in both the civil and ecclesiastical spheres. Testifies to the received doctrine, government, worship, and discipline of the Church of Scotland in her purest (reforming) periods. Applies God's Word to the Church's corporate attainments 'with a judicial approbation of the earnest contendings and attainments of the faithful, and a strong and pointed judicial condemnation of error and the promoters thereof.' (The Contending Witness magazine, Dec. 17/93, p. 558). Shows the church's great historical victories (such as the National and Solemn League and Covenant, leading to the Westminster Assembly), and exposes her enemies actions (e.g. the Prelacy of Laud; the Independency, sectarianism, covenant breaking and ungodly toleration set forth by the likes of Cromwell [and the Independents that conspired with him]; the Erastianism and civil sectarianism of William of Orange, etc.). It is not likely that you will find a more consistent working out of the principles of Calvinism anywhere. Deals with the most important matters relating to the individual, the family, the church and the state. Sets forth a faithful historical testimony of God's dealings with men during some of the most important days of church history. A basic text that should be mastered by all Christians." -- Publisher
Act, Declaration, and Testimony (1876)
https://archive.org/details/actdeclarationte00refo
*Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite" (David Steele [1803-1887], James Campbell, Thomas Sproull, James Fulton), A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, 2nd Edition, Revised, and Enlarged by a Committee of the Reformed Presbytery ("Circular" and "Review" prefixed), 1879, 50 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2 (also #1, #25, and #30).
"Until the church comes to terms with what is written in this book it will remain weak and divided. Covenant breakers will not prosper, as this rare item demonstrates from both Scripture and history. The power packed ordinance of covenanting (the National and Solemn League and Covenant in particular), was foundational to the Second Reformation and the work of the Westminster Assembly. 'By the National Covenant our fathers laid Popery prostrate. By the Solemn League and Covenant they were successful in resisting prelatic encroachments and civil tyranny. By it they were enabled to achieve the Second Reformation . . . They were setting up landmarks by which the location and limits of the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day . . . How can they be said to go forth by the footsteps of the flock, who have declined from the attainments, renounced the covenants and contradicted the testimony of 'the cloud of witnesses. . . . All the schisms (separations) that disfigure the body mystical of Christ . . . are the legitimate consequences of the abandonment of reformation attainments, the violation of covenant engagements.' If you are interested in knowing how to recognize a faithful church (or state), when and why to separate from unfaithful institutions, who has held up the standard of Covenanted Reformation attainments and who has backslidden (and why), what it means to subscribe to the Westminster Confession (1646), (and why most that say they do so today do not have any idea of what that means), and much more concerning individual, family, church and civil, individual, family, church and civil duties, this is one of the best books you will ever lay your hands on. It chronicles 'some instances of worldly conformity and mark(s) some steps of defection from our 'covenanted unity and uniformity,' noting how 'it is necessary to take a retrospect of our history for many years; for we did not all at once reach our present condition of sinful ignorance and manifold apostasy.' Presbyterian and the Reformed churches lay under the heavy hand of God's judgement in our day, because of the very defections noted throughout this fine work. 'We heard (hear) from various quarters the cry, "maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation"; and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' Are we married to the Lord, or have we thrown off the covenants of our forefathers; are we the chaste bride of Christ, or a harlot who is found in the bedchambers of every devilish suitor (whether ecclesiastical or civil), who tempts us with the favors of this world? Let us cry out, as with 'the noble Marquis of Argyle, upon the scaffold,' when he said, 'God hath tied us by covenants to religion and reformation. These that were then unborn are yet engaged, and it passeth the power of all the magistrates under heaven to absolve them from the oath of God. They deceive themselves, and it may be, would deceive others, who think otherwise.' Not for the weak of heart." -- Publisher
A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, Reformed Presbytery
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/a-short-vindication-of-our-covenanted-reformation
*Reid, H.M.B., A Cameronian Apostle: Being Some Account of John Macmillan of Balmaghie, 1896. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
"The author wrote this book 'considering the renewed interest taken at present in questions of Church government and establishment,' noting that 'there seemed to be some room for a detailed treatment of a career which covers so interesting a period as that embraced between 1690 and 1750.' Macmillan is an important historical link to those who still fight for Christ's Crown and Covenant. 'For many years he fought the battle of the Covenants alone, and he fought it on lines of policy and wisdom.' states Reid. Furthermore, the author continues, 'I have tried to indicate his position among the 'Suffering Remnant' by calling him 'a Cameronian Apostle;' for, during the long period of 36 years, he was the sole ordained minister among the scattered congregations of the 'Society' people. The name seems not unfitting, and it receives a certain sanction from the authority of Dr. Cunningham, who styled him the 'high-priest' of the Societies . . . Further, Macmillan's story is also the record of the development of a most interesting side of Scottish Church life. He may be said, indeed, to have made the history of what, at last, became the Reformed Presbyterian Church. This is so true, that that Church long bore the popular name of the 'Macmillanites.' And the name of Macmillan is bound up with more than one congregation still existing.' An important book for those who would trace the backsliding of modern Presbyterianism (the neopresbyterians), and also be encouraged by the remnant of those who remain faithful to the position of the original Covenanters (the paleopresbyterians). This book's 308 pages includes illustrations and a detailed appendix containing important church documents." -- Publisher
*Renwick, James (1662-1688), Alexander Shields, and Other "Society People," An Informatory Vindication of a Poor, Wasted, Misrepresented Remnant of the Suffering, Anti-prelatic, Anti-erastian . . . 1744. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"INFORMATORY VINDICATION (1687), a statement of principles issued by the Society People (see Societies, United), during James VII's reign. Prepared mainly by James Renwick, latterly in consultation with Alexander Shields, it was published in Utrecht. Its full title reflects something of the contents: AN INFORMATORY VINDICATION OF A POOR WASTED MISREPRESENTED REMNANT OF THE SUFFERING ANTI-POPISH ANTI-PRELATIC ANTI-ERASTIAN ANTI-SECTARIAN TRUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHRIST IN SCOTLAND UNITED TOGETHER IN A GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE. BY WAY OF REPLY TO VARIOUS ACCUSATIONS IN LETTERS INFORMATIONS AND CONFERENCES GIVEN FORTH AGAINST THEM. It refuted charges brought against the 'Remnant' of schism (in their eyes a great evil) . . . The VINDICATION mourned the estrangement from other Presbyterians who had accepted the government's INDULGENCES OR EDICTS OF TOLERATION, and expressed love for them as fellow ministers 'with whom again we would desire to have communion in ordinances'. The separation had been forced upon the Society People by the tyranny and temper of the times, but it did not affect their position as being in the succession of the historic Kirk of Scotland. The document aimed to clear away the hostility and misunderstanding about them that had grown up in Scotland and Holland." (Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 429)
"In proof of the catholic, unsectarian, Christian spirit of Renwick and his followers, the clear statements of the INFORMATORY VINDICATION, the work which most fully and clearly defines their position, may be referred to . . . In these noble utterances, we have strikingly exemplified the true spirit of Christian brotherhood . . . This is the genuine import of the vow of the Solemn League and Covenant, which binds Covenanters to regard whatever is done to the least of them, as done to all and to every one in particular. While firmly holding fast all Scriptural attainments, and contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, we should cordially rejoice in the evidences of grace in Christ's servants wherever we find them. We should love them as brethren, fulfil the law of Christ by bearing their burdens, wish them God speed in all that they are doing for the advancement of His glory, and fervently labour and pray for the coming of the happy period when divisions and animosities shall cease, and when there shall be one King, and His name one in all the earth. The testimony of Renwick and his associates is of permanent value and of special importance in our day, as it was directed against systems of error and idolatry, which serve to corrupt the Church and enslave the State. Against Popery in every form Renwick was a heroic and uncompromising witness. At the peril of life, he publicly testified against the usurpation of the papist James, and rejected him as having no claim to be regarded as a constitutional sovereign, and as utterly disqualified to reign in a Protestant reformed land. This was the main ground of his objection against James' toleration, for which the Indulged ministers tendered obsequious thanks to the usurper. Yet this edict of toleration was issued for the purpose of opening the way for the practice of Rome's abominations, and for the advancement of papists to places of power and trust in the nation. None of the Cameronians would, for any earthly consideration, even to save their lives, for a moment admit that a papist had any right to exercise political power in a reformed land. Our martyred forefathers we regard as worthy of high respect and imitation, for their deeply cherished dread of the growing influence of Popery, and for their determined resistance to its exclusive and extravagant claims. The system of Popery is the abnegation of all precious gospel truth; and is a complete politico-religious confederacy against the best interests of a Protestant nation. The boast of its abettors is that it is semper eadem, ever the same. Rome cannot reform herself from within, and she is incapable of reformation from external influences and agencies. The Bible never speaks of Antichrist as to be reformed, but as waxing worse and worse till the time when he shall be completely subverted and irrecoverably destroyed. Whatever changes may be going on in some Popish countries, whereby the power of the Papacy is weakened, it is evident that the principles and spirit of the Romish priesthood, and of those who are under their influence, remain unchanged. The errors of the anti-Christian system, instead of being diminished, have of late years increased. Creature worship has become more marked and general. The Immaculate Conception has been proclaimed by Papal authority as the creed of Romanism. In these countries, and some other Protestant lands, the influence of Popery in government and education, and so on the whole social system, has been greatly on the increase. Among those who have most deeply studied inspired prophecy, there is a general expectation that the period of Babylon's downfall is hastening on, and is not far distant. There is a general presentiment too, that the Man of Sin, prior to his downfall, will make some dire and violent attempt through his infatuated followers against the truth, and against such as faithfully maintain it. The 'Slaying of the Witnesses,' which we are disposed to regard as yet future may take place, not so much by the actual shedding of blood, though it is plain that Jesuit policy and violence will not hesitate to re-enact former persecution and massacre, to accomplish a desired purpose. It may mainly be effected, as Scott, the expositor, suggests, by silencing the voice of a public testimony in behalf of fundamental truths throughout Christendom; and of this there are at present unmistakable signs not a few, throughout the churches in various countries. The Protestant church in all its sections should be thoroughly awake to its danger from the destructive errors, idolatry and power of its ancient irreconcilable enemy; and should, by all legitimate means, labour to counteract and nullify its political influence. The ministry and the rising youth of the church should study carefully the Popish controversy, and should be intimately acquainted with the history of the rise and progress of the Papacy its assumed blasphemous power its accumulated errors and delusions, and its plots, varied persecutions and cruel butcheries of Christ's faithful witnesses. Above all, they should set themselves earnestly, prayerfully and perseveringly to diffuse the Bible and Gospel light in the dark parts of their native country, and among Romanists in other lands. By embracing fully and holding fast, in their practical application, the principles of the British Covenants, and by imbibing the spirit of covenanted martyrs men like Renwick and the Cameronians, we will be prepared for the last conflict with Antichrist. The firm and faithful maintenance of a martyr-testimony will be a principle instrument of the victory of truth over the error and idolatry of Rome. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Rev. 12:11 [Revelation 12:11]). Finally, the testimony of Renwick is valuable, as throwing light on great evils connected with systems of civil government, and with Protestant churches, and as pointing out clearly the duty of faithful witnesses in relation to them. Two great principles, the one doctrinal, and the other practical, were essential to it, or rather constituted its whole specialty. These were, first, that, according to the national vows, and the reformation attainments, the whole civil polity of the nation should be conformed to the Scriptures, and secondly, the positive duty of distinct separation from whatever systems in the state and church that are opposed to entire allegiance to Messiah the Prince." (Houston, The Life of James Renwick, pp. 52-55)
"Some of them, particularly in Scotland, loved not their lives unto death for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. Rev. vi. 9 [Revelation 6:9]. These refused to have communion in public ordinances not only with prelatical ministers, but even with the acceptors of indulgences or licenses from the civil power, to exercise their ministry under certain limitations. The INFORMATORY VINDICATION, which certainly contains the genuine principles of church communion, held by the sufferers for the cause of Christ in that period, declares, that they could by no means own or countenance the administrations of the indulged ministers; because they considered the indulgence, in any of the forms in which it was granted by the civil power, as derived from the supremacy claimed by that power in ecclesiastical matters; as laying the office of the ministry under unwarrantable restriction; and as tending, in a great measure, to suppress and bury the covenanted reformation, cf. INFORMATORY VINDICATION, Head iv." (Anderson, Alexander and Rufus; or a Series of Dialogues on Church Communion [1862], p. 294)
"To the friends of evangelical truth, and the faithful witnesses for the redeemer's royal prerogatives, the services of Renwick, at the crisis in which he exercised his public ministry, were invaluable. He was eminently the man for the time. Through the influence of the unhappy Indulgence, the strict Covenanters were reduced to what they style themselves in the Informatory Vindication, a 'wasted, suffering, anti-popish, anti-prelatic, anti-erastian, anti-sectarian remnant.' By the death of Cargill and Cameron, they were left as 'sheep without a shepherd,' broken and scattered. Through the fierceness of persecution, and the machinations of enemies, they were in danger of falling into confusion, and of being entirely wasted and destroyed. We admire the gracious providence of God in preparing, at this particular crisis, an instrument of such rare and suitable endowments for feeding 'the flock in the wilderness,' and for unfurling and upholding so nobly the 'Banner of Truth' amidst hosts of infuriated enemies. James Renwick, though a very youth when he entered on his arduous work, and trained under great outward disadvantages, had a powerful and well-cultivated mind. He was endowed with singular administrative talent, and had great tact and skill in managing men. He was an acute and logical thinker, an eloquent and attractive public speaker, and was distinguished by fertility and force as a writer. The INFORMATORY VINDICATION his testimony against King James' 'toleration, with his 'Letters,' and 'Sermons and Lectures,' bear ample evidence of his sound judgment, comprehensive mind, and ability as an author. His prudence, meekness and loving disposition, combined with his sanctified zeal, and heroic courage, deservedly gave him great influence among those to whom he ministered. He was eminently fitted to be 'a first man among men.' The Lord held him in the hollow of his hand, and made him a 'polished shaft in his quiver.' The services which Renwick rendered to the Protestant cause were invaluable. He organized the scattered remnant, and imparted new life and ardour to their proceedings. He set forth clearly the principles of the 'Society people;' and in a number of able and logical papers, clearly defined their plans of action. He rendered it, in a great measure, impossible for enemies to misrepresent and accuse them falsely to the Government. He was their Secretary in their correspondence with foreign churches; and he did much to evoke the prayerful sympathy of Protestants in other lands in behalf of the victims of persecution in Scotland. The presence and influence of Renwick among the suffering Presbyterians were of the highest importance in his own day; and not to them alone, but also to the whole church of Christ in these lands, and to the constitutional liberties of the nation. So far as we can see, but for the singular power and devoted spirit of Renwick, and the firm and unyielding position which the Cameronians through him were led to assume, the cause of truth would have been completely borne down, and Erastianism, and Popery, and Despotism had triumphed. Renwick and his followers were the vanguard 'in the struggle for Britain's liberties, and for the Church's spiritual independence.' Though, like other patriots born before their time, they were doomed to fall, yet posterity owes to them a large part of the goodly heritage which they enjoy. (Houston, The Life of James Renwick [1865], pp. 36-37). Emphases added throughout the preceding quotations. This is a very rare and valuable specimen of Paleopresbyterian (Covenanter) thought don't miss it! 142 pages, plus new material added by the present publisher." -- Publisher
An Informatory Vindication, 1687, James, Renwick, Alexander Shields and Other "Society People"
http://www.truecovenanter.com/societies/informatory_vindication.html
Richman, Sheldon, Separating School and State: How to Liberate America's Families, ISBN: 0964044714.
"Sheldon Richman presents us with a fascinating story here. Why were public schools first founded? Because people were illiterate? No. Records from colonial times show that literacy rates were higher than they are now in some places. There were all kinds of instructors, schools, schoolmasters, tutors, and self-taught leaders like Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton, at the time of the American Revolution. There was tremendous resistance, well into the 20th century against government-owned, operated, and controlled "free schools." And no wonder. We now have an established school system that manifests all the problems the Founders saw inherent in an established church. The arguments the promoters gave are presented here, and some of then are pretty scary. The goals of the public school founders had more to do with the state's interests, than children's or family's interests. The idea was to indoctrinate children with the morality preferred by "politically correct" officials of the time. Compulsory laws came in when labor unions wanted to keep kids from competing for jobs. The opponents give their side here, too. Like a lot of people, I did not know much about the history of public schools before I started reading books like this one. I have come to agree with this author. This is an excellent argument for freedom of education, and giving control back to families and parents." -- Reader's Comment
Richman, Sheldon, Richard M. Ebeling (introduction), and Walter E. Williams, Your Money or Your Life: Why we Must Abolish the Income Tax, ISBN: 0964044781 9780964044784.
"Sheldon Richman's concise and informative book, YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE, explains how the income tax is one of the greatest threats to the liberty of the American people ever devised. By making our employers surrogate federal tax collectors, most Americans don't feel the pain because they really don't know what they're losing. But even worse, as Richman points out, by having access to our paychecks, the government can tap into an almost limitless pool of money to expand its size and scope. We need to scrap the income tax and replace it with a tax on consumption." -- Reader's Comment
*Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Ecclesiastical Megalomania: The Economic and Political Thought of the Roman Catholic Church, 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 ons 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.
[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 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.
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.
Roberts, William L. (1798-1864), The Covenanting Martyrs and Revival of the Covenants! Quoting the Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CovMart.htm
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
*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
Roberts, William Louis, D.D. (1798-1864), The Higher Law, or, The Law of the Most High: A Discourse, Delivered at the Baptist Church, in Sterling Centre, Wednesday Evening, Jan. 22d, 1851.
*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.
Roberts, William L., D.D. (1798-1864), Submission to "the Powers That be" Scripturally Illustrated: A Discourse in Three Parts, 1828. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
Robertson, James Patrick Bannerman, Right Hon. Lord President of the Court of Session, The Duty of Educated Intellect to the State. An address, 1895.
Robinson, John, Proofs of a Conspiracy Against all the Religions and Governments of Europe, Carried on in the Secret Meetings of Free Masons, Illuminati, and Reading Societies, ISBN: 0882791214 9780882791210. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"Utilizing original documents from the Order of the Illuminati, John Robinson describes in detail this secret group, whose select members became part of conspiracy to enslave all people in Europe and America. Originally published in 1798, this book is a definitive work of its time on conspiracy." -- American Opinion Books
"Collected from good authorities, by John Robison, A.M. professor of natural philosophy, and secretary to the Royal Society of Edinburgh."
Rogers, Jack Bartlett, Scripture in the Westminster Confession: A Problem of Historical Interpretation for American Presbyterianism, 1967.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) With Scripture Proofs
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
*Roney, Moses, Charles Underhill Cushman, and The Reformed Presbyterian Church. Synod., Minutes of the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church: Session Seventeenth, Held in the City of Pittsburgh, October, 1834: With an Appendix, Containing two Overtures: I. On the 'Jury Act,' II. On the Magistrate's Power, Circa Sacra.
"The following document, originally titled very simply, ARGUMENT ON THE MAGISTRATE'S POWER CIRCA-SACRA, was prepared for the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, by one of her ministers in 1834. It represents the historic Reformed position on the subject of the Magistrate's duty, as God's servant in the State. The principles set forth here are the official and proper doctrines of all Reformed Presbyterians to the present day, insofar as they truly identify with the principles of their Church, and its reasons for existing as a distinct communion of Christians. But this is not to say that others should not read these things or agree with them. Modern nations have embraced such wrong views on these topics, and so many churches have conformed to the political philosophies of these nations, that it is high time that all Christians should be looking for a medicine to heal the destructive cancer working its way through the world's national institutions and all the systems which depend upon them. There is no hope but to look to the Lord himself, and to the solid doctrines of his word. It is true, these will be disagreeable to all who are enemies to our Saviour. They must be so. A right view of these things may be expected to provoke hostility even from those who 'tolerate' Christianity, or some who claim to be friendly to it. But God is God: his political philosophy must be both true and useful; and no true believer can say otherwise. The Lord is Lord: his political agenda must be both wise and important; and no true patriot can plan better. For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)" --
Argument on the Magistrate's Power Circa Sacra, William Sloane (original drafter)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/rpcna_testimony_for_magistrates_authority_in_religious_matters_ed_jtk.html
Argument on the Magistrate's Power Circa Sacra
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/5/18/argument-on-the-magistrates-power-circa-sacra-published-as-an-overture
*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
*Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Christianity and the State, ISBN: 9996717755. Available through Exodus Books.
"The need to return to a Biblical doctrine of civil government is evidenced by our century's worldwide drift into tyranny. Humanism invariably rushes in to fill the world's theological vacuums: the need of the hour is to restore a full-orbed, Biblical, theology of the state. This work sets forth that theology." -- GCB
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
*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
The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm
*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
*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
The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm
Schaff, Philip (1819-1893), Church and State in the United States; or, The American Idea of Religious Liberty and its Practical Effects, ISBN: 0405040830 9780405040832.
"Distinctly unimpressed by this peculiar current in the stream of American culture, the immigrant theologian and church-state historian Philip Schaff commented that in the United States 'every theological vagabond and peddler may drive here his bungling trade, without passport or license, and sell his false ware at pleasure'." -- Philip Schaff, The Principle of Protestantism as Related to the Present State of the Church
The social consequences of the "American Idea of Religious Liberty," can be likened to the "idea of permissiveness in child rearing" in the minds of unregenerate, indifferent parents. The result is rebellious children who have no respect for authority, and leave home early with no wisdom about how to live in a cold, cruel world, destined for self-destruction. See: Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, 'religious freedom,' and neutrality.
"This monograph, written during the centennial celebration of the United States Constitution, charts the historical relationship between church and state. Schaff writes from the unique position of a theologian and a historian who has lived on both sides of the Atlantic. Citing examples from Presidential addresses, court cases, and European observers such as Alexis de Tocqueville, Philip Schaff describes the genesis and growth of American Christianity and the unique historical context from which it sprang. He also outlines its historical connection with the church in Europe, and offers possibilities for the American church's future mission within this unique political climate." -- Publisher
Schaff, Church and State in the United States
https://archive.org/details/churchstateinuni00scharich
Schaff, Philip, The Principle of Protestantism as Related to the Present State of the Church, 1845, ISBN: 1177859289 9781177859288.
"Distinctly unimpressed by this peculiar current in the stream of American culture [American religious freedom -- compiler], the immigrant theologian and church-state historian Philip Schaff commented that in the United States 'every theological vagabond and peddler may drive here his bungling trade, without passport or license, and sell his false ware at pleasure'." -- Philip Schaff, The Principle of Protestantism as Related to the Present State of the Church
The social consequences of the "American Idea of Religious Liberty," can be likened to the "idea of permissiveness in child rearing" in the minds of unregenerate, indifferent parents. The result is rebellious children who have no respect for authority, and leave home early with no wisdom about how to live in a cold, cruel world, destined for self-destruction. See: Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, 'religious freedom,' and neutrality.
*Schwertley, Brian M., and Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States. Publications Committee, National Covenanting and Christ's Victory Over the Nations. Available at Reformed Online.
"This is the first book-length, scholarly exposition and defense of national covenanting since 1843. This comprehensive treatment includes the binding nature of covenants, covenant renewals under the godly kings of Israel, objections to covenanting answered, the unbiblical nature of the U.S. Constitution, the unscriptural alteration of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1789, the necessity of the Old Testament moral law for a Christian nation and the biblical requirements for civil office. In the book, Rev. Schwertley not only sets forth the biblical case for social or national covenanting in a simple and organized manner but also critiques the modern pluralistic alternatives to the original Presbyterian teaching on this topic." -- Publisher
It was preceded by 'Social Covenanting,' a series of 31 sermons in MP3 format, given by the author starting in the summer of 2012.
Social Covenanting series of 31 sermons [audio files] by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=ccc&keyword=National+Covenanting&keyworddesc=National+Covenanting
Scotland. Parliament. Commissioners. England and Wales. Parliament. House of Lords., The Charge of the Scottish Commissioners Against Canterburie and the Lieutenant of Ireland: Together With Their Demand Concerning the Sixt Article of the Treaty, 1641. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"Notes: Part of the negotiations conducted by representatives of the Parliament of Scotland and the English House of Lords at the end of the 2nd Bishops' War, leading to the Treaty of Ripon (1641)."
*Shaw, J.W., Hephzibah Beulah. Our Covenants the National and Solemn League; and Covenanting by the Reformed Presbyterian Synod in America: Considered, 1872. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"A very useful, easy-to-read, introductory work (by an RPCNA minister), to the topics it deals with. General Scriptural principles upon which this book is based are:
1. Departure from former laudable attainments, is a great evil, severely threatened in the Holy Scriptures; and that for which every one, who is guilty, must be accountable to the Righteous Judge of all the earth."Chapters include: The National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant reviewed; Their Binding Obligations Shown; The Possibility That Adherence to Them may be Professed, While They are Virtually Abandoned; The Covenant Sworn and Subscribed by Synod at Pittsburgh, May 27th, 1871; Is it a Renovation or a new Covenant?; The Covenant Does not Contain all That the Church is Bound to in America; Charges Against the Covenant; Reason why Some who do not Like it, Swear it; The Covenants National and Solemn League Must Be Maintained." -- Publisher
2. They who consent unto the unrighteous deeds of others, are chargeable with guilt, as well as the principal actors.
3. Societies, or individuals, having once publicly and solemnly vowed unto the Most High God; and still, after the strictest enquiry, remain satisfied in their own mind, that their vows were scriptural; should seriously endeavor to act up to the true spirit and intention of these vows; and no power upon earth, nor any class of men, whether majority or minority, in a nation, can ever possibly dissolve the obligation.
Simms, Samuel, The Covenanter's Catechism, or, An Exposition of the Scriptural Doctrine of Public Social, or National Covenanting: With an Examination of the British Covenants, and Their Bearing Upon the Present Position of Affairs, Civil and Ecclesiastic. Alternate title: EXPOSITION OF THE SCRIPTURAL DOCTRINE OF PUBLIC SOCIAL, OR NATIONAL COVENANTING.
Sloane, J.R.W. (James Renwick Willson), State Religion: A Discourse, Delivered Before the Reformed Presbyterian Synod, in Rochester, N.Y., Sabbath Evening, May 27th, 1866.
*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
Snoddy, Thomas G., Sir John Scot [Scott], Lord Scotstarvit [Scotstarvet or Scotstarver]: His Life and Times, 1968, ISBN: 0900897015 9780900897016.
"He was one of many Scottish lawyers and lairds who accepted the covenant, which he subscribed at his parish kirk of Ceres, Fife on 30 April 1638."
Sommerville, Robert M. (editor), State Recognition of Christianity, (New York: Christian Nation Press, 1886).
Sperry, Paul, Infiltration: How Muslim Spies and Subversives Have Penetrated Washington, ISBN: 9781595552488 1595552480. Also available as e-book.
"The most sinister terrorists won't be sneaking through our borders from the Middle East. They're already here. This is the untold story about the silent, yet extremely dangerous threat from the Muslim establishment in America'an alarming exposé of how Muslims have for years been secretly infiltrating American society, government, and culture, pretending to be peace-loving and patriotic, while supporting violent jihad and working to turn America into an Islamic state. In this powder keg of a book, you'll learn: -How radical Muslims have penetrated the U.S. military, the FBI, the Homeland Security Department, and even the White House'where subversive Muslims and Arabs have received top-secret clearance.-How they've infiltrated the chaplains program in the federal and state prison systems'a top recruiting ground for al-Qaida.-How they've successfully run influence operations against our political system with the help of both Democrats and Republicans, badgering corporate boards into Islamizing the workplace.-How we've been utterly duped about what the Quran does and doesn't teach. Sadly, much of anti-Western terrorism is simply Islam in practice, the text of the Quran in action. In a time when religious and political leaders are scrambling to smooth over differences in faith and beliefs, this book gives the terrifying truth abaout the very real, very deadly agenda of Islam and how it has already infiltrated key American institutions with agents, spies, and subversives." -- Publisher
"As Americans continue to worship at the altar of cultural diversity and endorse religious tolerance for tolerance sake, Muslims masquerading as 'moderates' have insinuated themselves into the very fabric of American society, taking advantage of our blind trust and gaining footholds in our education system, government, workplace, law enforcement, and military. In this startling book, investigative journalist Paul Sperry uses revealing new interviews and classified documents to courageously explain how, for the past thirty years, these Islamist extremists have been covertly working to destroy our constitutional government and the Judeo-Christian ethics on which our nation was built. Their goal, according to Sperry, is to replace the U.S. Constitution with the Quran and turn America into an Islamic state. And, as Sperry details point-by-point, they have been unwittingly aided in their sinister aims by the politically correct media, government, and citizens, who don't fully understand the dangers of the Muslim faith.
"INFILTRATION explodes the façade of moderation and patriotism that Muslim scholars, imams, clerics, businessmen, and other leaders in the burgeoning Muslim community in America have conveyed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In reality, the Muslim establishment that publicly decries the radical fringe-represented by al-Qaida's brand of Islam known as Wahhabism, the official religion of Saudi Arabia -- is actually a part of it. The only difference is that they use words and money instead of bombs to accomplish their goals.
"Now, thanks to Sperry's peerless research, piquant prose, and forthright presentation, their cover is blown. He will not only make readers forget nearly everything they've been told about these 'moderate' and 'mainstream' leaders, he will expose the true agenda of these 'moderate' and 'mainstream' leaders, and he will explain the full scope of the dangerous threat of Islam in America.
"With everyone still on edge after 9/11, this book will garner wide interest, appealing specifically to people interested in current events and/or religion. Additionally, the book will appeal strongly to women whose roles, values, and rights are greatly threatened by fundamentalist Islam." -- Publisher
"As someone who has closely monitored the machinations of militant Muslim activists as chronicled by Pipes and Emerson and other Islamist hawks, there is a helluva lot of new disturbing stuff in this book, which forgiving the pun, looks to be the new bible on Islamism and the Islamic threat inside America. And much of it is supported by fairly sensitive-looking internal Homeland Security documents and real estate/tax/lobbying and other records posted on a companion website -- sperryfiles.com. Most alarming is how the FBI is bending over for Muslim muscle groups and is blindly letting its Arabic translation desk in DC become a Muslim 'mole house' generating some dozen espionage cases, per CIA vets at FBI. And Sperry found that one of the groups the FBI is genuflecting before -- Council on American-Islamic Relations -- is bankrolled by an Arab government, UAE, which was the transit point for 9/11 cash and a formal backer of the Taliban. Dubai holds the deed to CAIR's headquarters, even as CAIR claims it gets no foreign support! And there are classified docs that are sure to embarrass DC big shots. Remember the hard-line cleric who counseled the 9/11 hijackers behind closed doors? the guy the FBI is now looking for after the 9/11 commission concluded was 'suspicious' and should be brought in for questioning? well he was released from U.S. custody a year after 9/11 and allowed to leave the country on a Saudi airplane. DC pulled back a warrant for him even though he was on the terror watch list and subject of terror finance probes by treasury/customs. There's even word in book of a Pakistani cleric who privately counseled the Pakistani terrorist who mowed down CIA employees at Langley, who according to records Sperry uncovered is starting a large Wahhabi mosque just down the way from Langley where he can no doubt inspire other jihadists. He also reveals new details about Norman 'No Profiling' Mineta and his diversity happy aides that I haven't read anywhere else. At bottom this is the tale of PC gone wild in DC, which is lulling Americans into a false sense of security about the Islamic threat inside the country. With Bin Laden still at large and his sleeper cells no doubt still in place here, it's a pretty frightening wake-up call. Their agents and sympathizers have done an alarmingly good job of penetrating U.S. institutions and culture, but DC hasn't penetrated theirs. The FBI says it can't find evidence of sleeper cells? Yeah, that's reassuring. Isn't that what they said before 9/11?" -- Reader's Comment
Sproull, Thomas (1803-1892), Christianity and the Commonwealth: A Lecture Delivered at the Opening of the Session of the Theological Seminary of Ref. Presb. Church in Allegheny, Penn'a, November 4, 1862.
Sproull, Thomas (1803-1892), Letter on The Higher Powers.
Sproull, Thomas (1803-1892), The Loyal Archite: or, The Attributes of Legitimate Civil Government.
http://www.covenanter.org/TSproull/archite.htm
*Steele, David (1803-1887, editor), Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," The Contending Witness (vol. 1:1 -- 2:6, Apr. 1841 to Feb. 1843), The Reformation Advocate (vol. 1:1 -- 1:12, March 1874 to Dec. 1876), The Original Covenanter (vol. 2:1 -- 2:16, March 1877 to Dec. 1880), and The Original Covenanter (vol. 3:1 -- 3:16, March 1881 to Dec. 1884). Available (all four volumes, a complete set of this continuous periodical under its various names) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (all four volumes, a complete set of this continuous periodical under its various names) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"The following list [complete and found above -- compiler] of [continuous issues under various names -- compiler] magazines, edited by David Steele, comprise what is likely the best compilation of Christian periodicals ever amassed under one set of bindings. Nothing we know of (before or since), authored as magazine articles related to full-orbed nation shaking biblical Reformation, even comes close to the consistent quality of writing found in these short works on various subjects. Steele himself should probably be considered the best theologian of the nineteenth century, and the other contributors to these magazines were all approaching the same class. A healthy portion of Steele's writing is found in these magazines, as he only wrote a few other books, so the reader is encouraged to sample for himself some of the best writing (defending the Covenanted Reformation), you will find anywhere!" -- Publisher
Various excerpted articles may be found elsewhere in the topical listing for David Steele.
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, September 1874, no. 3, "Has the Government of the United States a Christian Character?"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/5_Has%20the%20US%20a%20Christian%20Character.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, December 1874, no. 4, Signs of the Times
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/6_Signs%20of%20The%20Times.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, March 1874, no. 1, "To our Patrons"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/1_To%20Our%20Patrons.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, June 1874, no. 2, "Christmas Trees"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/4_Christmas%20Trees.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, March 1874, no. 1, "Are Hymns Idols"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/3_Are%20Hymns%20Idols.pdf
The Contending Witness magazine, Vol. 1:1-2:6, Apr. 1841 to Feb. 1843. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.See also: Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publishing, The Best of The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness Magazine. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available from Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publishing.
The Reformation Advocate magazine, Vol. 1:1-1:12, March 1874 to Dec. 1876. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Original Covenanter magazine, Vol. 2:1-2:16, March 1877 to Dec. 1880. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Original Covenanter magazine, Vol. 3:1-3:16, March 1881 to Dec. 1884. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Steele, David (1803-1887), James Campbell, Thomas Sproull (1803-1892), James Fulton, and The Reformed Presbytery [of North America], A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, 1879. Alternate title: THE REFORMED PRESBYTERY'S A SHORT VINDICATION OF OUR COVENANTED REFORMATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1 (also #2, #25, and #30).
"Until the church comes to terms with what is written in this book it will remain weak and divided. Covenant breakers will not prosper, as this rare item demonstrates from both Scripture and history. The power packed ordinance of covenanting (the National and Solemn League and Covenant in particular), was foundational to the Second Reformation and the work of the Westminster Assembly. 'By the National Covenant our fathers laid Popery prostrate. By the Solemn League and Covenant they were successful in resisting prelatic encroachments and civil tyranny. By it they were enabled to achieve the Second Reformation . . . They were setting up landmarks by which the location and limits of the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day . . . How can they be said to go forth by the footsteps of the flock, who have declined from the attainments, renounced the covenants and contradicted the testimony of 'the cloud of witnesses. . . . All the schisms (separations) that disfigure the body mystical of Christ . . . are the legitimate consequences of the abandonment of reformation attainments, the violation of covenant engagements.' If you are interested in knowing how to recognize a faithful church (or state), when and why to separate from unfaithful institutions, who has held up the standard of covenanted Reformation attainments and who has backslidden (and why), what it means to subscribe to the Westminster Confession (1646), (and why most that say they do so today do not have any idea of what that means), and much more concerning individual, family, church and civil, individual, family, church and civil duties, this is one of the best books you will ever lay your hands on. It chronicles 'some instances of worldly conformity and mark(s) some steps of defection from our 'covenanted unity and uniformity,' noting how 'it is necessary to take a retrospect of our history for many years; for we did not all at once reach our present condition of sinful ignorance and manifold apostasy.' Presbyterian and the Reformed churches lay under the heavy hand of God's judgement in our day, because of the very defections noted throughout this fine work. 'We heard (hear) from various quarters the cry, "maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation"; and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' Are we married to the Lord, or have we thrown off the covenants of our forefathers; are we the chaste bride of Christ, or a harlot who is found in the bedchambers of every devilish suitor (whether ecclesiastical or civil), who tempts us with the favors of this world? Let us cry out, as with 'the noble Marquis of Argyle, upon the scaffold,' when he said, 'God hath tied us by covenants to religion and reformation. These that were then unborn are yet engaged, and it passeth the power of all the magistrates under heaven to absolve them from the oath of God. They deceive themselves, and it may be, would deceive others, who think otherwise.' Not for the weak of heart." -- Publisher
A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, Reformed Presbytery
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/a-short-vindication-of-our-covenanted-reformation
Stevenson, Thomas Patton, The Forgiveness of National Sin, 1900.
Stevenson, Thomas Patton, What Constitutes a Christian State? 1907.
See also: "Studies in Christian Citizenship" of the National Reform Association
http://www.worldcat.org/search?qt=hotseries&q=se%3A%22Studies+in+Christian+citizenship%22
*Stewart (Steuart), James (1635-1715), Jus Populi Vindicatum, or, The Peoples Right to Defend Themselves and Their Covenanted Religion Vindicated wherein the act of defence and vindication which was interprised anno 1666 is particularly justified . . . being a reply to the first part of Survey of Naphtaly &c. / by a friend to true Christian liberty, 1669. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
Jus Populi Vindicatum, or, The Peoples Right to Defend Themselves and Their Covenanted Religion Vindicated.
http://archive.org/details/juspopulivindica00stew
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
Stoughton, John, Church and State two Hundred Years ago. A History of Ecclesiastical Affairs in England From 1660-1663, 1862.
*Sundry Ministers of London, The Divine Right of Church Government (Jus Divinum Regiminis Ecclesiastici), c. 1646. Alternate title: THE DIVINE RIGHT OF CHURCH-GOVERNMENT, ASSERTED AND EVIDENCED BY THE HOLY SCRIPTVRES ACCORDING TO THE LIGHT WHEREOF (BESIDES MANY PARTICULARS MENTIONED AFTER THE PREFACE), 1. THE NATURE OF A DIVINE RIGHT IS DELINEATED, 2. THE CHURCH-GOVERNMENT WHICH IS OF DIVINE RIGHT IS DESCRIBED, 3. THIS DESCRIPTION IN THE SEVERAL BRANCHES OF IT IS EXPLICATED AND CONFIRMED, 4. THE DIVINE RIGHT OF ECCLESIASTICAL CENSURES, OFFICERS, AND RULING ASSEMBLIES IS MANIFESTED: IN ALL WHICH IT IS APPARENT THAT THE PRESBYTERIAL GOVERNMENT, BY PREACHING AND RULING PRESBYTERS, IN CONGREGATIONAL, CLASSICAL AND SYNODAL ASSEMBLIES, MAY LAY TRUEST CLAIM TO A DIVINE RIGHT, ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES / BY SUNDRY MINISTERS OF CHRIST WITHIN THE CITY OF LONDON. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"This is one of the all time classic defenses of the divine right of Presbyterianism. David Hall, the editor, states, the book 'was not written as a polemical tract, as if to prop up some moribund tradition; rather it is an exemplar of gentle and reasoned discourse.' Published anonymously, during the sitting of the Westminster Assembly -- because of the Erastian leaning Parliament's 'gag rule' -- this work is considered by some as 'an even truer record of the Westminster divines' views of government than the final (politically suppressed), standards,' notes the editor. Moreover, Hall goes so far as to state that 'perhaps no single work is as illuminating for original intent [of the Westminster Standards], as this rare work printed contemporaneously with the meeting of the Assembly.' It is the third title in a uniform collection of books by 17th century Presbyterians to be published by Naphtali Press. It contains an historical introduction, subject and bibliographic indices, and is retypeset and edited to reflect contemporary spelling, punctuation and usage. David Hall's THE ORIGINAL INTENT OF WESTMINSTER added to this printing, is also very useful. A helpful chart comparing Independency with Presbyterianism is also included." -- Publisher
The Divine Right of Church Government
http://www.naphtali.com/jusextrc.htm
Sundry Ministers of London: Thomas Watson, Christopher Love, William Gouge, &c. A Vindication of the Ministers of the Gospel in and About London, From the Unjust Aspersions Cast Upon Their Former Actings for the Parliament, as if they had promoted the bringing of the King to Capital Punishment [which was the doing of the wicked Oliver Cromwell and his sectarian party of covenant-breakers], 1648.
A Vindication of the Ministers of the Gospel in and About London
http://www.truecovenanter.com/civilgovt/vindication_of_ministers_of_london_concerning_capital_punishment_of_king.html
*Symington, Andrew (1785-1853, the older brother of William), Headship of Christ Over the Nations, 1841. Alternate title: INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13, #25.
"Provides Scriptural evidences for Christ's headship over the nations and the church, demonstrating the importance of this doctrine to the kingdom of 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
*Symington, Andrew (1785-1853, the older brother of William, editor), and Ministers of The Reformed Presbyterian Church, Scotland, Introductory Lecture on the Principles of the Second Reformation, 1841. Alternate titles: LECTURES ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION, and HEADSHIP OF CHRIST OVER THE NATIONS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18, #30.
"Contents: Second Reformation / Andrew Symington
Headship of Christ Over His church / James Ferguson
Evils, Constitutional and Practical of the Prelatic Establishment of the British Empire / Thomas Neilson
The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland / John Graham
Patronage Opposed to the Independence of the Church and to the Scriptural Rights of Christian people / W.H. Goold
Headship of Christ Over the Nations / Andrew Symington
Nature and Obligation of Public Vows / William Symington
The sin and Danger of Union Between the Church of Christ and the Immoral or Anti-christian Civil Government / Stewart Bates."
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
*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
*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
*Symington, William (1795-1862), On the Atonement and Intercession of Jesus Christ, 1854. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
"This is the companion volume to Symington's classic MESSIAH THE PRINCE OR, THE MEDIATORIAL DOMINION OF JESUS CHRIST. In part one, we find an extensive work comparing differing views regarding the nature, necessity, matter, value, extent, and result of the atonement. Part two deals with the reality, nature, matter, properties and results of the intercessory work of Christ. Encouraging and precise. Over 300 pages." -- Publisher
On the Atonement and Intercession of Jesus Christ (1836), William Symington
http://archive.org/details/onatonementandi02symigoog
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807
*Thornwell, James H. (1812-1862), Collected Writings of James Henley Thornwell, 4 volumes, 1875, ISBN: 0524059632 9780524059630. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Vol. I. LECTURES ON THE DOCTRINE OF GOD AND ON DIVINE GOVERNMENT (672 pages)"J.W. Alexander once wrote the following of one of Thornwell's sermons, 'His sermon was a model of what is rare, viz.: burning hot argument, logic in ignition, and glowing more and more to the end.'
Vol. II. THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE; SERMONS; DISCOURSES ON TRUTH (632 pages)
Vol. III. THEOLOGICAL AND CONTROVERSIAL; RATIONALIST CONTROVERSY: REASON, REVELATION AND MIRACLES; PAPAL CONTROVERSY; BAPTISM, JUSTIFICATION, INFALLIBILITY, THE APOCRYPHA (824 pages)
Vol. IV. WRITINGS ON THE CHURCH: CHURCH OFFICERS; CHURCH OPERATIONS; CHURCH DISCIPLINES; THE SOUTHERN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ETC., SERMONS AND APPENDICES (640 pages).
Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), James Henley Thornwell Papers, 1828-1848.
Thornwell, James H. (1812-1862), Relation of the State to Christ (A Memorial). Available in THE COLLECTED WORKS OF JAMES HENLEY THORNWELL. VOL. IV: ECCLESIASTICAL, pp. 549-56.
Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), The State of the Country: An Article Republished From the Southern Presbyterian Review, ISBN: 1331071054 9781331071051.
Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), The State and Nature of Sin. In COLLECTED WRITINGS OF JAMES HENLEY THORNWELL.
*Tocqueville, Alexis de, Democracy in America, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0060915226.
Translated by Henry Reeve and revised by Francis Bowen. Edited by Philip Bradley
"Tocqueville in the early part of the 19th century was commissioned by the French government to travel throughout the United States in order to discover the secret of the astounding success of this experiment in democracy. . . . A classic of political and sociological reporting and analysis . . ." -- Publisher
Democracy in America
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/DETOC/home.html
Trumbull, Charles DeWitt, The Relation of the Covenanters to the United States Government, 1890.
The author was affiliated with the RPCNA apparently.
http://archive.org/details/relationofcovena00trum
*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
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."
Various, Sermons Before Parliament [Nov. 17, 1640 -- June 30, 1647], 5 volumes.
"Authors: Cornelius Burges; Stephen Marshall; Edmund Calamy; Simeon Ashe; Joseph Caryl; Cornelius Burges; Stephen Marshall; Edmund Calamy; Simeon Ashe; Joseph Caryl; Robert Harris; Obadiah Sedgwick; William Gouge; William Sedgwick; Edward Reynolds; Thomas Hill; William Carter; T Hodges; Thomas Wilson; Thomas Temple; Thomas Case; Richard Vines; Thomas Valentine; Edward Corbet; John Arrowsmith; Jeremiah Whitaker; W Bridges; John Ellis; John Lightfoot; John Ley; William Green-hill; Francis Cheynell; Thomas Carter; Herbert Palmer; Oliver Bowles; Matthew Newcomen; William Spurstowe; John Conant; Sidrach Simpson; Anthony Tuckney; Thomas Coleman; Humphrey Chambers; Anthony Burgess; Henry Wilkinson; Arthur Salwey; William Mewe; William Bridge; Alexander Henderson; John Strickland; Daniel Cawdry; Samuel Rutherford; Robert Baillie; Thomas Young; George Gillespie; John Bond; Edmund Staunton; John Greene; Peter Smith; Humphrey Hardwick; Gaspar Hickes; Stanley Gower; William Reyner; Christopher Tesdale; Francis Taylor; John Dury; Peter Sterry; John Foxcroft; William Strong; Thomas Goodwin; Simon Ford; Samuel Bolton; James Nalton; John Owen; Richard Heyrick; Jeremiah Burroughs; John Maynard; Nicholas Lockyer; William Dell; Lazarus Seaman; Nicolas Proffet; Henry Scudder; Benjamin Pikering; Joseph Boden; John Ward; Francis Woodcock; Nathaniel Ward; John Whincop." -- Publisher
Viret, Pierre, and R.A. Sheats, The Christian and the Magistrate: Roles, Responsibilities and Jurisdictions, ISBN: 9781938822537 1938822536.
"What is the Biblical definition of a civil magistrate? Should Christians be subject to them? Should civil governments be subject to God? Is physical resistance to authority ever justifiable? Under what circumstances? And what is a Christian's role with respect to the civil sphere? 16th century Swiss Reformer Pierre Viret once expressed his feelings of political turmoil: 'By nature I have always loved peace, and was always horrified at all dissensions and troubles.' Despite the man's peace-loving nature, however, God chose to place Viret in some of the most politically tumultuous situations imaginable throughout his life. In these times Viret was compelled to search the Scriptures in an effort to instruct his congregations--as well as countless others asking his advice -- on the Biblical definition and response to civil government, war, resistance against authorities, tyrants, and many other political matters. The writings contained in THE CHRISTIAN AND THE MAGISTRATE are a collection of some of the applications Viret offered of the Biblical truths pertaining to magistrates and the Christian's duty to them. -- Publisher
Pierre Viret Association
http://www.pierreviret.org/whois.php
Wagner, Michael, A Presbyterian Political Manifesto: Presbyterianism and Civil Government. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1 and #25.
"Philosophical considerations alone should not be considered sufficient to prove that an establishment of religion is a moral obligation. For Christians only the Bible can be accepted as the foundation for any belief, not only those beliefs related to 'spiritual' matters, but also those related to political issues. The critical question, then, for Christians is, 'Does the Bible teach the necessity of the establishment of the Christian religion?' The Bible does indeed demonstrate the need for an establishment of Christianity, and the Old Testament in particular provides the Biblical basis for the concept of an established church. In Old Testament times there was a pervasive cooperation between church and state, and that pattern was not abrogated in the New Testament.
"In the New Testament the passage with the most explicit teaching on civil government is probably Romans 13. In that chapter it is explained that political rulers 'are ordained of God' (v. 1 [Romans 13:1]); 'they are God's ministers' (v. 6 [Romans 13:6]), who must reward good and punish evil (vv. 3-4 [Romans 13:3,4]). This raises an important question: by what standard is the ruler to distinguish 'good' from 'evil?' Clearly, that standard can only be the Bible. How can rulers be God's ministers and yet not rule according to God's will? In other words, Romans 13:1-6 teaches not only that God has instituted civil government, but also that the rulers must govern according to the Word of God. The Bible is not only the exclusive rule of faith and practice for the church, but also for the state. With the Bible being the standard for the civil authorities, it is unmistakable that Christianity is the foundation of the law order, i.e., the established religion in this sense. Romans 13, then, at least in a general way, teaches the necessity of the establishment of Christianity.
"At this point it is important to be more specific about what is being proposed as the Biblical concept of established religion. The Bible teaches a cooperation between church and state that has been variously called the 'Scottish Theory of Ecclesiastical Establishments' (Smeaton 1875), the 'Establishment Principle' (Brown n.d., 1), and other similar terms.
"The Establishment Principle, or the Principle of the National Recognition of Religion maintains the scriptural view of the universal supremacy of Christ as King of Nations as well as King of saints, with the consequent duty of nations as such, and civil rulers in their official capacity, to honour and serve Him by recognizing His Truth and promoting His cause (Brown n.d., 1).
"As William Cunningham explains it, 'an obligation lies upon nations and their rulers to have respect, in the regulation of their national affairs, and in the application of national resources, to the authority of God's word, to the welfare of the church of Christ, and the interests of true religion.' ([1882], 1991a, 391). What is being maintained here is that the true church of Christ, and the civil authorities (both in submission to their common Lord), have as their goal the promotion of God's glory and true Christianity, and that they should work together for the promotion of this common goal. On the one hand, they should be allied together, but on the other hand, they should remain completely sovereign in their respective jurisdictions."
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/presbpol.htm
Weeks, Stephen Beauregard, Church and State in North Carolina, 1893.
White, John (1570-1615), A Speech of Mr. Iohn White, Counsellor at law, Made in the Commons House of Parliament, Concerning Episcopacy.
*Willson, James McLeod (1809-1866), Civil Government: An Exposition of Romans 13:1-7 (1853), ISBN: 0524079293 9780524079294. Alternate title: THE ESTABLISHMENT AND LIMITS OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT: AN EXPOSITION OF ROMANS 13:1-7. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25. Available in THE DEACON: AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE, DUTIES AND EXERCISE OF THE OFFICE OF DEACON, IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
"Does the Bible give any qualifications for Christians to judge whether or not a given civil magistrate is a lawful or unlawful 'power' in the eyes of God? Does the very existence of a civil 'power' (say Hitler's Nazi state), make them a legitimate government according to Romans 13? Or, can a civil government obtain its 'power' from 'the beast' -- as some 'churches' do? Should civil 'authorities' be judged according to the secret or revealed will of God? This is a fine piece of exegetical work, well nigh irrefutable, arguing that God has given clear revelation regarding the lawfulness and unlawfulness of any given civil magistrate. Willson's Scriptural conclusion will surprise many, anger not a few, and, we believe, be found honoring to God. Though the book is easy reading, these are deep waters with implications that are among the most far-reaching. It is a very controversial publication based on the idea that 'unholy republics refuse to acknowledge Him (Christ) as Lord of all.' This failure to covenant with Christ, as nations, exposes the fact that these national governments are the enemies of Christ (as with the individual or church who will not covenant with Christ). They are thus in violation of the first commandment and therefore treasonous usurpers who will not have the one true king to rule over them. Their laws and actions bare this out, as they refuse to rule by the law of God, but rather, as dupes of Satan, rule by their own autonomous standards. And, though it is their duty to be a terror to evil and promote the good, they, in the main, do the opposite. They protect and support murders (e.g. abortionists), continence and permit perversity (e.g. homosexuality, pornography, etc.), and take no action to establish the Reformed faith (but rather extend constitution rights to all manner of cults, sectarians, satanists and Roman Catholics) -- to name but a few of the more obvious areas of government rebellion against King Jesus. Willson's father's application of the principles put forth in this book are found just below as they related to the United States government specifically. Knox, Rutherford and Gillespie would be proud!" -- Publisher
Civil Government: An Exposition of Romans 13:1-7
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/6/2/civil-government-an-eexposition-of-romans-xiii-1-7
Willson, James McLeod (1809-1866), An Essay on Submission to Civil Government, 1850.
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
*Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), Prince Messiah's Claims to Dominion Over all Governments: and the Disregard of His Authority by the United States in the Federal Constitution, 1832. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PRINCE MESSIAH'S CLAIMS TO DOMINION, PDF and MP3) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #12, #13, #25.
"Why treat thus all religion? Why disfranchise, by a solemn act the church of the living God? Is the benevolent, pure, holy, heaven born religion of Emmanuel, hostile to the happiness of the republic? Shall commerce, agriculture, the arts, literature -- all the other lawful pursuits, be countenanced, fostered, protected, and established on as permanent a basis, as possible and the true religion be put under the ban of the empire? But they say, let religion alone. Do they, however, adopt the laissez nous faire, in relation to manufactures and trade? No. We cherish all, but respecting the advancement of religion, Congress shall never do any thing. When the child is born, were the father and mother to say, laissez l'infant faire -- leave the babe to itself -- would that lie to act as a nursing father and mother? Surely no. There must be a far different kind of constitution among the nations, when the promise is fulfilled, that 'Kings shall be nursing fathers.' God Almighty says, in the text quoted above, that civil rulers shall nurse the church -- the Constitution says they shall not. Which is right? 'Ah! sinful nation, laden with iniquity.' God spares thee for the sake of his redeemed, that his moral subjects on earth may be, by the gospel of his Son, reclaimed from sin and rebellion -- that on the earth, through his own holy religion, he may expatiate the glories of redemption. The Constitution says religion shall be discountenanced by the Congress of the United States." -- James Renwick Willson
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath be kindled but a little. (Psalm 2:12). This book will go a long way to exposing the fact, as Willson writes, that 'ungodly men have occupied, and do now occupy, many of the official stations, in the government,' and that 'Tyrants are yet on their thrones, and unholy republics refuse to acknowledge Him (Christ -- RB), as Lord of all'." -- Publisher
Willson, James Renwick, Prince Messiah's Claims to Dominion Over all Governments
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/24/prince-messiahs-claims-to-dominion-over-all-governments-and-the-disregard-of-his-authority-by-the-united-states-in-the-federal-constitution
Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), The Shaking of the Nations, Alias the Anti-Christian Empire Overthrown, 1809. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
The Shaking of the Nations, Alias the Anti-Christian Empire Overthrown
http://www.covenanter.org/JRWillson/jamesrenwickwillson.htm
Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), and Gordon J. Keddie, Political Danger: Essays on the Mediatorial Kingship of Christ Over Nations and Their Political Institutions 1809-1838, ISBN: 9781884527302 1884527302.
Wilson, John F. (editor), Church and State in America: A Bibliographic Guide -- The Civil War to the Present, ISBN: 031325236X 9780313252365.
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
*Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), History of The Scottish Nation, in 3 volumes. Available (PROTESTANTISM IN SCOTLAND), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PROTESTANTISM IN SCOTLAND), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
History of The Scottish Nation
http://www.reformation.org/history1.html
*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
Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), Jeff Foxworthy, and Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, Is America Really Christian? DVD.
"What would a Christian society really look like? What happens when Christians are the majority? Should the church be political? Is there such a thing as a Christian economy? At what point should religious morality become law? Should religion have a place in the public arena? Does 'In God We Trust' define us?" -- Publisher
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Church and state, Tyranny, The mediatorial reign of christ: the crown rights of christ, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates,
The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation author/title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Church government, Civil government, Power, Authority, Power religion, Christianity and democracy, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Sermons preached before governing bodies, The religion of secular humanism: man as god, human autonomy, Islam (muslim/moslim), muhammadanism/mohammadanism, The counter-reformation, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The love and justice of god, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Friendly fascism, The banking system, The federal reserve, Meltdown 2008, the greatest depression in history, The destruction of american liberty, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Biblical economics, State sovereignty and corporate immunity: reform of corporations, Modern myths and fallacies, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Medical ethics, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, Politics, Treason and impeachment,
Reform of the church, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Spiritual warfare, The westminster confession (1646), the westminster standards and related works, The westminster confession of faith (1646), (the westminster standards) and related works: a study guide, The protestant reformation, Calvinism, Christ and civilization, A theological interpretation of american history, Freedom: a gift of God's Grace, The one and the many, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, Persecution, Separation, Politics, The counter-reformation,
The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, God's deliverance of nations, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenants, The covenant of redemption, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, An introduction to the covenanted reformation, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The national covenant, The solemn league and covenant, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, Covenanting in america, The utter failure of the u.s. constitution as a social deed of covenant, National establishment of religion: establishmentarianism, Selection of covenant heads for positions of authority, The scottish covenanting struggle, alexander craighead, and the mecklenburg declaration, Acts of faithful assemblies, Biography of covenanters, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Confession of national sin and covenant renewal, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, and so forth, and so on.
Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion, Thomas M'Crie
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-exercise-of-civil-authority-about-religion.php
Calvin's Commentary on Hosea
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion/calvhose.htm
The Christian and Politics #04: Enemies of our Christian Heritage #1
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, The Christian and Politics
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12705182945
Excerpts From Church and State in the United States by Philip Schaff, 1888
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/7947/ChurchState.html
The Historicism Research Foundation
http://www.historicism.net
Liberty and Justice for all, a video [DVD]
"Liberty and Justice for all," part 11 of the series
The Protestant Revolt, is the Westminster Theological Seminary's pitch for pluralism: toleration, leniency, "diversity and inclusion," "freedom of religion," all in keeping with the "American Version" of the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Lillbach quotes John Witherspoon, "We need to change our confession of faith as Presbyterians and grant religious liberty to different people." Then Lillbach concludes "this story of religious liberty then is one of the great fruits of the Reformation . . ."
http://theprotestantrevolt.com/video/80493340
Political Polytheism, part 4, a sermon by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1160518292
Relation Between Church and State, William Cunningham
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/relation-between-church-and-state.php
The Scottish Covenanting Struggle, Alexander Craighead, and the Mecklenburg Declaration
http://www.lettermen2.com/craig.html
*Secularism and the Illusion of Neutrality, Ravi Zacharias
"Can a culture be considered neutral if it is stripped of all traces of religion, guilt and morality? Ravi Zacharias addresses these issues before an audience at Penn State University.
"When religion and objective morality are put on the sidelines . . . who comes out to play? Ravi Zacharias continues his message with deeper look into the philosophical quagmire that is the 21st century.
"What does it mean to be human? What does the answer to that question say about our culture? How did secularism become so popular in America -- a supposedly 'Christian' nation?
"Pluralism is a good thing. But when extrapolated to moral relativism it is an evil thing." -- Ravi Zacharias
https://www.christianbook.com/secularism-and-the-illusion-of-neutrality/ravi-zacharias/9781612560632/pd/1171BD
The United States of Christ
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)
http://www.unitedstatesofchrist.net/
The War Against Christ by the American Government, a sermon by Matt Trewhella, Psalm 2:1-4
"Our government here in America is at war with Christ. It is at war with Christianity. Our Federal government is the culprit that has enacted laws and policies for decades now to remove, repudiate, destroy and decimate all that has to do with Christ and Christianity in our nation, including the sacred and holy institution of marriage. Starting with the recent DOMA ruling by the U. S. Supreme Court, this sermon confirms the awful reality of the war. Sadly, most Christians in America today believe God's law should have nothing to do with the governance of nations. Thus, they have aided and abetted the outcome in our nation. The sermon exposes the grim consequences of Christians removing their faith from the public square and making it a purely private matter."
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=710132023317&fbclid=IwAR0UxJ4w5ber4QQdtlWM328oZ4cpdJ0kq6Z7TEpqHJsQnSYXYO-UXLItNIE
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)See the Theological Notes: "God Reigns: Divine Sovereignty," at Daniel 4:34 in The Reformation Study Bible.
In them [Exodus 34:11,12,15,16 -- compiler] God applied a remedy to all external and manifest superstitions, which might easily have insinuated themselves had they not been anticipated in good time. All will run eagerly into idolatry, even though there be none to impel us from without; but where the ungodly act upon us also like fans, and this must needs be the case, when the people of God entangle themselves in their society, this disease is increasingly inflamed. And truly the closer our familiarity is with them, it is like a yoke, whereby they draw others with them. In order then that the people, when they entered the land, might preserve themselves pure and thoroughly devoted to God, care must be taken lest they should contract pollution from other nations; . . . All will run eagerly into idolatry, even though there be none to impel us from without; but where the ungodly act upon us also like fans, and this must needs be the case, when the people of God entangle themselves in their society, this disease is increasingly inflamed. And truly the closer our familiarity is with them, it is like a yoke, whereby they draw others with them. . . . care must be taken lest they should contract pollution from other nations; . . .
We must carefully remark what I lately adverted to, that those, who voluntarily unite themselves with the ungodly, impose as it were a yoke on themselves to draw them to destruction. And in fact Paul embraced in this comparison all the grounds upon which unbelievers insinuate themselves into familiarity with us, to ensnare us by their corrupting influence. (2 Corinthians 6:14) As much as possible, therefore, must all ties of connection be rather broken, than that by union with God's enemies we should allow ourselves to be drawn away from Him by their allurements; for they will always be attempting, by all the artifices they can, to make a divorce between us and God. Besides, if we desire faithfully to serve God, there ought to be a perpetual quarrel between us and them. God then would have us not only separate ourselves from open communion with them, but since we are too much given to depravity, He also commands us to fly from all the snares which might gradually induce us to participate in their sins. But inasmuch as Paul justly reminds us, that if we are not permitted to have any dealings with unbelievers, we must needs go out of the world, (1 Corinthians 5:10,) it is proper for us to distinguish between the contracts which associate us with them and those which do not at all diminish our liberty. . . . .
As long as we live among unbelievers, we cannot escape those dealings with them which relate to the ordinary affairs of life; but if we approach nearer, so that a greater intimacy should arise, we open the door as it were to Satan. Such are alliances between kings and nations, and marriages amongst private persons; . . . But that they may cleave more earnestly to their duty, the danger I have spoken of is declared; otherwise such rejoinders as these would have been straightway in their mouths: "Although my wife is altogether averse from true piety, still I will stand firm; although my husband is not subject to God, yet I will never decline from the true course; although religion is not dear to our allies, still it shall not cease to be sacredly held in honor amongst ourselves. . . ." -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 34:11,12,15,16 and contextMy petition is, that you whom God has appointed heads in your commonwealth, with single eye, do study to promote the glory of God, to provide that your subjects be rightly instructed in his true religion; that they be defended from all oppression and tyranny; that true teachers may be maintained; and such as blind and deceive the people, together also with all idle bellies which do rob and oppress the flock, may be removed and punished as God's law prescribes. And to the performance of every one of these do your offices and names, the honours and benefits which you receive, the law of God universally given to men, and the examples of most godly princes, bind and oblige you. . . .
To wit, first, that in conscience you are bound to punish malefactors, and to defend innocents imploring your help; secondarily, that God requires of you to provide that your subjects be rightly instructed in his true religion, and that the same by you be reformed whensoever abuses do creep in by [the] malice of Satan and negligence of men; and last, that you are bound to remove from honour, and to punish with death (if the crime so requires) such as deceive the people, or defraud them of that food of their souls, I mean God's lively word. . . .
And therefore I fear not to affirm, that which God shall one day justify: that by your offices you are bound, not only to repress their tyranny, but also to punish them as thieves and murderers, as idolaters and blasphemers of God, and in their rooms you are bound to place true preachers of Christ's evangel, for the instruction, comfort, and salvation of your subjects, above whom else the Holy Ghost never shall acknowledge that you rule in justice for their profit. . . .
Of which histories it is evident, that the reformation of religion in all points, together with the punishment of false teachers, does appertain to the power of the civil magistrate. For what God required of them, his justice must require of others having the like charge and authority; what he did approve in them, he cannot but approve in all others who, with like zeal and sincerity, do enterprise to purge the Lord's temple and sanctuary. What God required of them, it is before declared: to wit, that most diligently they should observe his law, statutes, and ceremonies. And how acceptable were their facts to God, he does himself witness (2 Chron. 32) [2 Chronicles 32]. . . .
For now the common song of all men is, "We must obey our kings, be they good or be they bad; for God has so commanded." But horrible shall the vengeance be, that shall be poured forth upon such blasphemers of God's holy name and ordinance. For it is no less blasphemy to say that God has commanded kings to be obeyed, when they command impiety, than to say that God by his precept is author and maintainer of all iniquity.
True it is, God has commanded kings to be obeyed; but likewise true it is, that in things which they commit against his glory -- or when cruelly without cause they rage against their brethren, the members of Christ's body -- he has commanded no obedience, but rather he has approved, yea, and greatly rewarded, such as have opposed themselves to their ungodly commandments and blind rage; as in the example of the three children, of Daniel, and Ebed-melech, it is most evident. The three children would neither bow nor stoop before the golden image at the commandment of the great King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel did openly pray, his windows being open, against the established law of Darius and of his council; and Ebed-melech feared not to enter in before the presence of Zedekiah, and boldly to defend the cause and innocence of Jeremiah the prophet, whom the king and his council had condemned to death (Jer. 38) [Jeremiah 38]. Every one of these facts should this day be judged foolish by such as will not understand what confession God does require of his children, when his verity is oppugned, or his glory is called in doubt. Such men, I say, as prefer man to God, and things present to the heavenly inheritance, should have judged every one of these facts, stubborn disobedience, foolish presumption, and singularity, or else bold controlling of the king and his wise council. . . .
And the same, I say, is the duty of every man in his vocation, but chiefly of the nobility which are joined with their kings, to bridle and repress their folly and blind rage. Which thing, if the nobility do not, neither yet labour to do: as they are traitors to their kings, so do they provoke the wrath of God against themselves and against the realm in which they abuse the authority which they have received of God to maintain virtue and to repress vice. . . .
God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power of his Holy Spirit, so rule and dispose your hearts, that with simplicity you may consider the things that are offered, and that you may take such order in the same, as God in you may be glorified, and Christ's flock by you may be edified and comforted, to the praise and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose omnipotent Spirit rule your hearts in his true fear to the end. Amen. -- John Knox (1505-1572), The Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and Clergy: Addressed to the Nobility and Estates of Scotland, in the Works of John Knox and Works of John Knox, also, The Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and ClergySee the Theological Notes: "Syncretism and Idolatry," at Hosea 2:13 in The Reformation Study Bible.
The following leading principles are worth remembering . . .
1. Every Government is responsible to God, and no Government can expect to prosper without God's blessing. Every Government therefore is bound to do all that lies in its power to obtain God's favor and blessing. The Government that does not strive to promote true religion, has no right to expect God's blessing.
2. Every good Government should endeavor to promote truth, charity, temperance, honesty, diligence, industry, chastity among its subjects. True religion is the only root from which these things can grow. The Government that does not labour to promote true religion cannot be called either wise or good.
3. To tell us that a Government must leave religion alone, because it cannot promote it without favoring one Church more than another, is simply absurd. It is equivalent to saying that, as we cannot do good to everybody, we are to sit still and do no good at all.
4. To tell us that no Government can find out what true religion is, and that consequently a Government should regard all religions with equal indifference, is an argument only fit for an infidel. In England at any rate a belief that the Bible is true is a part of the Constitution; an insult to the Bible is a punishable offense, and the testimony of an avowed atheist goes for nothing in a court of law.
5. It is undoubtedly true that Christ's kingdom is a kingdom independent of the rulers of this world, and one which they can neither begin, increase, nor overthrow. But it is utterly false that the rulers of this world have nothing to do with Christ's kingdom, may safely leave religion entirely alone, and may govern their subjects as if they were beasts and had no souls at all. -- J.C. Ryle, Five Points on GovernmentAnd Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:25)
See the Theological Notes: "Conscience and the Law," at 1 Samuel 24:5 in The Reformation Study Bible.
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are, in any thing, contrary to His Word; or beside it, in matters of faith or worship. So that, to believe such doctrines, or to obey such commands, out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience: and the requiring of an implicit faith, and an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience, and reason also. -- Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), XX:2
He now subjoins the punishment of such as should creep in under the name of a prophet to draw away the people into rebellion. . . . those who are the authors of apostasy, and so who pluck up religion by the roots. . . . no pardon could be granted to such impious contempt, since God had abundantly proved the glory of His Godhead by the miracle of their redemption, and had manifested His will in the Law. . . .
Thus, whilst their severity is preposterous who defend superstitions with the sword, so also in a well constituted polity, profane men are by no means to be tolerated, by whom religion is subverted. . . .
What insolence is this! As to their denial that the truth of God stands in need of such support, it is very true; but what is the meaning of this madness, in imposing a law upon God, that He should not make use of the obedience of magistrates in this respect? And what avails it to question about the necessity of this, since so it pleases God? God might, indeed, do without the assistance of the sword in defending religion; but such is not His will. And what wonder if God should command magistrates to be the avengers of His glory, when He neither wills nor suffers that thefts, fornications, and drunkenness should be exempt from punishment. . . . Finally, the magistracy, if its own authority be assailed, shall take severe vengeance upon that contempt; and shall it suffer the profanation of God's holy name to be unavenged? What can be more monstrous! But it is superfluous to contend by argument, when God has once pronounced what is His will, for we must needs abide by His inviolable decree. . . .
Nor was it causelessly that Paul, when he enjoins prayers to be made for kings and other worldly rulers, added the reason that under them we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:2.) Christ, indeed as He is meek, would also, I confess, have us to be imitators of His gentleness, but that does not prevent pious magistrates from providing for the tranquillity and safety of the Church by their defense of godliness; since to neglect this part of their duty, would be the greatest perfidy and cruelty. And assuredly nothing can be more base than, when we see wretched souls drawn away to eternal destruction by reason of the impunity conceded to impious, wicked, and perverse impostors, to count the salvation of those souls for nothing. . . . -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 13:5 and contextWe must remember what I have elsewhere stated, that the priests were not armed with tyrannical authority, so that it was sinful to reject whatever they might have decreed according to their own fancy. For neither did God dethrone Himself when He appointed them, nor did He bind men's consciences to obey their ordinances without distinction, but only would put reins on the audacity of those who have no scruple in undervaluing the government of the Church. . . . God was the author of the priesthood: He, too, ordained judges. What could be more absurd than that they should be despised and laughed at with impunity, who presided in the name and by the command of God? But He has never exalted a mortal man so high as to abdicate His own rights. . . . In fine, the priests of old were to be obeyed, as far as it concerned the public peace that the pastors ordained by God should be reverently honored; yet so as that there should be no departure from God Himself, the one Head and Prince of all pastors. . . .
And, assuredly, when He commands that the whole people should be inspired with terror, it is a hint that, unless presumption should be corrected, and the bold and wicked should be restrained by severe discipline, the door would be opened to them to destroy the Church. . . . -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 17:12,13 and context1 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 editionCalvin taught that the office of civil magistrate was the highest "calling" that a Christian man could receive. (Institutes, IV:20:4) -- W. Gary Crampton in What Calvin Says
The magistracy is ordained by God
The Lord has not only testified that the office of magistrate is approved by and acceptable to him, but he also sets out its dignity with the most honorable titles and marvelously commends it to us.(13) To mention a few: Since those who serve as magistrate are called "gods" [Ex. 22:8; Ps. 82:1,6], [Exodus 22:8; Psalm 82:1,6], let no one think that their being so-called is of slight importance. For it signifies that they have a mandate from God, have been invested with divine authority, and are wholly God's representatives, in a manner, acting as his vicegerents. This is no subtlety of mine, but Christ's explanation. "If Scripture," he says, "called them gods to whom the word of God came . . ." [John 13:35]. What is this, except that God has entrusted to them the business of serving him in their office, and (as Moses and Jehoshaphat said to the judges whom they appointed in every city of Judah) of exercising judgment not for Man but for God [Deut. 1:16-17; II Chron. 19:6]? [Deuteronomy 1:16-17; 2 Chronicles 19:6]. To the same purpose is what God's wisdom affirms through Solomon's mouth, that it is his doing "that kings reign, and counselors decree what is just, that princes exercise dominion, and all benevolent judges of the earth" [Prov. 8:14-16], [Proverbs 8:14-16]. This amounts to the same thing as to say: it has not come about by human perversity that the authority over all things on earth is in the hands of kings and other rulers, but by divine providence and holy ordinance. For God was pleased so to rule the affairs of men, inasmuch as he is present with them and also presides over the making of laws and the exercising of equity in courts of justice. Paul also plainly teaches this when he lists "ruling" among God's gifts [Rom. 12:8, KJV or RV], [Romans 12:8], which, variously distributed according to the diversity of grace, ought to be used by Christ's servants for the upbuilding of the church. For even though Paul is there speaking specifically of a council of sober men, who were appointed in the primitive church to preside over the ordering of public discipline (which office is called in the letter to the Corinthians, "government"(14) [I Cor. 12:28]), [1 Corinthians 12:28], yet because we see the civil power serving the same end, there is no doubt that he commends to us every kind of just rule.
But Paul speaks much more clearly when he undertakes a just discussion of this matter. For he states both that power is an ordinance of God [Rom. 13:2], [Romans 13:21], and that there are no powers except those ordained by God [Rom. 13:1]. [Romans 13:1] Further, that princes are ministers of God, for those doing good unto praise; for those doing evil, avengers unto wrath [Rom. 13:3-4], [Romans 13:3,4]. To this may be added the examples of holy men, of whom some possessed kingdoms, as David, Josiah, and Hezekiah; other, lordships, as Joseph and Daniel; other, civil rule among a free people, as Moses, Joshua, and the judges. The Lord has declared his approval of their offices. Accordingly, no one ought to doubt that civil authority is a calling, not only holy and lawful before God, but also the most sacred and by far the most honorable of all callings in the whole life of mortal men. -- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Ford Lewis Battles translation), IV:20:4The logical consequence of toleration is the rapid decline of society into barbarity. See: Edward Gibbon, THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, Volumes 1-6, an abridgement.
Corporate pluralism is a violation of the First Commandment and an affront to the holy God of Scripture. -- Reg Barrow, commenting on Samuel Rutherford, A Free Disputation Against Pretended Liberty of Conscience, 1649.
Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law? (Psalm 94:20)
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 does not exist, everything is permitted. -- Fyodor Dostoevski (1821-1881)
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 TruthA simple democracy is the devil's own government. -- Benjamin Rush (1746-1813)
If the people be governors, who shall be governed? -- John Cotton (1584-1652)
Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants. -- William Penn (1644-1718)
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; II Cor. 13:8 [2 Corinthians 13:8]) -- Greg Price, Biblical Civil Government Verses the Beast, p. 64
A religious doctrine involves practical consequences so important, and its effects upon individual and social life are so infallible and so profound, that it can never be contemplated with indifference by the mass of society, and much less by their rulers. We pray you to observe, amongst other things, that the stronger the feeling of dependence to which religion reduces the individual, the more she invests him, on the other hand, with a lofty independence. All religion is freedom. By introducing us into the service of one master, she emancipates us from the dominion of all others. If she does not altogether do away with dependencies of another order, she transforms them from absolute into relative ones. We still belong to society, we are perhaps linked to it by closer ties than before; but it is in a mediate manner, for man cannot serve two masters. It is this independence which exasperates the rulers of this world, and indeed, for the most part, all those who do not share in it. It is this sacred retreat of liberty which they would invade -- this freedom, of which they would deprive us; as if the numerous sacrifices which from time to time liberty has made for the common weal were insufficient, as if it were not enough, or rather as if it were nothing, for us to have devoted all our bodily powers and all our worldly goods to the service of society, so long as this offering is not completed by the sacrifice of the soul. It is spiritual domination, dominion over the soul, of which despotism, whether of princes or of the people, is especially desirous. Thus, when a tyrant has bereft a nation of all its liberties, until throughout the realm his will has become law, his ambition having nothing else wherewith to satiate its appetite, directs itself against religion. Thenceforward, having subjugated the bodies of men, he directs his attacks against their souls. It is because he cannot but be sensible that dominion over souls -- what do you say? -- over one single soul, is as much superior to that over bodies, as the soul itself is superior to its envelope of clay. He cannot endure the humiliation of knowing that there is a sphere in which the most obscure man, by the force of sympathy alone, wields a greater power than his own. A deep-rooted and bitter feeling of envy takes possession of him; he can enjoy no more repose, until moral force shall have yielded to the pressure of physical force -- until the second Mordecai shall have bowed down to this second Haman -- until the soul, by dethroning itself, shall have delivered him from this odious rivalry. And should he encounter in this enterprise an unlooked-for resistance, his impatience becomes fury, and he destroys those whom he cannot subdue. This has been the origin of many religious persecutions, and it discloses the secret motives of those atrocities by which some have been distinguished.
It does not follow, however, that all the evils with which the world has been inundated in the name of religion, are to be referred to this cause alone. They have originated in that preeminently just idea, that religion gives the true signification of every man, and of the whole of society; that there is nothing more deeply seated in us, nothing which more decisively determines what we are; and that to declare what we believe, is at the same time, and as a matter of necessity, to declare what we wish to be. The influence of a lordly spirit apart, it is not astonishing that the social power has everywhere, more or less, attempted to regulate the faith of the citizens and the instructions of the priesthood. Nor is it surprising that the priesthood, in aid of the state, have themselves attempted to dictate in a matter of this importance. For the suppression of this evil, the assistance of ages has been necessary, and this has not proved sufficient; the veto of public opinion has been also needed. Perhaps in certain countries something further has been required -- the progress of religious indifference. But nowhere is the fire extinguished, because nowhere is man changed; he will never witness unmoved, the energetic manifestation of religious principle; he may be indulgent to philosophical religions, or to religious philosophy, which penetrates not to the very sources of will and of action; but he will be, with his own full knowledge and consent, severe upon genuine faith. And why? because man possessing genuine faith, rises to his highest elevation; an elevation to which it is necessary that others should rise also, not indeed to rule over him (for this is impossible), but to treat with him, and to be at peace together. This is the true position and individuality of each renewed man, and everything is put in requisition to annul, subdue, and modify it.
We dwell no longer upon these different attempts, but return to the principle. We find that in the judgment of the community, the religious conviction of a man moulds his character, estimates his worth, and foretells his life. It is the invisible source of many efforts, and often of much violence. Well, then, we infer [sic] unhesitatingly, that the faith of a member of society cannot remain either a mystery or a matter of doubt to those who surround him. If, as we have sought to establish a former part of this work, the spiritual unity of society, its reality in the elevated sense of that word, depends on the mutual interchange of sentiments; and if that individual only can be said to belong to the community, with whose character she is acquainted, it must be especially in the sphere of religious convictions that this truth is apparent; we may even go further, and say, that although we might keep our sentiments on other subjects to ourselves, those that we entertain respecting religion could not be concealed. For our religious convictions imbue us so thoroughly and practically, that society knows not what she possesses in us, except as she knows what we are with respect to God.
This fact is more conspicuous, we admit, with reference to the Christian religion than to any other. In comparison with it, all other systems of faith are superficial; and we may remark in passing, that this is the reason why Christianity has drawn upon itself, and even excited among its followers, more intolerance than any other religion. The experimental character of its doctrines, coming in contact with the diverse passions of the human heart, has enkindled in the midst of society an active and devouring flame; and its profession has occasioned a host of outrages and calamities. Christianity is radical in the highest degree; radical in morals. It uproots one life, it implants another. Of all religions, it alone is in direct hostility with human nature in its fallen condition, as it is also the only religion which coincides with that same nature in all that sin has not polluted; at once the most human, and the least human of all systems; appearing to grant us everything, and to refuse us everything, but, in reality, granting everything to humanity, and refusing everything to sin. No religion consequently so effectually reforms the moral being; in such a manner, that the complexion of our life and conduct depends on whether we are or are not Christians, and upon what sort of Christians we are.
We should find it impracticable to attempt to distinguish between the doctrines of Christianity and its morals; between what is called its natural and universal morality, and its peculiar and arbitrary doctrines. Christian doctrine is morality -- Christian morality; to wish to distinguish between the two is to desire to divide a stream from its source. Christian doctrine is no sooner received than it regulates the conduct; the character of God becomes a model for man; what God is, man ought to be; and inasmuch as God in the Scriptures is invested with attributes which belong not to human nature, so also man, by means of the Gospel, is invested with a character which nature had not impressed upon him; it makes him a new man in every sense of the term: a man peculiar and extraordinary in the eyes of nature, but in every case a man, who, by the judgment of that very nature, is approved and esteemed. To declare our opinion upon Christian doctrine avails much; it is in fact to profess certain principle of conduct, and to attach ourselves to one or another system of morality; it is to reveal our inward man, to publish the operations of conscience; it is to give the standard of our judgments, and the rule of our actions.
We do well to avow it: whenever we revert to the considerations which most forcibly recommend a duty, we revert to the greatest difficulties in the way of its accomplishment; indeed, in most cases, to point out the motive, is to recognize the difficulty. In the present case, for example, nothing can render candour more difficult than that which enforces its obligation. It is just because such a religious doctrine, of necessity involves such a principle of morality, and such a rule of conduct; it is precisely because it is a disclosure of inward man, that so many persons are averse to declare to what doctrine they adhere. And it is sometimes because their opinion condemns them, sometimes because it elevates them, not so much in itself as in the characteristics and practical consequences with which public opinion has invested it. It is painful to excite repugnance or aversion, and it is sometimes still more painful to excite expectations which we feel but too conscious we cannot fulfill. If it were not so, why should we make a secret of our religious opinions, when we are at no pains to conceal any other? Why, when we are open and unreserved upon all the rest, should we not allow free expression to our thoughts upon this, the noblest of subjects? Why should communications of this nature be so generally regarded as the acme of candour and the pledge of intimacy? Why is there no real union, no true communion of soul, until both parties have expressed what they think, and above all, what they feel upon invisible and infinite subjects? Why do beings long united by the closest ties of affection, as soon as spiritual communion is formed between them, discover with surprise, that up to that period they had really never known, understood, or loved each other? -- that, as Montaigne expresses it, there was wanting to their friendship 'a certain inexplicable, yet essential power, the mediatrix of that union;' or that (as is really the fact), 'God is the true medium of true friendship?' All such instance go to confirm the truth of what we have said. A great effect supposes a powerful force -- a powerful force is employed only against a formidable resistance, and a formidable resistance has no place but in opposition to an urgent necessity. Here the necessity is a moral one -- it is a duty; an evident, and urgent, but a painful duty; for the consequences, even limiting them to their narrowest range, and considering none but those which are developed in the bosom of private relations, these consequences are, it must be confessed, of a startling character.
Nevertheless, if regarded only in the light of morality and natural reason, this candour, which appears so difficult and dangerous, would be found to possess real advantages, whilst reserve would have none but what are false and deceptive. Candour would break the ice which dissimulation thickens and consolidates from day to day; it would procure a more lasting peace; it would put the seal to confidence and friendship. You dread a storm: any storm would be preferable to the dead calm in which you live, -- a calm without peace and without security; for since no one can suppose that you are altogether destitute of religious prepossessions, that you have not some inward conviction to disclose, it will become a matter either of dread or of desire that you should disclose it. This very feeling of anxiety will be an evil in your social relations; if your connexions are desirous of it, when you are averse to making it, their importunity will disturb your peace; on the contrary, if they are averse to its manifestation, when you yourself desire it, they will avoid your company; there will of necessity be in your social relations something painful, constrained, and, in the end, insupportable. If they neither desire nor fear it, it must be because they are not acquainted with your character, and have no desire to become so, because they are not solicitous about your most important interests -- in other words, because they do not love you. And as between a mind occupied with spiritual things and one that is not, there is a wide gulf fixed, as true intimacy between two persons so different is altogether impossible, it is the duty of the more serious of the two, to sound the mind of his friend by disclosing his own, to provide a declaration by declaring himself. Every connexion founded upon a voluntary and designedly prolonged misunderstanding, every factitious union between minds pursuing directly opposite courses, is contrary to human dignity. . . . -- Alexander Vinet (1797-1847), and Charles Theodore Jones (translator), An Essay on the Profession of Personal Religious Conviction, pp. 73-81, and Vinet on FreedomSince no one can describe an approach more equitable and wholesome to the commonwealth than that which God describes in his law, it is certainly the duty of all kings and princes who recognize that God has put them over his people that they follow most studiously his own method of punishing evildoers . . . insofar as the substance and proper end of these commandments are concerned, and especially those which enjoin the discipline that is necessary for the whole commonwealth, whoever does not reckon that such commandments are to conscientiously observed is certainly not attributing to God either supreme wisdom or a righteous care for our salvation.
Accordingly, in every state sanctified to God Capital punishment must be ordered for all who have dared to injure religion, either by introducing a false and impious doctrine about the worship of God or by calling people away from the true worship of God (Deut. 13:6-10 [Deuteronomy 13:6-10]), and 17:2-5 [Deuteronomy 17:2-5]); for all who blaspheme the name of God and his solemn services (Lev. 24:15-16 [Leviticus 24:15-16]); who violate the Sabbath (Ex. 31:14-15 [Exodus 31:14-15], and 35:2 [Exodus 35:2]; Num. 15:32-36 [Numbers 15:32-36]); who rebelliously despise the authority of parents and live their own life wickedly (Deut. 21:18-21 [Deuteronomy 21:18-21]; who are unwilling to submit to the sentence of a supreme tribunal (Deut. 17:8-12 [Deuteronomy 17:8-12]); who have committed bloodshed (Ex. 21:12 [Exodus 21:12]; Lev. 24:17 [Leviticus 24:17]; Deut. 19:11-13 [Deuteronomy 19:11-13]), adultery (Lev. 20:10 [Leviticus 20:10]), rape (Deut. 22:20-25 [Deuteronomy 22:20-25]), kidnapping (Deut. 24:7 [Deuteronomy 24:7]); who have given false testimony in a capital case (Deut. 19:16-21 [Deuteronomy 19:16-21]).
No on knows better or provides more diligently what is for man's salvation than God. In these sanctions of God, we see that he judges that the death penalty should eliminate from his people whoever has openly defected from him or held him in contempt or persuades others to do the same, to the betrayal and vitiation of true religion; those who have done injury to his mane and who have obstinately detracted from the authority of God as it is administered through his ordinary agents, fathers of families or of country; or finally, those who have attempted to take the life of a neighbor or of his wife or children. For those who are involved is such enormous crimes cannot but inflict great ruin on mankind. By the responsible cooperation of all good men, these pests are therefore to be exterminated from human society no less than fierce wolves, lions, tigers, dragons, and crocodiles which occasionally attack men in order to tear them to pieces and devour them. . . . -- Martin Bucer, De Regno Christi [On the Kingdom of Christ], in Wilhelm Pauck (editor), Melanchthon and Bucer [Westminster Press, 1969], pp. 378-379If we would hold fast that which is good, we must never tolerate or support any doctrine which is not the pure doctrine of Christ's Gospel.
There is a hatred which is downright charity -- that is the hatred of erroneous doctrine. There is an intolerance which is downright praiseworthy -- that is the intolerance of false teaching in the pulpit. Who would ever think of tolerating a little poison given to them day by day? If men come among you who do not preach all the counsel of God, who do not preach of Christ, sin, holiness, of ruin, redemption, and regeneration, and do not preach of these things in a Scriptural way, you ought to cease to hear them. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)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"
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."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. 270To be singular is no proof of being right. He is a fool who is proud of singularity for its own sake. The man who, from mere humour or some worse principle, will not accord with his fellowmen, but must have a way of his own, if he suffer for his pertinacity, may well be ashamed. But if a minority is treated with contumely or cruelty by a majority, because the minority maintain truth and do justice, while the majority support error and act iniquitously, were does the disgrace light? The dissimilarity, the opposition, of the opinions and conduct of Christians to those of the world, is not the result of caprice or a fondness for singularity. If they are "not of the world," it is "even as their Master was not of the world." The singularity of their character and manners is of the same general description as his. He was in the world, not following its course, but doing the will of his Father in heaven. They are in the world, not following its course, but doing the will of their Master in heaven. The world being what it is, is naturally dissatisfied with them, and manifests its dissatisfaction according to its nature. It cannot love them, it must hate them. -- John Brown (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, III:390
Religious relativism is the ground of political absolutism. The conception and demand for an absolute just order is strongest where men are most insistent that Christianity's absolutes are without reality. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001)
Ashe, Simeon (d. 1662), A Seasonable Discourse Against Toleration: With a Preface Wherein the Nature of Persecution in General and the Unjust Complaints of the Dissenting Parties Concerning it in Particular are Distinctly Considered.
Assheton (alternate spelling, Ashton), William, A Seasonable Discourse Against Toleration With a Preface Wherein the Nature of Persecution in General and the Unjust Complaints of the Dissenting Parties Concerning it in Particular are Distinctly Considered.
Assheton, William, Francis Oxlad, Sr., and John Williams, Toleration Disapprov'd and Condemn'd: By the Authority and Convincing Reasons of: I. That Wise and Learned King James and his Privy Council. Anno reg. 2do.: II. The Honourable Commons Assembled in This Present Parliament in Their Votes, &c. Feb. 25. 1662.: III. The Presbyterian Ministers in the City of London met at Sion-Colledge, Decemb. 18. 1645.: IV. Twenty Eminent Divines (Most [if not all], of Them Members of the Late Assembly), in Their Sermons Before the two Houses of Parliament on Solemn Occasions.
Barrow, Greg, Protestant Antidote to Modern Disunity (1/5) (Debate with Richard Bacon), audio files. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"Defection from Reformation teaching on separation, unity, church membership, church government, terms of communion, creeds, confessions, covenants, etc., exposed (in modern Presbyterian and Reformed churches), and corrected in accordance with Scripture and the best teachers and preachers of the (first and second), Protestant Reformations. This is chapter four from the book THE COVENANTED REFORMATION DEFENDED: "Misrepresentation #4: The Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton (PRCE) is guilty of imposing the traditions of men upon the conscience by requiring terms of communion that are unscriptural." -- Publisher
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/misrep4.htm
Protestant Antidote to Modern Disunity (1/5) (free audio file)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=81202235217
Protestant Antidote to Modern Disunity (2/5) (free audio file)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=8130218525
Protestant Antidote to Modern Disunity (3/5) (free audio file)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=815022132
*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
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
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
Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), Reformation Attainments Versus Backsliding Religious Professors. Available (THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7, #25, #26.
"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) -- Publisher
The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain
http://archive.org/details/absurdityperfidy00brow
John Brown (of Haddington, 1722-1787), Toleration and Covenanting, Reg Barrow
Apparently this is a review by Reg Barrow.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Tol&Cov.htm
*Brown, John Brown (of Haddington, 1722-1787) and Justin A. Rawson, A Refutation of Religious Pluralism, ISBN: 9781597123471 1597123471.
"Mr. John Brown's manifesto shatters the glass walls that have been erected (not only by political leaders, but also by religious leaders) around the 'sacred' doctrine of religious pluralism (or religious toleration) within the political realm.
"Mr. Brown argues that for a nation to tolerate gross heresy and blasphemy (and even false religions in their entirety) is not to take a neutral position with regard to religion, but is rather to protect and promote false religion (contrary to God and His Moral Law, which perpetually bind all people in the world to its obedience -- including political leaders). For God is not morally neutral and does not grant a so-called 'religious liberty' in the civil realm to violate His Moral Law (as summarized in the Ten Commandments). For that which is truly a moral wrong can never be a civil right.
"In the two Letters found in this volume are summarized Biblical, historical, and logical arguments against the toleration of gross heresy and blasphemy in the constitutions and practices of nations (and especially those nations that are engaged by way of lawful National Covenants to God). In addition, Mr. Brown has cited numerous objections against the magistrate's God-ordained duty to legally and morally prevent religious toleration and pluralism within a nation, and has provided answers to the objections that manifest a consistent Scriptural reasoning revealing the fantasy of 'religious liberty' and 'religious pluralism' in the civil realm.
"If Mr. Brown had written his book in the United States (rather than in Scotland), an appropriate title might have been, THE RELIGIOUS PLURALISM GRANTED IN THE FIRST AMENDMENT IS NOT GRANTED IN THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.
"Dear reader, be ready to have your political worldview shaken and turned right-side-up!" -- 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.
Brutus, Junius, The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm
Carson, D.A., The Gagging of God: Christianity Confronts Pluralism, ISBN: 9780310242864 031024286X.
"In this book, D.A. Carson presents a persuasive example for Christ as the only way to God in spite of all different philosophies and theologies in the world today. Carson asks an important question: 'Is Jesus the only way to God?' Upon this question, Carson builds a strong assumption that the open, critically acclaimed, scholarly response to that question affirms the deep need for the Gospel's exclusive message in today's increasingly pluralistic global community. THE GAGGING OF GOD offers an in-depth look at the big picture, indicates how the various ramifications of pluralism are all parts of a whole, and then provides a systematic Christian response." -- Reader's Comment
"According to Carson philosophical pluralism is the most dangerous menace to the Gospel since the rise of the gnostic heresy in the second century." -- Reader's Comment
Christie, D.O., and P. Coertzen, Bible and Sword: The Cameronian Contribution to Freedom of Religion.
"Only one sector of the 17th Century Scottish Presbyterian Covenanters, the Cameronians, steadfastly resisted Erastian interference in their doctrine, worship, church government, and discipline. From 1679 to 1688 they were severely persecuted by the Stewart monarchy. In 1689, at the Glorious Revolution, the Cameronian Guard enabled the Scottish Parliament to declare that James VII (Stewart) had forfeited the throne, and later that year, the Cameronian Regiment secured Scotland against a Jacobite rebellion, thereby allowing Parliament to annul Episcopalianism and establish Presbyterianism as the form of church government. In 1690, the reconciliation of the Cameronian clergy with the Kirk, led to a virtually united Presbyterian front in Scotland." -- Summary
*Church of Scotland, General Assembly, and A. Ker, A Solemn Testimony Against Toleration and the Present Proceedings of Sectaries and Their Abettors in England, in Reference to Religion and Government: With an admonition and exhortation to their brethren there, from the Commissioners of the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland. With the return of the Honourable Estates of Parliament upon the said testimony communicated to them, and their occurence with the same; together with The paper of the 5. of Iuly, given by the Commisioners for the Kingdom of Scotland to the Speaker of the House of Commons mentioned in the aforesaid return. Alternate title: A SOLEMN TESTIMONY AGAINST TOLERATION AND THE PRESENT PROCEEDINGS OF SECTARIES AND THEIR ABETTORS IN ENGLAND, IN REFERENCE TO RELIGION AND GOVERNMENT, 1649-1650.
"An exceedingly rare title marking the continuing rise, at a critical juncture, of the covenanted Reformed Presbyterian church." -- Publisher
"Here Cromwell, the Independents and the Sectarian Army of England are rebuked by the Scottish General Assembly for their covenant breaking, declension and hindering the work of Reformation.
"This book includes six separate documents, the final being 'An Answer from the Committee of Estates to a Printed Paper Directed to the People of Scotland, and Signed in the Name of Cromwell and His Officers'." -- Publisher
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, Commisioners of the General Assembly, Kirk of Scotland. Testimony Against Toleration
http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/testimony_against_toleration.html
*Dickson, David (1583-1663), and Robert Wodrow (1679-1734), Truth's Victory Over Error: A Commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith. Alternate title: TRUTH'S VICTORY OVER ERROR: OR, THE TRUE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, STATED AND VINDICATED . . . BY THE LATE . . . DAVID DICKSON, . . . TO THIS EDITION IS PREFIXED, A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR'S LIFE, BY . . . ROBERT WODROW, KILMARNOCK, 'THE TRUE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, STATED AND VINDICATED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING HERESIES, VIZ, ARIANS, ARMINIANS, ANABAPTISTS, ANTINOMIANS, BROWNISTS, DONATISTS, EPICURIANS, EUTYCHIANS, ERASTIANS, FAMILISTS, JESUITS, INDEPENDENTS, LIBERTINES, MANICHEANS, PELAGIANS, PAPISTS, QUAKERS, SOCINIANS, SABELLIANS, SCEPTICS, VANINIANS, ETC. THE WHOLE BEING A COMMENTARY ON ALL THE CHAPTERS OF THE (Westminster -- RB), CONFESSION OF FAITH, BY WAY OF QUESTION AND ANSWER: IN WHICH, THE SAVING TRUTHS OF OUR HOLY RELIGION ARE CONFIRMED AND ESTABLISHED; AND THE DANGEROUS ERRORS AND OPINIONS OF ITS ADVERSARIES DETECTED AND CONFUTED . . . TO THIS EDITION IS PREFIXED, A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR'S LIFE, BY THE LATE MR. ROBERT WODROW,' " ISBN: 0851519490 9780851519494. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"One of the best commentaries on the Westminster Confession of Faith. This item is part of the elder's reading/training list in the Puritan Reformed Church (the church of the Covenanted Reformation)." -- Publisher
Dickson, David, Truth's Victory Over Error
http://www.truecovenanter.com/dickson/truthsvictory.html
Of Justification, from David Dickson's TRUTH'S VICTORY OVER ERROR
http://www.truecovenanter.com/dickson/truthsvictory11.html
Dickson, David (1583-1663), and Robert Wodrow (1679-1734, short account of the Reverend Mr. David Dickson), Truth's Victory Over Error, or, the True Principles of the Christian Religion, Stated and Vindicated Against the Following Heresies, viz. Arians . . . Vaninians, &c. The whole being a commentary on all the chapters of the Confession of Faith, by way of question and answer: in which, the saving truths of our holy religion are confirmed and established; and the dangerous errors and opinions of its adversaries detected and confuted. (1764)
Bound with the author's: TRUE CHRISTIAN LOVE.
https://archive.org/details/truthove00dick
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
Federer, William, Backfired: A Nation Born for Religious Tolerance no Longer Tolerates the Religion of its Founders, ISBN: 0975345540 9780975345542.
"The faith that gave birth to tolerance is no longer tolerated! Ten Commandments taken down, 'Under God' removed from Pledge, Prayer prohibited, Nativity Scenes banned, Religious Art and Music censored, Salvation Army and Boy Scouts defunded, Christmas carols disallowed . . . How did America go from Pilgrims seeking freedom to express their Christian beliefs to today's discrimination against those very beliefs in the name of tolerance?
" 'From its beginning, the new continent seemed destined to be the home of religious tolerance. Those who claimed the right of individual choice for themselves finally had to grant it to others.' -- Calvin Coolidge, May 3, 1925
"Discover how tolerance transformed from Pilgrims to Puritans to Protestants, to Catholics, to 'liberal' Christians, to Jews, to monotheists, to polytheists, to all religions, to atheists, to only the politically correct." -- Publisher
"The frustrating thing is that those who are attacking religion claim they are doing it in the name of tolerance. . . . Question: Isn't the real truth that they are intolerant of religion?"
Fergusson, James (1621-1667), Refutation of the Errors of Toleration, Independency, Erastianism, and Separation, 1692. Alternate title: A BRIEF REFUTATION OF THE ERRORS OF TOLLERATION, ERASTIANISM, INDEPENDENCY AND SEPARATION. DELIVERED IN SOME SERMONS FROM I JOH. 4. I [1 John 4:1]. PREACH'D IN THE YEAR 1652. TO WHICH ARE ADDED FOUR SERMONS PREACH'D ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS (1692). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://archive.org/details/briefrefutationo00ferg
See also: Johannes G. Vos, THE BIBLE DOCTRINE OF THE SEPARATED LIFE: A STUDY OF BASIC PRINCIPLES.
*Fraser, James (of Brea, 1639-1698), The Lawfulness and Duty of Separation From Corrupt Ministers and Churches Explained and Vindicated, 1744. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"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
Gill, Anthony, The Political Origins of Religious Liberty, ISBN: 9780511367458 0511367457 0521848148 9780521848145 052161273X 9780521612739 0511366868 9780511366864 0511365594 9780511365591 9780511790805 0511790805.
"The issue of religious liberty has gained ever-increasing attention among policy makers and the public. Whereas politicians have long championed the idea of religious freedom and tolerance, the actual achievement of these goals has been an arduous battle for religious minorities. What motivates political leaders to create laws providing for greater religious liberty? In contrast to scholars who argue that religious liberty results from the spread of secularization and modern ideas, Anthony Gill argues that religious liberty results from interest-based calculations of secular rulers. Using insights from political economists, Gill develops a theory of the origins of religious liberty based upon the political and economic interests of governing officials. Political leaders are most likely to permit religious freedom when it enhances their own political survival, tax revenue, and the economic welfare of their country. He explores his theory using cases from British America, Latin America, Russia, and the Baltic states." -- Publisher
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Forbidden Alliances: Idolaters, Infidels, Associations and Confederacies with Heretics, or Any Other Known Enemies of Truth and Godliness. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available 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).
This is a pamphlet written by the Scottish Commissioner to the Westminster Assembly.
Forbidden Alliances, George Gillespie
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Forbiddn.htm
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), George Gillespie Refutes Roger Williams, the Donatists, and Sectarianism. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in GILLESPIE'S WHOLESOME SEVERITY RECONCILED WITH CHRISTIAN LIBERTY.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/GilRefWil.htm
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), A Late Dialogue Betwixt a Civilian and a Divine, Concerning the Church of England, 1644.
"Particulars spoken of: 1. The sinne and danger of delaying reformation. 2. That there is a certain form of church-government jure divino. 3. That there was an ecclesiasticall excommunication among the Jews. 4. That excommunication is an ordinance in the New Testament. 5. Concerning the toleration of all sects and heresies. 6. Some answer to a late book come from Oxford. The 'late book come from Oxford' is John Maxwell's AN ANSWER BY LETTER TO A WORTHY GENTLEMAN." Available (THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), The Testimony of a Dying Minister of Jesus Christ Against the Sinful and Scandalous Associations With Men of Corrupt Religion and no Religion. Available [THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE], on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Gillespie, George, Dying Testimony Against Unlawful Associations
http://www.truecovenanter.com/gillespie/ggilles-ua.html
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Whether it be Lawful, Just, and Expedient, That the Taking of the Solemn League and Covenant be Enjoined by the Parliament Upon all Persons in the Kingdom Under a Considerable Penalty. Available (by title and in THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE, volume 2) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19. Available (Chapter XVI. of "A Treatise of Miscellany Questions," pp. 85-88), in THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE, volume 2.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/SL&CGil.htm
*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 parćnetick 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
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), James Renwick, Thomas Henderson, et al., Testimony-bearing Exemplified: A Collection Containing: I. Gillespie Against Association With Malignants, Together With The Causes of God's Wrath, Agreed Upon by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, met at Edinburgh, October, 1651: II. The Informatory Vindication, to Which is Subjoined, A Collection of Excellent Laws (or Eschol Grapes), in Favours of our Covenanted Reformation: to Which is Added A Declaration of the Assembly, July ult. 1648 Concerning the Present Danger of Religion: Also, A Seasonable Warning Concerning the Present Imminent Dangers, and Duties Relating Thereto, by the Assembly, July 27, 1649.
Gray, Andrew (1633-1656), The Duty and the Liberty of a Christian Church: Asserted Against Popery, Puseyism and Erastianism (BiblioBazaar, August 19, 2009), 48 pages, ISBN: 1113347295 9781113347299.
Guinn, David E., Faith on Trial: Communities of Faith, the First Amendment, and the Theory of Deep Diversity, ISBN: 0739104349 9780739104347.
Howie, John (1735-1793), John Brown (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), Hugh Binning (1627-1653), 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.
Knodel, R.E., Jr., LifeStyle: A Biblical/Philosophical Study of Christianity and the Culture it Produces, ISBN: 9781477122006 9781477122013 147712201X 9781477122020 1477122028 1477122001.
"With the publication of LIFESTYLE, culturologist/philosopher R.E. Knodel, Jr. makes a major contribution to this debate involving politicians, philosophers, foreign policy experts, and theologians. Drawing on philosophical analysis and studies of Christendom, Knodel defends the notion that God himself established this concept in creation; and that refusal to recognize this genius cuts us off from the culture of freedom, productivity and prosperity that people desire.
"Dr. Knodel uses the stencil of the creation in the Book of Genesis and finds an embedded philosophical principle that keys the cultural enterprise. It reveals a divine mandate for seeing unity in the often hostile dichotomy between the sacred and the secular. This both challenges and motivates as one sees the turmoil of both church and culture at the onset of the 21st century. Knodel begins with his definition and then argues the sense of it. Succeeding chapters analyze Christendom's past cultural failures, show how Christ is a key to world development and survey competing definitions -- even that of Islam.
"A well-crafted, cerebral literary masterpiece, LIFESTYLE is packed with wisdom and inspiration -- a unique work that propels readers to bring their gifts to every future human endeavor, for the glory of the God. It is a must read for those who are serious about life and the cultural enterprise." -- Publisher
"I deal with this issue under my discussion of 'pluralism,' distinguishing between Capital 'P' macro-pluralism (bad) and lower case 'p' micro-pluralism (often good). Pluralism of the 'Capital variety' involves major ideas of theological or philosophical variety; lower case pluralism involves other issues as discussed above. Liberalism and Progressivism love to equivocate over (confuse) these two categories, so that Satan has equal ultimacy with the God of the Bible. Once confusion has been achieved, then they overtly favor the satanic -- which is our lot today!" -- The author, R.E. Knodel, Jr., in Lifestyle, pp. 152-153, footnote 201
*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.
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Romans: An Exposition of Chapter 14:1-17: Liberty and Conscience, ISBN: 0851518494 9780851518497.
*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
*McClure, Alexander D., The First Amendment: A Masterpiece 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
McMillan, John, Gilbert Burnet, James Renwick, and Scotland. Sovereign (1685-1688: James VII), A Protestation Against Toleration: Containing, I. Some Reflections on his Majesty's Proclamation of the 12th February 1686-7, for a Toleration in Scotland, 1770.
Contains: "Some reflections on His Majesty's proclamation/ [by Gilbert Burnet], -- A proclamation of the 28th June, 1687 -- An address to the King from the Presbyterian ministers of Scotland -- An address to the King from the Presbyterians in Scotland -- The testimony of some persecuted Presbyterian ministers/ [by James Renwick]."
Morrison, James, An Address to the Protestant Interest in Scotland. Being an Humble and Seasonable Warning, Wherein is Clearly Demonstrated, the Inexpediency and Danger of Repealing our Penal Laws Against Popery . . . The second edition with improvements Glasgow, 1778.
North, Gary, Blasphemy and Civil Rights. Available in LEVITICUS: AN ECONOMIC COMMENTARY, Gary North.
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gnbd/Chapter23.htm
*North, Gary, Political Polytheism: The Myth of Pluralism, ISBN: 093046432X 9780930464325.
"Political pluralism is not simply a political philosophy; it is a theology. This theology teaches that there must never be a nation that identifies itself with any religion." -- Publisher
"This book presents a new vision of politics and a new vision of America, a vision self-consciously tied to the Bible. . . . Dr. North, a trained historian, seeks to lead us from this downward spiral to full recovery." -- GCB
Institute for Christian Economics Freebooks.com
http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/
Orr-Ewing, Amy, Is the Bible Intolerant? ISBN: 9780830863860 0830863869.
"Why bother with the Bible? Of all the books in the world, the Bible sticks out like a sore thumb. For some, it's uniquely and divinely inspired, and thus the only authoritative source of truth. For others, it's a quaint relic from a bygone era that offers personal comfort to some but little more to anyone else. For still others, the Bible is a tool of sexist oppression, or a reactionary account of a violent God, or an arrogant detractor of other holy books, or even an indecipherable mess. But the Bible has withstood such criticism over the centuries, and as Amy Orr-Ewing shows, it bears surprising relevance to this generation. Facing contemporary critics square-on, with refreshing honesty and wit, Is the Bible Intolerant? will help you understand the Bible and the world it inhabits today. Bring your questions about the Bible, read with an open mind, and discover for yourself just how relevant -- but how good -- the Good Book can be. . . ."
"Amy Orr-Ewing is the UK Director for RZIM Europe and Curriculum Director for the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. She gained a first class degree in Theology at Christ Church, Oxford University before receiving a Masters degree in Theology at King's College, London. Amy has written a number of books, including two that explore key questions in apologetics: which was shortlisted for the 2006 UK Christian Book Awards." -- Publisher
Owen, John (1616-1683), Truth and Innocence Vindicated in a Survey of a Discourse Concerning Ecclesiastical Polity, and the Authority of the Civil Magistrate Over the Consciences of Subjects in Matters of Religion, 1669.
Paisley, Ian R.K., Union With Rome: The Courtship and Proposed Marriage of Protestantism by Romanism and the Objections Thereto.
Parker, Samuel (1640-1688), A Discourse of Ecclesiastical Politie Wherein the Authority of the Civil Magistrate . . . is Asserted, the Mischiefs and Inconveniences of Toleration are Represented, and all Pretenses Pleaded in Behalf of Liberty of Conscience are Fully Answered, 1671.
Presbyterian Church. Associate Synod (Xenia, Ohio), Statement of the Associate Session of Xenia, Ohio to the Congregation Under Their Inspection: Of Their Authority From the Church and the Church's Head for Exercising the Discipline of the Church on Those who Offend by What is Locally Called "Occasional Hearing," 1841. Alternate title: OCCASIONAL HEARING AND CHURCH DISCIPLINE, 1841. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
*Price, Greg L., Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience, audio files. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Demonstrates from Scripture what Christian liberty is and what it isn't. Shows why this liberty is not a license to sin or an excuse to place man's independent conscience above the word of God (a common mistake in a democratic, egalitarian, atomistic age). Samuel Rutherford battled this error in the mid-seventeenth century in his classic FREE DISPUTATION AGAINST PRETENDED LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE. Price not only applies these teachings to the individual, but to the church and state also; asking the question regarding the latter: 'How can a moral wrong be a civil right?' (which applies to many areas of present pagan civil juridical ineptitude -- not the least of which is the abortion holocaust). Uses the alcohol issue to show how fundamentalists and others misuse (and misunderstand), this doctrine; with a lengthy and detailed treatment of this subject defending the believer's freedom to moderately partake of alcohol." -- Publisher
*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.
Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," Toleration: The Cut-throat of True Religion, excerpted from: THE ACT, DECLARATION AND TESTIMONY FOR THE WHOLE OF OUR COVENANTED REFORMATION . . . BY THE REFORMED PRESBYTERY, pp. 177-178. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Includes a catalog of resources concerning the history of the Reformed Presbytery in various countries."
Toleration: The Cut-Throat of True Religion
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/ToleratT.htm
*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), a new edition of the Ploughlandhead Testimony of 1761, the subordinate standard of the original "Steelite" Reformed Presbytery that was constitutes in 1840. Available (the 1850 edition only) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (the 1850 edition only) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"And now, when time has proved that more recent Testimonies, Terms, and Covenants, have failed to preserve either unity or uniformity among those who framed them; it cannot be unseasonable to re-exhibit the original ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY, which has been justly characterized as 'the most profoundly reasoned document ever emitted by the Reformed Presbyterian Church'." -- The Reformation Advocate Magazine, Vol. I, No. 8, December, 1875, page 267
"Upholds the original work of the Westminster Assembly and testifies to the abiding worth and truth formulated in the Westminster family of documents. Upholds and defends the Crown Rights of King Jesus in Church and State, denouncing those who would remove the crown from Christ's head by denying His right to rule (by His law), in both the civil and ecclesiastical spheres. Testifies to the received doctrine, government, worship, and discipline of the Church of Scotland in her purest (reforming) periods. Applies God's Word to the Church's corporate attainments 'with a judicial approbation of the earnest contendings and attainments of the faithful, and a strong and pointed judicial condemnation of error and the promoters thereof.' (The Contending Witness magazine, Dec. 17/93, p. 558). Shows the church's great historical victories (such as the National and Solemn League and Covenant, leading to the Westminster Assembly), and exposes her enemies actions (e.g. the Prelacy of Laud; the Independency, sectarianism, covenant breaking and ungodly toleration set forth by the likes of Cromwell [and the Independents that conspired with him]; the Erastianism and civil sectarianism of William of Orange, etc.). It is not likely that you will find a more consistent working out of the principles of Calvinism anywhere. Deals with the most important matters relating to the individual, the family, the church and the state. Sets forth a faithful historical testimony of God's dealings with men during some of the most important days of church history. A basic text that should be mastered by all Christians." -- Publisher
Act, Declaration, and Testimony (1876)
https://archive.org/details/actdeclarationte00refo
Act, Declaration and Testimony, 1761 (edition of 1876)
"Compared with the 1777 edition, Philadelphia. We hereby certify that this is a true edition of the ORIGINAL JUDICIAL TESTIMONY, emitted by the Reformed Presbytery at Ploughlandhead, Scotland, 1761; together with the Supplements adopted by the Reformed Presbytery at this date, June 2d, 1876. [Signed -- compiler] David Steele, James Campbell, Robert Clyde, Robert Alexander, Committee.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/
*Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite" (David Steele [1803-1887], James Campbell, Thomas Sproull, James Fulton), A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, 2nd Edition, Revised, and Enlarged by a Committee of the Reformed Presbytery ("Circular" and "Review" prefixed), 1879, 50 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2 (also #1, #25, and #30).
"Until the church comes to terms with what is written in this book it will remain weak and divided. Covenant breakers will not prosper, as this rare item demonstrates from both Scripture and history. The power packed ordinance of covenanting (the National and Solemn League and Covenant in particular), was foundational to the Second Reformation and the work of the Westminster Assembly. 'By the National Covenant our fathers laid Popery prostrate. By the Solemn League and Covenant they were successful in resisting prelatic encroachments and civil tyranny. By it they were enabled to achieve the Second Reformation . . . They were setting up landmarks by which the location and limits of the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day . . . How can they be said to go forth by the footsteps of the flock, who have declined from the attainments, renounced the covenants and contradicted the testimony of 'the cloud of witnesses. . . . All the schisms (separations) that disfigure the body mystical of Christ . . . are the legitimate consequences of the abandonment of reformation attainments, the violation of covenant engagements.' If you are interested in knowing how to recognize a faithful church (or state), when and why to separate from unfaithful institutions, who has held up the standard of Covenanted Reformation attainments and who has backslidden (and why), what it means to subscribe to the Westminster Confession (1646), (and why most that say they do so today do not have any idea of what that means), and much more concerning individual, family, church and civil, individual, family, church and civil duties, this is one of the best books you will ever lay your hands on. It chronicles 'some instances of worldly conformity and mark(s) some steps of defection from our 'covenanted unity and uniformity,' noting how 'it is necessary to take a retrospect of our history for many years; for we did not all at once reach our present condition of sinful ignorance and manifold apostasy.' Presbyterian and the Reformed churches lay under the heavy hand of God's judgement in our day, because of the very defections noted throughout this fine work. 'We heard (hear) from various quarters the cry, "maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation"; and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' Are we married to the Lord, or have we thrown off the covenants of our forefathers; are we the chaste bride of Christ, or a harlot who is found in the bedchambers of every devilish suitor (whether ecclesiastical or civil), who tempts us with the favors of this world? Let us cry out, as with 'the noble Marquis of Argyle, upon the scaffold,' when he said, 'God hath tied us by covenants to religion and reformation. These that were then unborn are yet engaged, and it passeth the power of all the magistrates under heaven to absolve them from the oath of God. They deceive themselves, and it may be, would deceive others, who think otherwise.' Not for the weak of heart." -- Publisher
A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, Reformed Presbytery
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/a-short-vindication-of-our-covenanted-reformation
Renwick, James (1662-1688), A Testimony Against anti-Christian Toleration
http://www.truecovenanter.com/renwick/renwick_testimony_16880117.html
*Renwick, James (1662-1688), Alexander Shields, and Other "Society People," An Informatory Vindication of a Poor, Wasted, Misrepresented Remnant of the Suffering, Anti-prelatic, Anti-erastian . . . 1744. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"INFORMATORY VINDICATION (1687), a statement of principles issued by the Society People (see Societies, United), during James VII's reign. Prepared mainly by James Renwick, latterly in consultation with Alexander Shields, it was published in Utrecht. Its full title reflects something of the contents: AN INFORMATORY VINDICATION OF A POOR WASTED MISREPRESENTED REMNANT OF THE SUFFERING ANTI-POPISH ANTI-PRELATIC ANTI-ERASTIAN ANTI-SECTARIAN TRUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHRIST IN SCOTLAND UNITED TOGETHER IN A GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE. BY WAY OF REPLY TO VARIOUS ACCUSATIONS IN LETTERS INFORMATIONS AND CONFERENCES GIVEN FORTH AGAINST THEM. It refuted charges brought against the 'Remnant' of schism (in their eyes a great evil) . . . The VINDICATION mourned the estrangement from other Presbyterians who had accepted the government's INDULGENCES OR EDICTS OF TOLERATION, and expressed love for them as fellow ministers 'with whom again we would desire to have communion in ordinances'. The separation had been forced upon the Society People by the tyranny and temper of the times, but it did not affect their position as being in the succession of the historic Kirk of Scotland. The document aimed to clear away the hostility and misunderstanding about them that had grown up in Scotland and Holland." (Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 429)
"In proof of the catholic, unsectarian, Christian spirit of Renwick and his followers, the clear statements of the INFORMATORY VINDICATION, the work which most fully and clearly defines their position, may be referred to . . . In these noble utterances, we have strikingly exemplified the true spirit of Christian brotherhood . . . This is the genuine import of the vow of the Solemn League and Covenant, which binds Covenanters to regard whatever is done to the least of them, as done to all and to every one in particular. While firmly holding fast all Scriptural attainments, and contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, we should cordially rejoice in the evidences of grace in Christ's servants wherever we find them. We should love them as brethren, fulfil the law of Christ by bearing their burdens, wish them God speed in all that they are doing for the advancement of His glory, and fervently labour and pray for the coming of the happy period when divisions and animosities shall cease, and when there shall be one King, and His name one in all the earth. The testimony of Renwick and his associates is of permanent value and of special importance in our day, as it was directed against systems of error and idolatry, which serve to corrupt the Church and enslave the State. Against Popery in every form Renwick was a heroic and uncompromising witness. At the peril of life, he publicly testified against the usurpation of the papist James, and rejected him as having no claim to be regarded as a constitutional sovereign, and as utterly disqualified to reign in a Protestant reformed land. This was the main ground of his objection against James' toleration, for which the Indulged ministers tendered obsequious thanks to the usurper. Yet this edict of toleration was issued for the purpose of opening the way for the practice of Rome's abominations, and for the advancement of papists to places of power and trust in the nation. None of the Cameronians would, for any earthly consideration, even to save their lives, for a moment admit that a papist had any right to exercise political power in a reformed land. Our martyred forefathers we regard as worthy of high respect and imitation, for their deeply cherished dread of the growing influence of Popery, and for their determined resistance to its exclusive and extravagant claims. The system of Popery is the abnegation of all precious gospel truth; and is a complete politico-religious confederacy against the best interests of a Protestant nation. The boast of its abettors is that it is semper eadem, ever the same. Rome cannot reform herself from within, and she is incapable of reformation from external influences and agencies. The Bible never speaks of Antichrist as to be reformed, but as waxing worse and worse till the time when he shall be completely subverted and irrecoverably destroyed. Whatever changes may be going on in some Popish countries, whereby the power of the Papacy is weakened, it is evident that the principles and spirit of the Romish priesthood, and of those who are under their influence, remain unchanged. The errors of the anti-Christian system, instead of being diminished, have of late years increased. Creature worship has become more marked and general. The Immaculate Conception has been proclaimed by Papal authority as the creed of Romanism. In these countries, and some other Protestant lands, the influence of Popery in government and education, and so on the whole social system, has been greatly on the increase. Among those who have most deeply studied inspired prophecy, there is a general expectation that the period of Babylon's downfall is hastening on, and is not far distant. There is a general presentiment too, that the Man of Sin, prior to his downfall, will make some dire and violent attempt through his infatuated followers against the truth, and against such as faithfully maintain it. The 'Slaying of the Witnesses,' which we are disposed to regard as yet future may take place, not so much by the actual shedding of blood, though it is plain that Jesuit policy and violence will not hesitate to re-enact former persecution and massacre, to accomplish a desired purpose. It may mainly be effected, as Scott, the expositor, suggests, by silencing the voice of a public testimony in behalf of fundamental truths throughout Christendom; and of this there are at present unmistakable signs not a few, throughout the churches in various countries. The Protestant church in all its sections should be thoroughly awake to its danger from the destructive errors, idolatry and power of its ancient irreconcilable enemy; and should, by all legitimate means, labour to counteract and nullify its political influence. The ministry and the rising youth of the church should study carefully the Popish controversy, and should be intimately acquainted with the history of the rise and progress of the Papacy its assumed blasphemous power its accumulated errors and delusions, and its plots, varied persecutions and cruel butcheries of Christ's faithful witnesses. Above all, they should set themselves earnestly, prayerfully and perseveringly to diffuse the Bible and Gospel light in the dark parts of their native country, and among Romanists in other lands. By embracing fully and holding fast, in their practical application, the principles of the British Covenants, and by imbibing the spirit of covenanted martyrs men like Renwick and the Cameronians, we will be prepared for the last conflict with Antichrist. The firm and faithful maintenance of a martyr-testimony will be a principle instrument of the victory of truth over the error and idolatry of Rome. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Rev. 12:11 [Revelation 12:11]). Finally, the testimony of Renwick is valuable, as throwing light on great evils connected with systems of civil government, and with Protestant churches, and as pointing out clearly the duty of faithful witnesses in relation to them. Two great principles, the one doctrinal, and the other practical, were essential to it, or rather constituted its whole specialty. These were, first, that, according to the national vows, and the reformation attainments, the whole civil polity of the nation should be conformed to the Scriptures, and secondly, the positive duty of distinct separation from whatever systems in the state and church that are opposed to entire allegiance to Messiah the Prince." (Houston, The Life of James Renwick, pp. 52-55)
"Some of them, particularly in Scotland, loved not their lives unto death for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. Rev. vi. 9 [Revelation 6:9]. These refused to have communion in public ordinances not only with prelatical ministers, but even with the acceptors of indulgences or licenses from the civil power, to exercise their ministry under certain limitations. The INFORMATORY VINDICATION, which certainly contains the genuine principles of church communion, held by the sufferers for the cause of Christ in that period, declares, that they could by no means own or countenance the administrations of the indulged ministers; because they considered the indulgence, in any of the forms in which it was granted by the civil power, as derived from the supremacy claimed by that power in ecclesiastical matters; as laying the office of the ministry under unwarrantable restriction; and as tending, in a great measure, to suppress and bury the covenanted reformation, cf. INFORMATORY VINDICATION, Head iv." (Anderson, Alexander and Rufus; or a Series of Dialogues on Church Communion [1862], p. 294)
"To the friends of evangelical truth, and the faithful witnesses for the redeemer's royal prerogatives, the services of Renwick, at the crisis in which he exercised his public ministry, were invaluable. He was eminently the man for the time. Through the influence of the unhappy Indulgence, the strict Covenanters were reduced to what they style themselves in the Informatory Vindication, a 'wasted, suffering, anti-popish, anti-prelatic, anti-erastian, anti-sectarian remnant.' By the death of Cargill and Cameron, they were left as 'sheep without a shepherd,' broken and scattered. Through the fierceness of persecution, and the machinations of enemies, they were in danger of falling into confusion, and of being entirely wasted and destroyed. We admire the gracious providence of God in preparing, at this particular crisis, an instrument of such rare and suitable endowments for feeding 'the flock in the wilderness,' and for unfurling and upholding so nobly the 'Banner of Truth' amidst hosts of infuriated enemies. James Renwick, though a very youth when he entered on his arduous work, and trained under great outward disadvantages, had a powerful and well-cultivated mind. He was endowed with singular administrative talent, and had great tact and skill in managing men. He was an acute and logical thinker, an eloquent and attractive public speaker, and was distinguished by fertility and force as a writer. The INFORMATORY VINDICATION his testimony against King James' 'toleration, with his 'Letters,' and 'Sermons and Lectures,' bear ample evidence of his sound judgment, comprehensive mind, and ability as an author. His prudence, meekness and loving disposition, combined with his sanctified zeal, and heroic courage, deservedly gave him great influence among those to whom he ministered. He was eminently fitted to be 'a first man among men.' The Lord held him in the hollow of his hand, and made him a 'polished shaft in his quiver.' The services which Renwick rendered to the Protestant cause were invaluable. He organized the scattered remnant, and imparted new life and ardour to their proceedings. He set forth clearly the principles of the 'Society people;' and in a number of able and logical papers, clearly defined their plans of action. He rendered it, in a great measure, impossible for enemies to misrepresent and accuse them falsely to the Government. He was their Secretary in their correspondence with foreign churches; and he did much to evoke the prayerful sympathy of Protestants in other lands in behalf of the victims of persecution in Scotland. The presence and influence of Renwick among the suffering Presbyterians were of the highest importance in his own day; and not to them alone, but also to the whole church of Christ in these lands, and to the constitutional liberties of the nation. So far as we can see, but for the singular power and devoted spirit of Renwick, and the firm and unyielding position which the Cameronians through him were led to assume, the cause of truth would have been completely borne down, and Erastianism, and Popery, and Despotism had triumphed. Renwick and his followers were the vanguard 'in the struggle for Britain's liberties, and for the Church's spiritual independence.' Though, like other patriots born before their time, they were doomed to fall, yet posterity owes to them a large part of the goodly heritage which they enjoy. (Houston, The Life of James Renwick [1865], pp. 36-37). Emphases added throughout the preceding quotations. This is a very rare and valuable specimen of Paleopresbyterian (Covenanter) thought don't miss it! 142 pages, plus new material added by the present publisher." -- Publisher
An Informatory Vindication, 1687, James, Renwick, Alexander Shields and Other "Society People"
http://www.truecovenanter.com/societies/informatory_vindication.html
*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.
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 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.
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.
*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
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Survey of the Spiritual Antichrist: Opening the Secrets of Familisme and Antinomianisme in the Anti-Christian Doctrine of John Saltmarsh, and Will. Del, the Present Preachers of the Army now in England, and of Robert Town, Tob. Crisp, H. Denne, Eaton, and Others. In which is revealed the rise and spring of Antinomians, Familists, Libertines, Swenckfeldians, Enthysiasts, &c. The minde of Luther, a most professed opposer of Antinomians, is cleared, and diverse considerable points of the law and the Gospel, of the spirit and letter, of the two covenants, of the nature of free grace, exercise under temptations, mortification, justification, sanctification, are discovered. In two parts, 1648. Also contains Rutherford's A BROTHERLY AND FREE EPISTLE TO THE PATRONS AND FRIENDS OF PRETENDED LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, #20.
Samuel Rutherfurd's (sic) Preface to his Survey of Spirituall Antichrist. A Brotherly and Free Epistle to the Patrons and Friends of Pretended Liberty of Conscience.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/21/samuel-rutherfurds-preface-to-his-survey-of-spirituall-antichrist
Schaff, Philip (1819-1893), Church and State in the United States; or, The American Idea of Religious Liberty and its Practical Effects, ISBN: 0405040830 9780405040832.
"Distinctly unimpressed by this peculiar current in the stream of American culture, the immigrant theologian and church-state historian Philip Schaff commented that in the United States 'every theological vagabond and peddler may drive here his bungling trade, without passport or license, and sell his false ware at pleasure'." -- Philip Schaff, The Principle of Protestantism as Related to the Present State of the Church
The social consequences of the "American Idea of Religious Liberty," can be likened to the "idea of permissiveness in child rearing" in the minds of unregenerate, indifferent parents. The result is rebellious children who have no respect for authority, and leave home early with no wisdom about how to live in a cold, cruel world, destined for self-destruction. See: Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, 'religious freedom,' and neutrality.
"This monograph, written during the centennial celebration of the United States Constitution, charts the historical relationship between church and state. Schaff writes from the unique position of a theologian and a historian who has lived on both sides of the Atlantic. Citing examples from Presidential addresses, court cases, and European observers such as Alexis de Tocqueville, Philip Schaff describes the genesis and growth of American Christianity and the unique historical context from which it sprang. He also outlines its historical connection with the church in Europe, and offers possibilities for the American church's future mission within this unique political climate." -- Publisher
Schaff, Church and State in the United States
https://archive.org/details/churchstateinuni00scharich
Schaff, Philip, The Principle of Protestantism as Related to the Present State of the Church, 1845, ISBN: 1177859289 9781177859288.
"Distinctly unimpressed by this peculiar current in the stream of American culture [American religious freedom -- compiler], the immigrant theologian and church-state historian Philip Schaff commented that in the United States 'every theological vagabond and peddler may drive here his bungling trade, without passport or license, and sell his false ware at pleasure'." -- Philip Schaff, The Principle of Protestantism as Related to the Present State of the Church
The social consequences of the "American Idea of Religious Liberty," can be likened to the "idea of permissiveness in child rearing" in the minds of unregenerate, indifferent parents. The result is rebellious children who have no respect for authority, and leave home early with no wisdom about how to live in a cold, cruel world, destined for self-destruction. See: Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, 'religious freedom,' and neutrality.
*Schwertley, Brian M., and Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States. Publications Committee, National Covenanting and Christ's Victory Over the Nations. Available at Reformed Online.
"This is the first book-length, scholarly exposition and defense of national covenanting since 1843. This comprehensive treatment includes the binding nature of covenants, covenant renewals under the godly kings of Israel, objections to covenanting answered, the unbiblical nature of the U.S. Constitution, the unscriptural alteration of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1789, the necessity of the Old Testament moral law for a Christian nation and the biblical requirements for civil office. In the book, Rev. Schwertley not only sets forth the biblical case for social or national covenanting in a simple and organized manner but also critiques the modern pluralistic alternatives to the original Presbyterian teaching on this topic." -- Publisher
It was preceded by 'Social Covenanting,' a series of 31 sermons in MP3 format, given by the author starting in the summer of 2012.
Social Covenanting series of 31 sermons [audio files] by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=ccc&keyword=National+Covenanting&keyworddesc=National+Covenanting
Sperry, Paul, Infiltration: How Muslim Spies and Subversives Have Penetrated Washington, ISBN: 9781595552488 1595552480. Also available as e-book.
"The most sinister terrorists won't be sneaking through our borders from the Middle East. They're already here. This is the untold story about the silent, yet extremely dangerous threat from the Muslim establishment in America'an alarming exposé of how Muslims have for years been secretly infiltrating American society, government, and culture, pretending to be peace-loving and patriotic, while supporting violent jihad and working to turn America into an Islamic state. In this powder keg of a book, you'll learn: -How radical Muslims have penetrated the U.S. military, the FBI, the Homeland Security Department, and even the White House'where subversive Muslims and Arabs have received top-secret clearance.-How they've infiltrated the chaplains program in the federal and state prison systems'a top recruiting ground for al-Qaida.-How they've successfully run influence operations against our political system with the help of both Democrats and Republicans, badgering corporate boards into Islamizing the workplace.-How we've been utterly duped about what the Quran does and doesn't teach. Sadly, much of anti-Western terrorism is simply Islam in practice, the text of the Quran in action. In a time when religious and political leaders are scrambling to smooth over differences in faith and beliefs, this book gives the terrifying truth abaout the very real, very deadly agenda of Islam and how it has already infiltrated key American institutions with agents, spies, and subversives." -- Publisher
"As Americans continue to worship at the altar of cultural diversity and endorse religious tolerance for tolerance sake, Muslims masquerading as 'moderates' have insinuated themselves into the very fabric of American society, taking advantage of our blind trust and gaining footholds in our education system, government, workplace, law enforcement, and military. In this startling book, investigative journalist Paul Sperry uses revealing new interviews and classified documents to courageously explain how, for the past thirty years, these Islamist extremists have been covertly working to destroy our constitutional government and the Judeo-Christian ethics on which our nation was built. Their goal, according to Sperry, is to replace the U.S. Constitution with the Quran and turn America into an Islamic state. And, as Sperry details point-by-point, they have been unwittingly aided in their sinister aims by the politically correct media, government, and citizens, who don't fully understand the dangers of the Muslim faith.
"INFILTRATION explodes the façade of moderation and patriotism that Muslim scholars, imams, clerics, businessmen, and other leaders in the burgeoning Muslim community in America have conveyed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In reality, the Muslim establishment that publicly decries the radical fringe-represented by al-Qaida's brand of Islam known as Wahhabism, the official religion of Saudi Arabia -- is actually a part of it. The only difference is that they use words and money instead of bombs to accomplish their goals.
"Now, thanks to Sperry's peerless research, piquant prose, and forthright presentation, their cover is blown. He will not only make readers forget nearly everything they've been told about these 'moderate' and 'mainstream' leaders, he will expose the true agenda of these 'moderate' and 'mainstream' leaders, and he will explain the full scope of the dangerous threat of Islam in America.
"With everyone still on edge after 9/11, this book will garner wide interest, appealing specifically to people interested in current events and/or religion. Additionally, the book will appeal strongly to women whose roles, values, and rights are greatly threatened by fundamentalist Islam." -- Publisher
"As someone who has closely monitored the machinations of militant Muslim activists as chronicled by Pipes and Emerson and other Islamist hawks, there is a helluva lot of new disturbing stuff in this book, which forgiving the pun, looks to be the new bible on Islamism and the Islamic threat inside America. And much of it is supported by fairly sensitive-looking internal Homeland Security documents and real estate/tax/lobbying and other records posted on a companion website -- sperryfiles.com. Most alarming is how the FBI is bending over for Muslim muscle groups and is blindly letting its Arabic translation desk in DC become a Muslim 'mole house' generating some dozen espionage cases, per CIA vets at FBI. And Sperry found that one of the groups the FBI is genuflecting before -- Council on American-Islamic Relations -- is bankrolled by an Arab government, UAE, which was the transit point for 9/11 cash and a formal backer of the Taliban. Dubai holds the deed to CAIR's headquarters, even as CAIR claims it gets no foreign support! And there are classified docs that are sure to embarrass DC big shots. Remember the hard-line cleric who counseled the 9/11 hijackers behind closed doors? the guy the FBI is now looking for after the 9/11 commission concluded was 'suspicious' and should be brought in for questioning? well he was released from U.S. custody a year after 9/11 and allowed to leave the country on a Saudi airplane. DC pulled back a warrant for him even though he was on the terror watch list and subject of terror finance probes by treasury/customs. There's even word in book of a Pakistani cleric who privately counseled the Pakistani terrorist who mowed down CIA employees at Langley, who according to records Sperry uncovered is starting a large Wahhabi mosque just down the way from Langley where he can no doubt inspire other jihadists. He also reveals new details about Norman 'No Profiling' Mineta and his diversity happy aides that I haven't read anywhere else. At bottom this is the tale of PC gone wild in DC, which is lulling Americans into a false sense of security about the Islamic threat inside the country. With Bin Laden still at large and his sleeper cells no doubt still in place here, it's a pretty frightening wake-up call. Their agents and sympathizers have done an alarmingly good job of penetrating U.S. institutions and culture, but DC hasn't penetrated theirs. The FBI says it can't find evidence of sleeper cells? Yeah, that's reassuring. Isn't that what they said before 9/11?" -- Reader's Comment
Sullivan, Winnifred Fallers, The Impossibility of Religious Freedom, ISBN: 0691118019 9780691118017 9780691130583 0691130582.
"The Constitution may guarantee it. But religious freedom in America is, in fact, impossible. So argues this timely and iconoclastic work by law and religion scholar Winnifred Sullivan. Sullivan uses as the backdrop for the book the trial of Warren vs. Boca Raton, a recent case concerning the laws that protect the free exercise of religion in America. The trial, for which the author served as an expert witness, concerned regulations banning certain memorials from a multiconfessional nondenominational cemetery in Boca Raton, Florida. The book portrays the unsuccessful struggle of Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish families in Boca Raton to preserve the practice of placing such religious artifacts as crosses and stars of David on the graves of the city-owned burial ground. Sullivan demonstrates how, during the course of the proceeding, citizens from all walks of life and religious backgrounds were harassed to define just what their religion is. She argues that their plight points up a shocking truth: religion cannot be coherently defined for the purposes of American law, because everyone has different definitions of what religion is. Indeed, while religious freedom as a political idea was arguably once a force for tolerance, it has now become a force for intolerance, she maintains." -- Publisher
*Sundry Ministers of London, A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ, And to our Solemn League and Covenant; As Also Against the Errours, Heresies and Blasphemies of These Times, and the Toleration of Them. Wherein is Inserted a Catalogue of Divers of the Said Errours &c. All of them being collected out of their authors own books alleadged in the margin, and laid down in their own words; except one that was maintained in a dispute in Oxford, December 11, 1646, and six or seven which were asserted before a Committee of the Honourable House of Commons in the Star-Chamber, and reported to the House, Sept. 12, 1643. Subscribed by the Ministers of Christ Within the Province of London, December 14 &c., 1647.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/a-testimony-to-the-truth-of-jesus-christ
Sundry Ministers of London, Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ and our Solemn League and Covenant
http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/testimony_truth.html
Vitale, Vince, Pluralism: A Culture Without Truth, DVD.
"It is said we live in a post-truth society. Truth has so often been abused that society is fleeing from truth and adopting a pluralism that assures us 'All truths are equally valid.' Does that include the claim that all truths are not equally valid? That's how quickly pluralism runs into incoherence. So, why does it persist; why is it growing? Can all truths coexist? Listen as Vince Vitale, Director of the new Zacharias Institute, explores more on this subject in this important talk, 'Pluralism: A Culture Without Truth'." -- Publisher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYkxhkKtaK4
Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), Religion our True Interest, or, Practical Notes Upon the Third Chapter of Malachy the Sixteen, Seventeen and Eighteen Verses [Malachi 3:16,17,18]: Seasonable for the Times / by Thomas Watson . . . 1682.
Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), Essay on Tolerance. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/tolerance.html
*Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), Is Tolerance Intolerant, DVD.
"We encounter an incredible diversity of cultures, lifestyles, and faiths. Unfortunately, our conflicting identities and beliefs often exclude others. Is there truth to real acceptance and inclusion? Join Ravi Zacharias and Michael Ramsden at a sold-out Royce Hall on the campus of UCLA. This two-disc set contains Ravi's presentation, followed by questions from the audience." -- Publisher
*Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), Why Jesus? Rediscovering His Truth in an Age of Mass Marketed Spirituality, ISBN: 1455508608 9781455508600.
"Ravi Zacharias is a very gifted communicator. Whether he is discussing literature, philosophy, religion, or everything in between -- he makes it interesting, engaging, and thought provoking. In this book he tackles the search for meaning in the West and in the East and how that ultimately all searches are empty if they do not lead to truth. He gives a very solid case for how all truth is God's truth and that the ultimate truth that we all long for leads us to the person and work of the historical Jesus revealed in the Bible and the accounts of His life, death, resurrection, ascension and future return.
"In chapter one after a scintillating discussing of movie making agendas in the East and the West he writes, 'Why are we always beguiled by something foreign? In the West, Eastern mysticism is 'in' -- chants, sounds, and practices with foreign words have made an appeal of culture -- shifting proportions -- while in the East, where these very same techniques have been tried for centuries, many are disillusioned and seeking solace somewhere else. Before me the entertainment elite of the East gave their full attention to a talk on 'Why Jesus Is the Ultimate,' while in the West, entertainers are looking toward the East for their answers.'
"In the first half to about seventy percent of the way into the book Ravi tackles what he calls 'Western' thought -- a hybrid of western and eastern thought blended into one. He takes the time to demonstrate how eastern thought has penetrated the west, and how western thought has penetrated the east. He cogently and brilliantly synthesizes how this has taken place through the medium of television, philosophy, religion, and irreligion and highlights old and modern voices alike. Zacharias weaves the themes of induction, seduction, deduction, and reduction among these differing mediums of communication resulting in a 'New Spirituality.'
"Ravi makes so many excellent observations with reference to the 'New Spirituality' that it would make for a very long review were I to recount the excellencies of his presentation. On the postmodern influences of the likes of Michael Foucault and Jacques Derrida on 'Westernism' he writes about the authority of the 'New Spirituality' in this fashion by way of a modern tale:
" 'In the beginning, God. God spoke. But that was a long time ago. We wanted certainty -- now. For this, only Reason and Rationalism would do. But that was not enough. We wanted to 'test.' So we went into the senses and found the empirical. But that's not what we meant by testing. We really meant 'feeling.' So we found a way to generate feeling into the picture. Truth was framed into a scene. But the scene was left open to interpretation. Scenes are not absolute. So the story was told as an art form. But the reader still didn't like it, because he was not the author. So he read the story while he sat in a reconstructed and deconstructed cubicle to make of the story whatever he wished. But what does one do with the long reach of the empirical? The best way was to find a blend between the empirical and the satirical and end up with God again. The only difference was that God could not be the storyteller. We still needed God. So we became God.'
"Ravi talks about Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, and various other 'isms' and demonstrates how people in the East like Deepak Chopra, and people in the West like Oprah Winfrey have developed syncretistic systems of thought that have blended eastern and western thinking and religion. One interesting example of this mixing is when he quotes Elizabeth Lesser when she writes of the difference between the 'Old Spirituality' and the 'New Spirituality'.":
'AUTHORITY: In the 'old' spirituality authority is held by the church; in the 'new' spirituality the individual worshiper has authority to determine what is best for him or her.
'SPIRITUALITY: In the old spirituality God and the way to worship have already been defined and the worshiper just follows the rules; in the new spirituality the worshiper defines spirituality for him -- or herself.
'THE PATH TO GOD: In the old spirituality there is only one way to God, all else is wrong; in the new spirituality there are unlimited paths or combinations of paths one can follow . . . you can string a necklace all your own making.
'SACRED: In the old spirituality parts of yourself are considered evil (the body, ego, emotions), and must be denied, transcended, or sublimated; in the new spirituality anything goes.
'TRUTH: In the old spirituality truth is knowable and constant. Leading to the same answers at every stage of life; in the new spirituality you never quite arrive at the truth as it is constantly changing to accommodate your growth.'
"Zacharias responds to Lesser in this manner, 'With the safety net she has provided for determining truth, who can ever fall?' "The evangelist from the Old Spirituality pleaded with his audiences to 'invite Jesus into your heart;' the New Spirituality tell you to invite yourself into your heart.
"Ravi spends the rest of the book answering the following questions: Why Jesus? What difference does it make what you believe? Is truth really even knowable? Could it be that postmodern spirituality is really the expression of a universal hunger rather than an answer to anything? What are the deep-seated questions that drive the quest for spirituality? Why is it that in the West we seem to have discarded the message of Christ, while in the East they have begun to realize that he is the one they are looking for?
"Ultimately all worldviews and religions need to examine their beliefs and views and answer these three unavoidable questions: 1) How do they handle the question of exclusivity as it relates to their own belief? 2) What is the ultimate source of their authority for belief and behavior? And 3) How relevant is what they believe to the common experience and what difference does it make?
"According to Zacharias correspondence to facts and systematic coherence are the test for any worldview. In constructing a good worldview they must consist of the following eight components:
'A good worldview must have a strong basis in fact. This point alone has a two-edged reality: First, can the assertion being made be tested against reality? And second, is the assertion clearly false? If one assertion in the system is clearly false or cannot be tested against reality, there is a failure to meet the test of truth.
'A good worldview must have a high degree of coherence or internal consistency.
'A good worldview must give a reasonable and logical explanation for the various undeniable realities that we sense all around us.
'A good worldview will avoid the two extremes of either being too complex or too simplistic.
'A good worldview is not explained by just one line of evidence.
'A good worldview must explain contrary worldviews without compromising its own essential beliefs.
'A good worldview cannot argue just on the basis of private experience, but must have some objective standard of measurements.
'A good worldview must justifiably explain the essential nature of good and evil, since those two alternatives are principal characteristics differentiating human beings from all other entities or quantities.'
"Two thousand years ago when Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah in Luke 4 on the Sabbath day in the Synagogue, and stood up and read, The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed be to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Then he rolled back the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began saying to them, Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.
"Ravi comments on this passage and concludes in this manner, 'This is the message of freedom for those in bondage, a message that will open the eyes of our darkened spirituality to the bright light of his grace, that will convince a Church to live the love of God by taking care of the poor and taking up the cause of the oppressed, that assures us there is an end of time where eternity awaits, and that all who long for his presence will live in the fulfillment of their faith to the grand consummation of seeing the Ultimate One, face-to-face. . . . It is in him [Jesus] that we find it all.'
"Zacharias meticulously and clearly shows in this book the miserable failure of the 'New Spirituality' to deliver on any of these eight components that make up for a coherent and compelling worldview. On the other hand, in a very captivating manner he demonstrates how all of the best thinking of the west and east when brought together converge in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth -- and the worldview known throughout the world as 'Christianity.'
"I highly recommend this book because it makes a compelling case for the cogency of Christianity, and helps you to understand where eastern and western thought have large 'holes' that can only be filled with the water of life by the same Jesus who said that in Him we will never thirst again -- spiritually." -- Reader's Comment
"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
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Theodicy, Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, The westminster family of documents, The ten commandments: the moral law, Bible magistracy, Church discipline, Reform of the church, Heresy and apostasy, National establishment of religion: establishmentarianism, False gospels, Justifying faith, Spiritual discernment, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Manhood, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, Separation, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Reformation eschatology, The covenanted reformation, Civil government, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 1088, 2135, 2596, 2985-2998, 3446, 3898
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_sagainst_pretendedlibertyofconscience.html
Christian Exclusivism, W. Gary Crampton
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/reviews/journal.asp?ID=196a.html
Close Communion and The Lord's Supper
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/closecom.htm
The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm
Creed, Steve Turner
http://www.apuritansmind.com/Apologetics/SteveTurnerCreed.htm
Divers Testimonies for the Anti-toleration Principle and Practice of Reformed Christians, and Against Pretended Liberty of Conscience
http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/
Freedom of Religion in the United States
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_religion_in_the_United_States
History of Christian Thought on Persecution and Tolerance
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christian_thought_on_persecution_and_tolerance
Nave's Topical Bible -- Prophecies Concerning Universality of the Kingdom of Christ
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2806
The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile
http://www.lettermen2.com/syncret.html
Paradox of Tolerance
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradox_of_tolerance
The Regulative Principle of Worship in History, Reg Barrow (refutes Arminianism in worship)
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CRTPWors.htm
Religious Divide Cited for US, European Political Differences
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200307/CUL20030716b.html
"According to recent findings by the Pew Global Attitudes Project, sponsored by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, 59 percent of Americans identified religion as an important part of their lives. In contrast, 11 percent of the French, 14 percent of Russians and 33 percent of Britons said religion was important to them." -- Excerpt from article
The Search for Absolutes in a Pluralistic Society, Ravi Zacharias
In this three-part message, Ravi addresses three major moods that characterize our times -- secularization, pluralization, and privatization, which lead us down the path of relativism -- in which we no longer recognize right from wrong. Ravi Zacharias
https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/the-search-for-absolutes-in-a-pluralistic-society-part-1-of-4
*Secularism and the Illusion of Neutrality, Ravi Zacharias
"Can a culture be considered neutral if it is stripped of all traces of religion, guilt and morality? Ravi Zacharias addresses these issues before an audience at Penn State University.
"When religion and objective morality are put on the sidelines . . . who comes out to play? Ravi Zacharias continues his message with deeper look into the philosophical quagmire that is the 21st century.
"What does it mean to be human? What does the answer to that question say about our culture? How did secularism become so popular in America -- a supposedly 'Christian' nation?
"Pluralism is a good thing. But when extrapolated to moral relativism it is an evil thing." -- Ravi Zacharias
https://www.christianbook.com/secularism-and-the-illusion-of-neutrality/ravi-zacharias/9781612560632/pd/1171BD
Separation of Church and State in the United States
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state_in_the_United_States
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
Toleration: The Cut-throat of True Religion
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/ToleratT.htm
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
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
The "Very Pernicious and Detestable" Doctrine of Inclusivism, Robert L. Reymond
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=107
Westminster Seminary vs. Historic Presbyterianism, Part 1, Deuteronomy 5:2-10
Political pluralism and "religious freedom" soundly debunked. Not for the faint of heart.
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=225181750331
Westminster Seminary vs. Historic Presbyterianism, Part 2, Exodus 20:3-4
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=225182335610
Wholesome Severity Reconciled With Christian Liberty, Gillespie
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/21/wholesome-severity-reconciled-with-christian-liberty
Why a Truly Christian People CANNOT be Subjugated by a Lawless State, a video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRFPNFt4xNs&lc=UgyfL4e2as0gY8qy7bN4AaABAg
Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), The Unlawfulness and Danger of Limited Prelacy, or Perpetual Presidency in the Church, Briefly Discovered, 1641. Alternate title: THE UNLAVVFULNESSE AND DANGER OF LIMITED EPISCOPACIE. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"A defense of Alexander Henderson."
Balfour, William, The Establishment Principle Defended: a Reply to the Statement by the Committee of the United Presbyterian Church on Disestablishment and Disendowment, 1873. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
*Bannerman, James (1807-1868), The Church of Christ: A Treatise on the Nature, Powers, Ordinances, Discipline, and Government of the Christian Church, 1869, 2 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"Two large volumes. A classic on the Church and worship! This is one of the most extensive studies of its kind ever compiled. Nothing compares to it on this subject. Regarding these gems, Iain Murray has stated, 'In our day, however greatly we need an evangelical revival, we need more than that. We need another Reformation, a movement which will go 'to the root of the mischief' and bring back the visible church to the pattern of God's Word in her government, ordinances and ministry. The republication of Bannerman is a step in that direction . . . For those who wish to study the doctrine of the Church in its several aspects as it was held by the majority of the Reformers, Puritans, Covenanters and leaders of 'The Third Reformation,' it will prove an invaluable textbook." -- Publisher
Brown, C.J., Christ's Kingship Over the Nations Maintained and Defended in the Establishment Principle; or, The Principle of the National Recognition of Religion. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), Reformation Attainments Versus Backsliding Religious Professors. Available (THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7, #25, #26.
"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) -- Publisher
The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain
http://archive.org/details/absurdityperfidy00brow
*Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The First Sermon Preached to the Honorable House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament at Their Public Fast, Nov. 17, 1640. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"A beautifully clear facsimile copy of this amazing sermon (published by order of the British House of Commons in 1641), exhorting this Parliament to 'stand to the covenant' of God; by, 'endeavouring of a further Sanction of, and stronger Guard about our true Palladium, the true Religion, already established among us; in the perfecting of the Reformation of it; in the erecting, maintaining, protecting, and encouraging of an able, godly, faithful, zealous, profitable, Preaching Ministry, in every Parish Church and Chapel throughout England and Wales; in interceding to the Kings sacred Majesty for the setting up of a Faithful, Judicious, and Zealous Magistracy, where yet the same is wanting, to be ever at hand to back such a Ministry: without either of which, not only the power of Godliness will sooner degenerate into formality, and zeal into lukewarmness; but Popery, Arminianism, Socinianism, Profaneness, Apostasy, and Atheism itself will more and more crowd in upon us, and prevail against us, do You all You can be all other means.' Points out that where a godly ministry and magistracy are lacking, society degenerates into a godless mob, headed by one of the above named heresies -- as we have seen in our day. Presses national covenant renewal, from Jer. 50:5 [Jeremiah 50:5], and explains from scripture how and why this should take place. Cites many biblical examples of the great Scriptural blessing that has followed previous national covenanting; while making practical application to the situation of the day. This sermon foreshadows chapter 23, of the celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], on 'the Civil Magistrate,' and gives much insight into this watershed period of Christian political development. It is highly recommended for anyone even remotely interested in seeing their nation prosper politically and ecclesiastically. Furthermore, it will be a great help for anyone seeking to formulate a biblical doctrine explaining the four way relationship between: loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; Jesus Christ as mediator; the everlasting covenant (and covenanting); and the state, as set forth in Scripture. A very rare item. A Covenanter's delight! 70 pages." -- Publisher
Byfield, Richard, A Short Treatise Describing the True Church of Christ, and the Evils of Schism, Anabaptism and Libertinism, wherein is proved that: Society is the genus of a church, not congregations, A national church under the New Testament, The visible church is God's Temple, The infallible note of a true church, Learning is needful for the discharge of the ministry, Toleration of all religions is contrary to God's Word, No communion with the wicked in their sin, etc. Delivered in two sermons. 1653. Alternate title: TEMPLE-DEFILERS DEFILED: WHEREIN A TRUE VISIBLE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS DESCRIBED. THE EVILS AND PERNICIOUS ERROURS, ESPECIALLY APPERTAINING TO SCHISME, ANABAPTISME, AND LIBERTINISME, THAT INFEST OUR CHURCH, ARE DISCOVERED. AND DIRECTIONS TO PRESERVE FROM THE SIN AND PUNISHMENT OF TEMPLE-DEFILING, DELIVERED IN TWO SERMONS PREACHED AT THE LECTURE IN KINGSTON UPON THAMES, FEB. 20 AND 27, 1644. OUT OF I COR. 3.17 [1 Corinthians 3:17].
Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), George Miller, and Giles Calvert, The Arraignment of Unbelief, as the Grand Cause of our Nationall Non-establishment: Cleared in a Sermon to the Honourable House of Commons in Parliament, at Margarets Westminster, Upon the 28th. of May, 1645. Being the day of Their Publike Fast. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Dick, James, and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Synod, Civil Rulers Serving the Lord, or, The Scriptural Doctrine of National Religion: A Sermon, Preached at the Opening of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod of Scotland, May 15th, 1882.
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
*Fentiman, Travis (editor, annotation, introduction), All of George Gillespie's Writings on Christ's Mediatorial Kingdom is the Church Only, e-text only (September 4, 2017)
"George Gillespie, the Westminster divine, (while being able to affirm this Group's Description) has the most in-depth writings on the majority puritan view that Christ's Mediatorial Kingdom is the Church only. Now collected and published for the first time in a contemporary format with explanatory notes.
"As a bonus, these writings are also the classic delineation of the Establishment Principle, the Biblical relation between Church and State.
"If one does not agree with Gillespie's viewpoint, this should still be a helpful resource as his writings on the subject are often neglected and unread due to not (until now) being collected in a convenient, contemporary format." -- Publisher
https://reformedtheologybooks.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/gillespie-george-christs-mediatorial-kingdom-is-the-church-only.pdf
Graham, William, Review of Ecclesiastical Establishment in Europe, 1792.
Green, Steven K., The Second Disestablishment: Church and State in Nineteenth-Century America, ISBN: 9780195399677 0195399676.
*Kerr, James (1847-1905), Church and State: Three Lectures. I. Religious Equality -- National Disaster. II. Erastian Establishment -- Ecclesiastical Dishonour. III. Scriptural Establishment -- Imperial Glory. Available in pamphlet format from:
Covenanter Pamphlets
http://www.covenanter.org/pamphlets/
Church and State: Three Lectures. I. Religious Equality -- National Disaster. II. Erastian Establishment -- Ecclesiastical Dishonour. III. Scriptural Establishment -- Imperial Glory
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/james-kerrs-three-lectures-on-church-and-state
*McClure, Alexander D., The First Amendment: A Masterpiece 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
*McCrie, Thomas (1772-1835), Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion. Available in STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS, LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD, Section VII. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"M'Crie published at Edinburgh in 1807 a helpful discussion of the biblical evidence for an obligation of nations and their civil rulers to give recognition to the true religion. His book is a protest against the church in which he was ordained, and which subsequently departed from the principles it had espoused: STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS, LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD. It has often been regarded as the best presentation of the confessional point of view respecting a national acknowledgment of religion. Churches formed after M'Crie's death found their conflicts over church principles defined in his literary output." -- Publisher
Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-exercise-of-civil-authority-about-religion.php
*M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), Statement of the Difference . . . Particularly on the Power of Civil Magistrates Respecting Religion, National Reformation, National Churches, and National Covenants, 1871. Alternate title: STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
" 'The ablest exposition in the English language of the Establishment Principle . . . Dr. (George) Smeaton describes the Statement as a masterly defense of the principles of establishments as Scripture truth: and the most complete vindication ever given to the world of the position occupied by the Reformed Church of Scotland, on the whole subject of national religion and the magistrates legitimate power in promoting it. 'The same thoroughness,' wrote the late Rev. D. Beaton, 'which gave such abiding value to his great biography of Knox, is shown in this, his less known work . . . Dr. McCrie in his STATEMENT shows that all the Confessions of the Protestant and Presbyterian Churches of the Reformation, both in Britain and on the Continent of Europe, held and maintained the Establishment Principle. 'These harmoniously agree,' he writes, 'in declaring as with one mouth that civil authority is not limited to the secular affairs of men, and that the public care and advancement of religion is a principle part of the official duty of magistrates.' He goes on to give extracts from THE CONFESSION OF HELVETIA; THE CONFESSION OF BOHEMIA; THE CONFESSION OF SAXONY; THE FRENCH CONFESSION; THE BELGIC OR DUTCH CONFESSION; THE CONFESSION OF THE ENGLISH CONGREGATION IN GENEVA; THE SCOTS CONFESSION AND THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646). 'Such is the harmony of doctrine in the Protestant churches on this head,' he remarks, 'expressed in their confessions and public formularies drawn from the Word of God; a harmony which deserves great attention, and from which none should rashly depart' (as cited in CHRIST'S KINGSHIP OVER THE NATIONS by C.J. Brown). Concerning the doctrine of national obedience to Christ, M'Crie demonstrates in the most convincing way that there are few doctrines 'of the practical kind, in which the best interests of mankind and the general state of religion in the world, are more deeply concerned, than in the right and wrong determination of this question.' Contains an excellent preface by George Smeaton. Considered one of the definitive works on Church/State relations, defending the historic Reformed position. An extremely rare and very expensive item if located as a rare book." -- Publisher
Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-exercise-of-civil-authority-about-religion.php
McKay, W.D.J., An Ecclesiastical Republic: Church Government in the Writings of George Gillespie, ISBN: 0946068607 9780946068609.
*Schwertley, Brian M., and Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States. Publications Committee, National Covenanting and Christ's Victory Over the Nations. Available at Reformed Online.
"This is the first book-length, scholarly exposition and defense of national covenanting since 1843. This comprehensive treatment includes the binding nature of covenants, covenant renewals under the godly kings of Israel, objections to covenanting answered, the unbiblical nature of the U.S. Constitution, the unscriptural alteration of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1789, the necessity of the Old Testament moral law for a Christian nation and the biblical requirements for civil office. In the book, Rev. Schwertley not only sets forth the biblical case for social or national covenanting in a simple and organized manner but also critiques the modern pluralistic alternatives to the original Presbyterian teaching on this topic." -- Publisher
It was preceded by 'Social Covenanting,' a series of 31 sermons in MP3 format, given by the author starting in the summer of 2012.
Social Covenanting series of 31 sermons [audio files] by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=ccc&keyword=National+Covenanting&keyworddesc=National+Covenanting
Sloane, J.R.W. (James Renwick Willson), State Religion: A Discourse, Delivered Before the Reformed Presbyterian Synod, in Rochester, N.Y., Sabbath Evening, May 27th, 1866.
Sommerville, Robert M. (editor), State Recognition of Christianity, (New York: Christian Nation Press, 1886).
Spear, Wayne R., Covenanted Uniformity in Religion: The Influence of the Scots Commissioners on the Ecclesiology of the Westminster Assembly, 1976.
Wagner, Michael, A Presbyterian Political Manifesto: Presbyterianism and Civil Government. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1 and #25.
"Philosophical considerations alone should not be considered sufficient to prove that an establishment of religion is a moral obligation. For Christians only the Bible can be accepted as the foundation for any belief, not only those beliefs related to 'spiritual' matters, but also those related to political issues. The critical question, then, for Christians is, 'Does the Bible teach the necessity of the establishment of the Christian religion?' The Bible does indeed demonstrate the need for an establishment of Christianity, and the Old Testament in particular provides the Biblical basis for the concept of an established church. In Old Testament times there was a pervasive cooperation between church and state, and that pattern was not abrogated in the New Testament.
"In the New Testament the passage with the most explicit teaching on civil government is probably Romans 13. In that chapter it is explained that political rulers 'are ordained of God' (v. 1 [Romans 13:1]); 'they are God's ministers' (v. 6 [Romans 13:6]), who must reward good and punish evil (vv. 3-4 [Romans 13:3,4]). This raises an important question: by what standard is the ruler to distinguish 'good' from 'evil?' Clearly, that standard can only be the Bible. How can rulers be God's ministers and yet not rule according to God's will? In other words, Romans 13:1-6 teaches not only that God has instituted civil government, but also that the rulers must govern according to the Word of God. The Bible is not only the exclusive rule of faith and practice for the church, but also for the state. With the Bible being the standard for the civil authorities, it is unmistakable that Christianity is the foundation of the law order, i.e., the established religion in this sense. Romans 13, then, at least in a general way, teaches the necessity of the establishment of Christianity.
"At this point it is important to be more specific about what is being proposed as the Biblical concept of established religion. The Bible teaches a cooperation between church and state that has been variously called the 'Scottish Theory of Ecclesiastical Establishments' (Smeaton 1875), the 'Establishment Principle' (Brown n.d., 1), and other similar terms.
"The Establishment Principle, or the Principle of the National Recognition of Religion maintains the scriptural view of the universal supremacy of Christ as King of Nations as well as King of saints, with the consequent duty of nations as such, and civil rulers in their official capacity, to honour and serve Him by recognizing His Truth and promoting His cause (Brown n.d., 1).
"As William Cunningham explains it, 'an obligation lies upon nations and their rulers to have respect, in the regulation of their national affairs, and in the application of national resources, to the authority of God's word, to the welfare of the church of Christ, and the interests of true religion' ([1882] 1991a, 391). What is being maintained here is that the true church of Christ, and the civil authorities (both in submission to their common Lord), have as their goal the promotion of God's glory and true Christianity, and that they should work together for the promotion of this common goal. On the one hand, they should be allied together, but on the other hand, they should remain completely sovereign in their respective jurisdictions."
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/presbpol.htm
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), The Establishment Principle as now Interpreted: A Novelty Unknown to our Reformers and Subversive of Christ's Headship.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Church and state, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, 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 ten commandments: the moral law, Church and state, Bible magistracy, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, The mediatorial reign of Christ and the crown rights of Christ, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, 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, Justifying faith, Forgiveness, Sanctification, 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, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, Covenanted reformation short title listing, The one and the many, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Politics, Freedom: a gift of the grace of God, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, substance abuse, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Politics, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 2527, 3174-3189
National Establishments of Religion
"Hence it ought to be observed that something remarkable is here demanded from princes, besides an ordinary profession of faith; for the Lord has bestowed on them authority and power to defend the Church and to promote the glory of God. This is indeed the duty of all; but kings, in proportion as their power is greater, ought to devote themselves to it more earnestly, and to labor in it more diligently." -- John Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah (1550)
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/national-establishments-of-religion
Nave's Topical Bible -- Prophecies Concerning Universality of the Kingdom of Christ
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2806
Thomas McCrie's A Statement of the Difference
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/thomas-mccries-a-statement-of-the-difference
The United States Constitution and Classic Verses National Establishments of Religion. Found in BIBLICAL CIVIL GOVERNMENT VERSUS THE BEAST; AND, THE BASIS FOR CIVIL RESISTANCE, APPENDIX B. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Hence it ought to be observed that something remarkable is here demanded from princes, besides an ordinary profession of faith; for the Lord has bestowed on them authority and power to defend the Church and to promote the glory of God. This is indeed the duty of all; but kings, in proportion as their power is greater, ought to devote themselves to it more earnestly, and to labor in it more diligently." -- John Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah (1550).
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/national-establishments-of-religion
The prophets are advocates for God in a covenantal lawsuit. For their arguments for the continued obligation of covenantal faithfulness and the hope of God's covenantal faithfulness see:Isaiah, a covenant prosecutor, Jeremiah's theme of judgment for covenant breaking, The themes of the wrath, severity, covenant faithfulness, trustworthiness, and ultimate goodness of God in the book of Lamentations, Ezekiel's message of judgment against Israel, then judgment against foreign nations, and then grace and mercy to Israel, and the themes of the holiness, transcendence, grace, mercy, and sovereignty of God along with individual responsibility, Daniel, the covenant head, with his theme of the absolute sovereignty of God in the affairs of man, Hosea's theme of covenant relationship, Joel's themes of covenant, the day of the Lord, and repentance unfeigned, Amos furthering the prosecution's case for the covenantal lawsuit with themes of idolatry and social injustice, The emphasis on God's sovereign justice by Obadiah, Jonah's themes of the sovereignty of God and the universality of God's goodness, The themes of Micah, covenant relationship, salvation is of the Lord, the church rebellious and perverse, and judgment followed by restoration, Nahum's theme of God's government of history according to his covenant, Habakkuk, the forefather of the Reformation, and his themes of God is sovereign in history and persistence in prayer, Zephaniah's themes of covenant, the day of the Lord, and the restorative nature of God's wrath, Haggai's theme of covenant, Zechariah's themes of the presence, kingship and deliverance of God and Christ, and Christ dwelling among his people, and Malachi, another advocate of God in the covenant lawsuit, with his themes of the continued obligation of covenantal faithfulness, and hope. 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 NationsIn 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 TruthThe 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
One of the most common and popular objections to the distinctive principles of Covenanters', and their singular position is, that they are impracticable. Indeed there is a sense, and a Scriptural sense too, in which this objection is true. Paul says. We are not sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, 2 Cor. iii:5 [2 Corinthians 3:5]; and Christ himself says, Without [separated from], me ye can do nothing, John xv:5 [John 15:5]; and both speak of Christians. It was when we were without strength that Christ died for the ungodly, Rom. v:6 [Romans 5:6]. If these primary and fundamental principles of the Bible were more generally understood and believed, Covenanters' principles and position would cease to be peculiar. Indeed without a heartfelt and humbling sense of man's guilt, depravity and utter helplessness, neither Christ's death nor life has any rational significance.
The question, however, is not whether the distinctive principles of Covenanters be susceptible of application; but, are they Scriptural? If they are agreeable to the word of God, it is every one's duty to profess as well as to believe them. God does not anywhere promise to relax the claims of his law to accommodate it to man's inability. The Author of the law, well knowing that the convicted sinner would strive to stifle his convictions by a groundless hope of some relaxation of the law in his case, forever extinguished all ground of such vain hope when he publicly declared, I came not to destroy the law, but to fulfil, Matt. v:17 [Matthew 5:17]. Indeed to relax the law in accommodation to the necessities of either believer or unbeliever would involve its destruction. Who may not perceive the absurdity of this supposed accommodation of the moral law to the supposed ability of saint or sinner, when reflecting for a moment on the course of civil law. In vain would be the plea of any criminal that he could not refrain from theft, burglary, adultery, murder, &c., or that the law was too strict, the penalty too severe. To ask such questions is in effect to answer them. No, every genuine son of Abraham will concur in sentiment with his progenitor, that the judge of all the earth doeth right; that God is not unrighteous when he taketh vengeance, Rom. iii:5 [Romans 3:5]: that death eternal is the just wages of sin, Rev. xix:2,3 [Revelation 19:2,3]. It follows from these obvious principles that the "Governmental System," invented by some divines, and very congenial to many carnal minds -- that man's responsibility is limited to his ability, is a "delusion and a snare"; in its tendency subversive of all moral order, and at war with the incontestable sovereignty of the Most High -- He must reign, 1 Cor. xv:25 [1 Corinthians 15:25].
With sincere pleasure we admit that some other denominations agree with the Covenanters in adhering to the foregoing principles, -- "we differ only in applying them." That word, only, though small to the eye, is pregnant with meaning. The history of the church general, and especially of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, demonstrates the vast difference between a joint acknowledgment of the soundness of a principle and the mode of its application; and the vastness of the difference is comprised in the diverse interpretations given to this little word only. The import of this word may be largely and easily illustrated as follows: For hundreds of years Christians in surrounding communities while in social and friendly intercourse with Covenanters, have often made such concessions as these, "Your principles are right, only they do not suit these times; they are scriptural, and therefore we believe them ourselves as well as you, only in the present state of the churches and the world, we do not see how they can be carried out; just now they seem to be impracticable." Christian people who often make such concessions, will also express their joyful anticipations of the Millennium; and they will express their firm belief that "Covenanter principles will then be popular," &c. These and the like concessions from pious people have doubtless been all along very agreeable to the ears of Covenanters, and have contributed to confirm them in their position, as also to comfort them amid privations and reproaches; only they cannot but regret that such good people have not the fortitude to act out their acknowledged convictions.
How then is the millennium to be introduced? Must we await a new revelation? that "new law" of which we often hear? one accommodated to our weakness? No, we have no warrant to expect another law different from the decalogue, nor is any other demanded even by those who object to the position of Covenanters. They admit that the Bible we have, and the peculiar principles by which Reformed Presbyterians are distinguished from all others will be exactly suitable to the time of the millennium. If practicable then, why not now? This is the true cause why the millennium is delayed. Until the law in the hand of the Spirit gives such strength to sin that it (sin) shall slay the sinner, leaving the Christian as helpless as the impracticable, Rom. vii:9 [Romans 7:9], Ezek. xvi:5 [Ezekiel 16:5]. Every command of God to the sinner is an impossibility to him, altogether impracticable; and when he finds it so, he is prepared to take hold of God's covenant. Then all the moral law becomes practicable, Phil. v:13 [Philippians 5:13]. Nothing but the "body of death" renders obedience to the law in Christ's hand impracticable. -- "Impracticable," an article in The Original Covenanter, March, 1882, Vol. III, No. 5, found in the The Original Covenanter Magazine, Volumes 3:1 -- 3:16, from March 1881 to December 1884. Edited by David Steele, pp. 145-148Then, 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, Lćlius 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 RepublicSo 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 (1979) 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
*Anonymous, (attributed to George Gillespie), The Mystery of Magistracy Unvailed: or, God's Ordinance of Magistracy Asserted, Cleared, and Vindicated, From Heathenish Dominion, Tyrannous and anti-Christian Usurpation, Despisers of Dignities, and Contemners of Authorities, by an Unworthy Servant and Subject of Jesus Christ. Available (PDF and 2 MP3 files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Though the author is unknown, this work has been thought by some to have been written by George Gillespie. It is a fine introduction to Second Reformation thought on civil government. Some sample headings extracted from its pages include: 'Of the qualifications required in the Judge or Ruler;' 'Of the promised blessing that is to attend the latter days in a righteous rule and ruler;' 'Of the judgement and curse attending no rule, or an evil ruler;' 'Of the people's duty under wicked rulers, both towards God and them." -- Publisher
Available from Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publishing (covenanter.org/pamphlets/) as a pamphlet, #17.
The Mystery of Magistracy Unvailed
"THE MYSTERY OF MAGISTRACY UNVAILED sets forth in short compass the proper parameters of the civil magistrate. It also considers several related questions: What are the proper qualifications of rulers? May Christians appoint unbelievers to rule over them? What are the duties of magistrates? What are the duties of the people under magistrates? But, most importantly for us, living as we do under a government increasingly hostile to the Christian religion, what are the duties of the people to wicked rulers? To this interesting and engaging manual for believers, whether under a godly or an ungodly ruler, is added a short essay on the subject of taxation by David Steele. . . . There is also an extract from the 1761 Testimony of the Reformed Presbytery concerning this matter." -- Publisher
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2017/1/16/the-mystery-of-magistracy-unvailed?rq=Mystery%20of%20Magistracy
The Mystery of Magistracy Unvailed: or, God's Ordinance of Magistracy Asserted, Cleared, and Vindicated from heathenish dominion, tyrannous and anti-Christian usurpation, despisers of dignities and contemners or authorities, by an unworthy servant and subject of Jesus Christ, the King of saints and nations (1708)
http://archive.org/details/magistr00edin
*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
*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 Wamphray, 1610-1679), Corporate Sanctification: Holding Fast the Attainments of Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1. Available in OBSERVATIONS ON THE PUBLIC COVENANTS BETWIXT GOD AND THE CHURCH: A DISCOURSE.
"An overview of the Covenanter doctrine of reformation attainments by one of the great Covenanter theologians. Helpful in dispelling false charges of Anabaptism and perfectionism laid at the feet of faithful Covenanters by schismatics. John Brown was one of Samuel Rutherford's best students." -- Publisher
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/attain.htm
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah, 4 books, published in 2 volumes in CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES (vols. 7, 8). Spine title: CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES, VOLUME VII: ISAIAH 1-32; CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES, VOLUME VIII: ISAIAH 33-66. A Christian classic.
Several factors combine to make CALVIN'S COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH particularly significant.
I have a study ready for public -- well, not ready for publication, but hopefully someday, on Calvin's use of Augustine [apparently never published -- compiler]. There are at least 400 references to Augustine in John Calvin. Anybody who says that Calvin got his theology of the top of his head knows no Calvin. Calvin knew Augustine probably better than anybody else, including Luther. Calvin went back to all the Early Western Fathers. I would say that next to Augustine, his theology is based upon Bernard of Clairvaux and Anselm, and he had a higher respect for Saint Thomas Aquinas than many people are willing to admit. But he is in the Western theological tradition.Calvin's work is in four books, with a Scripture Index and a General Index. The Baker publication prints the four books in two volumes.
Charles Hodge, in his SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY of three volumes, very often refers to Calvinism as Augustinianism, and you can see why. . . . [Charles Hodge], declares that you might as well call Calvinism revived and revitalized Augustinianism.
*Clarkson, Andrew, Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting From the Revolution-Church in Scotland: As Also, Their Principles Concerning Civil Government, and the difference betwixt the reformation and revolution principles. Published for confirming the weak, and informing of the misinformed in those matters. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #6, #24, #26.
"An exceedingly rare and important book now back in print after 265 years! The Contending Witness magazine (May, 1841), described PLAIN REASONS as 'the single best volume penned defending the principles of the Second Reformation.' It sets forth 'the grounds why Presbyterian Dissenters refused to hold communion with the revolution church and state.' (Reformed Presbytery, Act Declaration and Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation, p. 154). These principles still apply today and this still remains one of the best books explaining why and when an individual (our church), should separate itself from those (in church or state), who do not hold fast to all the attainments of our covenanted forefathers." -- Publisher
Clarkson, Andrew, Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting from the Revolution Church of Scotland. Also, Their Principles Concerning Civil Government, and the Difference Betwixt the Reformation and Revolution Principles, 1731.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/PlainTOC.htm
Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting From the Revolution Church of Scotland (A Short Article Holding Forth the Principles of the Book by the Same Name) excerpted from The Contending Witness, Vol. I., No. 1, April, 1841.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/magazine/contending_witness_plain_reasons_of_dissent.html
*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 judgements, 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 (Ps. 25:14 [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
*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) ISBN: 0888150024 9780888150028 0888150067 9780888150066 0888150083 9780888150080 0888150105 9780888150103 0887560547 9780887560545. 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
Dodds, James (1813-1874), The Fifty Years' Struggle of the Scottish Covenanters 1638-1688, fifth edition. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'This volume does not pretend to be an exhaustive History of the Period selected, or properly a History at all. It is only a series of descriptive Sketches, meant to represent in outline the successive phases of the Covenanting Struggle. The subject is a noble one for a History, having an epic completeness -- a beginning, middle, and end -- with it clearly-defined half century . . . The main body of the Narrative has been based on a careful collation of the best authorities -- those contemporary or nearly contemporary with the events . . . I have also had the privilege . . . of examining the documents of the period in the State Paper Office,' notes the author. Indexed." -- Publisher
Dodds, James (1813-1874), The Fifty Years' Struggle of the Scottish Covenanters, 1638-88 (1860)
http://archive.org/details/fiftyyearsstrugg00dodd
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Aaron's Rod Blossoming; or, the Divine Ordinance of Church Government Vindicated, 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE PRESBYTERIAN'S ARMOURY.
"The remainder of the title reads: 'So as the Present Erastian Controversy Concerning the Distinction of Civil and Ecclesiastical Government, Excommunication and Suspension, is Fully Debated and Discussed, from the Holy Scriptures, for the Jewish and Christian Antiquities, from the Consent of Later Writers, from the True Nature and Rights of Magistracy, and from the Groundlessness of the Chief Objections made Against the Presbyterial Government, in Point of a Domineering Arbitrary Unlimited Power.'
"In short, this book deals with the biblical view of the separation of church and state, and is especially pertinent concerning the modern political climate, in which the old Erastian tree of civil ecclesiastical interference is growing strong and spreading much poisonous fruit. As with just about everything else Gillespie wrote, this book has been widely recognized as THE classic in its field. Three major sections cover 'Of the Jewish Church Government;' 'Of Christian Church Government;' and 'Of Excommunication from the Church, and of Suspension from the Lord's Table.' Lachman, in his Preface writes, 'It presents the classic Reformed point of view, one now little heard and perhaps less understood. Gillespie writes carefully and clearly, in many respects resembling the better know John Owen in the clarity and power of his reasoning.' Bannerman states, 'This famous treatise is unquestionably the most able, learned, systematic, and complete work on the Erastian controversy in existence. It deserves, and will repay, the most careful study.' (The Church of Christ, vol. 2, p. 432). Beattie, (Memorial Volume, p. xxxvi, 1879), called this book, 'the ablest plea for Presbytery ever made'." -- Publisher
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Aaron's Rod Blossoming, or, The Divine Ordinance of Church Government Vindicated (1844)
http://archive.org/details/aaronsrodblosso00gillgoog
Aaron's rod blossoming, or, The divine ordinance of Church-government vindicated, (full view), George Gillespie
http://books.google.com/books?id=ivUDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Ezekiel's Vision of Millennial Glory, Preparation for Coming Reformation and a Remedy for Backsliding and Lukewarmness. Available (THE PURITAN FAST SERMONS, 1640-1652, THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE, and as two MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (two MP3 files), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"This sermon was originally preached to England's House of Commons 'At Their Late Solemn Fast, Wednesday, March 27, 1644.' It is taken from volume one of Gillespie's two volume WORKS. It gives great insight into the covenanted unity, uniformity and worldwide Reformation sought by the majority of the Westminster Divines and the best of the civil leaders of Gillespie's day. Gillespie searchingly deals with the individual, the church and the state, while painting a Scriptural picture of prophesied earthly victory (Isa. 2:2-5 [Isaiah 2:2-5], Ezek. 47:1-12 [Ezekiel 47:1-12], etc.) -- in classic historicist postmillennial style -- which is sure to stir even the coldest Christian heart. He shows how the worst disease the land can suffer is corruption in religion (particularly as exhibited in false worship), rebukes those opposing the Solemn League and Covenant and calls upon all to maintain (and even improve upon), the Reformation attainments whereunto we have already attained. (Phil. 3:16 [Philippians 3:16]). It is also interesting to note, especially since this sermon was preached before civil rulers, that though Gillespie points out the need for humility, repentance, prayer, tears, godly affections, sanctified minds and honorable actions, he does not forget to mention the importance of a covenanted army in this great cause of Christ's Covenanted Reformation. Also noted is the destruction of Antichrist, the calling and conversion of the Jews (Rom. 11 [Romans 11]), the two witnesses and the 1260 year apostasy. Gillespie closes with an appeal to the English House of Commons, with whom the Scots had 'joined in covenant and in arms,' to be faithful 'according to the word he (God -- RB), hath covenanted with you (i.e. in the Solemn League and Covenant -- RB), so his spirit remaineth among you' -- exhorting these magistrates to fear not but to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. This is classic Covenanter preaching, among the best sermons you may ever hear!" -- Publisher
*Gillespie, Patrick (1617-1675), The Ark of the Covenant Opened; or, A Treatise of the Covenant of Redemption Between God and Christ, as the Foundation of the Covenant of Grace, 1677. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"John Owen, in his preface to this treatise writes, 'I do freely declare my judgement that for order, method, perspicuity in treating, and solidity of argument, the ensuing discourse exceedeth whatsoever single treatise I have seen written with the same design.' (cited in Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 337). David Lachman tells us that 'in addition to arranging his brother's papers (published as Miscellany Questions [now found in George Gillespie's two volume Works, -- RB]), Gillespie used his materials also for the beginning of the first of a five-volume work on the covenant. Only two were published: THE ARK OF THE TESTAMENT OPENED . . . (1661) and THE ARK OF THE COVENANT OPENED . . . (1677), respectively treating the nature and kinds of covenants and the Mediator of the covenant. The third, on the condition of the covenant and the instrumentality of faith in justification, was extant in 1707, when the remaining two, respectively on the privileges and duties of the covenant, were believed lost (Analecta, I, 168-9) . . . Gillespie (was a -- RB) Covenanter, Principal of Glasgow University, and leading Protester.' (Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 382). In this volume Gillespie proves:
1. That there is such a Covenant (of Redemption)."Owen, in his preface (who also notes his long friendship with Gillespie), further underscores the importance of this work when he writes, 'For the Doctrine hereof, or the truth herein, is the very Center wherein all the lines concerning the Grace of God and our own duty, do meet; wherein the whole of Religion doth consist. Hence unto the understanding, Notions, and Conception, that men have of these Covenants with God, and according as the Doctrines of them is stated in their minds, their Conceptions of all other sacred Truths, or Doctrines, are conformed'." -- Publisher
2. The necessity of it.
3. The nature, properties, and parties thereof.
4. The tenor, articles, subject matter of Redemption.
5. The commands, conditions, and promises annexed.
6. The harmony of the Covenant of suretyship made with Christ, and the Covenant of reconciliation made with sinners: wherein they agree, wherein they differ.
7. Grounds of comfort from the Covenant of suretyship; and, of course, much, much more!
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), The Story of the Scottish Covenants in Outline. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A great short (96 pages of larger print), easy reading introduction to the covenants and the Covenanters. Tells the story of many of the Scottish religious bonds and the people and places that surrounded them. A good introductory study for homeschoolers or those that do not have time for the larger volumes covering this topic." -- Publisher
http://archive.org/details/storyofscottishc00flemiala
*Hewison, James King, The Covenanters: A History of the Church in Scotland From the Reformation to the Revolution, 1908, 2 volumes (1908). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Smellie, in his preface to MEN OF THE COVENANT, calls this set a 'great treatise on the Covenanters -- a treatise which covers the entire field and seems to leave no word unsaid.' Hewison states that he desired to produce 'an absolutely impartial account of the Covenanters.' He also notes that 'certain definite conclusions regarding the Covenanters, as a rigid sect in the Christian Church, and as a restless, rebellious political party in the 16th and 17th centuries, have been arrived at by many students; and, as a general rule, a far from favourable estimate of these brave and defensible patriots has been based upon generalizations which will not bear investigation.' Moreover, he recognizes the Covenanters for who they were: 'one of the most extraordinary orders of devotees which the civilized world ever saw.' The work is enhanced by photographic reproductions of portraits, pictures, and Covenants. Considered by some as the definitive work on the Covenanters (over 1100 pages). If you are going to study church history after the Apostles, no other group or time period offers as much edifying material. This set is sure to put a fiery zeal in the soul of all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ. Great price too!" -- Publisher
Hewison, The Covenanters: A History of the Church in Scotland From the Reformation to the Revolution, vol. 1 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/covenantershisto01hewi
Hewison, The Covenanters: A History of the Church in Scotland From the Reformation to the Revolution, vol. 2 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/covenantershisto02hewi
*Kerr, James (1847-1905, editor), and et al., The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation, 1895, ISBN: 9781406876109 1406876100. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"The Reformed Presbytery (in 1879), has well noted the following incongruity that is still with us today, 'We heard from various quarters the cry, 'maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation:' and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' (A Short Vindication of Our Covenanted Reformation, p. 20). This book should go a long way to remedying the above noted ignorance and hypocrisy among those who now call upon the name of the Lord especially those who claim a Reformation heritage and are still open to further growth as it spells out in no uncertain terms what lay at the heart of the Second Reformation. Moreover, these covenants (landmarks of the Lord), stand as beacons to all nations of their continuing moral duty to bind themselves to Christ (First Commandment), or suffer His avenging wrath. (Ps. 2 [Psalm 2]). And make no mistake about it, the Lord will utterly destroy all those who quarrel with His covenant bonds, whether individuals, churches or nations the mystery of iniquity will fall! The prefatory note to this magnificent volume well describes its value: The Covenants, Sermons, and Papers in this volume carry the readers back to some of the brightest periods in Scottish history. They mark important events in that great struggle by which these three kingdoms (England, Scotland and Ireland -- RB), were emancipated from the despotisms of Pope, Prince, and Prelate, and an inheritance of liberty secured for these Islands of the Sea. The whole achievements of the heroes of the battlefields are comprehended under that phrase of Reformers and Martyrs, 'The Covenanted Work of Reformation.' The attainments of those stirring times were bound together by the Covenants, as by rings of gold. The Sermons here were the product of the ripe thought of the main actors in the various scenes -- men of piety, learning, and renown. Hence, the nature, objects, and benefits of personal and national Covenanting are exhibited in a manner fitted to attract to that ordinance the minds and hearts of men. The readers can well believe the statements of Livingstone, who was present at several ceremonies of covenant-renovation: 'I never saw such motions from the Spirit of God. I have seen more than a thousand persons all at once lifting up their hands, and the tears falling down from their eyes.' In the presence of the defences of the Covenants as deeds, by these preachers, the baseless aspersions of novelists and theologians fade out into oblivion. True Christians must, as they ponder these productions, be convinced that the Covenanters were men of intense faith and seraphic fervour, and their own hearts will burn as they catch the heavenly flame. Members of the Church of Christ will be stirred to nobler efforts for the Kingdom of their Lord as they meditate on the heroism of those who were the 'chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof;' and they will behold with wonder that 'to the woman were given two wings of And Statesman will discover how princes, parliaments, and peoples united in the hearty surrender of themselves to the Prince of the kings and kingdoms of the earth; and will be aroused to promote that policy of Christian Statesmanship which, illustrating the purpose and will of God, the Father, shall liberate Parliaments and nations from the bonds of false religions, and assert for them those liberties and honours which spring from the enthronement of the Son of man, and King of kings and Lord of lords. This volume of documents of olden times is sent out on a mission of Revival of Religion, personal and national, in the present times. It would do a noble work if it helped to humble classes and masses, and led them to return as one man to that God in covenant from Whom all have gone so far away. A national movement, in penitence and faith, for the repeal of the Acts Recissory and the recognition of the National Covenants would be as life from the dead throughout the British Empire. The people and rulers of these dominions shall yet behold the brilliancy of the Redeemer's crowns; and shall, by universal consent, exalt Him who rules in imperial majesty over the entire universe of God. For, 'The seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.' Here we have some of the most moving sermons ever addressed to a people and their nations, given before the most solemn of occasions national covenant renewal! Alexander Henderson, Andrew Cant, Joseph Caryl, Edmond Calamy and a host of other Puritan Covenanters (even the turncoat Independent Philip Nye), are included here in easy to read modern (1895) type. Anyone interested in seeing the royal prerogatives of King Jesus once again trumpeted throughout the nations, on a national and international scale, needs this book for these men 'were setting up landmarks by which the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day'." (Thomas Sproull cited in the Reformed Presbytery's Short Vindication, p. 38) -- Publisher
"Contents: The national covenants: Introduction [Part One]. | The national covenant, or confession of faith | Exhortation to the Lords of Council | Sermon at St. Andrews / Alexander Henderson | Exhortation at Inverness / Andrew Cant | Sermon at Glasgow / Andrew Cant | Sermon at Edinburgh / Andrew Cant [Part Two]. | The solemn league and covenant | Act of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland | Exhortation at Westminster / Philip Nye | Address at Westminster / Alexander Henderson | Sermon at Westminster / Thomas Coleman | Sermon at Westminster / Joseph Caryl | Sermon at London [the first, of Sat., 30th Sept., 1643] / Thomas Case | Sermon at London [the second, of Sun., 1st Oct., 1643] / Thomas Case | An ordinance of the Lords and Commons | Exhortation by the Westminster Assembly | Sermon at London / Edmund Calamy [Part Three]. | The national covenants. Coronation sermon at Scone / Robert Douglas | Charles II, taking the covenants | The acts rescissory | The Torwood excommunication | Act against conventicles | The Sanquhar Declaration | Protestation against the Union | Secession from the revolution church."
The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation. Introduction on the National Covenants by James Kerr, 1895
http://archive.org/details/covenantscovenan00kerr
The Covenants and the Covenanters
Project Gutenberg free e-text online.
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/19100
*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. A Christian classic. Alternate title: THE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN SCOTLAND and 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 in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, Vol. 1 of 6, (Book 1-2). Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Containing, The Manner, and by what Persons, the Light of Christ's Gospel has been manifested unto this Realm, after that horrible and universal Defection from the Truth, which has come by the Means of that Roman Antichrist. Together with the life of the author, and several curious pieces wrote by him, viz. I. His Appellation from the cruel and most unjust Sentence pronounced against him, by the false Bishops and Clergy of Scotland; with his Supplication and Exhortation to the Nobility, States, and Commonality of the same Realm. II. His faithful Admonition to the true Professors of the Gospel of Christ within the Kingdom of England. III. His Letter to Queen Mary, Regent of Scotland. IV. His Exhortation to England for the speedy Embracing of Christ's Gospel. V. The first Blast of the Trumpet against the Monstrous Regiment of Women. VI. A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. 13 [Isaiah 26:13], &c. By the Reverend Mr. John Knox, some time Minister of God's Word in Edinburgh. To which is added, I. An admonition to England and Scotland to call them to Repentance, written by Antoni Gilby. II. The first and second books of discipline; together with some Acts of the General Assemblies clearing and confirming the same; And an Act of Parliament. With a large Index to the whole." -- Contents
"It breaths with the spirit of excitement and expectation, being told by the author from his experience as an eyewitness and participant in the unfolding drama of the work of God in 16th century Scotland." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"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
The Works of John Knox (1846), vol. 1 of 6.
http://archive.org/details/worksofjohnkn01knox
Knox, John (1505-1572), John Knox Debates Theonomy, Idolatry and Civil Resistance in the General Assembly of 1564. Available (singly or in WORKS OF JOHN KNOX on the Puritan Hard Drive. The full printed version of this text is free online. "Excerpted from Knox's THE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN SCOTLAND, BOOK IV. From THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, VOLUME 2, pages 425-461, collected and edited by David Laing, 1854."
" 'Perhaps the most thoroughgoing Calvinist,' writes W. Stanford Reid in (Christian History, Vol. 5, No. 4), 'who took the teacher's (Calvin -- RB), ideas to their logical conclusions, was the Scot, John Knox.' This debate is a perfect example of Knox's consistent Calvinism. In fact one wonders about a person's claim to consistent Calvinism at all if he denies the sovereignty of God in the civil arena (i.e. by denying the applicability of the first table of the law, especially the first two commandments, to the realm of the civil magistrate -- along with their penal sanctions as displayed in the Judicial laws of the Old Testament). Knox certainly did not shrink back from the binding nature of the law on these points. He even openly proclaimed, in this debate, that the death penalty should be carried out against idolaters -- and this was in the context of debating the Queen's Mass and her favoring the idolatry of Romanism. With boldness like this, it is easy to see why it was said over Knox's open grave, 'here lies a man who neither flattered nor feared any flesh.' This debate shows conclusively that Knox was a theonomist, in the sense that he believed in the continuing binding validity of OT penal sanctions. Moreover it demonstrates that it is the duty of all ministers to preach that the civil magistrate is bound to uphold the law of God and promote and protect only the one true Reformed religion. Furthermore Knox argued, from the OT, that to tolerate public idolatry is to disobey God and bring a curse upon the land. Though Knox's REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM is his most important political writing, this debate displays the very same principles, as Knox applied them in 'the heat of battle,' against the queen's secretary, William Maitland of Lethington. This particular debate, as well as many other large sections, are edited out of THE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN SCOTLAND as presently reprinted by The Banner of Truth Trust. However, this debate can also be found in the bound photocopy edition of volume 2 of KNOX'S WORKS or, with contemporary spelling and punctuation, in ON REBELLION (Cambridge Univ. Press, 1994, see page XX in this catalogue). Reid (Trumpeter of God, pp. 234-235), notes that 'the implications of this debate were far-reaching' and that 'as far as Knox personally was concerned, this debate also marked a turning point in his career.' Also of great importance was the situation that occurred 'when Maitland quoted Luther, Musculus, Calvin, and others to support the requirement of absolute obedience, Knox replied that they either spoke in a situation in which they had no power to resist the ruler or they were refuting arguments of Anabaptists who rejected all civil government. Unfaithful rulers could therefore be removed by the people if they had the power to do so. In this position he was supported by John Craig, his colleague in St. Giles, and by most, although not all, of the other ministers.' (Reid, Trumpeter of God, p. 234). As present civil governments continue to promote defiance of the laws of 'the Prince of the kings of the Earth,' our great King the Lord Jesus Christ, these arguments will become more and more useful, among those who seek to obey the Lord in all matters." -- Publisher
Reformation, Revolution and Romanism (1558), John Knox
"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
*Lusk, Robert (1781-1845), Characteristics of the Witnessing Church. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
Reprinted from The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness, various issues, published by the Reformed Presbytery of North America.
Lusk, Robert, Characteristics of the Witnessing Church
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/6/20/d2t1s9uxbnxaispskag80dis1k9keh
*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
*M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion. Available in STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS, LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD, Section VII. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"M'Crie published at Edinburgh in 1807 a helpful discussion of the biblical evidence for an obligation of nations and their civil rulers to give recognition to the true religion. His book is a protest against the church in which he was ordained, and which subsequently departed from the principles it had espoused: STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS, LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD. It has often been regarded as the best presentation of the confessional point of view respecting a national acknowledgment of religion. Churches formed after M'Crie's death found their conflicts over church principles defined in his literary output." -- Publisher
Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-exercise-of-civil-authority-about-religion.php
*M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), Statement of the Difference . . . Particularly on the Power of Civil Magistrates Respecting Religion, National Reformation, National Churches, and National Covenants, 1871. Alternate title: STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
" 'The ablest exposition in the English language of the Establishment Principle . . . Dr. (George) Smeaton describes the Statement as a masterly defense of the principles of establishments as Scripture truth: and the most complete vindication ever given to the world of the position occupied by the Reformed Church of Scotland, on the whole subject of national religion and the magistrates legitimate power in promoting it. 'The same thoroughness,' wrote the late Rev. D. Beaton, 'which gave such abiding value to his great biography of Knox, is shown in this, his less known work . . . Dr. McCrie in his STATEMENT shows that all the Confessions of the Protestant and Presbyterian Churches of the Reformation, both in Britain and on the Continent of Europe, held and maintained the Establishment Principle. 'These harmoniously agree,' he writes, 'in declaring as with one mouth that civil authority is not limited to the secular affairs of men, and that the public care and advancement of religion is a principle part of the official duty of magistrates.' He goes on to give extracts from THE CONFESSION OF HELVETIA; THE CONFESSION OF BOHEMIA; THE CONFESSION OF SAXONY; THE FRENCH CONFESSION; THE BELGIC OR DUTCH CONFESSION; THE CONFESSION OF THE ENGLISH CONGREGATION IN GENEVA; THE SCOTS CONFESSION AND THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646). 'Such is the harmony of doctrine in the Protestant churches on this head,' he remarks, 'expressed in their confessions and public formularies drawn from the Word of God; a harmony which deserves great attention, and from which none should rashly depart' (as cited in CHRIST'S KINGSHIP OVER THE NATIONS by C.J. Brown). Concerning the doctrine of national obedience to Christ, M'Crie demonstrates in the most convincing way that there are few doctrines 'of the practical kind, in which the best interests of mankind and the general state of religion in the world, are more deeply concerned, than in the right and wrong determination of this question.' Contains an excellent preface by George Smeaton. Considered one of the definitive works on Church/State relations, defending the historic Reformed position. An extremely rare and very expensive item if located as a rare book." -- Publisher
Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-exercise-of-civil-authority-about-religion.php
*McFeeters, J.C. (James Calvin, 1848-1928), Sketches of the Covenanters. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Stirring accounts of sacrifice and martyrdom for the Reformed Faith that will bring tears to eyes of all but the backslidden. Follows the chain of events which gave Scotland two Reformations and a Revolution. Knox, the National Covenant, the Westminster Assembly, the Field Meetings, and much more is covered. The history of great battles for Christ and His royal rights are recounted in this moving history book. Sheds much light upon the warfare with the dragon for true liberty. One of our best history books, highly recommended!" -- Publisher
Sketches of the Covenanters
http://archive.org/details/sketchesofthecov13570gut
Sketches of the Covenanters
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/13570
Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899), Westminster Assembly: Its History and Standards. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The first three lectures give a succinct account of English Puritanism from its origin to the meeting of the Westminster Assembly. The tenth lecture is a similar account of the history of doctrine in British churches during the same period. Mitchell endeavors to give prominence to aspects of this historical period which have hitherto been overlooked, making this an ideal companion volume for other recent releases of Warfield, Hetherington, and George Gillespie. A perfect introductory volume on Puritanism and the work of the Assembly." -- GCB
*Price, Greg L., Covenant Theology and its Implications. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27 and #28.
"An easy-to-understand introduction to the basics of Covenant Theology. Explains what Covenant Theology is, while adducing a number of practical and theological implications which must follow when this view of Scripture is adopted. Shows how Covenant Theology is (and was), foundational to all true Reformation. Refutes Dispensationalism. Includes overviews (with Scripture proofs), of the covenant of Redemption, the covenant of Works and the covenant of Grace. In short, Price proclaims the classic Reformed position on covenants (and the implications of covenant theology), as it has been declared in the best Reformed Confessions (e.g. The Westminster Confession of Faith [1646]), and in books like THE MARROW OF MODERN DIVINITY (by Fisher and Boston), THE COVENANT OF LIFE OPENED (by Samuel Rutherford), THE ARK OF THE COVENANT OPENED and THE ARK OF THE TESTAMENT OPENED by Patrick Gillespie and THE LIFE OF JUSTIFICATION OPENED (by John Brown of Wamphray). This is the best single tape sermon on Covenant Theology that we have knowledge of." -- Publisher
Covenant Theology and its Implications a sermon by Greg Price
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=22801202653
*Price, Greg L., Foundation for Reformation: The Regulative Principle of Worship, 22 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Foundation for Reformation: The Regulative Principle of Worship. Greg Price
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/reformation-rpw-gp.htm
*Purves, Jock, Fair Sunshine: Character Studies of the Scottish Covenanters (The Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), 206 pages, ISBN: 0851511368 9780851511368. Publishing history: The material in this volume consists of two works: SWEET BELIEVING, 1948, and FAIR SUNSHINE: FURTHER STUDIES OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANTERS (91 pages), 1957.
"I first read this book several years ago at the recommendation of my late father, who was a sovereign grace Baptist minister. . . .
"I would highly recommend this book to anyone. And anyone who reads this book will be truly blessed. If it were possible the book should have more than five stars." -- Reader's Comment
An Outline of Scottish 'Covenant History' in the 17th Century From Purves' Book FAIR SUNSHINE
http://www.ianpaisley.org/article.asp?cov_intro.htm
*Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Andrew Symington (editor), Lectures on the Principles of the Second Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"Contents: Second Reformation / Andrew Symington
Headship of Christ Over His church / James Ferguson
Evils, Constitutional and Practical of the Prelatic Establishment of the British Empire / Thomas Neilson
The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland / John Graham
Patronage Opposed to the Independence of the Church and to the Scriptural Rights of Christian people / W.H. Goold
Headship of Christ Over the Nations / Andrew Symington
Nature and Obligation of Public Vows / William Symington
The sin and Danger of Union Between the Church of Christ and the Immoral or Anti-Christian Civil Government / Stewart Bates."
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
Reformed Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (RPCNA), Reformation Principles Exhibited, 1806-07, 260 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Although this document was unfaithfully adopted by the RPCNA (when they decried faithful historical testimony as an article of faith in the preface), this book still contains much useful doctrinal and historical information. Part one is 'A Brief Historical View of the Church, As a Visible Society in Covenant with God. In Two Books. The First Exhibiting the Church Universal; and the Second the Reformed Presbyterian Church.'
"Part two contains the 'Declaration and Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America (RPCNA).'
"Furthermore, notwithstanding the unfaithfulness of the adopting body, REFORMATION PRINCIPLES EXHIBITED testifies to real attainments. Examples include testifying against the immoral U.S. constitution, against jury duty, against the use of the elective franchise (voting) and against swearing an oath of allegiance under this immoral constitution. Close communion is upheld and occasional hearing is denounced as a sinful, schismatic practice. Interestingly, this earlier edition can be compared with later editions to exhibit the continuing defection of the RPCNA -- even from what was good (and part of her own terms of communion), in her own earlier standards. For example, in part two, chapter 21, point 5, 'Of Church Fellowship,' we read, 'We therefore condemn the following errors, and testify against all who maintain them: . . . 5. That it is lawful for the Church to be without any terms of communion. 6. That any person may be admitted to communion, who opposes any of the terms of Church fellowship. 7. That occasional communion may be extended to persons who should not be received to constant fellowship.' (p. 75). Also, 'We therefore condemn the following errors, and testify against all who maintain them . . . 1. That the Bible is the only proper testimony of the church (which takes into account that the Bible is the only divine testimony, but also recognizes human testimony, agreeable to Scripture, as binding [or else why preach, for example, if no one is bound to obey any human testimony, even if the human testimony is agreeable to the divine testimony found in the Bible? (Cf. Various places in Samuel Rutherford's DUE RIGHT OF PRESBYTERIES and A FREE DISPUTATION AGAINST PRETENDED LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE for further explanation) -- RB]. 2. That a Christian is under no obligation to follow Christ's witnesses in their faithful contendings. 3. That it is lawful, in order to enlarge the church, to open a wider door of communion, by declining from a more pointed testimony, to one which is more loose and general.' (p. 120, part 2, emphases added). How sad that these faithful testimonies are no longer upheld (as points of discipline), in the modern RPCNA." -- Publisher
"The introduction is particularly helpful in understanding Covenanter history in America.
"A final caveat must likewise be observed, and it is this: that, while (1) the History related herein forms so much of the ground for presenting the document below, and while (2) as Covenanters we defend the use of Historical Testimony as a Term of Communion, and find the Historical Testimony of the ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY competent to this end, yet -- We do not pretend that the History contained in REFORMATION PRINCIPLES EXHIBITED, either the first edition, or any later edition, is approvable for this purpose. Besides matters related which are not to be approved, the fact is, that the historical part of this work contains a number of inaccuracies and uncertain speculations that make it many ways inferior in nature to the ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY. In the original testimony from Scotland, no attempt is made to account for the entire history of the Church of Jesus Christ, nor even to present full details concerning the history of the Church of Scotland. Instead, the authors set in order necessary and important historical facts that were well attested, and creditably related, and testified as to their morality or immorality. REFORMATION PRINCIPLES EXHIBITED, on the other hand, presents a Narrative of History, more and less certain, useful for the reader's instruction in ecclesiastical history, but not competent to form a Historical Testimony." -- True Covenanter
Reformation Principles Exhibited
http://truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/rpe.html
*Reformed Presbytery of North America (Steelite), David Steele (1803-1887), John Thorburn (1730?-1788), John Courtass (d. 1795), et al., Act, Declaration, and Testimony, for the Whole of the Covenanted Reformation, as Attained to, and Established in, Britain and Ireland; Particularly Betwixt the Years 1638 and 1649, Inclusive. As, Also, Against all the Steps of Defection From Said Reformation, Whether in Former or Later Times, Since the Overthrow of that Glorious Work, Down to This Present day (1876), (Philadelphia, PA: Printed by Rue and Jones, 1876), a new edition of the Ploughlandhead Testimony of 1761, the subordinate standard of the original "Steelite" Reformed Presbytery that was constitutes in 1840. Available (the 1850 edition only) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (the 1850 edition only) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"And now, when time has proved that more recent Testimonies, Terms, and Covenants, have failed to preserve either unity or uniformity among those who framed them; it cannot be unseasonable to re-exhibit the original ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY, which has been justly characterized as 'the most profoundly reasoned document ever emitted by the Reformed Presbyterian Church'." -- The Reformation Advocate Magazine, Vol. I, No. 8, December, 1875, page 267
"Upholds the original work of the Westminster Assembly and testifies to the abiding worth and truth formulated in the Westminster family of documents. Upholds and defends the Crown Rights of King Jesus in Church and State, denouncing those who would remove the crown from Christ's head by denying His right to rule (by His law), in both the civil and ecclesiastical spheres. Testifies to the received doctrine, government, worship, and discipline of the Church of Scotland in her purest (reforming) periods. Applies God's Word to the Church's corporate attainments 'with a judicial approbation of the earnest contendings and attainments of the faithful, and a strong and pointed judicial condemnation of error and the promoters thereof.' (The Contending Witness magazine, Dec. 17/93, p. 558). Shows the church's great historical victories (such as the National and Solemn League and Covenant, leading to the Westminster Assembly), and exposes her enemies actions (e.g. the Prelacy of Laud; the Independency, sectarianism, covenant breaking and ungodly toleration set forth by the likes of Cromwell [and the Independents that conspired with him]; the Erastianism and civil sectarianism of William of Orange, etc.). It is not likely that you will find a more consistent working out of the principles of Calvinism anywhere. Deals with the most important matters relating to the individual, the family, the church and the state. Sets forth a faithful historical testimony of God's dealings with men during some of the most important days of church history. A basic text that should be mastered by all Christians." -- Publisher
Act, Declaration, and Testimony (1876)
https://archive.org/details/actdeclarationte00refo
Act, Declaration and Testimony, 1761 (edition of 1876)
"Compared with the 1777 edition, Philadelphia. We hereby certify that this is a true edition of the ORIGINAL JUDICIAL TESTIMONY, emitted by the Reformed Presbytery at Ploughlandhead, Scotland, 1761; together with the Supplements adopted by the Reformed Presbytery at this date, June 2d, 1876. [Signed -- compiler] David Steele, James Campbell, Robert Clyde, Robert Alexander, Committee.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/
*Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite" (David Steele [1803-1887], James Campbell, Thomas Sproull, James Fulton), A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, 2nd Edition, Revised, and Enlarged by a Committee of the Reformed Presbytery ("Circular" and "Review" prefixed), 1879, 50 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2 (also #1, #25, and #30).
"Until the church comes to terms with what is written in this book it will remain weak and divided. Covenant breakers will not prosper, as this rare item demonstrates from both Scripture and history. The power packed ordinance of covenanting (the National and Solemn League and Covenant in particular), was foundational to the Second Reformation and the work of the Westminster Assembly. 'By the National Covenant our fathers laid Popery prostrate. By the Solemn League and Covenant they were successful in resisting prelatic encroachments and civil tyranny. By it they were enabled to achieve the Second Reformation . . . They were setting up landmarks by which the location and limits of the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day . . . How can they be said to go forth by the footsteps of the flock, who have declined from the attainments, renounced the covenants and contradicted the testimony of 'the cloud of witnesses. . . . All the schisms (separations) that disfigure the body mystical of Christ . . . are the legitimate consequences of the abandonment of reformation attainments, the violation of covenant engagements.' If you are interested in knowing how to recognize a faithful church (or state), when and why to separate from unfaithful institutions, who has held up the standard of Covenanted Reformation attainments and who has backslidden (and why), what it means to subscribe to the Westminster Confession (1646), (and why most that say they do so today do not have any idea of what that means), and much more concerning individual, family, church and civil, individual, family, church and civil duties, this is one of the best books you will ever lay your hands on. It chronicles 'some instances of worldly conformity and mark(s) some steps of defection from our 'covenanted unity and uniformity,' noting how 'it is necessary to take a retrospect of our history for many years; for we did not all at once reach our present condition of sinful ignorance and manifold apostasy.' Presbyterian and the Reformed churches lay under the heavy hand of God's judgement in our day, because of the very defections noted throughout this fine work. 'We heard (hear) from various quarters the cry, "maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation"; and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' Are we married to the Lord, or have we thrown off the covenants of our forefathers; are we the chaste bride of Christ, or a harlot who is found in the bedchambers of every devilish suitor (whether ecclesiastical or civil), who tempts us with the favors of this world? Let us cry out, as with 'the noble Marquis of Argyle, upon the scaffold,' when he said, 'God hath tied us by covenants to religion and reformation. These that were then unborn are yet engaged, and it passeth the power of all the magistrates under heaven to absolve them from the oath of God. They deceive themselves, and it may be, would deceive others, who think otherwise.' Not for the weak of heart." -- Publisher
A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, Reformed Presbytery
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/a-short-vindication-of-our-covenanted-reformation
Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," A Statement of our Reasons for Maintaining our Separate Standing (1888)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/reasons_for_maintaining_separate_standing.html
*Renwick, James (1662-1688), Alexander Shields, and Other "Society People," An Informatory Vindication of a Poor, Wasted, Misrepresented Remnant of the Suffering, Anti-prelatic, Anti-erastian . . . 1744. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"INFORMATORY VINDICATION (1687), a statement of principles issued by the Society People (see Societies, United), during James VII's reign. Prepared mainly by James Renwick, latterly in consultation with Alexander Shields, it was published in Utrecht. Its full title reflects something of the contents: AN INFORMATORY VINDICATION OF A POOR WASTED MISREPRESENTED REMNANT OF THE SUFFERING ANTI-POPISH ANTI-PRELATIC ANTI-ERASTIAN ANTI-SECTARIAN TRUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHRIST IN SCOTLAND UNITED TOGETHER IN A GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE. BY WAY OF REPLY TO VARIOUS ACCUSATIONS IN LETTERS INFORMATIONS AND CONFERENCES GIVEN FORTH AGAINST THEM. It refuted charges brought against the 'Remnant' of schism (in their eyes a great evil) . . . The VINDICATION mourned the estrangement from other Presbyterians who had accepted the government's INDULGENCES OR EDICTS OF TOLERATION, and expressed love for them as fellow ministers 'with whom again we would desire to have communion in ordinances'. The separation had been forced upon the Society People by the tyranny and temper of the times, but it did not affect their position as being in the succession of the historic Kirk of Scotland. The document aimed to clear away the hostility and misunderstanding about them that had grown up in Scotland and Holland." (Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 429)
"In proof of the catholic, unsectarian, Christian spirit of Renwick and his followers, the clear statements of the INFORMATORY VINDICATION, the work which most fully and clearly defines their position, may be referred to . . . In these noble utterances, we have strikingly exemplified the true spirit of Christian brotherhood . . . This is the genuine import of the vow of the Solemn League and Covenant, which binds Covenanters to regard whatever is done to the least of them, as done to all and to every one in particular. While firmly holding fast all Scriptural attainments, and contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, we should cordially rejoice in the evidences of grace in Christ's servants wherever we find them. We should love them as brethren, fulfil the law of Christ by bearing their burdens, wish them God speed in all that they are doing for the advancement of His glory, and fervently labour and pray for the coming of the happy period when divisions and animosities shall cease, and when there shall be one King, and His name one in all the earth. The testimony of Renwick and his associates is of permanent value and of special importance in our day, as it was directed against systems of error and idolatry, which serve to corrupt the Church and enslave the State. Against Popery in every form Renwick was a heroic and uncompromising witness. At the peril of life, he publicly testified against the usurpation of the papist James, and rejected him as having no claim to be regarded as a constitutional sovereign, and as utterly disqualified to reign in a Protestant reformed land. This was the main ground of his objection against James' toleration, for which the Indulged ministers tendered obsequious thanks to the usurper. Yet this edict of toleration was issued for the purpose of opening the way for the practice of Rome's abominations, and for the advancement of papists to places of power and trust in the nation. None of the Cameronians would, for any earthly consideration, even to save their lives, for a moment admit that a papist had any right to exercise political power in a reformed land. Our martyred forefathers we regard as worthy of high respect and imitation, for their deeply cherished dread of the growing influence of Popery, and for their determined resistance to its exclusive and extravagant claims. The system of Popery is the abnegation of all precious gospel truth; and is a complete politico-religious confederacy against the best interests of a Protestant nation. The boast of its abettors is that it is semper eadem, ever the same. Rome cannot reform herself from within, and she is incapable of reformation from external influences and agencies. The Bible never speaks of Antichrist as to be reformed, but as waxing worse and worse till the time when he shall be completely subverted and irrecoverably destroyed. Whatever changes may be going on in some Popish countries, whereby the power of the Papacy is weakened, it is evident that the principles and spirit of the Romish priesthood, and of those who are under their influence, remain unchanged. The errors of the anti-Christian system, instead of being diminished, have of late years increased. Creature worship has become more marked and general. The Immaculate Conception has been proclaimed by Papal authority as the creed of Romanism. In these countries, and some other Protestant lands, the influence of Popery in government and education, and so on the whole social system, has been greatly on the increase. Among those who have most deeply studied inspired prophecy, there is a general expectation that the period of Babylon's downfall is hastening on, and is not far distant. There is a general presentiment too, that the Man of Sin, prior to his downfall, will make some dire and violent attempt through his infatuated followers against the truth, and against such as faithfully maintain it. The 'Slaying of the Witnesses,' which we are disposed to regard as yet future may take place, not so much by the actual shedding of blood, though it is plain that Jesuit policy and violence will not hesitate to re-enact former persecution and massacre, to accomplish a desired purpose. It may mainly be effected, as Scott, the expositor, suggests, by silencing the voice of a public testimony in behalf of fundamental truths throughout Christendom; and of this there are at present unmistakable signs not a few, throughout the churches in various countries. The Protestant church in all its sections should be thoroughly awake to its danger from the destructive errors, idolatry and power of its ancient irreconcilable enemy; and should, by all legitimate means, labour to counteract and nullify its political influence. The ministry and the rising youth of the church should study carefully the Popish controversy, and should be intimately acquainted with the history of the rise and progress of the Papacy its assumed blasphemous power its accumulated errors and delusions, and its plots, varied persecutions and cruel butcheries of Christ's faithful witnesses. Above all, they should set themselves earnestly, prayerfully and perseveringly to diffuse the Bible and Gospel light in the dark parts of their native country, and among Romanists in other lands. By embracing fully and holding fast, in their practical application, the principles of the British Covenants, and by imbibing the spirit of covenanted martyrs men like Renwick and the Cameronians, we will be prepared for the last conflict with Antichrist. The firm and faithful maintenance of a martyr-testimony will be a principle instrument of the victory of truth over the error and idolatry of Rome. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death, (Rev. 12:11 [Revelation 12:11]). Finally, the testimony of Renwick is valuable, as throwing light on great evils connected with systems of civil government, and with Protestant churches, and as pointing out clearly the duty of faithful witnesses in relation to them. Two great principles, the one doctrinal, and the other practical, were essential to it, or rather constituted its whole specialty. These were, first, that, according to the national vows, and the reformation attainments, the whole civil polity of the nation should be conformed to the Scriptures, and secondly, the positive duty of distinct separation from whatever systems in the state and church that are opposed to entire allegiance to Messiah the Prince." (Houston, The Life of James Renwick, pp. 52-55)
"Some of them, particularly in Scotland, loved not their lives unto death for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. Rev. vi. 9 [Revelation 6:9]. These refused to have communion in public ordinances not only with prelatical ministers, but even with the acceptors of indulgences or licenses from the civil power, to exercise their ministry under certain limitations. The INFORMATORY VINDICATION, which certainly contains the genuine principles of church communion, held by the sufferers for the cause of Christ in that period, declares, that they could by no means own or countenance the administrations of the indulged ministers; because they considered the indulgence, in any of the forms in which it was granted by the civil power, as derived from the supremacy claimed by that power in ecclesiastical matters; as laying the office of the ministry under unwarrantable restriction; and as tending, in a great measure, to suppress and bury the covenanted reformation, cf. INFORMATORY VINDICATION, Head iv." (Anderson, Alexander and Rufus; or a Series of Dialogues on Church Communion [1862], p. 294)
"To the friends of evangelical truth, and the faithful witnesses for the redeemer's royal prerogatives, the services of Renwick, at the crisis in which he exercised his public ministry, were invaluable. He was eminently the man for the time. Through the influence of the unhappy Indulgence, the strict Covenanters were reduced to what they style themselves in the Informatory Vindication, a 'wasted, suffering, anti-popish, anti-prelatic, anti-erastian, anti-sectarian remnant.' By the death of Cargill and Cameron, they were left as 'sheep without a shepherd,' broken and scattered. Through the fierceness of persecution, and the machinations of enemies, they were in danger of falling into confusion, and of being entirely wasted and destroyed. We admire the gracious providence of God in preparing, at this particular crisis, an instrument of such rare and suitable endowments for feeding 'the flock in the wilderness,' and for unfurling and upholding so nobly the 'Banner of Truth' amidst hosts of infuriated enemies. James Renwick, though a very youth when he entered on his arduous work, and trained under great outward disadvantages, had a powerful and well-cultivated mind. He was endowed with singular administrative talent, and had great tact and skill in managing men. He was an acute and logical thinker, an eloquent and attractive public speaker, and was distinguished by fertility and force as a writer. The INFORMATORY VINDICATION his testimony against King James' 'toleration, with his 'Letters,' and 'Sermons and Lectures,' bear ample evidence of his sound judgment, comprehensive mind, and ability as an author. His prudence, meekness and loving disposition, combined with his sanctified zeal, and heroic courage, deservedly gave him great influence among those to whom he ministered. He was eminently fitted to be 'a first man among men.' The Lord held him in the hollow of his hand, and made him a 'polished shaft in his quiver.' The services which Renwick rendered to the Protestant cause were invaluable. He organized the scattered remnant, and imparted new life and ardour to their proceedings. He set forth clearly the principles of the 'Society people;' and in a number of able and logical papers, clearly defined their plans of action. He rendered it, in a great measure, impossible for enemies to misrepresent and accuse them falsely to the Government. He was their Secretary in their correspondence with foreign churches; and he did much to evoke the prayerful sympathy of Protestants in other lands in behalf of the victims of persecution in Scotland. The presence and influence of Renwick among the suffering Presbyterians were of the highest importance in his own day; and not to them alone, but also to the whole church of Christ in these lands, and to the constitutional liberties of the nation. So far as we can see, but for the singular power and devoted spirit of Renwick, and the firm and unyielding position which the Cameronians through him were led to assume, the cause of truth would have been completely borne down, and Erastianism, and Popery, and Despotism had triumphed. Renwick and his followers were the vanguard 'in the struggle for Britain's liberties, and for the Church's spiritual independence.' Though, like other patriots born before their time, they were doomed to fall, yet posterity owes to them a large part of the goodly heritage which they enjoy. (Houston, The Life of James Renwick [1865], pp. 36-37). Emphases added throughout the preceding quotations. This is a very rare and valuable specimen of Paleopresbyterian (Covenanter), thought don't miss it! 142 pages, plus new material added by the present publisher." -- Publisher
An Informatory Vindication, 1687, James, Renwick, Alexander Shields and Other "Society People"
http://www.truecovenanter.com/societies/informatory_vindication.html
*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
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), 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
*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)
*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
*Schwertley, Brian M., and Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States. Publications Committee, National Covenanting and Christ's Victory Over the Nations. Available at Reformed Online.
"This is the first book-length, scholarly exposition and defense of national covenanting since 1843. This comprehensive treatment includes the binding nature of covenants, covenant renewals under the godly kings of Israel, objections to covenanting answered, the unbiblical nature of the U.S. Constitution, the unscriptural alteration of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1789, the necessity of the Old Testament moral law for a Christian nation and the biblical requirements for civil office. In the book, Rev. Schwertley not only sets forth the biblical case for social or national covenanting in a simple and organized manner but also critiques the modern pluralistic alternatives to the original Presbyterian teaching on this topic." -- Publisher
It was preceded by 'Social Covenanting,' a series of 31 sermons in MP3 format, given by the author starting in the summer of 2012.
Social Covenanting series of 31 sermons [audio files] by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=ccc&keyword=National+Covenanting&keyworddesc=National+Covenanting
*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
*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 judgement 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 defence, and this extends to a right not only passively to resist, but also to kill relentless persecutors' writes Isbell in the Nigel Cameron, editor, 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
Shields, Alexander (1660?-1700), The History of Scotch-presbytery Being an Epitome of The Hind let Loose / by Mr. Shields; With a Preface by a Presbyter of the Church of Scotland, 1692.
*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
Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly, Acts 1:11; Romans 13 (1 of 3 audio files [MP3]). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Great historical teaching, Singer at his best!" -- Publisher
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=124071413102
Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly, Hebrews 11:39; 1 Peter 2:13-14 (2 of 3 audio files [MP3]). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Great historical teaching, Singer at his best!" -- Publisher
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=125071244422
Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly, Daniel 4:35; Acts 13:17 (3 of 3 audio files [MP3]). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Great historical teaching, Singer at his best!" -- Publisher
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12607114250
*Smellie, Alexander (1857-1923), Men of the Covenant: The Story of the Scottish Church in the Years of the Persecution, 534 pages, ISBN: 0851512127. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'A great book dealing with one of the most inspiring periods of Church history,' said Dr. C. Gregg Singer. Brilliant sketches of Covenanter history addressed to ordinary readers who do not have the opportunity or leisure for protracted personal studies in this area. A testimony, as Smellie notes, to 'the dogged fighters for freedom in Church and State.' The great sufferings these Christians endured gave them a seriousness about the faith, and a 'vision' of the truth, which has been unequaled since -- stirring reading!" -- Publisher
"Recounts the events in seventeenth century Scotland in which men and women, bound by 'covenant' to Christ, laid down their lives for His cause. Recaptures the intensity, zeal, heroism, and faith of these martyrs, as well as the craftiness and cruelty of their persecutors. First published in 1903." -- Cyril J. Barber
Men of the Covenant, volume 1 of 2
http://archive.org/details/menofcovenant01smeluoft
*Steele, David (1803-1887), The Two Witnesses: Their Cause, Number, Character, Furniture and Special Work, 1859. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #14.
"This is a great companion volume to Steele's NOTES ON THE APOCALYPSE. Here Steele zeros in on and works primarily from the text of Revelation 11:13, I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophecy. Steele deals with Testimony-bearing, Antichrist, Popery, The beasts of revelation, The mark of the beast, 666, The image of the beast, Civil and ecclesiastical apostasy, Reformation, Covenanting, Heresy, Schism, Terms of communion, Slavery, Sectarianism, Mormonism, Independency, Freemasonry, History, Worship, Idolatry, Britain, The united states, Canada, Mystical babylon, The last days, The ultimate victory of the church, and a host of other subjects!
"As is usually the case with Steele, he makes the doctrines of Scripture eminently practical. For example, note how the faithful witnesses are continually called to testify against open opposition to the Lord's Covenanted Zion and the attainments of biblical Reformation in (the faith which was once delivered unto the saints); and against whom this testimony is directed:
'These witnesses are called and commissioned to testify especially against Antichrist -- a false christ, and therefore an opposing christ. But Christ is to be considered either personally or mystically; either abstractly in his personal rights and prerogatives, or in the concrete, in the rights and immunities of his church. There is this prejudice, too prevalent, against Christians testifying against Christians! This we are often told, is contrary to the law of charity. We have not so learned Christ. They are not all Israel which are of Israel. Much of the business of these two prophets is to oppose prophets -- to prophesy against the shepherds, Ezekiel 34:2. Moses with his miracles must confront the magicians with their enchantments, Exodus 8:19. Elijah must confront the prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 18:25. Paul must counteract false apostles, 2 Corinthians 11:13. In short, the direct object of these witnesses' testimony is apostate christendom -- those who depart from the faith, 1 Timothy 4:1 -- who have gone out from fellowship and renounced the doctrines of the apostolic church, 1 John 2:19. Their special work is to testify against error and its propagators and abettors, together with ungodliness, the natural fruit of error, rather than against pagans.' -- The Two Witnesses, p. 14"Moreover, having taken his own place 'in the wilderness' (i.e. having separated himself from, and having been ostracized by the 'civilization' of the obstinately defecting RPCNA and other unfaithful denominations of his day [2 Thessalonians 3:6,14-15; Revelation 12:6, Revelation 17:3]), it was given to Steele to see and expound those grand old principles of our covenanted forefathers (who sat at Westminster and in the best Reformed churches during both the first and second Reformations -- the Scottish Presbyterians being granted the greatest measure of light as a settled body from 1638-1649).
'These two witnesses have always testified -- not formally against pagans or infidels as such; but -- against apostate Christians, as comprising an organized and complex system of opposition to the Lord and his Anointed. And just here, the witnesses have detected the secret of Antichrist's successful enterprise among the human family . . .' Many false prophets are gone out into the world. . . this is a deceiver and an Antichrist, (2 John 7). The combination is ostensibly on the side and in the interest of Christ, and the elements of which Antichrist is composed were obviously professing Christians, They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (1 John 2:19). Here is the apostasy, and so the witnesses are fully borne out in asserting that Antichrist is a great Christian apostasy! To trace the origin and development, in the organization and modifications of this enemy of all righteousness, is the special work of Christ's witnesses.' -- (The Two Witnesses, pp. 17-18)
*Stewart (Steuart), James (1635-1715), and James Stirling (1631-1672?), Naphtali, or The Wrestlings of the Church of Scotland for the Kingdom of Christ, From the Beginning of the Reformation of Religion Unto the Year, 1667: Together with the last speeches and testimonies of some who have died for the truth since the year 1660: Whereunto also are subjoined, a relation of the sufferings and death of Mr. Hugh McKail, and some instances of the sufferings of Galloway and Nithisdale, 1693. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2.
"Stewart, a Covenanter lawyer and writer, is characterized by Wodrow as 'a great Christian, and an able Statesman, one of the greatest Lawyers ever Scotland bred, of universall learning, of vast reading, great and long experience in publick business . . .' (Analecta II, 205).
"This book is 'the product of joint authorship. The first and logical part of this famous covenanting work was executed by Sir James Stewart of Goodtrees; it bears the stamp of a mind of great vigor and grasp. The narrative portion was written by the Rev. James Stirling of Paisley, whose RECOLLECTIONS form an interesting portion of Wodrow's ANALECTA. In 1667 the Council issued a proclamation against NAPHTALI, ordering it to be burned. (Wod., II., 100). All copies were to be delivered up to the nearest magistrates, and a fine of ten thousand pounds Scots was the penalty inflicted upon any in whose hands the book should afterwards be found. It passed through the flames unscathed only to become dearer than ever to the Scottish hearts . . . and you cannot help admiring the manly sense, spirit, calmness, dignity, and piety which distinguished the sufferers to a degree so equal that you fancy them a band of brothers.' (cited in Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, pp. 375-367). A rare old gem of 559 pages." -- Publisher
*Symington, Andrew (1785-1853, the older brother of William), Headship of Christ Over the Nations, 1841. Alternate title: INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13, #25.
"Provides Scriptural evidences for Christ's headship over the nations and the church, demonstrating the importance of this doctrine to the kingdom of 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
*Symington, Andrew (1785-1853, the older brother of William, editor), and Ministers of The Reformed Presbyterian Church, Scotland, Introductory Lecture on the Principles of the Second Reformation, 1841. Alternate titles: LECTURES ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION, and HEADSHIP OF CHRIST OVER THE NATIONS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18, #30.
"Contents: Second Reformation / Andrew Symington
Headship of Christ Over His church / James Ferguson
Evils, Constitutional and Practical of the Prelatic Establishment of the British Empire / Thomas Neilson
The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland / John Graham
Patronage Opposed to the Independence of the Church and to the Scriptural Rights of Christian people / W.H. Goold
Headship of Christ Over the Nations / Andrew Symington
Nature and Obligation of Public Vows / William Symington
The sin and Danger of Union Between the Church of Christ and the Immoral or Anti-christian Civil Government / Stewart Bates."
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
*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
*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:
*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
*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), Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, 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 ten commandments: the moral law, The commandments of christ, Trusting god, Idolatry, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, Justifying faith, Forgiveness, Sanctification, Glorification, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, substance abuse, 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, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The one and the many, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, and so forth, and so on.
Ten Best Classics For Advanced Studies From Still Waters Revival Books
http://www.swrb.com/ten-best.htm
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646, The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
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.Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. (Psalm 33:12)
See the Theological Notes: "The Greatness of God," at 1 Chronicles 29:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. (1 Chronicles 29:11)
He is the fountain and centre of every thing that is bright and blessed. All that we can, in our most exalted praises, attribute to him he has an unquestionable title to. His is the greatness; his greatness is immense and incomprehensible; and all others are little, are nothing, in comparison of him. His is the power, and it is almighty and irresistible; power belongs to him, and all the power of all the creatures is derived from him and depends upon him. His is the glory; for his glory is his own end and the end of the whole creation. All the glory we can give him with our hearts, lips, and lives, comes infinitely short of what is his due. His is the victory; he transcends and surpasses all, and is able to conquer and subdue all things to himself; and his victories are incontestable and uncontrollable. And his is the majesty, real and personal; with him is terrible majesty, inexpressible and inconceivable. . . . His sovereign dominion, as rightful owner and possessor of all: "All that is in the heaven, and in the earth, is thine, and at thy disposal, by the indisputable right of creation, and as supreme ruler and commander of all: thine is the kingdom, and all kings are thy subjects; for thou art head, and art to be exalted and worshipped as head above all." -- Matthew Henry (1662-1714), An Exposition of the Old and New TestamentsSee the Theological Notes: "The Wisdom and Will of God," at Daniel 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "God's Pattern for Worship," at 1 Chronicles 16:29 in The Reformation Study Bible.
And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.
Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba.
And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.
Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,
And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.
And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.
Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.
And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.
And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.
And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.
And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.
And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD.
And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city. (1 Samuel 8:1-22)Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God. Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said,
Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever:
And blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous:
And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea; And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day. And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters. Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.
Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant: And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.
Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations; Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go. Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan. Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it. So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they might do with them as they would. And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.
Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.
But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies; And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments (which if a man do, he shall live in them), and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear. Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands. Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day. Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly: Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them. For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it: And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it. (Nehemiah 9:1-38)The prophets are advocates for God in a covenantal lawsuit. For their arguments for the continued obligation of covenantal faithfulness and the hope of God's covenantal faithfulness see:
Isaiah, a covenant prosecutor, Jeremiah's theme of judgment for covenant breaking, The themes of the wrath, severity, covenant faithfulness, trustworthiness, and ultimate goodness of God in the book of Lamentations, Ezekiel's message of judgment against Israel, then judgment against foreign nations, and then grace and mercy to Israel, and the themes of the holiness, transcendence, grace, mercy, and sovereignty of God along with individual responsibility, Daniel, the covenant head, with his theme of the absolute sovereignty of God in the affairs of man, Hosea's theme of covenant relationship, Joel's themes of covenant, the day of the Lord, and repentance unfeigned, Amos furthering the prosecution's case for the covenantal lawsuit with themes of idolatry and social injustice, The emphasis on God's sovereign justice by Obadiah, Jonah's themes of the sovereignty of God and the universality of God's goodness, The themes of Micah, covenant relationship, salvation is of the Lord, the church rebellious and perverse, and judgment followed by restoration, Nahum's theme of God's government of history according to his covenant, Habakkuk, the forefather of the Reformation, and his themes of God is sovereign in history and persistence in prayer, Zephaniah's themes of covenant, the day of the Lord, and the restorative nature of God's wrath, Haggai's theme of covenant, Zechariah's themes of the presence, kingship and deliverance of God and Christ, and Christ dwelling among his people, and Malachi, another advocate of God in the covenant lawsuit, with his themes of the continued obligation of covenantal faithfulness, and hope. See Isaiah 40:1 -- Isaiah 55:13 and annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.
Hence it ought to be observed that something remarkable is here demanded from princes, besides an ordinary profession of faith; for the Lord has bestowed on them authority and power to defend the Church and to promote the glory of God. This is indeed the duty of all; but kings, in proportion as their power is greater, ought to devote themselves to it more earnestly, and to labor in it more diligently. -- John Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah (1550)
And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. (Jeremiah 24:7)
Christians have often entered into social covenants. The early fathers make mention of acts of covenanting, and even of subscriptions affixed to such covenants. The Waldenses covenanted. During the Reformation of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, such covenants -- more or less perfect -- were frequently sworn. We may specify the League of Smalcald in 1536, in which the Reformed German princes and people bound themselves to the maintenance and defence of the true religion, the liberties of their respective states, and the peace of the empire: the covenant of the Waldensian churches and the German Protestants in 1571, to adhere to the Reformed religion: the oath taken in 1537 by the Senate and people of Geneva to the leading articles of the Christian religion and discipline as then reformed; this engagement being afterwards extended, as a league so as to include Berne and Lausanne: the covenants of the Hungarian, Transylvanian, and Holland reformers: and, lastly, and chiefly, the covenants of our ancestors in the British islands. In fact, it has been truly said that "the history of the church's reformation in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, is written in her covenants." -- James M. Willson (1809-1866)
Peasants in Germany [Lutheran] banded themselves into associations called by the general title of Bund (covenant), and their leather-laced shoe (Bundschuh) became their symbol of protest. In 1531 the Protestant princes and free cities combined to form the Smalcald league, or covenant (Bund), to preserve their freedom of belief and practice, by force if necessary. -- Philip Potter
The Covenanted Reformation of 17th century Scotland was the highest attainment of Christianity in history. It emphasized the following:
1. Reformation of the church -- reformation of the church must precede reformation of society,
2. Regulative principle of worship -- worship must be according to Scripture, and reform is not possible without regulative principle of worship,
3. The preservation of true religion, corporate sanctification, and corporate faithfulness brought about by the ordinance of social covenanting. The well-being and progress of the individual Christian life is interdependent upon corporate sanctification. Conversely, absence of corporate sanctification limits the progress of the individual Christian.The Reformation in Scotland was certainly very complete -- in no other country in the world was it so complete . . . Though Scotland presents but a narrow field, yet the ecclesiastical element has there had a fuller and freer development than in any other country.
[In the Reformation of Scotland we can discern -- compiler], the blessings which flow from a pure creed and simple worship. . . . -- John CunninghamJohn Cunningham acknowledges that the true church is "bound by the obligations of the Church of God in past times" and is still obligated to pay that 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)."
Social covenanting enabled "Protestant union throughout Christendom . . . 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." -- William Hetherington
When corporate faithfulness and corporate sanctification are established by social covenanting, then righteousness flourishes and the individual's Christian life progresses under the positive sanctions of God. Indeed this is the state we should strive for in preparation for the Second Coming of Christ.
See the Theological Notes: "Sanctification: The Spirit and the Flesh," at 1 Corinthians 6:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.
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 Nisbit Moore from the conclusion to 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)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 NationsThe Treasury of David, Psalm 89, C.H. Spurgeon
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)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps089.phpThe Treasury of David, Psalm 147, C.H. Spurgeon
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. (Psalm 147:5)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps147.php[1]Then shall be the [2]end, when he hath delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father, when he hath put down [3]all rule, and all authority and power.
For he must reign [Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:34; Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 10:13] till he hath put all his enemies [1]under his feet.
The [1]last enemy that shall be destroyed, is death.
[Psalm 86; Hebrews 2:8] For he hath put down all things under his feet. (And when he saith that all things are subdued to him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put down all things under him.)
And when all things shall be subdued unto him, [1]then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him, that did subdue all things under him, that [2]God may be all in all. -- (1 Corinthians 15:24-28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
15:24 (1) The fourth argument, wherewith also he confirmeth the others, hath a most sure ground, to wit, because that God must reign. And this is the manner of his reign, that the Father will be showed to be King in his Son who was made man, to whom all things are made subject (the promiser only except) to the end that the Father may afterward triumph in his Son the conqueror. And he maketh two parts of this reign and dominion of the Son, wherein the Father's glory consisteth: to wit, the overcoming of his enemies (whereof some must be deprived of all power, as Satan and all the wicked, be they never so proud and mighty, and others must be utterly abolished as death) and a plain and full delivery of the godly from all enemies, that by this means God may fully set forth the body of the Church, cleaving fast to their head Christ, his kingdom and glory as a king in his subjects. Moreover he putteth the first degree of this kingdom in the resurrection of the Son, who is the head: and the perfection, in the full conjunction of the members with the head, which shall be in the latter day. Now all these tend to this purpose, to show that unless the dead do rise again, neither the Father can be King above all, neither Christ be Lord of all: for neither should the power of Satan and death be overcome, nor the glory of God be full in his Son, nor his Son in his members.
(2) The shutting up and finishing of all things.
(3) All his enemies which shall be spoiled of all the power they have.
15:25 (1) Christ is considered here, as he appeared in the form of a servant, in which respect he ruleth the Church as head, and that because this power was given him of his Father.
15:26 (1) The shutting up of the argument, which is taken from the whole to the part: for if all his enemies shall be put under his feet, then must it needs be that death also shall be subdued under him.
15:28 (1) Not because the Son was not subject to his Father before, but because his body, that is to say, the Church which is here in distress, and not yet wholly partaker of his glory, is not yet fully perfect, and also because the bodies of the saints which be in the graves shall not be glorified until the resurrection: but Christ as he is God, hath us subject to him as his Father hath, but as he is Priest, he is subject to his father together with us. Augustine, book 1, chap. 8, of the Trinity.
(2) By this high kind of speech, is set forth an incomprehensible glory which floweth from God, and shall fill all of us, as we are joined together with our head, but yet so, that our head shall always reserve his preeminence. -- 1599 Geneva Bible annotation for 1 Corinthians 15:24-28The sins of Gods own people, who are in Covenant with him, may provoke and procure Judgements; their Pride, and Security, Worldly Love, Conformity to the Corruptions of the times, Coldness and Formality in Duty, Uneven and Unfaithfull walking, acting by divided Interests from the rest of the Lords people, may provoke God severely to punish a land, and we may justly fear hath done so amongst us. A good man, though a Son may yet be silius sub ira, under paternal displeasure. If Moses and Aaron do not by believing glorifie God, they must both die in the Wilderness, Numbers 20:12. If David grow proud of victories, and number the people, God will send a plague which shall lessen their number and his pride, 2 Samuel 24:15. If Solomon turn from God to Women, and to Idols, though he be a Son, he shall be chastized with the rods of men, 2 Samuel 7:14. If Asa grieve the Prophet, and oppress the people, he shall be vexed with Warrs and Diseases, 2 Chronicles 19:9,12. If Jehoshaphat help the ungodly, his life shall be endangered, and his ships broken, 2 Chronicles 19:20. God will have Judgement begin at his own house, 1 Peter 4:17. -- Edward Reynolds, Westminster Divine, The Means and Method of Healing in the Church (1660)
Freemasonry is the largest and most widely established fraternal order in the world. The masons' guilds were originally restricted to stonecutters, but with the completion of the building of the cathedrals in the 17th century, and especially in England during the Reformation, they admitted as members men of wealth or social status. The guilds thus became societies devoted to general ideals, such as fraternity, equality, and peace, and their meetings became social rather than business occasions. Four or more such guilds, called lodges, united in London on June 24, 1717, to form a grand lodge for London and Westminster, which, within six years, became the Grand Lodge of England. This body is the mother grand lodge of Freemasons in the world, and from it all recognized grand lodges have been derived. The Grand Lodge of All England was formed at York in 1725, that of Ireland at least by June of the same year, and of Scotland, in 1736. The York body came under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge at London later in the century.
As a result of the patronage of the order by members of the nobility, the rising British mercantile class looked upon Freemasonry as an adjunct to social success, and the order became popular. The Masonic ideals of religious toleration and the basic equality of all people were in keeping with the growing spirit of liberalism during the 18th century. One of the basic tenets of the Masonic orders throughout the English-speaking world has been that religion is the concern solely of the individual. -- Encarta Multimedia EncyclopediaThe Erastian Revolution, anno 1689, was "utterly inconsistent with the covenanted constitution of the Reformed Church of Scotland, anno 1648."
In fact, the relationship between Church and State has been in decline since 1661. "In early 1661 . . . the Scottish Parliament passed the Act Rescissory, which established the king as supreme judge in all matters civil and ecclesiastical, and which made owning the covenants [National and Solemn League], unlawful. These acts undid all the works of Reformation from 1638 to 1650 and made it high treason to acknowledge Jesus Christ as head of the church. . . ." See: Act, Declaration, and Testimony, 1876, Part II.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)
Abbott, Angus Evan, The Scottish Covenanters.
Aikman, James, An Historical Account of Covenanting in Scotland: From the First Band in Mearns, 1556, to the Signature of the Grand National Covenant, 1638, ISBN: 0524046662 9780524046661.
Aiton, J., The Life and Times of Alexander Henderson, Giving a History of the Second Reformation of the Church of Scotland, and of the Covenanters, During the Reign of Charles I, 1836.
The Life and Times of Alexander Henderson: Giving a History of the Second Reformation of the Church of Scotland, and of the Covenanters, During the Reign of Charles I
http://books.google.com/books?id=fEIRAAAAIAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
Alexander, John, History of the National Reform Movement, 1893.
Anderson, James (1748?-1830), The Bass Rock: Martyrs of the Bass, 1847. Alternate title: THE BASS ROCK: ITS CIVIL AND ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY, GEOLOGY, MARTYROLOGY, ZOOLOGY AND BOTANY.
Anderson, John, Against Occasional Hearing on Proverbs 19:27, a sermon.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/john-andersons-sermon-against-occasional-hearing-on-proverbs-1927
Anderson, William (1805-1866), The Scottish Nation; or, The Surnames, Families, Literature, Honours, and Biographical History of the People of Scotland, 1882, ISBN: 0788402455 9780788402456.
*Anderson, William, The Voice of Renwick, The Last of the Scottish Martyrs, 1882. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A rare work setting forth the stirring story of the young minister and martyr James Renwick. It explains the main points (of Covenanted Reformation), for which he and many other Covenanters suffered and died. Also makes practical applications which can be applied to today. -- Publisher
Anonymous, The Declaration of the Rebels in the Very Words as it was Designed to Have Been put up to Them at Glasgow, and was Actually put up at Rugland, 1679.
Anonymous, The Declarations of the Witnesses That Survived the Late Persecution. Published at Sanquhair. . . . Paisley, 1778.
Anonymous, A Dissenting Presbytery. The Vindication of Mr. James Gilchrist, Minister of the Gospel at Dunscore. Alternate title: THE VINDICATION OF MR. JAMES GILCHRIST, MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL AT DUNSCORE: FROM THE UNJUST AND CALUMNIOUS ASPERSIONS, WHEREWITH HE IS CHARGED, IN A LYBEL SENT TO HIM BY THE PRETENDED PRESBYTERY OF DRUMFREIS, UPON THE 8TH OF JULY 1715 YEARS.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/kirkgovt/gilchrist_james_vindication.html
Anonymous, Eschol Grapes or, Some of the Ancient Boundaries, and Covenanted March Stones, set up by Kirk and State, in the Days When They Acted for the Lord, . . . Betwixt 1638 and 1649, 1708. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Anonymous, The Grand Indictment of High-treason Exhibited Against the Marques of Argyle, 1661.
Anonymous, A List of the Banished and Enslaved Presbyterian Christians, A.D. 1678-1688, for the Cause of the Reformation as Attained in the British Isles, A.D. 1638-1650. Probably available in Wodrow, HISTORY OF THE SUFFERINGS OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND BETWIXT THE RESTORATION AND THE REVOLUTION, 4 VOLUMES.
Anonymous, National Covenanting for Reformation Defended: Wherein Particularly, the National, and Solemn League and Covenants of These Lands . . . Are Vindicated From the Unjust Calumny and Reproach Cast Upon Them, by Mr. Smith . . . in a pamphlet intitled, An account of the form and order of the Church of God, &c. Published, 1765. By a remnant, who, . . . are still endeavouring to bear witness to, and contend for Scotland's covenanted reformation.
See: Smith, James, The Defence of National Covenanting, Non-toleration, and Sword of Steel, for Reformation Under the New Testament, by Mr. Flocker, &c. shewed to be insufficient: and the doctrine in the tract, intitled "A compendious account of the church of God, taken from Holy Scripture only, established.
Anonymous, An Order That the Solemn League and Covenant be Read in Church on Every Fast Day, and That Every Congregation Have a Copy Printed in a Faire Letter, Hung up in the Church. The Covenant bears the signatures (244) of the House of Commons. Alternative title: WE SHALL ALSO ACCORDING TO OUR PLACES AND CALLINGS IN THIS COMMON CAUSE OF RELIGION, LIBERTY AND PEACE OF KINGDOMES, ASSIST AND DEFEND ALL THOSE THAT ENTER INTO LEAGUE AND COVENANT.
Anonymous, Protesters Vindicated: Or, A Just and Necessary Defence of Protesting Against, and Withdrawing from This National Church of Scotland on Account of her Many Gross and Continued Defections, 1716. Alternate title: PROTESTERS VINDICATED: OR, A JUST AND NECESSARY DEFENCE OF PROTESTING AGAINST, AND WITHDRAWING FROM THIS NATIONAL CHURCH OF SCOTLAND; ON ACCOUNT OF HER MANY GROSS AND CONTINUED DEFECTIONS, 1716. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"The title continues: 'More particularly, her approving of, and going into the legal establishment of the Prelatic constitutions of England. The generality of ministers swearing, in the Oath of Abjuration, to maintain Erastianism, Prelacy, and English Popish Ceremonies. Non-Jurants joining with Jurants, judicially approving that practice to be free of scandal. The Church's establishing tyranny in government, against all who will not join in communion with her, and approve her practices without redress of grievances. Wherein these and several other causes of withdrawing are proven to be justly chargeable on the Church, demonstrated to be contrary to the Word of God and Reformed principles of this Church, and just grounds of withdrawing, and setting up judicatures distinct from her; and the objections of Jurants and others fully answered.' This is a classic, detailed statement of the old covenanted principles and the biblical attainments of the Second Reformation (like the Solemn League and Covenant, the Westminster Standards, etc.). It is also an excellent defense against the modern malignants who counsel Christ's children to remain in the backsliding and covenant breaking denominations that abound in our day. Very Rare!" -- Publisher
Anonymous, The Reasons Agreed Upon by the Reformers of the Church of Scotland, for Which the Book of Common-prayer, Urged Upon Scotland, Anno 1637. was Refused.
Reasons for Refusing the Book of Common Prayer
http://www.truecovenanter.com/worship/reasons_against_book_of_common_prayer.html
Graham, George (Bishop of Orkney), The Reasons Agreed Upon by the Reformers of the Church of Scotland, for Which the Book of Common-Prayer, Urged Upon Scotland, Anno 1637, was Refused: As Also the Reasons Agreed Upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, for Laying Aside the English Book of Common-Prayer, 1744
http://archive.org/details/reasonsagreedupo00grah
Anonymous, Some Remarks on a Pamphlet Entitled "The Oath of Abjuration Displayed in its Sinful Nature and Tendency, etc.," Matt. 7:1 [Matthew 7:1]; Rom. 14.4 [Romans 14:4].
Anonymous, Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, 2 volumes.
http://www.rpc.org/beliefs/testimony/index.htm
Anonymous, A Vindication of the Presbyteriall-government, and Ministry: Together, with an Exhortation, to all the ministers, elders, and people, within the bounds of the province of London, whether joyning with us, or separating from us. Published, by the ministers, and elders, met together in a provinciall assembly, Novemb. 2d. 1649. Wherein, amongst other things, these ensuing particulars are contained; 1. That there is a Church-government, by divine right. 2. That the magistrate, is not the fountain of Church-government. 3. That the presbyterial-government, is by divine right. 4. The inconveniencies of the congregationall-way. 5. That the ruling-elder is by divine right. 6. That it is the will of Jesus Christ, that all sorts of persons should give an account of their faith, to the minister, and elders, before admission to the Lords Supper; . . . 7. Directions to the elders, for the right managing of their office. 8. Directions to such as are admitted to the Lords Supper, . . . 9. Rules to preserve people, from the errours of these times. 10. That separation from our churches, is justly charged with schisme. 11. That ministers formerly ordained by bishops, need no new ordination. 12. The necessity and usefulness of catechizing. Licensed, entred, and printed according to order, 1649. Available (under Robert Baillie and Sundry Ministers of London) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
Anonymous, Who are the Covenanters? 1900.
Anonymous, Witnesses for the Truth in the Church of Scotland, 1843.
"The following pages illustrate a few of the chief incidents in the history of the Church of Scotland. From them it will be seen, that in all the periods of its history, The Lord has had a seed witnessing and wrestling through much trial and affliction for the truths of His word. The Church of Scotland is again cast into the furnace. The controversy in which she is at present engaged, is the very same as in the days of old, -- whether Christ or man shall reign in the Church, as head and governor thereof. It is indeed the cause of Christ. 'His enemies would pull the crown from off His head, and the sceptre out of His hand, and by this means, make Him no King in and over His Church, and consequently no Mediator.' Sufferings have been the lot of the Church of God in all ages, and no branch of it on earth has more exemplified this than our own. Times without number has she been assailed from without and within. Her worship has been attacked by the admirers of pomp and ceremony -- the hedges of her government and discipline have been torn down -- nay, her very doctrines have been impugned; yet, through the goodness of the Lord, she has maintained her ground. Our Jerusalem hath been a burdensome stone to all who have burdened themselves with it. It hath in the days of old crushed those who have sought to overwhelm it, and the same gracious Power which has sustained it hitherto, is still at work on its behalf. The Church of Christ, as was well said of old, is an anvil that has worn out many a hammer: and no anvil has worn out more hammers than our own! And all this through the good will of
Him who dwelt in the bush. 'Arise, O Lord, and plead thine own cause: let not man prevail -- for thine is the Crown, Government, Kingdom, Power and Glory'." -- Preface to Witnesses for the Truth in the Church of Scotland, 1843
Witnesses for the Truth in the Church of Scotland, 1843
https://archive.org/details/witnessesfortru00unkngoog
Arrowsmith, John (1602-1659), The Covenant Avenging Sword Brandished . . . Matt. 10:34 [Matthew 10:34], 1643. Alternate title: THE COVENANT-AVENGING SWORD BANISHED . . . 1643. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This famous sermon (of 32 pages), on Leviticus 26:25, I shall bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant, (by one of the more prominent men that was shortly thereafter called to the Westminster Assembly), was preached 'Before the Honorable (English -- RB), House of Commons, At Their Late Solemn Fast, January 25 (1643).' It demonstrates that it is the Scriptural duty of nations and their rulers to covenant with Christ and to seek God's glory in all things -- which is especially important in the case of civil leaders in their office as civil leaders. For, as Arrowsmith shows, if this is not done (with godly zeal), God's wrath (in the form of blindness to the truth, in a lack of fear of the judgment that is to come, in storms and wars and other calamities, etc.), will be poured out upon those nations which refuse to kiss the Son by obeying and covenanting with Him.
"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. (Ps. 2:10-12 [Psalm 2:10-12]).
"In this sermon Arrowsmith also summons the English parliament to new obedience to Christ. Some suggest that Arrowsmith may have been the main shaper of the Shorter Catechism. 'Cotton Mather says . . . "everything of Arrowsmith is admirable . . ." He was clearly respected as both a preacher and a scholar by the (Westminster -- RB), Assembly, which he repeatedly summoned to unity and diligence in its work'." (Barker, Puritan Profiles, p. 148) -- Publisher
Assembly of the Covenanters' Union, First Report of the Annual Assembly of the Covenanters' Union, 1894.
*Associate Synod of Scotland (1733-1820), A Solemn Warning . . . Wherein the Great Sin, Danger, and Duty of the Present Generation in These Lands, are Pointed out and Declared, 1758. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A stinging rebuke against personal, ecclesiastical and national sins; with the intent to turn the readers of this title from these sins and thus avoid God's wrath: for the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation." (Jer. 10:10 [Jeremiah 10:10]) -- Publisher
Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), The Canterburians Self-Conviction: or an Evident Demonstration of the Avowed Arminianisme, Poperie, and Tyrannie of That Faction, by Their Owne Confessions; With a Postscript to the Personat Jesuite Lysimachus Nicanor, a Prime Canterburian, 1641. Alternate title: LADENSIUM [AUTOKATAKRISIS]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19. Also available in Robert Baillie, THE LIFE OF WILLIAM, NOW LORD ARCH-BISHOP OF CANTERBURY, EXAMINED.
"Baillie was one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly. An exceedingly rare item, this book was written as the storms of the religious wars between the Puritans and the Prelates were beginning to blow. These were days when nations adopted overtly religious presuppositions and books such as this became international defenses of gospel principles against the ecclesiastical (and political), forces of Antichrist -- and his generation of vipers.
"After rehearsing some of the major incidents of Prelatical persecution against the saints of the most high God, and calling to the English for support of the Covenanted cause of Christ, Baillie gives this stirring summary of his motives in writing this book, 'behold I here first upon all hazard do break my pitcher, do hold out my Lamp, and blow my trumpet before the Commissioners of the whole Kingdom, offering to convince that prevalent faction by their own mouth, of Arminianism, Popery, and Tyranny.'
"These were brave and zealous words, for in that day such speech could eventuate in your death.
"This is not only a historically relevant item, but also a fine defense against the prevailing heresies of the flesh (heresy being a work of the flesh, cf. Gal 5:19-20). The two predominant heresies addressed by Baillie in this book still cover much of the professing Christian world today; these being:
(1) false, man-centered views of salvation (Arminianism and Pelagianism), and
(2) false man-centered views of worship (Liturgical innovationism: either high church or Charismatic).
" 'Baillie fought hard against Arminianism' noted Johnston (TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT, p. 310); making this book especially valuable for today! This is the third edition of 128 pages, plus a 28 page postscript." -- Publisher
*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
Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), A Review of the Seditious Pamphlet Lately Published [sic] in Holland by Dr. Bramhell, Pretended Bishop of London-derry, Entitled, His Faire Warning Against the Scots Discipline: in which his malicious and most lying reports, to the great scandall of that government, are fully and clearly refuted: as also the Solemne League and Covenant of the three nations justified and maintained, 1649. Alternate title: BAILLIE'S REVIEW OF BRAMHALL'S SEDITIOUS PAMPHLET . . . ALSO THE HOLY LEAGUE AND COVENANT OF THESE THREE NATIONS JUSTIFIED AND MAINTAINED. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), The Unlawfulness and Danger of Limited Prelacy, or Perpetual Presidency in the Church, Briefly Discovered, 1641. Alternate title: THE UNLAVVFULNESSE AND DANGER OF LIMITED EPISCOPACIE. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"A defense of Alexander Henderson."
Baker, J. Wayne, Covenant and Society: The Republica Christiana in the Thought of Heinrich Bullinger.
Baker, J. Wayne, Heinrich Bullinger and the Covenant: The Other Reformed Tradition, ISBN: 0821405543 9780821405543.
Ballantyne, J., George Clark, David Brown, and Alexander Brown, A Comparison of Established and Dissenting Churches, 1824.
Bannerman, D. Douglas (1842-1903, the son of James Bannerman [1807-1868]), The Scripture Doctrine of the Church Historically and Exegetically Considered, 1887, ISBN: 0801006562 9780801006562. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
*Bannerman, James (1807-1868), The Church of Christ: A Treatise on the Nature, Powers, Ordinances, Discipline, and Government of the Christian Church, 1869, 2 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"Two large volumes. A classic on the Church and worship! This is one of the most extensive studies of its kind ever compiled. Nothing compares to it on this subject. Regarding these gems, Iain Murray has stated, 'In our day, however greatly we need an evangelical revival, we need more than that. We need another Reformation, a movement which will go 'to the root of the mischief' and bring back the visible church to the pattern of God's Word in her government, ordinances and ministry. The republication of Bannerman is a step in that direction . . . For those who wish to study the doctrine of the Church in its several aspects as it was held by the majority of the Reformers, Puritans, Covenanters and leaders of 'The Third Reformation,' it will prove an invaluable textbook." -- Publisher
Barnett, T. Ratcliffe (b. 1868), The Story of the Covenant: Fifty Years of Fighting Faith, 1928.
Barrow, Greg, Classic Covenanter, Presbyterian, Puritan and Reformed Quotes from Various Authors Arranged by Topic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Great for cutting and pasting during online debates or for confirming classic Protestant and Presbyterian teaching!" -- Publisher
Classic Covenanter, Presbyterian, Puritan, and Reformed Quotes From Various Authors -- Arranged by Topic
http://www.swrb.com/covqsgb.htm
*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
Baynes, Paul, and William Ames, The Diocesans Tryall: Wherein all the Sinnewes of Doctor Dovvnhams Defence are Brought Into Three Heads, and Orderly Dissolved, 1621. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.
Beaton, D., Scottish Heroines of the Faith: Being Brief Sketches of Noble Women of the Reformation and Covenant Times.
Beattie, James, History of the Church of Scotland During the Commonwealth, 1842.
Bell, John, Church of Scotland, General Assembly, An Abridgement and Alphabetical Index of the Acts of the General Assemblies, of the Church of Scotland From the Year 1638, to 1706, Inclusive of Both. By a Minister of the Gospel.
Beza, Theodore (1519-1605), A Discourse of the True and Visible Marks of the Catholic Church, 2014, 1623, 1582. Alternate title: A DISCOURSE, OF THE TRUE AND VISIBLE MARKES OF THE CATHOLIQUE CHURCHE. Available from Covenanter Monthly Pamphlets. This is in a new printing with modern typeface.
Besides being a discourse on the true church, it also exposes Romish heretical ideas about the true church.
"Now the sum of all these things is this, that Christ is the true, perpetual, necessary: and to be short, the only mark of the Church: yea I say the true Christ that is, such a one, as he from the beginning has most perfectly (touching the matter and manner of salvation), revealed himself, both in the writings of the prophets and of the Apostles. For that saying stands sure: He that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad: [Matthew 12:30], and that saying, that Christ is that corner stone of the foundation, upon whom the whole building riseth up: [1 Peter 2:7] And that only head, which ministereth unto his body, that is the true Catholic Church, all feeling and moving: To be short, he is the door [John 10:7], the way [John 14:6], the resurrection, and the life. [John 11:25]" -- Theodore Beza, pp. 36,37
John Calvin (1509-1564), and Theodore Beza (1519-1605), were life-long friends. They met studying Greek together by fire-light when Calvin was still a law student. Theodore Beza was nine years old at the time. Beza became Calvin's protege and helper at Geneva. He then became Calvin's successor at Geneva.
Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), Select Works
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/26/hugh-binning
Black, George Fraser, Scotland's Mark on America, ISBN: 1406913782.
"Ranke, the German historian, declared that 'Calvin was the founder of the American Government;' and Gulian C. Verplanck of New York (1786-1870), in a public address, traced the origin of our Declaration of Independence to the National Covenant of Scotland. Chief Justice Tilghman (1756-1827), stated that the framers of the Constitution of the United States were through the agency of Dr. Witherspoon much indebted to the standards of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland in molding that instrument." -- Publisher
Scotland's Mark on America
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15162/15162-8.txt
Black, James Alexander, Why I am a Covenanter, 1901.
Black, John (1768-1849), The Everlasting Kingdom: A Discourse on the Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ, 1848. Available in Reformed Presbyterian Church Pamphlet Collection.
Black, John (1768-1849), A Sermon on National Righteousness and Sin: Delivered in the First Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, April 3, 1827, Before a Large Assembly Convened for the Purpose of Adopting Resolutions Against Duelling.
Blackwood, R., William Symington Churchman and Theologian (1795-1862).
Blair, Robert, Thomas M'Crie, William Row, Wodrow Society, and Presbyterian Historical Society of Ireland, Life of . . . Robert Blair . . . Containing His Autobiography, from 1593 to 1636, with Supplement to his Life, and Continuation of the History of the Times to 1680, ISBN: 9780955797934 0955797934.
Blake, William, William Maitland of Lethington, 1528-1573: A Study of the Policy of Moderation in the Scottish Reformation (Studies in British History, Vol. 17), ISBN: 0889464685 9780889464681.
Bogue, Carl W., and William Cunningham, The Scriptural law of Worship.
Bonar, Andrew R. (1810-1892), Last Days of the Martyrs: or, Sketches of Witnesses for the Faith From Early Times to the Reformation, Including Notices of the Martyrs for the Covenant in Scotland.
Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), Catechisms of the Scottish Reformation, 1866.
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Christ the Saviour of the World. A Sermon: Preached Immediately Before the Celebration of the Lord's Supper, at Ettrick, June 7th, 1724. By the Rev. Mr. Thomas Boston.
*Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Human Nature in its Fourfold State. A Christian classic.
"This is THE classic on human nature. It was immediately acclaimed as such, and went through several printings during the author's lifetime. The book deals with four states of human existence: the state of innocence; the state of nature; the state of grace; and, the eternal state. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"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
Boston, Thomas (1677-1732), Human Nature in its Fourfold State, 1811
http://archive.org/details/humannaturein00bost
*Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Marrow of Modern Divinity. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"Jeremiah Burroughs states,' If thou wilt pursue this little book, thou shalt find great worth in it.' First printed in 1645, this controversial book was read in 1700 by Thomas Boston and had a profound influence on his ministry. Boston added copious notes to this edition, which was reprinted in 1718. His notes, which are often longer than the text, are an invaluable addition to this work. Its contents are largely taken from the works of the Reformers and English Puritans. Three members of the Westminster Assembly wrote recommendations to the Marrow. Part one of the book, 'The Covenant of Grace and the Covenant of Works,' is definitely one of the best explanations of covenant theology in the English language. Part two is 'An Exposition of the Ten Commandments.' 'The marrow of the second bone (part),' said Caryl, 'is like that of the first, sweet and good. The commandments of God are marrow to the saints, as well as the promises; and they shall never taste the marrow of the promise who distaste the commandments. This little treatise breaketh the bone, the hard part of commandments, by plain exposition, so that all, even babes in Christ, yea, such as are yet out of Christ, may suck out and feed upon the marrow by profitable meditation.' This section on the commandments is practical and powerful -- guarding against the antinomian heresy. This whole book (of 400 pages), is in beautiful condition and this edition contains the appendix by John Brown of Haddington." -- Publisher
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.
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), and Thomas Goodwin, Repentance. Alternate title: THE NECESSITY OF REPENTANCE.
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), and Samuel M'Millan, Repentance, Christian Warfare and Sanctification: From the Complete Works of the Late Rev. Thomas Boston, Ettrick, Including his Memoirs. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Boughen, Edward, Observations Upon the Ordinance of the Lords and Commons at Westminster: After Advice had With Their Assembly of Divines for the Ordination of Ministers Pro Tempore, According to Their Directory for Ordination and Rules for Examination Therein Expressed, die Mercurii 2 Octob., 1644. Alternate title: THE ORDINATION OF MINISTERS, 1644.
Bowyer, Gerald (editor in 1991), The Christian Statesman, 1867 -- Present, ISSN: 0009-5664.
"The organ of the National Reform Association and the oldest continuous publication associated with Reformed Presbyterianism."
The NRA and The Christian Statesman are currently dormant (May 3, 2018).
*Bradford, John (1510-1555), John Bradford's Confutation of Four Romish Doctrines. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #15.
Bradford, John, John Bradford's Confutation of Four Romish Doctrines
http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_papacy/bradford_confutation_of_rome.html
Bredenhof, Wes, A Book Review of John Calvin's Shunning the Unlawful Rites of the Ungodly and Preserving the Purity of the Christian Religion. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18. Available in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library
"Herein Calvin maintains the sinfulness of outward conformity to false worship. Dealing with a major problem of his day, Calvin shows that false worship should never be tolerated or participated in (even by your bodily presence), no matter what the cost -- whether it be persecution, exile, or death. For his faithfulness in this matter, Calvin was greatly scorned. Obvious parallels to our day abound, not the least of which include the Lordship controversy, false ecumenism, rampant idolatry in the false rites maintained in the public worship of backslidden Protestantism, and in the rise of the influence Roman Catholic harlot (once again in our day)." -- Publisher
A Book Review of John Calvin's Shunning the Unlawful Rites of the Ungodly and Preserving the Purity of the Christian Religion
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/ShunRev.htm
Bremer, Francis J., Puritan Crisis: New England and the English Civil Wars, 1630-1670, ISBN: 082406173X 9780824061739.
Bridge, William (1600?-1670), Joab's Counsel, and King David's Seasonable Hearing it: Delivered in a Sermon Before the Honourable House of Commons at Their Late Solemne Fast, Feb. 22, 1643. [2 Samuel 19:5-8]
Brinsley, John, The Saints Solemn Covenant With Their God: As it was Opened in a Sermon Preached at Beccles in the Countie of Suffolk, at the Taking of the National Covenant There, by the Ministers and Other Officers of That Division. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*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
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.
Brown, C.J., Christ's Kingship Over the Nations Maintained and Defended in the Establishment Principle; or, The Principle of the National Recognition of Religion. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
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, James, The Testimony Published at Rutherglen, May 29, 1679.
The Declaration and Testimony of the True Presbyterian, Anti-Prelatick, Anti-Erastian, persecuted party in Scotland. Published at Sanquhar, June 22, 1680
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sanquhar.html
Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), A Compendious History of the Church of England, and of the Protestant Churches in Ireland and America . . . With an introductory sketch of the history of the Waldenses, 8 volumes. Alternate title: A COMPENDIOUS HISTORY OF THE BRITISH CHURCHES IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, IRELAND, AND AMERICA: GIVING AN ACCOUNT OF THE MOST MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY TO THE PRESENT TIME: WITH AN INTRODUCTORY SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF THE WALDENSES. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.
Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), A Compendious History of the Church of Scotland, 1784. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. This would appear to be an excerpt from A COMPENDIOUS HISTORY OF THE BRITISH CHURCHES IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, IRELAND, AND AMERICA. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.
*Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), Westminster's View of the "Everlasting" Solemn League and Covenant. Available in THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY, IN BRITAIN, 1797. Available (THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION), 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), and William Brown, Memoir and Select Remains of the Rev. John Brown, Minister of the Gospel, Haddington. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.
Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), An Apologetical Relation of the Particular Sufferings of the Faithful Ministers and Professors of the Church of Scotland Since 1660, Wherein Several Questions, Useful for the Time, Are Discussed: The king's prerogative over parliaments and people soberly inquired into; the lawfulness of defensive war cleared; the supreme magistrate's power in church matters examined; Mr. Stillingfleet's notion concerning the divine right or forms of church government considered; the author of "The seasonable case" answered; other particulars, such as the hearing of the curates appearing before the high commission court, etc., canvassed . . . etc., Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.
*Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), Corporate Sanctification: Holding Fast the Attainments of Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1. Available in OBSERVATIONS ON THE PUBLIC COVENANTS BETWIXT GOD AND THE CHURCH: A DISCOURSE.
"An overview of the Covenanter doctrine of reformation attainments by one of the great Covenanter theologians. Helpful in dispelling false charges of Anabaptism and perfectionism laid at the feet of faithful Covenanters by schismatics. John Brown was one of Samuel Rutherford's best students." -- Publisher
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/attain.htm
*Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), An Exposition of the Epistle of Paul to the Romans, With Large Practical Observations; Delivered in Several Lectures, 1766. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This commentary has been called, 'perhaps the best exposition of the Epistle yet to be found.' (J.W.C., cited in Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 341). Charles Spurgeon comments, 'By a Calvinist of the old school. Heavy, perhaps, but precious.' At the very least it should be considered a classic Covenanter's commentary. John Brown of Wamphray was one of Samuel Rutherford's favorite students. He was ejected in 1662, imprisoned and cruelly treated until he suffered exile to the Netherlands -- all for steadfastly maintaining the principles of the Covenanted Reformation. In fact, A.N. in the preface to this volume notes that, among other things, 'the particular grounds and causes why he was thus inhumanly and barbarously treated, was his strict attachment to, and maintaining the binding force and perpetual obligations of the nation's solemn vows and covenants; his refusing acceptation of the then sinful Indulgences . . . his public and zealous testifying against licentious tolerations,' etc. While in exile he wrote thirteen books. Johnston, TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT, p. 339, notes that Brown 'has been regarded the most important theologian of the second period of Scottish Presbyterianism.' This commentary gives us a good indication as to why Brown is so highly regarded among faithful Calvinists, godly historians and numerous commentators." -- Publisher
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.
*Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), A Pious and Elaborate Treatise Concerning Prayer; and The Answer of Prayer. Written by . . . John Brown . . . Glasgow, 1745. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8, #21.
*Brown, P. Hume, John Knox: A Biography, 1895, 2 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Brown says of Knox, 'It would, indeed, be difficult to name another historical personage who in such degree as Knox revealed a nation's genius to itself, and at once vitalized and dominated its collective thought and action. To present Knox in this twofold aspect, at once as a great Scotsman, and a figure of European importance, is the object of the present biography.' Moreover, Brown continues, noting that in Knox 'we have precisely what distinguishes the great religious leader from the mere religious visionary' and we 'have seen in Knox one of the great emancipators of humanity, whose work left undone would irremediably have injured the highest interests not only of his own country but of the community of civilized nations . . . For the mass of his countrymen, those who have shaped the nation's destinies in the past as they must shape them in the future, Knox is the greatest person their country has produced, and the man to whom in all that makes a people great they owe the deepest and most abiding debt. 'What I have been to my country,' he himself said when within sight of the end he looked back on the long travail of his life, 'what I have been to my country, albeit this unthankful age will not know, yet the ages to come will be compelled to bear witness to the truth;' and the consenting testimony of three centuries is the evidence and pledge that his assurance was not in vain.' An rare and extensive biography of over 700 pages. . . ." -- Publisher
Brown, S.J., Scotland in the Age of Disruption, 1993, ISBN: 0748604332 9780748604333.
Brown, S.J., Thomas Chalmers and the Godly Commonwealth in Scotland, ISBN: 0192131141 9780192131140.
Brown, Thomas (1811-1893), Annals of the Disruption, 1893. Includes two volumes: FORMATION OF THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND and CHURCH AND STATE: A NARRATIVE OF THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE FROM 1560 TO 1843. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"ANNUALS OF THE DISRUPTION chronicles the formation of the Free Church of Scotland, with extracts from the narratives of ministers who left the Scottish establishment in 1843. This battle over unlawful civil encroachments upon the church can be instructive today as the same principles still apply. Church government and education (re: home schools and private Christian schools), are most affected in our day by tyrannical civil 'authorities'." -- Publisher
*Brown, Thomas (1811-1893), Church and State: A Narrative of the Struggle for Independence From 1560 to 1843: The Third Series of Chalmers Lectures by Thomas Brown, ISBN: 0790541602 9780790541600. Alternate title: ANNALS OF THE DISRUPTION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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.
Bruce, Michael (1559-1631), William Cunningham, and Robert Wodrow, Sermons by the Rev. Robert Bruce, Minister of Edinburgh: Reprinted From the Original Edition of MDXC and MDXCI [1540 and 1541]; With Collections for his Life by the Rev. Robert Wodrow. Now First Printed From the Manuscript in the Library of the University of Glasgow, 1843. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
Buchanan, George (1506-1582), Buchanan's History of Scotland. In Twenty books. . . . The Third Edition, Revised and Corrected From the Latin Original. In two Volumes. Adorned With Curious Cuts Engraven From the Original Paintings, by Mr. White, Mr. Vertue, & c. Alternate title: RERUM SCOTICARUM HISTORIA.
Buchanan, George (1506-1582), George Buchanan: Glasgow Quartercentenary Studies, 1906.
Buchanan, George (1506-1582), George Buchanan's Dialogue Concerning the Rights of the Crown of Scotland Translated Into English; With two Dissertations Prefixed. By Robert Macfarlan. Alternate title: A DIALOGUE CONCERNING THE DUE PRIVILEGE OF GOVERNMENT IN THE KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND.
*Buchanan, George (1506-1582), The Life of George Wishart.
Buchanan, George (1506-1582), and Duncan Harald MacNeill, The art and Science of Government Among the Scots, Being George Buchanan's "De jure regni apud Scotos," 1964.
*Buchanan, George (1506-1582), Roger A. Mason, and Martin S. Smith, A Dialogue on the law of Kingship Among the Scots: A Critical Edition and Translation of George Buchanan's De jure regni apud Scotos dialogus, ISBN: 1859284086 9781859284087. Alternate title: DE JURE REGNI APUD SCOTOS DIALOGUS and A DISCOURSE CONCERNING THE DUE PRIVILEGE OF GOVERNMENT IN THE KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND and A DIALOGUE CONCERNING THE DUE PRIVILEGE OF GOVERNMENT IN THE KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND, 1680.
"A detection of the actions of Mary queen of Scots: concerning the murder of her husband, and her conspiracy, adultery, and pretended marriage with Earl Bothwel: and a defense of the true lords, maintainers of the king's majesty's action and authority." -- Publisher
Buchanan, George (1506-1582), Peter Sharratt, and P.G. Walsh, Tragedies, ISBN: 0707302633 9780707302638.
Buchanan, Robert, The Ten Years' Conflict: Being the History of the Disruption of the Church of Scotland, 1849.
Buckroyd, Julia, Church and State in Scotland, 1660-1681, 1980, ISBN: 0859760421 9780859760423.
Buckroyd, Julia, The Life of James Sharp, Archbishop of St. Andrews, 1618-1679: A Political Biography, ISBN: 0859761843 9780859761840.
*Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The First Sermon Preached to the Honorable House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament at Their Public Fast, Nov. 17, 1640. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"A beautifully clear facsimile copy of this amazing sermon (published by order of the British House of Commons in 1641), exhorting this Parliament to 'stand to the covenant' of God; by, 'endeavouring of a further Sanction of, and stronger Guard about our true Palladium, the true Religion, already established among us; in the perfecting of the Reformation of it; in the erecting, maintaining, protecting, and encouraging of an able, godly, faithful, zealous, profitable, Preaching Ministry, in every Parish Church and Chapel throughout England and Wales; in interceding to the Kings sacred Majesty for the setting up of a Faithful, Judicious, and Zealous Magistracy, where yet the same is wanting, to be ever at hand to back such a Ministry: without either of which, not only the power of Godliness will sooner degenerate into formality, and zeal into lukewarmness; but Popery, Arminianism, Socinianism, Profaneness, Apostasy, and Atheism itself will more and more crowd in upon us, and prevail against us, do You all You can be all other means.' Points out that where a godly ministry and magistracy are lacking, society degenerates into a godless mob, headed by one of the above named heresies -- as we have seen in our day. Presses national covenant renewal, from Jer. 50:5 [Jeremiah 50:5], and explains from scripture how and why this should take place. Cites many biblical examples of the great Scriptural blessing that has followed previous national covenanting; while making practical application to the situation of the day. This sermon foreshadows chapter 23, of the celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], on 'the Civil Magistrate,' and gives much insight into this watershed period of Christian political development. It is highly recommended for anyone even remotely interested in seeing their nation prosper politically and ecclesiastically. Furthermore, it will be a great help for anyone seeking to formulate a biblical doctrine explaining the four way relationship between: loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; Jesus Christ as mediator; the everlasting covenant (and covenanting); and the state, as set forth in Scripture. A very rare item. A Covenanter's delight! 70 pages." -- Publisher
*Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), Publick Affections Pressed in a Sermon Before the Honourable House of Commons Assembled in Parliament: Upon the Solemn day of Humiliation, Febr. 25. 1645, Numb. 11:12. [Numbers 11:12]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664), The Reformation of the Church, To be Endeavoured More Than That of the Commonwealth, 1645. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A 'Sermon preached before the Right Honourable House of Lords at the publicke Fast, August 27, 1645,' (notes the cover), during the days of the sitting of the Westminster Assembly. Can you image these words (which are just a small sample from the preface to the godly exhortation contained in this sermon), directed, by request of the civil magistrate, to the leaders of your nation? Burgess writes, 'It was my endeavour in this Sermon to excite your Lordships to a speedy and exact Reformation of the Church from all the corruptions that have defiled her, and herein to attend unto God's Word, as the only starre that will conduct unto Christ. None are too great to undertake so good a work. Gregory said of David dancing before the Ark, Magis miror Davidum saltantem, quam pugnantem, David is to be more admired in his religious worship of God, than in his courageous conquest and slaughter of the Philistines, or other enemies. Hence, Jer. 9:23,24 [Jeremiah 9:23,24]. where glory in wisdome, riches and might is forbidden, there is a kinde of an holy pride allowed in the knowledge of the Lord. Let Heathens glory, that they are saluted by the Common-wealth, Patres Pariae; but let those Christians, whom God honoureth with dignity and place, delight to be nursing Fathers to the Church, by speaking comfortably unto those who teach the good knowledge of God; and by commanding the Levites to carry all the filthiness out of the Temple. Which that your Lordships may faithfully and zealously doe, is the prayer of Your Lordships humble Servant, Anthony Burgesse'." -- Publisher
*Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), Vindiciae Legis: or, A Vindication of the Moral Law and the Covenants, From the Errors of Papists, Arminians, Socinians, and More Especially, Antinomians, 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'A nonconformist clergyman,' Burgess 'was a member of the [Westminster] Assembly of Divines. Ejected at the Restoration . . . his works are much valued and have become very scarce.' (Darling, Cyclopedia Bibliographica, p. 439). This book contains 30 lectures preached at London 'against the antinomian errors of the times.' It is the second edition corrected and augmented. Burgess says that he wrote to 'maintain the dignitie and use of the Morall Law against late errours about it.' Taking on all the errorists listed in the subtitle Burgess also notes that he has 'endeavoured to give the Law its due, and the Gospel its due, remembering that of Luther . . . He that knoweth how to distinguish between Law and Gospel, let him give thanks to God, and know he is a Divine' [i.e. a scholar of Scripture -- RB].
"An exceedingly rare item that sells for over $300 a copy on the rare book market. This book should be read by everyone in the Protestant Reformed church (or anyone who must deal with them), as it demolishes their (i.e. Protestant Reformed), errors concerning covenants -- especially in regard to their denial (and disregard for the biblical, 'Westminster' view), of the covenant of works. Some of its 62 chapter heads include: 'What a man cannot do by the power of nature;' 'Whether there are any antecedaneous works upon the heart before grace;' 'What does this Image [of God in man -- RB], consist;' 'Whether God did enter into a covenant with Adam;' 'How God can be said to covenant, or enter into a promise with man;' What Law this delivered in Mount Sinai is, and what kind of laws there are, and why it's called the Moral Law;' Whether this Law repeated by Moses, be the same with the law of nature implanted in us;' 'Why God gave the Moral Law;' Whether the Law be an instrument of sanctification;' 'Whether the Law be a covenant of grace;' Wherein the Law and Gospel do oppose or differ from each other; under which is handled the false differences between the Law and Gospel made by Anabaptists, Papists, and Antinomians;' 'Whether the Law command faith;' 'How Christ is the end of the Law.' Indexed." -- Publisher
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.
Byfield, Richard, A Short Treatise Describing the True Church of Christ, and the Evils of Schism, Anabaptism and Libertinism, wherein is proved that: Society is the genus of a church, not congregations, A national church under the New Testament, The visible church is God's Temple, The infallible note of a true church, Learning is needful for the discharge of the ministry, Toleration of all religions is contrary to God's Word, No communion with the wicked in their sin, etc. Delivered in two sermons. 1653. Alternate title: TEMPLE-DEFILERS DEFILED: WHEREIN A TRUE VISIBLE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS DESCRIBED. THE EVILS AND PERNICIOUS ERROURS, ESPECIALLY APPERTAINING TO SCHISME, ANABAPTISME, AND LIBERTINISME, THAT INFEST OUR CHURCH, ARE DISCOVERED. AND DIRECTIONS TO PRESERVE FROM THE SIN AND PUNISHMENT OF TEMPLE-DEFILING, DELIVERED IN TWO SERMONS PREACHED AT THE LECTURE IN KINGSTON UPON THAMES, FEB. 20 AND 27, 1644. OUT OF I COR. 3.17 [1 Corinthians 3:17].
Calamy, Edmund (1671-1732), 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
Calamy, Edmund (1671-1732), A Defence of Moderate Non-Conformity. In Answer to the Reflections of Mr. Ollyffe and Mr. Hoadly, on the Tenth Chapter of the Abridgment of the Life of the Reverend Mr. Rich. Baxter.
Calamy, Edmund (1600-1666), England's Antidote Against the Plague of Civil War: Presented in a Sermon Before the Honorable House of Commons, on Their Late Extraordinary Solemne Fast, October 22. 1644, Luke 13:4,5. [Luke 13:4,5]
Calamy, Edmund (1600-1666), The Great Danger of Covenant-refusing, and Covenant-breaking. Alternate title: THE GREAT DANGER OF COVENANT-REFUSING, AND COVENANT-BREAKING: PRESENTED IN A SERMON PREACHED BEFORE THE RIGHT HONORABLE THOMAS ADAMS, LORD MAYOR, AND THE RIGHT WORSHIPFULL THE SHERIFFES, AND THE ALDERMEN HIS BRETHREN, AND THE REST OF THE COMMON-COUNCELL OF THE FAMOUS CITY OF LONDON, JAN. 14, 1645. UPON WHICH DAY THE SOLEMNE LEAGUE AND COVENANT WAS RENUED BY THEM. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God. (Psalm 76:11a)
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it: for he hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou hast vowed.
Better it is that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. (Ecclesiastes 5:4,5)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/calamy_sermon_danger_of_covenant_refusing_and_breaking.html
Calamy, Edmund (1600-1666), An Indictment Against England Becavse of her Selfe-mvrdering Divisions: Together With an Exhortation to an England-preserving Unity and Concord: Presented in a sermon preached before the . . . House of Lords in the abby Church at Westminster, at the late solemne fast, Matt. 12:25, December 25. 1644. [Matthew 12:25] Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Calamy, Edmund (1671-1732), Memoirs of the Life of the Late Revd. Mr. John Howe.
Calamy, Edmund (1671-1732), The Ministry of the Dissenters Vindicated: In an Ordination Sermon Preach'd at Ailsbury, in the County of Bucks; on June 11. 1724.
Calamy, Edmund (1600-1666), Joseph Caryl (1602-1673), Ralph, Venning (1621?-1674), James Janeway (1636?-1674), Saint's Memorials: or, Words Fitly Spoken . . . Being, a Collection of Divine Sentences Written and Delivered by . . . Mr. Edmund Calamy, Mr. Joseph Caryl, Mr. Ralph Venning, Mr. James Janeway . . . . 1674.
Calamy, Edmund (1600-1666), Thomas Manton (1620-1677), Joseph Caryl (1602-1673), James Nalton (1600-1662), Thomas Lye (1621-1684), Ashe, Simeon (d. 1662), A Compleat Collection of Farewel Sermons Preached by Mr. Calamy, Dr. Manton, Mr. Caryl . . . [et al.]; Together With Mr. Ash his Funeral Sermon, Mr. Nalton's Funeral Sermon, Mr. Lye's Rehearsal . . . With Their Several Prayers. Alternate title: A COMPLEAT COLLECTION OF FAREWEL SERMONS, PREACHED BY MR. CALAMY, DR. MANTON, MR. CARYL, MR. CASE, MR. JENKINS, MR. BAXTER, DR. JACOMB, DR. BATES, MR. WATSON, MR. LYE, MR. MEAD, DR. SEAMAN, MR. VENNING, MR. BROOKS, MR. COLLINGS, MR. NEWCOMEN, MR. BEERMAN, MR. CRADACOTT, MR. SCLATER, MR. PLEDGER, MR. BULL, MR. LAMB, MR. WADSWORTH, MR. COOPER, MR. G.N, MR. GASPINE, MR. EVANK, MR. GEO. THORN, TOGETHER, WITH MR. ASH HIS FUN. SERM, MR. NALTON'S FUN. SERM, MR. LYE'S REHEARSAL AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE LAST MORNING EXERCISE, AT ALHALLOWES LOMBARD-STREET, MR. CALAMY'S SERMON, PREACHED AT ALDERMANBURY, DECEMBER 28TH LAST, AND MR. WATSON'S SERMON AGAINST POPERY, WITH THEIR SEVERAL PRAYERS. Contains 42 sermons. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
See also Lazarus Seaman, THE SECOND AND LAST COLLECTION OF THE LATE LONDON MINISTERS FAREWEL SERMONS.
*Calamy, Edmund (1671-1732), 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
*Calderwood, David (1600-1666), The History of the Kirk of Scotland, 8 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #11.
" 'The extensive learning and eminent talents of the Rev. David Calderwood, his matured experience in ecclesiastical affairs, and especially in those of his native country, the persecutions he had endured for his beloved Church, and the numerous works he had written in its defense, all qualified him, in the happiest manner, for becoming a Historian of the Kirk of Scotland. Above all, when the narrative was to be one of struggle and suffering, in which the principalities and powers of the earth, as well as those of darkness, were the antagonists, the record of such a conflict fell most aptly into the hands of a man whom a monarch had in vain attempted to brow-beat, and a whole hierarchy to silence. His own heart also appears to have affectionately inclined towards this his most congenial occupation, so that, after his return from exile, he spent many years in collecting and arranging the materials necessary for such an important task. At last, when he had reached his seventy-third year, the General Assembly, for the purpose of enabling him to perfect his work, granted him an annual pension of 800 pounds Scots. Calderwood died only two years afterwards; but he lived to accomplish his purpose of writing the History of our National Church from the commencement of the Reformation to the close of the reign of James the Sixth, in two, if not three successive and copious revisals' (Preface to volume one, pp. v-vi). More on the prominent role Calderwood played in the church of his day is supplied by Johnston, TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT, p. 47, when he writes that 'the Second Book of Discipline was sworn to in the National Covenant in 1581, and revised by the Assembly of 1638. The most important parts of the book were legalized in 1592, and again in 1690. Calderwood, the historian, edited 'The First and Second Book of Discipline,' printed in 1621.' Furthermore, the DICTIONARY OF SCOTTISH CHURCH HISTORY AND THEOLOGY (p. 118), tells us that Calderwood was 'excluded from the church courts when he opposed Bishop James Law of Orkney's (FES VII, 322), substitution of royal supporters in place of the Presbytery's duly elected representatives to the General Assembly. But when King James VI visited Scotland in 1617, Calderwood and 54 other ministers meeting in Edinburgh wrote a protest against the King's intention that the monarch and men of his preference should appoint forms of worship and discipline in the Church. Calderwood was required to appear with Archibald Simson before the King at St. Andrews, where from his knees he boldly opposed the King's will and asserted the freedom of the General Assembly to control the Church's ceremonies and government (emphasis added, and some today say these are points of little or no consequence -- how different from our Reformed forefathers -- RB). Calderwood was deprived of his charge, imprisoned and banished. In 1619 he went to Holland, whence he issued anonymously his monumental critique of English episcopacy, The Altar of Damascus (n.p., 1621), greatly enlarged in Latin . . . Calderwood's writings were erudite and widely persuasive, preparing the way for the restoration of Presbyterian practice at the 'Second Reformation' . . . With Alexander Henderson and David Dickson he was appointed by the General Assembly of 1643 to draft a directory for public worship, to fill a need for guidelines after the episcopal conventions had been removed (in keeping with the Solemn League and Covenant -- RB).' The same article, commenting on this eight volume history, relates, 'it is a major source for the history of the Church of Scotland from the Reformation until 1625.' This massive set (of over 6000 pages), was printed between 1842 and 1849. It contains a 171 page index and Thomson's 'Life of David Calderwood. The contents are listed and dealt with chronologically by year; beginning in the preamble with the descent of the Scots from the ancient Gauls, but formally covering the period (focusing to the church), from 1514 to 1625. Documents and information available no where else (that we know of), are also included in this set. Must reading for researchers and those interested in church history!" -- Publisher
The History of the Kirk of Scotland, 1842, David Calderwood, Volume: 1
http://archive.org/details/historykirkscot05caldgoog
*Calderwood, David (1600-1666), The Pastor and the Prelate or Reformation and Conformity Shortly Compared, 1844. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. (PB #4, ACL, DVD One, CD #3)
"This 17th century work refutes prelacy. Calderwood, bound by solemn oath to defend the doctrine and discipline of Biblical Presbyterian government and worship, and to oppose the hierarchy, along with all rites and ceremonies added to the worship of God, does a masterful job here. He uses the Word of God and the proceedings of the ancient and Reformation churches to make his points. He deals with controversies over things 'indifferent,' people's souls, state and society, etc. -- as they are affected by these two systems of government. He points out the far-reaching consequences of the implementation of various systems of church government and worship, showing how these specific ideas are eventually mirrored in the culture in general. Summarizing, he notes the classic saying concerning these matters and their consequences in the civil realm, 'no ceremony no bishop, no bishop no king,' and in the ecclesiastical arena, 'no ceremony no prelate, no prelate no pope'." -- Publisher
Calvin, John (1509-1564), Calvin's Commentary on Hosea
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion/calvhose.htm
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah, 4 books, published in 2 volumes in CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES (vols. 7, 8). Spine title: CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES, VOLUME VII: ISAIAH 1-32; CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES, VOLUME VIII: ISAIAH 33-66. A Christian classic.
Several factors combine to make CALVIN'S COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH particularly significant.
I have a study ready for public -- well, not ready for publication, but hopefully someday, on Calvin's use of Augustine [apparently never published -- compiler]. There are at least 400 references to Augustine in John Calvin. Anybody who says that Calvin got his theology of the top of his head knows no Calvin. Calvin knew Augustine probably better than anybody else, including Luther. Calvin went back to all the Early Western Fathers. I would say that next to Augustine, his theology is based upon Bernard of Clairvaux and Anselm, and he had a higher respect for Saint Thomas Aquinas than many people are willing to admit. But he is in the Western theological tradition.Calvin's work is in four books, with a Scripture Index and a General Index. The Baker publication prints the four books in two volumes.
Charles Hodge, in his SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY of three volumes, very often refers to Calvinism as Augustinianism, and you can see why. . . . [Charles Hodge], declares that you might as well call Calvinism revived and revitalized Augustinianism.
Calvin, John (1509-1564), Come out From Among Them: The "Anti-Nicodemite" Writings of John Calvin. Available in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library.
"Some one will therefore ask me what counsel I would like to give to a believer who thus dwells in some Egypt or Babylon where he may not worship God purely, but is forced by the common practice to accommodate himself to bad things. The first advice would be to leave (i.e., relocate -- ed.), if he could. . . If someone has no way to depart, I would counsel him to consider whether it would be possible for him to abstain from all idolatry in order to preserve himself pure and spotless toward God in both body and soul. Then let him worship God in private (in his home -- ed.), praying him to restore his poor church to its right estate." -- John Calvin, Come out From Among Them, The Anti-Nicodemite Writings of John Calvin pp. 93-94
Calvin, John (Jean, 1509-1564), Commentaries on the First Twenty Chapters of the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, 1849, vol. 1 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/commentariesonez01calvuoft
Calvin, John (Jean, 1509-1564), Commentaries on the First Twenty Chapters of the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, 1849, vol. 2 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/commentariesonez02calvuoft
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Daniel, ISBN: 0851510922 9780851510927.
"This edition, from the Calvin Translation Society edition of 1852-1853, is one of the greatest writings to come from Calvin's pen." -- GCB
Commentary on Daniel, Volume 1
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom24.html
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Deity of Christ and Other Sermons. Alternate title: SERMONS ON THE DEITY OF CHRIST, ISBN: 1889058025 9781889058023.
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Epistle Dedicatory [to Calvin's Commentary on Hebrews -- compiler], by John Calvin, to the Most Mighty and Most Serene Prince, Sigismund Augustus, by the Grace of God, the King of Poland, Great Duke of Lithuania, Russia, Prussia, and Lord and Heir of Muscovy, etc.
"You kingdom is extensive and renowned, and abounds in many excellencies, but its happiness will then only be solid, when it adopts Christ as its chief ruler and governor, so that it may be defended by his safeguard and protection; for to submit your sceptre to him, is not inconsistent with that elevation in which you are placed; but it would be far more glorious than all the triumphs of the world." -- John Calvin
Epistle Dedicatory [to Calvin's Commentary on Hebrews
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol44/htm/v.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
Calvin, Jean (John, 1509-1564), On God and Political Duty.
"Selections from the author's INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, COMMENTARIES ON ROMANS, and COMMENTARIES ON DANIEL." -- Publisher
Calvin, On God and Political Duty
http://archive.org/details/ongodpoliticaldu00calv
Calvin, John (1509-1564), Prefatory Address to His Most Christian Majesty, The Most Mighty and Illustrious Monarch, Francis, King of the French, His Sovereign.
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
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, John (1509-1564), The Rise of the Papacy With Proof From Daniel and Paul That the Pope is Antichrist. This is Book 4, Chapter 7 of INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. Available (THE RISE OF THE PAPACY . . . Beveridge translation) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE RISE OF THE PAPACY . . . Beveridge translation) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #14.
"It shows how 'the Papacy appeared complete in all its parts, the seat of Antichrist.' Rome's impiety, execrable tyranny, and wickedness is also clearly portrayed, in a most pointed manner, by the pen of the great Reformer." -- Publisher
Calvin, John (1509-1564), The True Method of Giving Peace to Christendom and of Reforming the Church, 1548. Available in CALVIN'S SELECTED WORKS, TRACTS AND LETTERS. Available (CALVIN'S SELECTED WORKS, TRACTS AND LETTERS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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), et al. [John Knox, Theodore Beza, Miles Coverdale, William Whittingham, Anthony Gilby, Martin Luther, and others], Peter A. Lillback (foreword), Tolle Lege Press (preface), Gary DeMar (Notes to the Modern Reader), Marshall Foster (The History and Impact of the Geneva Bible), 1599 Geneva Bible, (Tolle Lege Press), 1400 pages, ISBN: 0975484699 9780975484692 0975484613 9780975484616 0975484621 9780975484623. Available (Tolle Lege Press restoration) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"When the Pilgrims arrived in America in 1620, they brought along supplies, a consuming passion to advance the Kingdom of Christ, a bright hope for the future, and the Word of God. Clearly, their most precious cargo was the Bible. The GENEVA BIBLE, printed over 200 times between 1560 and 1644, was the most widely read and influential English Bible of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This superb translation was the product of the best Protestant scholars of the day and became the Bible of choice for many of the greatest writers, thinkers, and historical figures of that time [but the translation was surpassed by the AUTHORIZED KING JAMES VERSION in 1611, see 'Textual Criticism' -- compiler]. The GENEVA BIBLE is unique among all other Bibles. It was the first Bible to use chapters and numbered verses and became the most popular version of its time because of the extensive marginal notes. These notes, written by Reformation leaders such as John Calvin, John Knox, Miles Coverdale, William Whittingham, Anthony Gilby, and others, were included to explain and interpret the scriptures for the common people. For nearly half a century these notes helped the people of England, Scotland, and Ireland understand the Bible and true liberty. King James despised the GENEVA BIBLE because he considered the notes on key political texts to be seditious [to question the Divine Right of Kings -- compiler] and a threat to his authority. Unlike the KING JAMES VERSION, the GENEVA BIBLE was not authorized by the government. It was truly a Bible by the people and for the people. You can see why this remarkable version with its profound marginal notes played a key role in the formation of the American Republic. Until now, the only complete version available was a large, cumbersome, and difficult-to-read facsimile edition. But this new edition contains all the original words and notes [see the errata listing below -- compiler], but the type set has been enlarged and the font style change for today's reader." -- Publisher
"This is the Bible that eventually put an end to Feudalism in Europe, strengthened Puritans, Quakers, and came to America on the Mayflower. This was the first Bible published in the language of the common people, the first Bible to contain commentary and verse numbers, and the first Bible written in English from Greek and Hebrew texts available from Constantinople, not from the Latin Vulgate. The dynamite in this Bible is the commentary accounting for about one third of its length.
"The Church of England and King James were so upset they determined to create a new translation. They called it the KING JAMES VERSION. They choose to use language so formal and grand, even by the standards of those days, that the common people would find it difficult to understand. The GENEVA BIBLE was found seditious by it's insertions of commentary that spoke directly about the priesthood of lay believers, the church as naturally anti-oligarchy, and setting forth some other ideas considered anarchy by the King, but meaning freedom to the masses who read it. . . .
"Important facts to remember about this Bible. The Reformation was strong in England and the Lollards were a lay group of huge influence that had to go underground. English Christian theologians, not Catholics and not Anglicans, fled in huge numbers to Geneva for freedom. Geneva was not part of Switzerland at that time, because Geneva was its own city-state. . . . The GENEVA BIBLE was printed 1560-1644. THE KING JAMES VERSION was published in 1611. The GENEVA BIBLE was against the law to own. . . ." -- Reader's Comment
Available "in printed formats with various binding options from Tolle Lege Press. Tolle Lege Press has given Puritan Downloads permission to provide a PDF copy of their retypeset and fully searchable edition of the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE (Copyright 2006-2008, Tolle Lege Press), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The GENEVA BIBLE is the Puritan Bible with Reformation promoting marginal notes authored by prominent leaders of the Reformation (during the time of John Calvin and John Knox). The New Testament was translated out of the Greek, by Theodore Beza. The GENEVA BIBLE was the predominant English translation during the period in which the English and Scottish Reformations gained great impetus.
"Iain Murray, in his classic work on revival and the interpretation of prophecy, THE PURITAN HOPE, notes,
The two groups in England and Scotland developed along parallel lines, like two streams originating at one fountain. The fountain was not so much Geneva, as the Bible which the exiles newly translated and issued with many marginal notes . . . it was read in every Presbyterian and Puritan home in both realms. (p. 7)"This time also saw the rise of the forces for covenanted Reformation against the corruption and abuses of prelacy and the royal factions. Darkness was dispelled as people read this Bible and saw for themselves that there is no authority above the Holy Scriptures. Discerning this truth, it became apparent that the civil tyranny and the heretical superstitions imposed by Pope, King and Bishops were to be resisted unto death, if necessary (i.e. because these innovations in church and state were opposed to the Kingship of Christ and the law of His kingdom, as set forth in Holy Scripture).
The notes of TOMSON'S NEW TESTAMENT of 1576, which took the place of the New Testament of the Bible of 1560 in many editions from 1587 onward, are entirely different from those in the GENEVA BIBLE. They are taken from Beza's Latin Testament, and are controversial and strongly Calvinistic."Furthermore, Eason cites Pocock (a rabid anti-Calvinist), in the same book,
The changes adopted in the GENEVA BIBLE and New Testament synchronize with the gradual spread of the Calvinistic heresy and the contemporaneous development of hatred of the whole Papal system of doctrine. The notes attacked the Sacramental teaching of the Church, substituting for it the Calvinistic doctrines of election and reprobation. They taught that Sacraments are nothing more than signs and seals of grace previously given to the elect. All passages about the Sacraments are explained away.("We cite this quote, though it is full of a good deal of devilish nonsense, to demonstrate that even the enemies of biblical truth recognized the powerful impact that the GENEVA BIBLE was having in furthering the Protestant Reformation, as well as to show that the notes in the later versions of the GENEVA BIBLE were moving in the direction of a more distinct testimony against error and for the truth." -- RB) -- Publisher
(1) The editions that follow the first edition of 1560."In our opinion, the notes in the 1599 edition were the most faithful to Scripture." -- The Genevan Bible, Notes on its Production and Distribution [Of course, the judgment and candor of Calvin are renown. This Bible played a key role in the Reformation, and anyone not using it 'will be the poorer for their neglect.' However, very few works are without caveats. Calvin used the LATIN VULGATE. His comments had to be translated from French. Experts (see 'Textual Criticism'), consider the authorized KING JAMES VERSION to be the most accurate translation. It used a literal approach to translation of the Traditional Text, which is referred to today as the Majority Text or Textus Receptus. Beza's translation of the New Testament is in a different category. One is urged to not neglect the knowledge developed over 400 years of Reformed scholarship since 1599. For example, compare the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE (1400 pages, 1366 in the Tolle Lege restoration edition), annotation with the annotation, theological notes, text notes, scripture notes, and other study aids of the NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE (2228 pages), with its own noted caveats. -- compiler]
(2) The editions in which TOMSON'S NEW TESTAMENT of 1576 is substituted for the 1560 New Testament.
(3) The Bibles from 1598 that contain the Notes on Revelation of Francis Junius."
Excerpts from two articles on the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE may be read at the Puritan Downloads site: "The Forgotten Translation," Gary DeMar, President of American Vision and Honorary Member of the 1599 Geneva Bible Advisory Board, and "Introduction to the 1599 Geneva Bible," Marshall Foster, President of the Mayflower Institute, Member of the 1599 Geneva Bible Advisory Board.Word-for-word accuracy with the 1599 Geneva Bible [see the errata listing below -- compiler]
Original cross references
Modern spelling
Original study notes by Reformers
Old English Glossary
2-page Family Tree Chart
Presentation page with several family registry pages
Easy-to-read print [see the errata listing below -- compiler]
Size: 8.75" X 11.5"
Approximately 1,400 pages." -- Publisher
1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege Press Restoration, Fourth Printing, 2008, Probable Errata ListingGenesis 1:11 "So that we see it is the only power of God's word that maketh the earth fruitful, which else naturally is barren.
Genesis 1:12 "This sentence is so oft repeated, to signify that God made all his creatures to serve to his glory, and to the profit of man: but for sin they were accursed, yet to the elect, by Christ they are restored, and serve to their wealth.
Genesis 2:16 "So that man might know there was a sovereign Lord, to whom he owed obedience.
Genesis 2:17 "By this death he meaneth the separation of man from God, who is our life and chief felicity: and also that our disobedience is the cause thereof.
Genesis 3:4 "This is Satan's chiefest subtlety, to cause us not to fear God's threatenings.
Genesis 4:5 "Because he was an hypocrite, and offered only for an outward show without sincerity of heart.
Genesis 9:6 "Not only by the magistrate, but oft times God raiseth up one murderer to kill another.
Therefore to kill man is to deface God's image, and so injury is not only done to man, but also to God.
Psalm 37:1,7,11 "1 This Psalm containeth exhortation and consolation for the weak, that are grieved at the prosperity of the wicked, and the affliction of the godly. 7 For how prosperously soever the wicked do live for the time, he doth affirm their felicity to be vain and transitory, because they are not in the favor of God, but in the end they are destroyed as his enemies. 11 And how miserably that the righteous seemeth to live in the world, yet his end is peace, and he is in the favor of God, he is delivered from the wicked, and preserved.
Psalm 37:5 "Be not led by thine own wisdom, but obey God, and he will finish his work in thee.
Psalm 37:6 "As the hope of the daylight causeth us not to be offended with the darkness of the night: so ought we patiently to trust that God will clear our cause and restore us to our right.
Psalm 37:8 "Meaning, except he moderate his affections, he shall be led to do as they do.
Psalm 37:12 "The godly are assured that the power and craft of the wicked shall not prevail against them, but fall on their own necks, and therefore ought patiently to abide God's time, and in the meanwhile bewail their sins, and offer up their tears, is a sacrifice of their obedience.
Psalm 37:16 "For they are daily fed as with Manna from heaven, and have sufficient, when the wicked have never enough, but ever hunger.
Psalm 37:25 "Though the just man die, yet God's blessings are extended to his posterity, and though God suffer some just man to lack temporal benefits, yet he recompenseth him with spiritual treasures.
Psalm 37:29 "They shall continually be preserved under God's wings, and have at least inward rest.
Psalm 37:30 "These three points are required of the faithful, that their talk be godly, that God's law be in their heart, and that their life be upright.
Psalm 37:37 "He exhorteth the faithful to mark diligently the examples both of God's mercies, and also of his judgments.
Psalm 37:39 "He showeth that the patient hope of the godly is never in vain, but in the end hath good success, though for a time God prove them by sundry tentations.
John 1:1 "The Son of God is of one, and the selfsame eternity or everlastingness, and of one and the selfsame essence or nature, with the Father.
"From his beginning, as the Evangelist saith, 1 John 1:1, as though he said, that the world began not then to have his being, when God began to make all that was made: for the word was even then when all things that were made, began to be made, and therefore he was before the beginning of all things.
"Had his being.
"This word, That, pointeth out unto us a peculiar and choice thing above all other, and putteth a difference between this Word, which is the Son of God, and the Laws of God, which otherwise also are called the word of God.
"This word (With) putteth out the distinction of persons to us.
"This word (Word) is the first in order in the sentence, and is that which the learned call (Subjectum) and this word (God) is the latter in order, and the same which the learned call (Predicatum.)
John 1:3 "The son of God declareth that same his everlasting Godhead, both by the creating of all things, and also by the preserving of them, and especially by the excellent gifts of reason and understanding, wherewith he that beautified man above all other creatures.
"Paul expoundeth this place, Col. 1:15 and 16 [Colossians 1:15,16].
"That is, as the Father did work, so did the Son work with him: for he was fellow worker with him.
"Of all those things which were made, nothing was made without him.
Jude 1:24 "He commendeth them to the grace of God, declaring sufficiently that it is God only that can give us that constancy which he requireth of us.
Hebrews 13:8b "all precepts of manners, and that is this: That we ought to quiet and content ourselves in Christ only: for there was yet never any man saved without the knowledge of him, neither is at this day saved, neither shall be saved hereafter.
Revelation 4:9 "God is said to have glory, honor, kingdom, and such like given unto him, when we godly and reverently set forth that which is properly and only his." -- excerpts from 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege Press, 2006, 2007)
Cameron, James K., and James Kirk (editor), Humanism and Reform: The Church in Europe, England, and Scotland, 1400-1643: Essays in Honour of James K. Cameron, ISBN: 0631179216 9780631179214.
See J. Kirk, THE RELIGION OF EARLY SCOTTISH PROTESTANTS.
Cameron, John (1579?-1625), Opera: Being the Collected Theological Works, or Part of his Work Published by the Author Himself, and Partly Published After his Death, and some Have Never Been Published, or . . . Now First Translated Into the Latin Tongue, 1642. Language: Latin. Alternate title: SIVE OPERA PARTIM AB AUCTORE IPSO EDITA, PARTIM POST EJUS OBITUM VULGATA, PARTIM NUSQUAM HACTENUS PUBLICATA, VEL . . . NUNC PRIMUM IN LATINAM LINGUAM TRANSLATA.
Cameron, John (1579?-1625), and John Verneuil (translator), A Tract of the Sovereign Judge of Controversies in Matters of Religion. By John Cameron Minister of the Word of God, and Divinity Professour in the Academie of Montauban. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Cameron, Nigel (editor), Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, ISBN: 0830814078 9780830814077.
Cameron, Richard (1648-1680), Angels and Offenders. Available (MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Cameron, Richard (1648-1680), The Calvinistic Covenanter at Perfect Peace Amid Trials and Persecution. Available (MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Cameron, Richard (1648-1680), God Defends His Covenanted Remnant. Available (MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Cameron, the 'lion of the Covenant,' had to travel to Holland to receive ordination at the hands of two of Samuel Rutherford's former students, McWard and Brown of Wamphray (who were earlier exiled to the Netherlands for faithfulness to Christ's cause). Cameron could not be ordained in Scotland due to the fact that all the other 'presbyterian' ministers remaining in Scotland had defected from the covenanted cause. But Cameron (as Elijah and others before him), persevered, as the church is often brought to such extremities concerning her public testimony. Holding to the attainments won at Westminster and in the Solemn League and Covenant, Cameron refused to yield an inch of the blood bought ground he occupied. He was later joined by a second minister, Donald Cargill, and both were eventually martyred for their unwillingness to 'sell' even the least of the church's covenanted attainments (Prov. 23:23 [Proverbs 23:23]). He was said to be a powerful preacher and this sermon gives us a glimpse of what it must have been like to hear him. It covers numerous topics but focuses on Christ's victory in His church and God's anger against those who oppose his faithful servants. It contains a testimony against unlawful civil rulers and against Scotland's national apostasy (and covenant breaking). It also defends the use of defensive arms, the testimony of the Scottish martyrs during the killing times and some of the specific attainments of the Covenanted Reformation. Here again we get a taste of Covenanter field preaching in days of great persecution. 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
Cameron, Richard (1648-1680), Good News to Scotland. Alternate title: GOOD NEWS TO SCOTLAND. A SERMON PREACHED IN THE PARISH OF CARLUKE, IN CLYDSDALE; UPON THE 8TH. DAY OF JULY 1680. BY . . . RICHARD CAMERON. TO WHICH IS ADDED, AN ACROSTICK UPON HIS NAME, 1741.
"This sermon was among his last labours, being preached fourteen days before he suffered martyrdom at Airs-moss.
"The scope of the sermon is, a scriptural prediction of the terrible judgments that are coming upon Zion's enemies, and the great and glorious deliverance that is coming to the church and people of God, in Britain and Ireland. A sermon, preached in the parish of Carluke, in Clydesdale, upon the 8th day of July, 1680, by that faithful minister and martyr of Jesus Christ, Mr. Richard Cameron. To which is added, an acrostic upon his name, by a true lover of his memory, and owner of the cause which he sealed with his blood." -- Publisher
Cameronian, Was the Bishop's Death Murder? 1860. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
Was the Bishop's Death Murder? excerpted from The Reformed Presbyterian, Vol. XXIV, January, 1860, No. 1.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/magazine/ref_presby_was_the_bishops_death_murder_1860.html
Campbell, Andrew J., Two Centuries of the Church of Scotland, 1707-1929.
Campbell, Archibald, Earl of Argyll, The Declaration and Apology of the Protestant People: That is, of the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burgesses, and Commons of all Sorts now in Arms Within the Kingdom of Scotland, With the Concurrence of the True and Faithful Pastors, and of Several Gentlemen of the English Nation Joyned With Them in the Same Cause, &c., 1685.
"Includes: The declaration of Archibald, Earl of Argile . . . with his order to his vassals and others in the said shires, and under his jurisdiction, to concur for defence of their religion, lives and liberties."
Candlish, James S., The Kingdom of God, Biblically and Historically Considered, 1884. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Cant, Andrew (1590?-1663), A Sermon Preached After the Renovation of the National Covenant, and Celebration of the Lord's Supper, at Glasgow, Anno. 1638. Alternate title: A SERMON PREACHED AT A GENERAL MEETING IN THE GRAY-FRIAR-CHURCH OF EDINBURGH, UPON THE 13 DAY OF JUNE, 1638, and THE NATIONAL COVENANT. SERMON AT GLASGOW, 1638. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Preaching of Matthew 22:2-6, immediately after the renovation of the National Covenant and the administration of the Lord's Supper, Andrew Cant pointed out that ministers are servants, not lords over the flock of God:
'We are servants and not lords. I see never a word in this text, nay, in all the scripture that the Master of the feast sent out lords to woo home his bride; He "sent out His servants," but not His lords. Read all the Bible from the beginning to the ending, you shall not find it. Daft men may dispute, and by respect may carry it away; but read all the Old and New Testament both, and let me see if ever this lord prelate, or that lord bishop, was sent to woo home his bride'." -- Andrew Cant, "The National Covenant. Sermon at Glasgow, 1638" in James Kerr (editor), The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation, p. 94
Cant, Andrew (1590?-1663), Two Sermons and a Discourse and Exhortation at Renewing the National Covenant, 1841.
Carslaw, W.H., Exiles of the Covenant, 1908 edition. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
This (215 pages) may contain the lists of banished and persecuted covenanters, some of whom were sent to America.
Carslaw, W.H., The Life and Times of Donald Cargill. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
Carslaw, W.H., Life and Times of William Guthrie. See: Carslaw, THREE HEROES OF THE COVENANT: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF WILLIAM GUTHRIE, DONALD CARGILL AND JAMES RENWICK, LAST OF THE MARTYRS, 1902. Available (THREE HEROES OF THE COVENANT) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
Carslaw, W.H., Six Martyrs of the Scottish Reformation: Patrick Hamilton, George Wishart, Walter Myln, James Guthrie, Marquis of Argyll and Sir Archibald Johnstone, 1907. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
Carslaw, W.H., Three Heroes of the Covenant: The Life and Times of William Guthrie, Donald Cargill and James Renwick, Last of the Martyrs, 1902. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
*Carson, John L. (editor), David W. Hall (editor), To Glorify and Enjoy God: A Commemoration of the 350th Anniversary of the Westminster Assembly, ISBN: 0851516688 9780851516684.
"Contents: Westminster Assembly commemorations / David W. Hall -- The context and work of the assembly / Samuel T. Logan, Jr. -- The men and parties of the assembly / William S. Barker -- The preaching of the assembly / Robert M. Norris -- The Westminster Confession of Faith and Holy Scripture / Wayne R. Spear -- The Westminster Shorter Catechism / Douglas F. Kelly -- The Westminster Larger Catechism / W. Robert Godfrey -- The form of church government / John R. de Witt -- The directory for public worship / Iain H. Murray -- The sovereignty of God / James M. Boice -- The preeminence of Christ / Joel Nederhood -- The application of redemption / Eric J. Alexander -- The influence of Westminster / Jay E. Adams -- The unfinished Westminster Catechism / Wayne R. Spear -- Parliamentary background of the assembly / David W. Hall -- A bibliographical guide / David W. Hall."
Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), The Arraignment of Unbelief, as the Grand Cause of our Nationall Non-establishment . . . in a Sermon to the . . . House of Commons . . . 28th of May, 1645. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), Heaven and Earth Embracing; or, God and man Approaching: Shewed in a Sermon Preached Before the . . . House of Commons . . . January 28, 1645. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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 (1602-1673), Joseph Caryl on Covenanting
http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/slc_caryl_westminster.html
Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), and Ferdinando Fairfax (1584-1648), The Saint's Thankfull Acclamation at Christ's Resumption of his Great Power and the Initials of his Kingdome. Delivered in a Sermon . . . before the . . . House of Commons, upon the day of . . . thanksgiving . . . for the . . . victory given our armie, under the command of . . . Lord Fairfax, at Selby . . . and the other . . . forces in Pembrockshire, April 23d, 1644 Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Cawdrey, Daniel (1588-1664), Church Reformation Promoted, in a Sermon on Matt 18:15-17, Preached at Northampton on the day of Humiliation Before the Association of Ministers. As also 1. Some animadversions upon Mr. Humphrey's Second Vindication for promiscuous admission to the sacrament. 2. Some animadversions upon Mr. Sanders his Antidiatribe, tending to the same end of Church-Reformation, 1657. [Matthew 18:15-17]
Cawdrey, Daniel (1588-1664), The Good man a Publick Good, 1. Passively, 2. Actively. As it was Manifested in a Sermon Preached to the Honourable House of Commons, at the Late Solemne Fast: January 31. 1643. By Daniel Cavvdrey, Minister of the Gospell at Great Billing in Northhamptonshire, and one of the Assembly of Divines. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Cawdrey, Daniel (1588-1664), The Inconsistencie of the Independent Way, With Scripture and it Self: Manifested in a Threefold Discourse, I. Vindicia vindiciarum, with M. Cotton. II. A review of M. Hookers Survey of church-discipline. The first part. III. A diatribe with the same M. Hooker concerning baptism of infants of non-confederate parents, chap. 2. Of his third part (Whether the Infants of Believers not in Covenant with a visible Church, may be baptized), 1651. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Cawdrey, Daniel (1588-1664), Independencie a Great Schism: Proved Against Dr. Owen, his Apology in his Tract of Schism: As Also an Appendix to the Former Discourse, Shewing the Inconstancy of the Dr. and the Inconsistency of his Former and Present Opinions. Alternate title: INDEPENDENCY FURTHER PROVED TO BE A SCHISM, OR, A SURVEY OF DR. OWEN'S REVIEW OF HIS TRACT OF SCHISM: WITH A VINDICATION OF THE AUTHOUR FROM HIS UNJUST CLAMOURS AND FALSE ASPERSIONS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Chalmers, John T., Ten Reasons why the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Adheres to the Exclusive use of the Inspired Psalter in the Worship of God.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/john-t-chalmers-book-ten-reasons-why-the-associate-reformed-presbyterian-church-adheres-to-the-exclusive-use-of-the-inspired-psalter-in-the-worship-of-god
Chandos, John (compiler, annotation), In God's Name: Examples of Preaching in England From the Act of Supremacy to the Act of Uniformity, 1534-1662, 586 pages, ISBN: 0091059305 9780091059309.
"Contents: Of Idolls and Images (c. 1540) | Roger Edgeworth -- Sermon of the Plough (1548). Inflation of Prices and Decay of Standard (1549). A Cure for Violence and Corruption (1549). Indiscipline and Superstition (1549) | Hugh Latimer -- The New Oppressors (1552) | Bernard Gilpin -- Sermon on Repentance (1553) | John Bradford -- The Sermon of the Boy Bishop (1558) | Richard Ramsay -- Of Washpots and Concubines. Of Whoredom and Uncleanness. Of Excess of Apparel. Of Contention and Brawling. Certain Homilies (c. 1559) -- On the Duties of a Prince (1559) | Edward Dering -- O Men, O Lilies (1567) | Thomas Drant -- The Effects of Example (1571) | John Bridges -- The Poor Man's Tears (1588) | Henry Smith -- A Warning Against Puritans (1588) | Richard Bancroft -- The Pathway to Perfection (1595) | Thomas Playfere -- Justification and Works (1591) | Richard Hooker -- An Unprepared Sermon on Malt (c. 1600) | John Dod (Apocryphal) -- On the Beheading of the Earl of Essex (1601) | William Barlow -- Preaching Charlatans (1606) | Samuel Collins -- The Good Witch Must Also Die (1608) | William Perkins -- A New Year's Gift to Virginia (1609) | William Crashaw -- Abraham's Suite to Sodom (1611) | Robert Milles -- The Rich Man (1612). The White Devil (1612) | Thomas Adams -- On Apostasy (1612) | John Dod -- Dining with the Devil (c. 1613) | Thomas Adams -- Tormenting Tophet: A View of Hell (1615) | Henry Greenwood -- The Meaning of Immanuel (1615). A Sermon of Thanksgiving for Deliverance from the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 (1616) | Lancelot Andrewes -- Of Duels (1618) | John Hales -- Righteous Mammon (1618) | John Hall -- Portents of Dissolution (1620) | Richard Harris -- The Natural Man is a Dead Man (c. 1620) | James Usher -- A Cold Coming (1622) | Lancelot Andrewes -- Woe to Drunkards (1622) | Samuel Ward -- The Nature of Damnation (1622) | John Donne -- The True Peace-maker (1624) | Joseph Hall -- London's Iniquity (1624) | William Proctor -- Christ, Dead or Alive? and the Recantation Sermon (1624) | Thomas Lushington -- The Chastisement of Love (1624). The Alienation of God (1625) | John Donne -- Great Britain's Solomon (1625) | John Williams -- The Dangers of Disobedience (1625). A Kingdom Melting (1625) | William Laud -- Of Faith (c. 1625). Of Love (c. 1625) | John Preston -- The Athenian Babbler (1626) | Humphrey Sydenham -- Burial as a Preparation for Life (1626) | John Donne -- The Divine Right of the King (1627) | Roger Manwaring -- The Waters of Marah and Meriah (1630). The Well-Tuned Cymball (1630) | Humphrey Sydenham -- The Danger of Desertion (1630) | Thomas Hooker -- Of Gluttony (c. 1635) | John Hales -- A Responsibility to Punish (1640) | Cornelius Burges -- The New Fort of True Honour Made Impregnable (1640) | Samuel Kem -- New England's Tears (1640) | William Hook -- The World, The Flesh, and the Devil (1641) | William Pierce -- Meroz Cursed (1641) | Stephen Marshall -- A Call for Blood (1641) | Samuel Fairclough -- A Wife Mistaken, or A Wife and No Wife (1641) | Thomas Grantham -- The Poisoner's Farewell (1641) | Peter Moor -- The Brownists Conventicle (1641) | Sectaries at Home -- Reformation and Desolation (1641) | Stephen Marshall -- Blessed are the Peacemakers (1642). A Sermon of Reformation (1643) | Thomas Fuller -- Some Small and Simple Reasons (1643) | Anon -- Blind Zeal and Deserved Confusion (1644) | William Chillingworth -- The Last Words of the Archbishop of Canterbury (1645) | William Laud -- England's Distemper (1645) | Christopher Love -- The Storming of Basing House (1645). God's Doings and Man's Duty (1646) | Hugh Peters -- Fear of Losing the old Light (1646) | Thomas Fuller -- Quintessence of the Gospel (1646) | Ralph Cudworth -- Flesh Expiring and the Spirit Inspiring (1648) | George Cokayne -- Comfort in Adversity (1648) | Henry Ferne -- God's Servant Oliver (1649) | Cromwell and Pseudo-Cromwell -- A Presbyterian Defiance from the Scaffold (1651) | Christopher Love -- Of Christian Prudence (1651). Lust for Revenge (1651). Of Growth in Sins (1651). The Righteous Cause Oppressed (1651). Flesh and Spirit (1653). The Glutton's Way (1653). Married Life (1653) | Jeremy Taylor -- Satan's Stratagems in the Heart (c. 1655) | Henry Hammond -- On the Death of Cromwell (1658) | George Lawrence -- The Redcoats Catechisme (1659). Good Counsel against Cold Weather (1659) | Anon -- Right Rejoicing (1660) | Richard Baxter -- David's Deliverance and Thanksgiving (1660) | William Sheldon -- A Sermon Upon His Majesty's Restoration (1660) | John Bramhall -- God's Message to His People (1660) | Gilbert Ironside. Responsibility: chosen and edited, with an introduction and annotations, by John Chandos."
Chapman, William, Notable Women of the Covenant: Their Lives and Times.
Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680), A Treatise of Divine Providence, 1680. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Chellis, William, Origins of American Covenanter Political Theology (National Reform Association). Probably available in a publication of the National Reform Association. However, NRA is currently dormant (May 3, 2018).
Author's Note: "This article is an excerpt from a larger paper on the place of God's law in Anglo-American Christendom."
Cheyne, A.C., The Ten Years' Conflict and the Disruption: An Overview, 1993, ISBN: 0707307422 9780707307428.
Cheyne, A.C., The Transforming of the Kirk: Victorian Scotland's Religious Revolution, 1983, ISBN: 0715205455 9780715205457.
*Church of Scotland, Covenantal Lawsuits of the Church of Scotland.
"The consequences of disobeying the covenant of God was suffering the severity of God's judgment. If the persecutors of the Scottish Church refused to repent, they would suffer excommunication. Knox and his followers knew that God himself would give victory to the Church. The sovereign judgment of God would come on their oppressors in some manner. Armed uprising was not the first priority of the Church. They were first to dispense with all effective means of Church discipline. But armed resistance, as a last means of self-defense, was never ruled out." -- see John Knox, The Reformation in Scotland, pp. 168,169,171,172.
*Church of Scotland, General Assembly, 1638-1649, The Acts of the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland, From the Year 1638 to the Year 1649 Inclusive, 1682. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #11.
"Exceedingly rare, these are the acts from what many consider the greatest general assembly gatherings since the days of the apostles. The work accomplished and ratified at these meetings has been called 'the most perfect model' of Presbyterial Church Government 'as yet attained.' Sitting during the momentous days of the Covenants (National and Solemn League), and the Westminster Assembly, this general assembly included the likes of Samuel Rutherford and George Gillespie. Judicially binding on covenanted Presbyterians (WCF 31:3), these Acts demonstrate how these godly leaders officially dealt with individual, family, ecclesiastical and civil Reformation (including national and international matters). Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that these rulings had major national and international ramifications in their day and that they still guide faithful Presbyterians at the close of the twentieth century (as terms of ministerial and Christian communion in the Reformed Presbyterian church). Moreover, they contain 'noble examples to be followed in testifying against all corruptions embodied in the constitutions of either churches or states.' (Reformed Presbytery, Act, Declaration and Testimony for the Whole of Our Covenanted Reformation, p. 216). Christ's Kingship has never since been so boldly and clearly proclaimed to the nations by a duly constituted general assembly -- neither has His rule and reign been upheld and actually embodied into the laws of a nation (civil and ecclesiastical), as it was during these days in Scotland. Much of this can be attributed to the work (humanly speaking), done by the ministers present while these Acts were debated and passed. Regarding doctrine, worship, government and discipline there are few books that will be as helpful -- especially to elders and those advanced in the faith. Additionally, if you want a glimpse at the heart of the Second Reformation this is one of the best places to look. It may also be considered 'the eye of the Puritan storm,' seeing that the Scottish Covenanters exerted such a godly influence among their English Presbyterian brothers (and the Westminster Assembly), during these days -- the two nations having covenanted with God (in the Solemn League and Covenant), for the international 'reformation and defense of religion . . . the peace and safety of the three kingdoms . . . the glory of God, and the advancement of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, etc.' Over 500 pages and indexed for easy reference to all major topics." -- Publisher
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, 1639, The Declinatour and Protestation of the Sometimes Pretended Bishops, Presented in the Face of the Last Assembly. Refuted and Found Futile, but Full of Insolent Reproaches, and Bold Assertions, 1639. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
"An exceedingly rare title marking the continuing rise, at critical juncture, of the covenanted Reformed Presbyterian church. Members of this General Assembly and signatories to this protestation include Samuel Rutherford, David Dickson, Robert Baillie and even James Sharp (who later apostasized to the camp of the Prelatical antichrist and persecuted [and murdered] the covenanters he once owned as brothers). This book refutes the charges of the prelates, while exposing their many errors (which included teaching Arminianism, Popery, conditional election, the power of free-will resisting effectual grace, that the Pope is not the Antichrist, that Rome is the true church [constitutionally], that worship is not regulated by the Word of God [the regulative principle], that the earlier reformers were deformers; and denying limited atonement, justification by faith alone, predestination, and a number of other revealed truths of Scripture.)" -- Publisher
*Church of Scotland, General Assembly, Commission, and A. Ker, Good Counsell Come From Scotland: or, A Solemn and Seasonable VVarning to all estates and degrees of persons throughout the land: for holding fast the League and Covenant with England, and avoyding every thing that may prove a snare and tentation to the breach thereof: by the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly. Edinb. 19. Decemb. 1646. The Commission of the General Assembly ordains this warning to be forthwith printed, and that thereafter it be sent to Presbyteries; requiring them, immediately after the receipt thereof, to cause every minister of their number read the same distinctly, and explain it to their people upon a Sabbath day in their severall kirks, and that they report accompt of their diligence with the first conveniencie: appointing in the mean time, that to morrow the same be read in all the kirks of this city, A. Ker, 1646. Available (RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 1646-1647), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), John W. Robbins (1949-2008, editor), Historiography: Secular and Religious, ISBN: 0940931397 9780940931398 (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 1994).
"The Christian doctrine of the sovereignty of God transformed the world's view of history, investing it with a meaning, importance, and grandeur that pagan historiography could never achieve. History is the unfolding of God's purpose and plan. Because God is rational, because God is sovereign, history is not a tale told by an idiot.
"The Bible is not only the earliest history book, it is also the most reliable. Centuries before the famed historians of Greece and Rome, Moses had already written the definitive account of mankind's early history as revealed to him by God. The account was not exhaustive, for no history can be, but it contained all that God wished it to contain and nothing else. God, writing through Moses, has given us true history.
"HISTORIOGRAPHY SECULAR AND RELIGIOUS will introduce the reader to the principles and problems of historiography and, in so doing, begin to suggest what an enormous debt we owe to the Bible in the study of history." -- Publisher
*Clarkson, Andrew, Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting From the Revolution-Church in Scotland: As Also, Their Principles Concerning Civil Government, and the difference betwixt the reformation and revolution principles. Published for confirming the weak, and informing of the misinformed in those matters. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #6, #24, #26.
"An exceedingly rare and important book now back in print after 265 years! The Contending Witness magazine (May, 1841), described PLAIN REASONS as 'the single best volume penned defending the principles of the Second Reformation.' It sets forth 'the grounds why Presbyterian Dissenters refused to hold communion with the revolution church and state.' (Reformed Presbytery, Act Declaration and Testimony for the Whole of Our Covenanted Reformation, p. 154). These principles still apply today and this still remains one of the best books explaining why and when an individual (our church), should separate itself from those (in church or state), who do not hold fast to all the attainments of our covenanted forefathers." -- Publisher
Clarkson, Andrew, Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting from the Revolution Church of Scotland. Also, Their Principles Concerning Civil Government, and the Difference Betwixt the Reformation and Revolution Principles, 1731.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/PlainTOC.htm
Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting From the Revolution Church of Scotland (A Short Article Holding Forth the Principles of the Book by the Same Name) excerpted from The Contending Witness, Vol. I., No. 1, April, 1841.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/magazine/contending_witness_plain_reasons_of_dissent.html
Clarkson, Andrew, The Reformed View of Schism
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Schism.htm
Clifford, N.K., Richard Baxter: A Study of Puritan Casuistical Divinity.
Collins, G.N.M. (George Norman Macleod Collins), The Heritage of our Fathers: The Free Church of Scotland: Her Origin and Testimony, 1974.
The Free Church of Scotland: Her Origin and Testimony
http://www.freechurch.org/heritage.html
Coleman, James M., The Spiritual View of the World, 1930.
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.
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
http://books.google.com/books?id=vp4OAAAAIAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
Cook, Thomas (pastor of Drayton Magna), A Testimony of the Ministers in the Province of Salop, to the Truth of Jesus Christ, and to the Solemn League and Covenant: as Also Against the Errors, heresies, and blasphemies of these times, and the toleration of them. Sent up to the ministers within the province of London, subscribers of the first testimony, 1648.
Copeland, E. Clark, The Church a Covenant Community as Seen in the Jerusalem Council . . . 1967.
Couper, William James, Records of Scottish Church History Society 5 (1935), 227-37, 6 (1938), 68-79, 183-92, 299-304, The Literature of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, ISSN: 0264-5572.
Couper, W.J., The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland: Its Congregations, Ministers and Students, 1925. Also available in:
Records of Scottish Church History Society 2 (1925), 45-6, 116-17, "The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland," ISSN: 0264-5572.
Couper, W.J., Richard Owen Roberts, et al., Scotland saw His Glory: A History of Revivals in Scotland, ISBN: 0926474162 9780926474161.
"Revivals are sometimes classed among movements that are due to ignorance, fanaticism, and unhealthy imitation. The story of Scottish revivals is inspiring for the role played by men of scholarship, wisdom, and prudence, and does much to remove the prejudice. Describing the effects of the revival in Easter Ross about the middle of the eighteenth century, Hugh Miller wrote that they were felt 'for more than eighty years after. There were few dwellings, however humble, in which regularly as the day rose and set, family worship was not kept; and in the course of an evening walk, the voice of Psalms might be heard from almost every hamlet.' What Hugh Miller wrote of his native district
rcould be said of many another place during the long history of revivals in Scotland." -- Publisher
Courtass, John (d. 1795), 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 Present Day (1876).
See: Reformed Presbytery of North America ("Steelite"), David Steele (1803-1887), John Thorburn (1730?-1788), John Courtass (d. 1795), et al., Act, Declaration, and Testimony, for the Whole of the Covenanted Reformation, as Attained to, and Established in, Britain and Ireland; Particularly Betwixt the Years 1638 and 1649 . . .
https://archive.org/details/actdeclarationte00refo
Covenanted General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Directions of the General Assembly Concerning Secret and Private Worship, and Mutual Edification, For Cherishing Piety, For Maintaining Unity, and Avoiding Schism and Division, 1647. Alternate title: FAMILY WORSHIP: MR. THOMAS MANTON'S EPISTLE TO THE READER OF THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH AND LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS.
*Covenanted General Assembly of the Church of Scotland (Alexander Peterkin, editor), Records of the Kirk of Scotland, Containing the Acts and Proceedings of the Generals Assemblies, From the Year 1638 Downwards, as Authenticated by the Clerks of Assembly; With Notes and Historical Illustrations, by Alexander Peterkin (1838 edition), 648 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10 and #11.
" 'The object of the present work is to present to the public, in a form that may be generally accessible, the history of one of the most interesting periods in the annals of our National Church, by the republication of the Acts and Proceedings, at and subsequent to the era of her Second Reformation; and, combined therewith, such historical documents and sketches as are calculated to preserve the memory of an important, and, ultimately beneficial revolution, notes Peterkin in his introduction. This is one the most valuable publications we offer related to Second Reformation history and the many important questions that were debated (and oftentimes settled), during this watershed period -- before, during and after the sitting of the Westminster Assembly. It also contains some indispensable information on the Protester/Resolutioner controversy (which reveals many valuable lessons for Reformed Christians today), including excerpts from some lost books and papers written by the Protesting Covenanters. The excerpts from James Guthrie's The Waters of Sihor, or the Lands Defectione, in which Guthrie enumerates the errors of the Resolutioners, as well as the marks of malignancy, is one prime example. Other rare Protester documents (inveighing against the 'pretended Assemblies' of the Resolutioners), signed by the likes of Samuel Rutherford and Robert Traill are also included. Very rare and very valuable -- a gold mine for the serious student of the Second Reformation!" -- Publisher
*Covenanted General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and Others, Official Acts, Declarations, Protestations, etc., Concerning the Covenanted Reformation, 686 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Contains 24 rare documents from the period 1638-1650. One document, 'The Act of Covenant Renovation' (1880) by the Reformed Presbytery (which was a faithful renewal of the National Covenant and the Solemn League and Covenant [adapted to the present time], with a confession of public sins), is added from outside this period to illustrate the continuing obligations that rest upon the moral person (civilly and ecclesiastically). Among the seventeenth century documents we find much (from both the church and the state), that relates to the central place that covenanting played in the Second Reformation. We also find various authoritative international testimonies against Popery, Prelacy and Schism (i.e. Independency, Cromwell, etc.), and for biblical covenanted uniformity, divine right Presbyterian church government, and apostolic worship.
"Military documents related to the Second Reformation are also added. One proclamation by Charles I is even included, to illustrate Royalist opposition to Reformation." -- Publisher
Covenanter Witness, The, Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, and Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Synod., The Covenanter Witness, 1928 -- Present. ISSN: 0749-4319.
Cowan, E.J., Montrose, for Covenant and King, ISBN: 0297772090 9780297772095.
Cowan, Henry, The Influence of the Scottish Church in Christendom, 1896.
Cowan, Ian Borthwick, The Later Scottish Covenanters, 1660-88, ISBN: 0575021055 9780575021051.
Cowan, Ian Borthwick, The Scottish Reformation: Church and Society in Sixteenth Century Scotland, ISBN: 0312705190 9780312705190.
Craig, John (1512-1600), Communion Catechism, 1592.
Craig, John, Communion Catechism, 1592
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/communca.htm
Craighead, Ernest Schwartz (b. 1888), Craighead Ministers: In Ulster and Colonial America, Scotch-Irish Presbyterian, 1633-1799, 3 volumes (Pittsburgh, PA: E.S. Craighead, 1954).
Named Person: Craighead family (Alexander Craighead, 1707-1766), Craighead, Alexander, 1707-1766.
Note(s): Typescript and mimeograph./ Chronology, chronology supplement and genealogy of Rev. Alexander Craighead, his eight children and their descendants.
Crookshank, William (1712-1769), The History of the State and Sufferings of the Church of Scotland, From the Restoration to the Revolution. With an Introduction, . . . by William Crookshank, . . . In two volumes. . . . Vol. 1. London, 1749.
"William Crookshank (1712-1769), Scottish Presbyterian minister of a church in London. 'Crookshank is notable for his translation of Herman Witsius' classic work of federal theology, THE OECONOMY OF THE COVENANTS, and for producing an abridgement of Robert Wodrow's History entitled THE HISTORY OF THE STATE AND SUFFERINGS OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, 2 vols 1749'." (Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology.
"This volume begins in 1679 just before the rising at Bothwell and ends in 1688 with the execution of Mr. James Renwick and the 'glorious revolution'."
*Cunningham, John (1819-1893), The Church History of Scotland: From the Commencement of the Christian Era to the Present Time, 1882, 2nd edition, 2 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
"Few people are as well qualified to write such a history as the author of these volumes. Provides a vivid recounting of the struggle for independence and religious freedom." -- Cyril J. Barber
Cunningham, William (1805-1861), Discussions on Church Principles: Popish, Erastian, and Presbyterian.
Cunningham, Discussions on Church Principles: Popish, Erastian, and Presbyterian
http://archive.org/details/discussionsonchu00cunnuoft
Cunningham, William (1805-1861), Lecture on the Nature and Lawfulness of Union Between Church and State: Delivered at Edinburgh on the 27th November, 1834: Being the First of a Series of Lectures, at the Request of "The Edinburgh Young Men's Association for the Promoting the Interests of the Church of Scotland".
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), The Scottish Reformation, Tercentenary of. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'Contains papers read at this commemoration in August of 1860 by Cunningham, Begg, Symington, Hetherington, M'Crie, Wylie, Binnie and others. Notes that 'Next to the advent of our blessed Saviour, the Reformation from Popery is the most remarkable and glorious event recorded in modern history.' Shows how the Reformation affected every area of life in Scotland." -- Publisher
Cunningham, William (1805-1861), Sermons From 1828 to 1860. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
Cunningham, William (1805-1861), The Tercentenary of the Scottish Reformation. Available in James A. Wylie and James Begg, TERCENTENARY OF THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION: AS COMMEMORATED AT EDINBURGH, AUGUST 1860.
Cunningham, William (1805-1861), and Reg Barrow, Apostolic Presbyterianism
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/ApoPresby.htm
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), James Buchanan, and James Bannerman The Reformers and the Theology of the Reformation, 2 volumes.
Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), The Attractions of Popery. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #15.
Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), Prelacy a Blunder,
Danner, D.G., Christopher Goodman and the English Protestant Tradition of Civil Disobedience, Sixteenth Century Journal 8 (1977), 61-73, ISSN: 0361-0160.
*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
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), and William Wilson, Memoirs of the Church of Scotland, in Four Periods. . . . With an Appendix, of Some Transactions Since the Union, 1717. Alternate title: MEMOIR OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, FROM THE REFORMATION TO THE UNION, 1717.
Dick, James, The Authority of Christ Over the Individual, the Church, and the Nation.
Dick, James, The Headship of Christ: A Discourse on Rev. XIX. 12: "On His Head Were Many Crowns." [Revelation 19:12]
Dick, James, and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Synod, Civil Rulers Serving the Lord, or, The Scriptural Doctrine of National Religion: A Sermon, Preached at the Opening of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod of Scotland, May 15th, 1882.
Dick, James, and the Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland). Synod. Publication Committee, The Descending Obligation of the British Covenants.
Dick, John (d. 1684), Confessions of Faith Shown to be Necessary, and the Duty of Churches With Respect to Them Explained, in a Sermon, preached in the meeting-house in Bristo-Street, at the opening of the Associate Synod, April 26th 1796, Edinburgh, 1796.
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.
Dickson, David (1583-1663), and James Durham, The Sum of Saving Knowledge: With the Practical use Thereof. Alternate title: A BRIEF SUM OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE CONTAINED IN HOLY SCRIPTURES AND HOLDEN FORTH IN THE CONFESSION OF FAITH AND CATECHISM AGREED UPON BY THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER AND RECEIVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND. Available (SELECT PRACTICAL WRITINGS OF DAVID DICKSON, VOL. 1) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Sum of Saving Knowledge
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/the-sum-of-saving-knowledge
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
*Dickson, David (1583-1663), and Robert Wodrow (1679-1734), Truth's Victory Over Error: A Commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith. Alternate title: TRUTH'S VICTORY OVER ERROR: OR, THE TRUE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, STATED AND VINDICATED . . . BY THE LATE . . . DAVID DICKSON, . . . TO THIS EDITION IS PREFIXED, A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR'S LIFE, BY . . . ROBERT WODROW . . . KILMARNOCK, 'THE TRUE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, STATED AND VINDICATED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING HERESIES, VIZ, ARIANS, ARMINIANS, ANABAPTISTS, ANTINOMIANS, BROWNISTS, DONATISTS, EPICURIANS, EUTYCHIANS, ERASTIANS, FAMILISTS, JESUITS, INDEPENDENTS, LIBERTINES, MANICHEANS, PELAGIANS, PAPISTS, QUAKERS, SOCINIANS, SABELLIANS, SCEPTICS, VANINIANS, ETC. THE WHOLE BEING A COMMENTARY ON ALL THE CHAPTERS OF THE (Westminster -- RB), CONFESSION OF FAITH, BY WAY OF QUESTION AND ANSWER: IN WHICH, THE SAVING TRUTHS OF OUR HOLY RELIGION ARE CONFIRMED AND ESTABLISHED; AND THE DANGEROUS ERRORS AND OPINIONS OF ITS ADVERSARIES DETECTED AND CONFUTED . . . TO THIS EDITION IS PREFIXED, A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR'S LIFE, BY THE LATE MR. ROBERT WODROW', " ISBN: 0851519490 9780851519494. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Dickson, David, Truth's Victory Over Error
http://www.truecovenanter.com/dickson/truthsvictory.html
Of Justification, from David Dickson's TRUTH'S VICTORY OVER ERROR
http://www.truecovenanter.com/dickson/truthsvictory11.html
Dickson, David (1583-1663), and Robert Wodrow (1679-1734, short account of the Reverend Mr. David Dickson), Truth's Victory Over Error, or, the True Principles of the Christian Religion, Stated and Vindicated Against the Following Heresies, viz. Arians . . . Vaninians, &c. The whole being a commentary on all the chapters of the Confession of Faith, by way of question and answer: in which, the saving truths of our holy religion are confirmed and established; and the dangerous errors and opinions of its adversaries detected and confuted, 1764
Bound with the author's: TRUE CHRISTIAN LOVE.
https://archive.org/details/truthove00dick
Dickinson, William Croft, A Source Book of Scottish History, 3 volumes, 1958.
Dill, James Renwick, Christian Government and the Sabbath.
Dodds, James (1813-1874), The Fifty Years' Struggle of the Scottish Covenanters 1638-1688, fifth edition. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'This volume does not pretend to be an exhaustive History of the Period selected, or properly a History at all. It is only a series of descriptive Sketches, meant to represent in outline the successive phases of the Covenanting Struggle. The subject is a noble one for a History, having an epic completeness -- a beginning, middle, and end -- with it clearly-defined half century . . . The main body of the Narrative has been based on a careful collation of the best authorities -- those contemporary or nearly contemporary with the events . . . I have also had the privilege . . . of examining the documents of the period in the State Paper Office,' notes the author. Indexed." -- Publisher
Dodds, James (1813-1874), The Fifty Years' Struggle of the Scottish Covenanters, 1638-88, 1860
http://archive.org/details/fiftyyearsstrugg00dodd
Dodds, James (1813-1874), Lays of the Covenanters, 1880.
Dodds, Robert J., A Condensed Argument for the Exclusive use of an Inspired Psalmody, 1879.
Donald, P.H., An Uncounselled King: Charles I and the Scottish Troubles, 1637-1641, 1991, ISBN: 0521372356 9780521372350.
Donaldson, George, The Scottish Reformation, ISBN: 9780521086752 0521086752 9780521072847 0521072840.
"A brilliantly written treatment of the way in which Protestantism was established in Scotland." -- Cyril J. Barber
Donaldson, Gordon, Scottish Presbyterian Exiles in England, 1584-5, Records of Scottish Church History Society 14 (1962), 67-80, ISSN: 0264-5572.
Donaldson, Gordon, Scotland: James V to James VII, 1971, ISBN: 0064917401.
Donaldson, Gordon, Scottish Church History, ISBN: 0707303613 9780707303611.
Donaldson, Gordon, and Robert S. Morpeth, A Dictionary of Scottish History, ISBN: 0859760189 9780859760188.
Donaldson, Gordon, and Robert Morpeth Who's Who in Scottish History, ISBN: 1860570054 9781860570056.
Douglas, James, D., Light in the North: The Story of the Scottish Covenanters.
Douglas, James, A Second Statement of Facts, Relative to the Session of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, New York, and the Writer James Douglas, 1823. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Historical information on the judicial tyranny in the RPCNA in the 1820's." -- Publisher
Douglas, Robert (1594-1674, moderator), A Declaration or Remonstrance From the Kingdom of Scotland to Their Well Beloved Brethren in England, 1647. Alternate title: A REMONSTRANCE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND TO HIS MAJESTIE.
Dow, F.D., Cromwellian Scotland, 1651-1660, 1979, ISBN: 0859760499 9780859760492 0859765105 9780859765107.
Downie, Robert Mager, The Kingdom of Christ, What is it? With Diagrams, 1915.
Drew University. Library., [Reformed Presbyterian Church Pamphlet Collection].
"Contents: Minutes / Alliance of the Reformed Church throughout the World Holding the Presbyterian System. Executive Commission. Western Section (1902) | Address to the members and congregations of the Reformed Presbyterian Church / Anderson, William | Short directory for religious societies, drawn up by appointment of the Reformed Presbytery / Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (1802-1822), (1840) | The everlasting kingdom, a discourse on the mediatorial dominion of Jesus Christ / Black, John (1848) | Remarks on a pamphlet entitled The consistory, an inquiry into the nature and effects of a consistory in the Reformed Presbyterian Church / Bradford, W. (1842) | The Christian's work / Calderwood, William (1856) | The worship of the Lord in his sanctuary / Duff, Alexander (1854) | Why we are covenanters; the witnessing church, the ideal church / Foster, J.M. (1903) | The American Reformed covenanter, vol. 2, nos. 5 and 6 / Gailey, Francis (1840) | A narrative of recent occurrences within the bounds of the Eastern Subordinate Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church / Gibson, Robert (1834) | Reply to the Reverend John Gibson and others / Gibson, Robert (1833) | Strictures on a pamphlet, published by a minority of the Eastern Subordinate Synod, of the Reformed Presbyterian Church / Gibson, Robert (1832) | Present duty / Gray, James (1809) | The jubilee trumpet / Herron, David (1855) | A sermon / Herron, S.P. (1862) | Elective franchise; or, why Reformed Presbyterians do not vote at parliamentary or municipal elections / Lawson, J.R. (1878) | Anti-deacon; a candid examination of the deacon question / McKee, Charles (1843) | The little flock possessing the kingdom; or, true religion controlling the world / McLeod, John Niel (1854) | The great subject of the Christian ministry / McMaster, Gilbert (1852) | The rights of God / M'Kinney, James (1833) | The royal priesthood of messiah / Newell, John (1858) | The scriptural deacon; an inquiry into the distinct rights of the officers and people in the management of the temporal concerns of the church, by a Committee man / Nightingale, John (1845) | The seventh commandment / Reed, Edward Allen (1883) | Original draft of a pastoral address ... to the people under their immediate inspection / Reformed Presbyterian Church. Eastern Subordinate Synod (1832) | Form of covenant renovation / Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Synod (1855) | The higher law; or, the law of the most high / Roberts, William L. (1851) | Narrative of the division of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, U.S., 1833 / Scott, David (1863) | Attachment to Zion / Shaw, J.W. (1852) | God's judgments, and thanksgiving sermons / Sloane, J.R.W. (1858) | The word; a discourse delivered at the opening of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod / Sloane, J.R.W. (1858) | The true deaconship; or, strictures on a pamphlet entitled The scriptural deacon, &c. / Smith, David (1847) | Shall all be saved? The doctrine of endless punishment proved, and objections to it answered in two sermons / Sproull, Thos. (1856) | Statement of some recent transactions in the Southern Reformed Presbytery, addressed to the members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church and the Christian community (1833) | Declaration and testimony for the present truth / Steele, David (1864) | Minutes of proceedings of the Reformed Presbytery, at Brush Creek, Adams County, Ohio, 1840 / Steele, David (1840) | The two witnesses: their cause, number, character, furniture and special work / Steele, David (1859) | The Bible: the safe-guard of the nation / Steele, Richard H. (1857) | The christology of St. John / Thompson, John B (1877) | The healing of the nobleman's son / Tiffany, Otis H. (1860) | Sermons / Tiffany, Otis H. and George D. Cummins (1860) | Was Jesus a reformer? / Willson, D.B. (1910) | The deacon: an inquiry into the nature, duties, and exercise of the office of the deacon in the Christian church / Willson, James M. (1841) | Prince Messiah's claims to dominion over all governments: and the disregard of his authority by the United States in the federal constitution / Willson, James M. (1848) | Social religious covenanting / Willson, James M. (1856) | Truth: a sermon on steadfast adherence to the distinctive doctrines of the church / Willson, Samuel M. (1833) | The blessedness of a nation whose God is Jehovah / Wilson, William (1841) | The church and the new age / Wilson, William (1831) | The handful of mountain corn, and the prospect which the season and soil present to the church of God of an abundant harvest / Wilson, William (1831) | Ministerial heroism: a sermon preached at the ordination and installation of the Reverend David Herron / Wilson, William (1850) | Protest, against the action of the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, in the case of the Pittsburgh Presbytery / Wilson, William (1850) | Witnessing; or, our distinct denominational position | Truth's pillar; or, the church and her mission / Wylie, Samuel O. (1856) | Appendix [laying the corner-stone of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia] / Wylie, Theodorus W.J. (1854) | The God of our fathers; a discourse delivered at the opening of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Broad Street, Philadelphia / Wylie, Theodorus W.J. (1854)."
Dryerre, J. Meldrum, Heroes and Heroines of the Scottish Covenanters, 1925.
Drynan, Pamela, Concetta Russo, Ichthus Audio Video Ministries, Christian Faith Ministries (Fraserburgh, Scotland), and Gateway Films, Scottish Covenanters, 1998, DVD.
This video presents a penetrating look at a movement in 17th-century Scotland that is little known today. The Scottish Covenanters fought long and hard for the crown rights and prerogatives of Christ over His Church with devastating results upon themselves. They suffered fierce opposition that left them bereft of property and possessions. Hundreds died during these years as the State Records show. They were counted as outlaws, rebels and fanatics in order to procure our freedom." -- Publisher
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
Durkan, John, Stephen Rawles, Nigel Thorp, George Buchanan, and University of Glasgow, Library, George Buchanan: (1506-1582): Renaissance Scholar and Friend of Glasgow University: A Quartercentenary Exhibition: Glasgow University Library, 17 May -- 7 August 1982, ISBN: 0852611714 9780852611715.
Elazar, Daniel Judah, Covenant and Commonwealth: From Christian Separation Through the Protestant Reformation, ISBN: 1560002085 9781560002086.
Elder, John Rawson, The Highland Host of 1678, 1914, ISBN: 131405127X 9781314051278.
Elliott, Delber H., Covenanter Evangelism, 1920.
English Parliament, Ordinance for Settling Presbyterial Government in the Church of England, 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
English Parliament, A.H. Scoto-Britan, A Declaration of the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament Concerning the Papers of the Scotts Commissioners, 1647. Alternate title: A BITTE TO STAY THE STOMACKS OF GOOD SUBIECTS, OR, A SUDDAINE AND SHORT VINDICATION OF THE SCOTTS COMMISSIONERS PAPERS INTITULED, THE ANSWER OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE KINGDOME OF SCOTLAND, &C. FROM THE IMPUTATIONS LAID UPON THEM, IN THE DECLARATION OF THE LORDS AND COMMONS ASSEMBLED IN PARLIAMENT, CONCERNING THE PAPERS OF THE SCOTS COMMISSIONERS, &C.
Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), Ralph Erskine, James Fisher, and others, The Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism Explained, by way of Question and Answer, 1753, ISBN: 1579107915 9781579107918. Alternate title: FISHER'S CATECHISM -- THE GREAT SCOTTISH COMMENTARY ON THE WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Erskine, Ralph (1685-1752), Covenanted Grace for Covenanting Work: A Sermon Preached at Stirling, December 28, 1743, in the Evening of That day, on Which the Ministers of the Associate Presbytery did, With Uplifted Hands, Solemnly Renew the National Covenants, 1865 Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
Erskine, Ralph, The Sermons and Other Practical Works of the Late Reverend Ralph Erskine, Dunfermline, vol. 1, 1865
http://archive.org/details/sermonsotherpr01ersk
Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), Ralph Erskine, William Wilson, and Others, A Publick Testimony; Being the Representation and Petition of a Considerable Number of Christian People . . . Presented . . . to the General Assembly . . . Anent Grievances, 1732. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Escott, Anne, Census Returns and old Parochial Registers on Microfilm: A Directory of Public Library Holdings in the West of Scotland, ISBN: 0906169062 9780906169063 0906169143 9780906169148.
*Fairly, John (1729-1806), An Humble Attempt in Defense of Reformation Principles; Particularly on the Head of the Civil Magistrate. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"The title continues: 'Wherein the gross falsehoods, calumnies, and imposed sense, palmed by Mr. John Goodlet, upon the Testimony emitted by the Reformed Presbytery, are exposed and confuted; and said Testimony vindicated. As also, the seceding scheme of political principles more fully detected;-- and discovered to be inconsistent with the law of nature, light of divine revelation, and covenanted testimony of the Church of Scotland.' Goold, in his THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SCOTLAND: ITS ORIGIN AND HISTORY 1680-1876, writes of Fairly and this book, 'He was very zealous and outspoken in his maintenance of Church principles, and unsparing in his condemnation and exposure of the shortcomings of other denominations. This caused him to be both feared and disliked by many outside of his own communion; yet by the ministers who were nearest his residence, and who came most frequently in contact with him, he was greatly esteemed. He was fearless of consequences in the discharging of his duties. On one occasion, when in Ireland, his scathing exposure of Popery so irritated the Catholics, that three of them resolved to disturb his next meeting by musical instruments (and remember no faithful Presbyterian used this 'badge of Popery' -- musical instruments -- in their public meetings -- RB). They came prepared to do this, but were so overcome by the grave dignity of the man, and by the truth he spoke, that they could do nothing but quietly listen. Two of them, it is said, became earnest Protestants. On another occasion he denounced 'unpreaching bishops,' and declared that his Lordship of Bangor was worse than Balaam's ass, which spoke once at least, and rebuke the madness of the prophet. Some were so highly offended that they resolved to waylay and stone the preacher. Mr. Fairly was aware of this, but refused to change his route. As he approached the ambuscade, a dispute arose as to his identity; some held that it was the object of their hate, others said, 'No, never a bit of him; who ever saw a mountain minister ride such a good horse?' and while they disputed he got beyond their reach. One who knew him writes thus: 'I had some knowledge of the elder Fairley; he fearlessly attacked the reigning follies of his age, and preached the Gospel in a familiar but forcible style of eloquence. In his great field days, and when contending for the Testimony of the Martyrs, he was unsparing in the use of arrows, oft broke a lance with the Pope, and drove rusty nails into our venerable Establishment, and lashed the Secession and Relief for their declensions.' so pointed was his dealing with the sins of the times, that many left his meetings when he came to the application of his discourse . . . He took part in the controversy with the Seceders, and published a pamphlet in reply to Goodlet, the Anti-burgher minister of Sanquhar, in which he gives a scathing exposure of the weakness and inconsistency of his opponent, and directs against him all his resources of humour and sarcasm, as well as the weightier weapons of solid argument. But it was in proclaiming the riches of the glorious Gospel to cast audiences under the open canopy of heaven, that the power of Fairley was fully disclosed. He was undoubtedly the preacher among the 'Four Johns.' He had a commanding presence, a well-furnished mind, and a fluent and forcible utterance; and when he warmed to his grand theme, his words moved the hearts of the crowds that had gathered around him, and many owned him as their spiritual father.' (pp. 221-222). This book (of 283 pages), is another Reformed Presbyterian classic!" -- Publisher
Faris, David S., A Defense of the old School Covenanters as Dissenters From the United States Constitution, 1864.
Faris, Jerri, Covenanters of Scotland: A History for Children, ISBN: 1884527124 9781884527128.
*Fentiman, Travis (editor, annotation, introduction), All of George Gillespie's Writings on Christ's Mediatorial Kingdom is the Church Only, e-text only (September 4, 2017)
"George Gillespie, the Westminster divine, (while being able to affirm this Group's Description) has the most in-depth writings on the majority puritan view that Christ's Mediatorial Kingdom is the Church only. Now collected and published for the first time in a contemporary format with explanatory notes.
"As a bonus, these writings are also the classic delineation of the Establishment Principle, the Biblical relation between Church and State.
"If one does not agree with Gillespie's viewpoint, this should still be a helpful resource as his writings on the subject are often neglected and unread due to not (until now) being collected in a convenient, contemporary format." -- Publisher
https://reformedtheologybooks.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/gillespie-george-christs-mediatorial-kingdom-is-the-church-only.pdf
Ferguson, Samuel (of Waterside Londonderry), and Eull Dunlop, William Stavely: Samuel Ferguson's "brief biographical sketch" and other material on the Ferniskey man (1743-1825), known as the Apostle of the Covenanters. ISBN: 187324312X 9781873243121.
Fields, S. Helen, and Henry Paton, Index of the Register of Rev. John MacMillan of Marriages and Baptisms Solemnized by Him Among the Cameronian Societies, 1706 to 1751.
Notes: The index gives parishes, villages and shires (leaves 1-11); marriages (leaves 12-21), giving names, date, residence and original register page; baptisms (leaves 22-122), giving name, father, sponsor, date, residence and original register page; names not to be found in alphabetical order (leaves 123-135); errata (2 leaves).
"In 1934 the writer published a REGISTER OF MARRIAGES AND BAPTISMS PERFORMED BY REV. JOHN CUTHBERTSON, 1751 TO 1791. Doctor Cuthbertson was also a Covenanter, sent to America by the Church of Scotland to minister to those of the same faith, and from his landing at New Castle, Delaware, on August 5, 1751, until his death on March 10, 1791, he recorded in a book similar to the one used by Rev. John MacMillan, marriages, baptisms, etc., performed by him. Many similar surnames are in both Registers." -- Publisher
First International Convention of Reformed Presbyterian Churches: Scotland, June 27-July 3, 1896, First International Convention of Reformed Churches, 1896.
Fiske, John, The Beginnings of New England, or, the Puritan Theocracy in its Relations to Civil and Religious Liberty, 1902, ISBN: 0781228492.
Fissel, Mark Charles, The Bishops' Wars: Charles I's Campaigns Against Scotland, 1638-1640, ISBN: 0521345200 9780521345200 0521466865 9780521466868, 1994.
Flint, Robert, Christ's Kingdom Upon Earth: A Series of Discourses, 1865, ISBN: 0790536749 9780790536743.
Christ's Kingdom Upon Earth: A Series of Discourses
http://archive.org/details/christskingdomup00flin
Forbes, John (1593-1648), and William Scot, An Apologetical Narration of the State and Government of the Kirk of Scotland Since the Reformation. Certaine Records Touching the Estate of the Kirk in the Years 1605 and 1606.
Forrester, Thomas, John Scott, and Alexander Monro, The Hierarchical Bishops Claim to a Divine Right, Tried at the Scripture-bar, or, A Consideration of the Pleadings for Prelacy: From Pretended Scriptural Arguments, presented and offered by Dr. Scott, in his book intituled, The Christian life, part II, A.M., D.D. in his Enquiry into the New Opinions, &c., and by the author of the second part of the Survey of Naphtali. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
Foster, Finley Milligan, History of the Decline and Extinction of Psalm-singing in the Presbyterian Church.
Foster, Finley Milligan, In Memory of Scotland's Martyrs: Lectures Delivered June 20th and 27th, and July 4th, 1880, ISBN: 0524050783 9780524050781.
Foster, J.M., The Nations of the World are Satanized, 1919.
Foster, J.M., and the Second Reformed Presbyterian Church (Boston, MA.), Distinctive Principles of the Covenanters, 1892. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2, #25.
Foster, Walter Roland, The Church Before the Covenants: the Church of Scotland, 1596-1638, 1975, ISBN: 0701121297 9780701121297.
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
Free Church of Scotland, General Assembly. Memorial Volume.
*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
Furgol, Edward M., A Regimental History of the Covenanting Armies, 1639-1651. ISBN: 0859761940 9780859761949.
Includes bibliographical references (pp. 426-436), and index.
Gardiner, Samuel Rawson (editor), The Constitutional Documents of the Puritan Revolution 1628-1660, 1906. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
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."
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.
Gee, Edward (1613-1660), The Divine Right and Original of the Civill Magistrate From God, as it is drawn by the Apostle S. Paul in those words, Rom. 13.1 [Romans 13:1]. There is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God illustrated and vindicated in a treatise (chiefly) upon that text. Wherein the procedure of political dominion from God, by his ordination . . . is endevored truly and plainly to be laid open. Written for the service of that eminent truth, order, justice, and peace which the said text, in its genuine sense, holdeth forth, and supporteth: and for the dissolving of sundry important doubts, and mistakes about it. By Edward Gee minister of the Gospel at Eccleston in the County Palatine of Lancaster. Alternate title: THE DIUINE RIGHT AND ORIGINALL OF THE CIUILL MAGISTRATE FROM GOD. Running title reads: THE MAGISTRATES ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATED AND VINDICATED.
General Associate Synod (Scotland), Narrative and Testimony Agreed Upon and Enacted by the General Associate Synod: Together With an act Respecting Procedure in Covenanting Work, Copies of the National Covenant and Solemn League, an act concerning an acknowledgment of sins, profession of faith and engagement to duties, with the formula.
*Geneva Bible Notes, 1599
The GENEVA BIBLE contained "marginal notes which were heavily influenced by John Calvin, John Knox, and many other leaders of the Reformation. The GENEVA BIBLE was the predominant English translation during the period in which the English and Scottish Reformations gained great impetus. Iain Murray, in his classic work on revival and the interpretation of prophecy, THE PURITAN HOPE, notes that, 'the two groups in England and Scotland developed along parallel lines, like two streams originating at one fountain. The fountain was not so much Geneva, as the Bible which the exiles newly translated and issued with many marginal notes . . . it was read in every Presbyterian and Puritan home in both realms.' (p. 7). This time also saw the rise of the forces for covenanted Reformation against the corruption and abuses of prelacy and the royal factions. Darkness was dispelled as people read this Bible and saw for themselves that there is no authority above the Holy Scriptures.
"Although most people today have never heard of the GENEVA BIBLE, it was so popular from 1560 to 1644 that it went through 140 plus printings. The reason for its popularity among the faithful is obvious: the marginal notes promoted a full-orbed, nation-changing Protestantism. . . !
" 'By 1599, the GENEVA BIBLE . . . added many Calvinist annotations for household use' (Bremer, The Puritan Experiment, p. 12). A number of the notes argued for family worship and instruction by the head of the household. Puritanism in the British Isles is known as an effort to continue the Reformation of the church in the area of worship and church government. However, the Puritans also sought to reform the family life according to Biblical principles . . . as a result of their efforts they 'were creators of the English Christian marriage, the English Christian family, and the English Christian home'." (J.I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness, p. 260) -- Publisher
1599 Geneva Bible Notes
http://www.reformedreader.org/gbn/en.htm
For other GENEVA NOTES text see the following:
*King James Bible With the Geneva Bible Notes, 1672.*KING JAMES BIBLE WITH THE GENEVA BIBLE NOTES, 1672,
1599 GENEVA BIBLE, Tolle Lege Press restoration,
THE 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, TOLLE LEGE ONLINE EDITION,
"1599 GENEVA BIBLE, Tolle Lege Press Restoration, Fourth Printing, 2008, Probable Errata Listing," and
"A Resolution That Tolle Lege Press and White Hall Press of Chicago Complete the Limited Modernization of the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE Begun in 2004."
George, R.J., "Christ's," or Separation From Christless Governments: Should Separation From Christless Governments be Made a Condition of Membership in the Christian Church? 1900.
George, R.J., Close Communion. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
George, R.J., The Covenanter Vision, 1917. Alternate title: LECTURES IN PASTORAL THEOLOGY, THIRD SERIES: THE COVENANTER VISION. ISBN: 0524074216 9780524074213. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
George, R.J., Instrumental Music a Corruption of New Testament Worship. Available (PDF and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #16.
George, R.J., Lecture in Pastoral Theology, First Series: The Covenanter Pastor, 1911, ISBN: 0524074208 9780524074206.
George, R.J., Political Dissent: Defending Covenanter Dissent and Separation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
George, R.J., Psalmody: Is the use of Uninspired Songs in the Worship of God Authorised?
George, R.J., Psalmody: The Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Bible.
Gib, Adam, The Present Truth: A Display of the Secession-testimony; In the Three Periods of the Rise, State, and Maintenance of That Testimony. In Two Volumes, Vol. 1. Edinburgh, 1774.
Gilfillan, George (1813-1878), The Martyrs and Heroes of the Scottish Covenant, 10th edition, 1914.
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Ezekiel's Vision of Millennial Glory, Preparation for Coming Reformation and a Remedy for Backsliding and Lukewarmness. Available (THE PURITAN FAST SERMONS, 1640-1652, THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE, and as two MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (two MP3 files), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"This sermon was originally preached to England's House of Commons 'At Their Late Solemn Fast, Wednesday, March 27, 1644.' It is taken from volume one of Gillespie's two volume WORKS. It gives great insight into the covenanted unity, uniformity and worldwide Reformation sought by the majority of the Westminster Divines and the best of the civil leaders of Gillespie's day. Gillespie searchingly deals with the individual, the church and the state, while painting a Scriptural picture of prophesied earthly victory (Isa. 2:2-5 [Isaiah 2:2-5], Ezek. 47:1-12 [Ezekiel 47:1-12], etc.) -- in classic historicist postmillennial style -- which is sure to stir even the coldest Christian heart. He shows how the worst disease the land can suffer is corruption in religion (particularly as exhibited in false worship), rebukes those opposing the Solemn League and Covenant and calls upon all to maintain (and even improve upon), the Reformation attainments whereunto we have already attained. (Phil. 3:16 [Philippians 3:16]). It is also interesting to note, especially since this sermon was preached before civil rulers, that though Gillespie points out the need for humility, repentance, prayer, tears, godly affections, sanctified minds and honorable actions, he does not forget to mention the importance of a covenanted army in this great cause of Christ's Covenanted Reformation. Also noted is the destruction of Antichrist, the calling and conversion of the Jews (Rom. 11 [Romans 11]), the two witnesses and the 1260 year apostasy. Gillespie closes with an appeal to the English House of Commons, with whom the Scots had 'joined in covenant and in arms,' to be faithful 'according to the word he (God -- RB), hath covenanted with you (i.e. in the Solemn League and Covenant -- RB), so his spirit remaineth among you' -- exhorting these magistrates to fear not but to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. This is classic Covenanter preaching, among the best sermons you may ever hear!" -- Publisher
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Faces About; or, A Recrimination Charged Upon Mr. John Goodwin, in the Point of Fighting Against God, and Opposing the way of Christ, 1644. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Forbidden Alliances: Idolaters, Infidels, Associations and Confederacies with Heretics, or Any Other Known Enemies of Truth and Godliness. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available 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).
This is a pamphlet written by the Scottish Commissioner to the Westminster Assembly.
Forbidden Alliances, George Gillespie
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Forbiddn.htm
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), George Gillespie Refutes Roger Williams, the Donatists, and Sectarianism. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in GILLESPIE'S WHOLESOME SEVERITY RECONCILED WITH CHRISTIAN LIBERTY.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/GilRefWil.htm
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Notes of Debates and Proceedings of the Assembly of Divines and Other Commissioners at Westminster, February 1664 to 1645, 1846.
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Reformation's Refining Fire; or, Iconoclastic Zeal Necessary to World Reformation by George Gillespie, audio file. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also found in volume one of GILLESPIE'S WORKS.
"This sermon, read by elder Lyndon Dohms, was originally preached to the House of Lords in the abbey church at Westminster during the days of the Westminster Assembly (on August 27, 1645). It deals with Malachi 3:2 and can also be found in volume one of GILLESPIE'S WORKS. The reading is approximately 80 minutes in length and for content this is likely the best sermon that we have ever carried. The glory of Christ is magnified in a soul stirring manner and at a level which is seldom (if ever), reached in our day. Though preaching before some of the most powerful men of his day, Gillespie does nothing to shave off the sharp edges of the whole counsel of God. He makes it abundantly clear that spiritual Reformation (individual, ecclesiastical and civil), is like a flaming fire which burns the dross of the flesh and is often hated and opposed by those that cry loudest for 'Reform.' On the other hand, the refining fire of Reformation which pleases God (and comes from His fatherly hands, filled with mercy, love and grace), not only turns his wrath from the nations (by granting the grace to remove the causes of His wrath), but invigorates the spirit with that iconoclastic zeal against sin (whether personal or corporate), that can only be produced by His sovereign power. Whole-hearted (covenanted) reformation is contrasted, throughout this sermon, with the half-hearted comfortable Christianity that has been common in most ages. Gillespie wields the sword of Scripture as few can in driving home a multitude of vitally important points. This sermon can be listened to over and over with increasing profit, as it contains a fullness which is almost impossible to absorb in just one sitting. Don't miss this one; it is a real gem!" -- Publisher
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Select Works
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/authors/george-gillespie
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), A Sermon [on Ezek. xliii. 11], Preached Before the Hon. House of Commons, at Their Last Solemne Fast, March 27, 1644. [Ezekiel 43:11]
*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 parćnetick 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
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), The Works of George Gillespie, 2 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'Gillespie was one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly. One of the great theologians of all time -- almost singlehandedly steering this august Assembly at certain points. As Hetherington notes, 'in all those debates no person took a more active part, or gained more distinction than George Gillespie,' though he was the youngest man there. Furthermore, Hetherington calls him a 'genius of the highest order,' and writes that his work 'dazzled and astonished his countrymen.' He 'held an undisputed position among the foremost of the distinguished men by whose talents and energy the Church of Scotland was delivered from the prelatic despotism' of that day. This rare work contains Gillespie's personal notes during the Westminster Assembly and A DISPUTE AGAINST ENGLISH POPISH CEREMONIES. A DISPUTE AGAINST ENGLISH POPISH CEREMONIES is a rare classic on Reformed worship, taking on all the arguments related to the use of man-made ceremonies in worship. Burned by the Prelates (Episcopalians) just after it first appeared in 1637, this masterful defense of the regulative principle has yet to be answered (by those that oppose God's sovereignty in worship). It ably, and in a detailed manner, refutes the old errors of Prelacy and Romanism -- many of which are being resurrected in our day by writers like James Jordan (and others abandoning historic Presbyterian [i.e. Biblical] worship). Gillespie's practical 'TREATISE OF MISCELLANY QUESTIONS,' contains 22 chapters. Topics dealt with range from: whether prophets and prophesying continued beyond the primitive church (answered in the negative); whether a sound heart and an unsound head can consist together; what are heresies and what is their purpose; are infants to be baptized; should the civil government attach a negative sanction to not swearing to the Solemn League and Covenant (against one aspect of Theonomy); etc. These WORKS also contains a memoir of Gillespie's life and writings, written by Hetherington, Gillespie's sermons before the house of commons, and much more!" -- Publisher
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Assembly, Glasgow, 11th Session, 1638, Sermon, Prov. 21:1 [Proverbs 21:1], The King's Heart is in the Hand of the Lord.
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), George Buchanan, John Brown (of Wamphray), David Hay Fleming, The Presbyterian's Armoury, 3 volumes, 1846. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"In terms of 'bang for your book buying buck,' you will not find more fire-power 'under one roof' than in THE PRESBYTERIAN'S ARMOURY! Can be purchased as the three volume set or individually as listed below."
Volume One of THE PRESBYTERIAN'S ARMOURY
"Contains GILLESPIE'S LIFE AND WRITINGS by Hetherington, plus all of the following works by George Gillespie: A DISPUTE AGAINST ENGLISH POPISH CEREMONIES, 1637; AN ASSERTION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, 1644; 111 PROPOSITIONS CONCERNING THE MINISTRY AND GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH, 1644; two of Gillespie's sermons, preached before the House of Common (1644), and the House of Lords (1645); and Gillespie's answers to Coleman which defend Presbyterian polity against Erastianism. 'Noted for his erudition, keen mind, powerful debating skills and articulate speech and often called 'Great Mr. Gillespie' in his day, he has been referred to as the prince of Scottish theologians and the supreme defender of Presbyterian church government'." (Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 359)
Volume Two of THE PRESBYTERIAN'S ARMOURY
"Contains all of the following works by George Gillespie: AARON'S ROD BLOSSOMING, OR THE DIVINE ORDINANCE OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT VINDICATED; A TREATISE OF MISCELLANY QUESTIONS; NOTES OF DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTMINSTER (February 1644 to January 1645). Gillespie is most famous for his AARON'S ROD which Walker called 'the chef d'oeuvre' of Scottish ecclesiastical theology. (cited in Cameron, Dictionary, pp. 359-360). He was a thundering preacher and a prominent member of the famous Westminster Assembly. Johnston, in TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT cites the following concerning Gillespie: 'That is an excellent youth; my heart blesses God in his behalf. There is no man whose parts in a public dispute I do so admire. He has studied so accurately all the points that are yet to come to our Assembly; he has got so ready, so assured, so solid a way of public debating; that however there be in the Assembly divers very excellent men, yet, in my poor judgement, there is not one who speaks more rationally and to the point than that brave youth has done ever (Baillie from his Letters and Journals). He was one of the great men that had a chief hand in penning our most excellent Confession of Faith and Catechisms. He was a most grave and bold man, and had a most wonderful gift given him for disputing and arguing. The end of a dispute held by him with some of the promoters of the Engagement was, that Glencairn said, 'There is no standing before this great and mighty man.' He was called malleus Malignantium, 'the hammer of the Malignants' (Woodrow's Analecta), 558 pages."
Volume Three of THE PRESBYTERIAN'S ARMOURY
"Contains: Samuel Rutherford's LEX, REX, or THE LAW AND THE PRINCE; John Brown of Wamphray's APOLOGETICAL RELATION; David Calderwood's PASTOR AND PRELATE, OR REFORMATION AND CONFORMITY SHORTLY COMPARED; and CAUSES OF THE LORD'S WRATH AGAINST SCOTLAND AGREED UPON BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 1651. 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.' (Idem.). Brown's anti-prelatical work deals with the lawfulness of defensive wars, ecclesiastical and civil government, the hearing of curates, etc. Brown's writing has been said to be 'decidedly superior to most of the Scottish writers of his day, and even to Owen.' Calderwood upholds Presbyterianism over and against prelacy. THE CAUSES OF GOD'S WRATH was written anonymously (James Guthrie was the reputed author), and was at one time burnt along with LEX, REX, 615 pages." -- Publisher
The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), James Renwick, Thomas Henderson, et al., Testimony-bearing Exemplified: A Collection Containing: I. Gillespie Against Association With Malignants, Together With The Causes of God's Wrath, Agreed Upon by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, met at Edinburgh, October, 1651: II. The Informatory Vindication, to Which is Subjoined, A Collection of Excellent Laws (or Eschol Grapes), in Favours of our Covenanted Reformation: to Which is Added A Declaration of the Assembly, July ult. 1648 Concerning the Present Danger of Religion: Also, A Seasonable Warning Concerning the Present Imminent Dangers, and Duties Relating Thereto, by the Assembly, July 27, 1649.
*Gillespie, Patrick (1617-1675), The Ark of the Covenant Opened; or, A Treatise of the Covenant of Redemption Between God and Christ, as the Foundation of the Covenant of Grace, 1677. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"John Owen, in his preface to this treatise writes, 'I do freely declare my judgement that for order, method, perspicuity in treating, and solidity of argument, the ensuing discourse exceedeth whatsoever single treatise I have seen written with the same design.' (cited in Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 337). David Lachman tells us that 'in addition to arranging his brother's papers (published as Miscellany Questions [now found in George Gillespie's two volume Works, -- RB]), Gillespie used his materials also for the beginning of the first of a five-volume work on the covenant. Only two were published: THE ARK OF THE TESTAMENT OPENED . . . 1661 and THE ARK OF THE COVENANT OPENED . . . 1677, respectively treating the nature and kinds of covenants and the Mediator of the covenant. The third, on the condition of the covenant and the instrumentality of faith in justification, was extant in 1707, when the remaining two, respectively on the privileges and duties of the covenant, were believed lost (Analecta, I, 168-9) . . . Gillespie (was a -- RB) Covenanter, Principal of Glasgow University, and leading Protester.' (Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 382). In this volume Gillespie proves:
1. That there is such a Covenant (of Redemption)."Owen, in his preface (who also notes his long friendship with Gillespie), further underscores the importance of this work when he writes, 'For the Doctrine hereof, or the truth herein, is the very Center wherein all the lines concerning the Grace of God and our own duty, do meet; wherein the whole of Religion doth consist. Hence unto the understanding, Notions, and Conception, that men have of these Covenants with God, and according as the Doctrines of them is stated in their minds, their Conceptions of all other sacred Truths, or Doctrines, are conformed'." -- Publisher
2. The necessity of it.
3. The nature, properties, and parties thereof.
4. The tenor, articles, subject matter of Redemption.
5. The commands, conditions, and promises annexed.
6. The harmony of the Covenant of suretyship made with Christ, and the Covenant of reconciliation made with sinners: wherein they agree, wherein they differ.
7. Grounds of comfort from the Covenant of suretyship; and, of course, much, much more!
Gillespie, Patrick (1617-1675), A Brotherly and Christian Exhortation, and Warning From Many Ministers, Elders, and Professors of the Gospel in Scotland, Unto Those of the British Nation who Have Been Authors of, or had Accession Unto the Late and Present Actings and Transactions That Concern This Land, 1653.
*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
*Gilmour, Robert, Samuel Rutherford: A Biographical and Historical Study in the History of the Scottish Covenant. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
"In CRITICAL REVIEWS RELATING CHIEFLY TO SCOTLAND (also in this bound photocopy section), compiled by Hay Fleming, we read, 'Mr. Gilmour has produced an excellent volume, which is worthy of being placed alongside any of its predecessors . . . Scattered throughout its pages there are numerous quotations from Rutherford's own works . . . Rutherford's admirers will relish it, because of its keen sympathy with and high appreciation of him.' Rutherfurd was a master scholar of Scripture, a great devotional writer (see his Letters), a devoted minister of Christ, one of the Scotch commissioners to the Westminster Assembly, and a world class political philosopher (whose LEX, REX forever changed the face of political thought). Gilmour writes, '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.' Few saints in history were given the gifts this man possessed." -- Publisher
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.
Glasgow, W. Melancthon, Ray B. Lanning, and Nathan P. Eshelman, History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America: With Sketches of all her Ministry, Congregations, Missions, Institutions, Publications, etc., and Embellished With Over Fifty Portraits and Engravings, ISBN: 9781601780195 1601780192.
"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." -- Publisher
"Students of Presbyterian church history will discover a whole family of churches whose history sparkles with remarkable personalities and noteworthy achievements, however much they may have been forgotten in the years that followed. Reformed Presbyterians, Associate Reformed Presbyterians, and the dwindling numbers of those who once belonged to the United Presbyterian Church of North America, will all give thanks for the history that is brought to light in these pages. We 'Scottish Dissenting Presbyterians' have a goodly heritage. We have much to discover about our forbears in the faith, and what they accomplished in their day; and much as well to consider with regard to how their distinctive principles and practices may have something vital to contribute to our churches and to our nation today." -- Ray B. Lanning and Nathan P. Eshelman, from the Introduction
http://www.reformedpresbyterian.org/conv_resources.html
Glasgow, W. Melancthon, History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America, full text.
http://www.archive.org/stream/historyofrefor00glas/historyofrefor00glas_djvu.txt
Gogor, William (d. 1681), The Late Speech and Testimony of William Gogor one of the Three Desperate and Incorrigible Traytors Executed at the Grass Mercat in Edinburgh, the Eleventh Day of March, 1681, for Disowning His Sacred Majesties Authority, 1681.
Goode, William (b. 1599 or 1600), and Simeon Ashe (d. 1662), A Continuation of True Intelligence From the English and Scottish Forces in the North for the Service of King and Parliament and now Beleaguring York, 1644.
Gordon, James, History of Scots Affairs, From 1637 to 1641, 1841, 3 volumes.
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.
Gough, Henry (compiler) A General Index to the Publications of the Parker Society, 1855, 811 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"An extensive general index to the works of the leading English Reformers of the sixteenth century, as they were published by the Parker Society. Some of these volumes have once again been republished in our day by Still Waters Revival Books. Works indexed here are mainly of a theological nature, but also 'include a considerable amount of historical and biographical information; they may also prove serviceable to the topographer and the antiquary; certainly they are not likely to be overlooked by any who may hereafter direct their attention to English lexicography'." -- Publisher
Graham, John, The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland: Its Provisions, in Several Respects, Inconsistent With the Approved Principles of the Second Reformation, 1841. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
Available in 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
Graham, John Remington, and Donald Livingston, A Constitutional History of Secession, ISBN: 1589800664 9781589800663.
"That any State had a Constitutional right to secede is undeniable, the author makes that case airtight. From the dust cover, where Professor Clyde Wilson, University of South Carolina was quoted, 'Had I the power, I would require every professor of history, political science, and law in America to read Graham's work. Nowhere is there a truer and more thorough treatment of the origins and nature of freedom and self-government. This work is essential for those who would like to recover those great blessings'." -- Reader's Comment
"I found this book by accident. After I started reading I could not put it down! John Graham has written the most comprehensive study on the late War Between the States. He brings to light the causes of war, little know facts about the people who conducted the war to the conduct carried out by Stanton through his insane generals. After reading this book everyone will know that the United States was destroyed by the war and through the illegal acts of President Abraham Lincoln. History, law, truth and justice were only part of the things lost during the war. The 600,000 men, untold numbers of civilians and the 8 billion dollars spent to destroy the south were a waste that can all be attributed to Lincoln. What a price was paid for the government we have today! A must read for all students of law and history. I would give ten stars if I could!" -- Reader's Comment
Grant, Maurice, The Lion of the Covenant: The Story of Richard Cameron, ISBN: 0852343957 9780852343951.
"Of all the names associated with the cause of Scottish Covenanters, and their heroic resistance to arbitrary power, none is better known than that of Richard Cameron. As preacher, public figure and popular leader, he epitomized the steadfastness of a people in the face of a bitter and protracted persecution. Such was the impact of his life that, even in his own day, his name came to be synonymous with uncompromising adherence to a cause, a cause that was of the very essence of civil and religious freedom." -- Publisher
Grant, Maurice, No King but Christ: The Story of Donald Cargill, ISBN: 0852342551 9780852342558. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A Covenanter and field-preacher, Cargill studied under Samuel Rutherford at St. Andrews. For opposing the introduction of Episcopacy, he was ejected in the Great Ejection of 1662. He later refused government indulgences and after returning from Holland (to preach with Richard Cameron in Scotland), he publicly excommunicated Charles II and other leading 'government' officials. A large reward was then placed on his head and after many narrow escapes he was apprehended by the emissaries of the beast. For his testimony to the truth he was tried and convicted of treason and executed on July 27, 1681. This is a well researched book telling the stirring story of faithfulness (to the covenanted cause of Christ), and martyrdom. In the preface to this book the author wisely comments, 'Some of the traditions that have grown up around the men and women who suffered for their faith in seventeenth-century Scotland have tended to represent them as adherents of a movement which was diverse in some way from the main current of Scottish Presbyterianism. Cargill is well enough known as one of the principal figures of the period, but it is around him particularly that many of these misconceptions have tended to concentrate. Too often he has been depicted, even by not unfriendly hands, as something of an austere dogmatist, cling obstinately to a fanatical creed which brought himself and his followers into needless conflict with the authorities. It has been part of my purpose to show that, on the contrary, the principles for which Cargill contended lay at the very heart of the Scottish reformed tradition, and that the actions which he took were of the highest importance in preserving the historic testimony of the Scottish church. The result is, I hope, to place Cargill's position in a truer historical perspective and to dispel some of the misunderstandings which have gathered around his life and character'." -- Publisher
Greaves, Richard L., Theology and Revolution in the Scottish Reformation: Studies in the Thought of John Knox, 1980, ISBN: 0802818471 9780802818478.
Green, William Henry (1825-1900), The Argument of the Book of Job Unfolded.
"This volume is not a detailed commentary; rather it furnishes an overview of the principal persons and themes in the book of Job: Job's happy estate, Satan, Job in affliction, Job's three friends, Job's conflict, Job's triumph, Job's refutation of his friends, Elihu, the Lord, and the place of the book of Job in the scheme of holy scripture. William Henry Green (1825-1900), was a professor at Princeton Seminary. His volume about the book of Job was originally published in 1874."
*Greenhill, William (1591-1671), and James Sherman, An Exposition of the Prophet Ezekiel: With Useful Observations Thereupon. [Ezekiel 1 -- Ezekiel 13]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Greenhill, An Exposition of the Prophet Ezekiel: With Useful Observations Thereupon Delivered in Several Lectures in London,
1863
http://archive.org/details/anexpositionofth00greeuoft
Grub, George, An Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, 4 volumes, 1861.
Gurnall, William (1617-1679), The Magistrates Pourtraiture Drawn From the Word, and Preached in a Sermon at Stowe-Market in Suffolk: Upon August, the 20. 1656 Before the Election of Parliament-men for the Same County on Isaiah I.26 [Isaiah 1:26], the Former Part . . . .
Guthrie, James (1612?-1661), A cry From the Dead or, the Ghost of the Famous Mr. James Guthrie, Appearing. Being the Last Sermon he Preached in the Pulpit of Stirling, Before his Martyrdom at Edinburgh, June 1661. To Which is Added, his Last Speech Upon the Scaffold. 1738.
Guthrie, James (1612?-1661), A Humble Acknowledgment of the Sins of the Ministery of Scotland, 1653.
Guthrie, James (1612?-1661), The Ordinary of Newgate his Account, of the Behaviour, Confession, and Dying Words of the Malefactors who Were Executed at Tyburn, on Monday the 12th of This Instant February, 1728.
Guthrie, James (1612?-1661), A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ: or To the Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government of the Kirk of Scotland, and to the Nationall Covenant of Scotland, and to the Solemn League and Covenant of the Three Nations, England, Scotland, and Ireland, and to the work of uniformity in religion, and against the errors, heresies, blasphemies, and diverse practises of the times; especially against that vast toleration now on foot in these nations: by sundry ministers of the gospel in the Provinces of Perth and Fife.
Notes: "Some considerations contributing unto the discoverie of the dangers that threaten religion, and the work of reformation in the Church of Scotland."
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, James (1612?-1661), and Ebenezer Erskine (1680-1754), The Great Danger of Backsliding and Defection From Covenanted Reformation Principles: In a Sermon on Isaiah LVII, 13, 14 [Isaiah 57:13,14]: Preached Before the Sectaries, April 21st 1661.
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, James (1612?-1661), Archibald Campbell, Marquis of Argyll (1598-1661), My Lord Marquesse of Argyle, his Speech Upon the Scaffold the 27th of May, 1661 as it was Spoken by Himself and Written in Short-hand by one That was Present. As Also the Speech of Mr. James Guthrie, Minister at Sterling, Which he Delivered Upon the Scaffold at the Crosse of Edinburgh Immediately Before he Suffered June 1, 1661.
Guthrie, John (1632-1669), Covenanting and God's Blessing and Wrath. Available (MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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.
Guthrie, Thomas (1620-1665), The City, its Sins and Sorrows: Being a Series of Sermons From Luke XIX. 41 [Luke 19:41], 1857.
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), 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.
Guthrie, William (1620-1665), Michael Bruce, John Welwood, Richard Cameron, and Donald Cargill, Sermons Delivered in Times of Persecution in Scotland, ISBN: 1899003959 9781899003952. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Hall, David W., The Arrogance of the Modern: Historical Theology Held in Contempt, ISBN: 096503674X 9780965036740.
"Into the breach comes a very well documented volume by David W. Hall, with the title, THE ARROGANCE OF THE MODERN: HISTORICAL THEOLOGY HELD IN CONTEMPT. Early on in the book, Hall decries the tendency for researchers and theoreticians to cite only recent writings as backup of their work. He cites the concept that civilization is a democracy extending far back into time; the 'votes' of citizens of old, represented by their writings, are just as important as those written just yesterday.
"To cap off his argument, Hall quotes a comment from Lord Acton, in which he said, 'Just as the loss of memory in an individual is a psychiatric defect calling for a medical treatment, so too any community which has no social memory is suffering from an illness.' Those who do not learn from history, as you will recall, are doomed to repeat it. And, I might add, history has far more of what the Clarence Pages of this generation despise than the present. But, the Balkanization brought on by Postmodern criticism may well be our 'unlearned lesson' that finally does us all in.
"This volume is a closely-argued, well organized thesis. It is not easy reading but, with the complexity of the subject, I think it is as well written a volume as I have seen." -- William L. Brown
*Hall, David W., The Genevan Reformation and the American Founding, ISBN: 0739106392 9780739106396.
Contents: Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God | From Medieval Birthpangs to Geneva's Farel: Contra Tyrannos ('Against Tyranny') | Calvin's Political Thought and Impact: Confoederus ('Covenant Together') | Post-Calvinistic Advances on the Continent, 1550-1600: Nemo Posse Dare ('One Cannot Give What One Does Not Possess') | Calvin's Ideas Emigrate to Scotland and Great Britain: Lex Rex ('Law is King') | Colonial Calvinism in Church and State, 1607-1700: Puritans and Pilgrims Pro Libertas ('On Behalf of Liberty') | Before the Revolution, 1700-1776: Non Potest Civitas Abscondi Supra Montem Posita ('A City on a Hill Cannot Hide its Light') | Evidences of Calvin's Themes in the American Founding: Post Tenebras Lux ('Light after Darkness')."
Hall, David W., The Practice of Confessional Subscription.
"A unique and historical study of how various Reformed churches view adherence to their confessions. Expert theologians survey a range of traditions and practical considerations.
"David W. Hall is the author or editor of SAVIOR OR SERVANT? PUTTING GOVERNMENT IN ITS PLACE, THE ARROGANCE OF THE MODERN, PARADIGMS IN POLITY, ELECTION DAY SERMONS, and 10 other volumes." -- Publisher
*Hall, David W., Savior or Servant? Putting Government in its Place, ISBN: 0965036715 9780965036719.
"SAVIOR OR SERVANT? is the single best volume of Christian thinking on the issue of the increasingly intrusive state . . . Theology at its very best: orthodox, relevant, and provocative." -- George Grant
"SAVIOR OR SERVANT? PUTTING GOVERNMENT IN ITS PLACE is an attempt to define the role of the state: Shall it be a minister or a Messiah? Using ancient but timeless information, David W. Hall has surveyed the Bible and arrived at a coherent theology of the state. This study succeeds in identifying the responsibilities that the civil state is mandated to do, permitted to do, and prohibited from doing. Along the way, it is discovered that all political schemes and issues are fraught with theological value. Moreover, the most enduring grid to keep government in its rightful place is found in the Bible. Drawing upon thousands of verses and hundreds of thinkers, this volume is comprehensive yet readable. Theologians from Augustine to Calvin and from Aquinas to Barth are studied and presented in a non-technical manner. The Christian who is interested in politics should absorb these summaries before launching out into unstudied political activism. Rather than adopting a politics-as-usual posture, Hall challenges partisans from the right and from the left. He summons Christians to the old paths, which God's Word has occupied for centuries. Discussed in these chapters are perennial matters of practical importance, such as: taxation; resistance to evil governments; methods of influence; the escalation of rights; limited government; moral qualities for leaders; separation of powers. This book will provide excellent fodder for discussion and guidance. It returns spiritual principles to their place, while seeking to put government in its proper place.
"SAVIOR OR SERVANT? is a revival of a classic approach to limited government. In a time when nations are finally beginning to shrink bloated governments, a surprising source commends itself as an able assistant in reform. The scriptural view of the state, removed from the varied fads of political science, provides an enduring perspective by which to measure all states. This study begins with a survey of biblical teaching on pressing matters of state today. Following the contours of the Old and New Testaments, SAVIOR OR SERVANT? calls all levels of government to a servant posture, rather than allowing officials to dominate. A historical tracing of the best and most pertinent that theology has to offer on the subject is contained in these pages." -- Publisher
From Reformation to Revolution: 1500-1650, Chapter 10: Savior or Servant? Putting Government in its Place
http://capo.org/premise/96/mar/p960304.html
Hall, David W., and Duncan, J. Ligon, III, The Westminster Assembly: A Guide to Basic Bibliography (Oak Ridge, TN [The Covenant Foundation, 190 Manhattan Avenue, Oak Ridge 37830]: The Covenant Foundation), ISBN: 1884416012.
Hamilton, Ian, The Erosion of Calvinist Orthodoxy: Sceders and Subscription in Scottish Presbyterianism, 1990, ISBN: 0946068348 9780946068340.
Hamilton, John (clerk of the borough of Irwin), Reasons why a Consent to Abolish the Penal Statutes, Against Papists, Could not be Given by any who Own'd the Then Government in Church and State. Written and Dispersed (by John Hamilton sometime writer in Edinburgh, now clerk of Irving), amongst the Honourable Estates of Parliament held at Edinburgh, anno 1686, at their earnest desire, and by their influence, when the said statutes were designed to be abolished, and no printing thereof could be allowed at the time, 1707.
Hamilton, Thomas, History of the Irish Presbyterian Church, 1887.
Hanna, William, Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Thomas Chalmers, 4 volumes, 1849.
Hawkins, Michael, Unpublished State Papers of the English Civil War and Interregnum, Parts I-V, ISBN: 0855279907 9780855279905.
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), Critical Reviews Relating Chiefly to Scotland. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Fascinating short reviews, in a book of over 600 pages, covering numerous books dealing with Scotland's Reformation and Reformers. Over eleven books on John Knox alone are dealt with. Other figures covered include Cromwell, the Covenanters, Samuel Rutherford, the Westminster Assembly and many others -- including lesser known, but none the less important and inspiring 'men of the covenant.' Topics range from Scottish Presbyterian worship, the Cameronians and Mary Queen of Scots to the politics and religion of a reforming Scotland. A number of the books contained in this section of our catalogue are critically reviewed." -- Publisher
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), The Hymnology of the Scottish Reformation: A Detailed Historical Defence of the Exclusive Psalmody of the Scottish Reformers, Calvin and Others, ISBN: 9780941075282 0941075281. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), Illustrations of Antichrist's Rejoicing Over the Massacre of St. Bartholomew, ISBN: 0941075168. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), The Influence of the Reformation on Social and Cultured Life in Scotland, 1917. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), Mary Queen of Scots, From her Birth to her Flight into England: A Brief Biography: With Critical Notes, a few Documents Hitherto Unpublished, and an Itinerary, 1898. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), The Reformation in Scotland: Causes, Characteristics, Consequences: The Stone Lectures at Princeton Theological Seminary for 1907-1908. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), Scotland Under the Papacy: Some Historical Facts Concerning our Country From the Time of Queen Margaret to the Days of John Knox.
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), The Story of the Scottish Covenants in Outline. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A great short (96 pages of larger print), easy reading introduction to the covenants and the Covenanters. Tells the story of many of the Scottish religious bonds and the people and places that surrounded them. A good introductory study for homeschoolers or those that do not have time for the larger volumes covering this topic." -- Publisher
http://archive.org/details/storyofscottishc00flemiala
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), The Subscribing of the National Covenant in 1638, 1912. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The "glorious marriage day between God and Scotland."
Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), and The Secession Church (Scotland), General Associate Synod, Narrative and Testimony, Agreed Upon and Enacted by the General Associate Synod Together With an act Respecting Procedure in Covenanting Work; Copies of the National Covenant and Solemn League; An act Concerning an Acknowledgment of Sins, Profession of Faith and Engagement to Duties; With the Formula.
Heath, James (1629-1664), and James Howell (1594?-1666), An Admonition to my Lord Protector and his Councill, of Their Present Danger, the Means to Secure him, and his Posterity in Their Present Greatness, With the Generall Applause and Lasting Tranquility of the Nation, 1654.
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), The Bishops Doom: A Sermon Preached Before the General Assembly Which sat at Glasgow Anno 1638, on Occasion of Pronouncing the Sentence of the Greater Excommunication Against Eight of the Bishops, and Deposing or Suspending the Other six.
The Bishop's Doom
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/henderson_bishops_doom.html
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), The Government and Order of the Church of Scotland, 1641. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), The National Covenant (1638) and Solemn League and Covenant (1643). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27. Available in THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646).
"The National Covenant, a Scottish Presbyterian document, primarily composed by Alexander Henderson and Archibald Johnstone of Wariston. It was composed in opposition to the 'policies of Charles I. Written in the context of the riots resulting from the imposition of 'Laud's Liturgy' in 1637 and the King's refusal to receive the petitions of supplicants for redress, the National Covenant was an appeal . . . to defend the true Reformed religion, and to decline the recent innovations in worship decreed by the King.' (Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 620)
"Furthermore, it was 'an assertion by the Kirk of freedom from royal or state control, a personal oath of allegiance to Jesus Christ, the only Head of the Church, the King of kings, and a dedication of life to him. It stemmed directly from God's covenant of grace, was in the succession of those earlier bonds the Scots had made with God for his people's defence and deliverance, and represented a call in the Pauline sense to 'conduct themselves a citizens.' (Idem.). This covenant (and the Solemn League and Covenant described below), are still binding on all true Presbyterians and the hearty and steadfast renewal of these faithful documents would constitute a mighty means toward modern reformation, seeing that much of the contemporary church and all modern states have set themselves against the Lord, and against his anointed (Ps. 2:2 [Psalm 2:2]); excepting, maybe, the African state of Zambia, which seems to be presently reforming, but not yet covenanted to the Lord. The Solemn League and Covenant was first of all a religious covenant and secondly a civil league. 'After noting that they had one king and one Reformed religion and expressing their concern about the estate of both the Church and kingdom of England and Scotland, the signatories swear to preserve 'the Reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland' and the Reformation of religion in England and to bring the churches to the 'nearest Conjunction and Uniformity in Religion', confession, government, and worship. They also bound themselves to extirpate popery and prelacy as well as superstition, heresy and whatever is contrary to sound doctrine . . . to bring to trial all who hinder such reformation of religion or divide the king from his people and to continue such 'to all Posterity' and not suffer themselves to be withdrawn from 'this blessed Union and Conjunction.' (Ibid., pp. 786-789). This covenant gave teeth to the work of the Westminster Assembly and united three nations under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It was publicly taken by the Westminster Divines and the English parliament on September 25th. 'On the 9th of October the king issued a proclamation from Oxford, denouncing this document as 'in truth nothing else but a traitorous and seditious combination against us and the established religion of this kingdom;' straitly charging and commanding all his loving subjects, upon their allegiance, 'that they presume not to take the said seditious and traitorous Covenant.' And at last an order was issued by the Parliament, in February 1644, commanding the Covenant to be taken throughout the kingdom of England by all persons above the age of 18 years; which order was accompanied by an exhortation prepared by the Assembly of Divines. In Scotland, as soon as information was received of what had taken place in London, the Committee of Estates ordered the Covenant to be subscribed by all ranks and conditions of people, on penalty of the confiscation of property, or such other punishment as his Majesty and the parliament might resolve to inflict.' (Hetherington The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, pp. 127-128). Furthermore, Hetherington goes on to call this bond 'the wisest, the sublimest, and the most sacred document ever framed by uninspired men.' (p. 134). If you want to understand Presbyterianism these two covenant documents offer as much light as any others we know of. They are inextricably linked to the Westminster Standards, historical testimony and the covenanted reformation. Some still believe that they will once again be renewed on an international basis near the beginning of the millennium, in preparation for the days when the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. (Isa. 11:9 [Isaiah 11:9]) With this sentiment we wholeheartedly concur!" -- Publisher
Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), National Covenant
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/4/1/the-national-covenant
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), The National, 1638 and Solemn League and Covenant, 1643
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CRTSol.htm
*Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice, an MP3 file [audio file], (1 Samuel 15:22; Matthew 15:9). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available in SERMONS, PRAYERS, AND PULPIT ADDRESSES, 1638.
"Read by Elder Lyndon Dohms from the book SERMONS, PRAYERS AND PULPIT ADDRESSES. Henderson was one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly and the principal architect of the Solemn League and Covenant. Some consider him as only second to Knox in regard to his work as a Scottish Reformer. This sermon, on Psalm 40:6-8, was preached in Scotland just before Henderson left for the Westminster Assembly and exhorts Christians to zealousness -- especially in days of great declension." -- Publisher
*Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), Preparing for Covenant Renewal, MP3 file [audio file]. Available (MP3 and WORKS OF ALEXANDER HENDERSON) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2, #8.
"Originally preached on the occasion of the swearing of the National Covenant of Scotland (1638). This sermon is read (by Lyndon Dohms), from the book SERMONS, PRAYERS AND PULPIT ADDRESSES by Henderson. It is a representative example of the focus of the Covenanted Reformation in its earlier stages." -- Publisher
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), Sermons, Prayers, and Pulpit Addresses, 1638. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"Henderson lived 1583-1646, and was one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly. Baillie called Henderson 'the fairest ornament, after John Knox, of incomparable memory, that ever the Church of Scotland did enjoy'." -- Publisher
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), The Vnlavvfulnes and Danger of Limited Prelacie, or Perpetuall Precidencie in the Church, Briefly Discovered, 1641. Available (WORKS OF ALEXANDER HENDERSON), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), and Philip Nye (1596?-1672), The Covenant: With a Narrative of the Proceedings and Solemn Manner of Taking it by the Honourable House of Commons, and reverent Assembly of Divines the 25th day of September, at Saint Margarets in Westminster. Also, tvvo speeches delivered at the same time; the one by Mr. Philip Nye, the other by Mr. Alexander Hendersam. Published by speciall order of the House, 1643.
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), and Philip Nye (1596?-1672), Two Speeches Delivered Before the Subscribing of the Covenant, the 25. of September, at St. Margarets in Westminster the one by Mr. Philip Nye, the other by Mr. Alexander Henderson, 1643.
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), Church of Scotland, General Assembly, Commission, Reformation of Church Government in Scotland, Cleared From Some Mistakes and Prejudices by the Commissioners of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, now at London, 1644. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), and Church of Scotland, General Assembly, Parliament, The Scotts Declaration, in Answer to the Declaration, Sent Unto Them by Their Commissioners now at London, From the Honourable Houses of Parliament of England: Expressing Their Care to Prevent the Effusion of Christian Blood; and Their Affections to Reformation Both to Kirk and State, 1642.
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), and David Dickson Versus six Anti-covenanting Aberdeen Doctors, The Answers of Some Brethren of the Ministrie to the Replies of the Ministers and Professors of Divinitie in Aberdeene Concerning the Late Covenant. Also Replies of the Ministers and Professors of Aberdene, to the Second Answers of Some Reverend Brether Concerning the Late Covenent, 1638. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), John Forbes (1593-1648), and James Hamilton (Duke of Hamilton, 1606-1649), Generall Demands Concerning the Late Covenant: Propounded by the Ministers and Professors of Divinitie in Aberdene, to Some Reverend Bretheren, who Came Thither to Recommend the Late Covenant to Them, and to Those who are Committed to Their Charge. Together With the Answers of Those Reverend Brethren to the Said Demands. As Also the Replyes of the Foresaid Ministers and Professors to Their Answers, 1638.
*Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), James Guthrie (1612?-1661), Thomas M'Crie (1772-1835, contributor), Thomas Thomson (contributor), Free Church of Scotland General Assembly, Lives of Alexander Henderson and James Guthrie: With Specimens of Their Writings. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Select Writings of James Guthrie, Martyr at True Covenanter
http://www.truecovenanter.com/guthrie/jguthrie.htm
Henderson, George David, The Claims of the Church of Scotland, 1951.
Henderson, George David, Heritage, a Study of the Disruption, 1943.
Henderson, George David, The Idea of the Covenant in Scotland, Evangelical Quarterly, 27, 1955, 1-14.
Henderson, George David, Religious Life in Seventeenth-century Scotland, 1937.
Henderson, Henry F., The Religious Controversies of Scotland, 1905.
Herkless, John, Richard Cameron. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.
"Part of the famous Scots series, this book chronicles the life of the Presbyterian Pastor know as the 'Lion of the Covenant.' Cameron rejected his early Episcopalian persuasion, subsequent to hearing 'the persecuted Gospel in the fields,' and after 'the wonderful working of the Lord by His powerful Spirit upon him' revealing 'a lively discovery of the sin and hazard of Prelacy,' he joined with ranks of the persecuted Covenanters, notes Howie (in Scots Worthies). He set an uncompromising standard for the gospel and against the enemies of Christ, for which he was hunted and ultimately martyred. In mockery of his testimony, the wicked took his head and hands and fixed them upon the Netherbow Port, with the fingers upward. 'One of his and Christ's declared enemies, when he looked at his head at Edinburgh, gave him this testimony, saying, 'There's the head and hands of a man who lived praying and preaching, and died praying and fighting.' And wherever the faithful contendings of the Covenanted Church of Scotland are made mention of, this, to his hounour, shall be recorded of him.' (Scots Wort).hies Herkless also states that 'it is of noteworthy significance . . . that for over two hundred years Cameron's name has been associated with a set of men marked by the strictest adherence to Calvinism, and by a genuine, even though severe, profession of piety. It was a remarkable testimony to their religious earnestness when Norman Macleod, referring to the parish of Loudoun, wrote: 'I am eagerly desirous to get family worship established -- of that there seems not to be a vestige, except among the Cameronians, and there every family has it.' In this testimony stands the name of Cameron, who, by the genuineness of his religion, his uncompromising devotion to principle, and the greatness of his cause, touched the nation and fixed himself in its memory.' Cameron was ordained at the hands of the exiled Robert MacWard and John Brown (of Wamphray), while in Holland. 'He and a group of supporters issued the Sanquhar Declaration, renouncing the authority of Charles II, and declaring war upon him as a tyrant and usurper. For this he was declared a traitor, and had a heavy price put on his head'." (Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 124) -- Publisher
Hetherington, William (1803-1865), History of the Church of Scotland From the Introduction of Christianity to the Period of the Disruption in 1834, 2 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.
*Hetherington, William (1803-1865), The History of the Westminster Assembly, ISBN: 0921148321 9780921148326. Available (PDF and MP3), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #10, #30.
" 'Every person who has directed his attention to the events of the seventeenth century, whether with regard to their civil or their religious aspect, has felt that it was impossible fully to understand either the one or the other line of study, without taking into view the character of the Westminster Assembly, the purpose for which it met, and the result of its deliberations . . . The man who penetrates a little deeper into the nature of those unrevealed but powerful influences which move a nation's mind, and mould its destinies, will be ready to direct his attention more profoundly to the objects and deliberations of an assembly which met at a moment so critical, and was composed of the great master-minds of the age; and the theologian who has learned to view religion as the vital principle of human nature, equally in nations and in the individual man, will not easily admit that weak idea, that such an assembly could have been an isolated event, but will be disposed earnestly to inquire what led to its meeting, and what important consequences followed. And although the subject has not hitherto been investigated with such a view, it may, we trust, be possible to prove, that it was the most important event in the century in which it occurred; and that it has exerted, and in all probability will yet exert, a far more wide and permanent influence upon both the civil and the religious history of mankind than has generally been ever imagined,' writes William Hetherington in this book (THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY, 1856, 2nd reprint edition, 1993, pp. 16-17, emphasis added). This book is probably the best popular historical account ever published regarding this unsurpassed Assembly. The history leading up to the Assembly is especially important and not only set the context for what became the major debates among the ministers present, but even dictated who was selected to this august body of scholars. These debates and their resolutions have defined and directed Christian thought and culture ever since their original ratification. Hetherington covers the period from 1531 to 1662. Many consider this era a historical high water mark for doctrinal and practical precision. Also included is a chapter on the theological productions of the Westminster Assembly and six valuable appendices (one containing six biographical notices of the Scottish Commissioners -- including Rutherford, Gillespie, Henderson and Baillie)." -- Publisher
History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines (1643-1653), by William Maxwell Hetherington, D.D., LL.D.
http://www.reformed.org/books/hetherington/west_assembly/index.html
*Hetherington, William H. (1803-1865), The Independent Controversy, the Westminster Assembly and Cromwell. Alternate titles: HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES, and INDEPENDENT CONTROVERSY, THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY, AND CROMWELL. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"Though Cromwell has been lauded by many in our day, faithful lovers of truth in his day rejected him and the attendant errors of his Independent abettors. Concerning Cromwell and company, the ACT, DECLARATION AND TESTIMONY . . . by the Reformed Presbytery (1876 ed.), witnesses to the truth that Presbyterians, 'both refused subjection unto, and testified against the usurpation of Oliver Cromwell and his accomplices (the Independents -- RB), his invading the land,' and 'his anti-Christian toleration of all sectarian errors and heresies,' which were at that time 'threatening the ruin and destruction of the true religion, as well as liberty.' Cromwell's so-called 'tolerance' extended to the execution of one Presbyterian minister and the persecution of others. He played an instrumental part in scuttling the Christ honoring covenanted uniformity of the Reformed religion that was being fought for in the period covered by this book. The debates, especially between the Independents and the Presbyterians, in this eventful period, are still with us today and have changed very little, if at all. This is a good place to examine the historical context and the theological argumentation that is foundational to these two antagonistic systems." -- Publisher
Hewart, Kirkwood, Makers of the Scottish Church at the Reformation, 1920.
Hewart, Kirkwood, Peden the Prophet: Being Some Account of the Life and Times of Alexander Peden, Minister of New Luce From 1660 to 1663, and Afterwards of God's Persecuted People in the Fields, 1911.
*Hewison, James King, The Covenanters: A History of the Church in Scotland From the Reformation to the Revolution, 1908, 2 volumes, 1908. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Smellie, in his preface to MEN OF THE COVENANT, calls this set a 'great treatise on the Covenanters -- a treatise which covers the entire field and seems to leave no word unsaid.' Hewison states that he desired to produce 'an absolutely impartial account of the Covenanters.' He also notes that 'certain definite conclusions regarding the Covenanters, as a rigid sect in the Christian Church, and as a restless, rebellious political party in the 16th and 17th centuries, have been arrived at by many students; and, as a general rule, a far from favourable estimate of these brave and defensible patriots has been based upon generalizations which will not bear investigation.' Moreover, he recognizes the Covenanters for who they were: 'one of the most extraordinary orders of devotees which the civilized world ever saw.' The work is enhanced by photographic reproductions of portraits, pictures, and Covenants. Considered by some as the definitive work on the Covenanters (over 1100 pages). If you are going to study church history after the Apostles, no other group or time period offers as much edifying material. This set is sure to put a fiery zeal in the soul of all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ. Great price too!" -- Publisher
Hewison, The Covenanters: A History of the Church in Scotland From the Reformation to the Revolution, vol. 1 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/covenantershisto01hewi
Hewison, The Covenanters: A History of the Church in Scotland From the Reformation to the Revolution, vol. 2 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/covenantershisto02hewi
*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.
See also:
*Hislop, Alexander (1807-1865), Christ's Crown and Covenant or National Covenanting Essentially Connected With National Revival, 1860.
Hooker, Thomas (1586-1647), The Faithful Covenanter: A Sermon Preached at the Lecture in Dedham in Essex . . . Very Usefull in These Times of Covenanting With God, 1644.
Horne, A. Sinclair, Torchbearers of the Truth: Sketches of the Scottish Covenanters, ISBN: 0950031909 9780950031903.
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882, editor of The Covenanter), The Christian Magistrate, 1832. Available in WORKS: DOCTRINAL AND PRACTICAL, 4 volumes.
The Christian Magistrate: A Discourse, With an Appendix, 1832.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2017/1/18/the-christian-magistrate
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), The Covenanter's Narrative and Plea: Exhibiting the Error, Schism, Radicalism, and Slander of Dr. Paul and Other Separatists From the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Alternate title: NARRATIVE OF COVENANTING.
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), The Dominion and Glory of the Redeemer: The Support and Confidence of the Church, and the Joy of the Saints.
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
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), A Memorial of Covenanting. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27. Also available in WORKS [of Thomas Houston[, DOCTRINAL AND PRACTICAL, volume 3.
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
*Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), Unity and Uniformity in the Church, 1881. Reproduced in this form from The Original Covenanter 2:23. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"This item lays out the case for unity among churches, proving its assertions from: (1) throughout Scripture; (2) from our Lord's declaring His will both in precept and prayer; (3) from apostolic practise; and (4) from the Covenanted Reformation's 'Solemn League and Covenant' which lead to the production of the Westminster Standards. Houston notes that in the Apostolic church 'the government of the church was one and common wherever churches were planted. It was Presbyterian, and neither Prelatic, a system of monarchial despotism, nor Congregational, a system of popular democracy.' This biblical and Presbyterian uniformity was considered the apostolic, visible and doctrinal manifestation of the scriptural injunction to 'one Lord, one faith (and) one baptism.' Houston also points out that 'the only true and safe way of union is based on the platform of Scriptural uniformity; while that which is framed on allowing diversity in doctrine, and differences in government and worship, is a mere human contrivance, and its effect is to sanction and perpetuate divisions (which is to sanction schism under the false pretence of unity -- RB), and to mar the prospect of an ultimate happy union in the church of Christ.' Biblical union and uniformity is shown to be based on 'agreement in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government.' Moreover, the author contends that, 'this is to be constantly sought after by men united in mind and heart, pledged to God and to one another; it is to be externally manifested, and to be diligently labored for, that it may be generally and universally prevalent. It is never to be viewed as impracticable. This was the main design of the convocation of the Westminster Assembly.' The eschatological aspect of visible unity is also noticed, shedding valuable light on such postmillennial strongholds as, The watchmen on the walls of Zion shall see eye to eye, they shall lift up the voice together, and together shall they sing (Isaiah 52:8), and The Lord shall be King over all the earth; in that day there shall be one Lord, and His name one. (Zechariah 14:9). This book is full of faithful encouragement and is one of the best introductions to this topic we have seen." -- Publisher
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), Zion's Light Come: An Encouragement to Holy Effort; A Discourse Delivered at the Opening of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod in Ireland, on Monday Evening, July 10, 1854.
Houston, Thomas (editor), and James Dick (editor), The Covenanter, a Religious Periodical.
Howie, John (1735-1793), James Stewart and John Knox: Scotland's "Two Sons of oil" (excerpted from John Howie's Scots Worthies, 1781 edition, narrated by Larry Birger, Jr.). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"As Birger accurately observes in his introduction to this one-tape reformational powerhouse, 'One great reason the Church is so weak and divided today is precisely because she has rejected these commandments of her Lord and Husband [to walk in the footsteps of the flock (Song of Solomon 1:8), and to seek out and walk in the old paths (Jer. 6:16 [[Jeremiah 6:16]])]. Forgetting the works of God in history, she has thus become an easy prey to the old lies and idolatries of the Roman Catholic Church, that whore of Babylon, such that so-called Protestantism today in many ways bears more resemblance to the Roman Church than to the biblical churches of the Reformation. We are indeed ignorant of our history, and therefore have been doomed time and again to repeat its mistakes.' He continues, pointing to one of God's powerful remedies for our sinful failings in this area: Our gracious Lord has nonetheless provided a way out for us, by preserving for us the narratives of His great works in history, as well as His infallible Word by which to judge which are truly the good old paths. . . . On this tape you'll hear of the lives of two men who exemplified the work of Christ's "Two Witnesses" in Scotland, James Stewart, Earl of Moray, and John Knox. These "Two Sons of oil," like their ancient predecessors, Zerubbabel and Joshua, illustrate the holy beauty and mighty effectiveness of God's institutions of Scriptural civil magistracy and gospel ministry. We see from their high regard for one another and from the work they accomplished in the Lord how both righteous civil rulers and faithful gospel ministers are necessary for true and lasting, society-changing reformation. In our age of ungodly toleration and pretended liberty of conscience (as opposed to the true Scriptural liberty of conscience promoted by these two eminent reformers), the emphasis is generally laid upon the ministry only as the agent of reformation -- and truly, there will be no lasting reformation without a faithful ministry. Nevertheless, we see from the Scriptural examples of Hezekiah, Josiah, and other godly rulers, as well as from various instances throughout subsequent history that the civil rulers are called by, and used by, God to promote and protect the welfare of His Bride, the Church. These rulers have no authority in matters of religion, but they have a responsibility about matters of religion -- to do things like suppressing and uprooting heresy, blasphemy, and idolatry, and encouraging and promoting faithful ministers -- as all our faithful Reformed forefathers taught.' Learn with excitement how God used these two faithful men to defeat Antichrist in Scotland, and purify and unify His faithful Church there. A great tool for seeing the vital importance of the civil government (as well as the ministry), in reformation!" -- Publisher
James Stewart and John Knox: Scotland's "Two Sons of oil," audio file.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=122501142339
Howie, John (1735-1793), Reformation Principles, &c. Re-exhibited: A Collection; Containing, I. The National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant, With the Acknowledgment of Sins, and Engagement to Duties, as They Were Renewed at Douglass, July 24, 1712, With Accommodations to the Present Times -- Together with a preface, containing a narrative of the manner of the action, &c. II. Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting From the Revolution-church in Scotland. As also, their principles concerning civil government, and the difference betwixt the reformation and revolution principles. Alternate title: PLAIN REASONS FOR PRESBYTERIANS DISSENTING FROM THE REVOLUTION-CHURCH IN SCOTLAND.
*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 . . . as 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 book files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PDF file) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #10. The series of 22 MP3 audio book files, produced by Still Waters Revival Books, are available 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
Biographia Scoticana, John Howie
Original from Oxford University, published 1885, digitized May 22, 2006. Described as a reprint of the 1781 edition. It does not appear to include the appendix cited above.
http://books.google.com/books?vid=OCLC34190563&id=5iwAAAAAQAAJ&q=Scots+Worthies+1781&dq=Scots+Worthies+1781&ie=ISO-8859-1&pgis=1
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 (1735-1793), and James Howie, Memoirs of the Life of John Howie: Who Lived in Lochgoin, Parish of Fenwick, and Died January 5th 1793. Containing a Series of Religious Exercises, Soul Soliloquies, Meditations, and an Account of the Lord's Goodness to him in General . . . Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Howie, John (1735-1793), and William M'Gavin (1773-1832, preface), The Last Words and Dying Testimonies of the Scots Worthies: Containing the Cloud of Witnesses for the Royal Prerogatives of Jesus Christ . . . and Naphtali, or, The Wrestlings of the Church of Scotland for the Kingdom of Christ: The Whole Accompanied With Historical Notices and Observations. Alternate titles: CLOUD OF WITNESSES, and THE SCOTS WORTHIES, VOLUME SECOND . . . THEIR LAST WORDS AND DYING TESTIMONIES (COMBINES CLOUD AND NAPHTALI AS THE SECOND VOLUME OF THE SCOTS WORTHIES).
*Howie, John (1735-1793, preface), The Dying Testimonies of the Scots Worthies, Collated From "Naphtali," "The Cloud of Witnesses," Ancient Manuscripts . . .
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.
Howie, John (1735-1793, compiler), John Kid, et al., A Collection of Very Valuable Sermons, Preached on Several Subjects and in Divers Places in the Time of the Late Persecution [in Scotland], by John Kid, John King, John Welch . . . [et al.], 1780.
*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
*Hurst, Henry, Whether Well-composed Religious Vows do not Exceedingly Promote Religion, 1661. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"A Puritan sermon on a much neglected means to spiritual victory, ecclesiastical revival, and national reformation." -- Publisher
*Hutchison, Matthew, The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland: Its Origin and History, 1680-1876, 450 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"This is the only book-length history covering the period after 1680 (to 1876), when the majority Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland merged with the Free Church of Scotland. The history after 1822, when the Auchensaugh Renovation was removed as a term of communion, merely chronicles the wholesale backsliding of the church and eventual split in 1863; from which a majority emerged which joined with the Free Church of Scotland in 1876. A remnant of the minority of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland still exists, however they never returned to the original position of the church from which it began to depart in 1822 (with the removal of the Auchensaugh bond -- which bond is the Auchensaugh Renovation listed under the Reformed Presbytery in this catalogue). This book is a fine illustration of the 'footsteps of the flock,' (as seen in the Protesters [paleopresbyterians] and their spiritual posterity), during the period of which it deals, while at the same time serving as a clear warning to those who have declined from Reformation attainments (i.e. the Resolutioners [neo-presbyterians] and those who continue their deformation of the faith). 'By the National Covenant,' notes Thomas Sproull, 'our Fathers laid Popery prostrate. By the Solemn League and Covenant they were successful in resisting prelatic encroachments and civil tyranny. By it they were enabled to achieve the Second Reformation . . . They were setting up landmarks by which the location and limits of the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day . . . How can they be said to go forth by the footsteps of the flock, who have declined from the attainments, renounced the covenants and contradicted the testimony of 'the cloud of witnesses.'. . . All the schisms (separations) that disfigure the body mystical of Christ . . . are the legitimate consequences of the abandonment of reformation attainments -- the violation of covenant engagements.' Understanding where the faithful covenanted servants of Christ have been historically, not only helps individuals to separate between truly constituted churches and the those that are false (because they have constitutionally backslidden from Reformation attainments); but is a necessary component to the keeping the fifth commandment, as the Reformed Presbytery has pointed out: ' Nor otherwise can a Christian know the time or place of his birth, or the persons whom God commands him to honor as his father and mother, than by uninspired testimony; and the same is true of his covenant obligation, if baptized in infancy. Against all who ignorantly or recklessly reject or oppose history as a bond of fellowship, in the family, in the state, but especially in the church, we thus enter our solemn and uncompromising protest.' (excerpted from: The Act, Declaration and Testimony for the Whole of Our Covenanted Reformation . . . by the Reformed Presbytery, pp. 177-178 -- a SWRB rare bound photocopy [1761], reprinted 1995 from the 1876 edition). This edition of THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SCOTLAND: ITS ORIGIN AND HISTORY, 1680-1876 also contains an introductory note by William Goold (the editor of John Owen's WORKS). In introducing this book Goold writes, 'This volume may claim attention as supplying an essential link in the ecclesiastical history of Scotland. It is the history of that body of men who adhered to the civil part of the Second Reformation, according to which Presbytery was established and recognized by the State between 1638 and 1649 . . . The Church of which this volume is a history took its rise in its distinctive character at this period, and on the ground that it could not, while acknowledging the relief from oppression which the Revolution (of 1688), afforded, acquiesce in the arrangements made by the State for the recognition of the Church and the due exercise of its authority within its own spiritual domain (because the so-called 'glorious revolution' was Erastian to the core and also denied the previous national covenant engagements -- RB). . . . Apart, however, from their testimony in regard to this evil and danger, resulting from a Civil Government in which Prelacy was continued as an essential element, those who dissented from the Revolution Settlement, and from whom the Reformed Presbyterian Church arose, were animated with an earnest zeal for the maintenance of religious ordinances. They strove to exist as a Church, and how far they succeeded, and what difficulties they had to surmount in the attempt, is the interesting story recorded in this volume' (pp. v-vi). In summary, this book (of 450 pages), is an one-of-a-kind chronicle of an integral part of the history of the battle for the 'Crown Rights and Royal Prerogatives of the Lord Jesus Christ'." -- Publisher
Ichthus Ministries, The Scottish Covenanters, DVD.
"This program presents a penetrating look at a movement in 17th Century Scotland that is little known today. The Covenanters refused to subscribe to the idea that the King of England was the head of their church. They signed the National Covenant in 1638, and from then until 1688, were subjected to persecution in an attempt by their opponents to quell this rebellion." -- Publisher
Innes, Taylor, The Church of Scotland Crisis, 1843 and 1874 and the Duke of Argyll, 1874.
Innes, Taylor, John Knox, ISBN: 9784873940236 4873940230. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Innes, Taylor, The law of Creeds in Scotland: A Treatise on the Relations of Churches in Scotland Established and not Established to the Civil law, 1902 and 1867.
International Convention of Reformed Presbyterian Churches (1st: 1896: Glasgow, Scotland), and the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Scotland, First International Convention of Reformed Presbyterian Churches: Scotland, June 27 -- July 3, 1896.
Irving, David, Memoirs of the Life and Writing of George Buchanan, ISBN: 1290228221 9781290228220.
Ishmael (pseudonym), Justice to Covenanters: or, The two Presbyterian Bards, the General Assembly, the National Board of Education, and our Political Oaths, Weighed in the Balance and Found Wanting! a Poem.
Jackson, L. Charles, Riots, Revolutions, and the Scottish Covenanters: The Work of Alexander Henderson, ISBN: 9781601783738 1601783736.
Jameson, William, Cyprianus Isotimus: or, J.S.'s Vindication of his Principles of the Cyprianic age Confuted, in Which, Moreover, Divers Signal Differences Between the Cyprianic and Hierarchic Bishop are Assigned, some new Pleas and Arguments of the Prelatists Discussed, and Several Things of Considerable Consequence and use in the Present Controversie Advanced, by William Jameson, 1705. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
Jameson, William, Nazianzeni Querela Et Votum Justum: The Fundamentals of the Hierarchy Examin'd and Disprov'd, 1697. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
Jardine, Mark, Julian Goodare, Michael Lynch, and the University of Edinburgh, United Societies: Militancy, Martyrdom, and the Presbyterian Movement in Late-restoration Scotland, 1679 to 1688.
"This thesis examines the politics, plots and strategies of the militant Presbyterian radicals of the United Societies, or later Covenanters, in their confrontation with the Restoration regime of Charles II and James VII in Scotland, and with the Presbyterian movement between 1679 and 1688."
https://www.era.lib.ed.ac.uk/handle/1842/3842
*Johnston, Archibald, Diary of Sir Archibald Johnston of Wariston, 3 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The introduction to this book cites Carlyle writing, 'Archibald Johnston of Wariston; . . . a Lord Register of whom all the world had heard. Redactor of the Covenanters' protests in 1637 and onwards; redactor perhaps of the Covenant itself; canny lynx-eyed Lawyer, and austere Presbyterian Zealot; full of fire, of heavy energy and gloom: in fact a very notable character.' The introduction further notes that Johnston was 'in some respects, one of the most interesting of the leading Scotsmen who lived in those troubled times which began with the Service Book riot, the swearing and subscription of the National Covenant, and the abjuration of Episcopacy in 1637-38, and ended with the overthrow of the Protectorate and the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660 . . .' Calling Johnston the 'Covenanter politician,' the DICTIONARY OF SCOTTISH CHURCH HISTORY AND THEOLOGY states, 'From the start of the revolt against Charles I in 1637 he was at its centre, frequently acting as secretary to the rebel leaders and drafting their declarations. He and Alexander Henderson were joint authors of the National Covenant, and he frequently took part in negotiations with the King and the English Parliament in the years that followed. In 1638 he was appointed clerk to the General Assembly and procurator of the Church, and in 1641, he was knighted and appointed a Lord of Session. In 1643 he became one of Scotland's representatives at the Westminster Assembly, and in 1646 King's Advocate. He had from the start been identified with the most radical of the Covenanters, and in 1648 he helped inspire opposition to the Engagement. A leading figure in the Kirk Party regime of 1648-50, becoming Clerk Register in 1649, he was in the fore in demanding thorough purging and punishing of the ungodly in both Church and state. During the Cromwellian invasion of 1650-1 he supported the Western Remonstrance and the Protesters in virtually disowning the cause of Charles II. He refused to serve the regime of Oliver Cromwell at first, partly through opposition of the religious toleration it imposed (though he later backslid into accepting major positions under Cromwell's dictatorship -- RB) . . . After the Restoration he was denounced as a traitor for having served Cromwell, and fled into hiding abroad. He was discovered in France, brought back to Edinburgh and executed . . . being generally hated and despised. Yet through his remarkable diaries one can gain much understanding.' (pp. 446-447). Johnston, TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT (pp. 404-405), provides us with more insight into this fascinating saint (and these unparalleled times), in the following two quotations. 'For the lay elders there was the redoubted Johnston of Warriston, the most able and zealous of a group of lay statesmen who were as thorough warriors in the ecclesiastical department of the great struggle as the clergy themselves . . . He looked at the Covenant as the setting of Christ on His throne, and so was out of measure zealous in it. He afterwards, in old age and physical weakness, sealed it with his blood, his last words being 'The Lord has graciously comforted me; O pray, pray; praise, praise' (Burton). 'Warriston was a religious statesman. The standard of his policy was the Word of God; his great and governing aim, the Divine glory. And on this account his name has suffered obloquy from a quarter where all who would follow his steps may expect similar treatment, so long as society is comprised, as it still is to such an alarming extent, of the godless and unbelieving' (Dr. M'Crie). The TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT also notes that 'it is to Johnston that the world generally has attributed the project of renewing the Covenant (of 1638 -- RB). This was his master-stroke of policy.' It further informs us that 'on one occasion he continued in prayer during fourteen hours.' For a glimpse into the heart of the most thorough national (and international), Reformation thus far in history you will not get closer to the source than Johnston's rare three volume Diary! From the inner workings of the battle for the National covenant to Johnston's notes covering Cromwell, Owen's views on toleration, the Protester/Resolutioner controversy and much more, this is an exceedingly valuable historical resource. As the introduction so aptly puts it, 'the great Covenanter's Diary . . . contained many valuable passages with relation to the history of these times, nowhere else to be found.' Almost 1300 pages in total and indexed." -- Publisher
Johnston, Archibald, Regnum Lapidis, or, The Kingdom of the Stone: A Dissertation on the Crown Rights of Christ
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/archibald-johnstons-regnum-lapis-or-the-kingdom-of-the-stone
Johnston, Archibald, and Ruth E. Mayers, For Christ and Covenant: The Spirituality of Archibald Johnston of Wariston, ISBN: 9781894400367 1894400364.
Johnston, J.B., and the Society of Inquiry (Xenia Theological Seminary, Xenia, Ohio), The Signs of the Times: An Address Delivered to the Members of the Society of Inquiry of the Associate Theological Seminary, at Xenia, Ohio, April 19, 1858.
Johnston, John C., Alexander Peden, The Prophet of the Covenant: An Appreciation, 1902. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Johnston, John C., Treasury of the Scottish Covenant. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"A massive listing (over 671 pages), covering Covenanting literature from the period of the Reformation to its publication in 1887. Contains not only the principal literary productions of the Covenanters (in the course of the long-sustained and heroic resistance offered by them to the spiritual despotism thrust against them in both church and state), but all of the chief historical documents connected with this period of history. Inspiration and courage can be drawn from the memories and associations of these events and writings. Here is one example of what you will find (from page 349 in the book): '(Richard) Camerons' head and hands, cut from his body at Airsmoss, were taken to his father, then suffering in prison in Edinburgh for the Covenant. He was asked if he knew them. 'His words,' says Dr. Kerr, 'were surely the most touching of all the memories of that cruel time: 'I know, I know them! they are my son's, my dear son's! It is the Lord: good is the will of the Lord, who cannot wrong me nor mine, but has made goodness and mercy to follow us all our days.' After which, by order of the Council, his head was fixed upon the Netherbow Port, and his hands beside it, with the fingers upward, a kind of preaching 'at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors,' that told more for his cause and against the persecutors than all the words he could have spoken.' A must for every serious theological student, religious library, or rare book collector who has any interest in Reformation thought and/or literature. It is a veritable gold mine of information, facts, documents, book listings and more!" -- Publisher
Johnston, John C., Treasury of the Scottish Covenant
http://archive.org/details/treasuryofscotti00john
Kaplan, Lawrence, Politics and Religion During the English Revolution: The Scots and the Long Parliament, 1643-1645, 1976, ISBN: 0814745636 9780814745632. Bibliography: pp. 163-170.
Keith, Robert, John Parker Lawson (editor of volumes 1 and 2), and C.J. Lyon (editor of volume 3), History of the Affairs of Church and State in Scotland: From the Beginning of the Reformation to the Year 1568. By Robert Keith . . . With Biographical Sketch, Notes, and Index, by the Editor, 3 volumes.
Kerr, James (1847-1905), The Attainments of the Church of the Second Reformation.
"This lecture was delivered before the First International Convention of Reformed Presbyterian Churches, 1896. It is taken from the volume entitled, FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION OF REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES. SCOTLAND, JUNE 27-JULY 3, 1896."
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/23/the-attainments-of-the-church-of-the-second-reformation
*Kerr, James (1847-1905, editor), and et al., The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation, 1895, ISBN: 9781406876109 1406876100. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"The Reformed Presbytery (in 1879), has well noted the following incongruity that is still with us today, 'We heard from various quarters the cry, 'maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation:' and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' (A Short Vindication of Our Covenanted Reformation, p. 20). This book should go a long way to remedying the above noted ignorance and hypocrisy among those who now call upon the name of the Lord especially those who claim a Reformation heritage and are still open to further growth as it spells out in no uncertain terms what lay at the heart of the Second Reformation. Moreover, these covenants (landmarks of the Lord), stand as beacons to all nations of their continuing moral duty to bind themselves to Christ (First Commandment), or suffer His avenging wrath. (Ps. 2 [Psalm 2]). And make no mistake about it, the Lord will utterly destroy all those who quarrel with His covenant bonds, whether individuals, churches or nations the mystery of iniquity will fall! The prefatory note to this magnificent volume well describes its value: The Covenants, Sermons, and Papers in this volume carry the readers back to some of the brightest periods in Scottish history. They mark important events in that great struggle by which these three kingdoms (England, Scotland and Ireland -- RB), were emancipated from the despotisms of Pope, Prince, and Prelate, and an inheritance of liberty secured for these Islands of the Sea. The whole achievements of the heroes of the battlefields are comprehended under that phrase of Reformers and Martyrs, 'The Covenanted Work of Reformation.' The attainments of those stirring times were bound together by the Covenants, as by rings of gold. The Sermons here were the product of the ripe thought of the main actors in the various scenes -- men of piety, learning, and renown. Hence, the nature, objects, and benefits of personal and national Covenanting are exhibited in a manner fitted to attract to that ordinance the minds and hearts of men. The readers can well believe the statements of Livingstone, who was present at several ceremonies of covenant-renovation: 'I never saw such motions from the Spirit of God. I have seen more than a thousand persons all at once lifting up their hands, and the tears falling down from their eyes.' In the presence of the defences of the Covenants as deeds, by these preachers, the baseless aspersions of novelists and theologians fade out into oblivion. True Christians must, as they ponder these productions, be convinced that the Covenanters were men of intense faith and seraphic fervour, and their own hearts will burn as they catch the heavenly flame. Members of the Church of Christ will be stirred to nobler efforts for the Kingdom of their Lord as they meditate on the heroism of those who were the 'chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof;' and they will behold with wonder that 'to the woman were given two wings of And Statesman will discover how princes, parliaments, and peoples united in the hearty surrender of themselves to the Prince of the kings and kingdoms of the earth; and will be aroused to promote that policy of Christian Statesmanship which, illustrating the purpose and will of God, the Father, shall liberate Parliaments and nations from the bonds of false religions, and assert for them those liberties and honours which spring from the enthronement of the Son of man, and King of kings and Lord of lords. This volume of documents of olden times is sent out on a mission of Revival of Religion, personal and national, in the present times. It would do a noble work if it helped to humble classes and masses, and led them to return as one man to that God in covenant from Whom all have gone so far away. A national movement, in penitence and faith, for the repeal of the Acts Recissory and the recognition of the National Covenants would be as life from the dead throughout the British Empire. The people and rulers of these dominions shall yet behold the brilliancy of the Redeemer's crowns; and shall, by universal consent, exalt Him who rules in imperial majesty over the entire universe of God. For, 'The seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.' Here we have some of the most moving sermons ever addressed to a people and their nations, given before the most solemn of occasions national covenant renewal! Alexander Henderson, Andrew Cant, Joseph Caryl, Edmond Calamy and a host of other Puritan Covenanters (even the turncoat Independent Philip Nye), are included here in easy to read modern (1895) type. Anyone interested in seeing the royal prerogatives of King Jesus once again trumpeted throughout the nations, on a national and international scale, needs this book for these men 'were setting up landmarks by which the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day'." (Thomas Sproull cited in the Reformed Presbytery's Short Vindication, p. 38) -- Publisher
"Contents: The national covenants: Introduction [Part One]. | The national covenant, or confession of faith | Exhortation to the Lords of Council | Sermon at St. Andrews / Alexander Henderson | Exhortation at Inverness / Andrew Cant | Sermon at Glasgow / Andrew Cant | Sermon at Edinburgh / Andrew Cant [Part Two]. | The solemn league and covenant | Act of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland | Exhortation at Westminster / Philip Nye | Address at Westminster / Alexander Henderson | Sermon at Westminster / Thomas Coleman | Sermon at Westminster / Joseph Caryl | Sermon at London [the first, of Sat., 30th Sept., 1643] / Thomas Case | Sermon at London [the second, of Sun., 1st Oct., 1643] / Thomas Case | An ordinance of the Lords and Commons | Exhortation by the Westminster Assembly | Sermon at London / Edmund Calamy [Part Three]. | The national covenants. Coronation sermon at Scone / Robert Douglas | Charles II, taking the covenants | The acts rescissory | The Torwood excommunication | Act against conventicles | The Sanquhar Declaration | Protestation against the Union | Secession from the revolution church."
The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation. Introduction on the National Covenants by James Kerr, 1895
http://archive.org/details/covenantscovenan00kerr
The Covenants and the Covenanters
Project Gutenberg free e-text online.
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/19100
Kerr, Robert P., The Blue Flag, or, The Covenanters who Contended for "Christ's Crown and Covenant," 1905.
Killen, W.D., William M'Clure, James Denham, A.P. Goudy, et al., Ministers of the General Synod of Ulster, The Plea of Presbytery in Behalf of the Ordination, Government, Discipline, and Worship of the Christian Church, as Opposed to the Unscriptural Character and Claims of Prelacy: in a Reply to the Rev. Archibald Boyd . . . on Episcopacy, 1843. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
King, John (d. 1679), and John Kid (d. 1679), The Last Speeches of the two Ministers Mr. John King, and Mr. John Kid, at the Place of Execution at Edenburgh on the 14th day of August, 1679.
King, Robert D., The Covenanters in the North: or, Sketches of the Rise and Progress, North of the Grampians, or The Great Religious and Social Movement of Which the Covenant of 1638 was the Symbol, 1846.
"The ANNALS OF THE COVENANT are an heirloom of the Scottish people, full of noble examples and associations in all that is heroic and devout, both in doing and suffering . . . Besides furnishing notices of these and others of whom the glimpses are less frequent (in other Covenanter histories, such as Andrew Cant the APOSTLE OF THE COVENANT and JAMES FRASER OF BREA -- RB) our local annals supply chapters in the history of the Covenant, peculiar to the only part of the country which met its first advances with the most determined opposition of its learning and its chivalry -- furnishing at once themes for the student of great principles, and scenes for the lovers of the picturesque, more rare in the history of the south . . . The reader will find that Mr. King has availed himself of many sources of information which, till lately, were difficult of access, or altogether sealed; and that his work contains much information which is to be found nowhere else in a popular form," (John Kennedy in the Preface). A stirring history book." -- Publisher
Kinloch, Marjory G.J., Studies in Scottish Ecclesiastical History in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries, 1898, ISBN: 0790554135 9780790554136.
Kirk, James, Patterns of Reform, 1989, ISBN: 0567095053 9780567095053.
Kirk, James, The Scottish Reformation and Reign of James VI: A Select Critical Bibliography.
Kirkton, James, and James Russell, The Secret and True History of the Church of Scotland From the Restoration to the Year 1678.
Kitchin, Isaac M., The Covenanters, Their History and Influence: An Address, 1904.
*Knox, John (1505-1572), An Answere to a Great Number of Blasphemous Cavillations Written by an Anabaptist, and Adversarie to God's Eternall Predestination, 1591. Alternate title: AGAINST AN ANABAPTIST: IN DEFENSE OF PREDESTINATION; AN ANSWER TO A GREAT NUMBER OF BLASPHEMOUS CAUILLATIONS WRITTEN BY AN ANABAPTIST, AND ADVERSARIE TO GODS ETERNAL PREDESTINATION. AND CONFUTED BY JOHN KNOX, MINISTER OF GODS WORDE IN SCOTLAND. WHEREIN THE AUTHOR SO DISCOVERETH THE CRAFT AND FALSHOOD OF THE SECT, THAT THE GODLY KNOWING THAT ERROR, MAY BE CONFIRMED IN THE TRUETH BY THE EVIDENT WORDE OF GOD; and AN ANSWER TO A GREAT NUMBER OF BLASPHEMOUS CAUILLATIONS WRITTEN BY AN ANABAPTIST, AND ADVERSARIE TO GODS ETERNAL PREDESTINATION. AND CONFUTED BY JOHN KNOX, MINISTER OF GODS WORDE IN SCOTLAND. WHEREIN THE AUTHOR SO DISCOVERETH THE CRAFT AND FALSHOOD OF THE SECT, THAT THE GODLY KNOWING THAT ERROR, MAY BE CONFIRMED IN THE TRUETH BY THE EVIDENT WORDE OF GOD. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
"Boettner, in his REFORMED DOCTRINE OF PREDESTINATION, calls PREDESTINATION Knox's 'chief theological work.'
"Curt Daniel calls this 'Knox's major theological work.' Moreover, he states that this is 'more than a short answer (to the Anabaptist -- RB, 468 pages), it is a complete exposition and defense of the Reformed doctrine at the height of the Scottish Reformation' which helped 'guide early Presbyterianism and build the theological bridge between Edinburgh and Geneva.'
"Furthermore, Walker writes: 'Very far from being a mere iconoclast, he (Knox) was also a great teacher of his country men . . . the long and elaborate treatise on Predestination, in which the doctrines of grace and of divine sovereignty are so vigorously, yet upon the whole so wisely, asserted and maintained' (The Theology and Theologians of Scotland.) This work was much esteemed by Knox's Puritan friends in England and Calderwood, in summing up Knox's character, remarks: 'How profound he was in divinity, that work of his upon Predestination may give evidence.' (Laing, editor, p. 17). Furthermore, Laing beautifully sets the context of this work, writing, 'at the period of the Reformation, there prevailed among Christians of all denominations the general belief, that the salvation of man depends on the free grace of God. But they differed on the question, whether the divine decree which has reference to this point is unconditional, or depends on the conduct of man, whether it is general or particular . . . Thus it happened, that Roman Catholics, Arminians, and most of all Socinians endeavoured, in the sense of Pelagianism, or Semi-pelagianism, to reconcile the divine decrees with human liberty. On the other hand, both Lutherans and Calvinists, following the example of Augustine, rejected the notion of the freedom of the will, and denied every co-operation on the part of man.
"Nevertheless it is a striking fact, that the Lutherans avoided the strict consequences of the Augustinian system, and asserted that the decrees of God are conditional, while the Calvinists not only admitted the necessity of those consequences, but having once determined the idea of Predestination, went so far as to maintain that the fall of man itself was predestinated by God (Supralapsarianism). Quoting freely from Calvin, his major influence in this work, Knox lays low the heresy that man plays any part in his own salvation. This heresy, of man's pretended ability to save himself (in any way), is at the root of all defection from the sovereign God of Scripture and is rampant today! As Kevin Reed notes, in refuting this Anabaptist, Knox unequivocally states, 'For with the Pelagians and papists, you have become teachers of free will, and defenders of your own justice,' clearly recognizing that, 'the defense of man's free will, to do good and avoid evil,' is 'the damned heresy of Pelagius.' Moreover, regarding this work, Reed continues, 'A perceptive reading of this dispute will reveal the parallels between the Anabaptists and modern proponents of free will. Advocates for free will are commonly found among Baptists, 'evangelicals,' Charismatics, and cultists. Their line of argumentation is virtually identical to that of Knox's opponent.' (John Knox the Forgotten Reformer, pp. 219-20)
"This book contains significant information for defeating the forces of antichrist today; for he (especially ecclesiastical antichrist), continues to manifest the same spirit of error seen in the days of Knox, deceiving men into thinking that they, in some way (be it ever so small), are able to save themselves." -- Publisher
http://archive.org/details/answeretogreatnu00knox
*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), An Epistle to the Inhabitants of Newcastle and Berwick, 1558. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #15, #26. Available in SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX.
An Epistle to the Inhabitants of Newcastle and Berwick
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/EpistNCB.htm
*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
*Knox, John (1505-1572), First and Second Books of Discipline. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library and (website) Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library (Dallas, TX [Presbyterian Heritage Publications, P.O. Box 180922, Dallas, 75218]: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1999). Available in THE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION OF RELIGION WITHIN THE REALM OF SCOTLAND . . . TOGETHER WITH THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, AND SEVERAL CURIOUS PIECES WROTE BY HIM, . . . BY THE REVEREND MR. JOHN KNOX . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED, I. AN ADMONITION TO ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND . . . BY ANTONI GILBY. II. THE FIRST AND SECOND BOOKS OF DISCIPLINE.
" 'Knox and five others drafted the Book of Discipline (1560), which set forth a blueprint for the ideal Christian society,' notes the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE REFORMED FAITH. 'THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE was used in conjunction with Calvin's Catechism and the book of order previously used by the English congregation in Geneva,' writes Reed (JOHN KNOX THE FORGOTTEN REFORMER, p. 31). This version includes Calderwood's fiery preface to the 1621 edition. The FIRST BOOK contains an extensive treatment of church polity reflecting principles pertaining to this formative period concerning the Scottish church. Another prominent feature of the FIRST BOOK is its visionary program for Christian education. Furthermore, it 'asserted the authority of Scripture, and it demonstrates that the regulative principle of worship is merely a natural application of the sola scriptura rule of Protestant theology.' (Ibid., p. 76). The SECOND BOOK, often called the 'MAGNA CARTA OF PRESBYTERIANISM,' focuses more specifically on matters of polity relating to an established and reformed church, laying out the key tenets of Presbyterian government. It also gives attention to the doctrine of the civil magistrate. Both books prefigure the WESTMINSTER STANDARDS in many respects, as well as exhibiting the genius of Scottish Presbyterianism (as noted in the helpful Publisher's Introduction by Kevin Reed). Contains contemporary spelling, punctuation and grammar." -- Publisher
First and Second Books of Discipline by John Knox
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/BOD_ch00.htm
Knox, John (1505-1572), The Genevan Book of Church Order. The Form of Prayers and Ministration of the Sacraments, etc. Used in the English Congregation at Geneva in 1556.
"Written by Knox and four others, this book received the approval of John Calvin. Succinctly covers matters of worship and church government.
" 'Readers need only a cursory glance at contemporary Presbyterian books of order to see how far these modern manuals of polity have degenerated from their venerable predecessors', notes Kevin Reed in the introduction. THE GENEVA BOOK is not a liturgy, but illustrates the doctrine and practices of worship used by a church committed to the regulative principle of worship. The Geneva Order was later adopted and expanded by the church of Scotland." -- Publisher
The Genevan Book of Church Order
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/GBO_ch00.htm
Knox, John (1505-1572), John Knox Debates Theonomy, Idolatry and Civil Resistance in the General Assembly of 1564. Available (singly or in WORKS OF JOHN KNOX on the Puritan Hard Drive. The full printed version of this text is free online. "Excerpted from Knox's THE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN SCOTLAND, BOOK IV. From THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, VOLUME 2, pages 425-461, collected and edited by David Laing, 1854."
" 'Perhaps the most thoroughgoing Calvinist,' writes W. Stanford Reid in (Christian History, Vol. 5, No. 4), 'who took the teacher's (Calvin -- RB), ideas to their logical conclusions, was the Scot, John Knox.' This debate is a perfect example of Knox's consistent Calvinism. In fact one wonders about a person's claim to consistent Calvinism at all if he denies the sovereignty of God in the civil arena (i.e. by denying the applicability of the first table of the law, especially the first two commandments, to the realm of the civil magistrate -- along with their penal sanctions as displayed in the Judicial laws of the Old Testament). Knox certainly did not shrink back from the binding nature of the law on these points. He even openly proclaimed, in this debate, that the death penalty should be carried out against idolaters -- and this was in the context of debating the Queen's Mass and her favoring the idolatry of Romanism. With boldness like this, it is easy to see why it was said over Knox's open grave, 'here lies a man who neither flattered nor feared any flesh.' This debate shows conclusively that Knox was a theonomist, in the sense that he believed in the continuing binding validity of OT penal sanctions. Moreover it demonstrates that it is the duty of all ministers to preach that the civil magistrate is bound to uphold the law of God and promote and protect only the one true Reformed religion. Furthermore Knox argued, from the OT, that to tolerate public idolatry is to disobey God and bring a curse upon the land. Though Knox's REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM is his most important political writing, this debate displays the very same principles, as Knox applied them in 'the heat of battle,' against the queen's secretary, William Maitland of Lethington. This particular debate, as well as many other large sections, are edited out of THE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN SCOTLAND as presently reprinted by The Banner of Truth Trust. However, this debate can also be found in the bound photocopy edition of volume 2 of KNOX'S WORKS or, with contemporary spelling and punctuation, in ON REBELLION (Cambridge Univ. Press, 1994, see page XX in this catalogue). Reid TRUMPETER OF GOD, pp. 234-235, notes that 'the implications of this debate were far-reaching' and that 'as far as Knox personally was concerned, this debate also marked a turning point in his career.' Also of great importance was the situation that occurred 'when Maitland quoted Luther, Musculus, Calvin, and others to support the requirement of absolute obedience, Knox replied that they either spoke in a situation in which they had no power to resist the ruler or they were refuting arguments of Anabaptists who rejected all civil government. Unfaithful rulers could therefore be removed by the people if they had the power to do so. In this position he was supported by John Craig, his colleague in St. Giles, and by most, although not all, of the other ministers.' (Reid, Trumpeter of God, p. 234). As present civil governments continue to promote defiance of the laws of 'the Prince of the kings of the Earth,' our great King the Lord Jesus Christ, these arguments will become more and more useful, among those who seek to obey the Lord in all matters." -- Publisher
Reformation, Revolution and Romanism, 1558, John Knox
"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
*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).
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
Knox, John (1505-1572), Letter Addressed to the Commonalty of Scotland, 1558. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #15, #26. Available in SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX.
Letter Addressed to the Commonalty of Scotland
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/LtrCommo.htm
Knox, John (1505-1572), Letters to His Brethren, and the Lords Professing the Truth in Scotland, 1557. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, VOLUME 4), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Knox, John (1505-1572), Letter to the Queen Dowager, Regent of Scotland (Augmented Version), 1558. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #15, #26. Available in SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX.
Letter to the Queen Dowager, Regent of Scotland (Augmented Version)
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/LtrDowag.htm
*Knox, John (1505-1572), National Repentance and Reformation. Alternate title: A BRIEF EXHORTATION TO ENGLAND FOR THE SPEEDY EMBRACING OF THE GOSPEL, 1559. Available in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Formerly titled A BRIEF EXHORTATION TO ENGLAND FOR THE SPEEDY EMBRACING OF THE GOSPEL, 1559. Mitchell in The Scottish Reformation (p. 80), cites Dr. Merle D'Aubigné on Knox: 'The blood of warriors ran in the veins of the man who was to become one of the most intrepid champions of Christ's army . . . He was active, bold, thoroughly upright and perfectly honest, diligent in his duties, and full of heartiness for his comrades.' The warrior in Knox was certainly roused for battle in this production. Kevin Reed in SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX, p. 580, comments, 'Some historians have reflected negatively on the vehemence of Knox's remarks. Perhaps they should peruse the long list of the martyrs named in the appendix to this work. Critics may then find a clue for understanding the reformer's zeal. Knox is discussing serious matters of life and death -- spiritual issues which affect us deeply in this life, and for eternity.' Magistrates everywhere today need to hear this message again; God has not changed -- there are still corporate curses for disobedience at a national level and corporate blessings for those nations 'that kiss the Son' (cf. Psalm 2)." -- Publisher
*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.
*Knox, John (1505-1572), Selected Writings of John Knox, Volume 2: Later Writings and Correspondence. 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, Jr., An Essay on the Application of Reformation Principles to the American Government, 1833. Found in MISCELLANEOUS, VOL. 6.
Kyle, Richard G., The Mind of John Knox, 1984, ISBN: 0872911640: 9780872911642.
Based on the author's Ph.D. dissertation.
Lathan, Robert, History of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South, 1782-1882.
"Lathan notes that there was as much division between members of the same sect as between the sects themselves." pps. 165-184
Latimer, William Thomas, A History of the Irish Presbyterians, 1902.
Leckie, Joseph H., Secession Memories: The United Presbyterian Contribution to the Scottish Church, 1926.
Lee, Edwin, The History of the Scottish Church
http://www.freechurch.org/resources/history/lee/lee.htm
Lee, John, Lectures on the History of the Church of Scotland, 2 volumes.
Lee, Maurice, The Road to Revolution: Scotland Under Charles I, 1625-37, 1984, ISBN: 0252011368 9780252011368.
Leighton, Alexander, (1568-1649), An Appeal to the Parliament, or, Sions Plea Against the Prelacy: The Summe Whereof is Delivered in a Decade of Positions: in The Handling Whereof, the Lord Bishops, and their appurtenances are manifestly proved, both by divine and humane lawes, to be intruders upon the privileges of Christ, of the King, and of the common-weal: and therefore upon good evidence given, she heartily desireth a judgement and execution, 1628. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Leith, John H., Assembly at Westminster: Reformed Theology in the Making, 1973, ISBN: 0804208859 9780804208857.
Lim, Paul Chang-Ha, In Pursuit of Purity, Unity, and Liberty: Richard Baxter's Puritan Ecclesiology in its Seventeenth-century Context, ISBN: 1429408065 9781429408066 9789004138124 9004138129.
"Richard Baxter's ecclesiology will be the focus of this study. Baxter (1615-1691) lived through the British Civil Wars, the Regicide, the Interregnum, the restoration of monarchy and episcopacy in 1660, subsequent ejection of numerous Puritan pastors, and the Glorious Revolution of 1689. His ecclesiology was formed within these multifarious contexts. Among others, three significant facets of purity, unity, and liberty are examined in detail. This book re-examines the central role of catechizing and congregational discipline in Baxter's understanding of the true church, his insistence that the purity and unity of the church are to be pursued concurrently, the self-perceived identity of English Puritans, and the question of the true church in the latter-half of the seventeenth century." -- Publisher
Lindsay, Alexander Crawford, Lives of the Lindsays; or, A Memoir of the Houses of Crawford and Balcarres, 1849.
*Loane, Marcus L., Makers of Religious Freedom in the Seventeenth Century: Henderson, Rutherford, Bunyan, Baxter.
"Students of church and state will appreciate this book because it narrates the vigorous struggle for religious freedom on the part of Alexander Henderson and Samuel Rutherford in Scotland, and John Bunyan and Richard Baxter in England." -- Cyril J. Barber
Lorimer, Peter, The Scottish Reformation: A Historical Sketch, 1861.
Loughridge, Adam, The Covenanters in Ireland: A History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, 1984, ISBN: 0951314009 9780951314005.
"Contains a brief bibliography of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland."
Love, Christopher (1618-1651), A Clear Vindication of the Principles and Practices of Christopher Love, Since his Trial Before, and Condemnation by, the High Court of Justice, 1651. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4.
Love, Christopher (1618-1651), Grace: The Truth and Growth and Different Degrees Thereof. The Summe and Substance of XV. Sermons. Preached by that faithful and painful servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. Christopher Love, late minister of Lawrence Jury, London. They being his last sermons. To which is added a funeral sermon, being the very last sermon he ever preached, 1652.
Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The Last Speech and Testimony of Mr. Christopher Love, minister of Laurence Jury, London; who suffered martyrdom on Tower Hill, Aug. 22d 1651, for suspected ploting [sic] against Oliver Cromwel's government delivered to the people from the scaffold.
Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The True and Perfect Speech of Mr. C. Love on the Scaffold on Tower-hill . . . Comprizing his Funerall Sermon; His Exhortation to the Citizens; His Propositions Touching Religion; and His Prayer . . . Together With Mr. Gibbons his Speech; and The Manner of his Deportment, etc.
Lumsden, John, The Covenants of Scotland, 1914. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Includes "The Ladies Covenant."
Lyall, Francis, Of Presbyters and Kings: Church and State in the law of Scotland, 1980, ISBN: 0080257151 9780080257150.
Lynch, M., Calvinism in Scotland, 1559-1638, 1985. Available in INTERNATIONAL CALVINISM, 1541-1715.
M.A.C. (Andrew Cant, 1648-1730), A Sermon Preached on the XXX day of January 1703 at Edinburgh, by M.A.C.
Mackenzie, Kirsteen M., Presbyterian Church Government and the "Covenanted Interest" in the Three Kingdoms 1649-1660.
Mackmillan, John, The Examination of the True Narrative; Tryed, and Found False.
Macewen, Alexander R. (Alexander Robertson, 1851-1916), The Erskines
http://archive.org/details/erskines00mace
Machin, G.I.T., Politics and the Churches in Great Britain, 1977.
Maclaurin, John (1693-1754), and John Gillies, Sermons and Essays.
Macleod, John (1872-1948), By-paths of Highland Church History, 1965. Alternative title: LOCHABER AND ITS EVANGELICAL TRADITIONS, and THE NORTH COUNTRY SEPARA.
MacLeod, John (1872-1948), Highlanders: A History of the Gaels, ISBN: 0340639911: 9780340639917.
Macleod, John (1872-1948), Scottish Theology in Relation to Church History Since the Reformation, ISBN: 0851511937 9780851511931.
Scottish Theology in Relation to Church History, John Macleod
http://www.freechurch.org/st.html
MacInnes, Allan, Charles I and the Making of the Covenanting Movement 1625-1641, ISBN: 0859762955 9780859762953.
MacInnes, John, The Evangelical Movement in the Highlands of Scotland, 1688 to 1800, 1951.
*MacKenzie, Robert M.A., John Brown of Haddington [1722-1787], ISBN: 1173221484 9781173221485. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.
Author of: TWO SHORT CATECHISMS MUTUALLY CONNECTED, THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, AND POPERY IN BRITAIN (including his defense of the continuing obligation of the solemn league and covenant), THE SELF-INTERPRETING BIBLE, THE PSALMS OF DAVID IN METRE (his notes on the psalms), A COMPENDIOUS HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND AND OF THE PROTESTANT CHURCHES IN IRELAND AND AMERICA, THE HARMONY OF SCRIPTURE PROPHECIES, to name the better known.
"The encouraging story of a peasant farmer who became a great preacher." -- Cyril J. Barber
He was the grandfather of John Brown (of Edinburgh 1784-1858).
Mackinnon, James, Calvin and the Reformation, 1936.
"This book is an attempt to portray Calvin's work as a leader of the Reformation at Geneva and far beyond it. He is an international, not merely a local or national figure, who had his finger on the pulse of the Reformation in many lands outside the little republic on the shore of Lake Leman. The Reformed churches are under no small obligation to John Calvin. If Luther was the creator of the Reformation, Calvin was its great organizer, developer, and propagandist." -- Publisher
Mackinnon, James (1860-1945), A History of Modern Liberty, 4 volumes, 1906-41.
Mackinnon, James, Luther and the Reformation, 4 volumes, 1925-30.
Mackinnon, James, The Origins of the Reformation, 1939.
Mackmillan (sic) [McMillan], John, Church of Scotland. Presbytery of Kirkcudbright, A True Narrative of the Proceedings of the Presbytery of Kirkcudbright Against one of Their Number.
A True Narrative of the Proceedings of the Presbytery of Kirkcudbright Against one of Their Number; And That to the Sentence of Deposition; To Which is Added the Grievances
http://www.covenanter.org/JMcmillan1/narrative.htm
MacLean, Isabelle McCall, The Scottish Covenanter Genealogical Index -- (1630-1712), ISBN: 9780595420407 0595420400.
"This work evolved out of a love for my ancestors, one being John Whitelaw, the Covenanter Monkland Martyr, who was executed for his religious beliefs in Edinburgh, 1683. While searching for his records I came across reference to thousands of other Scottish Covenanters. This INDEX lists those Covenanters found in some books written about the period between 1630 and 1712. There are many, many more Covenanters, whose names need to be added to this work, and, God willing, I will do it.
"The Covenanters were steadfast in their Presbyterian beliefs and refused to take an oath unto the King stating that he was the head of the church. They believed that Christ was the Head of the Church and their loyalty to this belief allowed them to lay their lives down for it. The Royalists and Dragoons, who were seeking to bring them into obedience to the King, relentlessly chased the Covenanters from glen to glen. This disregard for their civil rights was brutally carried out basically in the Lowlands of Scotland.8
"Many of their records were destroyed along with their lives and their stories only live in family lore and books that were written about them. I have extracted some of their names and created The Scottish Covenanter Genealogical Index, which is by no means complete, but is a work in progress.
About the Author: "I learned to love my Covenanter ancestors at the knees of my father, James McCall MacLean and my grandfather, Thomas McCall McLean. As many Covenanter records had been destroyed during the 'killing times' in Scotland, only scanty histories and some court records remained. What I found, I indexed for myself and for other family history researchers.
You can contact the author at www.isabellemmaclean.com." -- Publisher
MacMillan (McMillan), John (of Edinburgh), and John MacNiely, A Letter From a Friend to Mr. J. Macmillan, Wherein is Demonstrated the Contrariety of his Principles and Practices to the Scripture, our Covenants, Confession of Faith, and Practice of Christ . . . Containing Also Remarks on his and Mr. J. Mackniely's Printed Protestation, Declinature, and Appeal, Compared With What They Gave in to the Commission of the Late General Assembly, Upon the 29th day of September, 1708, etc. Available (THE PROTESTATION, DECLINATUR AND APPEAL) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"In 1708 the Assembly (of the backslidden Church of Scotland -- RB) remitted both cases (against MacMillan and MacNeil -- RB), with full power, to the Commission. Libels were prepared against both ('nothing new under the sun.' -- RB), and they were cited to appear before the Commission on the last Wednesday of September. Neither of them obeyed the summons, but a paper signed by both M'Millan and M'Neil was laid on the table. It was their 'Protestation, Declinature, and Appeal.' Special prominence is given in the Libel to the seditious and disloyal principles avowed in the 'Protestation,' -- the denial that it is duty to pay cess [tax or levy] to the present civil powers, the assertion that the taking of the Oath of Allegiance is one of the steps of defection, and, what are called, expressions of contempt for the civil authority and for her Majesty's person and Government. That is, the chief grounds of the sentence were the principles all along maintained by the Societies as being those of the Church of Scotland in its purest times, and it was now declared that they were not to be tolerated in the Established Church. The 'Protestation,' which was dated from Balmaghie Manse, is a clear and vigorous statement of the case of the Societies against both Church and State, and recapitulates the reasons for standing aloof -- the most recent step of defection being the 'unhallowed' Union . . . The closing words of the 'Protestation' are in harmony with the avowed relation of the Society people to the Church of Scotland. They never owned a positive and active separation, but only that which Renwick (in his letters [cf. Life and Letters of James Renwick, by Carslaw], and his Informatory Vindication -- RB) calls a 'negative separation, passively considered,' -- a standing apart from a declining and corrupt portion, ready to associate again when the corruptions are confessed and removed. The Protestors of 1708 maintained the same attitude; the closing sentence runs thus: 'Finally, that we may not be judged by any as persons of an infallible spirit, and our actions above the cognizance of the judicatories of Christ's appointment, we appeal to the first free, faithful and rightly constituted Assembly in this Church, to whose decision and sentence in the things libelled against us, we willingly refer ourselves, and crave liberty to extend and enlarge this our Protestation, Declinature, and Appeal, as need requires'." (Matthew Hutchison, The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland: It Origin and History 1680-1876, 1893, pp. 155-156). In short, this is a continuing defence of the faithful testimony of previous Covenanters (like Rutherford, Gillespie, M'Ward, Brown [of Wamphray], Cameron, Cargill and Renwick) and the covenanted biblical attainments of the Second Reformation." -- Publisher
MacMillan and MacNeil's Protestation to a Commission of General Assembly
http://www.truecovenanter.com/mcmillan/mackmillan_mackneil_declinature1708.html
MacMillan, III, John, Letter Anent Civil Government and Political Dissent, 1781
http://www.truecovenanter.com/mcmillan/mcmillan_letter1781.html
MacPherson, Hector, The Cameronian Philosopher: Alexander Shields. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Much literature has been called forth by the Covenanting movement in Scotland, and my sole reason for adding another volume to the library of Covenanting history and biography is that one of the greatest of the Covenanting leaders has been allowed to sink into a quite unmerited oblivion.
"Alexander Shields, who was after the execution of James Renwick the acknowledged leader of the Cameronian remnant, was one of the most picturesque figures in the Scotland of his day . . . he lived dangerously and died young; and it is indeed strange that no biography of this remarkable man has yet been attempted . . . He was a man of thought, and he may with some justice be called 'the Cameronian philosopher,' for in his greatest work, 'A Hind Let Loose,' he expounded . . . the philosophy of what might be called Radical Calvinism . . . He is worthy to rank with Buchanan and Rutherford among the chief Scottish protagonists [concerning Calvinistic political theory.]" -- Preface
"Though MacPherson is exceedingly weak in expressing some points of the hard-edged Cameronianism of Shields, the book is still useful for much of the information that it contains. It also helps set the context for Shield's masterful and revolutionary work A HIND LET LOOSE, a book easily in the class of Rutherford's famous LEX REX." -- Publisher
MacPherson, Hector, The Covenanters Under Persecution: A Study of Their Religious and Ethical Thought, 1923.
MacPherson, Hector, The Doctrine of the Church in the Scottish Theology, 1903.
MacPherson, Hector, Outlaws for Freedom: Sketches of the Persecuted Covenanters, 1956.
*Maier, Walter A., The Book of Nahum.
"A lengthy, critical commentary in which every word of each verse is evaluated and expounded in light of the theme of the book. Very extensive." -- Cyril J. Barber
Makey, Walter H., The Church of the Covenant, 1637-1651: Revolution and Social Change in Scotland, 1979, ISBN: 0859760359 9780859760355.
Mall, Thomas (b. 1629 or 30), The Axe at the Root of Professors Miscarriages. In a Plain Detection of, and a Wholsome Caveat Against the Miscarriages Opposite to Faith in God. By Thomas Mall, Minister of the Gospel.
Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), XVIII Sermons on the Second Chapter of the 2d Epistle to the Thessalonians [2 Thessanonians 2], Containing the Description, Rise, Growth, and Fall of Antichrist: With Divers Cautions and Arguments to Establish Christians Against the Apostacy of the Church of Rome: Very necessary for these times / by that late reverend and learned divine, Thomas Manton, 1679. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON which is available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4, #5.
18 Sermons on the Description, Rise, Growth, and Fall of Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2), Thomas Manton
http://www.truecovenanter.com/manton/2thes2.htm
*Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), The Complete Works of Thomas Manton. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4, #5.
"Manton was 'one of the most eminent of the Nonconformist divines.' He was born in 1620 and died in 1677. He was chosen to write The Epistle to the Reader: Especially Heads of Families' of the famous Westminster Standards. Received 'Episcopal Institution' in 1661. Resigned in 1662, on account of the Act of Uniformity (which among other wicked, Satanic enactments, its principal terms required a 'declaration of unfeigned assent and consent' to everything contained in the BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, re-ordination for those not episcopally ordained and, most evil of all, 'a renunciation of the Solemn League and Covenant. Knowing that the Puritans would not submit to such terms, the Authorities framed the Act to secure their expulsion.' (cf. Sermons of the Great Ejection by Iain Murray [Banner of Truth, reprinted 1962]). He was a man of great learning and extensive reading, of a sound judgement, and had the art of reducing volumes of divinity into a narrow compass. According to Charnock, he was the best collector of sense of the age. Dr. Bates says, 'A clear judgement, rich fancy, strong memory, and happy elocution, met in him, and were excellently improved by diligent study'." (James Darling, Cyclopaedia Bibliographica, 1854, pp. 1953-1954). Includes Manton's better known volumes, such as his commentary on James and Jude and his Sermons on Psalm 119, as well as a host of other practical preaching, teaching and Scriptural exposition. The 22nd volume contains two large indices (by subject and text)." -- Publisher
Manton, Thomas, The Complete Works of Thomas Manton, vol. 1 of 11.
http://archive.org/details/completeworksoft01mant
*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 in 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
Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Liberty and Blessing in the Law of Christ. Available (WORKS OF THOMAS M'CRIE) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), A Sermon Preached at the Funerall of M. Christopher Love, in St. Laurence Church, August, 25. 1651. By Thomas Manton, Minister of the Gospell at Stoak-Newington Near London, 1651.
Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Sermons Preached by the Late Reverend and Learned Divine, Thomas Manton, 1678.
Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), What Kind of Perfection is Attainable. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5, #21. Manton, Thomas, Sanctification, Perfection and Scripture, an audio file. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Richard Cotes, John Clarke, England and Wales. Parliament. House of Commons, England's Spirituall Languishing, With the Causes and Cure: Discovered in a Sermon Preached Before the Honorable House of Commons, on Their Solemn day of Fast, at Margarets Westminster, June 28. 1648.
*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 Atonement: In its Relations to the Covenant, the Priesthood, the Intercession of our Lord, 1882.
*Martin, Hugh (1822-1885), The Connexion Between the Headship of Christ and Revival in the Church: With Present Relative Duties, 1859.
Martin, Hugh (1822-1885), The Ten Years' Conflict Misread by its Historian.
Martin, Hugh (1822-1885), Where Will the Free Church be Found?
Martin, R.H., et al., and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, Can the Oath to the Constitution of the United States be Taken With the Oath-taker Maintaining a Supreme Allegiance to God and the Lord Jesus Christ? 1948.
Martin, Thomas, Jesus 'Crowned With Glory and Honour.' Prize Catechism on the Principles and Position of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/7/27/jesus-crowned-with-glory-and-honour
Marvell, Andrew (1621-1678), The Rehearsal Transpros'd, or, Animadversions Upon a Late Book Intituled, A Preface, Shewing What Grounds There are of Fears and Jealousies of Popery, 1672.
Mason, Archibald (d. 1831), Observations, Doctrinal and Practical, on Saving Faith.
Observations, Doctrinal and Practical, on Saving Faith
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/archibald-masons-book-observations-doctrinal-and-practical-on-saving-faith
*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
Mathew, David, Scotland Under Charles I, 1955.
McAllister, David, The National Reform Movement, its History and Principles. A Manual of Christian Civil Government, 1898.
See also: BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN CIVIL GOVERNMENT, extracts from CHRISTIAN CIVIL GOVERNMENT by David McAllister.
McAllister, David (editor), Poets and Poetry of the Covenant, 1894.
McAllister, David, The Ultimate Source of the State's Authority.
McAuley, John (1807-1883), The Duty of the Church to be one, to be Undivided, Unseparated
http://www.covenanter.org/JMcauley/dutyofchurchtobeone.htm
McCaffrey, John F., Scottish Church History in the Nineteenth Century: A Select Critical Bibliography.
See also: McCaffrey, J.F., "Bibliography (Nineteenth Century)," Records of Scottish Church History Society, 23:3 (1989), 417-36
McCoy, Florence N., Robert Baillie and the Second Scots Reformation, 1974, ISBN: 0520024478 9780520024472.
Bibliography: pp. 220-228.
McFarlane, Ian Dalrymple, Buchanan, 1981, ISBN: 0715609718 9780715609712.
McFeeters, James Calvin (1848-1928), America in the Coming Crisis; An Appeal to Christian Patriots to Align our Country With Jesus for her Safety in the Next War, 1922.
McFeeters, James Calvin (1848-1928), Christian Citizenship, No. 1: The Reformer Endued With Power.
*McFeeters, J.C. (James Calvin, 1848-1928), Sketches of the Covenanters. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Stirring accounts of sacrifice and martyrdom for the Reformed Faith that will bring tears to eyes of all but the backslidden. Follows the chain of events which gave Scotland two Reformations and a Revolution. Knox, the National Covenant, the Westminster Assembly, the Field Meetings, and much more is covered. The history of great battles for Christ and His royal rights are recounted in this moving history book. Sheds much light upon the warfare with the dragon for true liberty. One of our best history books, highly recommended!" -- Publisher
Sketches of the Covenanters
http://archive.org/details/sketchesofthecov13570gut
Sketches of the Covenanters
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/13570
McKerrow, John, History of the Secession Church, 1848.
McKinney, James, A View of the Rights of God and man in Some Sermons, Matthew 22:21, 1833.
McKnight, W.J. (1865-1951), In Defense of Close Communion by McKnight, an MP3 file [audio file]. Available (PDF and MP3), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This is one of the best short, easy-to-understand defences of close communion available. Much practical application is added to this doctrine, as Mcknight defends the old Reformed way. This item is read (by Ruling Elder Lyndon Dohms), from Mcknight's book CONCERNING CLOSE COMMUNION.
*McKnight, William John (1865-1951), Concerning Close Communion: An Investigation. Available (PDF and MP3), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3.
"This is one of the best short, easy-to-understand defences of close communion available. Much practical application is added to this doctrine, as Mcknight defends the old Reformed way."
Concerning Close Communion
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/william-j-mcknights-book-concerning-close-communion
*McKnight, William John (1865-1951), Covenanting, Communion and Confessions: With a Short Summary of the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] Deals With the Terms of Communion as They Relate to the Reformation Creeds and the Westminster Confession. Alternative title: CONCERNING CLOSE COMMUNION: AN INVESTIGATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3.
"Defends creedalism and the historic progress evident in the faithful creeds. Touches on covenanting. Contains a useful summary of every chapter of the WCF [1646]. In classic Reformed Presbyterian style, the author notes the testimony of the martyrs in leaving 'a noble example for us and our posterity to follow, in contending for all divine truth, and in testifying against all contrary evils, which may exist in the corrupt constitutions of either church or state.'
"A strong little book that should be considered by all those seeking the purity and peace of the church. Holds to the strict old covenanted Presbyterian position. Justifies the maintaining of the separate existence of a denomination that will faithfully testify against sin, and the excluding from the Lord's table those that do not so testify. Gives numerous examples of backsliding in regard to specific truths of Scripture. Proclaims that 'the Word of God teaches unequivocally that the Commandments are equally binding.' This includes the first commandment as it relates to Christ's Kingship over the nations (and dissent from immoral civil governments which will not recognize and obey Christ as King and law giver); and the second commandment concerning purity of worship (as against 'all devising, counselling, using, and any wise approving, any religious worship not instituted by God Himself,' such as the use of songs other than the Psalms and the Popish use of musical instruments in public worship). Maintains that violation of these commandments are grounds for barring a person from the Lord's table. Shows how close communion is nothing more than the old Presbyterian view, in keeping with the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) and John Calvin when he stated 'We are only contending about the true and lawful constitution of the church, required in the communion not only of the sacraments (which are the signs of profession), but also especially of doctrine' (John Calvin, Institutes 2.12). Also includes an excellent discussion of essentials and non-essentials, as they relate to the Lord's supper and salvation. The best short book on the Lord's supper that we have seen. Written by an RPCNA minister in large easy-to-read type." -- Publisher
McKnight, R.J.G. (Robert James George), The Second Coming of Christ: Is it Pre-millennial? 1915.
McLagan, James (1788-1852), Lecture Delivered at the Opening of the Free Church Divinity Hall, Aberdeen.
McLagan, James (1788-1852), Lectures and Sermons by James M'Lagan, With a Preface by A.D. Davidson, 1853.
McLagan, James, Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge, Spiritual Views of the Divine Government: A Sermon Preached Before the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge at Their Anniversary Meeting in St. Andrew's Church, Edinburgh, on Thursday, June 2, 1831.
McLaren, Donald Campbell, The Psalms of Holy Scripture: The Only Songs of Zion: An Appeal to the Churches in Behalf of This Ordinance of God.
The Psalms of Holy Scripture, the Only Songs of Zion, an Appeal to the Churches in Behalf of this Ordinance of God
http://www.covenanter.org/Worship/psalmsofholyscripture.htm
McLeod (M'Leod), Alexander (1774-1833), The Ecclesiastical Catechism, Being a Series of Questions Relative to the Christian Church Stated and Answered With the Scripture Proofs, 1806. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
http://www.covenanter.org/McLeod/EcclesiasticalCat/eccle.htm
McLeod (M'Leod), Alexander (1774-1833), The Pulpit in Relation to Social Life; or, Christus Consolator, 1870.
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), First Reformed Presbyterian Church (New York, N.Y.), The Dying Christian's Estimate of Heaven: A Discourse in Memory of the Late Rev. Andrew W. Black, D.D., Professor in the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Delivered in the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, New York, on Sabbath, Nov. 21st, 1858.
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), The Little Flock Possessing the Kingdom: or, True Religion Controlling the World: A Sermon Preached at the Opening of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, April 30, 1854.
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), Paul's Estimate of the Pastoral Office: A Sermon Preached at the Ordination and Installation of Rev. Spencer L. Finney as Pastor of the Second Reformed Presbyterian Church, New York, 1852.
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), Protestantism, the Parent and Guardian of Civil and Religious Liberty. Found in MISCELLANEOUS, VOL. 6.
Protestantism, the Parent and Guardian of Civil and Religious Liberty. A lecture, Delivered, March 26, 1843, Under Appointment of the N.Y. Protestant Reformation Society (1843), John Niel McLeod
http://archive.org/details/protestantismpar00mcle
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), Revived Memories. An Address to the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America, on the Semi-centenary of the Adoption of the Testimony, 1856.
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), Scottish Theology in Relation to Church History Since the Reformation, ISBN: 1884416144 9781884416149.
Scottish Theology in Relation to Church History Since the Reformation
http://books.google.com/books/about/Scottish_theology_in_relation_to_church.html?id=87E8AAAAYAAJ
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), The World Revolutionized by the True Religion, and its Ministry. An Ordination Sermon, 1843.
*McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), The Ancient History of Psalmody, 1852. Alternate title: AN INQUIRY INTO THE PRIVILEGE AND DUTY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN THE EXERCISE OF SACRED PRAISE: A CHRONOLOGY AND HISTORY OF SCRIPTURE SONGS FROM THE CREATION; AN ENLARGED REVIEW OF THE ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY OF THE PSALMODY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH; AND AN EXAMINATION OF "AN APOLOGY FOR THE BOOK OF PSALMS." Available in 'Letter II' in M'Master's AN APOLOGY FOR THE BOOK OF PSALMS, IN FIVE LETTERS; ADDRESSED TO THE FRIENDS OF UNION IN THE CHURCH OF GOD. Available (under M'Master) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This resource covers the character of the age of the Church Fathers and the history of Psalmody in the early ages of the church after the Apostles.
"Statements related to this issue from Pliny, Tertullian, Jerome, Cyril, Augustine, Cassian, Chrysostom, the Apostolic Constitutions and others are all included, set in their context and commented on (from the Latin).
Interestingly, M'Master writes,
The truth is, fifty years after the death of the Apostles had not passed by, when the church they had planted with so much purity, and fostered with so much care, exhibited an aspect very different from what it did before. The historian Hegesippus, of the second century, pronounced the virgin purity of the church to have been confined to the Apostolic age. "Monstrous attempts were made, in that century, to reconcile falsehood with truth, light with darkness" (Mosheim, I. 174). In this age originated a bewildering mysticism, an idle monkish seclusion from the relations and duties of active life, and a multiplication of superstitious innovations, which cast a veil of darkness over the truth, substituting for the simplicity of the gospel an unseemly mixture of truth and error. Jerome, of the fourth century, testifies that the "primitive church was tainted with gross errors while the Saviour's blood was yet warm in Judea." In the following periods the depravity increased. God, indeed, had still his hidden ones, and in their hearts and hands his own cause was preserved; yet the picture of the times is drawn, on the page of history, in dark colours.McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), An Apology for the Book of Psalms in Five Letters, 1852, ISBN: 0217165222 9780217165228. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"There was no charity in works, no discipline in manners." The practice of such periods can go but a little way in the settlement of controversies respecting divine institutions. For satisfaction, as to the appointments of God, we must rest, not on the practice of the Fathers, but on the records of inspired truth. Keeping this in recollection, it may, nevertheless, be interesting to know their matter and modes of worship. And as a somewhat imposing display of research into the early practice of the church, on the subject of Psalmody, has by various writers been made, it may not be inexpedient to inquire, how far their representations of that practice and the inferences they drew from it, are entitled to our confidence.
McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), Ecclesiastical and National Covenanting: An Ordinance of God, 1828.
McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), Moral Character of Civil Government: Considered With Reference to the Political Institutions of the United States, in Four Letters, 1832.
http://archive.org/details/moralcharacterc00mcmagoog
McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), and Hanover College. Philalethean Society, The Obligations of the American Scholar to his Country and the World: An Address Delivered Before the Philalethean Society of Hanover College, September 28th, 1841.
McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), Select Works
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/gilbert-mcmaster-1778-1854
McMillan, John, John Belfrage, William Arnot, and Robert Campbell, A Letter: Addressed to the Rev. Messrs. John Belfrage, William Arnot, and Robert Campbell, the Surviving Members of That Committee, Appointed by the Burgher-Associate Synod, to Revise, and Publish the Papers Contained in the Re-exhibition of the Testimony.
McMillan, John, Gilbert Burnet, James Renwick, and Scotland. Sovereign (1685-1688: James VII), A Protestation Against Toleration: Containing, I. Some Reflections on his Majesty's Proclamation of the 12th February 1686-7, for a Toleration in Scotland, 1770.
Contains: "Some reflections on His Majesty's proclamation/ [by Gilbert Burnet], -- A proclamation of the 28th June, 1687 -- An address to the King from the Presbyterian ministers of Scotland -- An address to the King from the Presbyterians in Scotland -- The testimony of some persecuted Presbyterian ministers/ [by James Renwick]."
McMillan, John, I (1669?-1753), A True Double of a Paper of Grievances Given in to the Presbytery of Kirkcudbright, July 6th, 1703, by Mr. John Reid, Minister of Carsphairn; Mr. William Tod, Minister of Buittle; and Mr. John Macmillan, Minister of Balmaghie: To which generally the whole forementioned parishes adhere, and the greatest part of the Godly in the land. [Appended to the True Narrative, 1704], 1704.
http://www.covenanter.org/JMcmillan1/truedouble.htm
McMillan, John, I (1669?-1753), The Faithful and Wise Servant: or, The Authority, Character, and Work of a Gospel Minister, in the Church of Christ, Opened up; A Sermon, Preached at the Ordination of Mr. John M'Millan, Junior [II, 1729-1808], at Stirling, on the 11th of March, 1778.
McMillan (Mackmillan), John, I (1669?-1753), and John MacNeil, The Protestation, Declinature, and Appeal of Mr. John Macmillan, Minister of the Gospel at Balmaghie, and Mr. John Macneil, Probationer and Preacher of the Gospel, Sent to the Commission of the Kirk at Edinburgh, the 29th of September, 1708.
The Protestation, Declinature, and Appeal of Mr. John Macmillan
http://www.covenanter.org/JMcmillan1/protestation.htm
McMillan (M'Millan), II, John (1729-1808), Address to the People Under the Inspection of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, 1809, 1887. Available in Synod of Ireland, Miscellaneous, vol. 6.
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, John, II (1729-1808), and James Renwick (1662-1688), A Collection of Letters, Consisting of Ninety-three: Sixty-one of Which Wrote 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.
A Collection of Letters, Consisting of Ninety-three . . .
http://archive.org/details/collectionoflett00macm
McNeilly (M'Neilly), Samuel Rea, How Best to Secure a Return to the use of the Psalms in the Ordinance of Praise. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
M'Crie, Charles Greig (1836-1910), The Confessions of the Church of Scotland, 1907.
M'Crie, Charles Greig (1836-1910), The Public Worship of Presbyterian Scotland: Historically Treated, 1892. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The author states, 'All I have undertaken to give is a statement of the legislation and a description of the service books which have determined the usage and practice of Scotland when free to carry out her chosen and beloved Presbyterian polity and ritual.' A detailed and scholarly historical study, written in an irenic and non-partisan manner." -- Publisher
*M'Crie (McCrie), Thomas (1772-1835), Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion. Available in STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS, LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD, Section VII. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"M'Crie published at Edinburgh in 1807 a helpful discussion of the biblical evidence for an obligation of nations and their civil rulers to give recognition to the true religion. His book is a protest against the church in which he was ordained, and which subsequently departed from the principles it had espoused: STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS, LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD. It has often been regarded as the best presentation of the confessional point of view respecting a national acknowledgment of religion. Churches formed after M'Crie's death found their conflicts over church principles defined in his literary output." -- Publisher
Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-exercise-of-civil-authority-about-religion.php
M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), Edinburgh Christian Instructor for 1817, an article.
M'Crie vindicated the religion of the Covenanters in these pages.
M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), Grief for the Sins of men: A Sermon. Available (THE SERMONS OF THOMAS M'CRIE) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), The Life of Alexander Henderson: Minister of Edinburgh, and one of the Commissioners From the Church of Scotland to the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, ISBN: 052404497X 9780524044971. Available (LIVES OF ALEXANDER HENDERSON AND JAMES GUTHRIE) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), The Life of Andrew Melville, 1856, 2 volumes.
*M'Crie, Thomas (the elder, 1772-1835), Life of Knox, 1831. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
M'Crie, Thomas (the younger, 1797-1875), The Life of Thomas M'Crie, D.D.: Author of "Life of John Knox," "Life of Melville," etc.
M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), Miscellaneous Writings, Chiefly Historical.
M'Crie, Thomas (1797-1875), A Short View of the Plan of Religious Reformation and Union Adopted Originally by the Secession, an Appendix to, Two Discourses on the Unity of the Church, her Divisions, and Their Removal. Alternate title: ON THE COVENANTS AND THE REFORMATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE WORKS OF THOMAS M'CRIE below.
M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), The Sermons of Thomas M'Crie. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
*M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), Statement of the Difference . . . Particularly on the Power of Civil Magistrates Respecting Religion, National Reformation, National Churches, and National Covenants, 1871. Alternate title: STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), A Vindication of the Scottish Covenanters: Consisting of a Review of the First Series of the "Tales of my Landlord," 1856. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), and Thomas Thomson, Lives of Alexander Henderson and James Guthrie: With Specimens of Their Writings, 1846.
M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), Hugh Miller, James Anderson, John Fleming, John Hutton Balfour (contributor), The Bass Rock: Its Civil and Ecclesiastic History . . . Geology . . . Martyrology . . , 1847, 575 pages.
M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), William Veitch, George Brysson, James Wallace, and James Ure, Memoirs of Mr. William Veitch and George Brysson, 1825.
*M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), Scottish Church History: Embracing the Period From the Reformation to the Revolution Adapted to a Popular Audience and Written in a Conversational Tone, 1843. Alternate title: SKETCHES OF SCOTTISH CHURCH HISTORY FROM THE REFORMATION TO THE REVOLUTION: EMBRACING THE PERIOD. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
M'Crie, Thomas (the younger, 1797-1875), The Story of the Scottish Church, From the Reformation to the Disruption.
M'Crie, Thomas (the younger, 1797-1875), Two Discourses on the Unity of the Church: Her Divisions, and Their Removal; To Which is Subjoined a Short View of the Plan of Religious Reformation Originally Adopted in the Secession. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
McWard (M'Ward), Robert (1633-1687), Case of the Accommodation Lately Proposed by the Bishop of Dumblane, to the Non-conforming Ministers Examined. Wherein also the antient Prostasia, Episcopus praeses, is considered; and the Solemn league and covenant occasionally vindicat. Together with a copy of the two letters . . . Also . . . an appendix. Available (THE WORKS OF ROBERT M'WARD) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF ROBERT M'WARD) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
*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), Earnest Contendings for the Faith (1723), Being the Answers Written to Mr. Robert Fleming's first and second paper of proposals for union with the indulged, the first paper printed anno 1681: In Which Answers, more sound and solid proposals, for a safe and lasting union are offered and a solemn appeal thereanent made: Whereunto Some of the author's letters relative to the sins and duties of the day are annexed. Alternate title: EPAGOUNISMOI: OR, EARNEST CONTENDINGS FOR THE FAITH . . . Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
McWard (M'Ward), Robert (1633-1687), The Poor Man's cup of Cold-water: Ministred 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.
M'Donald, John, Jehovah-nissi, the Lord my Banner, or, The Lord's Banner as Displayed in the British Isles at the Reformation: And Still Upheld by the Reformed Presbyterian Church, 1881.
Mede, Joseph (1586-1638), and William Twisse (1577-1646), The Apostasy of the Latter Times: in which, According to Divine Prediction, the World Should Wonder After the Beast the Mystery of Iniquity Should so Farre Prevaile Over the Mystery of Godlinesse, Whorish Babylon Over the Virgin-Church of Christ, as that the visible glory of the true church should be much clouded the true unstained Christian faith corrupted the purity of true worship polluted, or, The gentiles theology of dćmons i.e. inferiour divine powers, supposed to be mediatours between God and man: revived in the latter times amongst Christians in worshipping of angels, deifying and invocating of saints, adoring and templing of reliques, bowing downe to images, worshipping of crosses, & c: all which together with a true discovery of the nature, originall, progresse, of the great, fatall and solemn apostisy are cleared: delivered in publique some years since upon I Tim. 4. 1,2,3 [1 Timothy 4:1,2,3], 1641. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13.
Mede, Joseph (1586-1638), and John Worthington, The Works of the Pious and Profoundly-learned Joseph Mede, B.D. Sometime Fellow of Christ's College in Cambridge, 1664.
Mellville, Andrew (1545-1622), Historical Memoirs of Andrew Melville Containing an Account of the Civil, Literary, and Ecclesiastical Transactions in Scotland, From the Death of John Knox, Till the Temporary Establishment of Episcopacy, in the Beginning of the Seventeenth Century.
Melville, James, A Short Relation of the State of the Kirk of Scotland Since the Reformation of Religion, to the Present Time for Information, and Advertisement of our Brethren in the Kirk of England, 1638. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
Menteath, Mrs. A Stuart, Lays of the Kirk and Covenant, 1850, poetry. Available on THE HISTORY OF THE COVENANTERS, a CD-ROM of The Scotland Historic Society. ISBN: 1290208670 9781290208673.
Menzies, Gordon (editor), and British Broadcasting Corporation, The Scottish Nation, 1972, ISBN: 0563106859 9780563106852.
Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), The Duty of the Church to Take Measures for Providing an Able and Faithful Ministry.
Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Letters on the Eternal Sonship of Christ: Addressed to the Rev. Professor Stuart, of Andover, ISBN: 9780548310793 0548310793. (Legacy Reprint Series. Kessinger Publishing, LLC, June 25, 2007), 292 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Milroy, William, The Testimony of the Church Respecting Military Associations, etc., With the Wicked and Profane. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Milton, John (1570-1643), The Rights of Nations to Depose Their Kings, and to Change or Amend Their Systems of Government; With a Vindication of the Killing of Tyrants: Being an Abridgement of Milton's Celebrated Tract, Entitled, "The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates." And a new and Abridged Translation of his Great Work, Called "A Defence of the People of England, in Answer to Salmasius's Defence of the King," 1649. Alternate title: EIKONOKLASTES.
*Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899), Minutes of the Sessions of the Westminster Assembly of Divines While Engaged in Preparing Their Directory for Church Government, Confession of Faith, and Catechisms (November 1644 to March 1649), 1874, ISBN: 0921148291 9780921148296, 643 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899), The Scottish Reformation: Its Epochs, Episodes, Leaders, and Distinctive Characteristics. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
*Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899), The Westminster Assembly: Its History and Standards, ISBN: 0837087732 9780837087733. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Moffat, James C. (1811-1890), The Church in Scotland: A History of its Antecedents, its Conflicts and its Advocates From the Earliest Recorded Times to the First Assembly of the Reformed Church, c1882, ISBN: 0790556669 9780790556666.
Moncreiff, Henry Wellwood, The Free Church Principle: Its Character and History.
*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.
Moots, Glenn A., Politics Reformed: The Anglo-American Legacy of Covenant Theology.
Moran, Gerald D., Helen Fattal, and Florence Fattal, Covenanter Witness: Volumes 1-19, 1928-1937, Index.
More, Robert M., Jr., Aurora Borealis: A History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Canada (Covenanter), 1820-1967, 1967.
Morison, William, Andrew Melville. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Morrill, John (editor), Reactions to the English Civil War, 1642-1649, 1984, ISBN: 0312664435 9780312664435.
Morrill, John (editor), The Scottish National Covenant in its British Context, 1638-1651, ISBN: 0748602038 9780748602032.
Morrill, John (editor), Reactions to the English Civil War, 1642-1649, ISBN: 0333275659 9780333275658 0333275667 9780333275665.
Muir, George, An Essay on Christ's Cross and Crown, to Which are Subjoined six Sermons, 1769.
Muir, George, The Synod of Jerusalem Considered: or, Remarks Upon a Sermon, Preached by the Reverend Mr George Muir, at the Opening of the Synod of Glasgow and Ayr, October, 1767. [It is not known if this document includes Muir's sermon in whole. -- compiler].
Muir, George, The Synod of Jerusalem: or, Courts of Review in the Christian Church Considered (Against Independents), 1768.
Muir, W. (editor), Memoir and Letters of William Guthrie, 1827.
Murray, John (1898-1975), and William Young, The Forgotten Minority: The Minority Report on Song in the Public Worship of God, ISBN: 093617532X 9780936175324.
*Murray, Matthew, The Millennium: Peace, Prosperity, and National Covenanting. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13.
Murray, Thomas, Life of Rev. Samuel Rutherford . . . With an Appendix.
Napier, M. (editor), Memorials of Montrose and his Times, 1850, 2 volumes.
Napier, Mark, A Word for Scotland's Covenanted Reformation: Being a Review of Montrose and the Covenanters.
*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.
Neilson, Thomas, Evils, Constitutional and Practical, of the Prelatic Establishment of the British Empire, 1841.
Nikolic, Margaret, Genealogical Microform Holdings in Scottish Libraries, ISBN: 1869984021 9781869984021.
*Nye, Philip (1596-1672), An Exhortation to the Taking of the Solemne League and Covenant for Reformation and Defence of Religion, the Honor and Happinesse of the King, and the Peace and Safety of the Three Kingdomes of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Nye, Philip (1596-1672), Thomas Goodwin, and The Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), et al., The Reasons Presented by the Dissenting Brethren [T. Goodwin and others], Against Certain Propositions Concerning Presbyteriall Government; and the Proofs of Them Voted by the Assembly of Divines . . . Together With the Answer of the Assembly . . . to Those Reasons of Dissent, 1648. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
Omicron, Permanence of Covenant Obligation, 1856. Alternate title: CIRCULAR NO. 1 and ANSWERING A DEFECTOR. Available in CIRCULAR NO. 1. Available (CIRCULAR NO. 1) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PERMANENCE OF COVENANT OBLIGATION as MP3 and newsletter, and CIRCULAR NO. 1 as PDF) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Ormond, D.D., A Kirk and a College in the Craigs of Stirling, 1897.
Orr, Robert Low, Alexander Henderson: Churchman and Statesman, 1919.
*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).
Palmer, Herbert (1601-1647), Scripture and Reason Pleaded for Defensive Arms, 1643. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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.
Palmer, Samuel, Moral Essays on Some of the Most Curious and Significant English, Scotch and Foreign Proverbs, 1710.
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.
Parliament, England, Ordinances of Parliament in Second-reformation England Concerning Blasphemy and Heresy
*Parliament, The First Parliament During the Reign of James VI of Scotland, Christ's Triumphant Entry Into Scotland; Or, The Subjugation of the People, Laws, Liberties, and Crown of Scotland to His Supreme Majesty Jesus Christ, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; Being, The Complete Text of all of the Acts of the First Parliament During the Reign of James VI of Scotland.
Patrick, Millar, Bruce Rogers, and the Pforzheimer Bruce Rogers Collection (Library of Congress), Four Centuries of Scottish Psalmody.
Paul, John (1777-1848), The Covenanter Reviewed: And Persecution Condemned, 1819.
Paul, John (1777-1848), Creeds and Confessions Defended: and Attacks Made on Covenanters, Seceders, &c. Repelled, in a Series of Letters Addressed to the Anonymous Author of "The Battle of the Two Dialogues," 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.
Paul, John (1777-1848), and Stewart Bates, Works of the Late Rev. John Paul.
Paul, Robert S., The Assembly of the Lord: Politics and Religion in the Westminster Assembly and the Grand Debate, ISBN: 0567085597 9780567085597.
Peden, Alexander (1626-1686), The Fellowship of Christ's Sufferings.
Grief for the Sins of men: A Sermon.
http://www.naphtali.com/articles/thomas-mcrie/grief-for-the-sins-of-men/
"Almost 900 pages covering the life and work of Knox's successor. Melville raised the level of learning and education in Scotland to the point where it became a leading nation in this field. He also advanced much of the practical work concerning the purifying of the Presbyterian church, which Knox had started. Melville is often remembered for his bold rebuke of 'God's silly vassal,' King James VI, regarding the divine right of the true church to govern her own affairs, without unwarranted interference from the civil magistrate." -- Publisher
"Iain Murray, in his stirring introduction to Cunningham's HISTORICAL THEOLOGY writes, 'The third event marking the commencement of this spiritual movement was the publication of a book in 1811. It was the biography of John Knox by Thomas M'Crie. All over Scotland this work was used to revive the memory of the great Reformer and nothing could have been a more telling protest against the stifling influence of Moderatism. It brought many a student and minister into the experience once described by James Fraser of Bera in his Memoirs: 'When I read Knox, I thought I saw another scheme of divinity, much more agreeable to the Scriptures and to my experience than the modern.' M'Crie followed this up in 1819 with a biography of Knox's great successor, Andrew Melville, and these two books became known as the 'Iliad and Odyssey of the Scottish Church.' Just as Homer's heroes fired the hearts of many imitators so M'Crie's biographies aroused a holy ambition in many to follow the noble example of these two spiritual giants.
"M'Crie's work is an undisputed classic regarding this fiery reformer. It exhibits information on Knox and the Scottish Reformation which has been hid in manuscripts and books which are now little known or consulted. Knox may be the most pertinent Reformer to study in our day of widespread idolatry, pluralism, anti-Christian government, humanistic law, relativism, and the revival of that 'masterpiece of Satan,' Roman Catholicism. Read everything that you can get your hands on -- either by or about Knox; you'll never be the same again!" -- Publisher
Life of John Knox: Containing Illustrations of the History of the Reformation in Scotland: with Biographical Notices of the Principal Reformers, and Sketches of the Progress of Literature in Scotland During the Sixteenth Century; and an Appendix, Consisting of Original Papers
https://archive.org/details/lifeofjohnkno00mcri
The Life of Thomas M'Crie, D.D.: Author of "Life of John Knox," "Life of Melville," etc. (1842)
http://archive.org/details/lifeofthomasmcr00mcri
"Let sober thinkers only reflect for a moment, what advantages would have ensued, if religion had been settled agreeably to the Solemn League and the plan recommended by the Westminster Assembly; and if that settlement had been allowed to stand."
Available (in the WORKS OF THOMAS M'CRIE [10 volumes]) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Works of Thomas M'Crie
http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasmcr01mcri
" 'The ablest exposition in the English language of the Establishment Principle . . . Dr. (George) Smeaton describes the Statement as a masterly defense of the principles of establishments as Scripture truth: and the most complete vindication ever given to the world of the position occupied by the Reformed Church of Scotland, on the whole subject of national religion and the magistrates legitimate power in promoting it. 'The same thoroughness,' wrote the late Rev. D. Beaton, 'which gave such abiding value to his great biography of Knox, is shown in this, his less known work . . . Dr. McCrie in his STATEMENT shows that all the Confessions of the Protestant and Presbyterian Churches of the Reformation, both in Britain and on the Continent of Europe, held and maintained the Establishment Principle. 'These harmoniously agree,' he writes, 'in declaring as with one mouth that civil authority is not limited to the secular affairs of men, and that the public care and advancement of religion is a principle part of the official duty of magistrates.' He goes on to give extracts from THE CONFESSION OF HELVETIA; THE CONFESSION OF BOHEMIA; THE CONFESSION OF SAXONY; THE FRENCH CONFESSION; THE BELGIC OR DUTCH CONFESSION; THE CONFESSION OF THE ENGLISH CONGREGATION IN GENEVA; THE SCOTS CONFESSION AND THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646). 'Such is the harmony of doctrine in the Protestant churches on this head,' he remarks, 'expressed in their confessions and public formularies drawn from the Word of God; a harmony which deserves great attention, and from which none should rashly depart' (as cited in CHRIST'S KINGSHIP OVER THE NATIONS by C.J. Brown). Concerning the doctrine of national obedience to Christ, M'Crie demonstrates in the most convincing way that there are few doctrines 'of the practical kind, in which the best interests of mankind and the general state of religion in the world, are more deeply concerned, than in the right and wrong determination of this question.' Contains an excellent preface by George Smeaton. Considered one of the definitive works on Church/State relations, defending the historic Reformed position. An extremely rare and very expensive item if located as a rare book." -- Publisher
Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-exercise-of-civil-authority-about-religion.php
http://books.google.com/books?id=xJILAAAAYAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
" 'The object of the volume' states the author (a Presbyterian of the old school), 'is to exhibit the more prominent and characteristic features of our Church History, than to enter into details, or to develop the internal character of the Church in her ecclesiastical acts and proceedings'."
The Unity of the Church
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Unity_00.htm
"McWard 'strongly opposed the Resolutions' and 'for a sermon preached at Glasgow from Amos 3:2, in February, 1661, he was banished to Holland . . . He collected and arranged the papers of his preceptor, Samuel Rutherford, and gave to the world his 'Letters.' (Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 342). The DICTIONARY OF SCOTTISH CHURCH HISTORY AND THEOLOGY, pp. 537-38, also notes that McWard 'studied at St. Andrews where he was a favorite of Samuel Rutherford' and that 'when Rutherford went to London as a Commissioner to the Westminster Assembly, McWard accompanied his as an amanuensis . . . was a zealous Protester . . . in 1661 he preached against an overturning of the Covenanted Reformation by Parliament, entering a protest in heaven that he desired to be free from the guilt thereof. He was imprisoned 'for sedition and treasonable preaching . . . he helped with the editing and publication of Rutherford's Examen Arminianismi (Utrecht, 1668) . . . wrote several tracts to encourage resistance to those whom he believed were usurpers of power in the Church of Scotland. He asserted that is was not, as then constituted, 'of the genus Church at all, -- that, by its mere physical force-raid on the real Church of Scotland, it has proved itself to be absolutely devoid of ecclesiastical rights.' . . . such publications rendered McWard, with his close friend John Brown of Wamphray, odious to the regime of Charles II, and diligent efforts were made to have him expelled from Holland . . . He continued zealous against the Indulgences, opposing the efforts of Robert Fleming, his successor, at conciliation (see Earnest Contendings for the Faith) . . . Wodrow characterized him as 'a person of great knowledge, zeal, learning, and remarkable ministerial abilities'." The answers to Robert Fleming's proposals for union with the indulged (found in Earnest Contendings and as set in the historical context noted above), exhibit the true spirit of the covenanting movement in regard to numerous church issues (such as separation, schism, covenanted obligations, the nature of the visible church, attainments, etc.). The principles set forth by McWard, as a faithful defender of the Covenanted Reformation, can be easily applied to the current state of declension in the modern Presbyterian and Reformed churches. This makes McWard's book a exceedingly helpful aid, regarding a broad spectrum of practical church issues, for those seeking to maintain the original (as held to by most of the Westminster Divines), covenanted testimony in our day. 416 pages, this book contains a glossary and index." -- Publisher
McWard, 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
An Able and Faithful Ministry
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/AbleFait.htm
"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
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
"The rights of nations to depose their kings, and to change or amend their systems of government."
http://archive.org/details/tenurekingsandm01alligoog
Milton, John, The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates
http://fly.hiwaay.net/~pspoole/Tenure.HTM
Milton, John, The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates, 1649
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~milton/reading_room/tenure/notes.shtml#title
"Warfield states, 'The fundamental authority for the study of the work of the Assembly for the period covered by it is, of course, the volume of its Minutes edited by Drs. A.F. Mitchell and John Struthers.' This work was also called the best book concerning the Assembly by Gregg Singer. It was compiled from transcripts originally procured by a committee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. An invaluable aid for all those who love creedal Christianity, as it is revealed in the Holy Scriptures. A very rare resource that should contribute much to the ongoing Reformation. Indexed." -- Publisher
"David Hay Fleming (editor) who states that 'the present volume is valuable in several ways, not the least of these being that it embodies, on many obscure and important points, the matured views of one of the most competent and cautious of historical students -- one who grudged no time and spared no labour in eliciting and elucidating the truth.' Contains a biographical sketch of the author by James Christie. Hits all the high points of Reformational development in Scotland, including Hamilton, Wishart, Knox, the 1560 Confession, the First and Second Books of Discipline, etc." -- Publisher
"William Hetherington has written: 'Every person who has directed his attention to the events of the seventeenth century, whether with regard to their civil or their religious aspect, has felt that it was impossible fully to understand either the one or the other line of study, without taking into view the character of the Westminster Assembly, the purpose for which it met, and the result of its deliberations . . . The man who penetrates a little deeper into the nature of those unrevealed but powerful influences which move a nation's mind, and mould its destinies, will be ready to direct his attention more profoundly to the objects and deliberations of an assembly which met at a moment so critical, and was composed of the great master-minds of the age; and the theologian who has learned to view religion as the vital principle of human nature, equally in nations and in the individual man, will not easily admit that weak idea, that such an assembly could have been an isolated event, but will be disposed earnestly to inquire what led to its meeting, and what important consequences followed. And although the subject has not hitherto been investigated with such a view, it may, we trust, be possible to prove, that it was the most important event in the century in which it occurred; and that it has exerted, and in all probability will yet exert, a far more wide and permanent influence upon both the civil and the religious history of mankind than has generally been ever imagined.' (Hetherington, History of the Westminster Assembly, pp. 16-17). Beattie, (Memorial Volume, p. xxxv, 1879), called this book, 'perhaps the best single popular book on the Assembly yet published.' Read this rare item and find out why. Limited stock remaining. When our hardcover stock is depleted we will substitute a 'bound photocopy' edition in its place, at the same low price, unless you instruct us otherwise.
"In the first three lectures, the author has given a succinct account of English Puritanism from its origin to the meeting of the Westminster Assembly, and in the tenth lecture, he has given a similar account of the history of doctrine in the British Churches during the same period. The seven intervening lectures were prepared in accord with the author's desire to complete his researches on the Westminster Assembly. Throughout this work, Mitchell has endeavored to give prominence to aspects of this magnificent period in Puritan history which have hitherto been generally overlooked and to treat more briefly of those which have been previously dwelt on -- making this the ideal companion volume to Hetherington's THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES and Gillespie's notes taken at this assembly (found in his WORKS). Moreover, Mitchell writes in an irenic manner, making this a perfect introductory volume to Puritanism and the work of the Assembly. Mitchell notes the importance of the Westminster Assembly in the following manner, 'Richard Baxter, who was perhaps as competent as any of their contemporaries to give an impartial verdict, does not hesitate to affirm that 'the divines there congregated were men of eminent learning and godliness, ministerial ability and fidelity; and being not worthy,' he modestly adds, 'to be one of them myself, I may the more freely speak that truth which I know, even in the face of malice and envy, that so far as I am able to judge by the information of all history . . . the Christian world since the days of the apostles had never a Synod of more excellent divines.' (p. 118). Thus, it has been noted by many, that next to the Scripture itself, there is probably more to be gained from the study of this segment of history (and the works of the men God called to produce the Puritan intellect and the Westminster family of documents), than any other single period of history -- right up to the present era. Mitchell's account of this age of brilliance is a veritable information cornucopia in which all lovers of Puritanism, the Westminster Assembly, and especially the truth of Christ (which these our forefathers in the faith so boldly proclaimed), can readily take delight! 'The Westminster Assembly, if it does not form a landmark in the history of our common Protestantism, must at least be admitted to constitute an epoch, and a notable one, in the history of Puritanism,' notes Mitchell." -- Publisher
"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/
"Many studies have considered the Bible's relationship to politics, but almost all have ignored the heart of its narrative and theology: the covenant. In this book, Glenn Moots explores the political meaning of covenants past and present by focusing on the theory and application of covenantal politics from the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries. Moots demands that we revisit political theology because it served as the most important school of politics in early modern Europe and America. He describes the strengths of the covenant tradition while also presenting its limitations and dangers. Contemporary political scientists such as Eric Voegelin, Daniel Elazar, and David Novak are called on to provide insight into both the covenant's history and its relevance today. Moots's work chronicles and critiques the covenant tradition while warning against both political ideology and religious enthusiasm. It provides an inclusive and objective outline of covenantal politics by considering the variations of Reformed theology and their respective consequences for political practice. This includes a careful account of how covenant theology took root on the European continent in the sixteenth century and then inspired ecclesiastical and civil politics in England, Scotland, and America. Moots goes beyond the usual categories of Calvinism or Puritanism to consider the larger movement of which both were a part. By integrating philosophy, theology, and history, Moots also invites investigation of broader political traditions such as natural law and natural right. POLITICS REFORMED demonstrates how the application of political theology over three centuries has important lessons for our own dilemmas about church and state. It makes a provocative contribution to understanding foundational questions in an era of rising fundamentalism and emboldened secularism, inspiring readers to rethink the importance of religion in political theory and practice, and the role of the covenant tradition in particular." -- Publisher
"A part of the 'Famous Scots Series.' Melville picked up where John Knox left off. His opposition to the slavery of Romanism and Episcopalianism (one of the daughters of the mother of harlots), helped lead Scotland into the freedom, liberty and strength of Scripturally based Presbyterianism. Melville was not only the greatest ecclesiastical controversialist of his day, but also the most learned Scot of his time." -- Publisher
"This report, defending exclusive Psalmody (on the basis of the classic understanding of the regulative principle of worship), was submitted to the fourteenth General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) in 1947. It was subsequently buried, ignored and has, as many had hoped, become long forgotten -- until now! It exposes how the OPC flies in the face of the original Westminster Standards, the worship heritage of Presbyterianism and most importantly Scripture." -- Publisher
"Notes: Originally published in 1879; reprinted in The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness, vol. 2 (1994)."
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
"Being No. III of a course of lectures on the Second Reformation."
Contents of CIRCULAR, NO. 1: The law and the testimony; The testimony and the law; Permanence of covenant obligation; and Answering a defector.
"An article, "The Law and the Testimony," explaining why making a distinction between the law and the testimony is needful to avoid legalism, and how this distinction affects the witnessing church." -- Publisher
Circular, No. 1
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/25/circular-no-1
Permanence of Covenant Obligation
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/PermCovObl.htm
The Testimony and the Law
http://www.truecovenanter.com/steele/steele_the_testimony_and_the_law.html
http://archive.org/details/akirkandacolleg00ormogoog
The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2
"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
"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."
http://www.truecovenanter.com/official/1646_and_1648_acts_of_parliament_england_re_heresy.html?doc_banner_show=false
He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. (Isaiah 42:4)
The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. (Psalm 97:1)
And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. (Psalm 37:6)
http://truecovenanter.com/official/acts_of_parliament_scotland_james_vi_p01.phtml
See: Skene, John, THE LAVVES AND ACTES OF PARLIAMENT, MAID BE KING IAMES THE FIRST, AND HIS SUCCESSOURS KINGES OF SCOTLAND.
Remarks on the Reformed Presbyterian Synod's Judgment: or, An Antidote Against Persecution, Part II.
Includes bibliographical references.
"Too bad this excellent book is so expensive. It is the kind of book that anybody interested in the background of the Westminster Assembly would enjoy reading. Detailed, scholarly, and thoroughly documented. We think it is well worth the price for the understanding that it imparts." -- GCB
Peden, Alexander (1626-1686), The Life of Mr. Alexander Peden, of the Church of Scotland.
Alexander Peden at True Covenater
http://www.truecovenanter.com/Peden.html
Peden, Alexander (1626-1686), The Lord's Trumpet Sounding an Alarm Against Scotland: By Warning of a Bloody Sword. Being the Substance of a Preface and two Prophetical Sermons, Preached at Glenluce, Anno, 1682, by That Great Scottish Prophet Mr. Alexander Peden, Late Minister of the Gospel at New Glenluce, in Galloway, 1682. Isaiah lviii. 1 [Isaiah 58:1]; Hosea vii. 1 [Hosea 7:1]; Joel ii. 1 [Joel 2:1]; Amos iii. 1 [Amos 3:1]; Acts i. 19 [Acts 1:19].
The Lord's Trumpet Sounding an Alarm Against Scotland
http://www.truecovenanter.com/guthrie/guthrie_james_causes_of_wrath.html
Peden, Alexander (1626-1686), Two Sermons by Persecuted Covenanter Alexander Peden
http://www.truecovenanter.com/Peden.html
Peden, Alexander (1626-1686), and Thomas Cameron, Peden the Prophet: A Tail of the Covenanters.
*Pendlebury, William, National Repentance and Reformation the way to Obtain National Blessings. A sermon preach'd at Rotherham in Yorkshire, on the eleventh of April, 1744, . . . by William Pendlebury, M.A.
*Perkins, William (1558-1602), The Whole Duty of man, Containing a Practical Table of the Ten Commandments Wherein the Sins Forbidden, and the Duties Commanded, or Implied are Clearly Discovered / by famous Mr. Will. Perkins, 1674.
Pierce, James, A Vindication of the Dissenters: In Answer to Dr. William Nichols's Defence of the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England, 1718, ISBN: 1331503663 9781331503668. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
Presbyterian Heritage Publications, Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library and Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library (Dallas, TX [Presbyterian Heritage Publications, P.O. Box 180922, Dallas, 75218]: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1999).
"ALL ON ONE CD, including some of Calvin's never before translated anti-Nicodemite writings in COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, THE ANTI-NICODEMITE WRITINGS OF JOHN CALVIN and other important and previously unreleased titles -- as compiled and/or written by Kevin Reed.
"Over the years, PHP titles have provided readers with solid literature from an historic Protestant and Presbyterian perspective. With the passage of time, many of the older titles have gone out of print. Moreover, the publisher has several new volumes ready for press. At PHP, we do not have the resources to produce printed editions of all these titles at once. Therefore, in order to make all of this material available at one time, on a single source, we have released the PHP Library on CD.
"The files on the CD are in both HTML and PDF file formats. That means that there is no application software to install. Instead, you use the PHP CD in conjunction with your browser program (such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator), and with Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 3.0 or later). Recent versions of browser software and Reader may be downloaded free via The Internet from various software companies; we do not supply them with the PHP disk. Of course, you must also have a CD drive (2x required, faster recommended), connected to your computer.
"Note: The CDs are available in both Mac and Windows versions. If you have a relatively new computer (and a recent version of the Mac OS or windows), you should be able to run either version of our disk, because it follows ISO standards and utilizes generic HTML and PDF formats. Nevertheless, for the sake of customers with older computers, we have created platform-specific disks. We will ship you the version of the disk matching the computer and operating system which you describe above. If you have questions about the compatibility of your operating system with the PHP CD, please contact us. Contents of the disk are copyrighted, and protected by applicable U.S. and international copyright laws." -- Publisher
Contains the following new titles and previously unreleased material.
The Protestant ReformationCome Out From Among Them: 'Anti-Nicodemite' Writings of John Calvin, Library of Congress Number: 47597573.
"An entire volume, newly translated from the French, providing some of Calvin's most important statements respecting worship. Calvin writes against the 'Nicodemites:' a class of would-be Protestants who hoped to maintain their social standing by outward conformity to Romish rituals and worship; these dissemblers claimed that it was lawful to attend the outward ordinances of Romish worship, so long as they did not inwardly receive the heretical tenets of Rome.
"Calvin's response is forceful. Through a series of tracts, letters, and sermons, the reformer consistently maintains that proper worship is an essential part of the believer's duty to God. Calvin decries all forms of superstition and man-made worship. He exposes the blasphemous nature of popish worship, and stresses the duty of true Christians to separate themselves from such polluted forms of worship.
"This volume (over 300 pages long), includes a publisher's introduction, describing Calvin's concern for worship, and providing historical background to the individual works contained in the book.
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:*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 (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.
- Conversations with the Queen (1561-63)
- An Extract from The Reasoning Betwixt John Knox and the Abbot of Crossraguell (1562)
- A Sermon on Isaiah 26:13-21 (1565-66)
- An Answer to a Letter of a Jesuit Named Tyrie (1572)
- Rediscovered Writings from the English Reformation (1550-52)
- Extracts from An Answer to a Great Number of Blasphemous Cavillations Written by an Anabaptist, and Adversary to God's Eternal Predestination (1560)
- Personal Correspondence (1552-58)
- Letters Chiefly from the Scottish Reformation (1559-72)
- Answers to Libels (1571)
"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
Reid, Kevin, John Knox: The Forgotten Reformer
"The present volume seeks to restore interest in Knox's theology, illustrating how the reformer's beliefs have great relevance for our own day. The individual essays in this book treat the following topics:American Presbyterian Authors
- The life of the reformer
- The biblical law of worship
- True and false churches
- The role of the faithful pastor
- The use of plain speech
- A warning against the Anabaptists
- Church government
Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Letters on the Eternal Sonship of Christ: Addressed to the Rev. Professor Stuart, of Andover, ISBN: 9780548310793 0548310793. (Legacy Reprint Series. Kessinger Publishing, LLC, June 25, 2007), 292 pages. 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
Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Letters on Unitarianism; addressed to the members of the First Presbyterian Church, in the city of Baltimore.
Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), God Manifest in the Flesh
Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Letters on Unitarianism; Letters on the Eternal Sonship of Christ (Samuel Miller). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The two books reproduced in this volume are thematically linked, and they furnish Miller's most extensive writings on Christological controversies.
"Each book was produced with a distinct readership in mind. The first work, "Letters on Unitarianism" (1821), was written for a general readership, in order to expose the evils of Unitarianism, so that orthodox Christians would guard against the inroads of Unitarian errors (prevalent today in some Charismatic circles -- RB). The second work, "Letters on the Eternal Sonship of Christ" (1823), was composed to correct the errors of a straying brother, Moses Stuart, a professor at Andover Seminary; in contrast to the first book, the second work is cast with a more academic readership in mind. Also included, as an Appendix, is Miller's "Letter to the Editor of the Unitarian Miscellany," which was a reply to a published attack against Miller, by an anonymous Unitarian writer whose article was printed in the Unitarian periodical." -- Publisher
Contents of the Volume:1. Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), The Gospel
"The book opens with strong declarations about the first principles of Christianity. Miller explains the substitutionary atonement in 'Christ Our Righteousness.' He shows the necessity of 'Being on the Lord's Side.' Perceptive readers will note the depth of these statements, respecting the nature of the gospel, in contrast to the shallow evangelistic messages of the present day. In two missionary sermons, Miller illustrates how Christ, through the gospel, will conquer the world. There are additional sermons on 'The Difficulties and Temptations which Attend the Preaching of the Gospel in Great Cities' and 'The Importance of Gospel Truth'."
2. Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), The Christian Ministry
"Miller considers 'Christ, the Model of Gospel Ministers.' He examines the call to the Christian ministry in 'The Sacred Office Magnified.' He shows the necessity and meaning of pastoral fidelity in 'Holding Fast the Faithful Word.' In a related messages, he stresses, 'The Duty of the Church to Take Measures for Providing An Able and Faithful Ministry,' and gives 'A Plea for an Enlarged Ministry'."
3. Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), The Eldership
"This volume includes Miller's original sermon on the ruling elder; his later writings on the eldership were developed from this discourse."
4. Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Personal and Family Piety
"Miller gives warm exhortations regarding personal and family piety. He describes "The Duty, the Benefits, and the Proper Method of Religious Fasting." He treats "The Importance of Domestic Happiness," and "The Means of Domestic Happiness." An illuminating discussion on the role of women is found in "The Appropriate Duty of the Female Sex.
5. Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Exhortations to Christians
"Christian parents are given a stern warning on the danger of educating their children in Roman Catholic schools. Later discourses cover the subjects of suicide and theatrical amusements."
6. Breckinridge, Robert J., Presbyterian Ordination
"A companion speech to Breckinridge's PRESBYTERIAN GOVERNMENT, this discourse sustains the argument that ordination is a joint governmental act of the presbytery, not a ministerial rite restricted to preachers. Breckinridge defends the propriety of ruling elders participating in the laying on of hands in ministerial ordinations.Books and Booklets
Special Publications: Miscellaneous Articles and Book Reviews
- An Able and Faithful Ministry (Samuel Miller)
- Biblical Church Government (Kevin Reed)
- Biblical Worship (Kevin Reed)
- Campbellism -- The Origin of Campbellism: Its Pretensions, and Causes of its Early Success (Nathan L. Rice)
- The Christian Education of the Children and Youth in the Presbyterian Church (Samuel Miller)
- Christmas: A Biblical Critique (Michael Schneider and Kevin Reed)
- Christmas-keeping and the Reformed Faith (David Cason)
- Communion Catechism (John Craig)
- Confession of the English Congregation at Geneva (1556)
- Doctrinal Integrity (Samuel Miller)
- The Elder and His Work (David Dickson)
- Family Worship (J.H. Merle D'Aubigné)
- Fasting (Samuel Miller)
- The First and Second Books of Discipline (Church of Scotland)
- The First Blast of the Trumpet (John Knox)
- Forbidden Alliances (George Gillespie)
- Genevan Book of Order (1556)
- The Guilt, Folly, and Sources of Suicide (Samuel Miller)
- Infant Baptism (Samuel Miller)
- Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of the Church (John L. Girardeau)
- Letters on Revivals of Religion (Samuel Miller)
- Making Shipwreck of the Faith: Evangelicals and Roman Catholics Together (Kevin Reed)
- Men, Women, and Order in the Church: Three Sermons by John Calvin
- The Necessity of Reforming the Church (John Calvin)
- Order of Excommunication and Public Repentance (Church of Scotland, John Knox)
- Presbyterian Government (Robert J. Breckinridge)
- On Revivals of Religion [against Finney] (Albert Dod)
- The Ruling Elder (unabridged book, with supplemental material) Samuel Miller
- The Scottish Confession of Faith (Church of Scotland, John Knox et al.)
- The Scottish Confession of Faith with Scripture Proofs from the Geneva Bible (Church of Scotland, John Knox et al.)
- The Scottish Metrical Psalms, with notes by John Brown of Haddington
- Scriptural Interpretation (Patrick Fairbairn)
- Scripture Index to the Westminster Standards (Stephen Pribble)
- Selected Writings of John Knox, Volume 1: Public Epistles, Treatises, and Expositions to the Year 1559
- On Shunning the Unlawful Rites of the Ungodly (John Calvin)
- True and False Worship (John Knox)
- The True Method of Giving Peace to Christendom and Reforming the Church (John Calvin)
- Truth and Heresy (George Gillespie)
- The Unity of the Church (Thomas M'Crie)
- The Warrant and Nature of Public Worship (Benjamin Morgan Palmer)
- The Westminster Confession and Creeds (Robert L. Dabney)
- The Antinomian Streak in the Reconstructionist Movement (Kevin Reed)
- The Canterbury Tales: An Extended Review and Commentary Based upon the Geneva Papers (Kevin Reed)
- Charles Finney and Revivalism (Kevin Reed)
- Children: the Hope of the Church -- The Relationship of the Church to Her Children in the Writings of Samuel Miller (Kevin Reed)
- The Church and the Parachurch: An Unequal Yoke (Kevin Reed)
- The Conduct and Character of Arminius (Samuel Miller)
- The Decline of American Presbyterianism (The First Time) -- Kevin Reed
- Of Exegesis and Eccentricity (Kevin Reed)
- Fundamentalism: A Preliminary Look at Its Historic Features and Figures (Kevin Reed)
- The Legacy of Roger Williams (Kevin Reed)
- Letter from Charles Finney (Kevin Reed)
- Ministerial Training (Kevin Reed)
- On the Monstrous Government of Women: The Position of Protestant Reformers Respecting Female Government (Kevin Reed)
- Presbyterian Government in Extraordinary Times (Kevin Reed)
- Presbyterian Government (syllabus), (Kevin Reed)
- Presbyterian Worship: Old and New (Review regarding John Frame), (Kevin Reed)
- The Present Evangelical Crisis (Kevin Reed)
- Princeton Seminary and Presbyterian Polity (Kevin Reed)
- Religious Dissemblers and Theological Liars (Kevin Reed)
- Revivalism in America (Kevin Reed)
- War Against the Idols (Kevin Reed)
"This article is a book notice for WAR AGAINST THE IDOLS: THE REFORMATION OF WORSHIP FROM ERASMUS TO CALVIN by Carlos M.N. Eire (a Roman Catholic author), (Cambridge University Press, 1986).
Preston, John (1587-1628), The Fulnesse of Christ for us. A Sermon Preached at the Court Before King James of Blessed Memory. By John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Majesty, master of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolnes Inne, 1640.
*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
Prestwich, Menna, International Calvinism, 1541-1715, ISBN: 0198219334 9780198219330.
*Price, Greg L., The Auchensaugh Renovation, 2 audio files. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This is the story of the renewal of the National and Solemn League and Covenant, which took place under the leadership of John Macmillan (cf. The Cameronian Apostle by Reid), at Auchensaugh, July 24, 1712. Events leading up to this renewal are especially pertinent, as they expose the Satanic tactics which often become most useful to the devil in attacking all revivals and those seeking to return to covenanted attainments. Price notes how Cromwell's tolerationism opened the floodgates of iniquity and helped pave the way (though not intended by the covenant breaking Cromwellians), for the tyranny of Charles II. This set the stage for the corrupted and defective revolution of 1688 and the malignant Revolution church, which left the Covenanted Reformation buried under the debris of William's Erastianism, Prelacy (in England and Ireland), and the compromised Presbyterianism of the Revolution Church in Scotland (cf. Clarkson's Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting from the Revolution Church of Scotland; this Revolution church was the root of much modern day Presbyterian defection and this book still eloquently denounces this defection). The Auchensaugh Renovation cleared away all the Reformation denying rubbish that had accumulated from 1649 to 1712, and 'being agreeable to the Word of God' became part of the terms of communion of the Reformed Presbyterian church on Nov. 3, 1712 (cf. Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, point 4 of 6). It is also interesting to note that at the Lord's Supper (on July 27, 1712), following this covenant renewal, Macmillan, in 'fencing the tables' proclaimed, 'I excommunicate and debar from this Holy Table of the Lord, all devisers, commanders, users, or approvers, of any religious worship not instituted by God in His Word, all tolerators and countenancers thereof; and by consequence I debar and excommunicate from this Holy Table of the Lord, Queen and Parliament, and all under them, who spread and propagate or tolerate a false and superstitious worship, ay, and until they repent.' Furthermore, concerning those who opposed the covenants and the work of reformation, Macmillan trumpeted these faithful words, 'I excommunicate and debar all who are opposers of our Covenants and Covenanted Reformation, and all that have taken oaths contrary to our covenants, and such particularly as are takers of the Oath of Abjuration, whether Ministers or others, until they repent.' (Reformed Presbytery, The Auchensaugh Renovation . . . p. 55). Beyond the fascinating and detailed story of the history and reasons for the Auchensaugh renovation of the covenants, these studies also clearly and biblically explain the continuing obligation to renew lawful covenants, makes application to our day, and demonstrates how covenanting was foundational to the Second Reformation. A fine (and unique), set of tapes defending the attainments of our Covenanted Reformation! For more information see our bound photocopy The Auchensaugh Renovation . . . by the Reformed Presbytery." -- Publisher
McMillan, John, I (1669?-1753), Renovation of Covenants, Auchensaugh
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/19/renovation-of-covenants-auchensaugh-1712
The Reformed Presbytery, The Auchensaugh Renovation of the National Covenant and: Solemn League and Covenant With the Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, as They Were Renewed at Auchensaugh, Near Douglas, July 24, 1712. (Compared With the Editions of Paisley, 1820, and Belfast, 1835). Also, The Renovation of These Public Federal Deeds Ordained at Philadelphia, October 8, 1880, by the Reformed Presbytery, with Accommodation of the Original Covenants, in Both Transactions, to Their Times and Positions Respectively
http://archive.org/details/theauchensaughre12381gut
*Price, Greg L., Biblical Civil Government Versus the Beast; and, the Basis for Civil Resistance. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
"This is the best modern testimony for the biblical principles of civil magistracy -- which were so prominent during the height of the Second Reformation -- that we have seen. Price documents the teachings of many of the major Reformers (and some of the church fathers), and in an easy reading manner simplifies what can at times become a very complex subject. This particular Reformation message, proclaiming Christ's Kingship over the nations (and the practical outworking of the same), has been buried from the view of the general public for some time now, but is once again being brought to light in this very helpful introductory book. A sobering appendix has been added (written by a friend of the Covenanted Reformation), which shows why it is unlawful for a Christian to swear any oath to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution. This appendix also compares the points of difference between classic (or historic), Reformed teaching and modern Reformed teaching regarding magistracy and religion. Special attention is given to the OPC, the PCA and the RPCNA and the changes that these groups have made to Second Reformation confessional standards (concerning matters related to the civil magistrate). Statements by B.B. Warfield are also contrasted to the older Reformed views. You won't find a better easy-to-read and easy to understand introduction to this important topic -- a topic which impacts directly on every Christian's testimony for the crown rights of King Jesus!" -- Publisher
"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 principal; 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; II Cor. 13:8 [2 Corinthians 13:8]) -- Greg Price, Biblical Civil Government Verses the Beast, p. 64
Biblical Civil Government Versus the Beast; and, the Basis for Civil Resistance, Greg Price
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/BibCG_GP.htm
*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.
*Price, Greg L., Covenant Theology and its Implications. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27 and #28.
"An easy-to-understand introduction to the basics of Covenant Theology. Explains what Covenant Theology is, while adducing a number of practical and theological implications which must follow when this view of Scripture is adopted. Shows how Covenant Theology is (and was), foundational to all true Reformation. Refutes Dispensationalism. Includes overviews (with Scripture proofs), of the covenant of Redemption, the covenant of Works and the covenant of Grace. In short, Price proclaims the classic Reformed position on covenants (and the implications of covenant theology), as it has been declared in the best Reformed Confessions (e.g. The Westminster Confession of Faith [1646]), and in books like THE MARROW OF MODERN DIVINITY (by Fisher and Boston), THE COVENANT OF LIFE OPENED (by Samuel Rutherford), THE ARK OF THE COVENANT OPENED and THE ARK OF THE TESTAMENT OPENED by Patrick Gillespie and THE LIFE OF JUSTIFICATION OPENED (by John Brown of Wamphray). This is the best single tape sermon on Covenant Theology that we have knowledge of." -- Publisher
Covenant Theology and its Implications a sermon by Greg Price
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=22801202653
Price, Greg L., Family Worship, a series of audio files [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
"A great introduction to the duty and privilege of daily family worship with much 'how to' instruction from Scripture. Family worship has always been a major component of all true revivals. Among the Old Testament people of God, in the days of the Apostles, during the great Reformations that took place in the 16th and 17th centuries, at the founding of the American colonies, and wherever there is a love for the Truth, daily family worship has been a sign of faithfulness to God. When it is practiced faithfully, daily family worship is one of the great blessings of covenant life; when it is ignored or set aside, it is a serious sin which has devastating consequences (and evidences and lack of true spirituality)." -- Publisher
*Price, Greg L., Foundation for Reformation: The Regulative Principle of Worship, 22 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Foundation for Reformation: The Regulative Principle of Worship. Greg Price
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/reformation-rpw-gp.htm
Price, Greg L., History of the Assembly at Westminster, a series of 13 audio files. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9, Available (series of 13 audio files), at SermonAudio.com.
"This lecture is probably the best introductory historical account of this unsurpassed Assembly in audio format. It fulfills the same purpose for which Hetherington noted he wrote his classic, THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES (only it is in audio format and much shorter):
In common with all true Presbyterians, I have often regretted the want of a History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines . . . Especially in such a time as the present, when all distinctive Presbyterian principles are not only called in question, but also misrepresented and condemned, such a want has become absolutely unendurable, unless Presbyterians are willing to permit their Church to perish under a load of unanswered, yet easily refuted, calumny. And as the best refutation of calumny is the plain and direct statement of truth, it is by that process that I have endeavored to vindicate the principles and the character of the Presbyterian Church (p. i.)."The Puritan history leading up to the Assembly (which this lecture takes an in-depth look at), is especially important and not only set the context for what became the major debates among the ministers present, but even dictated who was selected to this august body of scholars. Civil wars, national upheavals, emigration to the 'new world' and a host of other epoch making events surrounded this momentous period of history. These debates and their resolutions have defined and directed Christian thought and national cultures ever since their original ratification -- and Hetherington (in THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES), is not shy about noting the significance of this Assembly when he writes,
But the man who penetrates a little deeper into the nature of those unrevealed but powerful influences which move a nation's mind, and mould its destinies, will be ready to direct his attention more profoundly to the objects and deliberations of an assembly which met at a moment so critical, and was comprised of the great master-minds of the age; and the theologian who has learned to view religion as the vital principle of human nature, equally in nations and in the individual man, will not easily admit the weak idea, that such an assembly could have been an isolated event, but will be disposed earnestly to inquire what led to its meeting, and what important consequences followed. And although the subject has not hitherto been investigated with such a view, it may, we trust, be possible to prove, that it (the Westminster Assembly -- RB), was the most important event in the century in which it occurred; and that it has exerted, and in all probability will yet exert, a far more wide and permanent influence upon both the civil and the religious history of mankind than has generally been even imagined (p. 17)."Many consider this era a historical high water mark for doctrinal and practical Puritan precision and this work is indispensable for understanding the work accomplished by the Westminster Assembly, Presbyterian and Independent history, Cromwell, and much more. For example, consider the lofty and Christ honoring goal of the Assembly as summarized by Hetherington (in THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES):
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.' (pp. 337-339)"Further demonstrating his grasp of the most important events of the Second Reformation, Hetherington comments on the Solemn League (the epitome of Second Reformation attainments), 'no man who is able to understand its nature, and to feel and appreciate its spirit and its aim, will deny it to be the wisest, the sublimest, and the most sacred document ever framed by uninspired men.' (p. 134). Price gives special attention in this study to the central place of the Solemn League and Covenant in the thinking and international vision for Biblical Reformation of the Westminster Divines. Anyone interested in the work of the Westminster Assembly -- and the men, teaching and events which were at the heart of the Puritan revolution against the forces of antichrist -- should read listen to this audio track at least once." -- Publisher
Price, Greg L., Only True Unity, 1997, audio file. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Price, Greg L., The Reformed Confessions, Heresy, Schism and the Faithful Remnant. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #6.
Price, Greg L., The Solemn League and Covenant by Greg Price (1 of 21), [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9, #27.
"Hetherington, concerning the Solemn League and Covenant (the epitome of Second Reformation attainments), writes, 'no man who is able to understand its nature, and to feel and appreciate its spirit and its aim, will deny it to be the wisest, the sublimest, and the most sacred document ever framed by uninspired men.' (The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, [1856] SWRB reprint 1993, p. 134). What took place during the days of the writing and international subscriptions to the Solemn League and Covenant has been cited before as a foretaste of the millennial glory to come. The Reformed Presbytery writes, 'These modern pigmies are too far dwarfed in intellectual stature to measure the altitude, of our glorious Covenanted Reformation -- a Reformation which, imbedded in the law and the covenant of God, has already brought civil and ecclesiastical freedom to many millions; and which is doubtless destined to be laid in the foundation of reconstructed society in the millennial period of the world.' (A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, [1879], p. 4). In this lecture Price gives a brief history of the three major causes leading up to the Solemn League and Covenant. These were: 1) the erroneous beliefs and practices associated with the so-called divine right of Kings; 2) the apostasy of Prelacy in doctrine (e.g. the Arminianism of Rome), worship (tolerating and introducing anti-regulativist Romish superstitions), and government (against the divine right of Presbyterianism) -- all three of these areas being a practical denial of sola Scriptura in that man ordained elements were idolatrously adopted over those clearly prescribed in Scripture; 3) the desire of the Reformers for a covenanted Presbyterian uniformity in church and state. Price shows how many of the national Protestant churches of the day (outside of the British Isles) were also looking into swearing this covenant (including the Netherlands, France, Switzerland and Sweden), as a means to biblical unity and uniformity. In fact, this covenant was framed (primarily by Alexander Henderson) with the intention of uniting Protestants worldwide. As Price shows, this goal quickly unraveled with the coming to power of that Judas of the Covenant (Cromwell), his army and the Independents. The descending obligation of this covenant is also covered, and application is made to modern nations (like the USA, Canada, etc.), who are the national posterity of the original covenanters. Application is also made to the apostate modern church (and Price names names). It is also shown how this covenant was a term of communion in the church and how negative civil sanctions were to be applied to those who publicly opposed the Solemn League and Covenant -- students could not even enter college without proof of subscription. Price uses various historical citations from THE ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND FROM THE YEAR 1638 TO THE YEAR 1649 INCLUSIVE (available from SWRB as a rare bound photocopy), to demonstrate these historical facts. Later defections from the Covenanted Reformation, such as those by Charles II and William's civilly and ecclesiastically corrupted Revolution settlement are also dealt with. The second half of the tape summarizes the six articles of the Solemn League and Covenant; concentrating on the biblical (civil, ecclesiastical and individual), responsibilities that were sworn in this covenant. Application is made to our day and the tape closes with some questions regarding American history and government and the Canadian constitution. The Solemn League and Covenant (because it was agreeable to the Word of God), formed the foundation of the Second Reformation internationally (as is seen in the letter received by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on June 4, 1644, from the Scottish commissioners [Rutherford, Gillespie, et al.], at the Westminster Assembly; cf. The Acts . . . pp. 228,250). This covenant still binds the church and many nations today, and until these 'moral persons' renew this covenant (in spirit and in truth), the Lord will continue to prosecute the quarrel of His covenant. Thus, this is an exceedingly important tape as it explains one of the major, modern causes of God's wrath upon the nations and the church. When the churches and nations are granted repentance in (or preparing for), the millennium they will be found going forth by the footsteps of the flock (Song of Solomon 1:8), and not turned aside by the flock of thy companions (i.e. those that appear religious but are actually a hindrance to the work of the building of Christ's kingdom, Song of Solomon 1:7, cf. Douglas' Strictures on Occasional Hearing, [1820] SWRB reprint 1996); and there is no 'footstep of the flock' more clearly distinguished in the bedrock of history (since the second century), than the Solemn League and Covenant.
The Solemn League and Covenant by Greg Price (1 of 21), [audio file]
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=22008130214
The Solemn League and Covenant
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/crtsol.htm
*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
Price, Greg L., Why Creeds are a Biblical Necessity, [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Price, Greg L., Worldwide Calvinistic Unity and Loving one Another (1 John Series 18 of 27), MP3. 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 (1 John 4:7), 18 of 27
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonsspeaker&sermonID=5270121261
Project Gutenberg, Scotland's Mark on America, ISBN: 1406913782.
"Ranke, the German historian, declared that 'Calvin was the founder of the American Government;' and Gulian C. Verplanck of New York (1786-1870), in a public address, traced the origin of our Declaration of Independence to the National Covenant of Scotland. Chief Justice Tilghman (1756-1827), stated that the framers of the Constitution of the United States were through the agency of Dr. Witherspoon much indebted to the standards of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland in molding that instrument." -- Publisher
Scotland's Mark on America
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15162/15162-8.txt
*Purves, Jock, Fair Sunshine: Character Studies of the Scottish Covenanters (The Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), 206 pages, ISBN: 0851511368 9780851511368. Publishing history: The material in this volume consists of two works: SWEET BELIEVING, 1948, and FAIR SUNSHINE: FURTHER STUDIES OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANTERS (91 pages), 1957.
"I first read this book several years ago at the recommendation of my late father, who was a sovereign grace Baptist minister. . . .
"I would highly recommend this book to anyone. And anyone who reads this book will be truly blessed. If it were possible the book should have more than five stars." -- Reader's Comment
An Outline of Scottish 'Covenant History' in the 17th Century From Purves' Book FAIR SUNSHINE
http://www.ianpaisley.org/article.asp?cov_intro.htm
R.P. (anonymous), Joseph Caryl (1602-1673), and Thomas Manton (1620-1677), The Sole and Soveraign Way of England's Being Saved Humbly Proposed by R.P., 1671.
Reed, Kevin, The Canterbury Tales: An Extended Review and Commentary Based Upon The Geneva Papers. Available in LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY.
The Canterbury Tales
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Canterbu.htm
Reed, Robert Cameron, and Mary Walinshaw Reed, The Centenary of the Covenanter Society, 1822-1922, 1922.
Reformed Presbyterian, The, The Reformed Presbyterian.
A magazine.
Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, Historical Part of the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Britain and Ireland, Containing an Account of the Faithful Contendings of the Witnesses of Christ . . . (In overture), 1863. Available (REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN TESTIMONY) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN TESTIMONY, 1842.
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, 1863-96.
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, The Covenant of the Covenaters (The Covenant of 1871), 1920, ISBN: 0524066604 9780524066607.
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Historical Part of the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland: Containing a Brief Sketch of the Contendings of the Witnesses, From the Earliest Period to the Present Time, 1841.
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland) The National Covenant of Scotland: Tercentenary Commemoration at a Convention of the Three Covenanting Churches of Scotland, Ireland and America to be held at Glasgow and Edinburgh, June 26 -- July 1, 1938.
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Records of the Scottish Church History Society, Vols., V-VI (1935-38), ISSN: 0264-5572.
Contains a bibliography for the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
*Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Reformed Presbyterian Testimony, 1842. Alternate title: TESTIMONY OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SCOTLAND: HISTORICAL AND DOCTRINAL (Glasgow: John Keith, 1842), over 400 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Keddie describes this as 'a doctrinal and historical statement, explaining and expanding upon the RPC's commitment to the Westminster Standards, the National Covenant, and the Solemn League and Covenant.' (Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 699). It contains the historical part of the testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland including a brief sketch of the contending of the witnesses from the earliest period to the present time. The doctrinal section of the Church's testimony follows, covering everything from 'Divine Revelation' to 'Covenanting'." -- Publisher
Reformed Presbytery (Scotland), A Serious Examination, and Impartial Survey, 1754. Alternate title: A SERIOUS EXAMINATION AND IMPARTIAL SURVEY OF A PRINT: DESIGNED, THE TRUE STATE &C. BY A PRETENDED PRESBYTERY AT EDINBURGH: WHEREIN THE NEW SCHEME OF DOCTRINE ANENT THE EXTENT OF CHRIST'S DEATH, ADVANCED IN THAT PRINT, IS TRIED AT THE SCRIPTURE-BAR, AND FOUND DISAGREEABLE THERETO, AND TO THE AUTHORIZED STANDARD OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND IN HER PUREST TIMES, AND CONTAINING A DISCOVERY OF THE FALSEHOODS AND CALUMNIES IN THEIR NARRATION. TOGETHER WITH A VINDICATION OF THE PRESBYTERY'S CONDUCT AND PRINCIPLES RELATIVE TO THE SUBJECT OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM AND THEIR PROTESTING BRETHERN.
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), A Short Account of the Old Presbyterian Dissenters, Under the Inspection of the Reformed Presbyteries of Scotland, Ireland, and North America: Comprehending Also an Abstract of Their Principles.
A Short Account of the Old Presbyterian Dissenters, Section I: The Several Names, by Which the old Dissenters Have Been Known and Distinguished
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/24/a-short-account-of-the-old-presbyterian-dissenters
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland: Historical and Doctrinal, 1866, ISBN: 1334936102 9781334936104.
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland, 1863 and 1899. Search "Pamphlets From the Drew University Library 19th Century Collection," Drew University. Library, [Presbyterian Church Pamphlet Collection]. Parts 2-6.
*Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Andrew Symington (editor), Lectures on the Principles of the Second Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"Contents: Second Reformation / Andrew Symington
Headship of Christ Over His church / James Ferguson
Evils, Constitutional and Practical of the Prelatic Establishment of the British Empire / Thomas Neilson
The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland / John Graham
Patronage Opposed to the Independence of the Church and to the Scriptural Rights of Christian people / W.H. Goold
Headship of Christ Over the Nations / Andrew Symington
Nature and Obligation of Public Vows / William Symington
The sin and Danger of Union Between the Church of Christ and the Immoral or Anti-Christian Civil Government / Stewart Bates."
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
Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," A Statement of our Reasons for Maintaining our Separate Standing (1888)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/reasons_for_maintaining_separate_standing.html
*Reformed Presbytery of North America (Steelite), David Steele (1803-1887), John Thorburn (1730?-1788), John Courtass (d. 1795), et al., Act, Declaration, and Testimony, for the Whole of the Covenanted Reformation, as Attained to, and Established in, Britain and Ireland; Particularly Betwixt the Years 1638 and 1649, Inclusive. As, Also, Against all the Steps of Defection From Said Reformation, Whether in Former or Later Times, Since the Overthrow of that Glorious Work, Down to This Present day (1876), (Philadelphia, PA: Printed by Rue and Jones, 1876), a new edition of the Ploughlandhead Testimony of 1761, the subordinate standard of the original "Steelite" Reformed Presbytery that was constitutes in 1840. Available (the 1850 edition only) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (the 1850 edition only) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"And now, when time has proved that more recent Testimonies, Terms, and Covenants, have failed to preserve either unity or uniformity among those who framed them; it cannot be unseasonable to re-exhibit the original ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY, which has been justly characterized as 'the most profoundly reasoned document ever emitted by the Reformed Presbyterian Church'." -- The Reformation Advocate Magazine, Vol. I, No. 8, December, 1875, page 267
"Upholds the original work of the Westminster Assembly and testifies to the abiding worth and truth formulated in the Westminster family of documents. Upholds and defends the Crown Rights of King Jesus in Church and State, denouncing those who would remove the crown from Christ's head by denying His right to rule (by His law), in both the civil and ecclesiastical spheres. Testifies to the received doctrine, government, worship, and discipline of the Church of Scotland in her purest (reforming) periods. Applies God's Word to the Church's corporate attainments 'with a judicial approbation of the earnest contendings and attainments of the faithful, and a strong and pointed judicial condemnation of error and the promoters thereof.' (The Contending Witness magazine, Dec. 17/93, p. 558). Shows the church's great historical victories (such as the National and Solemn League and Covenant, leading to the Westminster Assembly), and exposes her enemies actions (e.g. the Prelacy of Laud; the Independency, sectarianism, covenant breaking and ungodly toleration set forth by the likes of Cromwell [and the Independents that conspired with him]; the Erastianism and civil sectarianism of William of Orange, etc.). It is not likely that you will find a more consistent working out of the principles of Calvinism anywhere. Deals with the most important matters relating to the individual, the family, the church and the state. Sets forth a faithful historical testimony of God's dealings with men during some of the most important days of church history. A basic text that should be mastered by all Christians." -- Publisher
Act, Declaration, and Testimony (1876)
https://archive.org/details/actdeclarationte00refo
Act, Declaration and Testimony, 1761 (edition of 1876.)
"Compared with the 1777 edition, Philadelphia. We hereby certify that this is a true edition of the ORIGINAL JUDICIAL TESTIMONY, emitted by the Reformed Presbytery at Ploughlandhead, Scotland, 1761; together with the Supplements adopted by the Reformed Presbytery at this date, June 2d, 1876. [Signed -- compiler] David Steele, James Campbell, Robert Clyde, Robert Alexander, Committee.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/
*Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite" (David Steele [1803-1887], James Campbell, Thomas Sproull, James Fulton), A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, 2nd Edition, Revised, and Enlarged by a Committee of the Reformed Presbytery ("Circular" and "Review" prefixed), 1879, 50 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2 (also #1, #25, and #30).
"Until the church comes to terms with what is written in this book it will remain weak and divided. Covenant breakers will not prosper, as this rare item demonstrates from both Scripture and history. The power packed ordinance of covenanting (the National and Solemn League and Covenant in particular), was foundational to the Second Reformation and the work of the Westminster Assembly. 'By the National Covenant our fathers laid Popery prostrate. By the Solemn League and Covenant they were successful in resisting prelatic encroachments and civil tyranny. By it they were enabled to achieve the Second Reformation . . . They were setting up landmarks by which the location and limits of the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day . . . How can they be said to go forth by the footsteps of the flock, who have declined from the attainments, renounced the covenants and contradicted the testimony of 'the cloud of witnesses. . . . All the schisms (separations) that disfigure the body mystical of Christ . . . are the legitimate consequences of the abandonment of reformation attainments, the violation of covenant engagements.' If you are interested in knowing how to recognize a faithful church (or state), when and why to separate from unfaithful institutions, who has held up the standard of Covenanted Reformation attainments and who has backslidden (and why), what it means to subscribe to the Westminster Confession (1646), (and why most that say they do so today do not have any idea of what that means), and much more concerning individual, family, church and civil, individual, family, church and civil duties, this is one of the best books you will ever lay your hands on. It chronicles 'some instances of worldly conformity and mark(s) some steps of defection from our 'covenanted unity and uniformity,' noting how 'it is necessary to take a retrospect of our history for many years; for we did not all at once reach our present condition of sinful ignorance and manifold apostasy.' Presbyterian and the Reformed churches lay under the heavy hand of God's judgement in our day, because of the very defections noted throughout this fine work. 'We heard (hear) from various quarters the cry, "maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation"; and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' Are we married to the Lord, or have we thrown off the covenants of our forefathers; are we the chaste bride of Christ, or a harlot who is found in the bedchambers of every devilish suitor (whether ecclesiastical or civil), who tempts us with the favors of this world? Let us cry out, as with 'the noble Marquis of Argyle, upon the scaffold,' when he said, 'God hath tied us by covenants to religion and reformation. These that were then unborn are yet engaged, and it passeth the power of all the magistrates under heaven to absolve them from the oath of God. They deceive themselves, and it may be, would deceive others, who think otherwise.' Not for the weak of heart." -- Publisher
A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, Reformed Presbytery
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/a-short-vindication-of-our-covenanted-reformation
Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," Toleration: The Cut-throat of True Religion, excerpted from: THE ACT, DECLARATION AND TESTIMONY FOR THE WHOLE OF OUR COVENANTED REFORMATION . . . BY THE REFORMED PRESBYTERY, pp. 177-178. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Includes a catalog of resources concerning the history of the Reformed Presbytery in various countries."
Toleration: The Cut-Throat of True Religion
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/ToleratT.htm
*Reformed Presbytery (Scotland), Historical Testimony, Church Union and the Second Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Notes: Excerpted from: THE ACT, DECLARATION AND TESTIMONY FOR THE WHOLE OF OUR COVENANTED REFORMATION . . . BY THE REFORMED PRESBYTERY, pp. 177-178 (reprinted 1995 from the 1876 edition). Includes a catalog of resources concerning the history of the Reformed Presbytery in various countries."
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/HistTest.htm
*Reformed Presbytery, USA, Reformation Principles Exhibited, by the Reformed Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, 1807.
Reformation Principles Exhibited
http://truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/rpe.html
*Reid, H.M.B., A Cameronian Apostle: Being Some Account of John Macmillan of Balmaghie, 1896. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
"The author wrote this book 'considering the renewed interest taken at present in questions of Church government and establishment,' noting that 'there seemed to be some room for a detailed treatment of a career which covers so interesting a period as that embraced between 1690 and 1750.' Macmillan is an important historical link to those who still fight for Christ's Crown and Covenant. 'For many years he fought the battle of the Covenants alone, and he fought it on lines of policy and wisdom.' states Reid. Furthermore, the author continues, 'I have tried to indicate his position among the 'Suffering Remnant' by calling him 'a Cameronian Apostle;' for, during the long period of 36 years, he was the sole ordained minister among the scattered congregations of the 'Society' people. The name seems not unfitting, and it receives a certain sanction from the authority of Dr. Cunningham, who styled him the 'high-priest' of the Societies . . . Further, Macmillan's story is also the record of the development of a most interesting side of Scottish Church life. He may be said, indeed, to have made the history of what, at last, became the Reformed Presbyterian Church. This is so true, that that Church long bore the popular name of the 'Macmillanites.' And the name of Macmillan is bound up with more than one congregation still existing.' An important book for those who would trace the backsliding of modern Presbyterianism (the neo-presbyterians), and also be encouraged by the remnant of those who remain faithful to the position of the original Covenanters (the paleopresbyterians). This book's 308 pages includes illustrations and a detailed appendix containing important church documents." -- Publisher
Reid, H.M.B. (Henry Martyn Beckwith), The Kirk Above Dee Water, 1895. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'This little book (128 pages), . . . embodies a few scattered notices of the Balmaghie Church since the year 1615 . . . The dominating figure in the following pages is, of course, the great Macmillan' (Preface). Here 'they went to hear the word of God properly preached' in the Kirk of the Hill Folk, which had never fyled its hands with 'an Erastian Establishment!' (Introduction). An interesting look at a Covenanter congregation." -- Publisher
*Reid, W. Stanford, Trumpeter of God: A Biography of John Knox, 372 pages, ISBN: 0801077087 9780801077081.
Knox laid the foundation for Presbyterianism and the Covenanted Reformation.
Renwick, James (1662-1688), Antipas, or, The Dying Testimony of Mr. James Renwick, Minister of the Gospel, who Suffered at the Grass-market of Edinburgh, Feb. 17, 1688: His Sentence was Founded on These Following Heads: 1. Because he could not own James the VII, to be his lawful soverain, 2. Because he taught the unlawfulness of paying the cess expresly [sic] exacted for supressing of the faithful and free-preaching of the Gospel, 3. Because he taught, that it was the people's duty, to carry arms at the preaching of the Gospel (when it was persecuted), for defending of themselves, and resisting of unjust violence, 1688. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Renwick, James (1662-1688), 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. . . . The fourth edition. To which are added, The form and order of the admission of ruling elders; A reply to Mr Langlan's Letter to Gavin Wotherspoon; and A testimony to the truths of God, 1777. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
*Renwick, James (1662-1688), The Right of Dissent From an Immoral Civil Government. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18, #26.
"Maintains the hard-core covenanter position, the great principle of dissent and separation from immoral civil governments. Argues that mere existence does not qualify a civil government as the ordinance of God. (Romans 13:2). Answers common objections to this position, including how Joseph, Nehemiah and Daniel could hold office under immoral civil governments. Renwick was a hunted Covenanter minister, who was martyred (at 26 years of age), for his uncompromising defense of the work of covenanted reformation. Willson's book, CIVIL GOVERNMENT and Samuel B. Wylie's softcover book TWO SONS OF OIL: OR, THE FAITHFUL WITNESS FOR MAGISTRACY AND MINISTRY UPON A SCRIPTURAL BASIS, both give much lengthier defenses of this position." -- Publisher
*Renwick, James (1662-1688), Select Works of John Renwick, at True Covenanter
http://www.truecovenanter.com/renwick/index.htm
*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), A Testimony to the Truths of God and to His Cause
http://www.truecovenanter.com/renwick/renwick_testimony.html
Renwick, James (1662-1688), Two Godly Letters of the Pious Martyr Mr. James Renwick: to the Right Honourable the Society of Srangers at Lewarden in Friezland. To Which is Added, his Negative Duties, 1751.
Renwick, James (1662-1688), A Vindication of the Societies
http://www.truecovenanter.com/renwick/renwick_reply_to_langlan.html
Renwick, James (1662-1688), Thomas Houston, Spiritual Support and Consolation in Difficult Times.
*Renwick, James (1662-1688), Alexander Shields, and Other "Society People," An Informatory Vindication of a Poor, Wasted, Misrepresented Remnant of the Suffering, Anti-prelatic, Anti-Erastian, 1744. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"INFORMATORY VINDICATION (1687), a statement of principles issued by the Society People (see Societies, United), during James VII's reign. Prepared mainly by James Renwick, latterly in consultation with Alexander Shields, it was published in Utrecht. Its full title reflects something of the contents: AN INFORMATORY VINDICATION OF A POOR WASTED MISREPRESENTED REMNANT OF THE SUFFERING ANTI-POPISH ANTI-PRELATIC ANTI-ERASTIAN ANTI-SECTARIAN TRUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHRIST IN SCOTLAND UNITED TOGETHER IN A GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE. BY WAY OF REPLY TO VARIOUS ACCUSATIONS IN LETTERS INFORMATIONS AND CONFERENCES GIVEN FORTH AGAINST THEM. It refuted charges brought against the 'Remnant' of schism (in their eyes a great evil) . . . The VINDICATION mourned the estrangement from other Presbyterians who had accepted the government's INDULGENCES OR EDICTS OF TOLERATION, and expressed love for them as fellow ministers 'with whom again we would desire to have communion in ordinances'. The separation had been forced upon the Society People by the tyranny and temper of the times, but it did not affect their position as being in the succession of the historic Kirk of Scotland. The document aimed to clear away the hostility and misunderstanding about them that had grown up in Scotland and Holland." (Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 429)
"In proof of the catholic, unsectarian, Christian spirit of Renwick and his followers, the clear statements of the INFORMATORY VINDICATION, the work which most fully and clearly defines their position, may be referred to . . . In these noble utterances, we have strikingly exemplified the true spirit of Christian brotherhood . . . This is the genuine import of the vow of the Solemn League and Covenant, which binds Covenanters to regard whatever is done to the least of them, as done to all and to every one in particular. While firmly holding fast all Scriptural attainments, and contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, we should cordially rejoice in the evidences of grace in Christ's servants wherever we find them. We should love them as brethren, fulfil the law of Christ by bearing their burdens, wish them God speed in all that they are doing for the advancement of His glory, and fervently labour and pray for the coming of the happy period when divisions and animosities shall cease, and when there shall be one King, and His name one in all the earth. The testimony of Renwick and his associates is of permanent value and of special importance in our day, as it was directed against systems of error and idolatry, which serve to corrupt the Church and enslave the State. Against Popery in every form Renwick was a heroic and uncompromising witness. At the peril of life, he publicly testified against the usurpation of the papist James, and rejected him as having no claim to be regarded as a constitutional sovereign, and as utterly disqualified to reign in a Protestant reformed land. This was the main ground of his objection against James' toleration, for which the Indulged ministers tendered obsequious thanks to the usurper. Yet this edict of toleration was issued for the purpose of opening the way for the practice of Rome's abominations, and for the advancement of papists to places of power and trust in the nation. None of the Cameronians would, for any earthly consideration, even to save their lives, for a moment admit that a papist had any right to exercise political power in a reformed land. Our martyred forefathers we regard as worthy of high respect and imitation, for their deeply cherished dread of the growing influence of Popery, and for their determined resistance to its exclusive and extravagant claims. The system of Popery is the abnegation of all precious gospel truth; and is a complete politico-religious confederacy against the best interests of a Protestant nation. The boast of its abettors is that it is semper eadem, ever the same. Rome cannot reform herself from within, and she is incapable of reformation from external influences and agencies. The Bible never speaks of Antichrist as to be reformed, but as waxing worse and worse till the time when he shall be completely subverted and irrecoverably destroyed. Whatever changes may be going on in some Popish countries, whereby the power of the Papacy is weakened, it is evident that the principles and spirit of the Romish priesthood, and of those who are under their influence, remain unchanged. The errors of the anti-Christian system, instead of being diminished, have of late years increased. Creature worship has become more marked and general. The Immaculate Conception has been proclaimed by Papal authority as the creed of Romanism. In these countries, and some other Protestant lands, the influence of Popery in government and education, and so on the whole social system, has been greatly on the increase. Among those who have most deeply studied inspired prophecy, there is a general expectation that the period of Babylon's downfall is hastening on, and is not far distant. There is a general presentiment too, that the Man of Sin, prior to his downfall, will make some dire and violent attempt through his infatuated followers against the truth, and against such as faithfully maintain it. The 'Slaying of the Witnesses,' which we are disposed to regard as yet future may take place, not so much by the actual shedding of blood, though it is plain that Jesuit policy and violence will not hesitate to re-enact former persecution and massacre, to accomplish a desired purpose. It may mainly be effected, as Scott, the expositor, suggests, by silencing the voice of a public testimony in behalf of fundamental truths throughout Christendom; and of this there are at present unmistakable signs not a few, throughout the churches in various countries. The Protestant church in all its sections should be thoroughly awake to its danger from the destructive errors, idolatry and power of its ancient irreconcilable enemy; and should, by all legitimate means, labour to counteract and nullify its political influence. The ministry and the rising youth of the church should study carefully the Popish controversy, and should be intimately acquainted with the history of the rise and progress of the Papacy its assumed blasphemous power its accumulated errors and delusions, and its plots, varied persecutions and cruel butcheries of Christ's faithful witnesses. Above all, they should set themselves earnestly, prayerfully and perseveringly to diffuse the Bible and Gospel light in the dark parts of their native country, and among Romanists in other lands. By embracing fully and holding fast, in their practical application, the principles of the British Covenants, and by imbibing the spirit of covenanted martyrs men like Renwick and the Cameronians, we will be prepared for the last conflict with Antichrist. The firm and faithful maintenance of a martyr-testimony will be a principle instrument of the victory of truth over the error and idolatry of Rome. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11). Finally, the testimony of Renwick is valuable, as throwing light on great evils connected with systems of civil government, and with Protestant churches, and as pointing out clearly the duty of faithful witnesses in relation to them. Two great principles, the one doctrinal, and the other practical, were essential to it, or rather constituted its whole specialty. These were, first, that, according to the national vows, and the reformation attainments, the whole civil polity of the nation should be conformed to the Scriptures, and secondly, the positive duty of distinct separation from whatever systems in the state and church that are opposed to entire allegiance to Messiah the Prince." (Houston, The Life of James Renwick, pp. 52-55)
"Some of them, particularly in Scotland, loved not their lives unto death for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. Rev. vi. 9 [Revelation 6:9]. These refused to have communion in public ordinances not only with prelatical ministers, but even with the acceptors of indulgences or licenses from the civil power, to exercise their ministry under certain limitations. The INFORMATORY VINDICATION, which certainly contains the genuine principles of church communion, held by the sufferers for the cause of Christ in that period, declares, that they could by no means own or countenance the administrations of the indulged ministers; because they considered the indulgence, in any of the forms in which it was granted by the civil power, as derived from the supremacy claimed by that power in ecclesiastical matters; as laying the office of the ministry under unwarrantable restriction; and as tending, in a great measure, to suppress and bury the covenanted reformation, cf. INFORMATORY VINDICATION, Head IV." (Anderson, Alexander and Rufus; or a Series of Dialogues on Church Communion [1862], p. 294)
"To the friends of evangelical truth, and the faithful witnesses for the redeemer's royal prerogatives, the services of Renwick, at the crisis in which he exercised his public ministry, were invaluable. He was eminently the man for the time. Through the influence of the unhappy Indulgence, the strict Covenanters were reduced to what they style themselves in the Informatory Vindication, a 'wasted, suffering, anti-popish, anti-prelatic, anti-erastian, anti-sectarian remnant.' By the death of Cargill and Cameron, they were left as 'sheep without a shepherd,' broken and scattered. Through the fierceness of persecution, and the machinations of enemies, they were in danger of falling into confusion, and of being entirely wasted and destroyed. We admire the gracious providence of God in preparing, at this particular crisis, an instrument of such rare and suitable endowments for feeding 'the flock in the wilderness,' and for unfurling and upholding so nobly the 'Banner of Truth' amidst hosts of infuriated enemies. James Renwick, though a very youth when he entered on his arduous work, and trained under great outward disadvantages, had a powerful and well-cultivated mind. He was endowed with singular administrative talent, and had great tact and skill in managing men. He was an acute and logical thinker, an eloquent and attractive public speaker, and was distinguished by fertility and force as a writer. The INFORMATORY VINDICATION his testimony against King James' 'toleration, with his 'Letters,' and 'Sermons and Lectures,' bear ample evidence of his sound judgment, comprehensive mind, and ability as an author. His prudence, meekness and loving disposition, combined with his sanctified zeal, and heroic courage, deservedly gave him great influence among those to whom he ministered. He was eminently fitted to be 'a first man among men.' The Lord held him in the hollow of his hand, and made him a 'polished shaft in his quiver.' The services which Renwick rendered to the Protestant cause were invaluable. He organized the scattered remnant, and imparted new life and ardour to their proceedings. He set forth clearly the principles of the 'Society people;' and in a number of able and logical papers, clearly defined their plans of action. He rendered it, in a great measure, impossible for enemies to misrepresent and accuse them falsely to the Government. He was their Secretary in their correspondence with foreign churches; and he did much to evoke the prayerful sympathy of Protestants in other lands in behalf of the victims of persecution in Scotland. The presence and influence of Renwick among the suffering Presbyterians were of the highest importance in his own day; and not to them alone, but also to the whole church of Christ in these lands, and to the constitutional liberties of the nation. So far as we can see, but for the singular power and devoted spirit of Renwick, and the firm and unyielding position which the Cameronians through him were led to assume, the cause of truth would have been completely borne down, and Erastianism, and Popery, and Despotism had triumphed. Renwick and his followers were the vanguard 'in the struggle for Britain's liberties, and for the Church's spiritual independence.' Though, like other patriots born before their time, they were doomed to fall, yet posterity owes to them a large part of the goodly heritage which they enjoy. (Houston, The Life of James Renwick [1865], pp. 36-37). Emphases added throughout the preceding quotations. This is a very rare and valuable specimen of Paleopresbyterian (Covenanter) thought don't miss it! 142 pages, plus new material added by the present publisher." -- Publisher
An Informatory Vindication, 1687, James, Renwick, Alexander Shields and Other "Society People"
http://www.truecovenanter.com/societies/informatory_vindication.html
Rexophilus Londinatus Christianus Protestans, The Loyall Convenanter, or, Peace and Truth Revived Being Certaine Seasonable Considerations Presented to the Whole Kingdome in Generall, but More Particularly Intended for That Famous and Honourable City of London, and Therein in a more peculiar manner all those citizens, as also all other persons wheresoever, who have taken the Solemn League and Covenant, 1648.
Ridley, Jasper, John Knox, 1968.
"The theory of the justification of revolution is Knox's special contribution to theological and political thought." -- Jasper Ridley
Robb, James (editor), Cameronian Fasti [Festschrift]: Ministers and Missionaries of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland (1680-1920), 1975.
Roberts, William Louis (1798-1864), The Covenanting Martyrs and the Revival of the Covenants! (From THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM).
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CovMart.htm
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
*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
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 Exclusive Headship of The Lord Jesus Christ Over the Church of God. Excerpted From THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM, by William Roberts, Section II, "Christ's Exclusive Headship Over the Church"
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_02_christs_headship_over_the_church.html
*Roberts, William Louis, D.D. (1798-1864), The Higher Law, or, The Law of the Most High: A Discourse, Delivered at the Baptist Church, in Sterling Centre, Wednesday Evening, Jan. 22d, 1851.
*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
Roberts, William, 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
Roberts, William, 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
Roberts, William, 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
Roberts, William, 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
Roberts, William, 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.
Roberts, William L., D.D. (1798-1864), Submission to "the Powers That be" Scripturally Illustrated: A Discourse in Three Parts, 1828. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
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
Rogers, Charles (editor), Three Scottish Reformers: Alexander Cunningham, Fifth Earl of Glencair, Henry Balnaves of Halhill, and John Davidson, Minister of Prestonpans, With Their Poetical Remains and Mr. Davidson's "Helps for Young Scholars in Christianity," 1874.
Rollock, Robert (1555?-1599), and Henry Holland, Lectures Vpon the Epistle of Paul to the Colossians. Preached by That Faithfull Seruant of God, Maister Robert Rollok, Sometime Rector of the Vniuersitie of Edenburgh, 1603.
Ross, William (of Aberdour), Glimpses of Pastoral Work in the Covenanting Times: A Record of the Labours of Andrew Donaldson, Minister at Dalgety, Fifeshire, 1644-1662, 1877.
Roulston, William, The Abolition Church: Covenanters and the Fight Against Slavery in Nineteenth-Century America, Bulletin of the Presbyterian Historical Society of Ireland, 36 (2012): 16.
*Rushdoony, R.J., Thy Kingdom Come: Studies in Daniel and Revelation.
Russell, Conrad, The Causes of the English Civil War, ISBN: 0198221428 9780198221425 019822141X 9780198221418.
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Christ Dying, and Drawing Sinners to Himself, 1647 (1727 edition). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9, 21.
"The title continues (providing a nice summary for this rare valuable work): 'Or, A Survey of our Saviour in His Soul-Suffering, His Loveliness in his Death, and the Efficacy thereof. In Which Some Cases of Soul-trouble in weak Believers, Grounds of Submission under the Absence of Christ, with the Flowings and Heightenings of free Grace, are opened. Delivered in Sermons on the Gospel according to John, Chap. xii. ver. 27,28,29,30,31,32,33 [John 12:27,28,29,30,31,32,33]. Where are also interjected some necessary Digressions, for the Times, touching divers Errors of Antinomians; and a short Vindication of the Doctrine of Protestants, from the Arminian pretended Universality of Christ's Dying for All and every One of Mankind; the moral and feigned Way of irresistible Conversion of Sinners; and what Faith is required of all within the visible Church, for the Want whereof, many are condemned.' The DICTIONARY OF SCOTTISH CHURCH HISTORY AND THEOLOGY says of this work, 'Rutherford's writings during the London years provide a significant commentary of the theology of the Westminster Confession (1646), and Catechisms. In CHRIST DYING AND DRAWING SINNERS TO HIMSELF Rutherford elaborately scrutinizes the Antinomian notion that the law has no obligation for the Christian.' (p. 736). This book contains an extensive index, is 760 pages in length and is an excellent example of sound and faithful Covenanter preaching, balancing both faith (doctrine) and manners (practice). Classic Rutherford!" -- Publisher
*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
*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, 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)
*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. 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), 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
The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Quaint Sermons of Samuel Rutherford Hitherto Unpublished, 1885. 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
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Sadness Because Christ's Headship not set Forth -- His Cause Attended With Crosses -- The Believer Seen of all, a letter. Available (THE LETTERS OF SAMUEL RUTHERFORD, PDF and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Letters of Samuel Rutherford
http://archive.org/details/lettersofsamuelr00ruthrich
Letters of Samuel Rutherford
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/letterCXV.htm
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Survey of the Spiritual Antichrist: Opening the Secrets of Familisme and Antinomianisme in the Anti-Christian Doctrine of John Saltmarsh, and Will. Del, the Present Preachers of the Army now in England, and of Robert Town, Tob. Crisp, H. Denne, Eaton, and Others. In which is revealed the rise and spring of Antinomians, Familists, Libertines, Swenckfeldians, Enthysiasts, &c. The minde of Luther, a most professed opposer of Antinomians, is cleared, and diverse considerable points of the law and the Gospel, of the spirit and letter, of the two covenants, of the nature of free grace, exercise under temptations, mortification, justification, sanctification, are discovered. In two parts, 1648. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, #20.
"The subtitle reads: 'Opening the Secrets of Familisme and Antinomianism in the Anti-Christian Doctrine of John Saltmarth, and William Del, the present Preachers of the Army (headed by Oliver Cromwell -- RB), now in England, and of Robert Town, Tobiah Crisp, H. Denne, Eaton and others. In which is revealed the rise and spring of Antinomianism, Familists, Libertines, Swenchfeldians, Enthysiasts, etc. The minde of Luther a most professed opposer of Antinomianism, is cleared, and diverse considerable points of the Law and the Gospel, of the Spirit and the Letter, of the two Covenants, of the nature of free grace, exercise under temptations, mortification, justification, sanctification, are discovered. In Two parts.' Also contains Rutherford's 'A brotherly and free Epistle to the patrons and friends of pretended Liberty of Conscience'." -- Publisher
Samuel Rutherfurd's Preface to his Survey of Spirituall Antichrist. A Brotherly and Free Epistle to the Patrons and Friends of Pretended Liberty of Conscience.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/21/samuel-rutherfurds-preface-to-his-survey-of-spirituall-antichrist
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Testimony Left by Mr. Rutherfoord to the Work of Reformation, in Britain and Ireland, Before his Death, With Some of his Last Words. February the last, 1661. To Which is Added a Testimony of one of the Ministers of the Church of Scotland, Against the Oath of Abjuration, a little before it was taken, 1719. Alternate title: MR. (SAMUEL) RUTHERFORD'S TESTIMONY TO THE COVENANTED WORK OF REFORMATION (FROM 1638 TO 1649), IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
"This is Rutherford's dying testimony. It sets forth what he thought most important to communicate in his last earthly words. Rutherford was one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly and has been acknowledged by many Reformed theologians since his time as a theological genius of the first order. Walker said of Rutherford, 'It is not easy to find any one in Church history with whom to compare this remarkable man . . . a man of power, I may say of genius, fresh, bold, penetrating, to whom no subject came amiss, teeming with intellectual energy, distinguished for his learning, but never cumbered by it, the greatest scholastic of our Presbyterian Church, and yet we are told, the plain and faithful preacher, the fieriest of Church leaders and the most devout of saints, equally at home among the tomes of Aquinas, and writing letters to a poor congregation. Altogether a sort of intellectual, theological, religious prodigy!' (The Theology and Theologians of Scotland), p. 13). Men graced with Rutherford's abilities, intellect and faith come but once or twice a millennium. Augustine, Calvin and Gillespie are others of this class. If you want to know what one of the greats of church history was thinking just before he went to be with the Lord, pick up this item." -- Publisher
A Testimony Left by Mr. Rutherfoord to the Work of Reformation
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/RuthTest.htm
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Treatise on Civil Polity. 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; and LEX, REX, OR THE LAW AND THE PRINCE, A DISPUTE FOR THE JUST PREROGATIVE OF KING AND PEOPLE. See also: LEX, REX, OR THE LAW AND THE PRINCE, Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, #25.
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The Trial and Triumph of Faith, ISBN: 0851518060 9780851518060. Alternate title: THE TRIAL AND TRIUMPH OF FAITH: OR, AN EXPOSITION OF THE HISTORY OF CHRIST'S DISPOSSESSING OF THE DAUGHTER OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN, DELIVERED IN SERMONS . . . BY SAMUEL RUTHERFURD. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, #29.
"Sermons preached first in Anwoth, and thereafter, in London on the story of the Syrophenician woman. Anyone familiar with Rutherford knows that his work is calculated for great advantage to those who are advanced in the faith. This work was originally published (1645), as Innes writes, in a 'time which those who seek to occupy his (Rutherford's) exact standpoint have always looked back to as not only the one golden age of the Church of Scotland, but as the only time when the world around it seemed prepared to join in its triumph'." (adapted from Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 306) -- Publisher
"This work was first published in 1645, one year after his LEX, REX. Spurgeon described this great man thus: 'What a wealth of spiritual ravishment we have here! Rutherford is beyond all praise of men. Like a strong winged eagle he soars into the highest heaven and with unblenched eye he looks into the mystery of love divine'." -- GCB
Rutherford (Rutherfurd), Samuel, The Trial and Triumph of Faith
http://www.truecovenanter.com/rutherford/rutherford_trial_and_triumph_of_faith.html
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), George Gillespie, and many others (compiled by Martin A. Foulner), Theonomy and the Westminster Confession: An Annotated Sourcebook (1997). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A compilation of rare citations taken from Puritans, Covenanters, Reformers and others bearing on questions related to God's law, its application to society and the question of negative civil sanctions. Illustrates, on one hand, where the modern Theonomists agree with the older Reformed writers, but on the other hand, clearly shows where the Reconstructionists have fallen short of the historic testimony given by the best Reformed Divines. A great deal of research has gone into this title and quotations are taken from a number of very rare and hard to find books. Sections from the works of Rutherford and Gillespie alone cover pages 11-26. Durham, Dickson, Ferguson, Brown, the London Covenanters (of the Westminster Assembly), Burroughs, Shields, Jenkyn, Usher, Knox, Luther, Calvin, Bullinger, Bucer, Perkins, Shepard, Ridgeley, Dabney, Thornwell, and a host of others all appear in the useful reference manual." -- Publisher
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), James Guthrie, William Guthrie, Robert Trail, James Nisbet, and Numerous Other Protesters, A Protest Against the Unlawful, Unfree and Unjust Assembly of the Resolutioners, 1652. Alternate title: THE REPRESENTATION, PROPOSITIONS, AND PROTESTATION OF DIVERS MINISTERS, ELDERS AND PROFESSORS, FOR THEMSELVES, AND IN NAME OF MANY OTHERS, WELL-AFFECTED MINISTERS, ELDERS, AND PEOPLE IN SCOTLAND. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10 and #23.
Salmond, J.B. (editor), and George Herbert Bushnell (editor), Henderson's Benefaction: A Tercentenary Acknowledgment of the University's Debt to Alexander Henderson, 1942.
Schmidt, Leigh Eric, Holy Fairs: Scotland and the Making of American Revivalism, ISBN: 0802849660 9780802849663.
"Leigh Eric Schmidt is a careful, sympathetic, and insightful historian. While only the most dedicated readers will plow through the wealth of primary witness accounts, the journey is worth it. I believe the book came from Schmidt's doctoral dissertation, and it still has that feel. The bibliography is impressive, and I am ransacking it for my own dissertation!" -- Reader's Comment
*Schwertley, Brian M., and Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States. Publications Committee, National Covenanting and Christ's Victory Over the Nations. Available at Reformed Online.
"This is the first book-length, scholarly exposition and defense of national covenanting since 1843. This comprehensive treatment includes the binding nature of covenants, covenant renewals under the godly kings of Israel, objections to covenanting answered, the unbiblical nature of the U.S. Constitution, the unscriptural alteration of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1789, the necessity of the Old Testament moral law for a Christian nation and the biblical requirements for civil office. In the book, Rev. Schwertley not only sets forth the biblical case for social or national covenanting in a simple and organized manner but also critiques the modern pluralistic alternatives to the original Presbyterian teaching on this topic." -- Publisher
It was preceded by 'Social Covenanting,' a series of 31 sermons in MP3 format, given by the author starting in the summer of 2012.
Social Covenanting series of 31 sermons [audio files] by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=ccc&keyword=National+Covenanting&keyworddesc=National+Covenanting
Scot (Scott), John of Scotstarvet, The Staggering State of the Scots Statesmen, for one Hundred Years, viz. From 1550 to 1650. By Sir John Scot of Scotstarvet, Director of the Chancery, 1754.
Scotland. Parliament. Commissioners. England and Wales. Parliament. House of Lords., The Charge of the Scottish Commissioners Against Canterburie and the Lieutenant of Ireland: Together With Their Demand Concerning the Sixt Article of the Treaty, 1641. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"Notes: Part of the negotiations conducted by representatives of the Parliament of Scotland and the English House of Lords at the end of the 2nd Bishops' War, leading to the Treaty of Ripon (1641)."
Scott, David, Annals and Statistics of the Original Secession Church: Till its Disruption and Union With the Free Church of Scotland in 1852, 1886.
*Scott, David, Distinctive Principles of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"This book is not designed to discuss 'the (many -- RB), doctrines which the Reformed Presbyterian church holds in common will others,' but is written to set forth RP distinctives. It tackles its subject from three major heads: 'Social Covenanting;' 'The Dominion of Christ;' and 'The Universal Application of Scripture (civil as well as religious).' It shows that while these doctrines 'are held by many, as abstract doctrines of divine truth, they are not embodied in the testimony of any other Christian denomination: nor made necessary to ministerial or Christian fellowship. Although other individuals may hold these doctrine, it is a "distinctive" feature of the RPC to embody them in her testimony; and to make them terms of communion.' It also explains how these are the same distinctives that were maintained 'at the era of the reformation the covenanted church of Scotland bore a distinguished testimony for all the offices of Christ, as prophet, priest and king: and for the pure doctrines, worship, discipline, and government of the house of God.' The author states that 'the great object aimed at is to help forward the glorious triumph of the Messiah, so beautifully described in the 72nd Psalm [Psalm 72]. When all Kings shall fall down before him; and all nations shall serve him" '." -- Publisher
Scottish Church History Society, Records of the Scottish Church History Society, ISSN: 0264-5572.
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.
Sharp, L.W. (editor), Early Letters of Robert Wodrow 1698-1709, 1937.
Shaw, Duncan, and Hugh Watt, Reformation and Revolution: Essays Presented to Hugh Watt, on the Sixtieth Anniversary of his Ordination, 1967.
*Shaw, J.W., Hephzibah Beulah. Our Covenants the National and Solemn League; and Covenanting by the Reformed Presbyterian Synod in America: Considered, 1872. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"A very useful, easy-to-read, introductory work (by an RPCNA minister), to the topics it deals with. General Scriptural principles upon which this book is based are:
1. Departure from former laudable attainments, is a great evil, severely threatened in the Holy Scriptures; and that for which every one, who is guilty, must be accountable to the Righteous Judge of all the earth."Chapters include: The National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant reviewed; Their Binding Obligations Shown; The Possibility That Adherence to Them may be Professed, While They are Virtually Abandoned; The Covenant Sworn and Subscribed by Synod at Pittsburgh, May 27th, 1871; Is it a Renovation or a new Covenant?; The Covenant Does not Contain all That the Church is Bound to in America; Charges Against the Covenant; Reason why Some who do not Like it, Swear it; The Covenants National and Solemn League Must Be Maintained." -- Publisher
2. They who consent unto the unrighteous deeds of others, are chargeable with guilt, as well as the principal actors.
3. Societies, or individuals, having once publicly and solemnly vowed unto the Most High God; and still, after the strictest enquiry, remain satisfied in their own mind, that their vows were scriptural; should seriously endeavor to act up to the true spirit and intention of these vows; and no power upon earth, nor any class of men, whether majority or minority, in a nation, can ever possibly dissolve the obligation.
*Shaw, Robert (1795-1863), and W.M. Hetherington, (1803-1865, introduction), An Exposition of the Confession of Faith of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, 1845. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" '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 William Hetherington in THE HISTORY OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. The WCF [1646] is without a doubt the greatest human confession ever written, 'being the chiefest part of that uniformity in religion, which by the Solemn League and Covenant' the British Isles are bound, even to this day, to uphold and defend -- in both church and state! Shaw's Exposition is the standard work on the WCF [1646], for he admittedly states 'that he has not found it necessary to differ from the compilers of the Confession in any one point of doctrine.' This edition includes an introductory essay by Hetherington defending the use of Confessions in general and the WCF [1646] in particular. Hetherington also gives a brief outline of the historical context of the period in which the WCF [1646] was composed while demonstrating the harmonious nature of the Reformational Creeds and Confessions." -- Publisher
The Reformed Faith: An Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], by Robert Shaw with an introductory essay by WM.M. Hetherington
http://www.reformed.org/documents/shaw/
Shields, Alexander (1660?-1700), An Elegy Upon the Death of That Famous and Faithful Minister and Martyr Mr. James Renwick. Composed, After his Execution at Edinburgh, February, 17th, 1688. By Mr. Alexander Shields.
*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 judgement 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 defence, and this extends to a right not only passively to resist, but also to kill relentless persecutors' writes Isbell in Nigel Cameron, editor, 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
Shields, Alexander (1660?-1700), The History of Scotch-presbytery Being an Epitome of The Hind Let Loose / by Mr. Shields; With a Preface by a Presbyter of the Church of Scotland, 1692.
Shields, Alexander (1660?-1700), The Life and Death of That Eminently Pious, Free, and Faithful Minister and Martyr of Jesus Christ, Mr. James Renwick: With a Vindication of the Heads of his Dying Testimony, 1806, 2nd edition. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2.
Shields, Alexander (1660?-1700), Sermons Delivered in the Times of Persecution, 1680. Available in SERMONS DELIVERED IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND.
*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), Some Notes or Heads of a Preface and of a Lecture: Preached at Distinckorn Hill, in the Parish of Gaastoun. April 15. 1688. By Master Alexander Shields Preacher of the Gospel.
An apologetic work referring to James Renwick.
*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. 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.
*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
Sime, William, History of the Covenanters in Scotland, 2 vols.
Simms, Samuel, The Oath of Allegiance: What it Imports, 1877.
Simms, Samuel, and James Hislop, The Bible, the Church, and the Terms of Communion: Together With the Terms of Communion of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Ireland. To Which is Appended the Cameronian Dream, 1897.
Simpson, Robert, The Banner of the Covenant; or, Historical Notices of Some of the Scottish Martyrs Whose Lives and Sufferings Have not Hitherto Been Sketched in a Separate From (sic) . . . 1847.
Simpson, Robert, Traditions of the Covenanters, Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The design of this collection is to preserve the memory of good men in the inferior ranks of society, whose worth and whose sufferings have not hitherto been recorded. Their names, though those of plain unlettered men, do not deserve to perish; and their posterity may, by contemplating the virtues of their ancestors, be stimulated to emulate their godliness. 504 pages." -- Publisher
Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly (tape 3 of 5), [audio file] 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
Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
The Topical Listing "A Theological Interpretation of American History"
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#stiahis
Sjolinder, Rolf, Presbyterian Reunion in Scotland 1907-21: Its Background and Development, 1962.
Skene, John, The Lavves and Actes of Parliament, Maid be King Iames the First, and his Successours Kinges of Scotland.
*Smellie, Alexander (1857-1923), Men of the Covenant: The Story of the Scottish Church in the Years of the Persecution, 534 pages, ISBN: 0851512127. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'A great book dealing with one of the most inspiring periods of Church history,' said Dr. C. Gregg Singer. Brilliant sketches of Covenanter history addressed to ordinary readers who do not have the opportunity or leisure for protracted personal studies in this area. A testimony, as Smellie notes, to 'the dogged fighters for freedom in Church and State.' The great sufferings these Christians endured gave them a seriousness about the faith, and a 'vision' of the truth, which has been unequaled since -- stirring reading!" -- Publisher
"Recounts the events in seventeenth century Scotland in which men and women, bound by 'covenant' to Christ, laid down their lives for His cause. Recaptures the intensity, zeal, heroism, and faith of these martyrs, as well as the craftiness and cruelty of their persecutors. First published in 1903." -- Cyril J. Barber
Men of the Covenant, volume 1 of 2
http://archive.org/details/menofcovenant01smeluoft
Smellie, Alexander (1857-1923), The Reformation in its Literature. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Smith, Alvin W., Covenanter Ministers, 1930-1963, of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, 1964.
"This volume is a successor to Thompson's SKETCHES OF THE MINISTERS, published in 1930."
Smith, John, Our Scottish Clergy; Fifty-two Sketches, 1848.
Smith, Thomas (of Glasgow), Select Memoirs of the Lives, Labours, and Sufferings of Those Pious and Learned English and Scottish Divines: Who Greatly Distinguished Themselves in Promoting the Reformation From Popery, in Translating the Bible, and in Promulgating its Salutary Doctrines by Their Numerous Evangelical Writings, and who Ultimately Crowned the Venerable Edifice With the Celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith, 1828. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2, and #16.
Smyth, Thomas (1808-1873), The Exodus of the Church of Scotland, and the Claims of the Free Church of Scotland to the Sympathy and Assistance of American Christians, 1843.
Smyth, Thomas (1808-1873), John William Flinn, and Jean Adger Flinn, Complete Works of Rev. Thomas Smyth, D.D. 10 volumes.
Complete Works of Rev. Thomas Smyth, D.D., vol. 1 of 10.
http://archive.org/details/completeworks01smytuoft
Sommerville, William (1800-1878), The Social Position of Reformed Presbyterians, or Cameronians, 1868, ISBN: 0665336241 9780665336249.
Pamphlet on The Social Position of Reformed Presbyterians or Cameronians
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/william-sommervilles-pamphlet-on-the-social-position-of-reformed-presbyterians-or-cameronians
Sommerville, William (1800-1878), Tract on Reformed Presbyterians and Open Communion
http://www.covenanter.org/Communion/opencommunion.htm
Spear, Wayne R., Covenanted Uniformity in Religion: The Influence of the Scots Commissioners on the Ecclesiology of the Westminster Assembly, 1976.
Sproull, Thomas (1803-1892), Christianity and the Commonwealth: A Lecture Delivered at the Opening of the Session of the Theological Seminary of Ref. Presb. Church in Allegheny, Penn'a, November 4, 1862.
*Sproull, Thomas (1803-1892), The Duty of Social Covenanting Illustrated and Enforced: A Sermon Preached March 14th, 1841, in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Allegheny. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
The Duty of Social Covenanting Illustrated and Enforced, Thomas Sproull
http://www.covenanter.org/TSproull/dutyofsocialcovenanting.htm
Sproull, Thomas (1803-1892), Letter on The Higher Powers.
Sproull, Thomas (1803-1892), The Loyal Archite: or, The Attributes of Legitimate Civil Government.
http://www.covenanter.org/TSproull/archite.htm
Sproull, Thomas (1803-1892), Prelections [lectures] on Theology.
"The author was Professor of Theology in the Reformed Presbyterian Seminary, Allegheny, Pa."
Spurstowe, William (1605?-1666), England's Patterne and Duty in its Monthly Fasts: Presented in a Sermon, Preached to Both Houses of Parliament Assembled, on Friday the 21. of July, 1643. Being an extraordinary day of publicke humiliation appointed by them, throughout London and Westminster, that everyone might bitterly bewaile his owne sinnes, and crie mightily unto God for Christ his sake, to remove his wrath, and heale the land. Isa. 22:12-14 [Isaiah 22:12-14], 1643.
*Stalker, James, John Knox: His Ideas and Ideals. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Published the year before the Quatercentenary 'of the birth of the greatest of Scotsmen,' as Stalker calls Knox, this is an easy-reading look at this great Reformer. Expressing great gratitude for David Laing's 'immortal labours' in editing Knox's Works, and humbly directing the reader to these six volumes 'if he desires to see Knox face to face,' Stalker summarizes his intent, stating, 'I do not pretend to have given a complete collection of Knox's good things; but at least I have creamed them and furnished enough to familiarize the reader not only with his ideas but with the remarkable phraseology in which these were expressed; and my hope is that the following pages may help to make it true that he, being dead, yet speaketh.' For the bibliophiles this item contains a nice chapter summarizing Knox's books and letters." -- Publisher
Steele, David (1803-1887), Circular No. 1. Alternate title: ANSWERING A DEFECTOR; THE LAW AND THE TESTIMONY; THE TESTIMONY AND THE LAW; PERMANENCE OF COVENANT OBLIGATION. Available (CIRCULAR NO. 1) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (CIRCULAR NO. 1) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
Contents of CIRCULAR, NO. 1: The law and the testimony; The testimony and the law; Permanence of covenant obligation; and Answering a defector.
"An article, "The Law and the Testimony," explaining why making a distinction between the law and the testimony is needful to avoid legalism, and how this distinction affects the witnessing church." -- Publisher
"Demonstrates Steele's humility, gentleness and self-sacrifice; even in the face of slander, libel and treachery." -- Publisher
Circular, No. 1
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/25/circular-no-1
The Testimony and the Law
http://www.truecovenanter.com/steele/steele_the_testimony_and_the_law.html
*Steele, David (1803-1887), Notes on the Apocalypse, ISBN: 0978098706 9780978098704. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #14.
"In 1779, in their TESTIMONY AND WARNING AGAINST THE BLASPHEMIES AND IDOLATRY OF POPERY, the Reformed Presbytery called Durham's COMPLETE COMMENTARY . . . ON THE BOOK OF REVELATION 'the best exposition of that book that has yet been published.' (p. 61n). Had they had the privilege of reading Steele's NOTES ON THE APOCALYPSE we are quite certain that they would have given it a similar endorsement. Though written in a different style than Durham's work, Steele's NOTES ON REVELATION may be even more valuable in many respects, Steele having taken a more decided position 'in the wilderness.' Steele also had the benefit of many more resources, having written over two centuries later. Steele's aim in writing this book is made clear in his own words taken from the preface,
As this work is intended for the instruction and edification of the unlearned, rather than for the entertainment of the learned, words of foreign extract are used as seldom as possible. Practical remarks and reflections are rarely introduced; the principal aim being simply to ascertain and present to the reader the mind of the Holy Spirit. How far this object has been accomplished, is of course left to the judgment of the honest inquirer. The reader, however, in forming his judgment of the value of these NOTES, may be reminded of that inspired rule in searching the Scriptures, "Comparing spiritual things with spiritual." To assist him in the application of this divine rule, many chapters and verses are quoted from other parts of the Bible, but especially within the Apocalypse itself; that by concentrating the various rays upon particular texts or symbols, their intrinsic light may be rendered more luminous. Thus the interpretation given, if correct, may be confirmed and illustrated."Appendices include a section on, The New Jerusalem, The Antichrist, The Image of the Beast, The Beast's 'deadly wound,' The Little Book, The Death of the Witnesses, The Mark of the Beast, The First Resurrection, The Identity of the Two Witnesses, Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet and The Title of this Book (i.e. the Book of Revelation -- RB). This work also includes various 'animadversions on the interpretations (of Revelation -- RB), of several among the most learned and approved expositors of Britain and America.'
the author adduces a greater number of Scriptural illustrations than any other writer on prophecy we ever met with."Hutcheson writes,
I can recommend it to any person as condensing the best thoughts to be had on the subject."Brooks says,
I have derived more knowledge of the Apocalypse from this work than from all other expositions which I have consulted."And finally, John Cunningham comments,
It is neither a dictionary nor concordance; neither a confession of faith, nor an encyclopedia, but a thesaurus of Theology, embodying the characters of all these."Steele dedicated this work to John Cunningham, author of THE ORDINANCE OF COVENANTING." -- Publisher
*Steele, David (1803-1887), The Two Witnesses: Their Cause, Number, Character, Furniture and Special Work, 1859. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #14.
"This is a great companion volume to Steele's NOTES ON THE APOCALYPSE. Here Steele zeros in on and works primarily from the text of Revelation 11:13, I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophecy. Steele deals with Testimony-bearing, Antichrist, Popery, The beasts of revelation, The mark of the beast, 666, The image of the beast, Civil and ecclesiastical apostasy, Reformation, Covenanting, Heresy, Schism, Terms of communion, Slavery, Sectarianism, Mormonism, Independency, Freemasonry, History, Worship, Idolatry, Britain, The united states, Canada, Mystical babylon, The last days, The ultimate victory of the church, and a host of other subjects!
"As is usually the case with Steele, he makes the doctrines of Scripture eminently practical. For example, note how the faithful witnesses are continually called to testify against open opposition to the Lord's Covenanted Zion and the attainments of biblical Reformation in (the faith which was once delivered unto the saints); and against whom this testimony is directed:
'These witnesses are called and commissioned to testify especially against Antichrist -- a false christ, and therefore an opposing christ. But Christ is to be considered either personally or mystically; either abstractly in his personal rights and prerogatives, or in the concrete, in the rights and immunities of his church. There is this prejudice, too prevalent, against Christians testifying against Christians! This we are often told, is contrary to the law of charity. We have not so learned Christ. They are not all Israel which are of Israel. Much of the business of these two prophets is to oppose prophets -- to prophesy against the shepherds, Ezekiel 34:2. Moses with his miracles must confront the magicians with their enchantments, Exodus 8:19. Elijah must confront the prophets of Baal, 1 Kings 18:25. Paul must counteract false apostles, 2 Corinthians 11:13. In short, the direct object of these witnesses' testimony is apostate christendom -- those who depart from the faith, 1 Timothy 4:1 -- who have gone out from fellowship and renounced the doctrines of the apostolic church, 1 John 2:19. Their special work is to testify against error and its propagators and abettors, together with ungodliness, the natural fruit of error, rather than against pagans.' -- The Two Witnesses, p. 14"Moreover, having taken his own place 'in the wilderness' (i.e. having separated himself from, and having been ostracized by the 'civilization' of the obstinately defecting RPCNA and other unfaithful denominations of his day [2 Thessalonians 3:6,14-15; Revelation 12:6, Revelation 17:3]), it was given to Steele to see and expound those grand old principles of our covenanted forefathers (who sat at Westminster and in the best Reformed churches during both the first and second Reformations -- the Scottish Presbyterians being granted the greatest measure of light as a settled body from 1638-1649).
'These two witnesses have always testified -- not formally against pagans or infidels as such; but -- against apostate Christians, as comprising an organized and complex system of opposition to the Lord and his Anointed. And just here, the witnesses have detected the secret of Antichrist's successful enterprise among the human family . . .' Many false prophets are gone out into the world. . . this is a deceiver and an Antichrist, (2 John 7). The combination is ostensibly on the side and in the interest of Christ, and the elements of which Antichrist is composed were obviously professing Christians, They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (1 John 2:19). Here is the apostasy, and so the witnesses are fully borne out in asserting that Antichrist is a great Christian apostasy! To trace the origin and development, in the organization and modifications of this enemy of all righteousness, is the special work of Christ's witnesses.' -- (The Two Witnesses, pp. 17-18)
Steele, David (1803-1887), and Thomas Hannay, Declaration and Testimony for the Present Truth, 1864. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"On diligent searching the several Testimonies emitted since the overthrow of the work of reformation in the year 1650, the reader will doubtless find that none of them exhibits a platform so near the holy Scriptures, or presents so fully the position occupied by our church from 1638 to 1649, as that which was adopted at Ploughlandhead, Scotland, 1761. Surely we may adopt and apply the language of Nehemiah: -- Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach." [Nehemiah 2:17]
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/declaration-and-testimony-for-the-present-truth
*Steele, David (1803-1887, editor), Reformed Presbytery of North America, The Contending Witness (vol. 1:1 -- 2:6, Apr. 1841 to Feb. 1843), The Reformation Advocate (vol. 1:1 -- 1:12, March 1874 to Dec. 1876), The Original Covenanter (vol. 2:1 -- 2:16, March 1877 to Dec. 1880), and The Original Covenanter (vol. 3:1 -- 3:16, March 1881 to Dec. 1884). Available (all four volumes, a complete set of this continuous periodical under its various names) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (all four volumes, a complete set of this continuous periodical under its various names) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"The following list [complete and found above -- compiler] of [continuous issues under various names -- compiler] magazines, edited by David Steele, comprise what is likely the best compilation of Christian periodicals ever amassed under one set of bindings. Nothing we know of (before or since), authored as magazine articles related to full-orbed nation shaking biblical Reformation, even comes close to the consistent quality of writing found in these short works on various subjects. Steele himself should probably be considered the best theologian of the nineteenth century, and the other contributors to these magazines were all approaching the same class. A healthy portion of Steele's writing is found in these magazines, as he only wrote a few other books, so the reader is encouraged to sample for himself some of the best writing (defending the Covenanted Reformation), you will find anywhere!" -- Publisher
Various excerpted articles may be found elsewhere in the topical listing for David Steele.
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, September 1874, no. 3, "Has the Government of the United States a Christian Character?"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/5_Has%20the%20US%20a%20Christian%20Character.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, December 1874, no. 4, Signs of the Times
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/6_Signs%20of%20The%20Times.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, March 1874, no. 1, "To our Patrons"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/1_To%20Our%20Patrons.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, June 1874, no. 2, "Christmas Trees"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/4_Christmas%20Trees.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, March 1874, no. 1, "Are Hymns Idols"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/3_Are%20Hymns%20Idols.pdf
The Contending Witness magazine, Vol. 1:1-2:6, Apr. 1841 to Feb. 1843. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.See also: Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publishing, The Best of The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness Magazine. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available from Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publishing.
The Reformation Advocate magazine, Vol. 1:1-1:12, March 1874 to Dec. 1876. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Original Covenanter magazine, Vol. 2:1-2:16, March 1877 to Dec. 1880. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Original Covenanter magazine, Vol. 3:1-3:16, March 1881 to Dec. 1884. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Steele, David (1803-1887, editor), "The Heavens do Rule," The Original Covenanter, Vol. II, June, 1880, No. 14. Available in Steele, David (1803-1887, editor), Reformed Presbytery of North America, The Contending Witness, The Reformation Advocate and The Original Covenanter magazines. Also available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"Among the most civilized and enlightened people on the earth, we believe, are those of Britain and the United States of North America; yet it is at once evident and to be lamented, that with their advantages for instruction in the science of civil government, they have yet to learn the costly lesson that 'the heavens do rule'. . . ." -- excerpted from "The Heavens do Rule."
Steele, David (1803-1887, editor), The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness Magazine for all 1993. Available (THE BEST OF THE ORIGINAL COVENANTER AND CONTENDING WITNESS MAGAZINE), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Steele, David (1803-1887, editor), The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness Magazine for all 1994. Available (THE BEST OF THE ORIGINAL COVENANTER AND CONTENDING WITNESS MAGAZINE), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Steele, David (1803-1887, editor), The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness Magazine for all 1995. Available (THE BEST OF THE ORIGINAL COVENANTER AND CONTENDING WITNESS MAGAZINE), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Steele, David (1803-1887), James Campbell, Thomas Sproull (1803-1892), James Fulton, and The Reformed Presbytery [of North America], A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, 1879. Alternate title: THE REFORMED PRESBYTERY'S A SHORT VINDICATION OF OUR COVENANTED REFORMATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1 (also #2, #25, and #30).
"Until the church comes to terms with what is written in this book it will remain weak and divided. Covenant breakers will not prosper, as this rare item demonstrates from both Scripture and history. The power packed ordinance of covenanting (the National and Solemn League and Covenant in particular), was foundational to the Second Reformation and the work of the Westminster Assembly. 'By the National Covenant our fathers laid Popery prostrate. By the Solemn League and Covenant they were successful in resisting prelatic encroachments and civil tyranny. By it they were enabled to achieve the Second Reformation . . . They were setting up landmarks by which the location and limits of the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day . . . How can they be said to go forth by the footsteps of the flock, who have declined from the attainments, renounced the covenants and contradicted the testimony of 'the cloud of witnesses. . . . All the schisms (separations) that disfigure the body mystical of Christ . . . are the legitimate consequences of the abandonment of reformation attainments, the violation of covenant engagements.' If you are interested in knowing how to recognize a faithful church (or state), when and why to separate from unfaithful institutions, who has held up the standard of covenanted Reformation attainments and who has backslidden (and why), what it means to subscribe to the Westminster Confession (1646), (and why most that say they do so today do not have any idea of what that means), and much more concerning individual, family, church and civil, individual, family, church and civil duties, this is one of the best books you will ever lay your hands on. It chronicles 'some instances of worldly conformity and mark(s) some steps of defection from our 'covenanted unity and uniformity,' noting how 'it is necessary to take a retrospect of our history for many years; for we did not all at once reach our present condition of sinful ignorance and manifold apostasy.' Presbyterian and the Reformed churches lay under the heavy hand of God's judgement in our day, because of the very defections noted throughout this fine work. 'We heard (hear) from various quarters the cry, "maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation"; and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' Are we married to the Lord, or have we thrown off the covenants of our forefathers; are we the chaste bride of Christ, or a harlot who is found in the bedchambers of every devilish suitor (whether ecclesiastical or civil), who tempts us with the favors of this world? Let us cry out, as with 'the noble Marquis of Argyle, upon the scaffold,' when he said, 'God hath tied us by covenants to religion and reformation. These that were then unborn are yet engaged, and it passeth the power of all the magistrates under heaven to absolve them from the oath of God. They deceive themselves, and it may be, would deceive others, who think otherwise.' Not for the weak of heart." -- Publisher
A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, Reformed Presbytery
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/a-short-vindication-of-our-covenanted-reformation
Steven, William, Answers to Twelve Queries, Proposed to the Serious Consideration of the Reformed Presbytery, and Their Followers, 1744.
Stephen, William (editor), Church of Scotland, Register of the Consultations of the Ministers of Edinburgh and Some Other Brethren of the Ministry, 1652-1657 and 1657-1660, 2 volumes, 1921, 1930.
Stevenson, Andrew, The History of the Church and State of Scotland, From the Accession of K. Charles I. to the Restoration of K. Charles II, 3 volumes, 1753-57, ISBN: 0837000203 9780837000206.
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), Alasdair MacColla and the Highland Problem in the Seventeenth Century, 1980, ISBN: 0859760553 9780859760553.
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), Bibliography (1600-60), Records of Scottish Church History Society 21:2 (1982), 209-20. Volume 21 is available at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Scottish Church History Society, Records, ISSN: 0264-5572.
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), The Covenanters: The National Covenant and Scotland, ISBN: 0854110429 9780854110421.
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), The Covenanters and the Western Association.
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), David Stevenson; With a Translation of the New Foundation by G. Patrick Edwards.
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), The First Freemasons: Scotland's Early Lodges and Their Members, ISBN: 0080377246 9780080377247.
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), The Government of Scotland Under the Covenanters, 1637-1651, 1982, ISBN: 0906245028 9780906245026.
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), Highland Warrior: Alasdair MacColla and the Civil Wars, ISBN: 9781780271941 1780271948.
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), The Hunt for Rob Roy: The man and the Myths, ISBN: 0859765903 9780859765909.
"Rob Roy bears a name that is well known internationally through the heroic images created for him by tradition, by Sir Walter Scott and by Hollywood, yet no scholarly biography of his has been written. This radical revision of popular views on Rob Roy is based on recently discovered material." -- Publisher
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), King or Covenant?: Voices From Civil war, ISBN: 189841081X 9781898410812.
"Contents: The soldier of ill-fortune | Sir Andrew Melville; mere hasty babblements? | Mr Robert Baillie; the bearer of the thrissels banner | Sir Thomas Cunningham; a priest and his ladies | Gilbert Blakhal; incest and piety | Major Thomas Weir; the literary mercenary | Sir James Turner; the secretive chronicler | Mr John Spalding; a lawyer and his loyalties | Sir Thomas Hope of Craighall; erudition impenetrable | Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty; the way of the warrior | Alasdair MacColla; depression and salvation | Sir Archibald Johnston of Wariston; heroic epic and harsh reality | Patrick Gordon; a lady and her lovers | Lady Anne Halkett."
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), King's College, Aberdeen, 1560-1641: From Protestant Reformation to Covenanting Revolution (Quincentennial Studies Series), ISBN: 0080409199 9780080409191.
Stevenson, David (b. 1942, editor), Letters of Sir Robert Moray to the Earl of Kincardine, 1657-73, ISBN: 0754654974 9780754654971.
"Sir Robert Moray (1608-1673) was one of the most active of the twelve founding members of the Royal Society, and as a close friend of King Charles, was a key figure in obtaining the royal patronage that was crucial to its status and growth. Whilst not an active or original researcher, Moray's role as enthusiastic and widely read participant in, and inspirer of, the Society's activities, place him at the centre of the seventeenth-century British scientific scene. As well as being an active member of the Royal Society, Moray was a prolific letter writer, sending a steady stream of news and correspondence to his friend Alexander Bruce, Earl of Kincardine, whose ill-health often kept him away from events. Providing a complete modern edition of the letters written between 1657 and 1673, this collection offers a unique insight into the attitudes and aspirations of the early scientific community. Ranging widely across a broad range of subjects, including medicine, magnetism, horology, politics, current affairs, the coal and salt industries, fishing, freemasonry, literature, heraldry and symbolism, the letters display Moray's knowledge of a formidable range of subjects and authors. As well as being a lively example of the letter writers art, they are a rich source for anyone with an interest in early modern medical and scientific history, as well as those investigating the broader social and cultural milieu of Restoration society." -- Publisher
*Stevenson, David (b. 1942), The Origins of Freemasonry: Scotland's Century, 1590-1710, ISBN: 0521396549 9780521396547. Alternate title: LODGE OF EDINBURGH (MARY'S CHAPEL) NO.1.
Apparently "This book is a new edition of David Stevenson's classic account of the origins of Freemasonry," THE FIRST FREEMASONS: SCOTLANDS EARLY LODGES AND THEIR MEMBERS.
"Professor Stevenson, a non-mason, has stumbled upon freemasonry while specializing in the history of the Scottish covenanters. He adds academic structure and his formidable historic knowledge to the unwritten part of Scottish masonry -- an oral tradition of memorized texts and a rich variety of lodge rituals -- way before George I's (a Hanoverian who spoke no English) attempt in 1717 to create a system of control by establishing the Grand Lodge of England. Mr. Stevenson may be forgiven for not understanding Masonic imagery, however he has given us a well presented insight into Scottish masonry. His impressive work sets new standards in Masonic history, based on verifiable and reproducible evidence rather than on wishful thinking. A highly recommendable book." -- Reader's Comment
"Stevenson, professor emeritus of history at the University of St. Andrews, argues that Masonic history ought to be treated like any other kind of history: with objective analysis of the available evidence taken in context of the wider history in which it occurred. When he set out to take on the subject, he discovered to his surprise that the available evidence overwhelmingly points to modern freemasonry having developed not in England, as is generally claimed, but rather in Renaissance and early modern Scotland. Not a Mason himself, Stevenson wrote with the full cooperation of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and the resulting book, though academic in tone, is worth reading for anyone with an interest in Masonic history, in medieval and early modern Scottish history, or in historiography." -- Reader's Comment
"The first seventy pages or so are extremely dry, and after a while started to wear on my patience. My advice: bear with Stevenson as he lays out the facts here, grounding Freemasonry's murky prehistory firmly in the socioeconomic facts of Medieval Scotland. From this he can demonstrate convincingly how Renaissance elements of Hermeticism, Neo-Platonism, the Art of Memory, and Vitruvian valorizations of architecture came to inform the self-characterizations and common practices of these prior craft guilds, gradually transforming the latter in the process. He sticks closely to previously unconsidered primary sources of the time in question rather than later reconstructions so as to uncover the unfolding of this complicated process, mining fragmentary manuscripts, local records, and other such often overlooked sources tucked away in the shadowy corners of old archives for what they have to tell us -- cautiously and painstakingly distinguishing certain fact from plausible but ultimately unverified speculation based on those facts as he goes along. In the bargain he makes a strong case for his rather original thesis that much of early Freemasonry as we know it today developed in Scotland and only then spread to England (and from there to the rest of the world), substantially altering our picture of this intriguingly complex process thereby.
"And it's rather amusing to think that it all started with a stray reference the author came across in the midst of pretty much unrelated historical research, one he decided to follow up on for the heck of it, and maybe write a little article -- an article that grew into two whole books, this one and the more locally detailed THE FIRST FREEMASONS: SCOTLANDS EARLY LODGES AND THEIR MEMBERS. Stevenson's extensive consideration of the Scottish proto-Freemason Robert Moray -- crucial in accounting for the evolution of Freemasonry's symbolism, social values, and ethical orientation -- has apparently also blossomed recently into his editing of LETTERS OF SIR ROBERT MORAY TO THE EARL OF KINCARDINE, 1657-73. So what started out as a lark has grown into a sustained scholarly pursuit, of which THE ORIGINS OF FREEMASONRY here is a key work and perhaps the most accessible for the generalist. Indeed, if you are looking for a sober, reliable book on this topic, this one fits the bill nicely." -- Reader's Comment
"Beginning in Britain, Freemasonry swept across Europe in the mid-eighteenth century in astonishing fashion -- yet its origins are still hotly debated today. The prevailing assumption has been that it emerged in England around 1700, but David Stevenson demonstrates that the real origins of modern Freemasonry lie in Scotland around 1600, when the system of lodges was created by stonemasons with rituals and secrets blending medieval mythology with Renaissance and seventeenth-century history. This fascinating work of historical detection will be essential reading for anyone interested in Renaissance and seventeenth-century history, for freemasons themselves, and for those readers captivated by the secret societies at the heart of the bestselling THE DA VINCI CODE. David Stevenson is Emeritus Professor of Scottish History at the University of St. Andrews. His many previous publications include THE SCOTTISH REVOLUTION, 1637-1644; REVOLUTION AND COUNTER-REVOLUTION IN SCOTLAND, 1644-1651; and THE FIRST FREEMASONS; SCOTLAND, EARLY LODGES AND THEIR MEMBERS. His most recent book is THE HUNT FOR ROB ROY (2004)." -- Reader's Comment
"The Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel) No.1 is a Masonic Lodge in Edinburgh, Scotland under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. It is number 1 on the Roll, and as it possesses the oldest minute of any Masonic lodge in existence (July 1599) and the first historical reference of a non-operative or speculative freemason being initiated as a member (1634), it is reputed to be the oldest Masonic Lodge not only in Scotland, but the world.
"It is often styled Mary's Chapel or The Ancient Lodge of Edinburgh Mary's Chapel, the former of which derives from its ancient origins, where it first met within the old chapel of St. Mary's on Niddrie's Wynd in Edinburgh, which has since been demolished to make way for Edinburgh's South Bridge." -- Wikipedia article
"His study is a welcome and refreshing antidote to all the junk that has been written about Freemasonry in the past three centuries. It explodes Masonic authors' extravagant claims for an origin in ancient civilizations and possession of powerful supernatural secrets. It also undermines anti-Masonic authors' equally bizarre accusations of pacts with supernatural forces of evil. . . .
"If you only read one book about Freemasonry in your lifetime, this is the book to read." -- Reader's Comment
Review of The Origins of Freemasonry: Scotland's Century 1590-1710, by David Stevenson, T.E. Wilder
http://www.contra-mundum.org/cm/reviews/tw_masonry.pdf
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), Revolution and Counter-Revolution in Scotland, 1644-1651, ISBN: 0901050350 9780901050359.
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), Scottish Covenanters and Irish Confederates: Scottish-Irish Relations in the Mid-seventeenth Century, ISBN: 0901905240 9780901905246.
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), The Scottish Revolution, 1637-1644: The Triumph of the Covenanters, 1973, ISBN: 0715363026.
Stevenson, David (b. 1942), Union, Revolution and Religion in 17th Century Scotland, ISBN: 0860786420 9780860786429.
Contains: "III The Early Covenanters and the Federal Union of Britain Scotland and England, 1286-1815, editor, R. Mason. Edinburgh: John Donald Publishers Ltd,
"VII The King's Scottish Revenues and the Covenanters, 1625-1651 Historical Journal 17. Cambridge,
"VIII The Financing of the Cause of the Covenants, 1638-1651 Scottish Historical Review 51. Edinburgh,
"IX The Covenanters and the Court of Session, 1637-1650 Juridical Review. Edinburgh,
"XIII The General Assembley and the Commission of the Kirk, 1638-1651 Records of the Scottish Church History Society Edinburgh,
"XIV Deposition of Ministers in the Church of Scotland under the Covenanters, Church History 44. Chicago, IL, PRINTING
"XV A Revolutionary Regime and the Press: The Scottish Covenanters and their Printers, 1638-1651 The Library, 6th series, London,
"XVI Scotland's First Newspaper, 1648 The Bibiothek. A Scottish Journal of Bibliography and Allied Topics, 10. Edinburgh." -- The Preface
Stevenson, George, A Plea for the Covenanted Reformation in Britain and Ireland.
A Plea for the Covenanted Reformation in Britain and Ireland.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2017/2/28/a-plea-for-the-covenanted-reformation-in-britain-and-ireland
Also available from:
Covenanter Pamphlets
http://www.covenanter.org/pamphlets/
Stewart (Steuart), James (1635-1715), An Account of Scotland's Grievances by Reason of the D. of Lauderdales Ministrie, Humbly Tendred to His Sacred Majesty, 1674.
*Stewart (Steuart), James (1635-1715), Jus Populi Vindicatum, or, The Peoples Right to Defend Themselves and Their Covenanted Religion Vindicated wherein the act of defence and vindication which was interprised anno 1666 is particularly justified . . . being a reply to the first part of Survey of Naphtaly &c. / by a friend to true Christian liberty, 1669. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
Jus Populi Vindicatum, or, The Peoples Right to Defend Themselves and Their Covenanted Religion Vindicated
http://archive.org/details/juspopulivindica00stew
Stewart (Steuart), James (1635-1715), The Oath of Abjuration, set in its True Light; in a Letter to a Friend, 1712.
*Stewart (Steuart), James (1635-1715), and James Stirling (1631-1672?), Naphtali, or The Wrestlings of the Church of Scotland for the Kingdom of Christ, From the Beginning of the Reformation of Religion Unto the Year, 1667: Together with the last speeches and testimonies of some who have died for the truth since the year 1660: Whereunto also are subjoined, a relation of the sufferings and death of Mr. Hugh McKail, and some instances of the sufferings of Galloway and Nithisdale, 1693. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2.
"Stewart, a Covenanter lawyer and writer, is characterized by Wodrow as 'a great Christian, and an able Statesman, one of the greatest Lawyers ever Scotland bred, of universall learning, of vast reading, great and long experience in publick business . . .' (Analecta II, 205).
"This book is 'the product of joint authorship. The first and logical part of this famous covenanting work was executed by Sir James Stewart of Goodtrees; it bears the stamp of a mind of great vigor and grasp. The narrative portion was written by the Rev. James Stirling of Paisley, whose RECOLLECTIONS form an interesting portion of Wodrow's ANALECTA. In 1667 the Council issued a proclamation against NAPHTALI, ordering it to be burned. (Wod., II., 100). All copies were to be delivered up to the nearest magistrates, and a fine of ten thousand pounds Scots was the penalty inflicted upon any in whose hands the book should afterwards be found. It passed through the flames unscathed only to become dearer than ever to the Scottish hearts . . . and you cannot help admiring the manly sense, spirit, calmness, dignity, and piety which distinguished the sufferers to a degree so equal that you fancy them a band of brothers.' (cited in Johnston, .Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, pp. 375-367). A rare old gem of 559 pages." -- Publisher
Stewart, Michael James Alexander, and Walid Amin Salhab, The Knights Templar of the Middle East: The Hidden History of the Islamic Origins of Freemasonry, ISBN: 157863346X 9781578633463.
"For the first time ever, a source from within reveals that the roots of the Knights Templar, and thus those of Freemasonry, were actually more deeply linked to Islam than to Christianity. Grand Master Prince Michael writes with sterling scholarship, making full use of his access to libraries of the secret orders of which he is a member. The book delves deep to examine the true roots of this worldwide society, revealing both historical events from Europe to the Middle East and the author's own deeply personal, perilous journey to research and expose this hidden history. Going against the accepted history of the Freemason society as evolved from a remnant of Knights Templar who settled in Scotland, this book takes readers much farther back to its historical scriptural land, based in Western Arabia rather than Palestine." -- Publisher
Stock, Richard, Samuel Torshell, Richard Bernard, and Thomas Fuller (1608-1661), A Commentary Upon the Prophecy of Malachi, 3 volumes.
Stoughton, John, Church and State two Hundred Years ago. A History of Ecclesiastical Affairs in England From 1660-1663, 1862.
Sundry Ministers of London, A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ, And to our Solemn League and Covenant; As Also Against the Errours, Heresies and Blasphemies of These Times, and the Toleration of Them. Wherein is Inserted a Catalogue of Divers of the Said Errours &c. All of them being collected out of their authors own books alleadged in the margin, and laid down in their own words; except one that was maintained in a dispute in Oxford, December 11, 1646, and six or seven which were asserted before a Committee of the Honourable House of Commons in the Star-Chamber, and reported to the House, Sept. 12, 1643. Subscribed by the Ministers of Christ Within the Province of London, December 14 &c., 1647.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/a-testimony-to-the-truth-of-jesus-christ
Sundry Ministers of London: Thomas Watson, Christopher Love, William Gouge, &c. A Vindication of the Ministers of the Gospel in and About London, From the Unjust Aspersions Cast Upon Their Former Actings for the Parliament, as if they had promoted the bringing of the King to Capital Punishment [which was the doing of the wicked Oliver Cromwell and his sectarian party of covenant-breakers], 1648.
A Vindication of the Ministers of the Gospel in and About London
http://www.truecovenanter.com/civilgovt/vindication_of_ministers_of_london_concerning_capital_punishment_of_king.html
Swinnock, George (1627-1673), The Pastors Farewell, and Wish of Welfare to his People. Or a Valedictory Sermon on Acts xx. 32 [Acts 20:32], 1662. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
*Symington, Andrew (1785-1853, the older brother of William, editor), and Ministers of The Reformed Presbyterian Church, Scotland, Introductory Lecture on the Principles of the Second Reformation, 1841. Alternate titles: LECTURES ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION, and HEADSHIP OF CHRIST OVER THE NATIONS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18, #30.
"Contents: Second Reformation / Andrew Symington
Headship of Christ Over His church / James Ferguson
Evils, Constitutional and Practical of the Prelatic Establishment of the British Empire / Thomas Neilson
The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland / John Graham
Patronage Opposed to the Independence of the Church and to the Scriptural Rights of Christian people / W.H. Goold
Headship of Christ Over the Nations / Andrew Symington
Nature and Obligation of Public Vows / William Symington
The sin and Danger of Union Between the Church of Christ and the Immoral or Anti-christian Civil Government / Stewart Bates."
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
*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 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
Online free e-text of the 1999 Christian Statesman Press edition.
http://www.reformed.org/eschaton/symington/index.html?mainframe=/eschaton/symington/index_mtp.html
Symington, William, Messiah the Prince or, The Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ
http://reformedchurchpublications.org/messiah_the_prince_by_william_symington.htm
T.H., The Beautie of the Remarkable Yeare of Grace, 1638. The Yeare of the Great Covenant of Scotland, 1638.
Subjects: Covenanters -- Poetry.
Taylor, James (1813-1892), The Scottish Covenanters, 1881.
The Scottish Covenanters
http://archive.org/details/MN5155ucmf_0
Taylor, William M., The Scottish Pulpit From the Reformation to the Present Day, 1887.
Thompson, Owen F., Scotland Through her Character Windows: A Catechetical Exposition of Covenanter History, 1923.
Thompson, Owen F., Sketches of the Ministers of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America From 1888 to 1930.
Thomson, Andrew, Samuel Rutherford, 1889.
Thomson, Andrew, and Gavin Struthers, Historical Sketch of the Origin of the Secession Church, 1848.
Thomson, James Pringle, The Scottish Covenanters 1637-1688.
Thomson, James Pringle, Alexander Henderson the Covenanter (1583-1646). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The period which followed the Union of the Crowns of Scotland and England contains the opening of that contest between Presbytery and Episcopacy, which occupies so much of our history, and some of its most interesting episodes took place between 1618-1646, the years which comprise the active public life of him who is the subject of the following pages. For this reason the life and career of Alexander Henderson must always possess the greatest interest to any student of Scottish history . . . The virtues of the great are apt to be overestimated after they are dead and gone, but there is not one word of exaggeration in the eulogy which Baillie delivered to the General Assembly in 1647, . . . 'That glorious soul of blessed memory, who now is crowned with the reward of all his labours for God and for us, I wish his remembrance may be fragrant among us, so long as free and pure Assemblies remain in this land, which we hope shall be to the coming of the Lord. You know he spent his strength, and wore out his days, he breathed out his life in the service of God and of his Church. This binds it on our back, as we would not prove ungrateful, to pay him his due. If the thoughts of others be conformed to my inmost sense, in duty and reason, he ought to be accounted by us and posterity the fairest ornament, after John Knox, of incomparable memory, that we the Church of Scotland did enjoy.' (pp. 5, 158). Henderson had a major hand in the writing of and international subscription to the Solemn League and Covenant. He was also one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly." -- Publisher
Alexander Henderson (1583-1646), the Covenanter, Thomson
http://archive.org/details/alexanderhenders00thomuoft
*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. Original from Oxford University. Digitized Aug 31, 2006.
http://books.google.com/books?id=4vMCAAAAQAAJ&dq=thomson+a+cloud+of+witnesses&ie=ISO-8859-1
Thornwell, James H. (1812-1862), Relation of the State to Christ (A Memorial). Available in THE COLLECTED WORKS OF JAMES HENLEY THORNWELL. VOL. IV: ECCLESIASTICAL, pp. 549-56.
Todd, Adam Brown, Covenanting Pilgrimages and Studies (1911). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
"This title was written after the two volumes, THE HOMES, HAUNTS, AND BATTLEFIELDS OF THE COVENANTERS. It represents the author's continuing studies and contains some new information regarding incidents and people noted in the earlier volumes. This is especially true concerning the portrayal of Alexander Peden. Others covered include Renwick, Cargill, Sharp, the Howies, and many more. The story regarding Samuel Rutherford's 'two witnesses' is classic Scottish lore. Official acts (e.g. the proceedings surrounding the signing of Covenants), martyrdoms, Declarations, battles, etc., are all covered." -- Publisher
Todd, Adam Brown, The Homes, Haunts, and Battlefields of the Covenanters, 2 volumes.
Trumbull, Charles DeWitt, The Relation of the Covenanters to the United States Government, 1890.
http://archive.org/details/relationofcovena00trum
*Tweedie, W.K. (1803-1863, editor), Tweedie, Scottish Puritans: Select Biographies, 2 volume set, 568 pages and 552 pages, ISBN: 9781848710160 184871016X 9780851519692 0851519695 9780851519708 0851519709. Alternate title: SCOTTISH PURITANS: SELECT BIOGRAPHIES, CHIEFLY FROM THE MANUSCRIPTS IN THE LIBRARY OF THE FACULTY OF ADVOCATES, EDINBURGH.
"This two-volume set is one of the great treasures of Scottish Christian literature. In quick succession, we meet such justly famous and revered figures as John Welsh, David Dickson, William Guthrie, and James Fraser of Brea, but also the lesser known and long forgotten, like the land-laborer of Carrick, John Stevenson. Here are the stories and reflections of men and women who, in times of great darkness, testing, and suffering, tasted what the author of Hebrews calls 'the powers of the age to come'. The 17th century was a dynamic period in Scottish church history, and yet many of its rich records lay hidden in privately owned manuscripts for two hundred years. It was only with the evangelical awakening of the 1840s that close attention was given to their publication, and a Society, formed for that purpose in Edinburgh, took the name of the historian, Robert Wodrow (1679-1734). On the 26 volumes thus published subsequent authors have depended heavily, and particularly so with respect to the two volumes originally entitled SELECT BIOGRAPHIES. In an era when Puritan literature is again being rediscovered their reprint is timely, providing as it does the opportunity to go back to first-hand sources. Here, for the most part, men and women live in their own words, or in the witness of their contemporaries. The 19th-century editor, William Tweedie, himself an evangelical leader, thought it worthwhile to be the editor of this rare material, and all who have possessed them endorse his judgment." -- Publisher
"When published by The Wodrow Society, the editor claimed that the books would be 'storehouses and authorities for future biographers and historians' and so it has proved. Many of the well-known stories are obviously taken from these sources. . . ."
Tweedie, Scottish Puritans: Select Biographies, Vol. 1
https://archive.org/details/selectbiographies01twee
Tweedie, Scottish Puritans: Select Biographies, Vol. 2
https://archive.org/details/selectbiographies02twee
United Societies, The Protestation and Testimony of the United Societies -- 1707. Alternate title: A PROTESTATION AND TESTIMONY AGAINST THE INCORPORATING UNION WITH ENGLAND and THE PROTESTATION AND TESTIMONY OF THE UNITED SOCIETIES OF THE WITNESSING REMNANT OF THE ANTI-POPISH, ANTI-PRELATIC, ANTI-ERASTIAN, ANTI-SECTARIAN, TRUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHRIST IN SCOTLAND, AGAINST THE SINFUL INCORPORATING UNION WITH ENGLAND AND THEIR BRITISH PARLIAMENT, CONCLUDED AND ESTABLISHED, MAY, 1707.
The Land shall not be Sold for ever. (Leviticus 25:23)
Ephraim also is like a silly Dove, without Heart, they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria. (Hosea 7:11)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/societies/united_societies_protestation_against_union_1707.html
United Societies, The Protestation and Testimony of the United Societies of the Witnessing Remnant of the anti-Popish, anti-Prelatic, anti-Erastian, anti-Sectarian, True Presbyterian Church of Christ in Scotland, Against the Sinful Incorporating Union With England and Their British Parliament, Concluded and Established, May, 1707
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/5/3/a-protestation-and-testimony-against-the-incorporating-union-with-england
United Societies, Sanquhar Declaration. Alternate title: THE DECLARATION AND TESTIMONY OF THE TRUE PRESBYTERIAN, ANTI-PRELATICK, ANTI-ERASTIAN, PERSECUTED PARTY IN SCOTLAND. PUBLISHED AT SANQUHAR, JUNE 22, 1680. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in James Brown, THE TESTIMONY PUBLISHED AT RUTHERGLEN, MAY 29. 1679.
The Declaration and Testimony of the True Presbyterian, Anti-Prelatick, Anti-Erastian, persecuted party in Scotland. Published at Sanquhar, June 22, 1680
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sanquhar.html
Van De Velde, Abraham, The Wonders of the Most High: 125 Years History of the United Netherlands 1550-1675, c. 1678. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The subtitle reads: 'An Indication of the Causes, Ways and Means Whereby the United Provinces, Against the Expectation of the Whole World, Were Elevated in Such a Marvelous Way from their Previous Oppression to Such Great, Awe Inspiring Riches and Acclaim. As Related By Several Eminent Historians, and Which After the Manner of the Time are Compiled to a Necessary and Profitable Use.'
"This book gives us an indication why the best theologians in the Netherlands were ready to swear the Solemn League and Covenant with their brethren in the British Isles (before Cromwell and his forces ruined these plans for a united international Protestant testimony). It shows us that the best Dutch Synods agreed with the British Covenanters regarding the civil magistrate (establishments), God's law, anti-tolerationism, historical testimony, true unity, false teachers, the Sabbath, 'Roman feast days,' worship, etc.
"For example, in the section 'The Organ in the Worship Service and the Singing of Hymns,' we read,
With one word, we judge this and other novelties, in these carefree days, a useless hindrance. This we also say of the introduction of new hymn-books, and present-day ditties, which we do not find in God's Word; as also the playing and peeping of organs in the Church. The former are all against the decrees of our Synods."See about singing in the Church, the National Synod of Dordt held in 1578, art. 76; the National Synod held in Middelburg, 1581, art. 51; the National Synod held in the Hague, 1586, art 62; at which gatherings hymns not found in Scripture are expressly forbidden (in a footnote: those who would like to know more about singing of the Psalms, from the Old as well as the New Testament, can read the learned treatise by S. Omius, called Dissertation. (the first book. Chapter 5, cap. 3).
The experience of earlier days has taught us that it is often harmful to introduce something which is not based on the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. The Synod of Dordt, 1578, art. 77; of Middleburg, 1581; of Gerderland, 1640, art. 3, have all dealt with terminating, when determining the place of the organ in the Church. The statement made by the Synod of Dordt, 1574, art. 50, needs our special attention; where we read, 'Concerning the use of Organs in the Congregation, we hold that according to 1 Cor. 14:19, it should not have a place in the Church; and where it is still used when the people leave the church, it is of no use but to forget what was heard before' they witness that it is nothing but frivolity."It is also remarkable that lord Rivet, contending against the papists, mentions several of their authors, who condemn the novelty of the Organ, and point out that is is without profit. Rivet, Cathol. Orthodox. tom. 1, pag. 561.
To know the reason why Organs should be kept out of the church, read our learned theologians and their polemics about Organs against the Lutherans and Papists, see Faukee, about Psalm 45, pag. 20. Also Lodoc. Larenus, in cap. 12 Esa, pag. 47, where we find the story of the duty of Middleburg's consistory to do away with the Organ; Hoornbeek disput. 2, de Psalmodia. thes 7; Rivet, in Exod. cap. 15 vs. 12. Imprimis Gisb. Voetii. Polit. Eccl. part 1, pag. 548. Hospiniamus de Templis, pag. 309. It would be better if this and other novelties were not mentioned. (pp. 151-152)"Translated here for the first time from Dutch into English, this book may be a shocker to those not familiar with the Dutch Reformation and the faithful pronouncements of her Synods." -- Publisher
Various, The History of the Covenanters, a CD-ROM of The Scotland Historic Society. ISBN: 1290208670 9781290208673.
Various, Renewal of the Covenants, National and Solemn League; A Confession of Sins; and Engagement to Duties; And a Testimony, as they were carried on at Middle Octarara in Pensylvania, November 11, 1743, together with an Introductory Preface, 1748.
Psalm lxxvi. 11 [Psalm 76:11]. Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God. Jeremiah l. 5 [Jeremiah 1:5] Come and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual Covenant that shall not be forgotten, &c.
Various, Works on Testimony-Bearing and Bearing Testimony
"It is surely the duty of the church of God still to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, without saying a confederacy with them, who have said a confederacy against Christ, his pure worship, and his public interest and glory, in the world, i.e., such as are guilty of popish idolatry, prelatic superstition, Erastian encroachments, patronage intrusions, and sectarian confusion, who have all united in a conspiracy, to rob Christ of some part of his mediatorial glory, in a way derogatory to some of his offices, as prophet, priest, or king, of his church." -- Thomas Henderson, Testimony-Bearing Exemplified (1791).
http://www.covenanter.org/subjects-1/2015/6/30/testimony-bearing
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.
Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678), God's Terrible Voice in the City, 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
Vos, Johannes Geerhardus, The Scottish Covenanters: Their Origins, History and Distinctive Doctrines, a dissertation, 1938, ISBN: 0951148443 9780951148440.
See the detailed contents in Worldcat.org.
Wagner, Michael, Who are the Covenanters? A Brief Introduction, 2010.
Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
See also: Anonymous, Who are the Covenanters? 1900.
Waldegrave, Robert, John Skene, Jo Maissone, Thomas Cragius, and Wm. MacMath, The Lavves and Actes of Parliament, Maid be King Iames the First, and his Svccessovrs Kinges of Scotland: Visied, Collected and Extracted Furth of the Register.
Walker, James, The Theology and Theologians of Scotland, 1560-1750
Walker, Norman Lockhart, Scottish Church History, 1882.
Walker, Patrick, The Life and Prophecies of Mr. Donald Cargill [1619-1681]: Sometime Minister of the Barony Parish of Glasgow: Who Suffered Martyrdom for the Lord's Cause, With Four Others, at the Cross of Edinburgh, the 27th of July, 1681, and their heads put upon the ports. . . . Likewise, an account of his indictment, trial, sentence, and behaviour at the place of execution; . . . Also, a particular account of the great scarcity and dearth which took place at that time . . . To which is added, a short account of the life and untimely death of Argyle, who gave his casting-vote against Mr. Cargill. Also, a copy of the Torwood excommunication. Alternate titles: THE LIFE AND WONDERFUL PROPHECIES OF DONALD CARGILL: WHO WAS EXECUTED AT THE CROSS OF EDINBURGH, ON THE 26TH JULY, 1680, FOR HIS ADHERENCE TO THE COVENANT, AND WORK OF REFORMATION, and LIFE OF MR. DONALD CARGILL.
Walker, Patrick, and David Hay Fleming, Six Saints of the Covenant: Peden, Semple, Welwood, Cameron, Cargill, Smith, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0790572621 9780790572628. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Covers the lives of Peden, Semple, Welwood, Cameron, Cargill and Smith. These two volumes are edited with illustrative documents, introduction, notes, and a glossary by David Hay Fleming. Walker's advantage in writing of these men, as Hay Fleming points out, can be seen in 'that he lived in the times of which he wrote, that he personally knew many of the Covenanters and martyrs of whom he wrote, and that he was himself a shrewd observer and was endowed with a tenacious memory.' Walker himself had endured imprisonment and torture for the Covenanted cause of Christ and Burton writes that his 'unadorned descriptions of suffering and heroism convey a lesson to the heart which no genius or learning could strengthen,' indexed." -- Publisher
Six Saints of the Covenant: Peden, Semple, Welwood, Cameron, Cargill, Smith, vol. 1 of 2
https://archive.org/details/sixsaintscovena00walkgoog
Six Saints of the Covenant: Peden, Semple, Welwood, Cameron, Cargill, Smith, vol. 2 of 2
https://archive.org/details/sixsaintscovena02walkgoog
Excerpted from Six Saints of the Covenant by patrick walker
Smith, Walter, A brief rehearsal of some few of the many steps of defection
http://www.truecovenanter.com/societies/smith_steps_of_defection.html
Watson, Jean L., and John Ker (contributor), Life and Times of Rev. Alexander Peden (the Prophet), and James Renwick. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'If Peden was the John the Baptist of the Covenant, Renwick was John the Evangelist,' writes Ker in his introduction.
"There is no doubt that these courageous men were instrumental in carrying the covenanted testimony through some very dark and trying days -- and each blessed of God with extraordinary gifts. Their work and suffering (and that of many others), is commemorated in a stanza from a poem quoted at the head of the section on Peden. It reads:
'Speed on, thou Covenanted cause! God's blessing upon thee!"In that memorable 50 years' struggle (1638-1688), there is gathered a mass of religious intensity, sacrifice and scholarship, such as perhaps no other period of Scottish history can excel. It is estimated that 18,000 people suffered poverty, torture, banishment, or death. Truly the hills were drenched with the blood of the martyrs.
Baptized in Scotland's dearest blood albeit thou needs must be:
Christ came not to send peace on earth, only may that red rain,
Still fructify thy living seed, till His return again!'
Watt, Hugh, Recalling the Scottish Covenanters: Their Origins, History, and Distinctive Doctrines, 1946.
Watt, Hugh, Thomas Chalmers and the Disruption, Incorporating the Chalmers Lectures for 1940-44, 1943.
*Watt, Jonathan M., Gordon J. Keddie, and Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, Bring the Books: A Bibliography of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, 1743-1992, in Semper Reformanda, Vol. 1, No. 3, Fall 1992 (Semper Reformanda, 3217 College Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010).
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
Weatherwax, Nancy, American Society of Church History. Meeting, and The Theological Research Exchange Network, Ladies of the Covenant: Interpreting a Heroic age, a microform, 1998.
Bibliography note: Includes bibliographical references (leaves 15-16).
See: Anderson, James (1748?-1830), LADIES OF THE COVENANT, 1851.
Welch, John (1568?-1622), Fifty and two Directions, Written by That Famous, and Eminently Faithful Servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. John Welch, Whereunto is Annexed now, a Friendly Advice, &c. Proving the Unlawfulness of Prelacy, 1712.
Welch, John (1568?-1622), Forty-Eight Select Sermons Preached by That Eminent and Faithful Servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. John Welch, Sometime Minister of the Gospel in Ayr, 1752. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
Notes: "The two last . . . were delivered as his farewell sermons . . . to which is prefixed the history of his life and sufferings with some prophetical letters."
Forty-eight Select Sermons Preached by John Welch: The Publisher to the Reader
http://www.truecovenanter.com/welch/welch00_1_toreader.html
White, John (1570-1615), Mr. VVhites Speech in Parliament on Munday, the 17th of January. Concerning the Triall of the XII. Bishops An. Dom. 1641.
White, John (1570-1615), The Parallel Between David, Christ, and K. Charles, in Their Humiliation and Exaltation: Delivered in a Sermon Preached at Wadhurst in Sussex / by J.W., minister there, upon the publick thanksgiving, May 24, 1660.
A sermon on Psalms CXVIII, 22-23 [Psalm 118:22,23].
Whytock, George, A Defence of Covenanting, Against the Attacks Made Thereon in a Late Publication, Intituled, A Dissertation on the Nature and Genius of the Kingdom of Christ, 1780.
Wilkes, Henry, Christianity the Restorer, or, Man's Dominion Over the Earth, Disturbed by sin, Restored by Christ: A Sermon Preached in Zion Church, Montreal, April 17, 1859, ISBN: 0665899599 9780665899591.
Wilkinson, Henry (1610-1675), Meditations Upon the Marks of the True Church of Christ: or, Motives of Credibility in Behalf of the True Religion: and, The Easiest way to Finde it out, 1655.
Williams, Daniel (1643?-1716), The Advancement of Christs Interests the Governing end of a Christians Life a Second Sermon Preached Before the Right Honourable Sir John Shorter, Knight, Lord Mayor of the City of London at Grocers-Hall, January the 9th, 1687/8 / by Daniel Williams, 1688.
*Willson (alt. Wilson), James McLeod (1809-1866), Social Religious Covenanting, 1856. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27,
Social Religious Covenanting, 1856.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/7/27/social-religious-covenanting
*Willson (alt. Wilson), James McLeod (1809-1866), Some Reasons for Retaining the Westminster Confession as the Basis of Ecclesiastical Union. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"Explains why the use of the Westminster Confession is one of the best ways in which to obtain godly ecclesiastical union. This booklet pays special attention to the biblical teaching regarding civil government and shows why changes to the original WCF (regarding this matter), has resulted, not surprisingly, in much ecclesiastical disunity. It also contains some interesting notes on the millennial power and glory that will be exhibited in both church and state 'in the day of the Lord's power.' Excerpted from The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness Magazine, (volumes 1:1-4).
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), Prince Messiah's Claims to Dominion Over all Governments: and the Disregard of His Authority by the United States in the Federal Constitution, 1832. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PRINCE MESSIAH'S CLAIMS TO DOMINION, PDF and MP3) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #12, #13, #25.
"Why treat thus all religion? Why disfranchise, by a solemn act the church of the living God? Is the benevolent, pure, holy, heaven born religion of Emmanuel, hostile to the happiness of the republic? Shall commerce, agriculture, the arts, literature -- all the other lawful pursuits, be countenanced, fostered, protected, and established on as permanent a basis, as possible and the true religion be put under the ban of the empire? But they say, let religion alone. Do they, however, adopt the laissez nous faire, in relation to manufactures and trade? No. We cherish all, but respecting the advancement of religion, Congress shall never do any thing. When the child is born, were the father and mother to say, laissez l'infant faire -- leave the babe to itself -- would that lie to act as a nursing father and mother? Surely no. There must be a far different kind of constitution among the nations, when the promise is fulfilled, that 'Kings shall be nursing fathers.' God Almighty says, in the text quoted above, that civil rulers shall nurse the church -- the Constitution says they shall not. Which is right? 'Ah! sinful nation, laden with iniquity.' God spares thee for the sake of his redeemed, that his moral subjects on earth may be, by the gospel of his Son, reclaimed from sin and rebellion -- that on the earth, through his own holy religion, he may expatiate the glories of redemption. The Constitution says religion shall be discountenanced by the Congress of the United States." -- James Renwick Willson
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath be kindled but a little. (Psalm 2:12). This book will go a long way to exposing the fact, as Willson writes, that 'ungodly men have occupied, and do now occupy, many of the official stations, in the government,' and that 'Tyrants are yet on their thrones, and unholy republics refuse to acknowledge Him (Christ -- RB), as Lord of all'." -- Publisher
Willson, James Renwick, Prince Messiah's Claims to Dominion Over all Governments
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/24/prince-messiahs-claims-to-dominion-over-all-governments-and-the-disregard-of-his-authority-by-the-united-states-in-the-federal-constitution
Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), A Sermon on Civil Government, 1821. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
A Sermon on Civil Government
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/james-r-willsons-sermon-on-civil-government
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
Willison, John, A Defence of National Churches: And Particularly of the National Constitution of the Church of Scotland, and the Conduct of our Reforming Ancestors, Against the Cavils of Independents. With a Confutation of Independency, and several new opinions vented in some late pamphlets, intituled, A narrative of the rise and progress, &c. An explication of a proposition, &c. A letter from a lover of zion, &c. By a Minister of the Church of Scotland.
" 'A narrative of the rise and progress of the controversy about the natural covenants' and 'A letter from a lover of Zion' are by John Glas; 'An explication of that proposition contain'd in Mr. Glass's answers to the Synod's queries' was published anonymously."
Willson, James McLeod (editor), The Covenanter: Devoted to the Principles of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
"The Covenanter, a monthly in the interest of the pro-deacon position in the RPC. Edited by James McLeod Wilson. Merged with The Reformed Presbyterian, January 1863."
Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), Essay on Tolerance. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/tolerance.html
Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), The Written Law: or, The Law of God Revealed in the Scriptures by Christ as Mediator: The Rule of Duty to Christian Nations in Civil Institutions.
Willson, James Renwick, The Written Law, or The Law of God Revealed in the Scriptures, by Christ as Mediator; The Rule of Duty to Christian Nations to Civil Institutions
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/james-r-willsons-sermon-on-the-written-law
Covenanter and Reformed Presbyterian Pamphlets
http://www.covenanter.org/pamphlets/
Wilmot, Alexander, The Story of the Scottish Reformation, 1883, ISBN: 0524035237 9780524035238.
*Wilson, Daniel, Sir (1816-1892), Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time. A Large Eye View of Edinburg in 1647, 2 volumes, 2nd edition.
Includes 123 illustrations, 41 full page. These are artist's renditions of the city in 1647.
Wilson, David, A Modest Apology for the Conduct of Seceders, in Refusing to Join in Christian Communion With Sectarians, Latitudinarians, etc., who Have Departed From the Purity of Reformation Once Attained to in These Kingdoms. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"An exceedingly rare work published in 1773. Sets forth a strong case for separation from all bodies that are backslidden from the work of covenanted reformation, as it was attained during the days of the Westminster Assembly, and as set forth in the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH [1646] and its related documents (regarding the government, worship, doctrine and discipline of Christ's church). Denounces the 'detestable indifference or neutrality' of not maintaining covenant obligations, which bind all reformers, 'to endeavour the extirpation of all superstition, heresy, schism, and whatsoever should be found contrary to sound doctrine.' Also proves that there is no liberty or love that is contrary to God's Word. Maintains Christian charity throughout by distinguishing between loving the persons in error, and taking part with, or encouraging them in their sinful confederacies or actions. A great work on the subjects of purity, faithfulness and separation. It is in keeping with the sentiments expressed in the Reformed Presbytery's ACT, DECLARATION AND TESTIMONY which states: 'The first cry against the presbytery and its members was -- 'schism -- schismatics.' This charge was promptly and publicly met and refuted, by showing from the Scriptures, that schism -- 'is in the body,' 1 Cor. 12:26 [1 Corinthians 12:26]; and from the approved writings of our covenanting fathers, that 'sometimes to avoid schism, we must separate.' Our worthy ancestors knew better than to adopt the vocabulary of papal Rome. Besides, 'the majority making defection are the real separatists'. (Samuel Rutherford)" -- Publisher
Wilson, William, A Defence of the Reformation Principles of the Church of Scotland. With a Continuation of the Same. And a Letter From a Member of the Associate Presbytery . . . Wherein the Exceptions That are Laid Against the Conduct of the Associate Presbytery are examined, 1769. Alternate title: A LETTER FROM A MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATE PRESBYTERY TO A MINISTER IN THE PRESBYTERY OF D- -- NE. (sic), 1769. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
Wilson, William, Free Church Principles, 1880.
Wines, E.C., and Louis F. DeBoer, The Hebrew Republic. Alternate title: BOOK II OF COMMENTARY ON THE LAWS OF THE ANCIENT HEBREWS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A fascinating treatise in political science showing that the ideological origins of the American Republic lie in the ancient Hebrew Republic, in the institutions that God gave Moses at Mount Sinai." -- Publisher
" 'I confess that before I read this book I misapprehended that the American republic was founded on the models of Greece and Rome. Wines clearly and ineluctably shows that the model for the United States constitution and form of government was none other than that of the Hebrew Republic,' writes Franklin Sanders in HEILAND (Bermuda: Machrihanish Ltd, 1986, p. 275). But though the Hebrew Republic may have been a model for the U.S. constitution in general, some of the most important and foundational specifics of the Hebrew model have clearly been ignored or even set aside totally (as Willson's Prince Messiah, above, demonstrates). Samuel Wylie, in his TWO SONS OF OIL also outlines many reasons why the U.S. federal government is not modelled after the Hebrew Republic. Among them he lists: 'The federal constitution, or instrument of national union, does not even recognize the existence of God, the Kings of the Nations;' 'the State constitutions (are allowed to -- RB) contain positive immorality;' 'the government gives a legal security and establishment to gross heresy, blasphemy, and idolatry (Romanism and other false religions -- RB), under the notion of liberty of conscience;' 'its officers are sworn, by necessary implication, to support what God Almighty forbids;' 'they make no provision for the interest of true religion;' 'Deists, and even atheists may be chief magistrates;' and they overtly reject the law of God -- especially the first commandment as it applies to national leaders and the constitution (cf. pp. 7-42 in the 1995 reprint, of the 1850 edition, by Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publishing). On the other hand, some useful insights can be gleaned from this title as this book demonstrates the impossibility of pluralistic polytheism (many gods -- many laws) ever bringing real peace and blessing to any society. It also shows that Christian monotheism (the one true and living God and His one absolute law) is the only road to blessing -- but as noted above has muted is point considerably. Wines also proclaims the foundational nature of self-government to all the other spheres of government (i.e. family, church and state)." -- Publisher
Winston, John, et al., The Testimony of our Reverend Brethren, Ministers of the Province of London. To the Truth of Jesus Christ, and our Solemne League and Covenant, &c. Attested by other ministers of Christ in the county of Northampton, 1648.
Notes: Signed at end: John Winston [and 68 others].
Witherspoon, Thomas D., Children of the Covenant.
Wodrow, Robert, and Matthew Leishman (preface), Analecta, or Materials for a History of Remarkable Providences Mostly Relating to Scotch Ministers and Christians, 4 volumes, 1842-1943.
Wodrow, Robert, and William James Duncan, Collections Upon the Lives of the Reformers and Most Eminent Ministers of the Church of Scotland, 3 volumes, 1834-1848.
Wodrow, Robert, and Thomas M'Crie, The Correspondence of the Rev. Robert Wodrow.
Wodrow, Robert, and Robert Lippe, Selections From Wodrow's Biographical Collection: Divines of the North-east of Scotland, 1890.
Wodrow, Robert (sometimes attributed to Robert Wodrow), Some Reasons Humbly Offered, why the English Oath of Abjuration, Should not be Imposed Upon the Subjects of North-Britain, Especially the Ministers of the Gospel There.
*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
Worden, Blair, and Edward Vallance, Revolutionary England and the National Covenant: State Oaths, Protestantism and the Political Nation, 1553-1682, ISSN: 0013-8266.
*Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), History of The Scottish Nation, in 3 volumes. Available (PROTESTANTISM IN SCOTLAND), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PROTESTANTISM IN SCOTLAND), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
History of The Scottish Nation
http://www.reformation.org/history1.html
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), History of the Waldenses, ISBN: 1572581859 9781572581852.
"The Waldenes were among the first of the people of Europe to obtain a translation of the Holy Scriptures. Hundreds of years before the Reformation they possessed the Bible in manuscript in their native tongue. Here the light of truth was kept burning amid the darkness of the Middle Ages. Here, for a thousand years, witnesses for the truth maintained the ancient faith." -- Publisher
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), The Jesuits: Their Moral Maxims, and Plots Against Kings, Nations, and Churches, With Dissertation on Ireland. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
*Wylie, James Aiken (1808-1890), The Papacy: Its History, Dogmas, Genius, and Prospects. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"In its day, this book, of 572 pages, won the Evangelical Alliance first prize for an essay on Popery. 'With all we have read of Popery, we have yet met with nothing in the English language which we regard to be so complete in itself, and so overwhelmingly destructive to Romanism,' noted the Evangelical magazine. (Evangelical magazines of Wylie's day obviously knew who their enemies were then; there are few that recognize this today. Some, in our day, even teach that a return to Rome is advisable, thinking that an alliance with idolaters will help free the land of social evils. In reality this will only serve as a further provocation against 'the Holy one of Israel,' bringing more curses, wrath and guilt upon our land.). Wylie's book combines the qualities of clear structure, vigorous logic, and eloquent style and yet is written with an absence of unchristian passion and prejudice; making its argument all the more useful to those trapped in Rome's web of deceit (or those seeking a fair and comprehensive treatment of this massive topic). It is also indexed. When this book first appeared in German, the Papists were careful to give it the 'silent treatment,' lest an inquiring Papist should hear of it and be inclined to read it. These same Romanists (later) also invoked the civil power against it, so fearful were they of its contents." -- Publisher
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), Protestantism in Scotland (1878). Book 24 (illustrated), from Wylie's THE HISTORY OF PROTESTANTISM. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"For the period covered by this book, Scotland went from a nation of uncivilized barbarians to national covenants with Christ, and then through many ups and downs as various factions tried to destroy true Christianity. From darkness to Hamilton, Wishart, Knox, and Melville, through to the Covenanters, the Westminster Assembly and the tragic deception used by Charles II, Wylie's racy style makes it hard to put this book down. Few other nations and periods of history provide such edifying reading. Highlights include Knox's call to the ministry, his interview with Queen Mary, his trial for treason, Melville's work, the National and Solemn League and Covenant, the civil war, the Westminster Assembly, and more." -- Publisher
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), The Scottish Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17,
Wylie, James Aiken (1808-1890), A Short Dialogue Between Cuphophron and Philalethes: Wherein the Wild Notions of a Late Essayist Upon National Covenanting, and the Moral-Law are Exposed. By James Wylie, minister of the Gospel at Scone.
"Notes: An attack on 'An Essay on National Covenanting', by Alexander Pirie."
*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
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), What the Sixteenth Century says to the Nineteenth.
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), and James Begg, Tercentenary of the Scottish Reformation: As Commemorated at Edinburgh, August 1860.
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), James B. Gillies, Disruption Worthies. A Memorial of 1843. With an Historical Sketch of the Free Church of Scotland from 1843 Down to the Present Time, 1881, 2 volumes.
Wylie, Richard Cameron, Social Covenanting, 1900.
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), A Sermon on Covenanting. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
*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). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13, #26. A Christian classic.
"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
Wylie, Samuel B. (1773-1852), and John Niel McLeod (1806-1874, editor), Memoir of Alexander McLeod, 1855.
"Definitive account of the life of a 'father' of the Reformed Presbyterian Church."
Memoir of Alexander McLeod
http://archive.org/details/memoirofalexander00wyl
Wylie, Theodore W.J., John Niel McLeod, Alexander Duff, J.E. Sample, and the First Reformed Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, PA), Discourses Delivered at the Opening of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Broad Street, Philadelphia, April 30, 1854.
Young, Thomas (1587-1655), An Answer to an Humble Remonstrance by Joseph Hall, 1641. Alternate title: AN ANSWER TO A BOOK ENTITLED, AN HUMBLE REMONSTRANCE, IN WHICH THE ORIGINALL OF LITURGY [AND] EPISCOPACY IS DISCUSSES . . .
Hall, Joseph, and Abraham Scultetus, A Defence of the Humble Remonstrance, Against the Frivolous and False Exceptions of Smectymnvvs: Wherein the right of leiturgie and episcopacie is clearly vindicated from the vaine cavils, and challenges of the answerers.
Young, Thomas (1587-1655), Dies Dominica, 1672.
Young, William, The Puritan Principle of Worship. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
"Must reading on the regulative principle of worship. 'The biblical regulative principle is formulated in the Reformed confessions in opposition to the Lutheran and Anglican rule that anything may be introduced into God's worship which the scriptures do not expressly reject,' noted Sherman Isbell (Presbyterian Reformed magazine, 1993 -- write for a free sample copy at 2408 Holt St., Vienna, VA, 22180 USA). Dr. Young writes, 'Calvin formulated this regulative principle with clarity and applied it with great consistency, in the Reformation at Geneva. It is implicit in his celebrated definition of pure and genuine religion as 'confidence in God coupled with serious fear -- fear which both includes in it willing reverence, and brings along with it such legitimate worship as is prescribed by the law.' Dr. Young is a brilliant scholar, in the Puritan tradition, and this book shows why." -- Publisher
See also: Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, An introduction to the covenanted reformation, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, A HREF="http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#prsctn">Persecution, The courts and the law base, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, National establishment of religion: establishmentarianism, Biography of covenanters, The covenanted reformation of scotland, The national covenant, The solemn league and covenant, Confession of national sin and covenant renewal, The church of scotland, general assembly, Works of the reformed presbytery, The reformed presbytery of scotland, the reformed presbytery of america, and other smaller reformed associations, Works of the reformed presbytery of north america, (steelite), The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, Sermons preached before governing bodies, The Reformed Presbytery of Scotland, Works of the reformed presbytery, The church of scotland, general assembly, Acts of faithful assemblies, Testimony, testimony-bearing, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing,
Covenanting in america, The scottish covenanting struggle, alexander craighead, and the mecklenburg declaration, The reformed presbytery of america, and other smaller reformed associations, The works of David Steele, Oaths, ensnaring (vows, promises, covenants) and bonds with the ungodly, God's sovereign hand in history, A theological interpretation of american history, History, "his-story," Church history, The history of reformation of the church, Revisionist history,
The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The incarnation of our lord (the deity of the lord jesus christ), The lordship of jesus christ, Christ's kingdom, The all-sufficiency of christ, The ten commandments, the moral law, The words of christ, The commandments of christ, The person and work of jesus christ the Lord (christology), The teaching of our lord jesus christ, The mediatorial reign of christ: the crown rights of christ, 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, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith,
Antichrist, The counter-reformation, Popery,
Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, oaths, ensnaring (vows, promises, covenants) and bonds with the ungodly, Church and state, Tyranny, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, and neutrality, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, The Puritan revolution, God's deliverance of nations, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The covenant of redemption, The covenant faithfulness of god, Christ's influence on western civilization, Commitment, surrender, Loving and obeying god, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 877-883, 2527
The American Colonist's Library. Primary Source Documents Pertaining to Early American History.
An invaluable collection of historical works which contributed to the formation of American politics, culture, and ideals
http://www.constitution.org/primarysources/primarysources.html
Anti-Romanist Homepage
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/romanism
British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC2, A History of Scotland, part 6, "God's Chosen People: The Covenanters," DVD series.
"The first five parts of 'A History of Scotland' cut a swathe through from Roman times to the Stewart ascension to the throne of England as well as Scotland.
"Now presenter Neil takes the story up from 1600s to the modern day in the remaining five parts of the series through times of international wealth and 20th-century industrial decline.
"In the sixth of this 10-part series, the focus is on the Covenanters and a time, 1638-1688, when the country was riven with religious tension.
"After Great Britain was founded, the Scots began to find themselves torn between their natural affinity to their ancient line of Stewart Kings and their intense religious conviction. Should they follow King Charles I or King Jesus? When Charles I tried to impose his form of religion on the Scots, they were forced to choose.
"Entitled God's Chosen People, tonight's episode is about the forging and impact of two of the most remarkable documents in Scottish history which broke the power of the Stewart kings: the Covenants (of 1638 and 1643) -- written contracts with God in whichthe Scottish Covenanters sought not only to redefine their own place in Britain, but also Britain itself."
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scotstom/sets/72157622638846841/
Calvin's Commentary on Hosea
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion/calvhose.htm
Church Government
A listing of documents with e-text.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/kirkgovt/index.htm
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, Isabel Alison
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/cloud/cloud_alison_isabel.html?doc_banner_show=false
Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publications
http://www.truecovenanter.com/publish/
The Departure From the Puritan Heritage
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Puritan Heritage, 52 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=92903104657
*Draft of a Covenant for the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America (published in Overture), 1848
See particularly the "Editor's Introduction" which gives a summary history of covenant renewal in the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/rpcna_covenant_draft_1848.html?doc_banner_show=false
Faithful Contendings Displayed, the Preface to the Understanding Reader, by John Howie
http://www.truecovenanter.com/societies/faithful_contendings_displayed_preface.html
Geneva Study Bible, 1599
The 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege edition, online
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%201&version=GNV
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
Highlander Clearance: Scots-Irish and the Clearances. The Movement of People Between Scotland and Ireland and Onward Emigration to North America, Australia, and New Zealand, Iain Kerr
"I have been asked by a number of conventional correspondents and more recently contacts on the Compuserve Genealogy Forum to answer questions on the background to the emigration of Scots and Irish people to the Americas and beyond. These notes cover the main historical background to those movements. The attempt an approximately chronological outline of the major incidents which caused population movements in Scotland, from Scotland to Ireland and either directly, or through an intervening refuge, from Scotland and Ireland to the Americas and later Australia."
http://www.rootsweb.com/~pictou/clearncs.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/
The Historicism Research Foundation
http://www.historicism.net
History of The Scottish Nation, 3 volumes, by Rev. J.A. Wylie LL.D.
http://www.reformation.org/history1.html
Jardine's Book of Martyrs
"History, the Covenanters, Scotland"
https://drmarkjardine.wordpress.com/page/44/
The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. A Sermon, Preached at the Opening of the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, May 1, 1816, by John Fairley, Minister of the Gospel
http://www.truecovenanter.com/kirkgovt/fairley_keys_of_the_kingdom.html
*John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly (tape 3 of 5), [audio file], 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
Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
The Topical Listing "A Theological Interpretation of American History"
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#stiahis
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
The Life, Correspondence, and Sermons of John Welch, Sometime Minister of the Gospel in Ayr
http://www.truecovenanter.com/welch/index.htm
National Establishments of Religion
"Hence it ought to be observed that something remarkable is here demanded from princes, besides an ordinary profession of faith; for the Lord has bestowed on them authority and power to defend the Church and to promote the glory of God. This is indeed the duty of all; but kings, in proportion as their power is greater, ought to devote themselves to it more earnestly, and to labor in it more diligently." -- John Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah (1550)
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/national-establishments-of-religion
The Reformation in England 1 of 2 (the Providential Historical Preparation for the Westminster Assembly)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12607144153
The Reformation in England 2 of 2 (and America)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=126071623510
Reformation Eschatology at Still Waters Revival Books
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/reformation-eschatology.htm
Reformed Covenanter: An Old Light Covenanter Blog
"An internet sourcebook of Reformed and Covenanter Thought, edited by Daniel Ritchie. . . . I am a member of Dromara Reformed Presbyterian Church (Covenanter) in Co. Down, Northern Ireland. Currently, I am studying history and politics at the Queen's University of Belfast (Saintfield, Northern Ireland). Scripture quotations are usually from the English Standard Version."
Subjects: Covenanting, Close communion, Establishment principle, Scottish theonomy, Postmillenialism, Political dissent.
http://reformedcovenanter.wordpress.com/
Reformed Documents
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed-documents/
Reformed Online Library
The work of Brian Schwertley.
"The WPCUS [Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States -- compiler], fully subscribes to the Westminster Standards . . . as they were originally adopted by the Church of Scotland (1645-1648), and the colonies of North America (1716)."
They are the only Reformed denomination that has not adopted the American Version of the Westminster Confession of Faith with its declensions.
http://www.reformedonline.com/view/reformedonline/s36p94.htm
Religious Principles of the Scottish Martyrs, Symington, Andrew
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/RelPrinScotMar.htm
Reverend John Renwick Family
"Ireland and South Carolina"
http://www.next1000.com/family/EC/renwick.john.html
*Scottish Church History
https://reformedbooksonline.com/history-of-the-scottish-covenanters/
The Scottish Covenanting Struggle, Alexander Craighead, and the Mecklenburg Declaration
http://www.lettermen2.com/craig.html
Sermons Delivered in Times of Persecution in Scotland, by Sufferers for the Royal Prerogatives of Jesus Christ. Sermons and Lectures by Richard Cameron. Biographical Notice
http://www.truecovenanter.com/cameron/sdtp_cameron_bio.html
Sermons and Lectures Commended to all Those who Desire to Have the Word of God Opened to Them not With Enticing Words of Man's Wisdom, but in Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power. (1 Corinthians 2:4)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/index.html
A Short Account of the Old Presbyterian Dissenters, Section I: The Several Names, by Which the old Dissenters Have Been Known and Distinguished
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/24/a-short-account-of-the-old-presbyterian-dissenters
A Testimony Left by Mr. Rutherfoord to the Work of Reformation
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/RuthTest.htm
Thomas McCrie's A Statement of the Difference
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/thomas-mccries-a-statement-of-the-difference
Timeline: 1600 to 1640 Undiscovered Scotland: The Ultimate Online Guide
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.com/usfeatures/timeline/to1640.html
Toleration and Covenanting, John Brown (of Haddington, 1722-1787)
Apparently this is an review by Reg Barrow. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Tol&Cov.htm
Tract, Against Backsliding Modern Denominations, Nations and Individuals (Separation)
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/backslid.htm
Tract, Against the "Baconites" of Rowlett, Regarding the So-called "Steelite" Controversy (Paleocovenanters vs. Neocovenanters), a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/bacon.htm
Tract, Biblical Unity and Uniformity, a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/unity.htm
Tract, Calvinism (the Sovereignty of God, TULIP, etc.), a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/Calvin.htm
Tract, Christian Reconstruction Critiqued, a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/Recon.htm
Tract, Church (or Ecclesiastical), Government, a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/chugov.htm
Tract, Civil Government, Civil Resistance, God's Law, etc., a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/civgov.htm
Tract, Close Communion, the Lord's Supper, etc., a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/closecom.htm
Tract, Covenanted Reformation, a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/covref.htm
Tract, Covenants, Covenanting and the Solemn League and Covenant, a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/covcov.htm
Tract, Oliver Cromwell, a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/Cromwell.htm
Tract, Psalmody and a FREE Copy the Scottish Metrical Psalter (1650), a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/ScotPsal.htm
Tract, Reformation Confessions, Catechisms and Other Judicially Binding Documents, a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/RefConf.htm
Tract, Reformation History
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/RefHist.htm
Tract, Reformation Worship, the Regulative Principle, Iconoclasm, etc., a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/RefWorsh.htm
Tract, Roman Catholicism and/or the Jesuits, a tract
http://www.swrb.ab.ca/newslett/FREEBOOK/Romanism.htm
Tract, Rules for a Profitable Sabbath, a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/ProfSab.htm
Tract, Sabbath Keeping, a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/Sabbath.htm
Tract, Women, The Reformation View and Issues, a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/women.htm
Various Presbyterian Bodies, Minutes of the Reformed Presbyterian Church
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/minutes_rp.htm
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
Works of David Steele (1803-1887)
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#dsteele
Among the seventeenth century documents we find much (from both the church and the state) that relates to the central place that covenanting played in the Second Reformation. We also find various authoritative international testimonies against Popery, Prelacy and Schism (i.e. Independency, Oliver Cromwell, etc.), and for biblical covenanted uniformity, divine right Presbyterian church government, and apostolic worship. -- Publisher of Official Acts, Declarations, Protestations, etc., Concerning the Covenanted ReformationAlbeit there has been in the land, ever since the reformation of religion, some of all ranks who have been for a testimony unto the truth, and for a name of joy and praise unto the Lord, by living godly, studying to keep their garments pure, and being steadfast in the covenant and cause of God; and there yet continues to be some, though reduced to a very small number, destitute of outward power and ability, and other helps fit for the right managing of a testimony, wanting the countenance of civil authority, and having few to feed or lead them; who are, notwithstanding all these difficulties, labouring in the strength of Christ to keep the good old way of these faithful witnesses who are gone before, in bearing testimony to the truths of Christ. -- Solemn Acknowledgement of Public sin
Bell, John, Church of Scotland, General Assembly, An Abridgement and Alphabetical Index of the Acts of the General Assemblies, of the Church of Scotland From the Year 1638, to 1706, Inclusive of Both. By a Minister of the Gospel.
Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), The Psalms of David in Metre (being the Scottish Metrical Psalter, first authorized by the Westminster Divines and then also by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland [in 1650], With Notes by John Brown of Haddington. Alternate title: PSALTER BY FRANCIS ROUSE, THE WESTMINSTER DIVINES, AND THE SCOTTISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY (FROM 1646-1650). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Psalter0.htm
The Psalms of David in Metre According to the Version Approved by The Church of Scotland The Scottish Metrical Psalter, includes audio accompaniment
http://www.cgmusic.com/workshop/smp_frame.htm
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.
*Church of Scotland, Covenantal Lawsuits of the Church of Scotland.
"The consequences of disobeying the covenant of God was suffering the severity of God's judgment. If the persecutors of the Scottish Church refused to repent, they would suffer excommunication. Knox and his followers knew that God himself would give victory to the Church. The sovereign judgment of God would come on their oppressors in some manner. Armed uprising was not the first priority of the Church. They were first to dispense with all effective means of Church discipline. But armed resistance, as a last means of self-defense, was never ruled out." -- see John Knox, The Reformation in Scotland, pp. 168,169,171,172.
Church of Scotland (Alexander Peterkin, editor), The Book of the Universal Kirk of Scotland. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"THE BOOK OF THE UNIVERSAL KIRK OF SCOTLAND contains the earliest official records (acts and proceedings) of the Established Reformed Church in Scotland, covering the period from 1560 to 1616.
"Alexander Peterkin calls them 'the only sure and satisfactory memorials of the course of Ecclesiastical affairs in the times immediately succeeding the Reformation.'
"Lee, Clerk of the General Assembly in 1828 writes (regarding the originals), 'there is no difficulty in proving that the volumes in question were laid on the table of the General Assembly which met at Glasgow in 1638; and that they were pronounced by that Assembly to be true and authentic Registers of the Kirk of Scotland.'
"Concerning this copy of 'The Booke' ('for the first time fully printed from the copies in the Advocates' Library'), Lee further states that these records exhibit,
The real character of the internal government of this national church. They display the operation of the principles by which the first Reformers and their immediate successors were actuated. They demonstrate that these men were not more distinguished by zeal for the truth, than by loyalty to the head of the government, attachment to true principles, (I do not say of toleration -- for that was a term which they certainly did not employ or approve -- of religious liberty and civil subordination."They bear testimony to the strictness and impartiality of ancient discipline. They vindicate the character of those illustrious men whose names have been unjustly aspersed, but who, both by their doctrine and lives, -- by their unwearied exertions and their patient sufferings, -- left an example, not indeed or faultless excellence, but assuredly of the most noble, magnanimous, and fearless adherence to the standards of our constitution.
*Church of Scotland, General Assembly, 1638-1649, The Acts of the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland, From the Year 1638 to the Year 1649 Inclusive, 1682. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #11.
"Exceedingly rare, these are the acts from what many consider the greatest general assembly gatherings since the days of the apostles. The work accomplished and ratified at these meetings has been called 'the most perfect model' of Presbyterial Church Government 'as yet attained.' Sitting during the momentous days of the Covenants (National and Solemn League), and the Westminster Assembly, this general assembly included the likes of Samuel Rutherford and George Gillespie. Judicially binding on covenanted Presbyterians (WCF 31:3), these Acts demonstrate how these godly leaders officially dealt with individual, family, ecclesiastical and civil Reformation (including national and international matters). Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that these rulings had major national and international ramifications in their day and that they still guide faithful Presbyterians at the close of the twentieth century (as terms of ministerial and Christian communion in the Reformed Presbyterian church). Moreover, they contain 'noble examples to be followed in testifying against all corruptions embodied in the constitutions of either churches or states.' (Reformed Presbytery, Act, Declaration and Testimony for the Whole of Our Covenanted Reformation, p. 216). Christ's Kingship has never since been so boldly and clearly proclaimed to the nations by a duly constituted general assembly -- neither has His rule and reign been upheld and actually embodied into the laws of a nation (civil and ecclesiastical), as it was during these days in Scotland. Much of this can be attributed to the work (humanly speaking), done by the ministers present while these Acts were debated and passed. Regarding doctrine, worship, government and discipline there are few books that will be as helpful -- especially to elders and those advanced in the faith. Additionally, if you want a glimpse at the heart of the Second Reformation this is one of the best places to look. It may also be considered 'the eye of the Puritan storm,' seeing that the Scottish Covenanters exerted such a godly influence among their English Presbyterian brothers (and the Westminster Assembly), during these days -- the two nations having covenanted with God (in the Solemn League and Covenant), for the international 'reformation and defense of religion . . . the peace and safety of the three kingdoms . . . the glory of God, and the advancement of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, etc.' Over 500 pages and indexed for easy reference to all major topics." -- Publisher
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, 1639, The Declinatour and Protestation of the Sometimes Pretended Bishops, Presented in the Face of the Last Assembly. Refuted and Found Futile, but Full of Insolent Reproaches, and Bold Assertions, 1639. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
"An exceedingly rare title marking the continuing rise, at critical juncture, of the covenanted Reformed Presbyterian church. Members of this General Assembly and signatories to this protestation include Samuel Rutherford, David Dickson, Robert Baillie and even James Sharp (who later apostasized to the camp of the Prelatical antichrist and persecuted [and murdered], the covenanters he once owned as brothers). This book refutes the charges of the prelates, while exposing their many errors (which included teaching Arminianism, Popery, conditional election, the power of free-will resisting effectual grace, that the Pope is not the Antichrist, that Rome is the true church [constitutionally], that worship is not regulated by the Word of God [the regulative principle], that the earlier reformers were deformers; and denying limited atonement, justification by faith alone, predestination, and a number of other revealed truths of Scripture.)" -- Publisher
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, The Form of Process in the Judicatories of the Church of Scotland; With Relation to Scandals and Censures: To Which is Subjoined, Several Acts and Overtures of the General Assemblies, 1763.
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, A Letter From the General Assembly of the Kingdom of Scotland: to the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-councell of the City of London, June 18. 1646.
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, The Principall Acts of the Solemne General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland: Indicted by the Kings Majestie, and Conveened at Glasgow the xxi. of November 1638. Visied, Collected, and extracted forth of the register of the acts of the assembly, by the clerk thereof.
Church of Scotland, General Assembly (author/compiler), The Psalter [microform]: Being the Authorized Version of the Psalms Together With Selected Passages of Scripture, and Ancient Hymns, Pointed for Chanting, With Accompanying Chants, for use in Churches / by Authority of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland (London and New York: T. Nelson and Sons, 1888).
"Note: Psalms and tunes each on half-pages. Microfilm: Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, M2115 .H9 REEL 225."
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, The Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland Holden in Edinburgh in the Years 1646 and 1647, 1892.
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, The Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland holden in Edinburgh in the years 1648 and 1649, 1892.
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, The Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland Holden in Edinburgh in 1650, in St. Andrews and Dundee in 1651 and in Edinburgh in 1652, 1909.
*Church of Scotland, General Assembly, The Scottish Prose Psalter Being the Authorized Version of the Psalms With Selected Passages of Scripture, and Ancient Hymns, Pointed for Chanting, With Accompanying Chants. For use in Churches, by Authority of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, 2nd edition (London: T. Nelson and Sons, Paternoster Row, Edinburgh and New York, 1906). A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"Since Christ is the Second Person of the Trinity, the hymns and laments of the psalms are directed to Him as to the Father and the Spirit. Jesus is both a singer of the psalms (Heb. 2:12 [Hebrews 2:12], Psalm 22:22), and the focus of their interest. We can sing to Him our praise, tell Him our complaints and petitions, and thank Him for His goodness. We extol Him as our King, rest our confidence in Him, and look to Him as the embodiment of God's wisdom." -- "The Book of Psalms," The Reformation Study Bible, pp. 754,755
Have you ever planned to sing through The Book of Psalms with your spouse or with your family? Here is your psalter: THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER.
The writer knows of no psalter truer to the literal translation of the Word of God, short of pointing The Book of Psalms from YOUNG'S LITERAL TRANSLATION OF THE HOLY BIBLE, which preserves the Hebrew and Greek grammatical structure, or short of taking 15 years out of one's life to learn the original Hebrew and Greek, which, of course, is not necessary.
This is a split-page psalter. The top set of pages are the music, the bottom set of pages are the Psalms. This format allows the worshiper to match any melody with any particular Psalm.
The preface contains instruction on how to chant. Select chants are recommended for each Psalm.
"Chanting is the singing of a prose text to a simple, repeated melody. Good chanting is essentially good reading aloud; it uses the rhythms and stresses of natural speech.
"The ancient Hebrews never used metrical 'tunes' in the modern sense. In the synagogue, the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings (including the Psalms), were read in a sing-song recitation which was half speech, half song. Originally chanting involved only a single line (that is, no part-singing), and only two or three pitches. The early Christian church retained this practice, adapting it to the recitation of the Psalms in Latin translation. Our present system of chanting in four parts is called Anglican Chant, and dates from sixteenth-century England.
"Chanting has several advantages over metrical Psalmody, stemming from the fact that in chanting, the music completely serves the text. The music is not difficult or interesting in itself, but has character and meaning only in conjunction with words. The meaning of the text is thus more immediate, and the parallel structure of the Hebrew poetry is more apparent. The difficulties of translating ancient non-metrical poems into sensible English rhyme are rendered unnecessary. Chanting encourages the use of entire Psalms rather than selections." -- "An Introduction to Chanting," The Book of Psalms for Singing, Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, 1995, p. 440
A prose psalter was nothing new for The Church of Scotland. They published THE PSALMS OF DAVID IN PROSE AND METRE: WITH THE WHOLE FORME OF DISCIPLINE, AND PRAYERS, ACCORDING TO THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND; THE PSALMS IN PROSE BEING OF THE LAST TRANSLATION; TRANSLATED BY THE SPECIALL COMMANDMENT OF KING JAMES THE SIXT, 1610 (Aberdene: Printed by Edward Raban for David Melvill, 1633).
THE BIBLE PSALTER (London: J. Nisbet, 1880), 142 pp., Presbyterian Church of England, "the music arranged and partly composed by Sir Herbert S. Oakeley" (1830-1903), and THE PSALTER (T. Nelson and Sons, 1888), 303 pp., by Authority of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, "pointed for chanting, and with chants adapted thereto or specially composed for this work by Sir Herbert Stanley Oakeley" preceded this work.
"The Musical portion of this work is identical with that in THE PSALTER, AND SELECTED PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE, etc., published in 1888; but advantage has been taken of a new issue to revise and improve the pointing of the words. To mark the Revised Edition the title of the work has been changed to THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER, etc. . . ." -- Note to Preface, May, 1897.
Publication of THE PSALTER, under the new title, THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER, could have been a consequence of the awakening of 1905, "part of a worldwide movement and apparently especially inspired by British revivals. . ."
Any concordance to the Authorized King James Version and any index to the Psalms of David (AKJV) may be used with this Psalter.
Psalms are an essential part of personal devotions. There is a sincerity and beautiful simplicity about THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER. Everyone should own a copy, especially fathers who lead family worship.
The Scottish Prose Psalter, 1906 edition
Online PDF file, high print resolution (74 MB). It is recommended that a high speed connection be used to download the file.
http://www.lettermen2.com/sppsalter.pdf
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, A Solemn and Seasonable Warning: to the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burrows, Ministers and Commons of Scotland: and Also to the Scotish Armies Without and Within That Kingdom / from the General Assembly, 12 Feb. 1645; and the Humble Remonstrance of the Aforesaid Assembly to the King, 13. Feb. 1645.
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, and Robert Douglas (1594-1674, moderator), A Declaration or Remonstrance From the Kingdome of Scotland, to Their Well Beloved Brethren in England. Wherein is Declared, the Sense and Resolution of the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, Touching the Kings Majesties Royall Person and Authority, in Preservation and Defence of the True Religion and Liberties of the Kingdomes. As also, their protestation touching the Solemne League and Covenant, and resolution to live and dye in the same. With their desires to their brethren of England. Subscribed in name of the commission of the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, by M. Robert Douglas, moderator, 1648. Alternate title: A REMONSTRANCE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND TO HIS MAJESTIE.
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, and Alexander Henderson (1583-1646), The Remonstrance of the Nobility, Barrones, Burgesses, Ministers and Commons Within the Kingdome of Scotland. Vindicating them and their proceedings from the crymes, wherewith they are charged by the late proclamation in England, Feb. 27. 1639.
Notes: Drafted by Alexander Henderson. At end: Revised according to the ordinance of the Generall Assembly . . . 22 of March 1639.
*Church of Scotland, General Assembly, and A. Ker, A Solemn Testimony Against Toleration and the Present Proceedings of Sectaries and Their Abettors in England, in Reference to Religion and Government: With an admonition and exhortation to their brethren there, from the Commissioners of the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland. With the return of the Honourable Estates of Parliament upon the said testimony communicated to them, and their occurence with the same; together with The paper of the 5. of Iuly, given by the Commisioners for the Kingdom of Scotland to the Speaker of the House of Commons mentioned in the aforesaid return. Alternate title: A SOLEMN TESTIMONY AGAINST TOLERATION AND THE PRESENT PROCEEDINGS OF SECTARIES AND THEIR ABETTORS IN ENGLAND, IN REFERENCE TO RELIGION AND GOVERNMENT, 1649-1650.
"An exceedingly rare title marking the continuing rise, at a critical juncture, of the covenanted Reformed Presbyterian church." -- Publisher
"Here Cromwell, the Independents and the Sectarian Army of England are rebuked by the Scottish General Assembly for their covenant breaking, declension and hindering the work of Reformation.
"This book includes six separate documents, the final being 'An Answer from the Committee of Estates to a Printed Paper Directed to the People of Scotland, and Signed in the Name of Cromwell and His Officers'." -- Publisher
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, Commisioners of the General Assembly, Kirk of Scotland. Testimony Against Toleration
http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/testimony_against_toleration.html
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, Commission, A Declaration Against a Late Dangerous and Seditious Band, Under the Name of An Humble Remonstrance, &c.: Wherein the Plots and Projects of the Contrivers Tending to the Violating and Subversion of our Covenants; Raising and Fomenting of Jealousies, within this, and between both kingdoms; prolonging of the unnaturall wars; and, impeding the intended uniformity in religion, are discovered, 1648. Alternate title: A DECLARATION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY . . . CONCERNING PRESENT DANGERS, AND DUTIES RELATING TO THE COVENANT AND RELIGION, 1648.
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, Commission, Scotland, Parliament, A Solemn Acknowledgment of Publick Sins, and Breaches of the Covenant: and A Solemn Engagement to all the Duties Contained Therein, namely those, which do in a more speciall way relate unto the dangers of these times. With two acts of the Commission of the General Assembly of the sixth of October, for renewing the Solemn League and Covenant. And debarring of persons accessory to the late unlawfull engagement, from renewing the Covenant, receiving the communion, and from exercise of ecclesiastick office, with their advice to Presbyteries for celebrating the communion. Together also with, an Act of the Committee of Estates of the fourteenth of October for renewing the League and Covenant. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30.
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
Church of Scotland, General Assembly, Scotland, Parliament, A Declaration and Exhortation of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland to Their Brethren of England Bearing Date August. the First 1648. Also a Declaration of the General Assembly Concerning the Present Dangers of Religion . . . Together With Severall Papers of the Honourable Committee of Estates . . .
Covenanted General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Directions of the General Assembly Concerning Secret and Private Worship, and Mutual Edification, For Cherishing Piety, For Maintaining Unity, and Avoiding Schism and Division, 1647. Alternate title: FAMILY WORSHIP: MR. THOMAS MANTON'S EPISTLE TO THE READER OF THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH AND LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS.
*Covenanted General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and Others, Official Acts, Declarations, Protestations, etc., Concerning the Covenanted Reformation, 686 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Contains 24 rare documents from the period 1638-1650. One document, 'The Act of Covenant Renovation' (1880) by the Reformed Presbytery (which was a faithful renewal of the National Covenant and the Solemn League and Covenant [adapted to the present time], with a confession of public sins), is added from outside this period to illustrate the continuing obligations that rest upon the moral person (civilly and ecclesiastically). Among the seventeenth century documents we find much (from both the church and the state), that relates to the central place that covenanting played in the Second Reformation. We also find various authoritative international testimonies against Popery, Prelacy and Schism (i.e. Independency, Cromwell, etc.), and for biblical covenanted uniformity, divine right Presbyterian church government, and apostolic worship.
"Military documents related to the Second Reformation are also added. One proclamation by Charles I is even included, to illustrate Royalist opposition to Reformation." -- Publisher
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), and Church of Scotland, General Assembly, Parliament, The Scotts Declaration, in Answer to the Declaration, Sent Unto Them by Their Commissioners now at London, From the Honourable Houses of Parliament of England: Expressing Their Care to Prevent the Effusion of Christian Blood; and Their Affections to Reformation Both to Kirk and State, 1642.
Knox, John (1505-1572), John Knox Debates Theonomy, Idolatry, and Civil Resistance in the General Assembly of 1564. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
*Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Family Worship: Mr. Thomas Manton's Epistle to the Reader of the Westminster Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Alternate title: DIRECTIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONCERNING SECRET AND PRIVATE WORSHIP AND MUTUAL EDIFICATION FOR CHERISHING PIETY, FOR MAINTAINING UNITY AND AVOIDING SCHISM AND DIVISION (1646). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #11.
"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, 1647 [1646], which speaks volumes as to his credibility among the preachers and scholars of his day." -- Publisher
Mr. Thomas Manton's Epistle to the Reader of the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) and Larger and Shorter Catechisms
http://www.swrb.com//newslett/actualnls/famworship.htm
*Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899), Minutes of the Sessions of the Westminster Assembly of Divines While Engaged in Preparing Their Directory for Church Government, Confession of Faith, and Catechisms (November 1644 to March 1649), 1874, ISBN: 0921148291 9780921148296. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Warfield states, 'The fundamental authority for the study of the work of the Assembly for the period covered by it is, of course, the volume of its Minutes edited by Drs. A.F. Mitchell and John Struthers.' This work was also called the best book concerning the Assembly by Gregg Singer. It was compiled from transcripts originally procured by a committee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. An invaluable aid for all those who love creedal Christianity, as it is revealed in the Holy Scriptures. A very rare resource that should contribute much to the ongoing Reformation. Indexed." -- Publisher
Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899, editor), with J. Christie, Church of Scotland, General Assembly, Commission, The Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland holden in Edinburgh in the years 1646-52, 3 volumes.
Contents: Vol. 1. 1646-47; v. 2, 1648-49; v. 3, 1650-52.
*Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899), Minutes of the Sessions of the Westminster Assembly of Divines While Engaged in Preparing Their Directory for Church Government, Confession of Faith, and Catechisms (November 1644 to March 1649), 1874, ISBN: 0921148291 9780921148296, 643 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Warfield states, 'The fundamental authority for the study of the work of the Assembly for the period covered by it is, of course, the volume of its Minutes edited by Drs. A.F. Mitchell and John Struthers.' This work was also called the best book concerning the Assembly by Gregg Singer. It was compiled from transcripts originally procured by a committee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. An invaluable aid for all those who love creedal Christianity, as it is revealed in the Holy Scriptures. A very rare resource that should contribute much to the ongoing Reformation. Indexed." -- Publisher
Mitchell, Alexander F. (1822-1899), and J.P. Struthers,Minutes of the Sessions of the Westminster Assembly of Divines While Engaged in Preparing Their Directory for Church Government, Confession of Faith, and Catechism (November 1644 to March 1649), From Transcripts of the Originals Procured by a Committee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, ISBN: 0837089573 9780837089577. (Appears to be an additional edition.)
*Peterkin, A. (editor), Covenanted General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Records of the Kirk of Scotland, Containing the Acts and Proceedings of the Generals Assemblies, From the Year 1638 Downwards, as Authenticated by the Clerks of Assembly; With Notes and Historical Illustrations, by Alexander Peterkin (1838 edition), 648 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10 and #11.
" 'The object of the present work is to present to the public, in a form that may be generally accessible, the history of one of the most interesting periods in the annals of our National Church, by the republication of the ACTS AND PROCEEDINGS, at and subsequent to the era of her Second Reformation; and, combined therewith, such historical documents and sketches as are calculated to preserve the memory of an important, and, ultimately beneficial revolution, notes Peterkin in his introduction. This is one the most valuable publications we offer related to Second Reformation history and the many important questions that were debated (and oftentimes settled), during this watershed period -- before, during and after the sitting of the Westminster Assembly. It also contains some indispensable information on the Protester/Resolutioner controversy (which reveals many valuable lessons for Reformed Christians today), including excerpts from some lost books and papers written by the Protesting Covenanters. The excerpts from James Guthrie's The Waters of Sihor, or the Lands Defectione, in which Guthrie enumerates the errors of the Resolutioners, as well as the marks of malignancy, is one prime example. Other rare Protester documents (inveighing against the 'pretended Assemblies' of the Resolutioners), signed by the likes of Samuel Rutherford and Robert Traill are also included. Very rare and very valuable -- a gold mine for the serious student of the Second Reformation!" -- Publisher
Scottish General Assembly, The (Scottish General), Assembly's Letter to the Kirks in the Netherlands" (Edinburgh, June 4, 1644). Translated from Latin to English by Dr. Stephen Westcott.
The (Scottish General), Assembly's Letter to the Kirks in the Netherlands" (Edinburgh, June 4, 1644).
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/ScotGADu.htm
*Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), The Form of Presbyterial Church Government. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18. Available in THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646).
Form of Presbyterian Church Government
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/documents/the-form-of-presbyterial-church-government
Wood, James (1608-1664), A Vindication of the Freedom and Lawfulnes of the Generall Assembly Begun at St. Andrews and Continued at Dundee: in Answer to the Reasons Alledged Against the Same in the Protestation and Declinatore Given in at St. Andrews, and in another paper contrived since, and spread abroad amongst such as were conceived more inclinable to follow that way, but kept up from others, now published by a lover of the Church of Scotland, for preventing and removing prejudices and misrepresentations which some emissaries have endeavoured to possesse us with here, who are strangers to the true estate of the late differences there, by dispersing papers against the judicatories of that church, and disseminating calumnies against their brethren and countrymen. Alternate title: A VINDICATION OF THE FREEDOM AND LAWFULNESS OF THE LATE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEGUN AT ST. ANDREWS AND CONTINUED AT DUNDEE, 1652.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Background, foundation, and history of the covenanted reformation of scotland, An introduction to the covenanted reformation, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, The westminster confession of faith (1646, westminster standards) and related works, the westminster assembly, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The mediatorial reign of christ and the crown rights of christ, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, The reformed presbytery of america, and other smaller reformed associations, Biography of covenanters, Politics, Reform of the church, Church discipline, The courts and the law base, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, National establishment of religion: establishmentarianism, and so forth, and so on.
MacMillan and MacNeil's Protestation to a Commission of General Assembly
http://www.truecovenanter.com/mcmillan/mackmillan_mackneil_declinature1708.html
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1647, Westminster Standards) and Related Works, The Westminster Assembly
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#wstandards
See Isaiah 40:1 -- Isaiah 55:13 and annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.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)
Arrowsmith, John (1602-1659), The Covenant Avenging Sword Brandished . . . Matt. 10:34 [Matthew 10:34], (1643). Alternate title: THE COVENANT-AVENGING SWORD BANISHED. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This famous sermon (of 32 pages), on Leviticus 26:25, I shall bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant, (by one of the more prominent men that was shortly thereafter called to the Westminster Assembly), was preached 'Before the Honorable (English -- RB), House of Commons, At Their Late Solemn Fast, January 25 (1643).' It demonstrates that it is the Scriptural duty of nations and their rulers to covenant with Christ and to seek God's glory in all things -- which is especially important in the case of civil leaders in their office as civil leaders. For, as Arrowsmith shows, if this is not done (with godly zeal), God's wrath (in the form of blindness to the truth, in a lack of fear of the judgment that is to come, in storms and wars and other calamities, etc.), will be poured out upon those nations which refuse to kiss the Son by obeying and covenanting with Him.
" 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. (Ps. 2:10-12 [Psalm 2:10-12]).
"In this sermon Arrowsmith also summons the English parliament to new obedience to Christ. Some suggest that Arrowsmith may have been the main shaper of the Shorter Catechism. 'Cotton Mather says . . . "everything of Arrowsmith is admirable . . ." He was clearly respected as both a preacher and a scholar by the (Westminster -- RB), Assembly, which he repeatedly summoned to unity and diligence in its work'." (Barker, Puritan Profiles, p. 148) -- Publisher
Arrowsmith, John (1602-1659), England's Ebenezer; or, Stone of Help. Set up in Thankfull Acknowledgment of the Lord's Having Helped us Hitherto . . . In a Sermon Preached to Both . . . Houses of Parliament . . . 1 Sam. vii. 12 [1 Samuel 7:12], March 12, 1645.
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.
*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 (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.
Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), Errours and Induration are the Great Sins and the Great Judgements of the Time. Alternate title: ERROURS AND INDURATION ARE THE GREAT SINS AND THE GREAT JUDGEMENTS OF THE TIME: PREACHED IN A SERMON BEFORE THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HOUSE OF PEERS, IN THE ABBEY-CHURCH AT WESTMINSTER, JULY 30, 1645, THE DAY OF THE MONTHLY FAST. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Puritan Bookshelf CD #15.
Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), Satan the Leader in Chief to all who Resist the Reparation of Sion. As it was cleared in a sermon to the Honourable House of Commons at their late solemn fast, Febr. 28. 1643. By Robert Baylie, minister at Glasgow. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
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.
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Life of Faith; As it is the Evidence of Things Unseen. A Sermon Preach'd (contractedly) Before the King at White-Hall, Upon July the 22d, 1660. By Richard Baxter, . . . With enlargement, and relaxation of the stile for common use, 1706, ISBN: 1877611360.
*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The one Thing Necessary, ISBN: 1877611360. Available in THE REFORMED PASTOR.
A treatise on the sin of Martha.
Bond, John, Eshcol, or Grapes (Among) thorns. As they were delivered in a thanksgiving sermon, to the honourable House of commons . . . 1648
Eshcol, Or Grapes (Among) Thorns, John Bond
http://books.google.com/books?id=ena1HwAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
Bowles, Oliver (c. 1577-1646?), Zeale for God's House Quickened, or, A Sermon Preached Before the Assembly of Lords, Commons and Divines at Their Solemn Fast Iuly 7, 1643, John ii. 17 [John 2:17]: Gal. 4:18 [Galatians 4:18]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Bridge, William (1600?-1670), Joab's Counsel, and King David's Seasonable Hearing it: Delivered in a Sermon Before the Honourable House of Commons at Their Late Solemne Fast, Feb. 22, 1643. [2 Samuel 19:5-8]
*Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The First Sermon Preached to the Honorable House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament at Their Public Fast, Nov. 17, 1640. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"A beautifully clear facsimile copy of this amazing sermon (published by order of the British House of Commons in 1641), exhorting this Parliament to 'stand to the covenant' of God; by, 'endeavouring of a further Sanction of, and stronger Guard about our true Palladium, the true Religion, already established among us; in the perfecting of the Reformation of it; in the erecting, maintaining, protecting, and encouraging of an able, godly, faithful, zealous, profitable, Preaching Ministry, in every Parish Church and Chapel throughout England and Wales; in interceding to the Kings sacred Majesty for the setting up of a Faithful, Judicious, and Zealous Magistracy, where yet the same is wanting, to be ever at hand to back such a Ministry: without either of which, not only the power of Godliness will sooner degenerate into formality, and zeal into lukewarmness; but Popery, Arminianism, Socinianism, Profaneness, Apostasy, and Atheism itself will more and more crowd in upon us, and prevail against us, do You all You can be all other means.' Points out that where a godly ministry and magistracy are lacking, society degenerates into a godless mob, headed by one of the above named heresies -- as we have seen in our day. Presses national covenant renewal, from Jer. 50:5 [Jeremiah 50:5], and explains from scripture how and why this should take place. Cites many biblical examples of the great Scriptural blessing that has followed previous national covenanting; while making practical application to the situation of the day. This sermon foreshadows chapter 23, of the celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], on 'the Civil Magistrate,' and gives much insight into this watershed period of Christian political development. It is highly recommended for anyone even remotely interested in seeing their nation prosper politically and ecclesiastically. Furthermore, it will be a great help for anyone seeking to formulate a biblical doctrine explaining the four way relationship between: loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; Jesus Christ as mediator; the everlasting covenant (and covenanting); and the state, as set forth in Scripture. A very rare item. A Covenanter's delight!" -- Publisher
Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The Necessity of Agreement With God, a Sermon Preached to the House of Peers, 29th of October, 1645. Alternate title: THE NECESSITY OF AGREEMENT WITH GOD. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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.
*Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), The Difficulty of, and the Encouragements to a Reformation: A Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons at the Publick Fast, Septem. 27, 1643, Mark i. 2-3, 1643. [Mark 1:2,3]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Deals with the centrality of Scripture in Reformation and 'that it is a special duty upon all, to remove all impediments, and to make way for Christ when he is coming to us.' 'Dr. Wilkins,' writes Thomas Smith (of Burgess), 'enrolls him among the most eminent of the English divines for sermons and practical divinity . . . Dr. Cotton Mather says . . . 'Of A. Burgess, I may say, he has wrote for thee excellent things'." (Select Memoirs . . . of Pious and Learned English and Scottish Divines, p. 471) -- Publisher
*Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), Publick Affections Pressed in a Sermon Before the Honourable House of Commons Assembled in Parliament: Upon the Solemn day of Humiliation, Febr. 25. 1645, Numb. 11:12. [Numbers 11:12]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), The Reformation of the Church, To be Endeavoured More Than That of the Commonwealth, 1645. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A 'Sermon preached before the Right Honourable House of Lords at the publicke Fast, August 27, 1645,' (notes the cover), during the days of the sitting of the Westminster Assembly. Can you image these words (which are just a small sample from the preface to the godly exhortation contained in this sermon), directed, by request of the civil magistrate, to the leaders of your nation? Burgess writes, 'It was my endeavour in this Sermon to excite your Lordships to a speedy and exact Reformation of the Church from all the corruptions that have defiled her, and herein to attend unto God's Word, as the only starre that will conduct unto Christ. None are too great to undertake so good a work. Gregory said of David dancing before the Ark, Magis miror Davidum saltantem, quam pugnantem, David is to be more admired in his religious worship of God, than in his courageous conquest and slaughter of the Philistines, or other enemies. Hence, Jer. 9:23,24 [Jeremiah 9:23,24], where glory in wisdome, riches and might is forbidden, there is a kinde of an holy pride allowed in the knowledge of the Lord. Let Heathens glory, that they are saluted by the Common-wealth, Patres Pariae; but let those Christians, whom God honoureth with dignity and place, delight to be nursing Fathers to the Church, by speaking comfortably unto those who teach the good knowledge of God; and by commanding the Levites to carry all the filthiness out of the Temple. Which that your Lordships may faithfully and zealously doe, is the prayer of Your Lordships humble Servant, Anthony Burgesse'." -- Publisher
*Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), Rome's Cruelty and Apostasy: Declared in a Sermon Preached on the Fifth of November, 1644, Before the Honourable House of Commons. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Calamy, Edmund (1600-1666), England's Antidote Against the Plague of Civil War: Presented in a Sermon Before the Honorable House of Commons, on Their Late Extraordinary Solemne Fast, October 22. 1644, Luke 13:4,5. [Luke 13:4,5]
Calamy, Edmund (1600-1666), The Great Danger of Covenant-refusing, and Covenant-breaking. Alternate title: THE GREAT DANGER OF COVENANT-REFUSING, AND COVENANT-BREAKING: PRESENTED IN A SERMON PREACHED BEFORE THE RIGHT HONORABLE THOMAS ADAMS, LORD MAYOR, AND THE RIGHT WORSHIPFULL THE SHERIFFES, AND THE ALDERMEN HIS BRETHREN, AND THE REST OF THE COMMON-COUNCELL OF THE FAMOUS CITY OF LONDON, JAN. 14, 1645. UPON WHICH DAY THE SOLEMNE LEAGUE AND COVENANT WAS RENUED BY THEM. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God. (Psalm 76:11a)
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it: for he hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou hast vowed.
Better it is that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. (Ecclesiastes 5:4,5)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/calamy_sermon_danger_of_covenant_refusing_and_breaking.html
Calamy, Edmund (1600-1666), An Indictment Against England Becavse of her Selfe-mvrdering Divisions: Together With an Exhortation to an England-preserving Unity and Concord: Presented in a sermon preached before the . . . House of Lords in the abby Church at Westminster, at the late solemne fast, Matt. 12:25, December 25. 1644. [Matthew 12:25] Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Calamy, Edmund (1671-1732), The Ministry of the Dissenters Vindicated: In an Ordination Sermon Preach'd at Ailsbury, in the County of Bucks; on June 11. 1724.
*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
Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), The Arraignment of Unbelief, as the Grand Cause of our Nationall Non-establishment in a Sermon to the House of Commons 28th of May, 1645. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), Heaven and Earth Embracing; or, God and man Approaching: Shewed in a Sermon Preached Before the House of Commons January 28, 1645. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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
Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), and Ferdinando Fairfax (1584-1648), The Saint's Thankfull Acclamation at Christ's Resumption of his Great Power and the Initials of his Kingdome. Delivered in a Sermon . . . thanksgiving . . . for the . . . victory given our armie, under the command of . . . Lord Fairfax, at Selby . . . and the other . . . forces in Pembrockshire, April 23d, 1644. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), George Miller, and Giles Calvert, The Arraignment of Unbelief, as the Grand Cause of our Nationall Non-establishment: Cleared in a Sermon to the Honourable House of Commons in Parliament, at Margarets Westminster, Upon the 28th. of May, 1645. Being the day of Their Publike Fast. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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.
Cawdrey, Daniel (1588-1664), Church Reformation Promoted, in a Sermon on Matt. 18:15-17, Preached at Northampton on the day of Humiliation Before the Association of Ministers. As also 1. Some animadversions upon Mr. Humphrey's Second Vindication for promiscuous admission to the sacrament. 2. Some animadversions upon Mr. Sanders his Antidiatribe, tending to the same end of Church-Reformation, 1657. [Matthew 18:15-17]
Cawdrey, Daniel (1588-1664), The Good man a Publick Good, 1. Passively, 2. Actively. As it was Manifested in a Sermon Preached to the Honourable House of Commons, at the Late Solemne Fast: January 31. 1643. By Daniel Cavvdrey, Minister of the Gospell at Great Billing in Northhamptonshire, and one of the Assembly of Divines. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Cawdrey, Daniel (1588-1664), A Late Great Shipwreck of Faith: Occasioned by a Fearful Wrack of Conscience Discovered in a Sermon Preached at Pauls the First day of July, 1655.
Chambers, Humphrey, and Samuel Man, A Divine Ballance to Weigh Religious Fasts in: Applyed to Present vse, in a Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons, in S. Margarets Westminster at their Publique Fast, Sept. 27. 1643, James 3:18.
Edwards, Thomas (1599-1647), Reasons Against the Independent Government of Particular Congregations: As Also Against the Toleration of Such Churches to be Erected in This Kingdom -- Together With an Answer to Such Reasons as are Commonly Alleged for Such a Toleration, 1641. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24, #26.
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Ezekiel's Vision of Millennial Glory, Preparation for Coming Reformation and a Remedy for Backsliding and Lukewarmness. Available (THE PURITAN FAST SERMONS, 1640-1652, THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE, and as two MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (two MP3 files), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"This sermon was originally preached to England's House of Commons 'At Their Late Solemn Fast, Wednesday, March 27, 1644.' It is taken from volume one of Gillespie's two volume WORKS. It gives great insight into the covenanted unity, uniformity and worldwide Reformation sought by the majority of the Westminster Divines and the best of the civil leaders of Gillespie's day. Gillespie searchingly deals with the individual, the church and the state, while painting a Scriptural picture of prophesied earthly victory (Isa. 2:2-5 [Isaiah 2:2-5], Ezek. 47:1-12 [Ezekiel 47:1-12], etc.) -- in classic historicist postmillennial style -- which is sure to stir even the coldest Christian heart. He shows how the worst disease the land can suffer is corruption in religion (particularly as exhibited in false worship), rebukes those opposing the Solemn League and Covenant and calls upon all to maintain (and even improve upon), the Reformation attainments whereunto we have already attained. (Phil. 3:16 [Philippians 3:16]). It is also interesting to note, especially since this sermon was preached before civil rulers, that though Gillespie points out the need for humility, repentance, prayer, tears, godly affections, sanctified minds and honorable actions, he does not forget to mention the importance of a covenanted army in this great cause of Christ's Covenanted Reformation. Also noted is the destruction of Antichrist, the calling and conversion of the Jews (Rom. 11 [Romans 11]), the two witnesses and the 1260 year apostasy. Gillespie closes with an appeal to the English House of Commons, with whom the Scots had 'joined in covenant and in arms,' to be faithful 'according to the word he (God -- RB), hath covenanted with you (i.e. in the Solemn League and Covenant -- RB), so his spirit remaineth among you' -- exhorting these magistrates to fear not but to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. This is classic Covenanter preaching, among the best sermons you may ever hear!" -- Publisher
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Reformation's Refining Fire; or, Iconoclastic Zeal Necessary to World Reformation by George Gillespie, audio file. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also found in volume one of GILLESPIE'S WORKS.
"This sermon, read by elder Lyndon Dohms, was originally preached to the House of Lords in the abbey church at Westminster during the days of the Westminster Assembly (on August 27, 1645). It deals with Malachi 3:2 and can also be found in volume one of GILLESPIE'S WORKS. The reading is approximately 80 minutes in length and for content this is likely the best sermon that we have ever carried. The glory of Christ is magnified in a soul stirring manner and at a level which is seldom (if ever), reached in our day. Though preaching before some of the most powerful men of his day, Gillespie does nothing to shave off the sharp edges of the whole counsel of God. He makes it abundantly clear that spiritual Reformation (individual, ecclesiastical and civil), is like a flaming fire which burns the dross of the flesh and is often hated and opposed by those that cry loudest for 'Reform.' On the other hand, the refining fire of Reformation which pleases God (and comes from His fatherly hands, filled with mercy, love and grace), not only turns his wrath from the nations (by granting the grace to remove the causes of His wrath), but invigorates the spirit with that iconoclastic zeal against sin (whether personal or corporate), that can only be produced by His sovereign power. Whole-hearted (covenanted) reformation is contrasted, throughout this sermon, with the half-hearted comfortable Christianity that has been common in most ages. Gillespie wields the sword of Scripture as few can in driving home a multitude of vitally important points. This sermon can be listened to over and over with increasing profit, as it contains a fullness which is almost impossible to absorb in just one sitting. Don't miss this one; it is a real gem!" -- Publisher
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), A Sermon [on Ezek. xliii. 11], Preached Before the Hon. House of Commons, at Their Last Solemne Fast, March 27, 1644. [Ezekiel 43:11]
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), A Sermon Preached Before the Right Honourable the House of Lords in the Abbey Church at Westminster, Upon the 27th of August, 1645: Being the day Appointed for Solemne and Publique Humiliation: Whereunto is added a brotherly examination of some passages of Mr. Colemans late printed sermon upon Job 11.20, in which he hath endeavoured to strike at the root of all church-government. [Job 11:20]
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Assembly, Glasgow, 11th Session, 1638, Sermon, Prov. 21:1 [Proverbs 21:1], The King's Heart is in the Hand of the Lord. Available in THE WORKS OF MR. GEORGE GILLESPIE.
Goode, William (b. 1599 or 1600), The Discoverie of a Publique Spirit: Presented in a Sermon Before the Honourable House of Commons at Margarets Westminster, at their publique fast, March 26. 1645. By William Goode B.D. pastor of Denton in Norfolk, on of the Assembly of Divines, 1645. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Gouge, William (1578-1653), The Progresse of Divine Providence, set out in a sermon preached in the Abbey Church of Westminster before the house of Peers, on the 24th of September, 1645, being the day of their monethly fast. By William Gouge, one of the members of the Assembly, 1645. Available (WORKS OF WILLIAM GOUGE, MP3 [audio file]) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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.
Greene, John, The Churches Duty, for Received Mercies. Discovered in a Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons: At Margarets Westminster, Feb. 24. 1646. being the day of the solemne monthly fast. By John Greene Minister of Gods Word, and a member of the Assembly of Divines . . . Deut. 4:7,10,12 [Deuteronomy 4:7,10,12]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Greenhill, William (1591-1671), The axe at the Root, a Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons, at Their Publike Fast, April 26. 1643. By William Greenhill. . . Matt. 3:10. [Matthew 3:10]
Guthrie, James (1612?-1661), and Ebenezer Erskine (1680-1754), The Great Danger of Backsliding and Defection From Covenanted Reformation Principles: In a Sermon on Isaiah LVII, 13, 14 [Isaiah 57:13,14]: Preached Before the Sectaries, April 21st 1661.
*Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice, an MP3 file [audio file], (1 Samuel 15:22; Matthew 15:9). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available in SERMONS, PRAYERS, AND PULPIT ADDRESSES, 1638.
"Read by Elder Lyndon Dohms from the book SERMONS, PRAYERS AND PULPIT ADDRESSES. Henderson was one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly and the principal architect of the Solemn League and Covenant. Some consider him as only second to Knox in regard to his work as a Scottish Reformer. This sermon, on Psalm 40:6-8, was preached in Scotland just before Henderson left for the Westminster Assembly and exhorts Christians to zealousness -- especially in days of great declension." -- Publisher
*Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), Preparing for Covenant Renewal, MP3 file [audio file]. Available (MP3 and WORKS OF ALEXANDER HENDERSON) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2, #8.
"Originally preached on the occasion of the swearing of the National Covenant of Scotland (1638). This sermon is read (by Lyndon Dohms), from the book SERMONS, PRAYERS AND PULPIT ADDRESSES by Henderson. It is a representative example of the focus of the Covenanted Reformation in its earlier stages." -- Publisher
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), A Sermon Preached Before the Right Honorable the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament: at Margarets Church in Westminster, upon Thursday the 18. day of Iuly, 1644. It being the day of public thanksgiving for the great mercie of God in the happie successe of the forces of both kingdomes neer York, against the enemies of King and Parliament. By Alexander Henderson Minister at Edinburgh. Published by order of both houses, 1644.
Notes: "A catalogue of the names of those divines, who have preached before the parliament . . . Jan. 18, 1644 to July 18, 1644" -- Recto of 6th p. Reproduction of original in Thomason Collection, British Library.
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), A Sermon Preached Before the Right Honourable House of Lords, in the Abbey-Church at Westminster, Wednesday the 28. of May 1645. Being the day appointed for solemne and publick humiliation. By Alexander Henderson, minister at Edenburgh, 1645.
Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), A Sermon Preached to the Honourable House of Commons, at Their Late Solemne Fast, Wednesday, December 27. 1643. By Alexander Henderson, minister at Edinburgh. Published by order of the House, 1644.
*Henderson, Alexander (1583-1646), and Philip Nye (1596?-1672), The Covenant: With a Narrative of the Proceedings and Solemn Manner of Taking it by the Honourable House of Commons, and reverent Assembly of Divines the 25th day of September, at Saint Margarets in Westminster. Also, tvvo speeches delivered at the same time; the one by Mr. Philip Nye, the other by Mr. Alexander Hendersam. Published by speciall order of the House, 1643.
Herle, Charles (1598-1659), Abraham's Offer God's Offering: in a Sermon Preached Before the Right Honorable the Lord Mayor, Together With the Aldermen his Brethren: at Christ-church on Easter-Tuesday last, being the day of their publique thanksgiving.
Herle, Charles (1598-1659), A Pair of Compasses for Church and State: Delivered in a Sermon Preached at St. Margarets in Westminster Before the Honorable House of Commons, at Their monethly Fast November the Last, 1642. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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 (six volumes). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Englands Spirituall Languishing; With the Causes and Cure: Discovered in a Sermon Preached Before the Honorable House of Commons, on their solemn day of fast, at Margarets Westminster, June 28. 1648. By Thomas Manton, minister of Stoke-Newington, 1648.
*Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Richard Cotes, John Clarke, England and Wales. Parliament. House of Commons, England's Spirituall Languishing, With the Causes and Cure: Discovered in a Sermon Preached Before the Honorable House of Commons, on Their Solemn day of Fast, at Margarets Westminster, June 28. 1648.
Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), A Divine Project to Save a Kingdome: Opened in a Sermon to the Right Honorable the Lord Maior and court of aldermen, of the citie of London, at their anniversary meeting on Easter Munday, Apr. 22. 1644. at Christ-Church. By Stephen Marshall, B.D. Minister of Gods word at Finchingfield in Essex, 1644.
Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), Emmanuel: A Thanksgiving Sermon Preached to the Honourable House of Commons upon their solemn day of praising God for the victory obtained by the Parliaments forces in Southvvales. In the church of Margarets Westminster, May 17. 1648. By Stephen Marshall B.D. minister of Gods Word at Finchingfield in Essex. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*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.
Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), A Sermon Preached to the two Houses of Parliament, at Their Solemn Meeting to Praise God for his Infinite Mercy in the Restoring of the Said Houses of Parliament to Their Honor and Freedome With so Little Effusion of Blood: at the Abbey-Church in Westminster, Aug. 12. 1647. By Stephen Marshall, 1647.
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.
Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), and Giles Firmin (1614-1697), The Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters of Religion Vindicated: The Extent of his Power Determined in a Sermon Preached Before the First Parliament on a Monthly Fast day / by . . . Mr. Stephen Marshall . . . / published by G. Firmin . . . with notes upon the sermon, 1657.
*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
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. Novemb. 5, 1642. By Mathew Newcomen, minister of the Gospell at Dedham in Essex. Published by order of the House of Commons. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Newcomen, Matthew (1610?-1669), Jerusalem's Watchmen, the Lord's Remembrancers: A Sermon Preached . . . Before Both Houses of Parliament Jer. 17:16,17 [Jeremiah 17:16,17]; Jer. 18:20 [Jeremiah 18:20]; Jer. 51:50 [Jeremiah 51:50], Upon Their Solemn Fast, July 7, 1643. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Owen, John (1616-1683), The Advantage of the Kingdome of Christ, in the Shaking of the Kingdoms of the World: or, Providential Alterations, in Their Subserviencie to Christ's Exaltation. Opened in a sermon preached to the Parliament, Octob. 24. 1651. A solemn day of thanksgiving for the destruction of the Scots army at Worcester, with sundry other mercies; by John Owen, minister of the Gospel, 1652. Alternate title: THE ADVANTAGE OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST, IN THE SHAKING OF THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Complete Works of John Owen, 16 volumes, ISBN: 0851513921 9780851513928. A Christian classic. Alternate title: THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. 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)
*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
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), Ouranon Ourania. The Shaking and Translating of Heaven and Earth. A Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons, in Parliament Assembled, April the 19th, 1649. By Dr. John Owen. London, [1793]. Available (MP3 format), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Sermons to the Nation, ISBN: 9780851510668 0851510663. A Christian classic.
"Contains 16 long and detailed sermons that Owen gave mostly during the Cromwellian Period. Nine of them were preached before the House of Commons (Long Parliament). The majority of texts that are used are from the Old Testament."
Owen, John (1616-1683), A Sermon Preach'd to the Honourable House of Commons, in Parliament Assembled, on January 31st, 1648/49. A day of Solemn Humiliation. By John Owen, 1720. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Owen, John (1616-1683), The Stedfastness of Promises, and the Sinfulness of Staggering: Opened in a Sermon Preached at Margarets in Westminster Before the Parliament Febr. 28. 1649. Being a day set apart for solemn humiliation throughout the nation. By John Owen minister of the Gospel, 1650. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Paisley, Ian R.K., Paisley's Protest Against Popery in Parliament. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Paisley, a Presbyterian minister and member of the European Parliament, gives a classic example of what it means to stand for Christ in all areas of life (especially politics). Though he was slandered and vilified in the secular press; kicked, punched and ultimately expelled from parliament; attacked on radio and television; Paisley maintained a valiant Protestant testimony in exposing the present Pope (from his seat in Parliament). This tape includes Paisley's fascinating radio debate with an ecumenical churchmen, and other 'fallout' in the secular media related to his faithful testimony denouncing Pope John Paul II. Furthermore, it contains Paisley own defense of his actions in a dynamite sermon that reveals Papal duplicity and modern day persecution of Protestants by Roman Catholics." -- 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), The Fulnesse of Christ for us. A Sermon Preached at the Court Before King James of Blessed Memory. By John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Majesty, master of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolnes Inne, 1640.
*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]."
Preston, John (1587-1628), Thomas Goodwin, and Thomas Ball, Sermons Preached Before his Maiestie; and Vpon Other Speciall Occasions viz. 1 The pillar and ground of truth . . . 2 The new life . . . 3 A sensible demonstration of the Deitie . . . 4 Exact walking . . . 5 Samuels support of sorrowfull sinners . . . By the late faithfull and worthy minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston Dr. in Diuinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Maiestie, master of Emanuel College in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolnes Inne.
Proffet, Nicholas, England's Impenitence Under Smiting; Causing Anger to Continue, and the Destroying Hand of God to be Stretched Forth Still: Set out in a Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons, at their public fast, September 25. 1644. By Nicholas Proffet. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Puritan Divines, Puritan Sermons Before the English House of Commons (1640-1641). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
Robbins, Ammi Ruhamah, and Connecticut. General Assembly, The Empires and Dominions of This World, Made Subservient to the Kingdom of Christ; Who Ruleth Over all: A Sermon, Delivered in Presence of His Excellency Samuel Huntington, Esq. L.L.D. Governor, and the Honorable the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, Convened at Hartford, on the day of the Anniversary Election, May 14th, 1789. Alternate title: MR. ROBBINS'S ELECTION SERMON. A.D. 1789.
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
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), False Unity and Biblical Separation From the Act, Declaration, and Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation. Cited in the Act, Declaration, and Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation . . . by the Reformed Presbytery, 1876 edition. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/FalseUnity.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.
"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)
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Sermon on Exod. 3:2 [Exodus 3:2], 1643. Alternate title: A SERMON PREACHED BEFORE THE HONORABLE HOUSE OF COMMONS, AT THEIR LAST SOLEMNE FAST, WEDNESDAY, JANUAR. 31. 1643.
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Sermon Preached to the Honourable Hovse [i.e. House] of Commons ... Wednesday, Jan. 31. 1644, Daniel VI, 26 [Daniel 5:26]. Available (WORKS OF SAMUEL RUTHERFORD) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (QUAINT SERMONS) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, 29.
On providence and the government of God.
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Sermon, Preached to the Honourable House of Commons, at Their Last Solemn Fast, in the Year of God. 1644. By Samuel Rutherfurd (sic).
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Sermon, Preached Before the Right Honourable House of Lords, in the Abbey Church at Westminster, Wednesday the 25 day of June, 1645. . . . By Samuel Rutherford . . . Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*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.
Seaman, Lazarus (d. 1675), Solomons Choice: or, A President for Kings and Princes, and all That are in Authority, presented in a sermon before the Honourable House of Commons at Margarets Westminster, at their publique fast, Septemb. 25. 1644. By Lazarus Seaman, pastor of the Church of Christ at Alhallowes-Breadstreet-London. One of the Assembly of Divines, 1644. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Sedgwick, Obadiah (1600?-1658), and Humphrey Chambers (1598 or 9-1662), The Best and the Worst Magistrate: or, The People's Happiness and Unhappiness, Laid Open in a Sermon Preached at the Late Election of the Lord Major for the Famous City of London, Sept. 29. 1648. By Obadiah Sedgwick B. in D. and minister at Covent-Garden.
Spurstowe, William (1605?-1666), England's Patterne and Duty in its Monthly Fasts: Presented in a Sermon, Preached to Both Houses of Parliament Assembled, on Friday the 21. of July, 1643. Being an extraordinary day of publicke humiliation appointed by them, throughout London and Westminster, that everyone might bitterly bewaile his owne sinnes, and crie mightily unto God for Christ his sake, to remove his wrath, and heale the land. Isa. 22:12-14 [Isaiah 22:12-14], 1643.
Spurstowe, William (1605?-1666), The Magistrates Dignity and Duty: Being a Sermon Preached on Oct. 30, 1653, at Pauls Church before the Rt. Hon. Thos. Viner, Lord Major, and the aldermen of the city of London: Being the first sermon after his entrance into his majoralty, 1654. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This is a sermon preached about civil rulers to a body of civil rulers. The text for the sermon is Psalm 82:1, which, according to Spurstowe, refers to civil rulers as 'gods.' As he puts it, 'they who are here dignified with the name of gods, are no other, then the bench and seat of lawful Magistracy; to whom He hath given power and authority by a charter from Heaven, to order and regulate the affairs of the sons of men on earth; and to prevent all that confusion and ruin which would inevitably fall out, if every man should be left to do what ever is right in his own eyes.' (pp. 9-10)
"There is a sense in which civil rulers are 'gods,' but they are certainly not 'gods' in every sense of the word. 'For as there are sundry respects in which they truly may, and ought to be reputed gods; yet there are diverse others also, in which they ought not to be called gods.' (p. 12)
"The office of civil ruler has been given by God as a blessing, but only civil rulers who follow His law will actually be a blessing. Civil rulers who ignore God and His law are more like a curse. 'A self-seeking Magistrate is one of the worst of plagues and judgements that can befall a people; he is as a gangrene in the head, which brings both a more speedy and a more certain ruin, then if it were in some inferior and less noble part of the body. He is not then a Shepherd to defend the innocent sheep, that run unto him for protection; but a wolf, to worry and devour them.' (p. 20)
"Compared to the biblical expectations for civil rulers spelled out by Spurstowe, the rulers of covenant-breaking nations today (Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA, etc.), are a sorry lot. Clearly, these nations have 'gangrene in the head'." -- Publisher
Strickland, John, Matthew Simons, and Henry Overton, Mercy Rejoycing Against Judgement, or, God Waiting to be Gracious to a Sinfull Nation: A Sermon preached before the honorable House of Commons in Margarets Westminster, upon the solemne day of their publique humiliation and monethly fast, Octob. 29. 1645.
"John Strickland, B.D. pastor of the church at Edmonds in the citie of New Sarum, now preacher at Peters Poor, London, and a member of the Assembly of Divines."
Tesdale, Christopher (b. 1591 or 2), Hiervsalem: or A Vision of Peace, Isa. 28:18 [Isaiah 28:18]; Judg. 5:8 [Judges 5:8]: In a Sermon Preached at Margarets in Westminster, Before the Honourable House of Commons at their monethly fast, Aug. 28. 1644. By Christopher Tesdale, Pastor at Husborn Tarrant, in the county of Southampton, and a member of the Assembly of Divines. Alternate title: JERUSALEM: A VISION OF PEACE. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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."
Various, Sermons Before Parliament [Nov. 17, 1640 -- June 30, 1647], 5 volumes.
"Authors: Cornelius Burges; Stephen Marshall; Edmund Calamy; Simeon Ashe; Joseph Caryl; Cornelius Burges; Stephen Marshall; Edmund Calamy; Simeon Ashe; Joseph Caryl; Robert Harris; Obadiah Sedgwick; William Gouge; William Sedgwick; Edward Reynolds; Thomas Hill; William Carter; T Hodges; Thomas Wilson; Thomas Temple; Thomas Case; Richard Vines; Thomas Valentine; Edward Corbet; John Arrowsmith; Jeremiah Whitaker; W Bridges; John Ellis; John Lightfoot; John Ley; William Green-hill; Francis Cheynell; Thomas Carter; Herbert Palmer; Oliver Bowles; Matthew Newcomen; William Spurstowe; John Conant; Sidrach Simpson; Anthony Tuckney; Thomas Coleman; Humphrey Chambers; Anthony Burgess; Henry Wilkinson; Arthur Salwey; William Mewe; William Bridge; Alexander Henderson; John Strickland; Daniel Cawdry; Samuel Rutherford; Robert Baillie; Thomas Young; George Gillespie; John Bond; Edmund Staunton; John Greene; Peter Smith; Humphrey Hardwick; Gaspar Hickes; Stanley Gower; William Reyner; Christopher Tesdale; Francis Taylor; John Dury; Peter Sterry; John Foxcroft; William Strong; Thomas Goodwin; Simon Ford; Samuel Bolton; James Nalton; John Owen; Richard Heyrick; Jeremiah Burroughs; John Maynard; Nicholas Lockyer; William Dell; Lazarus Seaman; Nicolas Proffet; Henry Scudder; Benjamin Pikering; Joseph Boden; John Ward; Francis Woodcock; Nathaniel Ward; John Whincop." -- Publisher
Vines, Richard (1600?-1656), Calebs Integrity in Following the Lord Fully, in a Sermon preached at St. Margarets Westminster, before the Honourable House of Commons, at their late solemne and publick fast, Novemb: 30th. 1642. By Richard Vines, Mr. of Arts of Magd. Colledge in Camb: and minister of the gospell at Weddington in the county of Warr. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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.
Vines, Richard (1600?-1656), The Posture of Davids Spirit When he was in a Doubtfull Condition. Opened in a Sermon preached before the honourable House of Commons at Margarets Westminster, upon October 22. 1644. Being a day especially set apart for a publicke humiliation. By Richard Vines, minister of the Gospel at Weddington in the County of Warwick, and one of the Assembly of Divines. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), Gods Anatomy Upon Man's Heart. Or, A Sermon Preached by Order of the Honorable House of Commons, at Margarets Westminster, Decemb. 27. Being a day of publick humiliation: By Thomas Watson, pastor of Stephens Walbrooke, London.
God's Anatomy Upon Man's Heart
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/watson_gods_anatomy_upon_mans_heart.html
Webster, W. (William), A Sermon Preach'd Before the Honourable the House of Commons, at St. Margaret's Church, Westminster, on Saturday May 29. 1742. . . . By the Reverend William Webster.
Whincop, John (d. 1647), Gods Call to Weeping and Mourning. Set out in a Sermon before the honourable House of Commons assembled in Parliament, at their late solemne fast, Ianuary 29. 1644. Being, the day before the Treaty (at Uxbridg), began. By John Whincop, D.D. Late fellow of Trin: Coll: in Cambridge, now Rector of the Church of Clothall in Hartford-shire. Published by order of that House. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Whincop, John (d. 1647), Israels Tears for Distressed Zion. Shown in a Sermon before the Right Honourable House of Lords assembled in Parliament, at their late solemn fast, in the Abby-Church of Westminster, Sept. 24. 1645. By John Whincop D.D. and pastor of the church of Clothall in Hertford-shire. Published by order of the House of Peers. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Whitaker, Jeremiah, Christ, the Settlement of Unsettled Times, in a Sermon Preached on Haggai 2:7, Before the Honorable House of Commons, at their public fast in Margaret's Church at Westminster on Jan 25, 1642. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
White, John (1570-1615), Mr. VVhites Speech in Parliament on Munday, the 17th of January. Concerning the Triall of the XII. Bishops An. Dom. 1641.
White, John (1570-1615), A Speech of Mr. Iohn White, Counsellor at law, Made in the Commons House of Parliament, Concerning Episcopacy.
Whitaker, Jeremiah, The Danger of Greatness, or Uzziah: His Exaltation and Destruction, in a Sermon Preached Before the Right Honorable, the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament, and the Reverend Assembly of Divines, in the Church of Martins in the Fields, the 14th day of Jan, 1645, being a special day of humiliation set apart to seek God, for his direction in the settling of the great work of Church-government, preached from the text, 2 Chronicles 26:15-16, Hosea 5:15, 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
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.
Williams, Daniel (1643?-1716), The Advancement of Christs Interests the Governing end of a Christians Life a Second Sermon Preached Before the Right Honourable Sir John Shorter, Knight, Lord Mayor of the City of London at Grocers-Hall, January the 9th, 1687/8 / by Daniel Williams, 1688.
Williams, Daniel (1643?-1716), The Kingdom of God in Power a Sermon preached before the Right Honourable Sir John Shorter, Knight, Lord Mayor of the City of London, at Grocers-Hall, November the 20th, 1687 / by Daniel Williams, 1688.
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.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The sermon on the mount, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, An introduction to the covenanted reformation, Works of the Reformed Presbytery, Background, foundation, and history of the covenanted reformation of scotland, The mediatorial reign of christ and the crown rights of christ, The covenanted reformation of scotland, Reform of the Church, The protestant reformation, The puritan revolution, The history of reformation of the church, Politics, State sovereignty and corporate immunity: reform of corporations, and so forth, and so on.
Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God. Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said,
Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever:
And blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous:
And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea; And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day. And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters. Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.
Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant: And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.
But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.
Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations; Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go. Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan. Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it. So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they might do with them as they would. And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.
Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations. Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.
But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies; And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments (which if a man do, he shall live in them), and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear. Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands. Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day. Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly: Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them. For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it: And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it. (Nehemiah 9:1-38)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.phpSee Isaiah 40:1 -- Isaiah 55:13 and annotations 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)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)
Adeney, Walter F., Ezra and Nehemiah, ISBN: 0865240507 9780865240506.
"One of the best works on this facet of Israel's postexilic history. Can be read with profit by both pastor and layperson." -- Cyril J. Barber
Ainsworth, Henry, Annotations Upon the Fourth Book of Moses Called Numbers.
Boice, James Montgomery, Nehemiah: Learning to Lead, ISBN: 0801066409 9780801066405.
"Studying Nehemiah passage-by-passage, Dr. Boice introduces eight dynamics of effective leadership. He also relates this ancient leader's principles to those practiced by renowned leaders in a number of fields." -- GCB
*Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The First Sermon Preached to the Honorable House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament at Their Public Fast, Nov. 17, 1640. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"A beautifully clear facsimile copy of this amazing sermon (published by order of the British House of Commons in 1641), exhorting this Parliament to 'stand to the covenant' of God; by, 'endeavouring of a further Sanction of, and stronger Guard about our true Palladium, the true Religion, already established among us; in the perfecting of the Reformation of it; in the erecting, maintaining, protecting, and encouraging of an able, godly, faithful, zealous, profitable, Preaching Ministry, in every Parish Church and Chapel throughout England and Wales; in interceding to the Kings sacred Majesty for the setting up of a Faithful, Judicious, and Zealous Magistracy, where yet the same is wanting, to be ever at hand to back such a Ministry: without either of which, not only the power of Godliness will sooner degenerate into formality, and zeal into lukewarmness; but Popery, Arminianism, Socinianism, Profaneness, Apostasy, and Atheism itself will more and more crowd in upon us, and prevail against us, do You all You can be all other means.' Points out that where a godly ministry and magistracy are lacking, society degenerates into a godless mob, headed by one of the above named heresies -- as we have seen in our day. Presses national covenant renewal, from Jer. 50:5 [Jeremiah 50:5], and explains from scripture how and why this should take place. Cites many biblical examples of the great Scriptural blessing that has followed previous national covenanting; while making practical application to the situation of the day. This sermon foreshadows chapter 23, of the celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], on 'the Civil Magistrate,' and gives much insight into this watershed period of Christian political development. It is highly recommended for anyone even remotely interested in seeing their nation prosper politically and ecclesiastically. Furthermore, it will be a great help for anyone seeking to formulate a biblical doctrine explaining the four way relationship between: loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; Jesus Christ as mediator; the everlasting covenant (and covenanting); and the state, as set forth in Scripture. A very rare item. A Covenanter's delight! 70 pages." -- Publisher
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
*Craighead, Alexander (1707-1766), Renewal of the Covenants, National and Solemn League; A Confession of Sins; An Engagement to Duties; and a Testimony; as They Were Carried on at Middle Octorara in Pennsylvania, November 11, 1743.
Renewal of the Covenants at Middle Octorara, Pennsylvania
http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/octorara_covenant_renewal.html
The Scottish Covenanting Struggle, Alexander Craighead, and the Mecklenburg Declaration
http://www.lettermen2.com/craig.html
*Hislop, Alexander (1807-1865), Christ's Crown and Covenant or National Covenanting Essentially Connected With National Revival, 1860.
*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
Pilkington, James, John Foxe, and Robert Some, A Godly Exposition Upon Certain Chapters of Nehemiah.
*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
*Renwick, James (1662-1688), The Right of Dissent From an Immoral Civil Government. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18, #26.
"Maintains the hard-core covenanter position, the great principle of dissent and separation from immoral civil governments. Argues that mere existence does not qualify a civil government as the ordinance of God (Romans 13:2). Answers common objections to this position, including how Joseph, Nehemiah and Daniel could hold office under immoral civil governments. Renwick was a hunted Covenanter minister, who was martyred (at 26 years of age), for his uncompromising defense of the work of covenanted reformation. Willson's book, CIVIL GOVERNMENT and Samuel B. Wylie's softcover book TWO SONS OF OIL: OR, THE FAITHFUL WITNESS FOR MAGISTRACY AND MINISTRY UPON A SCRIPTURAL BASIS, both give much lengthier defenses of this position." -- Publisher
*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 composed). 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
Trapp, John, A Commentary or Exposition Upon the Books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job and Psalms, 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. In all which divers other texts of Scripture, which occasionally are fully opened, and the whole so intermixed with pertinent histories, as will yield both pleasure and profit to the judicious reader, 1657. Alternate title: A COMMENTARY ON THE BOOKS OF EZRA, NEHEMIAH, ESTER, JOB, AND PSALMS. ALSO INCLUDES "GOD'S LOVE TOKENS, AND THE AFFLICTED MAN'S LESSONS, BROUGHT TO LIGHT AND LAID BEFORE HIM IN TWO FRUITFUL AND SEASONABLE DISCOURSES UPON REV. 3:19 [Revelation 3:19], COMFORTING UNDER AND DIRECTING UNTO A RIGHT USE OF OUR PERSONAL AND PUBLIC CROSSES AND CALAMITIES. Indexed. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Numbers, Nehemiah, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, An introduction to the covenanted reformation. Background, foundation, and history of the covenanted reformation of scotland, Covenanting in america, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 2527
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
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.htmlSee the Theological Notes: "God's Covenant of Grace" at Genesis 12:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. (Exodus 18:21)
Since, then, it is more difficult to lead all the rest than to follow a leader, it is necessary that he, who is set over many, should far excel them. But, inasmuch as no one can do anything of himself, we must seek of God whatever we want. Wherefore that, which Moses had enjoined upon the whole people, he now repeats to a single individual, because upon him the burden of ruling them was thrown. And this must be more carefully observed, because, in proportion to the degree of honor, in which a man is placed, so does he disdainfully look down upon all admonitions; whence it is the case that those, who are eminent in the world, carelessly reject the exhortations of God's servants. But Moses thoroughly overthrows all such fastidiousness, when he shows that all, who are in authority, should not only be instructed together with others, but even more urgently dealt with. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 31:7 and context
Rulers are ministers to God to the people for good; they are revengers to execute upon him that doeth evil (Romans 13:4). They are to be a terror not to good works but to the evil (Romans 13:3). Their Laws are to be conformable to the laws of God. . . . Human laws, therefore, in order to be obeyed, must accord with the laws of God: for where they differ, God is to be obeyed rather than man (Acts 5:29). . . . How can an infidel, who fears not God nor believes His Word nor regards His law, be a minister of God for good? Would not such a man, if made a ruler, in all probability be a terror to good works and not to the evil? . . . Let us resolutely resolve that we will spare no exertions to elect such rulers as God shall approve. This, believe me, is the only course of relief and safety to our afflicted country. Under the rulers of no other character has any Christian nation ever flourished for any length of time. Under rulers of a different stamp, nations have always degenerated and been finally brought to desolation and ruin. . . . -- Jedidiah Morse, A Sermon, Delivered at Charlestown, July 23, 1812, the Day Appointed by the Governor and Council of Massachusetts, to be Observed in Fasting and Prayer Throughout the Commonwealth; in Consequence of a Declaration of War With Great Britain
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)
See the Theological Notes: "Sanctification: The Spirit and the Flesh," at 1 Corinthians 6:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Christians and Civil Government," at Romans 13:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
The Treasury of David, Psalm 21, C.H. Spurgeon
For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved. (Psalm 21:7)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps021.php
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/psalms-21-7.html
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/21.html
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol08/htm/xxvii.htmMy petition is, that you whom God has appointed heads in your commonwealth, with single eye, do study to promote the glory of God, to provide that your subjects be rightly instructed in his true religion; that they be defended from all oppression and tyranny; that true teachers may be maintained; and such as blind and deceive the people, together also with all idle bellies which do rob and oppress the flock, may be removed and punished as God's law prescribes. And to the performance of every one of these do your offices and names, the honours and benefits which you receive, the law of God universally given to men, and the examples of most godly princes, bind and oblige you. . . .
To wit, first, that in conscience you are bound to punish malefactors, and to defend innocents imploring your help; secondarily, that God requires of you to provide that your subjects be rightly instructed in his true religion, and that the same by you be reformed whensoever abuses do creep in by [the] malice of Satan and negligence of men; and last, that you are bound to remove from honour, and to punish with death (if the crime so requires) such as deceive the people, or defraud them of that food of their souls, I mean God's lively word. . . .
And therefore I fear not to affirm, that which God shall one day justify: that by your offices you are bound, not only to repress their tyranny, but also to punish them as thieves and murderers, as idolaters and blasphemers of God, and in their rooms you are bound to place true preachers of Christ's evangel, for the instruction, comfort, and salvation of your subjects, above whom else the Holy Ghost never shall acknowledge that you rule in justice for their profit. . . .
Of which histories it is evident, that the reformation of religion in all points, together with the punishment of false teachers, does appertain to the power of the civil magistrate. For what God required of them, his justice must require of others having the like charge and authority; what he did approve in them, he cannot but approve in all others who, with like zeal and sincerity, do enterprise to purge the Lord's temple and sanctuary. What God required of them, it is before declared: to wit, that most diligently they should observe his law, statutes, and ceremonies. And how acceptable were their facts to God, he does himself witness (2 Chron. 32) [2 Chronicles 32]. . . .
For now the common song of all men is, "We must obey our kings, be they good or be they bad; for God has so commanded." But horrible shall the vengeance be, that shall be poured forth upon such blasphemers of God's holy name and ordinance. For it is no less blasphemy to say that God has commanded kings to be obeyed, when they command impiety, than to say that God by his precept is author and maintainer of all iniquity.
True it is, God has commanded kings to be obeyed; but likewise true it is, that in things which they commit against his glory -- or when cruelly without cause they rage against their brethren, the members of Christ's body -- he has commanded no obedience, but rather he has approved, yea, and greatly rewarded, such as have opposed themselves to their ungodly commandments and blind rage; as in the example of the three children, of Daniel, and Ebed-melech, it is most evident. The three children would neither bow nor stoop before the golden image at the commandment of the great King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel did openly pray, his windows being open, against the established law of Darius and of his council; and Ebed-melech feared not to enter in before the presence of Zedekiah, and boldly to defend the cause and innocence of Jeremiah the prophet, whom the king and his council had condemned to death (Jer. 38) [Jeremiah 38]. Every one of these facts should this day be judged foolish by such as will not understand what confession God does require of his children, when his verity is oppugned, or his glory is called in doubt. Such men, I say, as prefer man to God, and things present to the heavenly inheritance, should have judged every one of these facts, stubborn disobedience, foolish presumption, and singularity, or else bold controlling of the king and his wise council. . . .
And the same, I say, is the duty of every man in his vocation, but chiefly of the nobility which are joined with their kings, to bridle and repress their folly and blind rage. Which thing, if the nobility do not, neither yet labour to do: as they are traitors to their kings, so do they provoke the wrath of God against themselves and against the realm in which they abuse the authority which they have received of God to maintain virtue and to repress vice. . . .
God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power of his Holy Spirit, so rule and dispose your hearts, that with simplicity you may consider the things that are offered, and that you may take such order in the same, as God in you may be glorified, and Christ's flock by you may be edified and comforted, to the praise and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose omnipotent Spirit rule your hearts in his true fear to the end. Amen. -- John Knox (1505-1572), The Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and Clergy: Addressed to the Nobility and Estates of Scotland, in the Works of John Knox and Works of John Knox, also, The Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and ClergyThat they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3b)
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)Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? (Psalm 94:16)
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.See the Theological Notes: "Christians in the World," at Colossians 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.
For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)
Isaiah's Prophesy after the Angel of the Lord smote Sennacherib's army for good King Hezekiah.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)
The Treasury of David, Psalm 4, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps004.phpThe Treasury of David, Psalm 20, C.H. Spurgeon
Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed, he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. (Psalm 20:6)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps020.phpThe Treasury of David, Psalm 45, C.H. Spurgeon
"Verse 6 [Psalm 45:6]. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever. To whom can this be spoken but our Lord? The psalmist cannot restrain his adoration. His enlightened eye sees in the royal Husband of the church, God, God to be adored, God reigning, God reigning everlastingly. Blessed sight! Blind are the eyes that cannot see God in Christ Jesus! We never appreciate the tender condescension of our King in becoming one flesh with his church, and placing her at his right hand, until we have fully rejoiced in his essential glory and deity. What a mercy for us that our Saviour is God, for who but a God could execute the work of salvation? What a glad thing it is that he reigns on a throne which will never pass away, for we need both sovereign grace and eternal love to secure our happiness. Could Jesus cease to reign we should cease to be blessed, and were he not God, and therefore eternal, this must be the case. No throne can endure for ever, but that on which God himself sitteth. The sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. He is the lawful monarch of all things that be. His rule is founded in right, its law is right, its result is right. Our King is no usurper and no oppressor. Even when he shall break his enemies with a rod of iron, he will do no man wrong; his vengeance and his grace are both in conformity with justice. Hence we trust him without suspicion; he cannot err; no affliction is too severe, for he sends it; no judgment too harsh, for he ordains it. O blessed hands of Jesus! the reigning power is safe with you. All the just rejoice in the government of the King who reigns in righteousness.
"Verse 7 [Psalm 45:7]. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness. Christ Jesus is not neutral in the great contest between right and wrong: as warmly as he loves the one he abhors the other. What qualifications for a sovereign! what grounds of confidence for a people! The whole of our Lord's life on earth proved the truth of these words; his death to put away sin and bring in the reign of righteousness, sealed the fact beyond all question; his providence by which he rules from his mediatorial throne, when rightly understood, reveals the same; and his final assize will proclaim it before all worlds. We should imitate him both in his love and hate; they are both needful to complete a righteous character. Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Jesus as Mediator owned God as his God, to whom, being found in fashion as a man, he became obedient. On account of our Lord's perfect life he is now rewarded with superior joy. Others there are to whom grace has given a sacred fellowship with him, but by their universal consent and his own merit, he is prince among them, the gladdest of all because the cause of all their gladness. At Oriental feasts oil was poured on the heads of distinguished and very welcome guests; God himself anoints the man Christ Jesus, as he sits at the heavenly feasts, anoints him as a reward for his work, with higher and fuller joy than any else can know; thus is the Son of man honoured and rewarded for all his pains. Observe the indisputable testimony to Messiah's Deity in verse six, and to his manhood in the present verse. Of whom could this be written but of Jesus of Nazareth? Our Christ is our Elohim. Jesus is God with us. . . .
"Verse 16 [Psalm 45:16]. Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children. The ancient saints who stood as fathers in the service of the Great King have all passed away; but a spiritual seed is found to fill their places. The veterans depart, but volunteers fill up the vacant places. The line of grace never becomes extinct. As long as time shall last, the true apostolical succession will be maintained. Whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth. Servants of Christ are kings. Where a man has preached successfully, and evangelized a tribe or nation, he gets to himself more than regal honours, and his name is like the name of the great men that be upon the earth. Jesus is the king maker. Ambition of the noblest kind shall win her desire in the army of Christ; immortal crowns are distributed to his faithful soldiers. The whole earth shall yet be subdued for Christ, and honoured are they, who shall, through grace, have a share in the conquest -- these shall reign with Christ at his coming.
"Verse 17 [Psalm 45:17]. I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations. Jehovah by the prophet's mouth promises to the Prince of Peace eternal fame as well as a continuous progeny. His name is his fame, his character, his person; these are dear to his people now -- they never can forget them; and it shall be so as long as men exist. Names renowned in one generation have been unknown to the next era, but the laurels of Jesus shall ever be fresh, his renown ever new. God will see to this; his providence and his grace shall make it so. The fame of Messiah is not left to human guardianship; the Eternal guarantees it, and his promise never fails. All down the ages the memories of Gethsemane and Calvary shall glow with inextinguishable light; nor shall the lapse of time, the smoke of error, or the malice of hell be able to dim the glory of the Redeemer's fame. Therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever. They shall confess thee to be what thou art, and shall render to thee in perpetuity the homage due. Praise is due from every heart to him who loved us, and redeemed us by his blood; this praise will never be fully paid, but will be ever a standing and growing debt. His daily benefits enlarge our obligations, let them increase the number of our songs. Age to age reveals more of his love, let every year swell the volume of the music of earth and heaven, and let thunders of song roll up in full diapason to the throne of him that liveth, and was dead, and is alive for evermore, and hath the keys of hell and of death." [Revelation 1:18]
"Let him be crowned with majesty http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps045.php
Who bowed his head to death,
And be his honours sounded high
By all things that have breath."The Treasury of David, Psalm 72, C.H. Spurgeon
Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.
He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. (Psalm 72:1,2,11)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps072.phpThe Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
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.
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.
But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:
But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place. (2 Samuel 23:2-7), The Last Words of David (Also see Psalms 2 and 72. Psalm 72 is thought to be the last Psalm of David because of verse 20. [Psalm 72:20])The Treasury of David, Psalm 96:93-99, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps096.phpThe Treasury of David, Psalm 110, C.H. Spurgeon
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. (Psalm 110:1)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps110.phpThe 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 TreasureFor he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (Romans 13:4)
When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. (Proverbs 28:12). See annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.
Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the Lord. (Proverbs 29:26) See annotations 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)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)
See Isaiah 40:1 -- Isaiah 55:13 and annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.
See Isaiah 41:21-24 and annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.
His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant. (Isaiah 56:10-12). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.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)See the Theological Notes: "God Reigns: Divine Sovereignty," at Daniel 4:34 in The Reformation Study Bible.
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)
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:25-28)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, page 766 in The Reformation Study Bible.The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit. (Jeremiah 2:8)
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
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)
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.
Did not Moses give you the law, and [yet] none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 7:16b-19)Because I live, ye shall live also. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:19)
As the Divine favour, which is the source of the life of Christ, as God-man -- Mediator -- manifests itself in the anointing him with the oil of gladness above his fellows, giving him the Holy Spirit as the spirit of holy gladness above measure, so does God fill all the members of the living head with the same Spirit, the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, from a regard to the great atonement, giving them the promised Spirit, that they may be sanctified wholly in the whole man, soul, body, and spirit . . . . strengthened with all might in the inner man, enabled to walk up and down in his name, . . . making mention of his righteousness, even of his only. (Romans 8:2; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Colossians 1:11; Zechariah 10:12). Their life of holiness and happiness proceeds from the same source, and comes through the same channels, as his.
It has been with equal truth and beauty said, that "all those exercises of holy thought and holy feeling, of holy disposition and holy conduct, which constitute what is termed the spiritual life, are prompted and sustained by an influence derived from him their exalted Prince and Saviour, the channel through which, according to the constitution of mercy, essential Deity, the source of all holy happiness, pours forth its purifying, refreshing streams into the human heart; or, to change the figure, that all the manifestations of holy activity and enjoyment which appear in the character and exercise of Christ's true disciples, are but, as it were, the pulsations and the vital operations in the limbs, of the life which, proceeding ultimately from the Deity, the fountain of life, is distributed as from a reservoir by him who is the head, and circulates thence through the whole extent of the sacred body, in heaven and in earth, 'the fulness of him who filleth all in all'." (Brown Patterson). Thus do believers, even here, in this land of darkness and death, live, and live in union to, and in conformity with, their living Lord. . . . -- John Brown (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, III:132-1331 Corinthians 15:24 [1]Then shall be the [2]end, when he hath delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father, when he hath put down [3]all rule, and all authority and power.
15:25 For he must reign [Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:34; Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 10:13] till he hath put all his enemies [1]under his feet.
15:26 The [1]last enemy that shall be destroyed, is death.
15:27 [Psalm 86; Hebrews 2:8] For he hath put down all things under his feet. (And when he saith that all things are subdued to him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put down all things under him.)
15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, [1]then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him, that did subdue all things under him, that [2]God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
1 Corinthians 15:24 (1) The fourth argument, wherewith also he confirmeth the others, hath a most sure ground, to wit, because that God must reign. And this is the manner of his reign, that the Father will be showed to be King in his Son who was made man, to whom all things are made subject (the promiser only except) to the end that the Father may afterward triumph in his Son the conqueror. And he maketh two parts of this reign and dominion of the Son, wherein the Father's glory consisteth: to wit, the overcoming of his enemies (whereof some must be deprived of all power, as Satan and all the wicked, be they never so proud and mighty, and others must be utterly abolished as death) and a plain and full delivery of the godly from all enemies, that by this means God may fully set forth the body of the Church, cleaving fast to their head Christ, his kingdom and glory as a king in his subjects. Moreover he putteth the first degree of this kingdom in the resurrection of the Son, who is the head: and the perfection, in the full conjunction of the members with the head, which shall be in the latter day. Now all these tend to this purpose, to show that unless the dead do rise again, neither the Father can be King above all, neither Christ be Lord of all: for neither should the power of Satan and death be overcome, nor the glory of God be full in his Son, nor his Son in his members.
(2) The shutting up and finishing of all things.
(3) All his enemies which shall be spoiled of all the power they have.
15:25 (1) Christ is considered here, as he appeared in the form of a servant, in which respect he ruleth the Church as head, and that because this power was given him of his Father.
15:26 (1) The shutting up of the argument, which is taken from the whole to the part: for if all his enemies shall be put under his feet, then must it needs be that death also shall be subdued under him.
15:28 (1) Not because the Son was not subject to his Father before, but because his body, that is to say, the Church which is here in distress, and not yet wholly partaker of his glory, is not yet fully perfect, and also because the bodies of the saints which be in the graves shall not be glorified until the resurrection: but Christ as he is God, hath us subject to him as his Father hath, but as he is Priest, he is subject to his father together with us. Augustine, book 1, chap. 8, of the Trinity.
(2) By this high kind of speech, is set forth an incomprehensible glory which floweth from God, and shall fill all of us, as we are joined together with our head, but yet so, that our head shall always reserve his preeminence. -- 1599 Geneva Bible annotation for 1 Corinthians 15:24-28The 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
The wealthy stand as magistrates in the economic arena and have the same duty of stewardship as do those who hold political office. -- C. Gregg Singer, "Calvinism and Economic Thought and Practice" in John Calvin: His Roots and Fruits, p. 46
Against the totalitarianism of the pagan world empires, Christ taught the limitation of state power and the separation of church and state: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's (Matthew 22:21). Neither Caesar nor any other mere man was pontifex maximus. Christ himself was, the way, the truth, and the life, the only mediator between God and man (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). He explicitly denied the political theory and practice of the pagans: You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise dominion over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant (Matthew 20:25-26). Christ demanded that rulers -- both civil and ecclesiastical -- serve, not control, the people. He outlined a limited role for civil government, not as the shaper of souls, as in pagan philosophies, but simply as the punisher of criminals. He founded a church whose government was representative and republican, whose officers were elected by the people, and whose constitution -- the Bible -- was written. Inspired by his words, the American Founders made their plans for a new Republic, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.(13)
The early Christians, condemned by pagans such as Celsus and Porphyry(14) as stupid, foolish, and superstitious, were not killed for their stupidity, but because they rejected the highest value of pagan society: worship of the totalitarian state in the person of the Emperor. The Christians rejected Aristotle ("The state is the highest of all. Citizens belong to the state"), and believed Christ. Christ, in dying for the salvation of individual men, exalted both the individual and God. God is eternal and men are immortal; nations and rulers come and go with surprising rapidity, but individual souls live forever. Rome is not an eternal city; only individual men enjoy everlasting life.
Christ taught that man was a creature of God and the lord of creation. Man's ancestry was not animal, but divine, and the Earth was made for man. Individual men were immortal; what they believed and did on Earth would have eternal consequences. After death, they did not descend into some shadowland, but each was required to give an account of his life to his maker and judge. All men were equal before God and his law, and each man would be judged individually. The classes of ancient society -- the nobles, the proletariat, the slaves, the citizens, the men, the women, the Jews, the barbarians -- meant nothing to God. In the new Christian faith, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:8)
Christ's kingdom grows only by persuasion, never by coercion(15) -- it is a republic of knowledge, truth, and doctrine, not an empire of dominion, compulsion, or violence -- and it has taken centuries for some Christian ideas to be understood and believed. Nevertheless, as the anguished wailing of Friedrich Nietzsche in the nineteenth century so clearly indicates, the absorption of Christian ideas has been widespread, though far from complete. -- John W. Robbins in Christ and CivilizationWhosoever 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)
When justice is taken away, what are kingdoms but a vast banditry. -- Augustine in 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)
The simple and obvious notion that false teaching is the indicator by which we recognize false teachers clarifies and explains the meaning of this whole passage. In the verses immediately prior to verse 21 [Matthew 7:21], Jesus had been warning of false prophets. He said,
Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:15-20)The trees that are cut down and thrown into the fire in verse 19 [Matthew 7:19], are the men Jesus commands to depart from him in verse 23 [Matthew 7:23]. They are the men who have done spectacular works in the name of Jesus on Earth. This implies, please note, that the fruit by which we are to know them is not primarily their works, perhaps not their works at all, but their doctrine, their teaching. We have become so accustomed to thinking of "fruit" as behavior that we have missed Jesus' point in his warning against false prophets: They are recognized by their doctrine. What they teach is their "fruit." That is why John gives us a doctrinal test in 2 John 1:7,9-11For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. . . . Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your home or greet him, for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.The notion that fruit is doctrine or teaching, rather than works or behavior, is so clearly taught in Scripture that the dominance of the incorrect view must be attributed to our inability to read. For example, Jesus in Matthew 12:32-37 says,Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.Fruit is a metaphor for words, doctrine, speaking, teaching. Evil fruit is false teaching; good fruit is true teaching; and we are to judge men by their fruit, that is, their teaching. This is entirely consistent with the tests prescribed in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 13 and 18 [Deuteronomy 18]), for false prophets: The tests were doctrinal. The Israelites were to disbelieve false prophets even if they performed miracles and foretold the future.
Jesus prescribes a doctrinal test for false prophets because a behavioral test is unreliable. We all have known unbelievers whose behavior is better than that of some Christians. And if fruit means behavior, and we must judge them by their fruit, then we must conclude that they are Christians, despite what they say. In fact, this misunderstanding of fruit as behavior has led people to say such foolish things as "That Mormon is such a godly man"; or "He is a good Christian man," when all he is is considerate. -- John W. Robbins in a sermon on Matthew 7:21-23, "Justification and Judgment"They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies. (Hosea 7:3)
The Prophet now arraigns all the citizens of Samaria, and in their persons the whole people, because they rendered obedience to the king by flattery, and to the princes in wicked things, respecting which their own conscience convicted them. He had already in the fifth chapter mentioned the defection of the people in this respect, that they had obeyed the royal edict. It might indeed have appeared a matter worthy of praise, that the people had quietly embraced what the king commanded. This is the case with many at this day, who bring forward a pretext of this kind. Under the papacy they dare not withdraw themselves from their impious superstitions, and they adduce this excuse, that they ought to obey their princes. But, as I have already said, the Prophet has before condemned this sort of obedience, and now he shows that the defection which then reigned through all Israel, ought not to be ascribed to the king or to few men, but that it was a common evil, which involved all in one and the same guilt, without exception. How so? "By their wickedness," he says, "they have exhilarated the king, and by their lies the princes"; that is, If they wish to cast the blame on their governors, it will be done in vain; for whence came then such a promptitude? As soon as Jeroboam formed the calves, as soon as he built temples, religion instantly collapsed, and whatever was before pure, degenerated; how was the change so sudden? Even because the people had inwardly concocted their wickedness, which, when an occasion was offered, showed itself; for hypocrisy did lie hid in all, and was then discovered. We now perceive what the Prophet had in view. And this place ought to be carefully noticed: for it often happens that some vice creeps in, which proceeds from one man or from a few; but when all readily embrace what a few introduce, it is quite evident that they have no living root of piety or of the fear of God. They then who are so prone to adopt vices were before hypocrites; and we daily find this to be the case. When pious men have the government of a city, and act prudently, then the whole people will give some hope that they will fear the Lord; and when any king, influenced by a desire of advancing the glory of God, endeavors to preserve all his subjects in the pure worship of God, then the same feeling of piety will be seen in all: but when an ungodly king succeeds him, the greater part will immediately fall back again; and when a magistrate neglects his duty, the greater portion of the people will break out into open impiety. I wish there were no proofs of these things; but throughout the world the Lord has designed that there should exist examples of them. This purpose of God ought therefore to be noticed; for he accuses the people of having made themselves too obsequious and pliant. When king Jeroboam set up vicious worship, the people immediately offered themselves as ready to obey: hence impiety became quite open. They then "delighted the king by their wickedness, and the princes by their lies"; as though he said, "They cannot transfer the blame to the king and princes. Why? Because they delighted them by their wickedness; that is, they haltered the king by their wickedness and delighted the princes by their lies." -- John Calvin in a sermon on Hosea 7:3 in Calvin's Commentary on HoseaThe 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
A religious doctrine involves practical consequences so important, and its effects upon individual and social life are so infallible and so profound, that it can never be contemplated with indifference by the mass of society, and much less by their rulers. We pray you to observe, amongst other things, that the stronger the feeling of dependence to which religion reduces the individual, the more she invests him, on the other hand, with a lofty independence. All religion is freedom. By introducing us into the service of one master, she emancipates us from the dominion of all others. If she does not altogether do away with dependencies of another order, she transforms them from absolute into relative ones. We still belong to society, we are perhaps linked to it by closer ties than before; but it is in a mediate manner, for man cannot serve two masters. It is this independence which exasperates the rulers of this world, and indeed, for the most part, all those who do not share in it. It is this sacred retreat of liberty which they would invade -- this freedom, of which they would deprive us; as if the numerous sacrifices which from time to time liberty has made for the common weal were insufficient, as if it were not enough, or rather as if it were nothing, for us to have devoted all our bodily powers and all our worldly goods to the service of society, so long as this offering is not completed by the sacrifice of the soul. It is spiritual domination, dominion over the soul, of which despotism, whether of princes or of the people, is especially desirous. Thus, when a tyrant has bereft a nation of all its liberties, until throughout the realm his will has become law, his ambition having nothing else wherewith to satiate its appetite, directs itself against religion. Thenceforward, having subjugated the bodies of men, he directs his attacks against their souls. It is because he cannot but be sensible that dominion over souls -- what do you say? -- over one single soul, is as much superior to that over bodies, as the soul itself is superior to its envelope of clay. He cannot endure the humiliation of knowing that there is a sphere in which the most obscure man, by the force of sympathy alone, wields a greater power than his own. A deep-rooted and bitter feeling of envy takes possession of him; he can enjoy no more repose, until moral force shall have yielded to the pressure of physical force -- until the second Mordecai shall have bowed down to this second Haman -- until the soul, by dethroning itself, shall have delivered him from this odious rivalry. And should he encounter in this enterprise an unlooked-for resistance, his impatience becomes fury, and he destroys those whom he cannot subdue. This has been the origin of many religious persecutions, and it discloses the secret motives of those atrocities by which some have been distinguished.
It does not follow, however, that all the evils with which the world has been inundated in the name of religion, are to be referred to this cause alone. They have originated in that preeminently just idea, that religion gives the true signification of every man, and of the whole of society; that there is nothing more deeply seated in us, nothing which more decisively determines what we are; and that to declare what we believe, is at the same time, and as a matter of necessity, to declare what we wish to be. The influence of a lordly spirit apart, it is not astonishing that the social power has everywhere, more or less, attempted to regulate the faith of the citizens and the instructions of the priesthood. Nor is it surprising that the priesthood, in aid of the state, have themselves attempted to dictate in a matter of this importance. For the suppression of this evil, the assistance of ages has been necessary, and this has not proved sufficient; the veto of public opinion has been also needed. Perhaps in certain countries something further has been required -- the progress of religious indifference. But nowhere is the fire extinguished, because nowhere is man changed; he will never witness unmoved, the energetic manifestation of religious principle; he may be indulgent to philosophical religions, or to religious philosophy, which penetrates not to the very sources of will and of action; but he will be, with his own full knowledge and consent, severe upon genuine faith. And why? because man possessing genuine faith, rises to his highest elevation; an elevation to which it is necessary that others should rise also, not indeed to rule over him (for this is impossible), but to treat with him, and to be at peace together. This is the true position and individuality of each renewed man, and everything is put in requisition to annul, subdue, and modify it.
We dwell no longer upon these different attempts, but return to the principle. We find that in the judgment of the community, the religious conviction of a man moulds his character, estimates his worth, and foretells his life. It is the invisible source of many efforts, and often of much violence. Well, then, we infer [sic] unhesitatingly, that the faith of a member of society cannot remain either a mystery or a matter of doubt to those who surround him. If, as we have sought to establish a former part of this work, the spiritual unity of society, its reality in the elevated sense of that word, depends on the mutual interchange of sentiments; and if that individual only can be said to belong to the community, with whose character she is acquainted, it must be especially in the sphere of religious convictions that this truth is apparent; we may even go further, and say, that although we might keep our sentiments on other subjects to ourselves, those that we entertain respecting religion could not be concealed. For our religious convictions imbue us so thoroughly and practically, that society knows not what she possesses in us, except as she knows what we are with respect to God.
This fact is more conspicuous, we admit, with reference to the Christian religion than to any other. In comparison with it, all other systems of faith are superficial; and we may remark in passing, that this is the reason why Christianity has drawn upon itself, and even excited among its followers, more intolerance than any other religion. The experimental character of its doctrines, coming in contact with the diverse passions of the human heart, has enkindled in the midst of society an active and devouring flame; and its profession has occasioned a host of outrages and calamities. Christianity is radical in the highest degree; radical in morals. It uproots one life, it implants another. Of all religions, it alone is in direct hostility with human nature in its fallen condition, as it is also the only religion which coincides with that same nature in all that sin has not polluted; at once the most human, and the least human of all systems; appearing to grant us everything, and to refuse us everything, but, in reality, granting everything to humanity, and refusing everything to sin. No religion consequently so effectually reforms the moral being; in such a manner, that the complexion of our life and conduct depends on whether we are or are not Christians, and upon what sort of Christians we are.
We should find it impracticable to attempt to distinguish between the doctrines of Christianity and its morals; between what is called its natural and universal morality, and its peculiar and arbitrary doctrines. Christian doctrine is morality -- Christian morality; to wish to distinguish between the two is to desire to divide a stream from its source. Christian doctrine is no sooner received than it regulates the conduct; the character of God becomes a model for man; what God is, man ought to be; and inasmuch as God in the Scriptures is invested with attributes which belong not to human nature, so also man, by means of the Gospel, is invested with a character which nature had not impressed upon him; it makes him a new man in every sense of the term: a man peculiar and extraordinary in the eyes of nature, but in every case a man, who, by the judgment of that very nature, is approved and esteemed. To declare our opinion upon Christian doctrine avails much; it is in fact to profess certain principle of conduct, and to attach ourselves to one or another system of morality; it is to reveal our inward man, to publish the operations of conscience; it is to give the standard of our judgments, and the rule of our actions.
We do well to avow it: whenever we revert to the considerations which most forcibly recommend a duty, we revert to the greatest difficulties in the way of its accomplishment; indeed, in most cases, to point out the motive, is to recognize the difficulty. In the present case, for example, nothing can render candour more difficult than that which enforces its obligation. It is just because such a religious doctrine, of necessity involves such a principle of morality, and such a rule of conduct; it is precisely because it is a disclosure of inward man, that so many persons are averse to declare to what doctrine they adhere. And it is sometimes because their opinion condemns them, sometimes because it elevates them, not so much in itself as in the characteristics and practical consequences with which public opinion has invested it. It is painful to excite repugnance or aversion, and it is sometimes still more painful to excite expectations which we feel but too conscious we cannot fulfill. If it were not so, why should we make a secret of our religious opinions, when we are at no pains to conceal any other? Why, when we are open and unreserved upon all the rest, should we not allow free expression to our thoughts upon this, the noblest of subjects? Why should communications of this nature be so generally regarded as the acme of candour and the pledge of intimacy? Why is there no real union, no true communion of soul, until both parties have expressed what they think, and above all, what they feel upon invisible and infinite subjects? Why do beings long united by the closest ties of affection, as soon as spiritual communion is formed between them, discover with surprise, that up to that period they had really never known, understood, or loved each other? -- that, as Montaigne expresses it, there was wanting to their friendship 'a certain inexplicable, yet essential power, the mediatrix of that union;' or that (as is really the fact), 'God is the true medium of true friendship?' All such instance go to confirm the truth of what we have said. A great effect supposes a powerful force -- a powerful force is employed only against a formidable resistance, and a formidable resistance has no place but in opposition to an urgent necessity. Here the necessity is a moral one -- it is a duty; an evident, and urgent, but a painful duty; for the consequences, even limiting them to their narrowest range, and considering none but those which are developed in the bosom of private relations, these consequences are, it must be confessed, of a startling character.
Nevertheless, if regarded only in the light of morality and natural reason, this candour, which appears so difficult and dangerous, would be found to possess real advantages, whilst reserve would have none but what are false and deceptive. Candour would break the ice which dissimulation thickens and consolidates from day to day; it would procure a more lasting peace; it would put the seal to confidence and friendship. You dread a storm: any storm would be preferable to the dead calm in which you live, -- a calm without peace and without security; for since no one can suppose that you are altogether destitute of religious prepossessions, that you have not some inward conviction to disclose, it will become a matter either of dread or of desire that you should disclose it. This very feeling of anxiety will be an evil in your social relations; if your connexions are desirous of it, when you are averse to making it, their importunity will disturb your peace; on the contrary, if they are averse to its manifestation, when you yourself desire it, they will avoid your company; there will of necessity be in your social relations something painful, constrained, and, in the end, insupportable. If they neither desire nor fear it, it must be because they are not acquainted with your character, and have no desire to become so, because they are not solicitous about your most important interests -- in other words, because they do not love you. And as between a mind occupied with spiritual things and one that is not, there is a wide gulf fixed, as true intimacy between two persons so different is altogether impossible, it is the duty of the more serious of the two, to sound the mind of his friend by disclosing his own, to provide a declaration by declaring himself. Every connexion founded upon a voluntary and designedly prolonged misunderstanding, every factitious union between minds pursuing directly opposite courses, is contrary to human dignity. . . . -- Alexander Vinet (1797-1847), and Charles Theodore Jones (translator), An Essay on the Profession of Personal Religious Conviction, pp. 73-81, and Vinet on FreedomVerily, 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)
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)
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 22:20)
The magistracy is ordained by God
The Lord has not only testified that the office of magistrate is approved by and acceptable to him, but he also sets out its dignity with the most honorable titles and marvelously commends it to us.(13) To mention a few: Since those who serve as magistrate are called "gods" [Ex. 22:8; Ps. 82:1,6], [Exodus 22:8; Psalm 82:1,6], let no one think that their being so-called is of slight importance. For it signifies that they have a mandate from God, have been invested with divine authority, and are wholly God's representatives, in a manner, acting as his vicegerents. This is no subtlety of mine, but Christ's explanation. "If Scripture," he says, "called them gods to whom the word of God came . . ." [John 13:35]. What is this, except that God has entrusted to them the business of serving him in their office, and (as Moses and Jehoshaphat said to the judges whom they appointed in every city of Judah) of exercising judgment not for Man but for God [Deut. 1:16-17; II Chron. 19:6]? [Deuteronomy 1:16-17; 2 Chronicles 19:6]. To the same purpose is what God's wisdom affirms through Solomon's mouth, that it is his doing "that kings reign, and counselors decree what is just, that princes exercise dominion, and all benevolent judges of the earth" [Prov. 8:14-16], [Proverbs 8:14-16]. This amounts to the same thing as to say: it has not come about by human perversity that the authority over all things on earth is in the hands of kings and other rulers, but by divine providence and holy ordinance. For God was pleased so to rule the affairs of men, inasmuch as he is present with them and also presides over the making of laws and the exercising of equity in courts of justice. Paul also plainly teaches this when he lists "ruling" among God's gifts [Rom. 12:8, KJV or RV], [Romans 12:8], which, variously distributed according to the diversity of grace, ought to be used by Christ's servants for the upbuilding of the church. For even though Paul is there speaking specifically of a council of sober men, who were appointed in the primitive church to preside over the ordering of public discipline (which office is called in the letter to the Corinthians, "government"(14) [I Cor. 12:28]), [1 Corinthians 12:28], yet because we see the civil power serving the same end, there is no doubt that he commends to us every kind of just rule.
But Paul speaks much more clearly when he undertakes a just discussion of this matter. For he states both that power is an ordinance of God [Rom. 13:2], [Romans 13:21], and that there are no powers except those ordained by God [Rom. 13:1]. [Romans 13:1] Further, that princes are ministers of God, for those doing good unto praise; for those doing evil, avengers unto wrath [Rom. 13:3-4], [Romans 13:3,4]. To this may be added the examples of holy men, of whom some possessed kingdoms, as David, Josiah, and Hezekiah; other, lordships, as Joseph and Daniel; other, civil rule among a free people, as Moses, Joshua, and the judges. The Lord has declared his approval of their offices. Accordingly, no one ought to doubt that civil authority is a calling, not only holy and lawful before God, but also the most sacred and by far the most honorable of all callings in the whole life of mortal men. -- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Ford Lewis Battles translation), IV:20:4With regard to the Christian Ministry as an order in Christ's church, they are represented under the figure of a set of servants, constituted by the master, stewards, and rulers over his household, during his absence.
They are "servants," not lords. We preach, says the apostle, not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus's sake. (2 Corinthians 4:5). "We do not announce ourselves to you as your masters. We proclaim Christ Jesus to be the Master, and mindful of his words, One is your Master, even Christ, (Matthew 23:8), we announce ourselves to you not your masters, but your servants for his sake. We seek not to make you our property that we may rule over you, but dictating to your faith, and controlling your conduct; but considering you as his unalienable property, which he purchased with his won blood, (Acts 20:28), and which having so dearly bought he highly values, we wish to serve Him by ministering to your improvements." This is a view of the sacred office with which they who fill it cannot be too deeply impressed. They are Christ's servants. They have no authority, separate from his authority. To promulgate and administer his laws, not to make and execute laws of their own, is their legitimate province. . . .
"It is of importance, however, to remark, that though called to office by the instrumentality of their brethren, their authority is derived, not from them, but from their Master: by him, not by them, are they to be directed in the performance of their duties, and to him, not to them, are they accountable for the manner in which they discharge them. It is his doctrine they are to teach -- his laws they are to administer. The steward or overseer, though chosen, if such be the appointment of the Master, by his fellow-servants, is to be guided in managing the household, not by their will, but by the will of their common Lord. The minister of Christ who forgets this, and seeks in his official proceedings primarily to please those who have been committed to his charge, has lost sight of his high character as a servant of Christ. A fitter object of mingled blame, contempt, and pity, does not exist, than a man, bearing the name of a Christian minister, who, instead of fearlessly proclaiming and impartially administering the laws of Christ, is the slave and the executioner of the prejudices of his people.
But though the Christian minister is not to be ruled by those whom he is appointed to rule -- is not to take laws from those to whom he is appointed to declare the law, he is never to forget -- what the very names of his office are all intended and fitted to keep constantly before his mind -- that he holds office in the church, not for his own aggrandizement and selfish interests, but for the benefit of his brethren -- not to gratify his own ambition or love of ease, but to promote their spiritual improvement, to secure their ultimate salvation; and under the influence of this conviction, like the steward who finds that in promoting his mater's interest, and the happiness of his fellow-servants, in the good order of the household, it is of great importance to be on good terms with those under his care, he will endeavour to please his brethren to edification; nay, he will seek to please all men in all things, not seeking his own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:33). Such is the view there given us of the general nature and design of the Christian ministry. -- John Brown (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, I:389-391It 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; II Cor. 13:8 [2 Corinthians 13:8]). -- Greg Price, Biblical Civil Government Verses the Beast, p. 64
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.htmlWherefore 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)Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:6)
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
If thou wouldst rule well, thou must rule for God, and to do that, thou must be ruled by him. . . . Those who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants. -- William Penn
A simple democracy is the devil's own government. -- Benjamin Rush (1746-1813)
If the people be governors, who shall be governed? -- John Cotton (1584-1652)
Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants. -- William Penn (1644-1718)
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)
If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. (1 John 2:29)
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)Where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:20)
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats:
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
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:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]?
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
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.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me.
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:31-46)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)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
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
These things I command you, that ye love one another. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:16,17)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)Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:13)
And ye peoples, to whom God gave the liberty to choose your own magistrates, see to it that ye do not forfeit this favor by electing to the positions of highest honor, rascals and enemies of God. -- John Calvin, in his commentary on 1 and 2 Samuel [1 Samuel]
1. It is not birth only, nor propinquity of blood, that makes a king lawfully to reign above a people professing Christ Jesus and his eternal verity; but in his election must the ordinance, which God has established in the election of inferior judges, be observed.
2. No manifest idolater, nor notorious transgressor of God's holy precepts, ought to be promoted to any public regiment [government] honour, or dignity, in any realm, province, or city that has subjected itself to his blessed evangel.
3. Neither can oath nor promise bind any such people to obey and maintain tyrants against God and against his truth known.
4. But if either rashly they have promoted any manifestly wicked, or yet ignorantly have chosen such a one, as after declares himself unworthy of regiment above the people of God (and such be all idolaters and cruel persecutors), most justly may the same men depose and punish him, that unadvisedly before they did nominate, appoint, and elect. -- John Knox, Summary of the Proposed Second Blast of the Trumpet, 1558There is nothing in which all men ought to feel a deeper interest, nothing in which God wishes us to exhibit a more intense zeal, than in endeavoring that the glory of his name may remain unimpaired, his kingdom be advanced, and the pure doctrine, which alone can guide us to true worship, flourish in full vigor. How much more, therefore, does it become princes to make these things their care, to design, commence, and prosecute them to a close, seeing God has honored them with a communication of his name, that they may be on earth the guardians and vindicators of his glory. -- John Calvin, The Necessity of Reforming the Church, 1543, p. 146
Kings then have not an absolute power in their regiment to do what pleases them; but their power is limited by God's Word. -- John Knox
And lest it be thought that this is but the opinion of some few, that the magistrate ought thus by a strong hand, and by civil punishments suppress heretics and sectaries: let it be observed what is held forth and professed concerning this business, by the Reformed Churches in their public confessions of faith. In the latter Confession of Helvetia (cap. 30), it is said that the magistrate ought to 'root out lies and all superstition, with all impiety and idolatry.' And after, 'Let him suppress stubborn heretics.' In the French Confession (art. 39), 'Therefore he hath also delivered the sword into the hands of Magistrates, to wit, that offenses may be repressed, not only those which are committed against the second table, but also against the first.' In the Belgic Confession (art. 36), 'Therefore hath he armed the Magistrate with the sword for punishing them that do evil, and for defending such as do well. Moreover it is their duty not only to be careful and watchful for the preservation of the civil government, but also to defend the holy ministry, and to abolish and overthrow all idolatry, and counterfeit worship of God.' Beza (De Hareticis), tells us in the beginning, that the ministers of Helvetia had declared themselves to be of the same judgment, in a book published of that argument. And toward the end he cites the Saxon Confession, Luther, Melanchthon, Brentius, Bucerus, Wolfgangus Capito, and Bullinger. The Synod of Dordt (ses. 138), in their sentence against the Remonstrants does not only interdict them of all their ecclesiastical and academical functions, but [does] also beseech the States General by their secular power to suppress and restrain them. -- George Gillespie Wholesome Severity Reconciled With Christian Liberty [mid-1640's])
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
The skilful, holy, humble, faithful, laborious, patient ministers of Christ, have been and still are, the great blessings of the world; for saving souls, promoting knowledge, faith, holiness, love, and peace; opposing error, pride, oppression, wordliness, sensuality, and contention; diverting God's judgments by faith and prayer; forsaking all for Christ, and patiently suffering for well-doing; and by doctrine and example teaching men to difference the Creator from the creature, holiness from sin, heaven from earth, the soul from the body, the spirit from the flesh, and helping men to prepare, by a mortified, heavenly heart and life, for a comfortable death and endless happiness. Of such vast importance is it to the world whether the clergy be good or bad, skilful or unskilful, holy or worldly; and he is not a true Christian that is insensible of the difference, or thinks it small. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
Christianity is the source of Absolute Truth and Life Everlasting, and it is the highest ethical standard known to mankind.
Our Colonial forefathers selected covenant heads only for positions of leadership. They believed a man was not qualified to lead unless he were able to enter into a Trinitarian Oath and partake of the imputed righteousness of Christ with its forgiveness, justification, sanctification, and final glorification.
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)
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)
He is first of all God's judgment on our land. According to the Scriptural pattern, a sign that God is displeased with a nation is when he removes competent, righteous, valiant leaders and gives you over to weak, inept, wicked rulers. (Isaiah 3). He is also the Lord's rebuke to the Church of Jesus Christ. Conservative Christians can demonize Clinton all they like, but that doesn't remove God's warning through this corrupt administration that the Church is going the wrong way and was a major contributing factor to Clinton's rise to power. Allegorically, Bill Clinton is Balaam's donkey that God used to speak to a wayward prophet that was about to head into a collision course with the dread Sovereign of the Universe. Balaam thought by beating the donkey that would alleviate his problems. So it is today, many Christian and conservative groups who fill their coffers by beating the President think they can alleviate the problems with America by pursuing this same foolish course. Unfortunately, many of us are just as blind as Balaam when it comes to the understanding that the president is not the problem, we are. The bottom line is, Bill Clinton is God's x-ray into the heart of America that reveals the moral sickness that is plaguing our nation for abandoning God and for trashing His Laws. He is a prophetic warning that the bridge is out up ahead and we need to turn around before it is too late.
I believe it is imperative that the American people understand that Bill Clinton is not the only one being investigated and on trial here today. The truth is our entire nation is on trial. For us to even have a debate whether character counts is an admission of how far we have fallen. It is also an indictment against our inability for self-government (the very cornerstone of our Republic), the breakdown of family government, the failure of church government to be salt and light to the culture, and the abdication of civil government to uphold God's Laws. These sacred institutions that God established for our benefit and for His pleasure were to uphold what is noble and honorable amongst men and to restrain that which is base and destructive. -- Rusty Lee Thomas in Does Character Count?This moral dilemma which has defiled the highest office in the land and made our nation the brunt of every lewd joke is yet another penalty for rejecting the standards of the Bible and the lessons from history. The Bible teaches that God holds leaders, rulers, and to those who instruct others to a higher standard. Their lives come under a greater magnifying glass. That is why there are certain requirements for civil and church leadership that are not required by God for lay people and the common citizens. It is also why God warns in James 3:1, My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. According to God, those in leadership are not called to uphold a lesser standard, but to uphold a higher one. They are to be aware that their lives will be subject to greater scrutiny and judgment as one who stands in the place of authority. That is why civil rulers are to be men who are just, ruling in the fear of God. (2 Samuel 23:3). In Exodus 18:21, the Lord confirms this criteria for civil leaders by declaring, Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men (this reveals a representative form of government), such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness . . . -- Rusty Lee Thomas
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
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."
Armerding, Hudson T., The Heart of Godly Leadership, ISBN: 0891076751 9780891076759.
"A former Wheaton College president brings a seasoned scriptural perspective to the subject of godly leadership, giving Biblical examples relating to delegating authority, handling success, and passing leadership on to the next generation. Tackles family, church, and society." -- GCB
*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
Briner, Bob, The Leadership Lessons of Jesus: A Timeless Model for Today's Leaders, 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
Briner, Bob, The Management Methods of Jesus: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Business, ISBN: 0785276815 9780785276814.
"THE MANAGEMENT METHODS OF JESUS is loaded with insights on real-life situations managers and business people face every day. This comprehensive book covers topics such as planning and preparation, recruitment and hiring, communication and conflict resolution, public relations and business ethics, employee satisfaction and family friendliness. All this, and more, based on principles of management practiced by the greatest manager the world has ever known." -- Publisher
*Brutus, Junius (attributed to Philippe Duplessis-Mornay [1549-1623] and sometimes to Hubert Languet [1518-1581]), A Defense of Liberty Against Tyrants, ISBN: 0921148453. Alternate title: VINDICIAE, CONTRA TYRANNOS: OR, CONCERNING THE LEGITIMATE POWER OF A PRINCE OVER THE PEOPLE, AND OF THE PEOPLE OVER A PRINCE, Hubert Languet (author) [also attributed to Stephanus Junius Brutus a pseudonym for Philippe Duplessis-Mornay], George Garnett (editor), ISBN: 0521342090 9780521342094. This [ISBN: 0921148453] is a reprint of a 1689 edition of this work, which was originally written in 1579. A Christian classic. Available [ISBN: 0921148453] on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available [ISBN: 0921148453] on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
"Piety commands that the law and church of God be maintained. Justice requires that tyrants and destroyers of the commonwealth be compelled to reason. Charity challenges the right of relieving and restoring the oppressed. Those who make no account of these things do as much as in them lies to drive piety, justice, and charity out of this world, that they may never more be heard of." -- Junius Brutus
"John Adams held this book to be one of the most influential books in America on the eve of the Revolution. This 'defense' manual will help equip you for the battle." -- Publisher
"This book was even more influential than Thomas Payne's COMMON SENSE, in molding the American mind and preparing it for the war for independence. Much of our Declaration of Independence reflects its wisdom and thought. Written by a French Huguenot to give Biblical and civil justification for fighting against a government that was illegally killing it own people during the religious wars on France between the 1540s and late 1700. A must reading for those who want to understand religious and political history of Europe, or want to better understand the Biblical justification sought by our own founding fathers in their fight for independence. A must read!" -- Reader's Comment
Vidiciae Contra Tyrannos: A Defense of Liberty Against Tyrants, by Junius Brutus, attributed to Philippe Duplessis-Mornay [1549-1623]
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae.htm
Brutus, Junius, The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm
*Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The First Sermon Preached to the Honorable House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament at Their Public Fast, Nov. 17, 1640. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"A beautifully clear facsimile copy of this amazing sermon (published by order of the British House of Commons in 1641), exhorting this Parliament to 'stand to the covenant' of God; by, 'endeavouring of a further Sanction of, and stronger Guard about our true Palladium, the true Religion, already established among us; in the perfecting of the Reformation of it; in the erecting, maintaining, protecting, and encouraging of an able, godly, faithful, zealous, profitable, Preaching Ministry, in every Parish Church and Chapel throughout England and Wales; in interceding to the Kings sacred Majesty for the setting up of a Faithful, Judicious, and Zealous Magistracy, where yet the same is wanting, to be ever at hand to back such a Ministry: without either of which, not only the power of Godliness will sooner degenerate into formality, and zeal into lukewarmness; but Popery, Arminianism, Socinianism, Profaneness, Apostasy, and Atheism itself will more and more crowd in upon us, and prevail against us, do You all You can be all other means.' Points out that where a godly ministry and magistracy are lacking, society degenerates into a godless mob, headed by one of the above named heresies -- as we have seen in our day. Presses national covenant renewal, from Jer. 50:5 [Jeremiah 50:5], and explains from scripture how and why this should take place. Cites many biblical examples of the great Scriptural blessing that has followed previous national covenanting; while making practical application to the situation of the day. This sermon foreshadows chapter 23, of the celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], on 'the Civil Magistrate,' and gives much insight into this watershed period of Christian political development. It is highly recommended for anyone even remotely interested in seeing their nation prosper politically and ecclesiastically. Furthermore, it will be a great help for anyone seeking to formulate a biblical doctrine explaining the four way relationship between: loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; Jesus Christ as mediator; the everlasting covenant (and covenanting); and the state, as set forth in Scripture. A very rare item. A Covenanter's delight! 70 pages." -- Publisher
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.
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.
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Epistle Dedicatory [to Calvin's Commentary on Hebrews -- compiler], by John Calvin, to the Most Mighty and Most Serene Prince, Sigismund Augustus, by the Grace of God, the King of Poland, Great Duke of Lithuania, Russia, Prussia, and Lord and Heir of Muscovy, etc.
"You kingdom is extensive and renowned, and abounds in many excellencies, but its happiness will then only be solid, when it adopts Christ as its chief ruler and governor, so that it may be defended by his safeguard and protection; for to submit your sceptre to him, is not inconsistent with that elevation in which you are placed; but it would be far more glorious than all the triumphs of the world." -- John Calvin
Epistle Dedicatory [to Calvin's Commentary on Hebrews
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol44/htm/v.htm
Calvin, John (1509-1564), Prefatory Address to His Most Christian Majesty, The Most Mighty and Illustrious Monarch, Francis, King of the French, His Sovereign. 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
Calvin, Jean (John, 1509-1564), Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 1
http://archive.org/details/instituteschrist01calvuoft
Calvin, Jean (John, 1509-1564), Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 2
http://archive.org/details/institutesofreli02calvuoft
*Carson, John L. (editor), David W. Hall (editor), To Glorify and Enjoy God: A Commemoration of the 350th Anniversary of the Westminster Assembly, ISBN: 0851516688 9780851516684.
"Contents: Westminster Assembly commemorations / David W. Hall -- The context and work of the assembly / Samuel T. Logan, Jr. -- The men and parties of the assembly / William S. Barker -- The preaching of the assembly / Robert M. Norris -- The Westminster Confession of Faith and Holy Scripture / Wayne R. Spear -- The Westminster Shorter Catechism / Douglas F. Kelly -- The Westminster Larger Catechism / W. Robert Godfrey -- The form of church government / John R. de Witt -- The directory for public worship / Iain H. Murray -- The sovereignty of God / James M. Boice -- The preeminence of Christ / Joel Nederhood -- The application of redemption / Eric J. Alexander -- The influence of Westminster / Jay E. Adams -- The unfinished Westminster Catechism / Wayne R. Spear -- Parliamentary background of the assembly / David W. Hall -- A bibliographical guide / David W. Hall."
Clarke, Samuel (1599-1682), and Anthony Burgess (d. 1644), 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.
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), Church and State, the Biblical View: A Compilation of Articles From Some of the Best Christian Minds in History. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"A compilation of articles from some of the best Christian minds in history, including Cunningham, Smeaton, M'Crie, Symington, Gillespie, the Westminster Divines, Bannerman, Owen and Shaw. This book shows that, generally speaking, the leaders of the Reformed faith have all come to substantial agreement regarding what the Scriptures teach about Christ's Kingship over the nations and the Church. Establishmentarianism is clearly seen to be the historically Reformed consensus, and this has a huge impact on the way one views both the Church and the state, in relation to Scripture." -- Publisher
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), The Westminster Confession on the Relationship Between Church and State. Alternate title: REMARKS ON THE TWENTY-THIRD CHAPTER OF THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, AS BEARING ON EXISTING CONTROVERSIES. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Chapter eight excerpted from DISCUSSIONS ON CHURCH PRINCIPLES. Answers the false claims that the Westminster Divines contradicted themselves on this issue and/or that they were Erastians. Proves that changes made to the original Westminster Confession, concerning church and state issues, were in error -- clearly demonstrating why this is so." -- Publisher
The Westminster Confession on the Relation Between Church and State, William Cunningham
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-westminster-confession-on-the-relation-between-church-and-state.php
*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
Dell, William (d. 1664), The Tryal of Spirits Both in Teachers and Hearers Wherein is Held Forth the Clear Discovery and Certain Downfal of the Carnal and anti-Christian Clergie of These Nations, 1653.
Dick, James, and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Synod, Civil Rulers Serving the Lord, or, The Scriptural Doctrine of National Religion: A Sermon, Preached at the Opening of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod of Scotland, May 15th, 1882.
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 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
*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
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Whether it be Lawful, Just, and Expedient, That the Taking of the Solemn League and Covenant be Enjoined by the Parliament Upon all Persons in the Kingdom Under a Considerable Penalty. Available (by title and in THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE, volume 2) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19. Available (Chapter XVI. of "A Treatise of Miscellany Questions," pp. 85-88), in THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE, volume 2.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/SL&CGil.htm
*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
*Hall, David W., and David J. Vaughan, A Heart Promptly Offered: The Revolutionary Leadership of John Calvin, ISBN: 9781581825053 1581825056.
"Few today realize the extent to which John Calvin, the great Genevan reformer, and his work have shaped modern culture. Few know that it was John Calvin who pioneered the effort to decentralize government by calling for checks and balances against the rule of the few or the king. Equally unknown are his efforts to establish a productive social safety net for immigrants, create educational models that were far ahead of his time, and instill a sense of self-worth in all citizens (regardless of their occupations or class). He was also known for his support of free markets, the rise of private enterprise, and the advancement of publishing and knowledge beyond its medieval confines. The result of his efforts was an explosion of culture and liberty, a story that often is lost or ignored in the rush to offer criticism of the man. A HEART PROMPTLY OFFERED presents the basic story of Calvin's life, along with numerous excerpts from his own pen -- writings from his letters, commentaries, and sermons. In addition to summarizing the main topics of CALVIN'S INSTITUTES, it lays out his ground-breaking political theory." -- Publisher
*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.
Luther, Martin (1483-1546), That a Christian Assembly or Congregation has the Right and Power to Judge all Teaching and to Call, Appoint, and Dismiss Teachers, Established and Proven by Scripture. Available in Martin Luther, Conrad John Immanuel beekeepers, and Eric W. Grits, CHURCH AND MINISTRY, 3 volumes. Available in LUTHER'S WORKS, VOLUME 39, CHURCH AND MINISTRY, ISBN: 0800603397 9780800603397.
That a Christian Assembly or Congregation has the Right and Power to Judge all Teaching and to Call, Appoint, and Dismiss Teachers, Established and Proven by Scripture, Martin Luther (accessed 2/27/2016)
https://www.uni-due.de/collcart/es/sem/s6/txt06_1.htm
Luther, Martin, That a Christian Assembly or Congregation has the Right and Power to Judge all Teaching and to Call, Appoint, and Dismiss Teachers, Established and Proven by Scripture.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/21/that-a-christian-assembly-or-congregation-has-the-right-and-power-to-judge-all-teaching-and-to-call-appoint-and-dismiss-teachers-established-and-proven-by-scripture
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
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.
*Renwick, James (1662-1688), The Right of Dissent From an Immoral Civil Government. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18, #26.
"Maintains the hard-core covenanter position, the great principle of dissent and separation from immoral civil governments. Argues that mere existence does not qualify a civil government as the ordinance of God (Romans 13:2). Answers common objections to this position, including how Joseph, Nehemiah and Daniel could hold office under immoral civil governments. Renwick was a hunted Covenanter minister, who was martyred (at 26 years of age), for his uncompromising defense of the work of covenanted reformation. Willson's book, CIVIL GOVERNMENT and Samuel B. Wylie's softcover book TWO SONS OF OIL: OR, THE FAITHFUL WITNESS FOR MAGISTRACY AND MINISTRY UPON A SCRIPTURAL BASIS, both give much lengthier defenses of this position." -- Publisher
*Robbins, John W. (1949-2008, editor), Christ and Civilization, ISBN: 1891777246 9781891777240.
"A new 48-page booklet. Includes a complete listing (in an additional 16 pages), of the books currently available from The Trinity Foundation."
Christ and Civilization
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/PDF/200a-ChristandCivilization.pdf
*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."
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."
*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. 1969), 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
*Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Christianity and the State, ISBN: 9996717755. Available through Exodus Books.
"The need to return to a Biblical doctrine of civil government is evidenced by our century's worldwide drift into tyranny. Humanism invariably rushes in to fill the world's theological vacuums: the need of the hour is to restore a full-orbed, Biblical, theology of the state. This work sets forth that theology." -- GCB
*Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Salvation and Godly Rule, ISBN: 999144789X. Available through Exodus Books.
"The Christian is commissioned to bring all things into captivity to Christ. Godly rule in our personal, family, social, vocation, political, and economic life is a consequence of salvation. Includes 72 short chapters, over 500 pages." -- GCB
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The Divine Right of Church Government and Excommunication: A Peaceable Dispute for the Perfection of the Holy Scripture in Point of Ceremonies and Church Government in Which the Removal of the Service Book is Justified. . . facsimile, 1646, also contains: "Scandal and Christian Libertie." Alternate title: JUS DIVINUM REGIMINIS ECCLESIASTICI. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9 and #24.
"Over 750 pages which Walker says 'contains the amplest exposition and vindication of our old ecclesiastical principles.' Rutherford here gives a classic defense of Presbyterianism, touching on both church government and 'the due and just power of the Magistrate in matters of Religion.' Regarding worship, he touches on imagery, idolatry, things indifferent, ceremonies and will worship. Sherman Isbell describes this book as follows: 'Rutherford asserts that there is delineated in the NT a form of Church government by elders and Presbyteries which is of permanent obligation; more-over, that discipline and suspension from the sacraments are vested with church officers rather than with the Christian civil magistrate. The book also expounds the Westminster Assembly's principle that the mode of acceptable worship is regulated by the will of Christ as king speaking in the Scriptures; the Church is not at liberty to alter or invent anything in worship or government which goes beyond the pattern in God's Word. Rutherford's writings during the London years provide a significant commentary on the theology of the Westminster Confession and Catechisms.' (Nigel Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, pp. 735-36). An exceedingly rare gem by this celebrated Presbyterian divine and Scottish commissioner to the famous Westminster Assembly." -- Publisher
http://www.naphtali.com/jusextrc.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
Sanders, Oswald, Dynamic Spiritual Leadership: Leading Like Paul, ISBN: 1572930527 978157293 0520.
Sanders, Oswald, Spiritual Leadership, ISBN: 0802467997 9780802467997.
"Oswald Sanders begins his inspiring book by asking, 'Should it not be the office that seeks the man, rather than the man the office?' Personal ambition is the arch enemy of everyone with leadership potential.
"The great and yet simple golden nuggets of insight are shared to lead the servant of God, bent on serving Him, to realize that in our service . . . we lead others!" -- Reader's Comment
*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.
Seaman, Lazarus (d. 1675), Solomons Choice: or, A President for Kings and Princes, and all That are in Authority, presented in a sermon before the Honourable House of Commons at Margarets Westminster, at their publique fast, Septemb. 25. 1644. By Lazarus Seaman, pastor of the Church of Christ at Alhallowes-Breadstreet-London. One of the Assembly of Divines, 1644. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Sundry Ministers of London, The Divine Right of Church Government (Jus Divinum Regiminis Ecclesiastici), c. 1646. Alternate title: THE DIVINE RIGHT OF CHURCH-GOVERNMENT, ASSERTED AND EVIDENCED BY THE HOLY SCRIPTVRES ACCORDING TO THE LIGHT WHEREOF (BESIDES MANY PARTICULARS MENTIONED AFTER THE PREFACE), 1. THE NATURE OF A DIVINE RIGHT IS DELINEATED, 2. THE CHURCH-GOVERNMENT WHICH IS OF DIVINE RIGHT IS DESCRIBED, 3. THIS DESCRIPTION IN THE SEVERAL BRANCHES OF IT IS EXPLICATED AND CONFIRMED, 4. THE DIVINE RIGHT OF ECCLESIASTICAL CENSURES, OFFICERS, AND RULING ASSEMBLIES IS MANIFESTED: IN ALL WHICH IT IS APPARENT THAT THE PRESBYTERIAL GOVERNMENT, BY PREACHING AND RULING PRESBYTERS, IN CONGREGATIONAL, CLASSICAL AND SYNODAL ASSEMBLIES, MAY LAY TRUEST CLAIM TO A DIVINE RIGHT, ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES / BY SUNDRY MINISTERS OF CHRIST WITHIN THE CITY OF LONDON. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"This is one of the all time classic defenses of the divine right of Presbyterianism. David Hall, the editor, states, the book 'was not written as a polemical tract, as if to prop up some moribund tradition; rather it is an exemplar of gentle and reasoned discourse.' Published anonymously, during the sitting of the Westminster Assembly -- because of the Erastian leaning Parliament's 'gag rule' -- this work is considered by some as 'an even truer record of the Westminster divines' views of government than the final (politically suppressed), standards,' notes the editor. Moreover, Hall goes so far as to state that 'perhaps no single work is as illuminating for original intent [of the Westminster Standards], as this rare work printed contemporaneously with the meeting of the Assembly.' It is the third title in a uniform collection of books by 17th century Presbyterians to be published by Naphtali Press. It contains an historical introduction, subject and bibliographic indices, and is retypeset and edited to reflect contemporary spelling, punctuation and usage. David Hall's THE ORIGINAL INTENT OF WESTMINSTER added to this printing, is also very useful. A helpful chart comparing Independency with Presbyterianism is also included." -- Publisher
The Divine Right of Church Government
http://www.naphtali.com/jusextrc.htm
*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), Godlinesse in Principle and Conversation a Necessary Preparative to the Worlds Dissolution and the Escaping of Future Burnings / by Thomas Vincent, 1670.
Vinet, Alexandre Rodolphe (1797-1847), An Essay on the Profession of Personal Religious Conviction and Upon the Separation of Church and State Considered With Reference to the Fulfilment of That Duty, ISBN: 0790574845 9780790574844.
"This duty [public acknowledgement of faith in Christ by leaders], is, even in our own times, very imperfectly understood. The best illustration of its importance and obligation ever given, is to be found in [Alexandre] Vinet's masterly treatise, "On the Profession of Personal Religious Conviction." -- John Brown (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, II:339
White, John (1570-1615), The Parallel Between David, Christ, and K. Charles, in Their Humiliation and Exaltation: Delivered in a Sermon Preached at Wadhurst in Sussex / by J.W., minister there, upon the publick thanksgiving, May 24, 1660.
A sermon on Psalms CXVIII, 22-23 [Psalm 118:22,23].
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.
*Willson, James McLeod (1809-1866), Civil Government: An Exposition of Romans 13:1-7 (1853), ISBN: 0524079293 9780524079294. Alternate title: THE ESTABLISHMENT AND LIMITS OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT: AN EXPOSITION OF ROMANS 13:1-7. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25. Available in THE DEACON: AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE, DUTIES AND EXERCISE OF THE OFFICE OF DEACON, IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
"Does the Bible give any qualifications for Christians to judge whether or not a given civil magistrate is a lawful or unlawful 'power' in the eyes of God? Does the very existence of a civil 'power' (say Hitler's Nazi state), make them a legitimate government according to Romans 13? Or, can a civil government obtain its 'power' from 'the beast' -- as some 'churches' do? Should civil 'authorities' be judged according to the secret or revealed will of God? This is a fine piece of exegetical work, well nigh irrefutable, arguing that God has given clear revelation regarding the lawfulness and unlawfulness of any given civil magistrate. Willson's Scriptural conclusion will surprise many, anger not a few, and, we believe, be found honoring to God. Though the book is easy reading, these are deep waters with implications that are among the most far-reaching. It is a very controversial publication based on the idea that 'unholy republics refuse to acknowledge Him (Christ) as Lord of all.' This failure to covenant with Christ, as nations, exposes the fact that these national governments are the enemies of Christ (as with the individual or church who will not covenant with Christ). They are thus in violation of the first commandment and therefore treasonous usurpers who will not have the one true king to rule over them. Their laws and actions bare this out, as they refuse to rule by the law of God, but rather, as dupes of Satan, rule by their own autonomous standards. And, though it is their duty to be a terror to evil and promote the good, they, in the main, do the opposite. They protect and support murders (e.g. abortionists), continence and permit perversity (e.g. homosexuality, pornography, etc.), and take no action to establish the Reformed faith (but rather extend constitution rights to all manner of cults, sectarians, satanists and Roman Catholics) -- to name but a few of the more obvious areas of government rebellion against King Jesus. Willson's father's application of the principles put forth in this book are found just below as they related to the United States government specifically. Knox, Rutherford and Gillespie would be proud!" -- Publisher
Civil Government: An Exposition of Romans 13:1-7
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/6/2/civil-government-an-eexposition-of-romans-xiii-1-7
*Wurmbrand, Richard, Marx and Satan, ISBN: 0891073795 9780891073796.
"While Communism portrays itself as a noble endeavor for the good of mankind, and claims an Atheistic view, Wurmbrand exposes its true roots, revealing that Karl Marx and the fathers of the modern Communist/Socialist movements were inspired by the powers of darkness.
"By examining the confessions, writings, and poetry of Marx and his followers, the author demonstrates how the 'prince of darkness' gave these men the 'sword' by which they have terrorized the nations. Wurmbrand proves that this movement is not simply the work of greedy men, hungry for wealth and power, but is 'after the working of Satan' with the intent of destroying mankind. . . .
"The late Reverend Richard Wurmbrand spent 14 years as a prisoner of the Communist government in Rumania, where he was persecuted for his faith in Jesus Christ. His experience led him to spend further years researching Karl Marx and the Communist doctrines he developed. While Communism portrays itself as a noble endeavor for the good of mankind, and claims an Atheistic view, Wurmbrand exposes its true roots, revealing that Karl Marx and the fathers of the modern Communist/Socialist movements were inspired by the powers of darkness." -- Publisher
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), 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, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Church and state, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant of redemption, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, God's deliverance of nations, The national covenant, The solemn league and covenant, 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, Church and state, Sermons preached before governing bodies, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, Treason and impeachment, Christ in you, Justifying faith, Sanctification, The Holy Spirit, Priesthood of believers, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, The teachings of our lord jesus christ, Bible magistracy, Duties of the christian, The one and the many, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Servant leadership, Church leadership, Authority, Leadership, Blasphemy, Menpleasing, Modern myths and fallacies, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Best books, Holiness, Antinomianism, National establishment of religion, The utter failure of the u.s. constitution as a social deed of covenant, Christianity and democracy, State sovereignty and corporate immunity, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Monopoly and anti-trust law enforcement, Treason and impeachment, Christian character, Discipleship, The counter-reformation, Idolatry, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Spiritual warfare, Sexual relationship, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 708, 1165-1168, 1676, 1677, 1789, 2527, 2540-2542, 3419-3421, 4123, 4202
Biblical Test of Character for Candidates for Public Office and all Civil Servants
http://www.lettermen2.com/bibltest.html
Calvin Speaks (Christian Rulers Parts 1 and 2)
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/_newscs.htm
The Choice of a Leader, C.H. Spurgeon
"A sermon delivered on Lord's-day morning, August 1, 1875 by C.H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington," Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Volume 21 (1875), Sermon 1248.
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols19-21/chs1248.pdf
Christians for a "Test Oath"
http://vftonline.org/TestOath/#overview
Table of Contents
http://vftonline.org/TestOath/contents.htm
Church Government
http://www.covenanter.org/subjects-1/2015/6/29/church-government
Civil Government
The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm
Corporate Faithfulness and Sanctification (part 2)
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chb.html
Does Character Count? Rusty Lee Thomas
http://www.mttu.com/elijahmin/Tracts/DOES%20CHARACTER%20COUNT.htm
Free Congress Judicial Selection Monitoring Project (JSMP)
http://www.freecongress.org/centers/lawdemocracy/jsmp/index.htm
Hi-tech Polygraphy as a Means of Broadscale Reform
http://www.lettermen2.com/polytech.html
James Otis on the Rule of Law
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/7947/RuleLaw.html
Legitimate and Illegitimate Authority, Bob Wallace
http://www.lewrockwell.com/wallace/wallace189.html
Nave's Topical Bible -- Commandments
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T1189
Nave's Topical Bible -- Prophecies Concerning Universality of the Kingdom of Christ
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2806
Patrick Henry College
http://www.phc.edu/
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
The Scottish Parliament Bringing the Bible into Scottish politics -- Updated Weekly
http://www.scottishparliament.freeserve.co.uk/
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
Steele, Rev. David (1803-1887)
A brief biography, genealogy, and links.
http://www.mcsr.olemiss.edu/~mudws/family/dsteele.html
The Teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#teachljc
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)The Treasury of David, Psalm 21, C.H. Spurgeon
For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved. (Psalm 21:7)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps021.php
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/psalms-21-7.html
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/21.html
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol08/htm/xxvii.htm"Psalm 101 treats the subject of servant leadership, laying out what a Godly magistrate should look like."
He [David] prepares himself for exercising the government in the best manner. And he not only stirs up himself to perform faithfully the duties of his kingly office by devoutly meditating on this subject, but also engages by a solemn vow to be God's faithful servant . . .
In short, David protests that he will not be like other kings who are infatuated by their own dignity; but that according to the greatness of the charge imposed upon him, he would endeavor wisely to perform his duty. It is to be observed, that he represents wisdom as consisting in a perfect way, or in uprightness. From this we learn that tyrants who employ their talents in forming wicked devices, and who are daily contriving new methods for burdening and oppressing their subjects; in short, who are ingenious only in doing mischief, are not wise towards God. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 101:2 and contextBut of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:20)
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)
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)
We have no power from God unless we live in the persuasion that we have none of our own. -- John Owen (1616-1683)
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)
At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10)
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; 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.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:1-8)Wherefore, in the sense now intended, he is considered as the ordinance, as the servant of God, who raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory. So our faith respects not only his person, but all the acts of his office. It is faith in his blood, Rom. iii. 25. [Romans 3:25] It is the will of God, that we should place our faith and trust in him and them, as the only means of our acceptance with him -- of all grace and glory from him. This is the proper notion of a mediator. So is he not the ultimate object of our faith, wherein it rests, but God through him. Through him have we access by one Spirit unto the Father, Eph. ii. 18. [Ephesians 2:18] So he is the way whereby we go to God, John xiv. 6; see Heb. x. 19-22. [John 14:6; Hebrews 10:19-22] And this also is faith in him; because he is the immediate, though not the ultimate, object of it. Acts xxvi. 18. [Acts 26:18] -- John Owen (1616-1683), The Works of John Owen, Vol. 1, p. 133
Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. (1 Corinthians 10:24)
1 Corinthians 15:24 [1]Then shall be the [2]end, when he hath delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father, when he hath put down [3]all rule, and all authority and power.
15:25 For he must reign [Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:34; Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 10:13] till he hath put all his enemies [1]under his feet.
15:26 The [1]last enemy that shall be destroyed, is death.
15:27 [Psalm 86; Hebrews 2:8] For he hath put down all things under his feet. (And when he saith that all things are subdued to him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put down all things under him.)
15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, [1]then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him, that did subdue all things under him, that [2]God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
1 Corinthians 15:24 (1) The fourth argument, wherewith also he confirmeth the others, hath a most sure ground, to wit, because that God must reign. And this is the manner of his reign, that the Father will be showed to be King in his Son who was made man, to whom all things are made subject (the promiser only except) to the end that the Father may afterward triumph in his Son the conqueror. And he maketh two parts of this reign and dominion of the Son, wherein the Father's glory consisteth: to wit, the overcoming of his enemies (whereof some must be deprived of all power, as Satan and all the wicked, be they never so proud and mighty, and others must be utterly abolished as death) and a plain and full delivery of the godly from all enemies, that by this means God may fully set forth the body of the Church, cleaving fast to their head Christ, his kingdom and glory as a king in his subjects. Moreover he putteth the first degree of this kingdom in the resurrection of the Son, who is the head: and the perfection, in the full conjunction of the members with the head, which shall be in the latter day. Now all these tend to this purpose, to show that unless the dead do rise again, neither the Father can be King above all, neither Christ be Lord of all: for neither should the power of Satan and death be overcome, nor the glory of God be full in his Son, nor his Son in his members.
(2) The shutting up and finishing of all things.
(3) All his enemies which shall be spoiled of all the power they have.
15:25 (1) Christ is considered here, as he appeared in the form of a servant, in which respect he ruleth the Church as head, and that because this power was given him of his Father.
15:26 (1) The shutting up of the argument, which is taken from the whole to the part: for if all his enemies shall be put under his feet, then must it needs be that death also shall be subdued under him.
15:28 (1) Not because the Son was not subject to his Father before, but because his body, that is to say, the Church which is here in distress, and not yet wholly partaker of his glory, is not yet fully perfect, and also because the bodies of the saints which be in the graves shall not be glorified until the resurrection: but Christ as he is God, hath us subject to him as his Father hath, but as he is Priest, he is subject to his father together with us. Augustine, book 1, chap. 8, of the Trinity.
(2) By this high kind of speech, is set forth an incomprehensible glory which floweth from God, and shall fill all of us, as we are joined together with our head, but yet so, that our head shall always reserve his preeminence. -- 1599 Geneva Bible annotation for 1 Corinthians 15:24-28See the Theological Notes: "Pleasing God," at 1 Thessalonians 2:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
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)
In Deuteronomy 17 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)
In this verse he [David] shows that it was not so much his own welfare as the welfare of the whole Church which was the object of his concern, and that he neither lived nor reigned for himself, but for the common good of the people. He well knew that he was appointed king for no other end. . . . The Scriptures often designate David by the name of a shepherd; but he himself assigns that office to God, thus confessing that he [David] is altogether unfit for it, save only in as far as he is God's minister. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 28:9 and context
See Isaiah 40:1 -- Isaiah 55:13 and annotations 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.
Quotations From Isaiah 53 and References in the New Testament
Isaiah 53:1-12 -- Luke 24:27,46; 1 Peter 1:11,
Isaiah 53:1 -- John 12:38; Romans 10:16,
Isaiah 53:2 -- Matthew 2:23,
Isaiah 53:3 -- Mark 9:12,
Isaiah 53:4 -- Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24,
Isaiah 53:4-5 -- Romans 4:25,
Isaiah 53:5 -- Matthew 26:67; 1 Peter 2:24,
Isaiah 53:5-6 -- Acts 10:43,
Isaiah 53:6 -- 1 Peter 2:25,
Isaiah 53:6-7 -- John 1:29,
Isaiah 53:7 -- Matthew 26:63; Matthew 27:12,14; Mark 14:60-61; Mark 15:4-5; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 2:23; Revelation 5:6,12; Revelation 13:8,
Isaiah 53:7-8 (Septuagint) -- Acts 8:32-33,
Isaiah 53:8-9 -- 1 Corinthians 15:3,
Isaiah 53:9 -- Matthew 26:24; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5; Revelation 14:5,
Isaiah 53:11 -- Romans 5:19,
Isaiah 53:12 -- Matthew 27:38; Luke 22:37; Luke 23:33-34; Hebrew 9:28; 1 Peter 2:24. -- The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, Vol. 5, p. 15See the Theological Notes: "Christians in the World," at Colossians 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:12)
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)
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)You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave -- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:25-28)
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. (2 Corinthians 4:5)
Men must be governed by God, or they will be governed by tyrants. -- William Penn
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
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.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:4-15)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)To [James] Thornwell, the real issue is not the relation between states and the church, but the relation between states and Christ. Although Thornwell opposed the establishment of a single denomination over another, he clearly supported a Christian government: "The state realizes its religious character through the religious character of its subjects; and a state is and ought to be Christian, because all its subjects are and ought to be determined by the principles of the gospel." [Thornwell, "National Sins," p. 517]. To this point, states must acknowledge Jesus Christ. Thornwell insisted that it is not enough for a state "to acknowledge in general terms the supremacy of God; it must also acknowledge in general terms the supremacy of His Son." Jesus "is the ruler of the nations, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords." [Thornwell, "Relation of the State to Christ," p. 554]. Thornwell argued that "religion of the state is embodied in its constitution," and that it is legitimate for the state to have a religion (i.e., Christianity). Neutrality is impossible. . . . Further, the state must mold its institutions in conformance with Christian principles.
Although Thornwell sought less protection of the church than did the Covenanters, their beliefs regarding this topic are not inconsistent. They both held the state accountable as a moral agent to recognize Christ as king and to protect Christianity. Thornwell, like Christ, focused his attack on the false church, not the errant state, for Christ's zeal is for the house of the Lord. Exclusively attacking the externals of civil society was not the way of our Lord when on this earth; however, his silence is not an endorsement.
Thornwell contended that the gospel is the only solution for the state. Therefore, Christians should avoid conflicts that distract from the primary object of Christianity. The power of the gospel is the only force that can change the inner man and eventually transform the outer world. These changes can only take place in the context of the church, and reformation must begin with God's people. -- Edwin Nisbet Moore from the conclusion to Our Covenant Heritage: The Covenanters' Struggle for Unity in Truth, p. 351Against the totalitarianism of the pagan world empires, Christ taught the limitation of state power and the separation of church and state: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's (Matthew 22:21). Neither Caesar nor any other mere man was pontifex maximus. Christ himself was the way, the truth, and the life, the only mediator between God and man (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). He explicitly denied the political theory and practice of the pagans: You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise dominion over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant (Matthew 20:25-26). Christ demanded that rulers -- both civil and ecclesiastical -- serve, not control, the people. He outlined a limited role for civil government, not as the shaper of souls, as in pagan philosophies, but simply as the punisher of criminals. He founded a church whose government was representative and republican, whose officers were elected by the people, and whose constitution -- the Bible -- was written. Inspired by his words, the American Founders made their plans for a new Republic, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.(13)
The early Christians, condemned by pagans such as Celsus and Porphyry(14) as stupid, foolish, and superstitious, were not killed for their stupidity, but because they rejected the highest value of pagan society: worship of the totalitarian state in the person of the Emperor. The Christians rejected Aristotle ("The state is the highest of all. Citizens belong to the state"), and believed Christ. Christ, in dying for the salvation of individual men, exalted both the individual and God. God is eternal and men are immortal; nations and rulers come and go with surprising rapidity, but individual souls live forever. Rome is not an eternal city; only individual men enjoy everlasting life.
Christ taught that man was a creature of God and the lord of creation. Man's ancestry was not animal, but divine, and the Earth was made for man. Individual men were immortal; what they believed and did on Earth would have eternal consequences. After death, they did not descend into some shadowland, but each was required to give an account of his life to his maker and judge. All men were equal before God and his law, and each man would be judged individually. The classes of ancient society -- the nobles, the proletariat, the slaves, the citizens, the men, the women, the Jews, the barbarians -- meant nothing to God. In the new Christian faith, 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus' (Galatians 3:8).
Christ's kingdom grows only by persuasion, never by coercion(15) -- it is a republic of knowledge, truth, and doctrine, not an empire of dominion, compulsion, or violence -- and it has taken centuries for some Christian ideas to be understood and believed. Nevertheless, as the anguished wailing of Friedrich Nietzsche in the nineteenth century so clearly indicates, the absorption of Christian ideas has been widespread, though far from complete. -- John W. Robbins in Christ and CivilizationWe 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 PrayerThe most basic question is not what is best, but who shall decide what is best. -- Thomas Sowell
*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling, 202 pages, ISBN: 1889032468 9781889032467.
See the subject "Ministry," and so forth, and so on.
"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, 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
Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
Autry, James A., The Servant Leader: How to Build a Creative Team, Develop Great Morale, and Improve Bottom-line Performance, ISBN: 1400054737 9781400054732.
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Poor Man's Family Book: 1. Teaching him how to Become a True Christian, 2. How to Live as a Christian, Towards God, Himself and Others, in all his Relations, Especially in His Family, 3. How to die as a Christian in Hope and Comfort, and so to be Glorified With Christ for Ever: In Plain Familiar Conferences Between a Teacher and a Learner. Available in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4.
*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
Blanchard, Kenneth H., and Phil Hodges, Lead Like Jesus: Lessons From the Greatest Leadership Role Model of all Time, ISBN: 9781400314201 1400314208.
" 'The more I read the Bible, the more evident it becomes that everything I have ever taught or written about effective leadership over the past 25 years, Jesus did to perfection. He is simply the greatest leadership role model of all time'." -- Ken Blanchard
"Effective leadership -- whether on the job, in the community, at church or in the home -- starts on the inside. Before you can hope to lead anyone else, you have to know who you are. Every leader must answer two critical questions: Whose are you going to be? Who are you going to be? One deals with your relationship to Christ. The other with your life purpose.
"With simple yet profound principles from the life of Jesus, and dozens of stories and leadership examples from his life experiences, veteran author, speaker and leadership expert Ken Blanchard, guides readers through the process of discovering how to lead like Jesus. It really could be described as the process of aligning two internal domains-the heart and the head-and two external domains, the hands and the habits. These four dimensions of leadership form the outline for this very practical and transformational book." -- Publisher
"Ken Blanchard is the Chief Spiritual Officer of the Ken Blanchard Companies, a full-service management consulting and training company that he and his wife, Margie, founded in 1979. Ken co-authored THE ONE MINUTE MANAGER with Spencer Johnson that has sold more than ten million copies and been translated into more than twenty-five languages. Some of his recent books are: LEAD LIKE JESUS: LESSONS FROM THE GREATEST LEADERSHIP ROLE MODEL OF ALL TIME, LEADING AT A HIGHER LEVEL, RAVING FANS, GUNG HO, LEADERSHIP BY THE BOOK, WHALE DONE!, THE GENEROSITY FACTOR and THE ONE MINUTE APOLOGY. Ken is one of today's most sought-after authors, speakers and business consultants, and he is the co-founder and Chairman of the National Advisory Board of Lead Like Jesus, a non-profit ministry committed to inspiring and equipping people to Lead Like Jesus. Ken has degrees from Cornell University, where he also serves as a trustee emeritus and visiting lecturer." -- Lead Like Jesus website
Lead Like Jesus
http://www.faithwalkleadership.com/templates/System/default.asp?id=36749
Blanchard, Kenneth H., and Phil Hodges, The Servant Leader: Transforming Your Heart, Head, Hands, and Habits, ISBN: 0849996597 9780849996597.
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)
Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Saints God's Servants and His Property. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON, volumes 1-12, (9:439-81). Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #6.
*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), The Sufferings and Glories of the Messiah: An Exposition of Psalm XVIII, and Isaiah LII 13-LIII 12, [Psalm 18; Isaiah 52:13 -- Isaiah 53:12], ISBN: 0801007925 9780801007927. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Cant, Andrew (1590?-1663), A Sermon Preached After the Renovation of the National Covenant, and Celebration of the Lord's Supper, at Glasgow, Anno. 1638. Alternate title: A SERMON PREACHED AT A GENERAL MEETING IN THE GRAY-FRIAR-CHURCH OF EDINBURGH, UPON THE 13 DAY OF JUNE, 1638, and THE NATIONAL COVENANT. SERMON AT GLASGOW (1638). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Preaching of Matthew 22:2-6, immediately after the renovation of the National Covenant and the administration of the Lord's Supper, Andrew Cant pointed out that ministers are servants, not lords over the flock of God:
'We are servants and not lords. I see never a word in this text, nay, in all the scripture that the Master of the feast sent out lords to woo home his bride; He "sent out His servants," but not His lords. Read all the Bible from the beginning to the ending, you shall not find it. Daft men may dispute, and by respect may carry it away; but read all the Old and New Testament both, and let me see if ever this lord prelate, or that lord bishop, was sent to woo home his bride'." -- Andrew Cant, "The National Covenant. Sermon at Glasgow (1638)" in James Kerr (editor), The Covenants and the Covenanters: covenants, sermons, and documents of the Covenanted Reformation, p. 94
*Durham, James (1622-1658), Christ Crucified: or, The Marrow of the Gospel, evidently holden forth in seventy two sermons on the whole fifty third chapter of Isaiah. . . . by . . . Mr. James Durham, . . . The fifth edition, carefully corrected Edinburgh, 1726. [Isaiah 53] Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Christ the Example of Ministers. In THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS, (2:960-65).
Fuller, Andrew (1754-1815), Importance of Union of Public and Private Interests in the Service of God. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER (1:469-74).
*Hall, David W., Savior or Servant? Putting Government in its Place, ISBN: 0965036715 9780965036719.
"SAVIOR OR SERVANT? is the single best volume of Christian thinking on the issue of the increasingly intrusive state . . . Theology at its very best: orthodox, relevant, and provocative." -- George Grant
"SAVIOR OR SERVANT? PUTTING GOVERNMENT IN ITS PLACE is an attempt to define the role of the state: Shall it be a minister or a Messiah? Using ancient but timeless information, David W. Hall has surveyed the Bible and arrived at a coherent theology of the state. This study succeeds in identifying the responsibilities that the civil state is mandated to do, permitted to do, and prohibited from doing. Along the way, it is discovered that all political schemes and issues are fraught with theological value. Moreover, the most enduring grid to keep government in its rightful place is found in the Bible. Drawing upon thousands of verses and hundreds of thinkers, this volume is comprehensive yet readable. Theologians from Augustine to Calvin and from Aquinas to Barth are studied and presented in a non-technical manner. The Christian who is interested in politics should absorb these summaries before launching out into unstudied political activism. Rather than adopting a politics-as-usual posture, Hall challenges partisans from the right and from the left. He summons Christians to the old paths, which God's Word has occupied for centuries. Discussed in these chapters are perennial matters of practical importance, such as: taxation; resistance to evil governments; methods of influence; the escalation of rights; limited government; moral qualities for leaders; separation of powers. This book will provide excellent fodder for discussion and guidance. It returns spiritual principles to their place, while seeking to put government in its proper place.
"SAVIOR OR SERVANT? is a revival of a classic approach to limited government. In a time when nations are finally beginning to shrink bloated governments, a surprising source commends itself as an able assistant in reform. The scriptural view of the state, removed from the varied fads of political science, provides an enduring perspective by which to measure all states. This study begins with a survey of biblical teaching on pressing matters of state today. Following the contours of the Old and New Testaments, SAVIOR OR SERVANT? calls all levels of government to a servant posture, rather than allowing officials to dominate. A historical tracing of the best and most pertinent that theology has to offer on the subject is contained in these pages." -- Publisher
Hunter, James C., The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership, ISBN: 0761513698 9780761513698.
Hunter, James C., The World's Most Powerful Leadership Principle: How to Become a Servant Leader, ISBN: 140005334X 9781400053346.
"This recent book is a clear articulation of servant leadership." -- Alan Huntington
Jennings, Ken, The Serving Leader: 5 Powerful Actions That Will Transform Your Team, Your Business, and Your Community, ISBN: 1576752658 9781576752654.
Kahl, Jack, Leading From the Heart: Choosing to Be a Servant Leader, ISBN: 0975864106 9780975864104.
*Lindsey, Franklin Duane, The Servant Song: A Study in Isaiah, ISBN: 0802440932 9780802440938.
"Expounds the Servant Songs of Isaiah in such a way as to provide students of God's Word with the clearest and most complete picture of Christ in the Old Testament. Lindsey's contribution is balanced and well reasoned. Preachers will find this volume to be invaluable." -- Cyril J. Barber
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, Calvin, The Empowered Leader: 10 Keys to Servant Leadership, ISBN: 0805411453 9780805411454.
"You will learn ten valuable keys to the life of a servant leader, which include: fostering an honest servant image; learning the art of self-perception; networking; vision; decision making; defining, structuring, and motivating; the politics of grace and the abuse of power; and coping with difficult people. The book is not just geared for pastors, but for any leader wanting to lead from a Christian worldview. I recommend THE EMPOWERED LEADER to all God called leaders." -- Reader's Comment
Miller, Darrow L., and Stan Guthrie, Discipling Nations: The Power of Truth to Transform Cultures, ISBN: 1576580156 9781576580158.
"In DISCIPLING NATIONS, Darrow Miller walks us through the ever-unfolding nature of the relationship between God and man-the Scriptures-revealing a very clear, evidential and logical Development Ethic that can only be understood, and therefore, realized, in the context of the Biblical worldview. Unveiling the other prevailing worldviews, Miller exposes the inevitable implications and consequences they have on human development and boldly builds a case for intolerance of these lies -- lies that impoverish individual souls and entire nations.
"Having implications not only upon Relief and Development, DISCIPLING NATIONS is a must-read for every Christian! Pastors, Counselors, Educators, Scientists, Mathematicians, Physicists, Astronomers and Technologists, as well as Christian Fundamentalists and Apologist, can all derive benefit from the continuity and comprehensiveness of this book. I think they will find many ground-breaking, certainly thought-provoking, and, hopefully, transformational, Truths and ideas, that, to this point, and for many reasons, have not yet had the impact that God intended on their lives and/or their vocations. Such has been the case for me. For others, especially those already engaged in Relief and Development work, it will be controversial -- challenging their worldviews and calling for the transformation of their own minds before even considering developing others." -- Reader's Comment
*Mudge, Lewis S., In His Service: The Servant Lord and His Servant People.
Rardin, Richard, The Servant's Guide to Leadership: Beyond First Principles, ISBN: 1589300149 9781589300149.
"THE SERVANT'S GUIDE TO LEADERSHIP takes a fresh look at leadership in the church. Here you'll find solid Biblical principles matched by practical and personal applications. You'll be encouraged to take specific steps to deal with issues of the heart, and then to apply the principles to personal leadership approaches. The Servant's Guide to Leadership, especially when complemented by the workbook, BECOMING A SERVANT SHEPHERD LEADER, is an excellent resource for taking staff and lay leaders through an eight week study and application of biblical principles for leading.
"Richard Rardin brings over thirty years of experience in Fortune 500 companies developing and coaching leaders. But it is his unswerving commitment to the biblical message of leadership that has shaped his ministry and writing. In 1998, he launched Servant Shepherd Ministries to call local churches and parachurch organizations back to the biblical standard of Christ-centered leadership.
"He resides in Newtown, Connecticut with his wife and two children where he also serves in a variety of leadership roles at Walnut Hill Community Church in neighboring Bethel, CT.
"Rardin holds a BA degree from Wake Forest University, an MA from Northern Illinois University and an M.S. degree in Organizational Behavior from California American University, where he studied with Paul Hersey, Ken Blanchard, and Marshall Goldsmith." -- Publisher
Richards, Lawrence O., and Clyde Hoeldtke, A Theology of Church Leadership, ISBN: 0310520916 9780310520917.
"This seminal assessment of the needs of the church denounces authoritarian and secular methods of managerial leadership and stresses, instead, the authority of the Word, submission to Christ as the true Head, and servant leadership, which is dynamically different from the usual methodologies practiced by many 'shepherds' today." -- Cyril J. Barber
Rinehart, Stacy T., Upside Down: The Paradox of Servant Leadership, ISBN: 1576830799 9781576830796.
Scipione, George, Timothy, Titus and you: A Workbook for Church Leaders, ISBN: 0916034011 9780916034016.
"Reprint of Scipione's 1975 book. A tool for training elders that forces them to confront the Scriptures in personalized detail. Nine lessons work through the elder's calling, prayer life, relationship to women, qualifications for office, challenge to discernment, management of God's household, discipline of others, wisdom in biblical counseling, and charge to faithfulness." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
Institute of Biblical Counseling and Discipleship (formerly CCEF West)
http://www.ibcd.org/
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The one Foundation, a sermon.
Preaching on the text For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)
Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, 1879, Sermon 1494.
"As churches we are not legislators, but subjects; it is not for us to frame constitutions, invent offices, and decree rites and ceremonies, but we are to take everything out of the mouth of Christ, and to do what he bids us, as he bids us, and when he bids us. Parliaments and kings have no authority whatever in the church, but Christ alone rules therein. If any portion of a church be not based upon Christ it is a mere deforming addition to the plan of the great Architect, and mars the temple which God has built, and not man. What a blessed thing it is to feel that you belong to a church which has a rock under it, because it is constituted by Christ's authority. We feel safe in following an ordinance which is of his commanding, but we should tremble if we had only custom and human authority for it. . . .
"When sermons are preached without so much as the mention of Christ's name, it takes more than charity, it requires you to tell a lie to say 'That was a Christian sermon;' and if any people find their joy in a teaching which casts the Lord Jesus into the background, they are not his church, or else such teaching would be an abomination to them. . . .
"All the decrees of popes and councils, all the resolutions of assemblies, synods, presbyteries, and associations, and all the ordinances of men as individuals, however great they be, when they are all put together, if they at all differ from the law of Christ, are mere wind and waste paper, nay, worse, they are treasonable insults to the majesty of King Jesus. Those who build apart from the authority of Christ build off of the foundation, and their fabric will fall. There is no law and no authority in a true church but that of Christ himself; we who are his ministers are his servants and the servants of the church, and not lords or lawmakers. To his law a faithful church brings all things as to the sure test. As churches we are not legislators, but subjects; it is not for us to frame constitutions, invent offices, and decree rites and ceremonies, but we are to take everything out of the mouth of Christ, and to do what he bids us, as he bids us, and when he bids us. Parliaments and kings have no authority whatever in the church, but Christ alone rules therein.
"Let us put this, our first point, in a few sentences. It is not the union of men with men that makes a church if Jesus Christ be not the centre and the bond of the union. The best of men may come into bonds of amity, and they may form a league, or a federation, for good and useful purposes, but they are not a church unless Jesus Christ be the basis upon which they rest. He must be the ground and foundation of the hope of each and of all." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols25-27/chs1494.pdf
Turner, William B., The Learning of Love: A Journey Toward Servant Leadership, ISBN: 1573123110 9781573123112.
Watson, Robert A., The Most Effective Organization in the U.S.: Leadership Secrets of the Salvation Army, ISBN: 060960869X 9780609608692.
"Most of us know the Salvation Army from its fund raising efforts and philanthropic programs, but the $2 billion-a-year transcontinental institution, now serving more than 30 million people with a vastly underpaid and overworked staff, is also a model business structure. Under a title taken from the description applied to it by management guru Peter Drucker, THE MOST EFFECTIVE ORGANIZATION in the U.S. outlines the fundamental tenets that the group has prospered under since its founding in the mid- to late 1800s. Written by former National Commander Robert A. Watson and freelancer Ben Brown, the book details eight principles that allow the Army to do so much with so little: focus on 'a purpose that transcends quarterly earnings;' make 'what you do serve human needs;' stay publicly accountable to visible standards; encourage feedback and act upon it; 'invest real power and real responsibility' in top personnel; 'accept the inevitability of change;' take calculated risks; and motivate employees by ensuring their jobs are both valuable and enjoyable. Some readers may not be comfortable with the organization's overt ties to Christian teachings, but few can argue with the success it consistently enjoys." -- Howard Rothman
"According to Watson, the central tenet of The Salvation Army's leadership effectiveness is to, 'engage the spirit'." -- Reader's Comment
Wilkes, C. Gene, Jesus on Leadership: Becoming a Servant Leader, ISBN: 0805493506 9780805493504.
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, The holy bible, The ten commandments: the moral law, Reform of the church, Church and state, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Background, foundation, and history of the covenanted reformation of scotland, The scottish covenanted reformation, Servant leadership, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sermons preached before governing bodies, Authority, Power, Power religion, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The all-sufficiency of christ, The teachings of our lord jesus christ, Christ's influence on western civilization, History, "his-story," The person and work of christ (christology), Christ our example, The blood of christ, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, The commandments of christ, The promises of christ, Self-denial, Manhood, Justifying faith, Forgiveness, Prayer, Intercessory prayer, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), The local church, Prayer, Intercessory prayer, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 603, 2075, 3240, 3895, 3901, 4123
MGTP: Service, Ministry (Pastoral), Love (Toward Men)
Servant Leadership School
"The Servant Leadership School is an ecumenical center for theological reflection and spiritual formation located in Washington, DC.
"Our mission is to nurture, equip, and embolden individuals and communities to GROW into the likeness of Jesus Christ, DISCOVER God's purpose for their lives, and RESPOND in faith and through sacrificial action."
http://www.slschool.org/
The Treasury of David, Psalm 10, C.H. Spurgeon
The Lord is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land. (Psalm 10:16)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps010.php
The Way to Honour a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon.
Preaching on the text Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured (Proverbs 27:18), Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, 1873, Sermon 1118.
But now we shall speak of a higher Master, who was never unfaithful to a servant yet, and never will be; and we shall speak of a superior service, which brings to those who are engaged in it the highest possible degree of honour. Blessed are they who are servants of the King of kings. Happy is he who takes even the lowest place, and fulfills the meanest office for the Lord Jesus, if any service can be mean that is rendered to our all-glorious Immanuel. . . .
"It is ours, also, if we are servants, to obey the Master willingly and for love of his person. The text says, 'He that waiteth upon his master shall be honoured.' Suppose I, as a minister, know something to be God's will, yet, nevertheless, attend to it with the view of serving you and doing you good as God's church; I shall possibly receive honour from you whom I serve, but that is not the honour which a Christian minister ought to seek. The church is not his master; his Master is in heaven, and if he desires real honour, he must earn it by waiting upon his Master for his Master's sake. . . ."
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols19-21/chs1118.pdf
Deuteronomy 11:22-32. See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.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
Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: (Psalm 83:17)
If wicked men will not bend, then let them break, for it cannot be that all the rights of men and all the laws of God should be set aside to give liberty to unholy minds. If truth and holiness cannot live except bad men be put down, then down let them go. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting in Spurgeon's Devotional BibleUnder the guise of various rhetorical devices, American jurists are more and more openly taking power into their hands. Robert H. Bork, when he was Federal Court of Appeals Judge, described the situation well when he said of constitutional interpretation, "What we get then is neither constitutional law nor moral philosophy but simplistic and idiosyncratic legislation by judges that claim the finality accorded to constitutional law." The "net effect" of this, says Bork, is "simply to free judges from restraints many of them would otherwise feel bound to honor" and to produce a malaise of "unguided and expanding judicial power." -- Virginia Armstrong and Michael Farris, editors, The Christian World View of Law
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.
Blackstone, Sir William, with essays by William Bentley Ball, John Brabner-Smith, J. Robert Brame, III, Neil Markva, J. Shelby Sharpe, and Herbert W. Titus, The Laws of Nature and Nature's God: The Ultimate Law.
"According to the great early American statesman, George Mason, 'The laws of nature are the laws of God, whose authority can be superseded by no power on earth.' THE ULTIMATE LAW reprints Blackstone's key words concerning the true source and nature of law for man and society . . . and presents a collection of excellent essays by six prominent Christian attorneys who delve into the facts concerning the higher law." -- Plymouth Rock Foundation
Butler, Paul, What the Bible Says About Civil Government, ISBN: 0899002668 9780899002668.
Calvin, John (1509-1564), Calvin's Commentary on Hosea
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion/calvhose.htm
*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
Dabney, Robert Lewis (1820-1898), Vindicatory Justice Essential to God. In DISCUSSIONS: EVANGELICAL AND THEOLOGICAL, (1:466-81). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
DeJong, Norman, Christianity and Democracy.
"He will convince you that democracy is foreign to, and is the enemy of Christianity. And in that you will see why the Christians are again facing the lion's den, being overwhelmed by the democratic society that does not consent to their rule, or even to their peaceful existence." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
De Jong, Norman, Christianity vs. Democracy
(Westminster Media), An audio file.
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), The Works of George Gillespie, 2 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'Gillespie was one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly. One of the great theologians of all time -- almost singlehandedly steering this august Assembly at certain points. As Hetherington notes, 'in all those debates no person took a more active part, or gained more distinction than George Gillespie,' though he was the youngest man there. Furthermore, Hetherington calls him a 'genius of the highest order,' and writes that his work 'dazzled and astonished his countrymen.' He 'held an undisputed position among the foremost of the distinguished men by whose talents and energy the Church of Scotland was delivered from the prelatic despotism' of that day. This rare work contains Gillespie's personal notes during the Westminster Assembly and A DISPUTE AGAINST ENGLISH POPISH CEREMONIES. A DISPUTE AGAINST ENGLISH POPISH CEREMONIES is a rare classic on Reformed worship, taking on all the arguments related to the use of man-made ceremonies in worship. Burned by the Prelates (Episcopalians) just after it first appeared in 1637, this masterful defense of the regulative principle has yet to be answered (by those that oppose God's sovereignty in worship). It ably, and in a detailed manner, refutes the old errors of Prelacy and Romanism -- many of which are being resurrected in our day by writers like James Jordan. (and others abandoning historic Presbyterian [i.e. Biblical] worship). Gillespie's practical 'TREATISE OF MISCELLANY QUESTIONS,' contains 22 chapters. Topics dealt with range from: whether prophets and prophesying continued beyond the primitive church (answered in the negative); whether a sound heart and an unsound head can consist together; what are heresies and what is their purpose; are infants to be baptized; should the civil government attach a negative sanction to not swearing to the Solemn League and Covenant (against one aspect of Theonomy); etc. These WORKS also contains a memoir of Gillespie's life and writings, written by Hetherington, Gillespie's sermons before the house of commons, and much more!" -- Publisher
*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.
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if the Bible had Never Been Written? ISBN: 0785271546 9780785271543.
"Following its predecessor, WHAT IF JESUS HAD NEVER BEEN BORN, WHAT IF THE BIBLE HAD NEVER BEEN WRITTEN is a veritable compendium of the major accomplishments of the western world. D. James Kennedy demonstrates quite capably that many of the most fundamental stages of advancement for mankind over the last 2000 years began with the impetus of people whose lives were influenced by the Holy Scriptures. The book reads easily and keeps the attention of the reader as the author moves from one aspect of human development to another. He also explodes some myths along the way with clear and concise excerpts from personal letters, writings and biographies of the individuals about whom he writes. All in all, I would recommend this book to those who question the validity and potency of the Bible and to those who need to bolster their faith and resolve in the Book of books." -- Reader's Comment
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born? The Positive Impact of Christianity in History, ISBN: 0785271783 9780785271789.
Hospitals, universities, literacy and education, capitalism and free-enterprise, representative government, separation of political powers, justice and common law, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, and so forth can all be attributed to Christianity.
*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
*McFetridge, N.S., Calvinism in History. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A splendid book." -- Loraine Boettner
"The rich Reformation heritage of truth and freedom is set forth in four chapters: 1. Calvinism as a Political Force, 2. Calvinism as a Political Force in the History of the USA, 3. Calvinism as a Moral Force, 4. Calvinism as an Evangelizing Force." -- Publisher
"Arminianism, taking to an aristocratic form of church government, tend toward a monarchy in civil affairs, while Calvinism, taking to a republican form of church government, tends toward a democracy in civil affairs."
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. . . ."Publisher
"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
Paisley, Ian R.K., Paisley's Protest Against Popery in Parliament. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Paisley, a Presbyterian minister and member of the European Parliament, gives a classic example of what it means to stand for Christ in all areas of life (especially politics). Though he was slandered and vilified in the secular press; kicked, punched and ultimately expelled from parliament; attacked on radio and television; Paisley maintained a valiant Protestant testimony in exposing the present Pope (from his seat in Parliament). This tape includes Paisley's fascinating radio debate with an ecumenical churchmen, and other 'fallout' in the secular media related to his faithful testimony denouncing Pope John Paul II. Furthermore, it contains Paisley own defense of his actions in a dynamite sermon that reveals Papal duplicity and modern day persecution of Protestants by Roman Catholics." -- 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."
*Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Money, Freedom and the Bible.
"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." A lecture given at the Gold Standard Corporation Conference, August 1989.
*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.*Rushdoony, R.J. (1916-2001), The Nature of the American System. Available through Exodus Books.
"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
*Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Salvation and Godly Rule, ISBN: 999144789X. Available through Exodus Books.
"The Christian is commissioned to bring all things into captivity to Christ. Godly rule in our personal, family, social, vocation, political, and economic life is a consequence of salvation. Includes 72 short chapters, over 500 pages." -- GCB
*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
*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
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), George Gillespie, and many others (compiled by Martin A. Foulner), Theonomy and the Westminster Confession: An Annotated Sourcebook (1997). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A compilation of rare citations taken from Puritans, Covenanters, Reformers and others bearing on questions related to God's law, its application to society and the question of negative civil sanctions. Illustrates, on one hand, where the modern Theonomists agree with the older Reformed writers, but on the other hand, clearly shows where the Reconstructionists have fallen short of the historic testimony given by the best Reformed Divines. A great deal of research has gone into this title and quotations are taken from a number of very rare and hard to find books. Sections from the works of Rutherford and Gillespie alone cover pages 11-26. Durham, Dickson, Ferguson, Brown, the London Covenanters (of the Westminster Assembly), Burroughs, Shields, Jenkyn, Usher, Knox, Luther, Calvin, Bullinger, Bucer, Perkins, Shepard, Ridgeley, Dabney, Thornwell, and a host of others all appear in the useful reference manual." -- 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."
*Tocqueville, Alexis de, Democracy in America, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0060915226.
Translated by Henry Reeve and revised by Francis Bowen. Edited by Philip Bradley
"Tocqueville in the early part of the 19th century was commissioned by the French government to travel throughout the United States in order to discover the secret of the astounding success of this experiment in democracy. . . . A classic of political and sociological reporting and analysis . . ." -- Publisher
Democracy in America
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/DETOC/home.html
*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:
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, 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 ten commandments: the moral law, Bible magistracy, Trusting god, Idolatry, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Treason and impeachment, Monopoly and anti-trust law enforcement, Monetary policy, The destruction of american liberty, Punishment, The works of samuel rutherford, The works of george gillespie, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Sin, The theology of freedom, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 945, 946, 795, 1368-1375, 1630, 2553-2565, 3047, 3048, 3091, 3355
Judicial Accountability Initiative Law (Jail) 4 Judges
"The Judicial Accountability Initiative Law, J.A.I.L., is a single-issue national grassroots organization designed to end the rampant and pervasive judicial corruption in the legal system of the United States. J.A.I.L. recognizes this can be achieved only through making the Judicial Branch of government answerable and accountable to an entity other than itself. At this time it isn't, resulting in the judiciary's arbitrary abuse of the doctrine of judicial immunity, leaving the People without recourse when their inherent rights are violated by judges."
http://www.jail4judges.org/
*Judicial Watch
http://www.judicialwatch.org
Justifying Faith
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#justfaith
Political Polytheism, part 4, a sermon by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1160518292
In Deuteronomy 17 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)And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment. (Ezra 7:26)
Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. (Isaiah 49:22-23)
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
He now subjoins the punishment of such as should creep in under the name of a prophet to draw away the people into rebellion. . . . those who are the authors of apostasy, and so who pluck up religion by the roots. . . . no pardon could be granted to such impious contempt, since God had abundantly proved the glory of His Godhead by the miracle of their redemption, and had manifested His will in the Law. . . .
Thus, whilst their severity is preposterous who defend superstitions with the sword, so also in a well constituted polity, profane men are by no means to be tolerated, by whom religion is subverted. . . .
What insolence is this! As to their denial that the truth of God stands in need of such support, it is very true; but what is the meaning of this madness, in imposing a law upon God, that He should not make use of the obedience of magistrates in this respect? And what avails it to question about the necessity of this, since so it pleases God? God might, indeed, do without the assistance of the sword in defending religion; but such is not His will. And what wonder if God should command magistrates to be the avengers of His glory, when He neither wills nor suffers that thefts, fornications, and drunkenness should be exempt from punishment. . . . Finally, the magistracy, if its own authority be assailed, shall take severe vengeance upon that contempt; and shall it suffer the profanation of God's holy name to be unavenged? What can be more monstrous! But it is superfluous to contend by argument, when God has once pronounced what is His will, for we must needs abide by His inviolable decree. . . .
Nor was it causelessly that Paul, when he enjoins prayers to be made for kings and other worldly rulers, added the reason that under them we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:2.) Christ, indeed as He is meek, would also, I confess, have us to be imitators of His gentleness, but that does not prevent pious magistrates from providing for the tranquillity and safety of the Church by their defense of godliness; since to neglect this part of their duty, would be the greatest perfidy and cruelty. And assuredly nothing can be more base than, when we see wretched souls drawn away to eternal destruction by reason of the impunity conceded to impious, wicked, and perverse impostors, to count the salvation of those souls for nothing. . . ." -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 13:5 and contextWe must remember what I have elsewhere stated, that the priests were not armed with tyrannical authority, so that it was sinful to reject whatever they might have decreed according to their own fancy. For neither did God dethrone Himself when He appointed them, nor did He bind men's consciences to obey their ordinances without distinction, but only would put reins on the audacity of those who have no scruple in undervaluing the government of the Church. . . . God was the author of the priesthood: He, too, ordained judges. What could be more absurd than that they should be despised and laughed at with impunity, who presided in the name and by the command of God? But He has never exalted a mortal man so high as to abdicate His own rights. . . . In fine, the priests of old were to be obeyed, as far as it concerned the public peace that the pastors ordained by God should be reverently honored; yet so as that there should be no departure from God Himself, the one Head and Prince of all pastors. . . .
And, assuredly, when He commands that the whole people should be inspired with terror, it is a hint that, unless presumption should be corrected, and the bold and wicked should be restrained by severe discipline, the door would be opened to them to destroy the Church. . . . -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 17:12,13 and context1 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 editionCalvin taught that the office of civil magistrate was the highest "calling" that a Christian man could receive. (Institutes, IV:20:4) -- W. Gary Crampton in What Calvin Says
The magistracy is ordained by God
The Lord has not only testified that the office of magistrate is approved by and acceptable to him, but he also sets out its dignity with the most honorable titles and marvelously commends it to us.(13) To mention a few: Since those who serve as magistrate are called "gods" [Ex. 22:8; Ps. 82:1,6], [Exodus 22:8; Psalm 82:1,6], let no one think that their being so-called is of slight importance. For it signifies that they have a mandate from God, have been invested with divine authority, and are wholly God's representatives, in a manner, acting as his vicegerents. This is no subtlety of mine, but Christ's explanation. "If Scripture," he says, "called them gods to whom the word of God came . . ." [John 13:35]. What is this, except that God has entrusted to them the business of serving him in their office, and (as Moses and Jehoshaphat said to the judges whom they appointed in every city of Judah) of exercising judgment not for Man but for God [Deut. 1:16-17; II Chron. 19:6]? [Deuteronomy 1:16-17; 2 Chronicles 19:6]. To the same purpose is what God's wisdom affirms through Solomon's mouth, that it is his doing "that kings reign, and counselors decree what is just, that princes exercise dominion, and all benevolent judges of the earth" [Prov. 8:14-16], [Proverbs 8:14-16]. This amounts to the same thing as to say: it has not come about by human perversity that the authority over all things on earth is in the hands of kings and other rulers, but by divine providence and holy ordinance. For God was pleased so to rule the affairs of men, inasmuch as he is present with them and also presides over the making of laws and the exercising of equity in courts of justice. Paul also plainly teaches this when he lists "ruling" among God's gifts [Rom. 12:8, KJV or RV], [Romans 12:8], which, variously distributed according to the diversity of grace, ought to be used by Christ's servants for the upbuilding of the church. For even though Paul is there speaking specifically of a council of sober men, who were appointed in the primitive church to preside over the ordering of public discipline (which office is called in the letter to the Corinthians, "government"(14) [I Cor. 12:28]), [1 Corinthians 12:28], yet because we see the civil power serving the same end, there is no doubt that he commends to us every kind of just rule.
But Paul speaks much more clearly when he undertakes a just discussion of this matter. For he states both that power is an ordinance of God [Rom. 13:2], [Romans 13:21], and that there are no powers except those ordained by God [Rom. 13:1]. [Romans 13:1] Further, that princes are ministers of God, for those doing good unto praise; for those doing evil, avengers unto wrath [Rom. 13:3-4], [Romans 13:3,4]. To this may be added the examples of holy men, of whom some possessed kingdoms, as David, Josiah, and Hezekiah; other, lordships, as Joseph and Daniel; other, civil rule among a free people, as Moses, Joshua, and the judges. The Lord has declared his approval of their offices. Accordingly, no one ought to doubt that civil authority is a calling, not only holy and lawful before God, but also the most sacred and by far the most honorable of all callings in the whole life of mortal men. -- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Ford Lewis Battles translation), IV:20:4Moreover, to kings, princes, rulers, and magistrates, we affirm that chiefly and most principally the conservation and purgation of the religion appertains; so that not only they are appointed for civil policy, but also for maintenance of the true religion, and for suppressing of idolatry and superstition whatsoever: as in David, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, and others, highly commended for their zeal in that case, may be espied." -- The Scottish Confession of Faith (written by John Knox and others), Chapter 24, 1560.
"Yet civil government has as its appointed end, so long as we live among men, to cherish and protect the outward worship of God, to defend sound doctrine of piety and the position of the church, to adjust our life to the society of men, to form our social behavior to civil righteousness, to reconcile us with one another, and to promote general peace and tranquility. -- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, V:20:2Thus just as man is composed of both body and soul, so also God has ordained that there be two types of pastors . . . Because it is exceedingly difficult -- indeed, impossible -- for man to attend to one thing, without also looking after the other, God has limited to each one his office and calling and has given to one the very particular charge of souls, to the other that of the body and goods. And just as within a body there are many members, yet nevertheless but one head and heart, thus also the Christian people must not be a body in which all are members, without possessing a head and heart, that is, Jesus Christ, who alone is the true Head, who has raised up the evangelical pastors and civil magistrates who must be as the eyes of all poor people, to direct and conduct them under their Head, Jesus Christ. -- Pierre Viret (1511-1571), Dialogues de Désordre qui est ŕ Présent au Monde (1545)
The orthodox churches believe also, and do willingly acknowledge, that every lawful magistrate, being by God himself constituted the keeper and defender of both tables of the law, may and ought first and chiefly to take care of God's glory, and (according to his place, or in his manner and way) to preserve religion when pure, and to restore it when decayed and corrupted: and also to provide a learned and godly ministry, schools also and synods, as likewise to restrain and punish as well atheists, blasphemers, heretics and schismatics, as the violators of justice and civil peace. -- George Gillespie (1613-1648), Works, 1:12
"Psalm 101 treats the subject of servant leadership, laying out what a Godly magistrate should look like."
He [David] prepares himself for exercising the government in the best manner. And he not only stirs up himself to perform faithfully the duties of his kingly office by devoutly meditating on this subject, but also engages by a solemn vow to be God's faithful servant . . .
In short, David protests that he will not be like other kings who are infatuated by their own dignity; but that according to the greatness of the charge imposed upon him, he would endeavor wisely to perform his duty. It is to be observed, that he represents wisdom as consisting in a perfect way, or in uprightness. From this we learn that tyrants who employ their talents in forming wicked devices, and who are daily contriving new methods for burdening and oppressing their subjects; in short, who are ingenious only in doing mischief, are not wise towards God. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 101:2 and contextThat Christian magistracy has its origin in God as the God of grace, is manifest. 1, Because it is impossible that there ever could have been any other than heathen magistracy, had not the God of grace given us a revelation of his will: and certainly none but the infidel will deny that the scriptures were given by God as the God of grace. Divine revelation is absolutely essential to the very existence of Christian magistracy: where divine revelation does not exist Christian magistracy cannot. It could no more exist without it, than the effect could without a cause. It is impossible that there could be any proposition more glaringly absurd, or grossly erroneous, than the proposition that Christian magistracy originated in God essentially considered without Christ, without grace. And not only so, the very existence of Christian magistracy would be impossible without a Mediator without the execution of his offices, the influences of his Spirit, and the bestowment of divine grace. Divine grace bears the same relation to Christian magistracy in its origin, continuance, and administration, that the cause does to the effect. We have no account in all the annals of history, of one heathen government being converted into a Christian government, or one heathen magistrate into a Christian magistrate, until divine grace did the work, or gave origin or existence to it. To expect so great a change to take place in any other way than by the power of Christ, and the bestowment of divine grace, would be to expect an effect to be produced without a cause. Before Christian magistracy can be set up, heathen magistracy must be put down. Now, who puts down the one and sets up the other? Does God essentially considered? Who "subdues his people to himself, rules and governs them, and conquers and restrains all his and our enemies?" Does God out of Christ do all this? Who takes away those things that hinder the very existence of Christian magistracy, and brings about that state of affairs, out of which it necessarily arises? Let this defensor fidei answer. Again, what Almighty, all subduing, all constraining principle does the author of this change bring into action to produce it? Is it the love of God out of Christ? No such thing: No power in the heavens above, in the earth beneath, nor in the waters under the earth, but the power of Christ. No constraining influence but the love of God in Christ, as manifested in the everlasting gospel, the everlasting Covenants can produce this change. And yet the divine Mediator, and divine grace, have nothing to do in giving origin or existence to Christian magistracy! Nothing to do in its administration or continuance! A doctrine worthy of this defender of the faith. I care not how many bibles and missionaries you send to a heathen government, for the purpose of converting it into a Christian government, nor how long, nor how faithfully these missionaries labour, to setup, or give existence to Christian magistracy, there will be absolutely nothing done until the power of Christ does it; but when He begins to work, who "calls things that are not as though they were," then will it spring into existence. -- John McAuley, Associate Presbyterian (1848)
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 BibleAnd 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 BibleThe Treasury of David, Psalm 76, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps076.phpAnd say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah. Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have taken evil counsel against thee, saying, Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeal:
Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.
For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.
And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established. (Here was a most encouraging message, and a noble opportunity for Ahaz; he had but to trust in the Lord, and have his kingdom established about him, but he was at that moment meditating an appeal to the great Assyrian monarch, and preferred to lean upon an arm of flesh rather than upon the Lord of Hosts).
Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. (This was a mere evasion. He knew that if he accepted a sign it would be fulfilled, and then he would have no excuse for distrusting the Lord, but he did not wish to commit himself to the course of action which faith would involve; he preferred to continue his negotiations with Tiglath-pileser. How universally do men prefer the crooked road of policy to the straight path of faith; such conduct never prospers).
And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Butter and honey shall he eat, that (or until) he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.
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.
Ahaz rejected the way of faith, and therefore the prophet added the following threatening sentence --)
The LORD shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father's house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; even the king of Assyria. (Isaiah 7:4-17) -- Spurgeon's Devotional BibleBut 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.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
The wealthy stand as magistrates in the economic arena and have the same duty of stewardship as do those who hold political office. -- C. Gregg Singer, "Calvinism and Economic Thought and Practice" in John Calvin: His Roots and Fruits, p. 46
The rift between Seceders and Covenanters over the issue of civil magistracy only opened about ten years after the Secession, in 1743, when certain Seceders denied this "diversity" of opinion which they entertained (Covenanters did not) to ex-Covenanter Andrew Clarkson when he applied to them. Thomas Nairn strongly disagreed with the course taken and left he Seceders to join with John MacMillan to erect the Reformed Presbytery, again, in 1743. The Seceders diversity on this matter blew them apart in 1747 when they split into Burghers and Antiburghers. It was not until after the Nairn defection that Seceders began open attacks on the Covenanters, or Old Dissenters. It was after this time that we find extreme statements made (particularly by Adam Gib [chief Antiburgher]) denying the Mediatorial reign of Christ over all things to the church (and I am not sure even he went as far as certain moderns on this). -- John Sinclair
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. (Numbers 25:10,11)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)1. All Princes are obliged to govern and rule for the Lord and his honour. So Scripture speaketh, it shall be in the last days, Isa 49:25 [Isaiah 49:25]. Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and Queens thy nursing mothers. Psal. 72:10 [Psalm 72:10]. The Kings of Tarshish and of the Isles shall bring presents. (I would the King of this Island were in this Text) ver. 11 [Psalm 72:11]. The Kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts, yea, all Kings shall fall down before him.
2. Princes are God's Standard-bearers, they bear his sword by office, Rom. 13:4 [Romans 13:4]. and they hold Crown and Scepter of him, as great Landlord of all powers.
3. In a special manner they are second Gods. Psal. 81:6 [Psalm 81:6]. Nor do rulers judge for men, the judgment is the Lords, 2 Chron. 19:6 [2 Chronicles 19:6]. All rulers in the act of judging are God's deputies, even though their second calling be to be sent by a King, and therefore see what judgment God himself would pronounce, if he were on the bench, that same must they decree, except they would make the deputed mouth to belie the mind of the great Lord who sent them.
4. The Lord hath entrusted Christian Rulers with the most precious thing he hath on earth, he hath given his Bride and Spouse to their tutory and faith.
5. What sweeter comfort can the Ruler have, either when his soul lodgeth in an house of groaning and sick bones, and the image of death sitteth on his eye-lids; or in the day of his greatest calamity, then to look back and smile upon such an old friend, as a good conscience? and to say as Job doth, ch. 29:13 [Job 29:13]. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy, &c. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), in a sermon in 1644The term "judge," in the Hebrew Scriptures, is often used as equivalent to, "to rule," or "to govern"; and such a use of the term is quite natural (In the early age there was little division of labour. The judicial, legislative, and executive functions were not separated.), for not only does just judgment, in the strict sense of the word, form an important part of good government, but all proper government is the exercise, not of arbitrary will, but of sound judgment. During a considerable period of the Israelitish history, their supreme magistrates, under Jehovah their King, were termed judges. The use I refer to of the word may be understood by one as well as a hundred instances. Speaking of the Divine government, the psalmist, in the sixty-seventh psalm, says, "Thou shalt "judge" the people righteously, and "govern" the nations upon earth. -- John Brown (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), commenting on John 12:31 in Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, II:244,245
And lest it be thought that this is but the opinion of some few, that the magistrate ought thus by a strong hand, and by civil punishments suppress heretics and sectaries: let it be observed what is held forth and professed concerning this business, by the Reformed Churches in their public confessions of faith. In the latter Confession of Helvetia (cap. 30), it is said that the magistrate ought to 'root out lies and all superstition, with all impiety and idolatry.' And after, 'Let him suppress stubborn heretics.' In the French Confession (art. 39), 'Therefore he hath also delivered the sword into the hands of Magistrates, to wit, that offenses may be repressed, not only those which are committed against the second table, but also against the first.' In the Belgic Confession (art. 36), 'Therefore hath he armed the Magistrate with the sword for punishing them that do evil, and for defending such as do well. Moreover it is their duty not only to be careful and watchful for the preservation of the civil government, but also to defend the holy ministry, and to abolish and overthrow all idolatry, and counterfeit worship of God.' Beza (De Hareticis), tells us in the beginning, that the ministers of Helvetia had declared themselves to be of the same judgment, in a book published of that argument. And toward the end he cites the Saxon Confession, Luther, Melanchthon, Brentius, Bucerus, Wolfgangus Capito, and Bullinger. The Synod of Dordt (ses. 138), in their sentence against the Remonstrants does not only interdict them of all their ecclesiastical and academical functions, but [does] also beseech the States General by their secular power to suppress and restrain them. -- George Gillespie Wholesome Severity Reconciled With Christian Liberty [mid-1640's])
The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
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.
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.
But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:
But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place. (2 Samuel 23:2-7), The Last Words of David (Also see Psalms 2 and 72. Psalm 72 is thought to be the last Psalm of David because of verse 20. [Psalm 72:20])There is such an accent and such an emphasis put by the Lord on this act (as the Jewish Rabbis observe), that here they begin the forty-first section or lecture of the Law, or (as Vatablus saith), the seventh section of the book, which they call Phinehas. Moreover, it teacheth us, that zeal of justice in the cause of God is an hopeful means to remove God's wrath from, and to procure his mercy to, man. -- Christopher Ness quoted in "Explanatory Notes and Quaint Sayings" for Psalm 106:30, Spurgeon's Treasury of David
Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. (Joshua 7:12)
And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.
Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.
Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee.
So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. (Jonah 1:12-15)And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. (Deuteronomy 28:1,2)
See the Theological Notes: "The Three Purposes of the Law," at Deuteronomy 13:10 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "The Final Judgment," at Matthew 25:41 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Salvation," at Acts 4:12 in The Reformation Study Bible.
See the Theological Notes: "Hell," at Mark 9:43 in The Reformation Study Bible.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. (Romans 1:18)
The Wrath of the Lamb
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) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain. (Psalm 127:1)
If terrorism within the borders of the United States of America is seen as the wrath of God punishing a wayward people, then zealous execution of Christian Magistracy, by leaders in the Church, and by leaders in the State, is the biblical solution to the problem of domestic terrorism. It is also the solution to the myriad of other serious problems besetting our declining society.
Scripture is clear. The zealous execution of Christian Magistracy by Covenant Heads in the Church, and in the State, turns back the wrath of God. In fact, this is an underlying theme throughout the entire Bible. See particularly: the books of Judges, and Micah.
If an avowed murderer moves in uninvited to your home, then you must send him back to where he came from, or, if you are unable to remove him yourself, then you must report him to the Civil Magistrate, who must turn him over to the responsibility of the State, which is ordained by God to exercise "the power of the sword" to remove him from your home, or to kill him by trial and execution.
The murderous Islamic Jehad is counting on the Civil Magistrates in Western Nations to fail in their God-ordained duties, thus leaving the door opened for a murderous false religion to take over and destroy Western Civilization, a civilization that has been built upon and has prospered under The Protestant and Covenanted Reformations.The main question then is, concerning State Toleration. Concerning which some do affirm, That whatever the Church may do in inflicting Church censures on Heriticks, Maintainers of Heterodox Opinions: Yet, Say they, no civil Punishment, such as Death, Imprisonment, Mulcts, or fines, should be inflicted on any Error or Blasphemy whatsoever; providing the Maintainers of them carry themselves peaceably, do not trouble the State, or do evil against the Commonwealth in civil Things: We again on the contrary do hold, that it is the duty of the Civil Magistrate to suppress Error, Heresies, and every sin against the First Table, as well as it is his Duty to suppress Adultery, Fornication, Sedition, and other sins against the Second Table: And that he is not only bound to suppress Errors and Blasphemies, that are contrary to fundamental Truths, or the Light of Nature; but all Error contrary to other points of Truth. -- James Fergusson, A Brief Refutation of The Errors of Toleration, Erastianism, Independency and Separation, 1692, pp. 51,52
And ye peoples, to whom God gave the liberty to choose your own magistrates, see to it that ye do not forfeit this favor by electing to the positions of highest honor, rascals and enemies of God. -- John Calvin, in his commentary on 1 and 2 Samuel [1 Samuel]
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
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.
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? (Psalm 94:16)
*Anonymous, (attributed to George Gillespie), The Mystery of Magistracy Unvailed: or, God's Ordinance of Magistracy Asserted, Cleared, and Vindicated, From Heathenish Dominion, Tyrannous and anti-Christian Usurpation, Despisers of Dignities, and Contemners of Authorities, by an Unworthy Servant and Subject of Jesus Christ. Available (PDF and 2 MP3 files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Though the author is unknown, this work has been thought by some to have been written by George Gillespie. It is a fine introduction to Second Reformation thought on civil government. Some sample headings extracted from its pages include: 'Of the qualifications required in the Judge or Ruler;' 'Of the promised blessing that is to attend the latter days in a righteous rule and ruler;' 'Of the judgement and curse attending no rule, or an evil ruler;' 'Of the people's duty under wicked rulers, both towards God and them." -- Publisher
Available from Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publishing (covenanter.org/pamphlets/) as a pamphlet, #17.
The Mystery of Magistracy Unvailed
"THE MYSTERY OF MAGISTRACY UNVAILED sets forth in short compass the proper parameters of the civil magistrate. It also considers several related questions: What are the proper qualifications of rulers? May Christians appoint unbelievers to rule over them? What are the duties of magistrates? What are the duties of the people under magistrates? But, most importantly for us, living as we do under a government increasingly hostile to the Christian religion, what are the duties of the people to wicked rulers? To this interesting and engaging manual for believers, whether under a godly or an ungodly ruler, is added a short essay on the subject of taxation by David Steele. . . . There is also an extract from the 1761 Testimony of the Reformed Presbytery concerning this matter." -- Publisher
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2017/1/16/the-mystery-of-magistracy-unvailed?rq=Mystery%20of%20Magistracy
The Mystery of Magistracy Unvailed: or, God's Ordinance of Magistracy Asserted, Cleared, and Vindicated from heathenish dominion, tyrannous and anti-Christian usurpation, despisers of dignities and contemners or authorities, by an unworthy servant and subject of Jesus Christ, the King of saints and nations (1708)
http://archive.org/details/magistr00edin
Anonymous, A Vindication of the Presbyteriall-government, and Ministry: Together, with an Exhortation, to all the ministers, elders, and people, within the bounds of the province of London, whether joyning with us, or separating from us. Published, by the ministers, and elders, met together in a provinciall assembly, Novemb. 2d. 1649. Wherein, amongst other things, these ensuing particulars are contained; 1. That there is a Church-government, by divine right. 2. That the magistrate, is not the fountain of Church-government. 3. That the presbyterial-government, is by divine right. 4. The inconveniencies of the congregationall-way. 5. That the ruling-elder is by divine right. 6. That it is the will of Jesus Christ, that all sorts of persons should give an account of their faith, to the minister, and elders, before admission to the Lords Supper; . . . 7. Directions to the elders, for the right managing of their office. 8. Directions to such as are admitted to the Lords Supper, . . . 9. Rules to preserve people, from the errours of these times. 10. That separation from our churches, is justly charged with schisme. 11. That ministers formerly ordained by bishops, need no new ordination. 12. The necessity and usefulness of catechizing. Licensed, entred, and printed according to order, 1649. Available (under Robert Baillie and Sundry Ministers of London) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
*Augustine, Saint (Aurelius Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 AD), and Philip Schaff, The Writings Against the Manichians and Against the Donatists (Augustine on the Civil Magistrate), ISBN: 156563098X 9781565630987.
http://www.ccel.org/s/schaff/ecf/npnf104/htm/i.htm
Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), The Unlawfulness and Danger of Limited Prelacy, or Perpetual Presidency in the Church, Briefly Discovered, 1641. Alternate title: THE UNLAVVFULNESSE AND DANGER OF LIMITED EPISCOPACIE. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"A defense of Alexander Henderson."
Baker, Don, Beyond Forgiveness: The Healing Touch of Church Discipline, ISBN: 0880700548 9780880700542.
*Bannerman, James (1807-1868), The Church of Christ: A Treatise on the Nature, Powers, Ordinances, Discipline, and Government of the Christian Church, 1869, 2 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"Two large volumes. A classic on the Church and worship! This is one of the most extensive studies of its kind ever compiled. Nothing compares to it on this subject. Regarding these gems, Iain Murray has stated, 'In our day, however greatly we need an evangelical revival, we need more than that. We need another Reformation, a movement which will go 'to the root of the mischief' and bring back the visible church to the pattern of God's Word in her government, ordinances and ministry. The republication of Bannerman is a step in that direction . . . For those who wish to study the doctrine of the Church in its several aspects as it was held by the majority of the Reformers, Puritans, Covenanters and leaders of 'The Third Reformation,' it will prove an invaluable textbook." -- Publisher
Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Causes and Danger of Slighting Christ and His Gospel: or Eternal Salvation Made Light of by Multitudes, . . . Written by . . . Richard Baxter. Abridged by Benjamin Fawcett, M.A. The third edition Shrewsbury, 1776.
Baxter, Richard, Compassionate Warning and Advice to all, Especially to Young Persons. Being the Gift of the Author, Richard Baxter. London, 1708.
*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
Beisner, E. Calvin, Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God, ISBN: 087552107X 9780875521077.
Black, John (1768-1849), A Sermon on National Righteousness and Sin: Delivered in the First Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, April 3, 1827, Before a Large Assembly Convened for the Purpose of Adopting Resolutions Against Duelling.
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."
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.
*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 Wamphray, 1610-1679), An Apologetical Relation of the Particular Sufferings of the Faithful Ministers and Professors of the Church of Scotland Since 1660, Wherein Several Questions, Useful for the Time, Are Discussed: The king's prerogative over parliaments and people soberly inquired into; The lawfulness of defensive war cleared; The supreme magistrate's power in church matters examined; Mr. Stillingfleet's notion concerning the divine right or forms of church government considered; The author of "The seasonable case" answered; Other particulars, such as the hearing of the curates appearing before the high commission court, etc., canvassed, etc. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.
*Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The First Sermon Preached to the Honorable House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament at Their Public Fast, Nov. 17, 1640. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"A beautifully clear facsimile copy of this amazing sermon (published by order of the British House of Commons in 1641), exhorting this Parliament to 'stand to the covenant' of God; by, 'endeavouring of a further Sanction of, and stronger Guard about our true Palladium, the true Religion, already established among us; in the perfecting of the Reformation of it; in the erecting, maintaining, protecting, and encouraging of an able, godly, faithful, zealous, profitable, Preaching Ministry, in every Parish Church and Chapel throughout England and Wales; in interceding to the Kings sacred Majesty for the setting up of a Faithful, Judicious, and Zealous Magistracy, where yet the same is wanting, to be ever at hand to back such a Ministry: without either of which, not only the power of Godliness will sooner degenerate into formality, and zeal into lukewarmness; but Popery, Arminianism, Socinianism, Profaneness, Apostasy, and Atheism itself will more and more crowd in upon us, and prevail against us, do You all You can be all other means.' Points out that where a godly ministry and magistracy are lacking, society degenerates into a godless mob, headed by one of the above named heresies -- as we have seen in our day. Presses national covenant renewal, from Jer. 50:5 [Jeremiah 50:5], and explains from scripture how and why this should take place. Cites many biblical examples of the great Scriptural blessing that has followed previous national covenanting; while making practical application to the situation of the day. This sermon foreshadows chapter 23, of the celebrated Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], on 'the Civil Magistrate,' and gives much insight into this watershed period of Christian political development. It is highly recommended for anyone even remotely interested in seeing their nation prosper politically and ecclesiastically. Furthermore, it will be a great help for anyone seeking to formulate a biblical doctrine explaining the four way relationship between: loving God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind; Jesus Christ as mediator; the everlasting covenant (and covenanting); and the state, as set forth in Scripture. A very rare item. A Covenanter's delight! 70 pages." -- Publisher
*Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), The Magistrates Commission From Heaven, 1644.
Burnside, Jonathan P., God, Justice, and Society: Aspects of law and Legality in the Bible, ISBN: 9780199759217 0199759219.
"It is a well-researched and well-argued text, which gives a detailed, and at the same time comprehensible, account of the nature of Biblical law, its interpretation and operation and the possible ways it might have shaped, challenged, and continues to challenge, modern legal approaches to a range of legal subjects. This makes the book essential for law students, legal historians and theologians." -- Rebecca White, Oxford Journal of Law and Religion
*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
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
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.
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), John Calvin. Available in THE REFORMERS AND THE THEOLOGY OF THE REFORMATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.
"As Cunningham states, 'John Calvin was by far the greatest of the Reformers with respect to the talents he possessed, the influence he exerted, and the services he rendered in the establishment and diffusion of important truth.' Here we have a succinct account of Calvin's works and the leading principles that he maintained. Calvin is without a doubt one of the great men in all of human history, and as he often pointed out, he owed everything to the Lord Jesus Christ -- all his talents, all his influence, his very salvation, etc. -- for that is the nature of 'Calvinism,' giving God all the glory!" -- 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)
Douglas, James, Essay on Civil Government
Includes: "An Essay Detecting Some of the Errors Concerning God's Ordinance of Civil Magistracy."
http://www.covenanter.org/CivilGovt/douglasessay.htm
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
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.
*Fairly, John (1729-1806), An Humble Attempt in Defense of Reformation Principles; Particularly on the Head of the Civil Magistrate. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"The title continues: 'Wherein the gross falsehoods, calumnies, and imposed sense, palmed by Mr. John Goodlet, upon the Testimony emitted by the Reformed Presbytery, are exposed and confuted; and said Testimony vindicated. As also, the seceding scheme of political principles more fully detected;-- and discovered to be inconsistent with the law of nature, light of divine revelation, and covenanted testimony of the Church of Scotland.' Goold, in his THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SCOTLAND: ITS ORIGIN AND HISTORY 1680-1876, writes of Fairly and this book, 'He was very zealous and outspoken in his maintenance of Church principles, and unsparing in his condemnation and exposure of the shortcomings of other denominations. This caused him to be both feared and disliked by many outside of his own communion; yet by the ministers who were nearest his residence, and who came most frequently in contact with him, he was greatly esteemed. He was fearless of consequences in the discharging of his duties. On one occasion, when in Ireland, his scathing exposure of Popery so irritated the Catholics, that three of them resolved to disturb his next meeting by musical instruments (and remember no faithful Presbyterian used this 'badge of Popery' -- musical instruments -- in their public meetings -- RB). They came prepared to do this, but were so overcome by the grave dignity of the man, and by the truth he spoke, that they could do nothing but quietly listen. Two of them, it is said, became earnest Protestants. On another occasion he denounced 'unpreaching bishops,' and declared that his Lordship of Bangor was worse than Balaam's ass, which spoke once at least, and rebuke the madness of the prophet. Some were so highly offended that they resolved to waylay and stone the preacher. Mr. Fairly was aware of this, but refused to change his route. As he approached the ambuscade, a dispute arose as to his identity; some held that it was the object of their hate, others said, 'No, never a bit of him; who ever saw a mountain minister ride such a good horse?' and while they disputed he got beyond their reach. One who knew him writes thus: 'I had some knowledge of the elder Fairley; he fearlessly attacked the reigning follies of his age, and preached the Gospel in a familiar but forcible style of eloquence. In his great field days, and when contending for the Testimony of the Martyrs, he was unsparing in the use of arrows, oft broke a lance with the Pope, and drove rusty nails into our venerable Establishment, and lashed the Secession and Relief for their declensions.' so pointed was his dealing with the sins of the times, that many left his meetings when he came to the application of his discourse . . . He took part in the controversy with the Seceders, and published a pamphlet in reply to Goodlet, the Anti-burgher minister of Sanquhar, in which he gives a scathing exposure of the weakness and inconsistency of his opponent, and directs against him all his resources of humour and sarcasm, as well as the weightier weapons of solid argument. But it was in proclaiming the riches of the glorious Gospel to cast audiences under the open canopy of heaven, that the power of Fairley was fully disclosed. He was undoubtedly the preacher among the 'Four Johns.' He had a commanding presence, a well-furnished mind, and a fluent and forcible utterance; and when he warmed to his grand theme, his words moved the hearts of the crowds that had gathered around him, and many owned him as their spiritual father.' (pp. 221-222). This book (of 283 pages), is another Reformed Presbyterian classic!" -- Publisher
*Fentiman, Travis (editor, annotation, introduction), All of George Gillespie's Writings on Christ's Mediatorial Kingdom is the Church Only, e-text only (September 4, 2017)
"George Gillespie, the Westminster divine, (while being able to affirm this Group's Description) has the most in-depth writings on the majority puritan view that Christ's Mediatorial Kingdom is the Church only. Now collected and published for the first time in a contemporary format with explanatory notes.
"As a bonus, these writings are also the classic delineation of the Establishment Principle, the Biblical relation between Church and State.
"If one does not agree with Gillespie's viewpoint, this should still be a helpful resource as his writings on the subject are often neglected and unread due to not (until now) being collected in a convenient, contemporary format." -- Publisher
https://reformedtheologybooks.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/gillespie-george-christs-mediatorial-kingdom-is-the-church-only.pdf
Gee, Edward (1613-1660), The Divine Right and Original of the Civill Magistrate From God, as it is drawn by the Apostle S. Paul in those words, Rom. 13.1. [Romans 13:1]. There is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God illustrated and vindicated in a treatise (chiefly) upon that text. Wherein the procedure of political dominion from God, by his ordination; . . . is endevored truly and plainly to be laid open. Written for the service of that eminent truth, order, justice, and peace which the said text, in its genuine sense, holdeth forth, and supporteth: and for the dissolving of sundry important doubts, and mistakes about it. By Edward Gee minister of the Gospel at Eccleston in the county palatine of Lancaster. Alternate title: THE DIUINE RIGHT AND ORIGINALL OF THE CIUILL MAGISTRATE FROM GOD. Running title reads: THE MAGISTRATES ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATED AND VINDICATED.
Gee, Edward (1613-1660), and Richard Hollingworth (1607-1656), An Exercitation Concerning Usurped Powers: Wherein the Difference Betwixt Civill Authority and Usurpation is Stated. That the obedience due to lawfull magistrates, is not owing, or payable, to usurped powers, is maintained. The obligation of oaths, and other sanctions to the former, notwithstanding the antipolitie of the latter is asserted. And the arguments urged on the contrary part in divers late printed discourses are answered. Being modestly, and inoffensively managed: by one studious of truth and peace both in Church and state, 1650.
Gurnall, William (1617-1679), The Magistrates Pourtraiture Drawn From the Word, and Preached in a Sermon at Stowe-Market in Suffolk: Upon August, the 20. 1656 Before the Election of Parliament-men for the Same County on Isaiah I.26 [Isaiah 1:26], the Former Part . . . .
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.
Hamilton, John (clerk of the borough of Irwin), Reasons why a Consent to Abolish the Penal Statutes, Against Papists, Could not be Given by any who Own'd the Then Government in Church and State. Written and Dispersed (by John Hamilton sometime writer in Edinburgh, now clerk of Irving), amongst the Honourable Estates of Parliament held at Edinburgh, anno 1686, at their earnest desire, and by their influence, when the said statutes were designed to be abolished, and no printing thereof could be allowed at the time, 1707.
*House, H. Wayne (general editor), et al., The Christian and American law: Christianity's Impact on America's Founding Documents and Future Direction, ISBN: 0825428750 9780825428753.
"Contents: God's revelation: foundation for the common law / Herbert W. Titus | The philosophical and biblical perspectives that shaped the declaration of independence / Gary Amos | Operation josiah: rediscovering the biblical roots of the american constitutional republic / John Eidsmoe | Civil authority and the bible / Harold O.J. Brown | The Biblical view of submission to constituted authority / R.C. Sproul | The Christian's duty of civil disobedience to the government: contemporary struggles between Christians and the state / H. Wayne House | The religious roots of western liberty: cut them or renew them? / Douglas Kelly | The abiding value of biblical law / Larry Walker | Sin, rights, and equality / William J. Stuntz | Mission and civil law / Arthur F. Glasser | The kingdom, the church, and the gospel in an age of pluralism / Edmund P. Clowney | Appendix: a summary statement of the consultation on theology and Civil Law / Carl F.H. Henry."
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882, editor of The Covenanter), The Christian Magistrate, 1832. Available in WORKS: DOCTRINAL AND PRACTICAL, 4 volumes.
The Christian Magistrate: A Discourse, With an Appendix, 1832.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2017/1/18/the-christian-magistrate
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), et al., The Irish Covenanter and the Civil Magistrate's Power Concerning Matters of Religion
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/the-irish-covenanter-and-the-civil-magistrate%E2%80%99s-power-concerning-matters-of-religion/16507477
Howie, John (1735-1793), James Stewart and John Knox: Scotland's "Two Sons of oil" (excerpted from John Howie's Scots Worthies, 1781 edition, narrated by Larry Birger, Jr.). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"As Birger accurately observes in his introduction to this one-tape reformational powerhouse, 'One great reason the Church is so weak and divided today is precisely because she has rejected these commandments of her Lord and Husband [to walk in the footsteps of the flock (Song of Solomon 1:8), and to seek out and walk in the old paths (Jeremiah 6:16)]. Forgetting the works of God in history, she has thus become an easy prey to the old lies and idolatries of the Roman Catholic Church, that whore of Babylon, such that so-called Protestantism today in many ways bears more resemblance to the Roman Church than to the biblical churches of the Reformation. We are indeed ignorant of our history, and therefore have been doomed time and again to repeat its mistakes.' He continues, pointing to one of God's powerful remedies for our sinful failings in this area: Our gracious Lord has nonetheless provided a way out for us, by preserving for us the narratives of His great works in history, as well as His infallible Word by which to judge which are truly the good old paths. . . . On this tape you'll hear of the lives of two men who exemplified the work of Christ's "Two Witnesses" in Scotland, James Stewart, Earl of Moray, and John Knox. These "Two Sons of oil," like their ancient predecessors, Zerubbabel and Joshua, illustrate the holy beauty and mighty effectiveness of God's institutions of Scriptural civil magistracy and gospel ministry. We see from their high regard for one another and from the work they accomplished in the Lord how both righteous civil rulers and faithful gospel ministers are necessary for true and lasting, society-changing reformation. In our age of ungodly toleration and pretended liberty of conscience (as opposed to the true Scriptural liberty of conscience promoted by these two eminent reformers), the emphasis is generally laid upon the ministry only as the agent of reformation -- and truly, there will be no lasting reformation without a faithful ministry. Nevertheless, we see from the Scriptural examples of Hezekiah, Josiah, and other godly rulers, as well as from various instances throughout subsequent history that the civil rulers are called by, and used by, God to promote and protect the welfare of His Bride, the Church. These rulers have no authority in matters of religion, but they have a responsibility about matters of religion -- to do things like suppressing and uprooting heresy, blasphemy, and idolatry, and encouraging and promoting faithful ministers -- as all our faithful Reformed forefathers taught.' Learn with excitement how God used these two faithful men to defeat Antichrist in Scotland, and purify and unify His faithful Church there. A great tool for seeing the vital importance of the civil government (as well as the ministry), in reformation!" -- Publisher
James Stewart and John Knox: Scotland's "Two Sons of oil," audio file.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=122501142339
Johnston, Archibald (of Wariston), and James Guthrie (1612?-1661), Causes of the Lords vvrath against Scotland, Manifested in his sad Late Dispensations. Whereunto is Added a Paper, Particularly Holding Forth the Sins of the Ministery, 1653. Alternate title: HUMBLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE SINS OF THE MINISTERY OF SCOTLAND. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. http://www.truecovenanter.com/guthrie/guthrie_james_causes_of_wrath.html
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
*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
*Knox, John (1505-1572), First and Second Books of Discipline. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library and Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library (Dallas, TX [Presbyterian Heritage Publications, P.O. Box 180922, Dallas, 75218]: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1999). Available in THE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION OF RELIGION WITHIN THE REALM OF SCOTLAND . . . TOGETHER WITH THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, AND SEVERAL CURIOUS PIECES WROTE BY HIM, . . . BY THE REVEREND MR. JOHN KNOX . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED, I. AN ADMONITION TO ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND . . . BY ANTONI GILBY. II. THE FIRST AND SECOND BOOKS OF DISCIPLINE.
" 'Knox and five others drafted the Book of Discipline (1560), which set forth a blueprint for the ideal Christian society,' notes the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE REFORMED FAITH. 'THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE was used in conjunction with Calvin's Catechism and the book of order previously used by the English congregation in Geneva,' writes Reed. (John Knox the Forgotten Reformer, p. 31). This version includes Calderwood's fiery preface to the 1621 edition. The FIRST BOOK contains an extensive treatment of church polity reflecting principles pertaining to this formative period concerning the Scottish church. Another prominent feature of the FIRST BOOK is its visionary program for Christian education. Furthermore, it 'asserted the authority of Scripture, and it demonstrates that the regulative principle of worship is merely a natural application of the sola scriptura rule of Protestant theology' (Ibid., p. 76). The SECOND BOOK, often called the 'MAGNA CARTA OF PRESBYTERIANISM,' focuses more specifically on matters of polity relating to an established and reformed church, laying out the key tenets of Presbyterian government. It also gives attention to the doctrine of the civil magistrate. Both books prefigure the WESTMINSTER STANDARDS in many respects, as well as exhibiting the genius of Scottish Presbyterianism (as noted in the helpful Publisher's Introduction by Kevin Reed). Contains contemporary spelling, punctuation and grammar." -- Publisher
First and Second Books of Discipline by John Knox
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/BOD_ch00.htm
*Knox, John (1505-1572), National Repentance and Reformation. Alternate title: A BRIEF EXHORTATION TO ENGLAND FOR THE SPEEDY EMBRACING OF THE GOSPEL, 1559. Available in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Formerly titled A BRIEF EXHORTATION TO ENGLAND FOR THE SPEEDY EMBRACING OF THE GOSPEL, 1559. Mitchell in THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION (p. 80), cites Dr. Merle D'Aubigné on Knox: 'The blood of warriors ran in the veins of the man who was to become one of the most intrepid champions of Christ's army . . . He was active, bold, thoroughly upright and perfectly honest, diligent in his duties, and full of heartiness for his comrades.' The warrior in Knox was certainly roused for battle in this production. Kevin Reed SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX, p. 580 comments, 'Some historians have reflected negatively on the vehemence of Knox's remarks. Perhaps they should peruse the long list of the martyrs named in the appendix to this work. Critics may then find a clue for understanding the reformer's zeal. Knox is discussing serious matters of life and death -- spiritual issues which affect us deeply in this life, and for eternity.' Magistrates everywhere today need to hear this message again; God has not changed -- there are still corporate curses for disobedience at a national level and corporate blessings for those nations 'that kiss the Son' (cf. Psalm 2)." -- Publisher
Knox, John, Jr., An Essay on the Application of Reformation Principles to the American Government, 1833. Found in MISCELLANEOUS, VOL. 6.
*Lawson, George (1749-1820), Considerations on the Overture, Lying Before the Associate Synod: Respecting Some Alterations in the Formula Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters of Religion; and The Obligation of our Covenants, National and Solemn League on Posterity.
*Luther, Martin (1483-1546), That a Christian Assembly or Congregation has the Right and Power to Judge all Teaching and to Call, Appoint, and Dismiss Teachers, Established and Proven by Scripture. Available in Martin Luther, Conrad John Immanuel Bergendoff, and Eric W. Gritsch, CHURCH AND MINISTRY, 3 volumes. Available in LUTHER'S WORKS, VOLUME 39, CHURCH AND MINISTRY, ISBN: 0800603397 9780800603397.
That a Christian Assembly or Congregation has the Right and Power to Judge all Teaching and to Call, Appoint, and Dismiss Teachers, Established and Proven by Scripture, Martin Luther (accessed 2/27/2016)
https://www.uni-due.de/collcart/es/sem/s6/txt06_1.htm
Luther, Martin, That a Christian Assembly or Congregation has the Right and Power to Judge all Teaching and to Call, Appoint, and Dismiss Teachers, Established and Proven by Scripture.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/21/that-a-christian-assembly-or-congregation-has-the-right-and-power-to-judge-all-teaching-and-to-call-appoint-and-dismiss-teachers-established-and-proven-by-scripture
MacMillan, III, John, Letter Anent Civil Government and Political Dissent, 1781
http://www.truecovenanter.com/mcmillan/mcmillan_letter1781.html
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
Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), and Giles Firmin (1614-1697), The Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters of Religion Vindicated: The Extent of his Power Determined in a Sermon Preached Before the First Parliament on a Monthly Fast day / by . . . Mr. Stephen Marshall . . . / published by G. Firmin . . . with notes upon the sermon, 1657.
*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
*McCrie, Thomas (1772-1835), Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion. Available in STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS, LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD, Section VII. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"M'Crie published at Edinburgh in 1807 a helpful discussion of the biblical evidence for an obligation of nations and their civil rulers to give recognition to the true religion. His book is a protest against the church in which he was ordained, and which subsequently departed from the principles it had espoused: STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS, LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD. It has often been regarded as the best presentation of the confessional point of view respecting a national acknowledgment of religion. Churches formed after M'Crie's death found their conflicts over church principles defined in his literary output." -- Publisher
Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-exercise-of-civil-authority-about-religion.php
*M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), Statement of the Difference . . . Particularly on the Power of Civil Magistrates Respecting Religion, National Reformation, National Churches, and National Covenants, 1871. Alternate title: STATEMENT OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PROFESSION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, AS ADOPTED BY SECEDERS, AND THE PROFESSION CONTAINED IN THE NEW TESTIMONY AND OTHER ACTS LATELY ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSOCIATE SYNOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
" 'The ablest exposition in the English language of the Establishment Principle . . . Dr. (George) Smeaton describes the Statement as a masterly defense of the principles of establishments as Scripture truth: and the most complete vindication ever given to the world of the position occupied by the Reformed Church of Scotland, on the whole subject of national religion and the magistrates legitimate power in promoting it. 'The same thoroughness,' wrote the late Rev. D. Beaton, 'which gave such abiding value to his great biography of Knox, is shown in this, his less known work . . . Dr. McCrie in his STATEMENT shows that all the Confessions of the Protestant and Presbyterian Churches of the Reformation, both in Britain and on the Continent of Europe, held and maintained the Establishment Principle. 'These harmoniously agree,' he writes, 'in declaring as with one mouth that civil authority is not limited to the secular affairs of men, and that the public care and advancement of religion is a principle part of the official duty of magistrates.' He goes on to give extracts from THE CONFESSION OF HELVETIA; THE CONFESSION OF BOHEMIA; THE CONFESSION OF SAXONY; THE FRENCH CONFESSION; THE BELGIC OR DUTCH CONFESSION; THE CONFESSION OF THE ENGLISH CONGREGATION IN GENEVA; THE SCOTS CONFESSION AND THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646). 'Such is the harmony of doctrine in the Protestant churches on this head,' he remarks, 'expressed in their confessions and public formularies drawn from the Word of God; a harmony which deserves great attention, and from which none should rashly depart' (as cited in CHRIST'S KINGSHIP OVER THE NATIONS by C.J. Brown). Concerning the doctrine of national obedience to Christ, M'Crie demonstrates in the most convincing way that there are few doctrines 'of the practical kind, in which the best interests of mankind and the general state of religion in the world, are more deeply concerned, than in the right and wrong determination of this question.' Contains an excellent preface by George Smeaton. Considered one of the definitive works on Church/State relations, defending the historic Reformed position. An extremely rare and very expensive item if located as a rare book." -- Publisher
Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-exercise-of-civil-authority-about-religion.php
McCrie, Thomas (1772-1835), and Thomas McCrie (1797-1875), The Works of Thomas M'Crie, D.D. (1855), vol. 1 of 4.
http://archive.org/details/worksofmccrie01mccruoft
McCrie, Thomas, The Works of Thomas M'Crie, D.D. (1855), vol. 2 of 4.
http://archive.org/details/worksofmccrie02mccruoft
McCrie, Thomas, The Works of Thomas M'Crie, D.D. (1855), vol. 3 of 4.
http://archive.org/details/theworksofmccrie03mccruoft
McCrie, Thomas, The Works of Thomas M'Crie, D.D. (1855), vol. 4 of 4.
http://archive.org/details/theworksofmccrie04mccruoft
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), The Little Flock Possessing the Kingdom: or, True Religion Controlling the World: A Sermon Preached at the Opening of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, April 30, 1854.
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), Protestantism, the Parent and Guardian of Civil and Religious Liberty. Found in MISCELLANEOUS, VOL. 6.
Protestantism, the Parent and Guardian of Civil and Religious Liberty. A lecture, Delivered, March 26, 1843, Under Appointment of the N.Y. Protestant Reformation Society (1843), John Niel McLeod
http://archive.org/details/protestantismpar00mcle
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), The Westminster Confession Explained not Altered: The Substance of a Speech Before the Convention of Reformed Churches, on the Proposition to Adopt the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] With an Act Explanatory of its Statements Concerning the Magistrate's Relations to the Church. Allegheny, May 15, 1844. Available in The English Presbyterian Messenger, No. 171, March 1862
https://archive.org/details/englishpresbyter1417unse
*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 I, John, 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
*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."
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Righteous Judgment. A Sermon Preached in the University Church . . . on the 11th of March, 1794, by John Owen, Cambridge, 1794.
Owen, John (1616-1683), Truth and Innocence Vindicated in a Survey of a Discourse Concerning Ecclesiastical Polity, and the Authority of the Civil Magistrate Over the Consciences of Subjects in Matters of Religion, 1669.
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Theism for our Time.
Evangelical Theological Society papers, ETS-1191.
Parker, Samuel (1640-1688), A Discourse of Ecclesiastical Politie Wherein the Authority of the Civil Magistrate . . . is Asserted, the mischiefs and inconveniences of toleration are represented, and all pretenses pleaded in behalf of liberty of conscience are fully answered, 1671.
Paul, John (1777-1848), The Power of the Civil Magistrate, in Matters of Religion; A Letter to the Editor of the Belfast News-Letter, 1831.
*Price, Greg L., Biblical Civil Government Versus the Beast; and, the Basis for Civil Resistance. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
"This is the best modern testimony for the biblical principles of civil magistracy -- which were so prominent during the height of the Second Reformation -- that we have seen. Price documents the teachings of many of the major Reformers (and some of the church fathers), and in an easy reading manner simplifies what can at times become a very complex subject. This particular Reformation message, proclaiming Christ's Kingship over the nations (and the practical outworking of the same), has been buried from the view of the general public for some time now, but is once again being brought to light in this very helpful introductory book. A sobering appendix has been added (written by a friend of the Covenanted Reformation), which shows why it is unlawful for a Christian to swear any oath to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution. This appendix also compares the points of difference between classic (or historic), Reformed teaching and modern Reformed teaching regarding magistracy and religion. Special attention is given to the OPC, the PCA and the RPCNA and the changes that these groups have made to Second Reformation confessional standards (concerning matters related to the civil magistrate). Statements by B.B. Warfield are also contrasted to the older Reformed views. You won't find a better easy-to-read and easy to understand introduction to this important topic -- a topic which impacts directly on every Christian's testimony for the crown rights of King Jesus!" -- Publisher
"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 principal; 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; II Cor. 13:8 [2 Corinthians 13:8]). -- Greg Price, Biblical Civil Government Verses the Beast, p. 64
Biblical Civil Government Versus the Beast; and, the Basis for Civil Resistance, Greg Price
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/BibCG_GP.htm
Proffet, Nicholas, England's Impenitence Under Smiting; Causing Anger to Continue, and the Destroying Hand of God to be Stretched Forth Still: Set out in a Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons, at their public fast, September 25. 1644. By Nicholas Proffet. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*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 compose 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/
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.
*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,"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
but sin in a reproach to any people. [Proverbs 14:34 ]
*Roney, Moses, Charles Underhill Cushman, and The Reformed Presbyterian Church. Synod., Minutes of the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church: Session Seventeenth, Held in the City of Pittsburgh, October, 1834: With an Appendix, Containing two Overtures: I. On the 'Jury Act,' II. On the Magistrate's Power, Circa Sacra.
"The following document, originally titled very simply, ARGUMENT ON THE MAGISTRATE'S POWER CIRCA-SACRA, was prepared for the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, by one of her ministers in 1834. It represents the historic Reformed position on the subject of the Magistrate's duty, as God's servant in the State. The principles set forth here are the official and proper doctrines of all Reformed Presbyterians to the present day, insofar as they truly identify with the principles of their Church, and its reasons for existing as a distinct communion of Christians. But this is not to say that others should not read these things or agree with them. Modern nations have embraced such wrong views on these topics, and so many churches have conformed to the political philosophies of these nations, that it is high time that all Christians should be looking for a medicine to heal the destructive cancer working its way through the world's national institutions and all the systems which depend upon them. There is no hope but to look to the Lord himself, and to the solid doctrines of his word. It is true, these will be disagreeable to all who are enemies to our Saviour. They must be so. A right view of these things may be expected to provoke hostility even from those who 'tolerate' Christianity, or some who claim to be friendly to it. But God is God: his political philosophy must be both true and useful; and no true believer can say otherwise. The Lord is Lord: his political agenda must be both wise and important; and no true patriot can plan better. For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)" --
Argument on the Magistrate's Power Circa Sacra, William Sloane (original drafter)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/rpcna_testimony_for_magistrates_authority_in_religious_matters_ed_jtk.html
Argument on the Magistrate's Power Circa Sacra
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/5/18/argument-on-the-magistrates-power-circa-sacra-published-as-an-overture
*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), 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
*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
*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Treatise on Civil Polity. 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; and LEX, REX, OR THE LAW AND THE PRINCE, A DISPUTE FOR THE JUST PREROGATIVE OF KING AND PEOPLE. See also: LEX, REX, OR THE LAW AND THE PRINCE, Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, #25.
Schaeffer, Francis A. (1912-1984), A Christian Manifesto, ISBN: 1581346921 9781581346923.
"The civil government, as all life, stands under the Law of God. . . . when any office commands that which is contrary to the Word of God, those who hold that office abrogate their authority and they are not to be obeyed. . . .
"Argues that Americans must reestablish the country's Judeo-Christian foundation in order to stop the current decay of morals and the loss of personal freedoms." -- Publisher
Sedgwick, Obadiah (1600?-1658), and Humphrey Chambers (1598 or 9-1662), The Best and the Worst Magistrate: or, The People's Happiness and Unhappiness, Laid Open in a Sermon Preached at the Late Election of the Lord Major for the Famous City of London, Sept. 29. 1648. By Obadiah Sedgwick B. in D. and minister at Covent-Garden.
*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 judgement 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 defence, and this extends to a right not only passively to resist, but also to kill relentless persecutors' writes Isbell in Nigel Cameron, editor, 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/
Brutus, Junius, The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Calvin: His Roots and Fruits (A Press, 1989), 78 pages.
"What then is the role of the state in economic matters? Is it to stand idly by and take no steps or initiate no policies to defend the poor? The state, in the economic realm, is under a mandate to enforce the moral law and to punish those who break it for the sake of economic gain. It may prevent monopolistic and other business practices which are contrary to the Biblical ethic, as well as stealing and other forms of dishonesty and may pass laws for this purpose. It is certain that Calvin would support more statutes of this kind than some advocates of free enterprise would tolerate today. In general, however, Calvin agreed that the state had no right to undertake schemes of redistributing wealth in order to achieve economic equality. The legislative taking of wealth under the guise of legality is no less stealing than if it is done by robbers and thieves. Such schemes, rather than being an application of Christian principles, are actually a form of human rebellion against the will of God for the right ordering of society." -- C. Gregg Singer in "Calvinism and Economic Thought and Practice"
Notes: "Appeared in volume II of THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHRISTIANITY . . . and was later printed by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company . . . 1967, for their Philosophical and historical studies series."
Contents: The author; Preface; I. The patristic foundations of calvinism; II. Calvinism: the summit of reformation theology; III. The later history of calvinism; IV. Influence of calvinism on western history and culture; V. Calvinism and economic thought and practice; VI. Calvinism and philosophy; VII. Calvinism and education; VIII. Calvinism and social thought and practice; Bibliography.
Spurstowe, William (1605?-1666), The Magistrates Dignity and Duty: Being a sermon preached on Oct. 30, 1653, at Pauls Church before the Rt. Hon. Thos. Viner, Lord Major, and the aldermen of the city of London: Being the first sermon after his entrance into his majoralty, 1654. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This is a sermon preached about civil rulers to a body of civil rulers. The text for the sermon is Psalm 82:1, which, according to Spurstowe, refers to civil rulers as 'gods.' As he puts it, 'they who are here dignified with the name of gods, are no other, then the bench and seat of lawful Magistracy; to whom He hath given power and authority by a charter from Heaven, to order and regulate the affairs of the sons of men on earth; and to prevent all that confusion and ruin which would inevitably fall out, if every man should be left to do what ever is right in his own eyes.' (pp. 9-10)
"There is a sense in which civil rulers are 'gods,' but they are certainly not 'gods' in every sense of the word. 'For as there are sundry respects in which they truly may, and ought to be reputed gods; yet there are diverse others also, in which they ought not to be called gods.' (p. 12)
"The office of civil ruler has been given by God as a blessing, but only civil rulers who follow His law will actually be a blessing. Civil rulers who ignore God and His law are more like a curse. 'A self-seeking Magistrate is one of the worst of plagues and judgements that can befall a people; he is as a gangrene in the head, which brings both a more speedy and a more certain ruin, then if it were in some inferior and less noble part of the body. He is not then a Shepherd to defend the innocent sheep, that run unto him for protection; but a wolf, to worry and devour them.' (p. 20)
"Compared to the biblical expectations for civil rulers spelled out by Spurstowe, the rulers of covenant-breaking nations today (Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA, etc.), are a sorry lot. Clearly, these nations have 'gangrene in the head'." -- Publisher
Steele, David (1803-1887), unworthy servant and subject of Jesus Christ, The Mystery of Magistracy Unvailed: or, God's Ordinance of Magistracy Asserted, Cleared, and Vindicated, From Heathenish Dominion, Tyrannous and anti-Christian Usurpation, Despisers of Dignities, and Contemners of Authorities. Available from Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publishing.
"THE MYSTERY OF MAGISTRACY UNVAILED sets forth in short compass the proper parameters of the civil magistrate. It also considers several related questions: What are the proper qualifications of rulers? May Christians appoint unbelievers to rule over them? What are the duties of magistrates? What are the duties of the people under magistrates? But, most importantly for us, living as we do under a government increasingly hostile to the Christian religion, what are the duties of the people to wicked rulers? To this interesting and engaging manual for believers, whether under a godly or an ungodly ruler, is added a short essay on the subject of taxation by David Steele. . . . There is also an extract from the 1761 Testimony of the Reformed Presbytery concerning this matter." -- Publisher
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
*Thorburn, John (minister of the Gospel, 1730?-1788), and John McMillan (M'Millan), II (1729-1808), 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 I, John, 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
Tod, Walter, The Obligation of Civil Rulers to Establish the Means of Religious Knowledge and Instruction; Deduced From the Universal Moral Government of God, 1836, 120 pages.
"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
Viret, Pierre, and R.A. Sheats, The Christian and the Magistrate: Roles, Responsibilities and Jurisdictions, ISBN: 9781938822537 1938822536.
"What is the Biblical definition of a civil magistrate? Should Christians be subject to them? Should civil governments be subject to God? Is physical resistance to authority ever justifiable? Under what circumstances? And what is a Christian's role with respect to the civil sphere? 16th century Swiss Reformer Pierre Viret once expressed his feelings of political turmoil: 'By nature I have always loved peace, and was always horrified at all dissensions and troubles.' Despite the man's peace-loving nature, however, God chose to place Viret in some of the most politically tumultuous situations imaginable throughout his life. In these times Viret was compelled to search the Scriptures in an effort to instruct his congregations--as well as countless others asking his advice -- on the Biblical definition and response to civil government, war, resistance against authorities, tyrants, and many other political matters. The writings contained in THE CHRISTIAN AND THE MAGISTRATE are a collection of some of the applications Viret offered of the Biblical truths pertaining to magistrates and the Christian's duty to them. -- Publisher
Pierre Viret Association
http://www.pierreviret.org/whois.php
Wagner, Michael, A Presbyterian Political Manifesto: Presbyterianism and Civil Government. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1 and #25.
"Philosophical considerations alone should not be considered sufficient to prove that an establishment of religion is a moral obligation. For Christians only the Bible can be accepted as the foundation for any belief, not only those beliefs related to 'spiritual' matters, but also those related to political issues. The critical question, then, for Christians is, 'Does the Bible teach the necessity of the establishment of the Christian religion?' The Bible does indeed demonstrate the need for an establishment of Christianity, and the Old Testament in particular provides the Biblical basis for the concept of an established church. In Old Testament times there was a pervasive cooperation between church and state, and that pattern was not abrogated in the New Testament.
"In the New Testament the passage with the most explicit teaching on civil government is probably Romans 13. In that chapter it is explained that political rulers 'are ordained of God' (v. 1 [Romans 13:1]); 'they are God's ministers' (v. 6 [Romans 13:6]), who must reward good and punish evil (vv. 3-4 [Romans 13:3,4]). This raises an important question: by what standard is the ruler to distinguish 'good' from 'evil?' Clearly, that standard can only be the Bible. How can rulers be God's ministers and yet not rule according to God's will? In other words, Romans 13:1-6 teaches not only that God has instituted civil government, but also that the rulers must govern according to the Word of God. The Bible is not only the exclusive rule of faith and practice for the church, but also for the state. With the Bible being the standard for the civil authorities, it is unmistakable that Christianity is the foundation of the law order, i.e., the established religion in this sense. Romans 13, then, at least in a general way, teaches the necessity of the establishment of Christianity.
"At this point it is important to be more specific about what is being proposed as the Biblical concept of established religion. The Bible teaches a cooperation between church and state that has been variously called the 'Scottish Theory of Ecclesiastical Establishments' (Smeaton 1875), the 'Establishment Principle' (Brown n.d., 1), and other similar terms.
"The Establishment Principle, or the Principle of the National Recognition of Religion maintains the scriptural view of the universal supremacy of Christ as King of Nations as well as King of saints, with the consequent duty of nations as such, and civil rulers in their official capacity, to honour and serve Him by recognizing His Truth and promoting His cause (Brown n.d., 1).
"As William Cunningham explains it, 'an obligation lies upon nations and their rulers to have respect, in the regulation of their national affairs, and in the application of national resources, to the authority of God's word, to the welfare of the church of Christ, and the interests of true religion.' ([1882], 1991a, 391). What is being maintained here is that the true church of Christ, and the civil authorities (both in submission to their common Lord), have as their goal the promotion of God's glory and true Christianity, and that they should work together for the promotion of this common goal. On the one hand, they should be allied together, but on the other hand, they should remain completely sovereign in their respective jurisdictions."
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/presbpol.htm
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."
*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:
Wilkes, Henry, Christianity the Restorer, or, Man's Dominion Over the Earth, Disturbed by sin, Restored by Christ: A Sermon Preached in Zion Church, Montreal, April 17, 1859, ISBN: 0665899599 9780665899591.
*Willson (Wilson), James McLeod (1809-1866), Bible Magistracy: or, Christ's Dominion Over the Nations: With an Examination of the Civil Institutions of the United States, 1842. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #12.
"A Covenanter examination of the Biblical doctrine of the Kingship of Christ and the Civil Magistrate. Written in 1842 by James McLeod Willson, the son of James Renwick Willson, this book also contains a critique of the United States' Constitution in Light of Scripture." -- Publisher
Willson, James McLeod, Bible Magistracy
http://archive.org/details/BibleMagistracyChristsDominionOverTheNations
Willson, James McLeod, Bible Magistracy
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/6/29/bible-magistracy-or-christs-dominion-over-the-nations-with-an-examination-of-the-civil-institutions-of-the-united-states
*Willson (Wilson), James McLeod (1809-1866), Civil Government: An Exposition of Romans 13:1-7 (1853), ISBN: 0524079293 9780524079294. Alternate title: THE ESTABLISHMENT AND LIMITS OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT: AN EXPOSITION OF ROMANS 13:1-7. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25. Available in THE DEACON: AN INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE, DUTIES AND EXERCISE OF THE OFFICE OF DEACON, IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
"Does the Bible give any qualifications for Christians to judge whether or not a given civil magistrate is a lawful or unlawful 'power' in the eyes of God? Does the very existence of a civil 'power' (say Hitler's Nazi state), make them a legitimate government according to Romans 13? Or, can a civil government obtain its 'power' from 'the beast' -- as some 'churches' do? Should civil 'authorities' be judged according to the secret or revealed will of God? This is a fine piece of exegetical work, well nigh irrefutable, arguing that God has given clear revelation regarding the lawfulness and unlawfulness of any given civil magistrate. Willson's Scriptural conclusion will surprise many, anger not a few, and, we believe, be found honoring to God. Though the book is easy reading, these are deep waters with implications that are among the most far-reaching. It is a very controversial publication based on the idea that 'unholy republics refuse to acknowledge Him (Christ) as Lord of all.' This failure to covenant with Christ, as nations, exposes the fact that these national governments are the enemies of Christ (as with the individual or church who will not covenant with Christ). They are thus in violation of the first commandment and therefore treasonous usurpers who will not have the one true king to rule over them. Their laws and actions bare this out, as they refuse to rule by the law of God, but rather, as dupes of Satan, rule by their own autonomous standards. And, though it is their duty to be a terror to evil and promote the good, they, in the main, do the opposite. They protect and support murders (e.g. abortionists), continence and permit perversity (e.g. homosexuality, pornography, etc.), and take no action to establish the Reformed faith (but rather extend constitution rights to all manner of cults, sectarians, satanists and Roman Catholics) -- to name but a few of the more obvious areas of government rebellion against King Jesus. Willson's father's application of the principles put forth in this book are found just below as they related to the United States government specifically. Knox, Rutherford and Gillespie would be proud!" -- Publisher
Civil Government: An Exposition of Romans 13:1-7
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/6/2/civil-government-an-eexposition-of-romans-xiii-1-7
Willson (Wilson), James Mcleod (1809-1866), The Deacon: An Inquiry Into the Nature, Duties and Exercise of the Office of Deacon, in the Christian Church; Bible Magistracy: or Christ's Dominion Over the Nations: With an Examination of the Civil Institutions of the United States; An Essay on Submission to the Powers that be; Civil Government: An Exposition of Romans XIII. 1-7 [Romans 13:1-7], Argumentative Testimony, Witnessing: or the Distinct Denomination Position of the Reformed Presbyterian Church Right and Necessary.
Willson, James McLeod, The Deacon: An Inquiry Into the Nature, Duties and Exercise of the Office of Deacon, in the Christian Church
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/6/1/the-deacon
*Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), Prince Messiah's Claims to Dominion Over all Governments: and the Disregard of His Authority by the United States in the Federal Constitution, 1832. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PRINCE MESSIAH'S CLAIMS TO DOMINION, PDF and MP3) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #12, #13, #25.
"Why treat thus all religion? Why disfranchise, by a solemn act the church of the living God? Is the benevolent, pure, holy, heaven born religion of Emmanuel, hostile to the happiness of the republic? Shall commerce, agriculture, the arts, literature -- all the other lawful pursuits, be countenanced, fostered, protected, and established on as permanent a basis, as possible and the true religion be put under the ban of the empire? But they say, let religion alone. Do they, however, adopt the laissez nous faire, in relation to manufactures and trade? No. We cherish all, but respecting the advancement of religion, Congress shall never do any thing. When the child is born, were the father and mother to say, laissez l'infant faire -- leave the babe to itself -- would that lie to act as a nursing father and mother? Surely no. There must be a far different kind of constitution among the nations, when the promise is fulfilled, that 'Kings shall be nursing fathers.' God Almighty says, in the text quoted above, that civil rulers shall nurse the church -- the Constitution says they shall not. Which is right? 'Ah! sinful nation, laden with iniquity.' God spares thee for the sake of his redeemed, that his moral subjects on earth may be, by the gospel of his Son, reclaimed from sin and rebellion -- that on the earth, through his own holy religion, he may expatiate the glories of redemption. The Constitution says religion shall be discountenanced by the Congress of the United States." -- James Renwick Willson
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath be kindled but a little. (Psalm 2:12). This book will go a long way to exposing the fact, as Willson writes, that 'ungodly men have occupied, and do now occupy, many of the official stations, in the government,' and that 'Tyrants are yet on their thrones, and unholy republics refuse to acknowledge Him (Christ -- RB), as Lord of all'." -- Publisher
Willson, James Renwick, Prince Messiah's Claims to Dominion Over all Governments
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/24/prince-messiahs-claims-to-dominion-over-all-governments-and-the-disregard-of-his-authority-by-the-united-states-in-the-federal-constitution
Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), The Written Law: or, The Law of God Revealed in the Scriptures by Christ as Mediator: The Rule of Duty to Christian Nations in Civil Institutions.
Willson, James Renwick, The Written Law, or The Law of God Revealed in the Scriptures, by Christ as Mediator; The Rule of Duty to Christian Nations to Civil Institutions
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/james-r-willsons-sermon-on-the-written-law
Covenanter and Reformed Presbyterian Pamphlets
http://www.covenanter.org/pamphlets/
Winstanley, Gerrard (b. 1609), The law of Freedom in a Platform: or, True Magistracy Restored, ISBN: 0952807068 9780952807063.
*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), 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, Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Systematic theology, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Medical ethics, Biblical civil government and the basis for civil resistance, The all-sufficiency of christ, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The words of christ, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, Trusting god, Loving and obeying god, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal,
Sin and its consequences, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Christianity in the workplace, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Justifying faith, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justifying faith, Forgiveness, Sanctification,
Lordship of jesus christ, Christ's kingdom, The mediatorial reign of christ: the crown rights of christ, The one and the many, Church and state, Reform of the church, Church government, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, The westminster standards, The Westminster confession of faith (1646), The larger catechism (also commentaries on the larger catechism), The shorter catechism, Teaching/training children, Systematic theology, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Christian character, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership,
Civil government, The government role of punishing wrongdoers, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, National establishment of religion: establishmentarianism, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, The Biblical Solution to terrorism,
Politics, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Oaths, secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Lying and deceit, self-deceit, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Bribery, Computer crime, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Antinomianism, Punishment, Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Sexual wholeness, Resolutions, The right to petition, Referendum votes,
The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation author/title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership,
Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, substance abuse, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 481, 1337, 1338, 1354, 1355, 1975-1985, 2148, 2527, 2798, 2914, 3049, 3050, 3054, 3077-3080, 3131, 3132, 3737, 3955, 3958, 4127, 4177
MGTP: Ethics
Anti-Voluntary Associations and Unlawful Confederacies
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/30/voluntary-associations-and-unlawful-confederacies
Biblical Civil Government and The Basis for Civil Resistance
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html#bibcgcr
The Biblical Solution to Terrorism
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#terror
Biblical Test of Character for Candidates for Public Office and all Civil Servants
http://www.lettermen2.com/bibltest.html
Blasphemy and Civil Rights, Gary North
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gnbd/Chapter23.htm
Brief View of the Evidence for the Exercise of Civil Authority About Religion, Thomas M'Crie
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/a-godly-society/the-exercise-of-civil-authority-about-religion.php
Causes of the Lord's Wrath, James Guthrie
http://www.truecovenanter.com/guthrie/guthrie_james_causes_of_wrath.html
The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm
Conspiracy in Philadelphia, Gary North
http://www.lewrockwell.com/north/north291.html
The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#dlmagstrs
Fallacy Files
http://www.fallacyfiles.org/
Judicial Accountability Initiative Law (Jail) 4 Judges
The last update of this website, July 2010.
"The Judicial Accountability Initiative Law, J.A.I.L., is a single-issue national grassroots organization designed to end the rampant and pervasive judicial corruption in the legal system of the United States. J.A.I.L. recognizes this can be achieved only through making the Judicial Branch of government answerable and accountable to an entity other than itself. At this time it isn't, resulting in the judiciary's arbitrary abuse of the doctrine of judicial immunity, leaving the People without recourse when their inherent rights are violated by judges."
http://www.jail4judges.org/
*Judicial Watch
http://www.judicialwatch.org
The Majesty of God (FGB #171)
The Majesty of God in Providence, Watson, George D. (1845-1924) | The Great Work of God: Rain, Piper, John | The Majestic Voice, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | The Pleasures of God in Creation, Piper, John | The Righteous Man's Refuge, Flavel, John (1628-1691) | The Pistol Star and the Power of God, Piper, John | Majesty Come Down, Chalmers, Thomas 1780-1847
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/mogofg/majesty-of-god
Political Polytheism, part 4, a sermon by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1160518292
A Presbyterian Political Manifesto: Presbyterianism and Civil Government, Michael Wagner
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/PresbPol.htm
Prodding the Magistrates to do Their Duty
http://lessermagistrate.bmetrack.com/c/v
The Proper Duties of Civil Rulers in Matters of Religion. Being a Reformed Presbyterian Testimony on the Magistrate's Power Circa-Sacra, originally drafted by William Sloane, pastor in the RPCNA.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/rpcna_testimony_for_magistrates_authority_in_religious_matters_ed_jtk.html
Reformation Civil Government, Reg Barrow
Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/RefCG_RB.htm
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
St. Augustine: The Writings Against the Manichians and Against the Donatists (Augustine on the Civil Magistrate)
http://www.ccel.org/s/schaff/ecf/npnf104/htm/i.htm
Selected Sources on the Civil Magistrate
Bibliography.
http://vftonline.org/VFTfiles/thesis/bibliography/civil_magistrate.htm
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
Synopsis of Scriptural Magistracy and Evaluation of the U.S. Constitution, Appendix B: The United States Constitution: and Classic Verses Modern Reformed Teachings Concerning Magistracy and Religion. Found in BIBLICAL CIVIL GOVERNMENT VERSUS THE BEAST; AND, THE BASIS FOR CIVIL RESISTANCE. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#teachljc
Trinitarianism Verses Polytheism: Unresolved Questions of Article VI, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution
http://www.lettermen2.com/trinpoly.html
The United States Constitution: And Classic Verses National Establishments of Religion. Found in BIBLICAL CIVIL GOVERNMENT VERSUS THE BEAST; AND, THE BASIS FOR CIVIL RESISTANCE, APPENDIX B Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Hence it ought to be observed that something remarkable is here demanded from princes, besides an ordinary profession of faith; for the Lord has bestowed on them authority and power to defend the Church and to promote the glory of God. This is indeed the duty of all; but kings, in proportion as their power is greater, ought to devote themselves to it more earnestly, and to labor in it more diligently." -- John Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah (1550).
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/national-establishments-of-religion
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. -- Publisher of The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates: A Proper Resistance to Tyranny and a Repudiation of Unlimited Obedience to Civil Government"The interposition of the lesser magistrates not only restores order in society -- but it abates the just judgment of God."
Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.
And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken.
The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.
And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.
Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God. (Ezekiel 22:27-31)When thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. (Isaiah 26:9b)
Calvin taught that the office of civil magistrate was the highest "calling" that a Christian man could receive. (Institutes, IV:20:4) -- W. Gary Crampton in What Calvin Says
"Accordingly, no one ought to doubt that civil authority is a calling, not only holy and lawful before God, but also the most sacred and by far the most honorable of all callings in the whole life of mortal men." -- John Calvin, The magistracy is ordained by God, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Ford Lewis Battles translation), IV:20:4THE MAGDEBURG CONFESSION is one of history's most important events involving the lesser magistrate doctrine. Men like John Knox, Theodore Beza, and Phillip Mornay were deeply impacted by THE MAGDEBURG CONFESSION, and the repercussions of this great writing were felt throughout western civilization all the way to the founding of America as a nation. Learn more about the Confession: MagdeburgConfession.com
My petition is, that you whom God has appointed heads in your commonwealth, with single eye, do study to promote the glory of God, to provide that your subjects be rightly instructed in his true religion; that they be defended from all oppression and tyranny; that true teachers may be maintained; and such as blind and deceive the people, together also with all idle bellies which do rob and oppress the flock, may be removed and punished as God's law prescribes. And to the performance of every one of these do your offices and names, the honours and benefits which you receive, the law of God universally given to men, and the examples of most godly princes, bind and oblige you. . . .
To wit, first, that in conscience you are bound to punish malefactors, and to defend innocents imploring your help; secondarily, that God requires of you to provide that your subjects be rightly instructed in his true religion, and that the same by you be reformed whensoever abuses do creep in by [the] malice of Satan and negligence of men; and last, that you are bound to remove from honour, and to punish with death (if the crime so requires) such as deceive the people, or defraud them of that food of their souls, I mean God's lively word. . . .
And therefore I fear not to affirm, that which God shall one day justify: that by your offices you are bound, not only to repress their tyranny, but also to punish them as thieves and murderers, as idolaters and blasphemers of God, and in their rooms you are bound to place true preachers of Christ's evangel, for the instruction, comfort, and salvation of your subjects, above whom else the Holy Ghost never shall acknowledge that you rule in justice for their profit. . . .
Of which histories it is evident, that the reformation of religion in all points, together with the punishment of false teachers, does appertain to the power of the civil magistrate. For what God required of them, his justice must require of others having the like charge and authority; what he did approve in them, he cannot but approve in all others who, with like zeal and sincerity, do enterprise to purge the Lord's temple and sanctuary. What God required of them, it is before declared: to wit, that most diligently they should observe his law, statutes, and ceremonies. And how acceptable were their facts to God, he does himself witness (2 Chron. 32) [2 Chronicles 32]. . . .
For now the common song of all men is, "We must obey our kings, be they good or be they bad; for God has so commanded." But horrible shall the vengeance be, that shall be poured forth upon such blasphemers of God's holy name and ordinance. For it is no less blasphemy to say that God has commanded kings to be obeyed, when they command impiety, than to say that God by his precept is author and maintainer of all iniquity.
True it is, God has commanded kings to be obeyed; but likewise true it is, that in things which they commit against his glory -- or when cruelly without cause they rage against their brethren, the members of Christ's body -- he has commanded no obedience, but rather he has approved, yea, and greatly rewarded, such as have opposed themselves to their ungodly commandments and blind rage; as in the example of the three children, of Daniel, and Ebed-melech, it is most evident. The three children would neither bow nor stoop before the golden image at the commandment of the great King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel did openly pray, his windows being open, against the established law of Darius and of his council; and Ebed-melech feared not to enter in before the presence of Zedekiah, and boldly to defend the cause and innocence of Jeremiah the prophet, whom the king and his council had condemned to death (Jer. 38) [Jeremiah 38]. Every one of these facts should this day be judged foolish by such as will not understand what confession God does require of his children, when his verity is oppugned, or his glory is called in doubt. Such men, I say, as prefer man to God, and things present to the heavenly inheritance, should have judged every one of these facts, stubborn disobedience, foolish presumption, and singularity, or else bold controlling of the king and his wise council. . . .
And the same, I say, is the duty of every man in his vocation, but chiefly of the nobility which are joined with their kings, to bridle and repress their folly and blind rage. Which thing, if the nobility do not, neither yet labour to do: as they are traitors to their kings, so do they provoke the wrath of God against themselves and against the realm in which they abuse the authority which they have received of God to maintain virtue and to repress vice. . . .
God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power of his Holy Spirit, so rule and dispose your hearts, that with simplicity you may consider the things that are offered, and that you may take such order in the same, as God in you may be glorified, and Christ's flock by you may be edified and comforted, to the praise and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose omnipotent Spirit rule your hearts in his true fear to the end. Amen. -- John Knox (1505-1572), The Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and Clergy: Addressed to the Nobility and Estates of Scotland, in the Works of John Knox and Works of John Knox, also, The Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and ClergyWho will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? (Psalm 94:16)
*Anonymous, (attributed to George Gillespie), The Mystery of Magistracy Unvailed: or, God's Ordinance of Magistracy Asserted, Cleared, and Vindicated, From Heathenish Dominion, Tyrannous and anti-Christian Usurpation, Despisers of Dignities, and Contemners of Authorities, by an Unworthy Servant and Subject of Jesus Christ. Available (PDF and 2 MP3 files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Though the author is unknown, this work has been thought by some to have been written by George Gillespie. It is a fine introduction to Second Reformation thought on civil government. Some sample headings extracted from its pages include: 'Of the qualifications required in the Judge or Ruler;' 'Of the promised blessing that is to attend the latter days in a righteous rule and ruler;' 'Of the judgement and curse attending no rule, or an evil ruler;' 'Of the people's duty under wicked rulers, both towards God and them." -- Publisher
Available from Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publishing (covenanter.org/pamphlets/) as a pamphlet, #17.
The Mystery of Magistracy Unvailed
"THE MYSTERY OF MAGISTRACY UNVAILED sets forth in short compass the proper parameters of the civil magistrate. It also considers several related questions: What are the proper qualifications of rulers? May Christians appoint unbelievers to rule over them? What are the duties of magistrates? What are the duties of the people under magistrates? But, most importantly for us, living as we do under a government increasingly hostile to the Christian religion, what are the duties of the people to wicked rulers? To this interesting and engaging manual for believers, whether under a godly or an ungodly ruler, is added a short essay on the subject of taxation by David Steele. . . . There is also an extract from the 1761 Testimony of the Reformed Presbytery concerning this matter." -- Publisher
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2017/1/16/the-mystery-of-magistracy-unvailed?rq=Mystery%20of%20Magistracy
The Mystery of Magistracy Unvailed: or, God's Ordinance of Magistracy Asserted, Cleared, and Vindicated from heathenish dominion, tyrannous and anti-Christian usurpation, despisers of dignities and contemners or authorities, by an unworthy servant and subject of Jesus Christ, the King of saints and nations (1708)
http://archive.org/details/magistr00edin
Gee, Edward (1613-1660), and Richard Hollingworth (1607-1656), An Exercitation Concerning Usurped Powers: Wherein the Difference Betwixt Civill Authority and Usurpation is Stated. That the obedience due to lawfull magistrates, is not owing, or payable, to usurped powers, is maintained. The obligation of oaths, and other sanctions to the former, notwithstanding the antipolitie of the latter is asserted. And the arguments urged on the contrary part in divers late printed discourses are answered. Being modestly, and inoffensively managed: by one studious of truth and peace both in Church and state, 1650.
*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.
How Superior Powers Ought to be Obeyed of Their Subjects
http://www.constitution.org/cmt/goodman/obeyed.htm
*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), and Roger A. Mason (editor), Knox: On Rebellion, ISBN: 0521390893 9780521390897 0521399882 9781399883.
"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).
*Lawson, George (1749-1820), Considerations on the Overture, Lying Before the Associate Synod: Respecting Some Alterations in the Formula Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters of Religion; and The Obligation of our Covenants, National and Solemn League on Posterity.
*Magdeburg, Pastors of (author), Matthew Colvin, Ph.D. (translator), George Grant (introduction), Matthew Trewhella (foreword), The Magdeburg Confession: 13th of April 1550 AD, ISBN: 1470087537 9781470087531.
"This is the first ever English translation of the historic Magdeburg Confession. The translation work was done from a 1550 Latin original of the Confession. The Magdeburg Confession is the first known document in the history of man to formally set forth the Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates. The Lesser Magistrate Doctrine teaches that when a superior authority makes unjust laws or decrees, the lesser authority has a God-given right and duty to resist those unjust laws or decrees. In 1548, Charles V imposed his infamous Augsburg Interim which was an attempt to smash the Protestant Reformation. While all of Protestant Germany conformed to his decree, one city decided to take a stand and resist his authority -- the city of Magdeburg. The pastors of Magdeburg issued their Confession and Defense of the Pastors and Other Ministers of the Church of Magdeburg on April 13, 1550 AD. Five months after issuing their Confession, Charles V's forces marched on Magdeburg. The people of Magdeburg burned everything outside the city walls and closed the city gates. The siege of Magdeburg had begun. What constitutes a tyrannical government? How and when are Christians to respond and act when a government does become tyrannical? Are Christians to give unlimited obedience to the State? These questions and others were addressed and answered by the pastors in the Confession. In defiance of Charles V's tyranny, they declared, 'Divine laws necessarily trump human ones.' What the pastors of Magdeburg wrote in the Confession significantly impacted men like John Knox, Theodore Beza, and Phillip Mornay. The repercussions of the Confession were felt throughout Western Civilization all the way to the founding of America as a nation. For over 460 years, the Confession has existed only in Latin and German. Now English-speaking people can read it for themselves. This is the first English translation of The Magdeburg Confession ever written. Dr. Matthew Colvin holds a Ph.D. in Latin and Greek Literature from Cornell University." -- Publisher
The Magdeburg Confession
http://magdeburgconfession.com/mag/
Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), and Giles Firmin (1614-1697), The Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters of Religion Vindicated: The Extent of his Power Determined in a Sermon Preached Before the First Parliament on a Monthly Fast day / by . . . Mr. Stephen Marshall . . . / published by G. Firmin . . . with notes upon the sermon, 1657.
Spurstowe, William (1605?-1666), The Magistrates Dignity and Duty: Being a Sermon Preached on Oct. 30, 1653, at Pauls Church before the Rt. Hon. Thos. Viner, Lord Major, and the aldermen of the city of London: Being the first sermon after his entrance into his majoralty, 1654. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This is a sermon preached about civil rulers to a body of civil rulers. The text for the sermon is Psalm 82:1, which, according to Spurstowe, refers to civil rulers as 'gods.' As he puts it, 'they who are here dignified with the name of gods, are no other, then the bench and seat of lawful Magistracy; to whom He hath given power and authority by a charter from Heaven, to order and regulate the affairs of the sons of men on earth; and to prevent all that confusion and ruin which would inevitably fall out, if every man should be left to do what ever is right in his own eyes.' (pp. 9-10)
"There is a sense in which civil rulers are 'gods,' but they are certainly not 'gods' in every sense of the word. 'For as there are sundry respects in which they truly may, and ought to be reputed gods; yet there are diverse others also, in which they ought not to be called gods.' (p. 12)
"The office of civil ruler has been given by God as a blessing, but only civil rulers who follow His law will actually be a blessing. Civil rulers who ignore God and His law are more like a curse. 'A self-seeking Magistrate is one of the worst of plagues and judgements that can befall a people; he is as a gangrene in the head, which brings both a more speedy and a more certain ruin, then if it were in some inferior and less noble part of the body. He is not then a Shepherd to defend the innocent sheep, that run unto him for protection; but a wolf, to worry and devour them.' (p. 20)
"Compared to the biblical expectations for civil rulers spelled out by Spurstowe, the rulers of covenant-breaking nations today (Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA, etc.), are a sorry lot. Clearly, these nations have 'gangrene in the head'." -- Publisher
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
*Symington, Andrew (1785-1853, the older brother of William), Headship of Christ Over the Nations, 1841. Alternate title: INTRODUCTORY LECTURE ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13, #25.
"Provides Scriptural evidences for Christ's headship over the nations and the church, demonstrating the importance of this doctrine to the kingdom of 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
*Symington, Andrew (1785-1853, the older brother of William, editor), and Ministers of The Reformed Presbyterian Church, Scotland, Introductory Lecture on the Principles of the Second Reformation, 1841. Alternate titles: LECTURES ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION, and HEADSHIP OF CHRIST OVER THE NATIONS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18, #30.
"Contents: Second Reformation / Andrew Symington
Headship of Christ Over His church / James Ferguson
Evils, Constitutional and Practical of the Prelatic Establishment of the British Empire / Thomas Neilson
The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland / John Graham
Patronage Opposed to the Independence of the Church and to the Scriptural Rights of Christian people / W.H. Goold
Headship of Christ Over the Nations / Andrew Symington
Nature and Obligation of Public Vows / William Symington
The sin and Danger of Union Between the Church of Christ and the Immoral or Anti-christian Civil Government / Stewart Bates."
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
*Thorburn, John (minister of the Gospel, 1730?-1788), and John McMillan (M'Millan), II (1729-1808), 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 [McMillanI, John, 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
*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
The Magdeburg Confession
http://magdeburgconfession.com/mag/
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, Trusting god, Loving and obeying god, The ten commandments, the moral law, The commandments of christ, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Self-denial, Courage, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Power, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, 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), Epistemology, The ten commandments: the moral law, 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), Teaching/training children, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Systematic theology, Reform of the church, Medical ethics, Healthcare reform, Computer crime, Bribery, Lying and deceit, self-deceit, Toxic and harmful substances, cancer, Sin and its consequences, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Systematic theology, Resolutions, The right to petition, Referendum votes, 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, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant Theology and Covenanting, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Christian character, Toleration and Liberty of Conscience, Oaths, secret societies and ungodly alliance, Christianity in the workplace, Sexual relationship, Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, substance abuse, 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, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, The government role of punishing wrongdoers, Punishment, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Justifying faith, Forgiveness, Sanctification, 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, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The mediatorial reign of christ: the crown rights of christ, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The one and the many, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Politics, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, The one and the many, Church and state, The Biblical Solution to terrorism, The government role of punishing wrongdoers, The Westminster confession of faith (1646), Antinomianism, Church government, Civil government, Liberty of conscience, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 481, 1354, 1337, 1338, 1355, 1975-1985, 2148, 2527, 2798, 2914, 3049, 3050, 3054, 3077-3080, 3131, 3132, 3737, 3955, 3958, 4127, 4177
MGTP: Ethics
A Christmas Gift From James Madison: The Virginia Resolutions of 1798, Mike Maharrey, Dec 21, 2018
"Resolutions drafted by James Madison and passed by Virginia on Dec 21. and 24, 1798, answer a timeless question: What do we do when the federal government oversteps its constitutional bounds?
"All too often, we simply ignore unconstitutional federal overreach. But James Madison had other ideas. The man known as 'The Father of the Constitution' insisted states are 'duty bound, to interpose' and arrest 'the progress of the evil.'
"Madison made this emphatic statement in the Virginia Resolutions of 1798, a document he drafted in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts."
https://tenthamendmentcenter.com/2018/12/21/a-christmas-gift-from-james-madison-the-virginia-resolutions-of-1798/
The City That Defied an Empire: In Honor of Reformation500
"When Martin Luther died in 1546, Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, imposed his infamous Augsburg Interim in an attempt to smash the Protestant Reformation. The Interim brought all the Protestant lands back under Roman Catholic rule, belief, and practice.
Only one city defied -- the outlawed Magdeburg."
https://lessermagistrate.com/city-defied-empire-honor-reformation500/
Defy Tyrants
http://www.DefyTyrants.com
The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrate
http://www.LesserMagistrate.com
Election Sermon: The Duty of Lower Magistrates in the Face of Tyranny (Ezekiel 22:27-31)
https://lessermagistrate.com/montana-election-sermon/
Lessons From Magdeburg (part 1), Matt Trewhella
"The truth is not conquered by strength of arms. Military victory cannot change anything about what is true, nor does it always accompany the truth."
https://defytyrants.com/lessons-from-magdeburg-part-1/
The Magdeburg Confession
http://magdeburgconfession.com/mag/
Prodding the Magistrates to do Their Duty
http://lessermagistrate.bmetrack.com/c/v
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)
The rift between Seceders and Covenanters over the issue of civil magistracy only opened about ten years after the Secession, in 1743, when certain Seceders denied this "diversity" of opinion which they entertained (Covenanters did not) to ex-Covenanter Andrew Clarkson when he applied to them. Thomas Nairn strongly disagreed with the course taken and left he Seceders to join with John MacMillan to erect the Reformed Presbytery, again, in 1743. The Seceders diversity on this matter blew them apart in 1747 when they split into Burghers and Antiburghers. It was not until after the Nairn defection that Seceders began open attacks on the Covenanters, or Old Dissenters. It was after this time that we find extreme statements made (particularly by Adam Gib [chief Antiburgher]) denying the Mediatorial reign of Christ over all things to the church (and I am not sure even he went as far as certain moderns on this). -- John Sinclair
Some professing belief in the Scriptures seem to be much disturbed when the fearful casualties that befall men are declared to be the righteous judgments of God, thereby discovering their ignorance of the righteousness of the Judge of all the earth, their enmity to Him, and that they are more debased than the heathen of Greece and Rome, who attributed whatever befell them to their gods. A great and precious promise is given to those who observe God's providence. Ps. 107:43 [Psalm 107:43]: Whoso is wise and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord. Fearful threatenings are denounced against those who pursue an opposite course. Ps. 28:5 [Psalm 28:5]: Because they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them and not build them up. See also Isa. 5:11,12 [Isaiah 5:11,12], Ps. 107:7-13 [Psalm 107:7-13]. To deny God's providence is to deny his being. Those who do so are atheists, and their atheism is the fruit of the highest impiety. Ps. 36:1 [Psalm 36:1]: Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? He hath said in his heart, thou wilt not require it. -- Reformed Presbyterian Church, General Meeting, Causes of Fasting (1898).
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
Allen, Frank E., The Place of the Christian in Present-day Politics, 1916.
Anonymous, Serious Objections to the Proposed Declaratory Act of the Free Church of Scotland.
Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (1839-1858). First Presbytery of Ohio., Report on Covenanting.
Notes: "The following paper was read before the First Presbytery of Ohio, as the report of a Committee in December. The Presbytery took no action on it, than to direct its publication as a paper which might be useful to the churches." -- Page [3]
Associated Reformed Presbytery (Reformed Presbytery in Scotland), The Constitution of the Associate-Reformed Synod in America Considered, Disowned, and Testifyed Against, as Inconsistent With the Reformation-constitution of Britain and Ireland.
The Constitution of the Associate Reformed Synod in America Considered, Disowned and Testifyed Against
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/reformed_presbytery_testimony_against_ars_constitution.html?doc_banner_show=false
Associate Synod of Original Seceders (Scotland), A Testimony to the Truths of Christ: Agreeably to the Westminster Standards as Received by the Reformed Church of Scotland, and in Opposition to Defections From the Reformation Sworn to in Britain and Ireland: Agreed to by the Associate Synod of Original Seceders, 18th May 1827.
Bates, Stewart, Pastoral Admonitions and Warnings of the Reformed Presbyterian Church [together with some profitable ones from other Reformed churches].
Pastoral Admonitions and Warnings of the Reformed Presbyterian Church [together with some profitable ones from other Reformed churches].
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/the-reformed-presbyterian-churchs-of-scotland-address-to-the-reformed-presbyterians-and-other-christians-in-british-america
Pastoral Admonitions and Warnings of the Reformed Presbyterian Church [together with some profitable ones from other Reformed churches].
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/pastoral-admonitions-warnings-and-letters
Bowyer, Gerald (editor in 1991), The Christian Statesman, 1867 -- Present, ISSN: 0009-5664.
"The organ of the National Reform Association and the oldest continuous publication associated with Reformed Presbyterianism."
The NRA and The Christian Statesman are currently dormant (May 3, 2018).
Carson, David Melville, A History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America to 1871.
Chellis, William, Origins of American Covenanter Political Theology (National Reform Association). Probably available in a publication of the National Reform Association. However, NRA is currently dormant (May 3, 2018).
Author's Note: "This article is an excerpt from a larger paper on the place of God's law in Anglo-American Christendom."
Couper, William James, The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland: Its Congregations, Ministers and Students, 1925. Also available in:
Records of Scottish Church History Society 2 (1925), 45-6, 116-17, "The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland," ISSN: 0264-5572.
Covenanter Witness, The, Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, and Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Synod., The Covenanter Witness, 1928 -- Present. ISSN: 0749-4319.
Drew University Library, Pamphlets From the Drew University Library 19th Century Collection, [Presbyterian Church Pamphlet Collection]. Parts 2-6.
Douglas, James, A Second Statement of Facts, Relative to the Session of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, New York, and the Writer James Douglas, 1823. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Historical information on the judicial tyranny in the RPCNA in the 1820's." -- Publisher
Drew University. Library., [Reformed Presbyterian Church Pamphlet Collection].
"Contents: Minutes / Alliance of the Reformed Church throughout the World Holding the Presbyterian System. Executive Commission. Western Section (1902) | Address to the members and congregations of the Reformed Presbyterian Church / Anderson, William | Short directory for religious societies, drawn up by appointment of the Reformed Presbytery / Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (1802-1822), (1840) | The everlasting kingdom, a discourse on the mediatorial dominion of Jesus Christ / Black, John (1848) | Remarks on a pamphlet entitled The consistory, an inquiry into the nature and effects of a consistory in the Reformed Presbyterian Church / Bradford, W. (1842) | The Christian's work / Calderwood, William (1856) | The worship of the Lord in his sanctuary / Duff, Alexander (1854) | Why we are covenanters; the witnessing church, the ideal church / Foster, J.M. (1903) | The American Reformed covenanter, vol. 2, nos. 5 and 6 / Gailey, Francis (1840) | A narrative of recent occurrences within the bounds of the Eastern Subordinate Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church / Gibson, Robert (1834) | Reply to the Reverend John Gibson and others / Gibson, Robert (1833) | Strictures on a pamphlet, published by a minority of the Eastern Subordinate Synod, of the Reformed Presbyterian Church / Gibson, Robert (1832) | Present duty / Gray, James (1809) | The jubilee trumpet / Herron, David (1855) | A sermon / Herron, S.P. (1862) | Elective franchise; or, why Reformed Presbyterians do not vote at parliamentary or municipal elections / Lawson, J.R. (1878) | Anti-deacon; a candid examination of the deacon question / McKee, Charles (1843) | The little flock possessing the kingdom; or, true religion controlling the world / McLeod, John Niel (1854) | The great subject of the Christian ministry / McMaster, Gilbert (1852) | The rights of God / M'Kinney, James (1833) | The royal priesthood of messiah / Newell, John (1858) | The scriptural deacon; an inquiry into the distinct rights of the officers and people in the management of the temporal concerns of the church, by a Committee man / Nightingale, John (1845) | The seventh commandment / Reed, Edward Allen (1883) | Original draft of a pastoral address ... to the people under their immediate inspection / Reformed Presbyterian Church. Eastern Subordinate Synod (1832) | Form of covenant renovation / Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Synod (1855) | The higher law; or, the law of the most high / Roberts, William L. (1851) | Narrative of the division of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, U.S., 1833 / Scott, David (1863) | Attachment to Zion / Shaw, J.W. (1852) | God's judgments, and thanksgiving sermons / Sloane, J.R.W. (1858) | The word; a discourse delivered at the opening of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod / Sloane, J.R.W. (1858) | The true deaconship; or, strictures on a pamphlet entitled The scriptural deacon, &c. / Smith, David (1847) | Shall all be saved? The doctrine of endless punishment proved, and objections to it answered in two sermons / Sproull, Thos. (1856) | Statement of some recent transactions in the Southern Reformed Presbytery, addressed to the members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church and the Christian community (1833) | Declaration and testimony for the present truth / Steele, David (1864) | Minutes of proceedings of the Reformed Presbytery, at Brush Creek, Adams County, Ohio, 1840 / Steele, David (1840) | The two witnesses: their cause, number, character, furniture and special work / Steele, David (1859) | The Bible: the safe-guard of the nation / Steele, Richard H. (1857) | The christology of St. John / Thompson, John B (1877) | The healing of the nobleman's son / Tiffany, Otis H. (1860) | Sermons / Tiffany, Otis H. and George D. Cummins (1860) | Was Jesus a reformer? / Willson, D.B. (1910) | The deacon: an inquiry into the nature, duties, and exercise of the office of the deacon in the Christian church / Willson, James M. (1841) | Prince Messiah's claims to dominion over all governments: and the disregard of his authority by the United States in the federal constitution / Willson, James M. (1848) | Social religious covenanting / Willson, James M. (1856) | Truth: a sermon on steadfast adherence to the distinctive doctrines of the church / Willson, Samuel M. (1833) | The blessedness of a nation whose God is Jehovah / Wilson, William (1841) | The church and the new age / Wilson, William (1831) | The handful of mountain corn, and the prospect which the season and soil present to the church of God of an abundant harvest / Wilson, William (1831) | Ministerial heroism: a sermon preached at the ordination and installation of the Reverend David Herron / Wilson, William (1850) | Protest, against the action of the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, in the case of the Pittsburgh Presbytery / Wilson, William (1850) | Witnessing; or, our distinct denominational position | Truth's pillar; or, the church and her mission / Wylie, Samuel O. (1856) | Appendix [laying the corner-stone of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia] / Wylie, Theodorus W.J. (1854) | The God of our fathers; a discourse delivered at the opening of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Broad Street, Philadelphia / Wylie, Theodorus W.J. (1854)."
Elder, J. Calvin, J. Oliver Beatty, and The Reformed Presbyterian Church (New Alexandria, PA), History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of New Alexandria, Pa.: From its Organization September 16, 1816 to September 16, 1916.
"Notes: Includes Covenant of 1871, Sanquhar Declaration of Independence, Hannastown Declaration of Independence, Mecklenberg Declaration of Independence." -- Publisher
Elliott, Delbert H., and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, Witness Committee, The Church Versus the Lodge, 1920.
*Fairly, John (1729-1806), An Humble Attempt in Defense of Reformation Principles; Particularly on the Head of the Civil Magistrate. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"The title continues: 'Wherein the gross falsehoods, calumnies, and imposed sense, palmed by Mr. John Goodlet, upon the Testimony emitted by the Reformed Presbytery, are exposed and confuted; and said Testimony vindicated. As also, the seceding scheme of political principles more fully detected;-- and discovered to be inconsistent with the law of nature, light of divine revelation, and covenanted testimony of the Church of Scotland.' Goold, in his THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SCOTLAND: ITS ORIGIN AND HISTORY 1680-1876, writes of Fairly and this book, 'He was very zealous and outspoken in his maintenance of Church principles, and unsparing in his condemnation and exposure of the shortcomings of other denominations. This caused him to be both feared and disliked by many outside of his own communion; yet by the ministers who were nearest his residence, and who came most frequently in contact with him, he was greatly esteemed. He was fearless of consequences in the discharging of his duties. On one occasion, when in Ireland, his scathing exposure of Popery so irritated the Catholics, that three of them resolved to disturb his next meeting by musical instruments (and remember no faithful Presbyterian used this 'badge of Popery' -- musical instruments -- in their public meetings -- RB). They came prepared to do this, but were so overcome by the grave dignity of the man, and by the truth he spoke, that they could do nothing but quietly listen. Two of them, it is said, became earnest Protestants. On another occasion he denounced 'unpreaching bishops,' and declared that his Lordship of Bangor was worse than Balaam's ass, which spoke once at least, and rebuke the madness of the prophet. Some were so highly offended that they resolved to waylay and stone the preacher. Mr. Fairly was aware of this, but refused to change his route. As he approached the ambuscade, a dispute arose as to his identity; some held that it was the object of their hate, others said, 'No, never a bit of him; who ever saw a mountain minister ride such a good horse?' and while they disputed he got beyond their reach. One who knew him writes thus: 'I had some knowledge of the elder Fairley; he fearlessly attacked the reigning follies of his age, and preached the Gospel in a familiar but forcible style of eloquence. In his great field days, and when contending for the Testimony of the Martyrs, he was unsparing in the use of arrows, oft broke a lance with the Pope, and drove rusty nails into our venerable Establishment, and lashed the Secession and Relief for their declensions.' so pointed was his dealing with the sins of the times, that many left his meetings when he came to the application of his discourse . . . He took part in the controversy with the Seceders, and published a pamphlet in reply to Goodlet, the Anti-burgher minister of Sanquhar, in which he gives a scathing exposure of the weakness and inconsistency of his opponent, and directs against him all his resources of humour and sarcasm, as well as the weightier weapons of solid argument. But it was in proclaiming the riches of the glorious Gospel to cast audiences under the open canopy of heaven, that the power of Fairley was fully disclosed. He was undoubtedly the preacher among the 'Four Johns.' He had a commanding presence, a well-furnished mind, and a fluent and forcible utterance; and when he warmed to his grand theme, his words moved the hearts of the crowds that had gathered around him, and many owned him as their spiritual father.' (pp. 221-222). This book (of 283 pages), is another Reformed Presbyterian classic!" -- Publisher
Ferguson (Fergusson), James (1621-1667), The Headship of Christ Over His Church and her Independent Jurisdiction, 1841. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
First International Convention of Reformed Presbyterian Churches: Scotland, June 27-July 3, 1896, First International Convention of Reformed Churches, 1896.
Foster, Walter Roland, The Church Before the Covenants: the Church of Scotland, 1596-1638, 1975, ISBN: 0701121297 9780701121297.
Frazer, Frank Dean, Outline Studies in the Covenant, 1970.
Free Church of Scotland, a Committee of Free Church Ministers and Elders, Serious Objections to the Proposed Declaratory act of the Free Church of Scotland: Submitted for the Consideration of Office-bearers and Members of the Free Church.
Free Church. Scotland. General Assembly, and Hugh Martin (1822-1885), Free Church Declaratory Act. [Passed by the Free Church General Assembly of 1891.] A Criticism and Protest: Being Speeches Delivered at a Public Meeting Held in Glasgow on . . . 18th February, 1892. Reprinted From the "Christian Leader" of 25th February, 1892, and revised. Alternate title: FREE CHURCH DECLARATORY ACT, 1892.
Gamble, William Arnett, Trumpets of the Lord: Proclaiming God's Wonderful Words of Life.
General Associate Synod (Scotland), Narrative and Testimony Agreed Upon and Enacted by the General Associate Synod: Together With an act Respecting Procedure in Covenanting Work, Copies of the National Covenant and Solemn League, an act concerning an acknowledgment of sins, profession of faith and engagement to duties, with the formula.
George, R.J., "Christ's," or Separation From Christless Governments: Should Separation From Christless Governments be Made a Condition of Membership in the Christian Church? 1900.
George, R.J., Close Communion. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
George, R.J., The Covenanter Vision, 1917. Alternate title: LECTURES IN PASTORAL THEOLOGY, THIRD SERIES: THE COVENANTER VISION. ISBN: 0524074216 9780524074213. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
George, R.J., Instrumental Music a Corruption of New Testament Worship. Available (PDF and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #16.
George, R.J., Lecture in Pastoral Theology, First Series: The Covenanter Pastor, 1911, ISBN: 0524074208 9780524074206.
George, R.J., Political Dissent: Defending Covenanter Dissent and Separation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
George, R.J., Psalmody: Is the use of Uninspired Songs in the Worship of God Authorised?
George, R.J., Psalmody: The Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Bible.
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), An Assertion of the Government of the Church of Scotland in the Points of Ruling-elders and of the Authority of Presbyteries and Synods: With A postscript in Answer to a Treatise Lately Published Against Presbyteriall Government.
Assertion of the Gov't of the Church of Scotland
http://www.truecovenanter.com/gillespie/gillespie_assertion_govt_kirk_scotland.html
Glasgow, W. Melancthon, History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America: With Sketches of all her Ministry, Congregations, Missions, Institutions, Publications, etc.
"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
History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America: With Sketches of all her Ministry, Congregations, Missions, Institutions, Publications, etc. and Embellished With Over Fifty Portraits and Engravings. Full text.
http://www.archive.org/stream/historyofrefor00glas/historyofrefor00glas_djvu.txt
Graham, John, The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland: Its Provisions, in Several Respects, Inconsistent With the Approved Principles of the Second Reformation, 1841. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30. Available in LECTURES ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION.
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
Hay, Eldon, The Chignecto Covenanters: A Regional History of Reformed Presbyterianism in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, 1827-1905, ISBN: 9780773566200 0773566201.
Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), Zion's Light Come: An Encouragement to Holy Effort; A Discourse Delivered at the Opening of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod in Ireland, on Monday Evening, July 10, 1854.
Houston, Thomas (editor), and James Dick (editor), The Covenanter, a Religious Periodical.
*Hutchison, Matthew, The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland: Its Origin and History, 1680-1876, 450 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"This is the only book-length history covering the period after 1680 (to 1876), when the majority Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland merged with the Free Church of Scotland. The history after 1822, when the Auchensaugh Renovation was removed as a term of communion, merely chronicles the wholesale backsliding of the church and eventual split in 1863; from which a majority emerged which joined with the Free Church of Scotland in 1876. A remnant of the minority of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland still exists, however they never returned to the original position of the church from which it began to depart in 1822 (with the removal of the Auchensaugh bond -- which bond is the Auchensaugh Renovation. This book is a fine illustration of the 'footsteps of the flock,' (as seen in the Protesters [paleopresbyterians] and their spiritual posterity), during the period of which it deals, while at the same time serving as a clear warning to those who have declined from Reformation attainments (i.e. the Resolutioners [neopresbyterians] and those who continue their deformation of the faith). 'By the National Covenant,' notes Thomas Sproull, 'our Fathers laid Popery prostrate. By the Solemn League and Covenant they were successful in resisting prelatic encroachments and civil tyranny. By it they were enabled to achieve the Second Reformation . . . They were setting up landmarks by which the location and limits of the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day . . . How can they be said to go forth by the footsteps of the flock, who have declined from the attainments, renounced the covenants and contradicted the testimony of 'the cloud of witnesses.'. . . All the schisms (separations) that disfigure the body mystical of Christ . . . are the legitimate consequences of the abandonment of reformation attainments -- the violation of covenant engagements.' Understanding where the faithful covenanted servants of Christ have been historically, not only helps individuals to separate between truly constituted churches and the those that are false (because they have constitutionally backslidden from Reformation attainments); but is a necessary component to the keeping the fifth commandment, as the Reformed Presbytery has pointed out: ' Nor otherwise can a Christian know the time or place of his birth, or the persons whom God commands him to honor as his father and mother, than by uninspired testimony; and the same is true of his covenant obligation, if baptized in infancy. Against all who ignorantly or recklessly reject or oppose history as a bond of fellowship, in the family, in the state, but especially in the church, we thus enter our solemn and uncompromising protest.' (excerpted from: The Act, Declaration and Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation . . . by the Reformed Presbytery, pp. 177-178 -- a SWRB rare bound photocopy [1761], reprinted 1995 from the 1876 edition). This edition of THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN SCOTLAND: ITS ORIGIN AND HISTORY, 1680-1876 also contains an introductory note by William Goold (the editor of John Owen's WORKS). In introducing this book Goold writes, 'This volume may claim attention as supplying an essential link in the ecclesiastical history of Scotland. It is the history of that body of men who adhered to the civil part of the Second Reformation, according to which Presbytery was established and recognized by the State between 1638 and 1649 . . . The Church of which this volume is a history took its rise in its distinctive character at this period, and on the ground that it could not, while acknowledging the relief from oppression which the Revolution (of 1688), afforded, acquiesce in the arrangements made by the State for the recognition of the Church and the due exercise of its authority within its own spiritual domain (because the so-called 'glorious revolution' was Erastian to the core and also denied the previous national covenant engagements -- RB). . . . Apart, however, from their testimony in regard to this evil and danger, resulting from a Civil Government in which Prelacy was continued as an essential element, those who dissented from the Revolution Settlement, and from whom the Reformed Presbyterian Church arose, were animated with an earnest zeal for the maintenance of religious ordinances. They strove to exist as a Church, and how far they succeeded, and what difficulties they had to surmount in the attempt, is the interesting story recorded in this volume' (pp. v-vi). In summary, this book (of 450 pages), is an one-of-a-kind chronicle of an integral part of the history of the battle for the 'Crown Rights and Royal Prerogatives of the Lord Jesus Christ'." -- Publisher
International Convention of Reformed Presbyterian Churches (1st: 1896: Glasgow, Scotland), and the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Scotland, First International Convention of Reformed Presbyterian Churches: Scotland, June 27 -- July 3, 1896.
*Kerr, James (1847-1905, editor), and et al., The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation, 1895, ISBN: 9781406876109 1406876100. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"The Reformed Presbytery (in 1879), has well noted the following incongruity that is still with us today, 'We heard from various quarters the cry, 'maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation:' and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' (A Short Vindication of Our Covenanted Reformation, p. 20). This book should go a long way to remedying the above noted ignorance and hypocrisy among those who now call upon the name of the Lord especially those who claim a Reformation heritage and are still open to further growth as it spells out in no uncertain terms what lay at the heart of the Second Reformation. Moreover, these covenants (landmarks of the Lord), stand as beacons to all nations of their continuing moral duty to bind themselves to Christ (First Commandment), or suffer His avenging wrath. (Ps. 2 [Psalm 2]). And make no mistake about it, the Lord will utterly destroy all those who quarrel with His covenant bonds, whether individuals, churches or nations the mystery of iniquity will fall! The prefatory note to this magnificent volume well describes its value: The Covenants, Sermons, and Papers in this volume carry the readers back to some of the brightest periods in Scottish history. They mark important events in that great struggle by which these three kingdoms (England, Scotland and Ireland -- RB), were emancipated from the despotisms of Pope, Prince, and Prelate, and an inheritance of liberty secured for these Islands of the Sea. The whole achievements of the heroes of the battlefields are comprehended under that phrase of Reformers and Martyrs, 'The Covenanted Work of Reformation.' The attainments of those stirring times were bound together by the Covenants, as by rings of gold. The Sermons here were the product of the ripe thought of the main actors in the various scenes -- men of piety, learning, and renown. Hence, the nature, objects, and benefits of personal and national Covenanting are exhibited in a manner fitted to attract to that ordinance the minds and hearts of men. The readers can well believe the statements of Livingstone, who was present at several ceremonies of covenant-renovation: 'I never saw such motions from the Spirit of God. I have seen more than a thousand persons all at once lifting up their hands, and the tears falling down from their eyes.' In the presence of the defences of the Covenants as deeds, by these preachers, the baseless aspersions of novelists and theologians fade out into oblivion. True Christians must, as they ponder these productions, be convinced that the Covenanters were men of intense faith and seraphic fervour, and their own hearts will burn as they catch the heavenly flame. Members of the Church of Christ will be stirred to nobler efforts for the Kingdom of their Lord as they meditate on the heroism of those who were the 'chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof;' and they will behold with wonder that 'to the woman were given two wings of And Statesman will discover how princes, parliaments, and peoples united in the hearty surrender of themselves to the Prince of the kings and kingdoms of the earth; and will be aroused to promote that policy of Christian Statesmanship which, illustrating the purpose and will of God, the Father, shall liberate Parliaments and nations from the bonds of false religions, and assert for them those liberties and honours which spring from the enthronement of the Son of man, and King of kings and Lord of lords. This volume of documents of olden times is sent out on a mission of Revival of Religion, personal and national, in the present times. It would do a noble work if it helped to humble classes and masses, and led them to return as one man to that God in covenant from Whom all have gone so far away. A national movement, in penitence and faith, for the repeal of the Acts Recissory and the recognition of the National Covenants would be as life from the dead throughout the British Empire. The people and rulers of these dominions shall yet behold the brilliancy of the Redeemer's crowns; and shall, by universal consent, exalt Him who rules in imperial majesty over the entire universe of God. For, 'The seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.' Here we have some of the most moving sermons ever addressed to a people and their nations, given before the most solemn of occasions national covenant renewal! Alexander Henderson, Andrew Cant, Joseph Caryl, Edmond Calamy and a host of other Puritan Covenanters (even the turncoat Independent Philip Nye), are included here in easy to read modern (1895) type. Anyone interested in seeing the royal prerogatives of King Jesus once again trumpeted throughout the nations, on a national and international scale, needs this book for these men 'were setting up landmarks by which the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day'." (Thomas Sproull cited in the Reformed Presbytery's Short Vindication, p. 38) -- Publisher
"Contents: The national covenants: Introduction [Part One]. | The national covenant, or confession of faith | Exhortation to the Lords of Council | Sermon at St. Andrews / Alexander Henderson | Exhortation at Inverness / Andrew Cant | Sermon at Glasgow / Andrew Cant | Sermon at Edinburgh / Andrew Cant [Part Two]. | The solemn league and covenant | Act of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland | Exhortation at Westminster / Philip Nye | Address at Westminster / Alexander Henderson | Sermon at Westminster / Thomas Coleman | Sermon at Westminster / Joseph Caryl | Sermon at London [the first, of Sat., 30th Sept., 1643] / Thomas Case | Sermon at London [the second, of Sun., 1st Oct., 1643] / Thomas Case | An ordinance of the Lords and Commons | Exhortation by the Westminster Assembly | Sermon at London / Edmund Calamy [Part Three]. | The national covenants. Coronation sermon at Scone / Robert Douglas | Charles II, taking the covenants | The acts rescissory | The Torwood excommunication | Act against conventicles | The Sanquhar Declaration | Protestation against the Union | Secession from the revolution church."
The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation. Introduction on the National Covenants by James Kerr, 1895
http://archive.org/details/covenantscovenan00kerr
The Covenants and the Covenanters
Project Gutenberg free e-text online.
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/19100
Lathan, Robert, History of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South, 1782-1882, ISBN: 1334683182 9781334683183.
"Lathan notes that there was as much division between members of the same sect as between the sects themselves." pps. 165-184
*Lawson, George (1749-1820), Considerations on the Overture, Lying Before the Associate Synod: Respecting Some Alterations in the Formula Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters of Religion; and The Obligation of our Covenants, National and Solemn League on Posterity.
Lawson, James R., The Solemn League and Covenant: A Lecture Published by the Renwick Association in Connection With the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Saint John, N.B., 1868, ISBN: 0665255993 9780665255991.
Little, John, and The Reformed Presbyterian Church, New York, N.Y., Obedience and Law: A Sermon, 1851.
MacMillan, John (of Edinburgh), and John MacNiely, A Letter From a Friend to Mr. J. Macmillan, Wherein is Demonstrated the Contrariety of his Principles and Practices to the Scripture, our Covenants, Confession of Faith, and Practice of Christ . . . Containing Also Remarks on his and Mr. J. Mackniely's Printed Protestation, Declinature, and Appeal, Compared With What They Gave in to the Commission of the Late General Assembly, Upon the 29th day of September, 1708, etc. Available (THE PROTESTATION, DECLINATUR AND APPEAL) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"In 1708 the Assembly (of the backslidden Church of Scotland -- RB) remitted both cases (against MacMillan and MacNeil -- RB), with full power, to the Commission. Libels were prepared against both ('nothing new under the sun.' -- RB), and they were cited to appear before the Commission on the last Wednesday of September. Neither of them obeyed the summons, but a paper signed by both M'Millan and M'Neil was laid on the table. It was their 'Protestation, Declinature, and Appeal.' Special prominence is given in the Libel to the seditious and disloyal principles avowed in the 'Protestation,' -- the denial that it is duty to pay cess [tax or levy] to the present civil powers, the assertion that the taking of the Oath of Allegiance is one of the steps of defection, and, what are called, expressions of contempt for the civil authority and for her Majesty's person and Government. That is, the chief grounds of the sentence were the principles all along maintained by the Societies as being those of the Church of Scotland in its purest times, and it was now declared that they were not to be tolerated in the Established Church. The 'Protestation,' which was dated from Balmaghie Manse, is a clear and vigorous statement of the case of the Societies against both Church and State, and recapitulates the reasons for standing aloof -- the most recent step of defection being the 'unhallowed' Union . . . The closing words of the 'Protestation' are in harmony with the avowed relation of the Society people to the Church of Scotland. They never owned a positive and active separation, but only that which Renwick (in his letters [cf. Life and Letters of James Renwick, by Carslaw], and his Informatory Vindication -- RB) calls a 'negative separation, passively considered,' -- a standing apart from a declining and corrupt portion, ready to associate again when the corruptions are confessed and removed. The Protestors of 1708 maintained the same attitude; the closing sentence runs thus: 'Finally, that we may not be judged by any as persons of an infallible spirit, and our actions above the cognizance of the judicatories of Christ's appointment, we appeal to the first free, faithful and rightly constituted Assembly in this Church, to whose decision and sentence in the things libelled against us, we willingly refer ourselves, and crave liberty to extend and enlarge this our Protestation, Declinature, and Appeal, as need requires'." (Matthew Hutchison, The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland: It Origin and History 1680-1876, 1893, pp. 155-156). In short, this is a continuing defence of the faithful testimony of previous Covenanters (like Rutherford, Gillespie, M'Ward, Brown [of Wamphray], Cameron, Cargill and Renwick) and the covenanted biblical attainments of the Second Reformation." -- Publisher
MacMillan and MacNeil's Protestation to a Commission of General Assembly
http://www.truecovenanter.com/mcmillan/mackmillan_mackneil_declinature1708.html
Martin, Hugh (1822-1885), Where Will the Free Church be Found?
McFeeters, James Calvin (1848-1928), True Blue, 1892.
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), Revived Memories. An Address to the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America, on the Semi-centenary of the adoption of the Testimony, 1856.
McLeod, John Niel (1806-1874), The World Revolutionized by the True Religion, and its Ministry. An Ordination Sermon, 1843.
McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), The Great Subject of the Christian Ministry. The Substance of a Discourse Delivered at the Opening of the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in the City of Philadelphia, May 19th, 1852.
McMillan, John, John Belfrage, William Arnot, and Robert Campbell, A Letter: Addressed to the Rev. Messrs. John Belfrage, William Arnot, and Robert Campbell, the Surviving Members of That Committee, Appointed by the Burgher-Associate Synod, to Revise, and Publish the Papers Contained in the Re-exhibition of the Testimony.
McMillan (M'Millan), II, John (1729-1808), Address to the People Under the Inspection of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, 1809, 1887. Available in Synod of Ireland, Miscellaneous, vol. 6.
*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 I, John, 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
M'Crie, Thomas (the younger, 1797-1875), Annals of English Presbytery From the Earliest Period to the Present Time, 1872, ISBN: 1286121043 9781286121047.
Moncreiff, Henry Wellwood, The Free Church Principle: Its Character and History.
Moran, Gerald D., Helen Fattal, and Florence Fattal, Covenanter Witness: Volumes 1-19, 1928-1937, Index.
Nairn, Thomas, A Sermon, Preached at Braehead, at the Ordination of Mr. Alexander Marshal, November 15th, 1744, on 1 Cor. iii. 9 [1 Corinthians 3:9]. "We are Labourers Together With God," and A Short Account of the Constitution, and Some of the Proceedings of the Reformed Presbytery.
A Sermon, Preached at Braehead, at the Ordination of Mr. Alexander Marshal, November 15th, 1744, on 1 Cor. iii. 9 [1 Corinthians 3:9]. "We are Labourers together with God." and A Short Account of the Constitution, and some of the Proceedings of the Reformed Presbytery.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/nairn_sermon_and_constitution.html?doc_banner_show=false
National Association to Secure the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, Proceedings of the National Convention to Secure the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States: Held in Cincinnati, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 1872: With an Account of the Origin and Progress of the Movement.
National Convention to Secure the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, Proceedings of the National Convention to Secure the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States: Held in New York, Feb. 26 and 27, 1873: With an Account of the Origin and Progress of the Movement, 1873.
http://archive.org/details/proceedingsofn00nati
National Association to Secure the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, Proceedings of the National Convention to Secure the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States: Held in Pittsburgh, Feb. 4,5, 1874: With an Account of the Origin and Progress of the Movement.
National Reform Association, Is the United States a Christian Nation? 1907.
Netherlands Reformed Congregations, Doctrinal Standards of the Netherlands Reformed Congregations: Consisting of the Confession of Faith, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dort [Dordt] to Which are Appended the Ecumenical Creeds, the Compendium and the Church Order. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Netherlands Reformed Church [Synod of Dort], Canons of Dort [Dordt], (1618-19), 1619.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/cod.htm
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.
Presbyterian Church, Associate Synod (Xenia, Ohio), Statement of the Associate Session of Xenia, Ohio to the Congregation Under Their Inspection: Of Their Authority From the Church and the Church's Head for Exercising the Discipline of the Church on Those who Offend by What is Locally Called "Occasional Hearing," 1841. Alternate title: OCCASIONAL HEARING AND CHURCH DISCIPLINE, 1841. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
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
Reformed Presbyterian, The, The Reformed Presbyterian.
Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America, General Synod. General Synod, Proceedings of the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America. Session XVI, Philadelphia, August -- 1833: Being Extracts From Their Minutes.
Reformed Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (RPCNA), Reformation Principles Exhibited, 1806-07, 260 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Although this document was unfaithfully adopted by the RPCNA (when they decried faithful historical testimony as an article of faith in the preface), this book still contains much useful doctrinal and historical information. Part one is 'A Brief Historical View of the Church, As a Visible Society in Covenant with God. In Two Books. The First Exhibiting the Church Universal; and the Second the Reformed Presbyterian Church.'
"Part two contains the 'Declaration and Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America (RPCNA).'
"Furthermore, notwithstanding the unfaithfulness of the adopting body, REFORMATION PRINCIPLES EXHIBITED testifies to real attainments. Examples include testifying against the immoral U.S. constitution, against jury duty, against the use of the elective franchise (voting) and against swearing an oath of allegiance under this immoral constitution. Close communion is upheld and occasional hearing is denounced as a sinful, schismatic practice. Interestingly, this earlier edition can be compared with later editions to exhibit the continuing defection of the RPCNA -- even from what was good (and part of her own terms of communion), in her own earlier standards. For example, in part two, chapter 21, point 5, 'Of Church Fellowship,' we read, 'We therefore condemn the following errors, and testify against all who maintain them: . . . 5. That it is lawful for the Church to be without any terms of communion. 6. That any person may be admitted to communion, who opposes any of the terms of Church fellowship. 7. That occasional communion may be extended to persons who should not be received to constant fellowship.' (p. 75). Also, 'We therefore condemn the following errors, and testify against all who maintain them . . . 1. That the Bible is the only proper testimony of the church (which takes into account that the Bible is the only divine testimony, but also recognizes human testimony, agreeable to Scripture, as binding [or else why preach, for example, if no one is bound to obey any human testimony, even if the human testimony is agreeable to the divine testimony found in the Bible? (Cf. Various places in Samuel Rutherford's DUE RIGHT OF PRESBYTERIES and A FREE DISPUTATION AGAINST PRETENDED LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE for further explanation) -- RB]. 2. That a Christian is under no obligation to follow Christ's witnesses in their faithful contendings. 3. That it is lawful, in order to enlarge the church, to open a wider door of communion, by declining from a more pointed testimony, to one which is more loose and general.' (p. 120, part 2, emphases added). How sad that these faithful testimonies are no longer upheld (as points of discipline), in the modern RPCNA." -- Publisher
"The introduction is particularly helpful in understanding Covenanter history in America.
"A final caveat must likewise be observed, and it is this: that, while (1) the History related herein forms so much of the ground for presenting the document below, and while (2) as Covenanters we defend the use of Historical Testimony as a Term of Communion, and find the Historical Testimony of the ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY competent to this end, yet -- We do not pretend that the History contained in REFORMATION PRINCIPLES EXHIBITED, either the first edition, or any later edition, is approvable for this purpose. Besides matters related which are not to be approved, the fact is, that the historical part of this work contains a number of inaccuracies and uncertain speculations that make it many ways inferior in nature to the ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY. In the original testimony from Scotland, no attempt is made to account for the entire history of the Church of Jesus Christ, nor even to present full details concerning the history of the Church of Scotland. Instead, the authors set in order necessary and important historical facts that were well attested, and creditably related, and testified as to their morality or immorality. REFORMATION PRINCIPLES EXHIBITED, on the other hand, presents a Narrative of History, more and less certain, useful for the reader's instruction in ecclesiastical history, but not competent to form a Historical Testimony." -- True Covenanter
Reformation Principles Exhibited
http://truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/rpe.html
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, The Covenant of the Covenanters (The Covenant of 1871), 1920, ISBN: 0524066604 9780524066607.
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, 1863-96, a periodical.
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, and George A. Edgar, The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism: A Compendium of the Doctrines of the Reformed Presbyterian Church Upon the Mediatorial Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 1912.
Notice this was written after the REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM, William L. Roberts D.D.
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, et al., The Westminster Confession of Faith: (adopted 1648), and the Modern Language Revision of the Westminster Confession of Faith (recommended for study, 1985) and the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (adopted August 1980, with revisions through 1998) in parallel columns. Alternate title: TESTIMONY OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA, 1980.
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Synod, Additional Statement: Adopted by the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America at the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Signing of the Covenant of 1871.
*Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), An Explanation and Defence of the Terms of Communion, Adopted by the Community of Dissenters, etc. Alternate title: AN EXPLANATION AND DEFENCE OF THE TERMS OF COMMUNION, ADOPTED BY THE COMMUNITY OF DISSENTERS: TOGETHER WITH AN INTRODUCTION, CONTAINING SOME REMARKS ON THE PROPRIETY OF TERMS OF COMMUNION, IN GENERAL, THE WHOLE INTENDED TO OBVIATE SOME MODERN OBJECTIONS AND TO SATISFY THE MINDS OF THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO BE INFORMED ON THE SUBJECT. Available (PDF and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2 and #19.
"Defends the inescapable necessity of creeds and confessions, while promoting a fully creedal church membership. Shows how the law of God obliges all Christians to think the same things, and to speak the same things; holding fast the form of sound words, and keeping the ordinances as they have been delivered to us (Col. 3:13), [Colossians 3:13]. After laying some basic groundwork, this book proceeds to defend the six points of the 'Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion Agreed Upon by the Reformed Presbytery.' These six points are the most conservative and comprehensive short statements of consistent Presbyterianism you will likely ever see. Besides the obvious acknowledgement of the alone infallible Scriptures, the Westminster Standards, and the divine right of Presbyterianism, these points also maintain the perpetual obligation of our Covenants, National and Solemn League, the Renovation of these covenants at Auchensaugh in 1712, and the Judicial Act, Declaration and Testimony emitted by the Reformed Presbytery. In short, this book sets forth adherence to the whole of the covenanted reformation, in both church and state, as it has been attained by our covenanting forefathers." -- Publisher
An Explanation and Defense of the Terms of Communion, Adopted by the Community of Dissenters, etc.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/24/an-explanation-and-defense-of-the-terms-of-communion
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), First International Convention of Reformed Presbyterian Churches, Scotland, June 27 -- July 3, 1896.
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Guide to Private Social Worship, Recommended by the Reformed Presbyterian Synod of Scotland in 1823, as a Directory in Conducting Prayer Meetings, 1854.
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), The National Covenant of Scotland: Tercentenary Commemoration at a Convention of the Three Covenanting Churches of Scotland, Ireland and America to be held at Glasgow and Edinburgh, June 26 -- July 1, 1938.
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Records of the Scottish Church History Society, Vols., V-VI (1935-38), ISSN: 0264-5572.
Contains a bibliography for the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), A Short Account of the Old Presbyterian Dissenters, Under the Inspection of the Reformed Presbyteries of Scotland, Ireland, and North America: Comprehending Also an Abstract of Their Principles.
A Short Account of the Old Presbyterian Dissenters, Section I: The Several Names, by Which the old Dissenters Have Been Known and Distinguished
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/24/a-short-account-of-the-old-presbyterian-dissenters
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland, 1863 and 1899. Search "Pamphlets From the Drew University Library 19th Century Collection," Drew University. Library, [Presbyterian Church Pamphlet Collection]. Parts 2-6.
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland: Historical and Doctrinal, 1866, ISBN: 1334936102 9781334936104.
*Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), Andrew Symington (editor), Lectures on the Principles of the Second Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"Contents: Second Reformation / Andrew Symington
Headship of Christ Over His church / James Ferguson
Evils, Constitutional and Practical of the Prelatic Establishment of the British Empire / Thomas Neilson
The Revolution Settlement of the Church of Scotland / John Graham
Patronage Opposed to the Independence of the Church and to the Scriptural Rights of Christian people / W.H. Goold
Headship of Christ Over the Nations / Andrew Symington
Nature and Obligation of Public Vows / William Symington
The sin and Danger of Union Between the Church of Christ and the Immoral or Anti-Christian Civil Government / Stewart Bates."
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
Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland). Presbytery of Edinburgh, Deliverance of the Reformed Presbytery of Edinburgh on American Slavery and Church-fellowship with Slave-holders.
Reformed Presbyterian Societies, Reid W. Stewart, (transcriber), and Harry B. Clayton (indexer), The Minutes of the Correspondent, May 1780 to February 1809: Being the Oldest Minutes of any Presbyterian Group West of the Allegheny Mountains: Containing the Minutes of Reformed Presbyterian Societies, Associate Reformed and Reformed Dissenting Presbyterians in Western Pennsylvania.
Reformed Presbyterian Synod, Scotland, An Expostulation With Those Christians and Christian Churches, in the United States of America, That are Implicated in the Sin of Slaveholding 1848. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
Reformed Presbytery, The Auchensaugh Renovation of the National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant With the Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, as They Were Renewed at Auchensaugh, Near Douglas, July 24, 1712. (Compared with the editions of Paisley, 1820, and Belfast, 1835). Also, The Renovation of These Public Federal Deeds Ordained at Philadelphia, October 8, 1880, by the Reformed Presbytery, with Accommodation of the Original Covenants, in Both Transactions, to Their Times and Positions Respectively.
McMillan, John, I (1669?-1753), Renovation of Covenants, Auchensaugh
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/19/renovation-of-covenants-auchensaugh-1712
Reformed Presbytery (America), Overture on Covenanting
http://www.covenanter.org/RPCCov/overture.htm
Reformed Presbytery (America) [Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite"], Minutes of the Reformed Presbytery (America)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/minutes_rp.htm
Reformed Presbytery (America), Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, General Synod, Minutes of Reformed Presbytery of America, From 1798 to 1809, and Digest of the Acts of the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America, From 1809 to 1888, With Appendix.
Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," Minutes and Proceedings of General Meetings and Presbytery (1840-1929)
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/minutes-of-presbytery
Minutes of Proceedings of the Reformed Presbytery at Brush Creek, Adams County, Ohio, 1840
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/1840
1841
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/1841
1842, April
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/1842april
1842, October
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/1842october
1843 | 1844, May | 1844, October | 1844, November | 1845, With the death of Rev. Robert Lusk, Presbytery was dissolved. | 1846, General Correspondence
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/rp_general_correspondence_minutes_1846.html
1847-53, General Correspondence, Missing. With the accession of Rev. James J. Peoples, Presbytery was re-constituted. | 1854, June
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/1854june
1854, October
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/1854october
1855
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/1855
1856
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/1856
1857, June
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/1857june
1857, October
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/1857october
1858, May
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/min1858may.htm
1858, August
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/min1858aug.htm
1859
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/min1859.htm
1860
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/min1860.htm
1861
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/min1861.htm
1862, Missing. | 1863, Missing, Part of a report is found with Minutes of 1864. | 1864
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/min1864.htm
1865
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/min1865.htm
1866 | 1867 | 1868 | 1869
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/min1869.htm
1870, Missing. | 1871, Missing. | 1872, Presbytery did not meet. | 1873
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/min1873.htm
1874, Presbytery did not meet. | 1875, June. | 1875, September. | 1876 | 1877
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/min1877.htm
1878. | 1879 | 1880, May | 1880, October.
1881
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/1881
1882. | 1883
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/1883
1884. | 1885 | Outline of proceedings in the Reformed Presbytery since June 4, 1884
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/outlineofproceedings.htm
1886
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/1886
1887
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/30/1887
With the death of Rev. David Steele, Presbytery was dissolved. Hereafter follows the Minutes of the General Meetings of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. | 1888
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/30/1888
1889
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/30/1889
1890
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/30/1890
1891
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/30/1891
1892
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/min1892.htm
1893
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/min1893.htm
1894
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/29/1894
1895
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/29/1895?rq=McAuley
1896
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/29/1896
1897
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/29/1897
1898
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/29/1898
1899, Missing. | 1900, Missing. | 1901, Missing. | 1902, Missing. 1903
http://www.covenanter.org/Minutes/min1903.htm
1904 | 1905 | 1906 | 1907 | 1908 | 1909 | 1910 | 1911 | 1912 | 1913 | 1914 | 1915 | 1916 | 1917 | 1918 | 1919
1920
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/1920
1921 | 1922 | 1923 | 1924 | 1925 | 1926 | 1927 | 1928 | 1929 | From 1930 to the present no Minutes are available.
Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," Outline of Recent Proceeding in the Reformed Presbytery: Including Meetings held in Butler County, Pa., Northwood and Belle Centre, Logan County, Ohio. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," Outline of Proceedings in the Reformed Presbytery Since June 4, 1884, David Steele, moderator
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/outline-of-proceedings-in-the-reformed-presbytery-since-june-4-1884
Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," Reformed Presbytery's Terms of Christian and Ministerial Communion
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/reformed-presbyterys-terms-of-christian-and-ministerial-communion
Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," A Statement of our Reasons for Maintaining our Separate Standing (1888)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/reasons_for_maintaining_separate_standing.html
*Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite" (David Steele [1803-1887], James Campbell, Thomas Sproull, James Fulton), A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, 2nd Edition, Revised, and Enlarged by a Committee of the Reformed Presbytery ("Circular" and "Review" prefixed), 1879, 50 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2 (also #1, #25, and #30).
"Until the church comes to terms with what is written in this book it will remain weak and divided. Covenant breakers will not prosper, as this rare item demonstrates from both Scripture and history. The power packed ordinance of covenanting (the National and Solemn League and Covenant in particular), was foundational to the Second Reformation and the work of the Westminster Assembly. 'By the National Covenant our fathers laid Popery prostrate. By the Solemn League and Covenant they were successful in resisting prelatic encroachments and civil tyranny. By it they were enabled to achieve the Second Reformation . . . They were setting up landmarks by which the location and limits of the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day . . . How can they be said to go forth by the footsteps of the flock, who have declined from the attainments, renounced the covenants and contradicted the testimony of 'the cloud of witnesses. . . . All the schisms (separations) that disfigure the body mystical of Christ . . . are the legitimate consequences of the abandonment of reformation attainments, the violation of covenant engagements.' If you are interested in knowing how to recognize a faithful church (or state), when and why to separate from unfaithful institutions, who has held up the standard of Covenanted Reformation attainments and who has backslidden (and why), what it means to subscribe to the Westminster Confession (1646), (and why most that say they do so today do not have any idea of what that means), and much more concerning individual, family, church and civil, individual, family, church and civil duties, this is one of the best books you will ever lay your hands on. It chronicles 'some instances of worldly conformity and mark(s) some steps of defection from our 'covenanted unity and uniformity,' noting how 'it is necessary to take a retrospect of our history for many years; for we did not all at once reach our present condition of sinful ignorance and manifold apostasy.' Presbyterian and the Reformed churches lay under the heavy hand of God's judgement in our day, because of the very defections noted throughout this fine work. 'We heard (hear) from various quarters the cry, "maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation"; and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' Are we married to the Lord, or have we thrown off the covenants of our forefathers; are we the chaste bride of Christ, or a harlot who is found in the bedchambers of every devilish suitor (whether ecclesiastical or civil), who tempts us with the favors of this world? Let us cry out, as with 'the noble Marquis of Argyle, upon the scaffold,' when he said, 'God hath tied us by covenants to religion and reformation. These that were then unborn are yet engaged, and it passeth the power of all the magistrates under heaven to absolve them from the oath of God. They deceive themselves, and it may be, would deceive others, who think otherwise.' Not for the weak of heart." -- Publisher
A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, Reformed Presbytery
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/a-short-vindication-of-our-covenanted-reformation
Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," The Six Points of the "Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church" as Listed at the end of THE ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY FOR THE WHOLE OF OUR COVENANTED REFORMATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
The Six Points of the "Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/6points.htm
Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," Toleration: The Cut-throat of True Religion, excerpted from: THE ACT, DECLARATION AND TESTIMONY FOR THE WHOLE OF OUR COVENANTED REFORMATION . . . BY THE REFORMED PRESBYTERY, pp. 177-178. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Includes a catalog of resources concerning the history of the Reformed Presbytery in various countries."
Toleration: The Cut-Throat of True Religion
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/ToleratT.htm
*Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," David Steele (1803-1887), John Thorburn (1730?-1788), John Courtass (d. 1795), et al., Act, Declaration, and Testimony, for the Whole of the Covenanted Reformation, as Attained to, and Established in, Britain and Ireland; Particularly Betwixt the Years 1638 and 1649, Inclusive. As, Also, Against all the Steps of Defection From Said Reformation, Whether in Former or Later Times, Since the Overthrow of that Glorious Work, Down to This Present day (1876), (Philadelphia, PA: Printed by Rue and Jones, 1876), a new edition of the Ploughlandhead Testimony of 1761, the subordinate standard of the original "Steelite" Reformed Presbytery that was constitutes in 1840. Available (the 1850 edition only) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (the 1850 edition only) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"And now, when time has proved that more recent Testimonies, Terms, and Covenants, have failed to preserve either unity or uniformity among those who framed them; it cannot be unseasonable to re-exhibit the original ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY, which has been justly characterized as 'the most profoundly reasoned document ever emitted by the Reformed Presbyterian Church'." -- The Reformation Advocate Magazine, Vol. I, No. 8, December, 1875, page 267
"Upholds the original work of the Westminster Assembly and testifies to the abiding worth and truth formulated in the Westminster family of documents. Upholds and defends the Crown Rights of King Jesus in Church and State, denouncing those who would remove the crown from Christ's head by denying His right to rule (by His law), in both the civil and ecclesiastical spheres. Testifies to the received doctrine, government, worship, and discipline of the Church of Scotland in her purest (reforming) periods. Applies God's Word to the Church's corporate attainments 'with a judicial approbation of the earnest contendings and attainments of the faithful, and a strong and pointed judicial condemnation of error and the promoters thereof.' (The Contending Witness magazine, Dec. 17/93, p. 558). Shows the church's great historical victories (such as the National and Solemn League and Covenant, leading to the Westminster Assembly), and exposes her enemies actions (e.g. the Prelacy of Laud; the Independency, sectarianism, covenant breaking and ungodly toleration set forth by the likes of Cromwell [and the Independents that conspired with him]; the Erastianism and civil sectarianism of William of Orange, etc.). It is not likely that you will find a more consistent working out of the principles of Calvinism anywhere. Deals with the most important matters relating to the individual, the family, the church and the state. Sets forth a faithful historical testimony of God's dealings with men during some of the most important days of church history. A basic text that should be mastered by all Christians." -- Publisher
Act, Declaration, and Testimony (1876)
https://archive.org/details/actdeclarationte00refo
Act, Declaration and Testimony, 1761 (edition of 1876)
"Compared with the 1777 edition, Philadelphia. We hereby certify that this is a true edition of the ORIGINAL JUDICIAL TESTIMONY, emitted by the Reformed Presbytery at Ploughlandhead, Scotland, 1761; together with the Supplements adopted by the Reformed Presbytery at this date, June 2d, 1876. [Signed -- compiler] David Steele, James Campbell, Robert Clyde, Robert Alexander, Committee.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/
*Reformed Presbytery (Scotland), Historical Testimony, Church Union and the Second Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Notes: Excerpted from: THE ACT, DECLARATION AND TESTIMONY FOR THE WHOLE OF OUR COVENANTED REFORMATION . . . BY THE REFORMED PRESBYTERY, pp. 177-178 (reprinted 1995 from the 1876 edition). Includes a catalog of resources concerning the history of the Reformed Presbytery in various countries."
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/HistTest.htm
Reformed Presbytery (Scotland), A Pastoral Letter to the Old Dissenters, Concerning Family and Social Duties.
Reformed Presbytery (Scotland), A Serious Examination, and Impartial Survey, 1754. Alternate title: A SERIOUS EXAMINATION AND IMPARTIAL SURVEY OF A PRINT: DESIGNED, THE TRUE STATE &C. BY A PRETENDED PRESBYTERY AT EDINBURGH: WHEREIN THE NEW SCHEME OF DOCTRINE ANENT THE EXTENT OF CHRIST'S DEATH, ADVANCED IN THAT PRINT, IS TRIED AT THE SCRIPTURE-BAR, AND FOUND DISAGREEABLE THERETO, AND TO THE AUTHORIZED STANDARD OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND IN HER PUREST TIMES, AND CONTAINING A DISCOVERY OF THE FALSEHOODS AND CALUMNIES IN THEIR NARRATION. TOGETHER WITH A VINDICATION OF THE PRESBYTERY'S CONDUCT AND PRINCIPLES RELATIVE TO THE SUBJECT OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM AND THEIR PROTESTING BRETHERN.
Reformed Presbytery (Scotland), A Short Directory for Religious Societies, Drawn up by Appointment of the Reformed Presbytery for the particular use of the several societies of Christian people under their inspection; and now by order of the Reformed Presbytery, in America, 1881. Alternate title: RULES FOR FELLOWSHIP MEETINGS.
A Short Directory for Religious Societies
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/24/vuh52dogwp1ry74n5cnz4tu2jrbppz
Reformed Presbytery (Scotland), Testimony and Warning Against the Evil and Danger of Popery, &c . . .
Reformed Presbytery (Scotland), Secession Church, Testimony and Warning Against the Blasphemies and Idolatry of Popery; and the Evil and Danger of Every Encouragement Given to it (Edinburgh, 1779). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #16, #26.
*Reformed Presbytery, USA, Reformation Principles Exhibited, by the Reformed Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, 1807.
Reformation Principles Exhibited
http://truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/rpe.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), Two Godly Letters of the Pious Martyr Mr. James Renwick: to the Right Honourable the Society of Srangers at Lewarden in Friezland. To Which is Added, his Negative Duties, 1751.
Renwick, James (1662-1688), A Vindication of the Societies
http://www.truecovenanter.com/renwick/renwick_reply_to_langlan.html
*Renwick, James (1662-1688), Alexander Shields, and Other "Society People," An Informatory Vindication of a Poor, Wasted, Misrepresented Remnant of the Suffering, Anti-prelatic, Anti-erastian . . . 1744. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"INFORMATORY VINDICATION (1687), a statement of principles issued by the Society People (see Societies, United), during James VII's reign. Prepared mainly by James Renwick, latterly in consultation with Alexander Shields, it was published in Utrecht. Its full title reflects something of the contents: AN INFORMATORY VINDICATION OF A POOR WASTED MISREPRESENTED REMNANT OF THE SUFFERING ANTI-POPISH ANTI-PRELATIC ANTI-ERASTIAN ANTI-SECTARIAN TRUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHRIST IN SCOTLAND UNITED TOGETHER IN A GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE. BY WAY OF REPLY TO VARIOUS ACCUSATIONS IN LETTERS INFORMATIONS AND CONFERENCES GIVEN FORTH AGAINST THEM. It refuted charges brought against the 'Remnant' of schism (in their eyes a great evil) . . . The VINDICATION mourned the estrangement from other Presbyterians who had accepted the government's INDULGENCES OR EDICTS OF TOLERATION, and expressed love for them as fellow ministers 'with whom again we would desire to have communion in ordinances'. The separation had been forced upon the Society People by the tyranny and temper of the times, but it did not affect their position as being in the succession of the historic Kirk of Scotland. The document aimed to clear away the hostility and misunderstanding about them that had grown up in Scotland and Holland." (Cameron, editor, Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 429)
"In proof of the catholic, unsectarian, Christian spirit of Renwick and his followers, the clear statements of the INFORMATORY VINDICATION, the work which most fully and clearly defines their position, may be referred to . . . In these noble utterances, we have strikingly exemplified the true spirit of Christian brotherhood . . . This is the genuine import of the vow of the Solemn League and Covenant, which binds Covenanters to regard whatever is done to the least of them, as done to all and to every one in particular. While firmly holding fast all Scriptural attainments, and contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, we should cordially rejoice in the evidences of grace in Christ's servants wherever we find them. We should love them as brethren, fulfil the law of Christ by bearing their burdens, wish them God speed in all that they are doing for the advancement of His glory, and fervently labour and pray for the coming of the happy period when divisions and animosities shall cease, and when there shall be one King, and His name one in all the earth. The testimony of Renwick and his associates is of permanent value and of special importance in our day, as it was directed against systems of error and idolatry, which serve to corrupt the Church and enslave the State. Against Popery in every form Renwick was a heroic and uncompromising witness. At the peril of life, he publicly testified against the usurpation of the papist James, and rejected him as having no claim to be regarded as a constitutional sovereign, and as utterly disqualified to reign in a Protestant reformed land. This was the main ground of his objection against James' toleration, for which the Indulged ministers tendered obsequious thanks to the usurper. Yet this edict of toleration was issued for the purpose of opening the way for the practice of Rome's abominations, and for the advancement of papists to places of power and trust in the nation. None of the Cameronians would, for any earthly consideration, even to save their lives, for a moment admit that a papist had any right to exercise political power in a reformed land. Our martyred forefathers we regard as worthy of high respect and imitation, for their deeply cherished dread of the growing influence of Popery, and for their determined resistance to its exclusive and extravagant claims. The system of Popery is the abnegation of all precious gospel truth; and is a complete politico-religious confederacy against the best interests of a Protestant nation. The boast of its abettors is that it is semper eadem, ever the same. Rome cannot reform herself from within, and she is incapable of reformation from external influences and agencies. The Bible never speaks of Antichrist as to be reformed, but as waxing worse and worse till the time when he shall be completely subverted and irrecoverably destroyed. Whatever changes may be going on in some Popish countries, whereby the power of the Papacy is weakened, it is evident that the principles and spirit of the Romish priesthood, and of those who are under their influence, remain unchanged. The errors of the anti-Christian system, instead of being diminished, have of late years increased. Creature worship has become more marked and general. The Immaculate Conception has been proclaimed by Papal authority as the creed of Romanism. In these countries, and some other Protestant lands, the influence of Popery in government and education, and so on the whole social system, has been greatly on the increase. Among those who have most deeply studied inspired prophecy, there is a general expectation that the period of Babylon's downfall is hastening on, and is not far distant. There is a general presentiment too, that the Man of Sin, prior to his downfall, will make some dire and violent attempt through his infatuated followers against the truth, and against such as faithfully maintain it. The 'Slaying of the Witnesses,' which we are disposed to regard as yet future may take place, not so much by the actual shedding of blood, though it is plain that Jesuit policy and violence will not hesitate to re-enact former persecution and massacre, to accomplish a desired purpose. It may mainly be effected, as Scott, the expositor, suggests, by silencing the voice of a public testimony in behalf of fundamental truths throughout Christendom; and of this there are at present unmistakable signs not a few, throughout the churches in various countries. The Protestant church in all its sections should be thoroughly awake to its danger from the destructive errors, idolatry and power of its ancient irreconcilable enemy; and should, by all legitimate means, labour to counteract and nullify its political influence. The ministry and the rising youth of the church should study carefully the Popish controversy, and should be intimately acquainted with the history of the rise and progress of the Papacy its assumed blasphemous power its accumulated errors and delusions, and its plots, varied persecutions and cruel butcheries of Christ's faithful witnesses. Above all, they should set themselves earnestly, prayerfully and perseveringly to diffuse the Bible and Gospel light in the dark parts of their native country, and among Romanists in other lands. By embracing fully and holding fast, in their practical application, the principles of the British Covenants, and by imbibing the spirit of covenanted martyrs men like Renwick and the Cameronians, we will be prepared for the last conflict with Antichrist. The firm and faithful maintenance of a martyr-testimony will be a principle instrument of the victory of truth over the error and idolatry of Rome. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Rev. 12:11 [Revelation 12:11]). Finally, the testimony of Renwick is valuable, as throwing light on great evils connected with systems of civil government, and with Protestant churches, and as pointing out clearly the duty of faithful witnesses in relation to them. Two great principles, the one doctrinal, and the other practical, were essential to it, or rather constituted its whole specialty. These were, first, that, according to the national vows, and the reformation attainments, the whole civil polity of the nation should be conformed to the Scriptures, and secondly, the positive duty of distinct separation from whatever systems in the state and church that are opposed to entire allegiance to Messiah the Prince." (Houston, The Life of James Renwick, pp. 52-55)
"Some of them, particularly in Scotland, loved not their lives unto death for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. Rev. vi. 9 [Revelation 6:9]. These refused to have communion in public ordinances not only with prelatical ministers, but even with the acceptors of indulgences or licenses from the civil power, to exercise their ministry under certain limitations. The INFORMATORY VINDICATION, which certainly contains the genuine principles of church communion, held by the sufferers for the cause of Christ in that period, declares, that they could by no means own or countenance the administrations of the indulged ministers; because they considered the indulgence, in any of the forms in which it was granted by the civil power, as derived from the supremacy claimed by that power in ecclesiastical matters; as laying the office of the ministry under unwarrantable restriction; and as tending, in a great measure, to suppress and bury the covenanted reformation, cf. INFORMATORY VINDICATION, Head iv." (Anderson, Alexander and Rufus; or a Series of Dialogues on Church Communion [1862], p. 294)
"To the friends of evangelical truth, and the faithful witnesses for the redeemer's royal prerogatives, the services of Renwick, at the crisis in which he exercised his public ministry, were invaluable. He was eminently the man for the time. Through the influence of the unhappy Indulgence, the strict Covenanters were reduced to what they style themselves in the Informatory Vindication, a 'wasted, suffering, anti-popish, anti-prelatic, anti-erastian, anti-sectarian remnant.' By the death of Cargill and Cameron, they were left as 'sheep without a shepherd,' broken and scattered. Through the fierceness of persecution, and the machinations of enemies, they were in danger of falling into confusion, and of being entirely wasted and destroyed. We admire the gracious providence of God in preparing, at this particular crisis, an instrument of such rare and suitable endowments for feeding 'the flock in the wilderness,' and for unfurling and upholding so nobly the 'Banner of Truth' amidst hosts of infuriated enemies. James Renwick, though a very youth when he entered on his arduous work, and trained under great outward disadvantages, had a powerful and well-cultivated mind. He was endowed with singular administrative talent, and had great tact and skill in managing men. He was an acute and logical thinker, an eloquent and attractive public speaker, and was distinguished by fertility and force as a writer. The INFORMATORY VINDICATION his testimony against King James' 'toleration, with his 'Letters,' and 'Sermons and Lectures,' bear ample evidence of his sound judgment, comprehensive mind, and ability as an author. His prudence, meekness and loving disposition, combined with his sanctified zeal, and heroic courage, deservedly gave him great influence among those to whom he ministered. He was eminently fitted to be 'a first man among men.' The Lord held him in the hollow of his hand, and made him a 'polished shaft in his quiver.' The services which Renwick rendered to the Protestant cause were invaluable. He organized the scattered remnant, and imparted new life and ardour to their proceedings. He set forth clearly the principles of the 'Society people;' and in a number of able and logical papers, clearly defined their plans of action. He rendered it, in a great measure, impossible for enemies to misrepresent and accuse them falsely to the Government. He was their Secretary in their correspondence with foreign churches; and he did much to evoke the prayerful sympathy of Protestants in other lands in behalf of the victims of persecution in Scotland. The presence and influence of Renwick among the suffering Presbyterians were of the highest importance in his own day; and not to them alone, but also to the whole church of Christ in these lands, and to the constitutional liberties of the nation. So far as we can see, but for the singular power and devoted spirit of Renwick, and the firm and unyielding position which the Cameronians through him were led to assume, the cause of truth would have been completely borne down, and Erastianism, and Popery, and Despotism had triumphed. Renwick and his followers were the vanguard 'in the struggle for Britain's liberties, and for the Church's spiritual independence.' Though, like other patriots born before their time, they were doomed to fall, yet posterity owes to them a large part of the goodly heritage which they enjoy. (Houston, The Life of James Renwick [1865], pp. 36-37). Emphases added throughout the preceding quotations. This is a very rare and valuable specimen of Paleopresbyterian (Covenanter) thought don't miss it! 142 pages, plus new material added by the present publisher." -- Publisher
An Informatory Vindication, 1687, James, Renwick, Alexander Shields and Other "Society People"
http://www.truecovenanter.com/societies/informatory_vindication.html
Robb, G.M., Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, and Covenanter Young People's Union, Covenant Recollections, 1959.
Robb, William M., Sins Among Christians That Hinder Revival: A Sermon Preached in Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, April 2, 1924, 1960.
Roberts, William L. (1798-1864), The Covenanting Martyrs and Revival of the Covenants! Quoting the Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CovMart.htm
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
*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
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/
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), False Unity and Biblical Separation From the Act, Declaration, and Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation. Cited in the Act, Declaration, and Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation . . . by the Reformed Presbytery, 1876 edition
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/FalseUnity.htm
*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.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.
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
Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), James Guthrie, William Guthrie, Robert Trail, James Nisbet, and Numerous Other Protesters, A Protest Against the Unlawful, Unfree and Unjust Assembly of the Resolutioners, 1652. Alternate title: THE REPRESENTATION, PROPOSITIONS, AND PROTESTATION OF DIVERS MINISTERS, ELDERS AND PROFESSORS, FOR THEMSELVES, AND IN NAME OF MANY OTHERS, WELL-AFFECTED MINISTERS, ELDERS, AND PEOPLE IN SCOTLAND. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10 and #23.
Schaeffer, Francis A. (1912-1984), A Christian Manifesto, ISBN: 1581346921 9781581346923.
"The civil government, as all life, stands under the Law of God. . . . when any office commands that which is contrary to the Word of God, those who hold that office abrogate their authority and they are not to be obeyed. . . .
"Argues that Americans must reestablish the country's Judeo-Christian foundation in order to stop the current decay of morals and the loss of personal freedoms." -- Publisher
Scott, David, Annals and Statistics of the Original Secession Church: Till its Disruption and Union With the Free Church of Scotland in 1852, 1886.
*Shaw, J.W., Hephzibah Beulah. Our Covenants the National and Solemn League; and Covenanting by the Reformed Presbyterian Synod in America: Considered, 1872. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"A very useful, easy-to-read, introductory work (by an RPCNA minister), to the topics it deals with. General Scriptural principles upon which this book is based are:
1. Departure from former laudable attainments, is a great evil, severely threatened in the Holy Scriptures; and that for which every one, who is guilty, must be accountable to the Righteous Judge of all the earth."Chapters include: The National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant reviewed; Their Binding Obligations Shown; The Possibility That Adherence to Them may be Professed, While They are Virtually Abandoned; The Covenant Sworn and Subscribed by Synod at Pittsburgh, May 27th, 1871; Is it a Renovation or a new Covenant?; The Covenant Does not Contain all That the Church is Bound to in America; Charges Against the Covenant; Reason why Some who do not Like it, Swear it; The Covenants National and Solemn League Must Be Maintained." -- Publisher
2. They who consent unto the unrighteous deeds of others, are chargeable with guilt, as well as the principal actors.
3. Societies, or individuals, having once publicly and solemnly vowed unto the Most High God; and still, after the strictest enquiry, remain satisfied in their own mind, that their vows were scriptural; should seriously endeavor to act up to the true spirit and intention of these vows; and no power upon earth, nor any class of men, whether majority or minority, in a nation, can ever possibly dissolve the obligation.
*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.
Sjolinder, Rolf, Presbyterian Reunion in Scotland 1907-21: Its Background and Development, 1962.
Smith, Alvin W., Covenanter Ministers, 1930-1963, of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, 1964.
"This volume is a successor to Thompson's SKETCHES OF THE MINISTERS, published in 1930."
Smyth, Thomas (1808-1873), The Exodus of the Church of Scotland, and the Claims of the Free Church of Scotland to the Sympathy and Assistance of American Christians, 1843.
Sommerville, William (1800-1878), The Social Position of Reformed Presbyterians, or Cameronians, 1868, ISBN: 0665336241 9780665336249.
Pamphlet on The Social Position of Reformed Presbyterians or Cameronians
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/william-sommervilles-pamphlet-on-the-social-position-of-reformed-presbyterians-or-cameronians
Steele, David (1803-1887), et al., Apostasy in the RPCNA: David Steele Debates James McLeod Willson. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
Steele, David (1803-1887), A Candid Reply.
Notes: "Written in reply to a paper, purporting to be an official document, which appeared in the Pittsburgh Christian Herald, Sept. 7, 1833, over the signature "A.W. Black, Synod Clerk."
*Steele, David (1803-1887), Circular [concerning the RPCNA Covenant of 1871]. Alternate title: A SHORT VINDICATION OF OUR COVENANTED REFORMATION.
"An exposure and critique of the so-called 'American' RP 'Covenant' of 1871."
A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, Reformed Presbytery
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/a-short-vindication-of-our-covenanted-reformation
*Steele, David (1803-1887), Circular No. 3: A Concise History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church From the Middle of the Sixteenth Century and of the Reformed Presbytery From 1840 Till the Present Time, 1886. Alternate title: A SHORT HISTORY OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. ISBN: 092114816X 9780921148166. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
Steele, Circular No. 3. A Concise History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church from the Middle of the Sixteenth Century and of the Reformed Presbytery From 1840 Till the Present Time
"A sketch of Reformed Presbyterian Church history with special emphasis on the formation of the Reformed Presbytery (i.e., "Steelite"), in 1840, and its 19th century contendings."
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/25/circular-no3-a-concise-history-of-the-reformed-presbyterian-church-from-the-middle-of-the-sixteenth-century-and-of-the-reformed-presbytery-from-1840-till-the-present-time
Steele, David (1803-1887), Letter Addressed to T___ B___, of P___, Exhibiting Some Steps of Defection in the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/david-steele-1803-1887
Steele, David (1803-1887), The Nature and Duty of Covenanting With God, 1850. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
*Steele, David (1803-1887), James Campbell, Thomas Sproull (1803-1892), James Fulton, and The Reformed Presbytery [of North America], A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, 1879. Alternate title: THE REFORMED PRESBYTERY'S A SHORT VINDICATION OF OUR COVENANTED REFORMATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1 (also #2, #25, and #30).
"Until the church comes to terms with what is written in this book it will remain weak and divided. Covenant breakers will not prosper, as this rare item demonstrates from both Scripture and history. The power packed ordinance of covenanting (the National and Solemn League and Covenant in particular), was foundational to the Second Reformation and the work of the Westminster Assembly. 'By the National Covenant our fathers laid Popery prostrate. By the Solemn League and Covenant they were successful in resisting prelatic encroachments and civil tyranny. By it they were enabled to achieve the Second Reformation . . . They were setting up landmarks by which the location and limits of the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day . . . How can they be said to go forth by the footsteps of the flock, who have declined from the attainments, renounced the covenants and contradicted the testimony of 'the cloud of witnesses. . . . All the schisms (separations) that disfigure the body mystical of Christ . . . are the legitimate consequences of the abandonment of reformation attainments, the violation of covenant engagements.' If you are interested in knowing how to recognize a faithful church (or state), when and why to separate from unfaithful institutions, who has held up the standard of covenanted Reformation attainments and who has backslidden (and why), what it means to subscribe to the Westminster Confession (1646), (and why most that say they do so today do not have any idea of what that means), and much more concerning individual, family, church and civil, individual, family, church and civil duties, this is one of the best books you will ever lay your hands on. It chronicles 'some instances of worldly conformity and mark(s) some steps of defection from our 'covenanted unity and uniformity,' noting how 'it is necessary to take a retrospect of our history for many years; for we did not all at once reach our present condition of sinful ignorance and manifold apostasy.' Presbyterian and the Reformed churches lay under the heavy hand of God's judgement in our day, because of the very defections noted throughout this fine work. 'We heard (hear) from various quarters the cry, "maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation"; and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' Are we married to the Lord, or have we thrown off the covenants of our forefathers; are we the chaste bride of Christ, or a harlot who is found in the bedchambers of every devilish suitor (whether ecclesiastical or civil), who tempts us with the favors of this world? Let us cry out, as with 'the noble Marquis of Argyle, upon the scaffold,' when he said, 'God hath tied us by covenants to religion and reformation. These that were then unborn are yet engaged, and it passeth the power of all the magistrates under heaven to absolve them from the oath of God. They deceive themselves, and it may be, would deceive others, who think otherwise.' Not for the weak of heart." -- Publisher
A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, Reformed Presbytery
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/a-short-vindication-of-our-covenanted-reformation
Steele, David (1803-1887), and Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), An Explanation and Defence of the Terms of Communion, Adopted by the Community of Dissenters: Together with an introduction, containing some remarks on the propriety of terms of communion in general, the whole intended to obviate some modern objections and to satisfy the minds of those who are willing to be informed on the subject.
"Notes: Thirteenth in an unnamed series of reprinted pamphlets.
"This work, although published under the name of the Reformed Presbytery and, therefore, carrying the weight of the Presbyterial authority, was almost certainly primarily the work of John Reid, of Lauriston." -- Publisher
*Steele, David (1803-1887, editor), Reformed Presbytery of North America, The Contending Witness (vol. 1:1 -- 2:6, Apr. 1841 to Feb. 1843), The Reformation Advocate (vol. 1:1 -- 1:12, March 1874 to Dec. 1876), The Original Covenanter (vol. 2:1 -- 2:16, March 1877 to Dec. 1880), and The Original Covenanter (vol. 3:1 -- 3:16, March 1881 to Dec. 1884). Available (all four volumes, a complete set of this continuous periodical under its various names) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (all four volumes, a complete set of this continuous periodical under its various names) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"The following list [complete and found above -- compiler] of [continuous issues under various names -- compiler] magazines, edited by David Steele, comprise what is likely the best compilation of Christian periodicals ever amassed under one set of bindings. Nothing we know of (before or since), authored as magazine articles related to full-orbed nation shaking biblical Reformation, even comes close to the consistent quality of writing found in these short works on various subjects. Steele himself should probably be considered the best theologian of the nineteenth century, and the other contributors to these magazines were all approaching the same class. A healthy portion of Steele's writing is found in these magazines, as he only wrote a few other books, so the reader is encouraged to sample for himself some of the best writing (defending the Covenanted Reformation), you will find anywhere!" -- Publisher
Various excerpted articles may be found elsewhere in the topical listing for David Steele.
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, September 1874, no. 3, "Has the Government of the United States a Christian Character?"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/5_Has%20the%20US%20a%20Christian%20Character.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, December 1874, no. 4, Signs of the Times
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/6_Signs%20of%20The%20Times.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, March 1874, no. 1, "To our Patrons"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/1_To%20Our%20Patrons.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, June 1874, no. 2, "Christmas Trees"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/4_Christmas%20Trees.pdf
David Steele (editor), The Reformation Advocate, vol. 1, March 1874, no. 1, "Are Hymns Idols"
http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/The%20Reformation%20Advocate/3_Are%20Hymns%20Idols.pdf
The Contending Witness magazine, Vol. 1:1-2:6, Apr. 1841 to Feb. 1843. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.See also: Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publishing, The Best of The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness Magazine. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available from Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Publishing.
The Reformation Advocate magazine, Vol. 1:1-1:12, March 1874 to Dec. 1876. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Original Covenanter magazine, Vol. 2:1-2:16, March 1877 to Dec. 1880. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Original Covenanter magazine, Vol. 3:1-3:16, March 1881 to Dec. 1884. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Steven, William, Answers to Twelve Queries, Proposed to the Serious Consideration of the Reformed Presbytery, and Their Followers, 1744.
Stevenson, Thomas Patton, What Constitutes a Christian State? 1907.
See also: "Studies in Christian Citizenship" of the National Reform Association
http://www.worldcat.org/search?qt=hotseries&q=se%3A%22Studies+in+Christian+citizenship%22
Stewart, Reid W., The Reformed Dissenting Presbytery (1801-1851) Source Book.
Stewart, Reid W., and Robert Waldo Chesnut, A Brief History of the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America.
Stewart, Reid W. (transcriber), and Harry B. Clayton (indexer), The Minutes of the Correspondent, May 1780 to February 1809: Being the Oldest Minutes of any Presbyterian Group West of the Allegheny Mountains: Containing the Minutes of Reformed Presbyterian Societies, Associate Reformed and Reformed Dissenting Presbyterians in Western Pennsylvania.
Stewart, Reid W., Thomas Sproull, Reformed Presbyterian Church in America: Historical Sketches to 1833, 2005
"In 1875, Thomas Sproull prepared ten sketches of American Covenanter history which he published in The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter magazine edited by him in Pittsburgh, PA." -- Foreword
Strathern, Andrew, and Pamela J. Stewart, Minorities and Memories: Survivals and Extinctions in Scotland and Western Europe, 2001, ISBN: 0890899525 9780890899526.
"Bibliography note: Includes bibliographical references (p. 281-295), and index."
"This book explores historical expressions of identity in Scotland, based on fieldwork in the Lowlands of Scotland carried out during 1996-2000, mostly in the County of Ayrshire. Particular chapters consider Wales and Northern Ireland in comparison to Scotland. The book continuously weaves together historical narrative with anthropological reflections and analyses, examining the issue of identities through the perspectives of both disciplines. Local histories and senses of identity are linked with national trends and events, including the inauguration in 1999 of a devolved Scottish Parliament. Chapters on the Picts and on the Covenanters of the seventeenth century show how historical memories of diverse kinds feed into contemporary identities. MINORITIES AND MEMORIES makes a creative contribution to the development of historical anthropology as well as to studies of senses of identity in general and within Scotland itself." -- Publisher
Synod of the United Original Seceders (Scotland), A Testimony of the Truth of Christ Agreed on by the Synod of the United Original Seceders, 1887.
Thompson, Owen F., Sketches of the Ministers of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America From 1888 to 1930.
Thomson, Andrew, and Gavin Struthers, Historical Sketch of the Origin of the Secession Church, 1848.
*Thorburn, John (minister of the Gospel, 1730?-1788), and John McMillan (M'Millan), II (1729-1808), 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 I, John, 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
Trumbull, Charles DeWitt, The Relation of the Covenanters to the United States Government, 1890.
The author was affiliated with the RPCNA apparently.
http://archive.org/details/relationofcovena00trum
Turretin, Francis (1623-1687), Proof That the Church is Often Obscured.
Proves from Scripture that, throughout much of history, the church [visible and constitutional], is often found only in a very small remnant. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
http://www.swrb.ab.ca/newslett/actualnls/ChuObsc.htm
United Societies, The Apologetic Declaration, Admonitory Vindication -- October 28, 1684
http://www.truecovenanter.com/apologeticdeclaration.html
United Societies, Declaration Published at Lanerk, January 12, 1682
http://www.truecovenanter.com/LanerkDeclaration.html
United Societies, The Declaration of the True Presbyterian Church of Christ, in Scotland -- 1692
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sanquhar1692.html
United Societies, Preface to the Following Declarations From 1692 to 1707
http://www.truecovenanter.com/prefacetodeclarations.html
United Societies, The Protestation, Apologetic Admonitory Declaration -- Sanquhar, May 28, 1685
http://www.truecovenanter.com/Sanquharadmonitorydeclaration.html
United Societies, The Protestation, Apologetic Declaration, Admonitory Vindication -- 1695
http://www.truecovenanter.com/protestation1695.html
United Societies, The Protestation, Apologetic Declaration, Admonitory Vindication of a Poor, Wasted, Misrepresented Remnant of the Suffering Antipopish, Antiprelatic, Antierastian, Antisectarian, True Presbyterian Church in Scotland, United Together in a General Correspondence, &c.-- 1703
http://www.truecovenanter.com/protestation1703.html
United Societies, The Queensferry Paper, 1680. Available as an appendix to A CLOUD OF WITNESSES. Available (A CLOUD OF WITNESSES) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/qferry.htm
A Cloud of Witnesses
http://archive.org/details/acloudwitnesses00thomgoog
United Societies, Sanquhar Declaration. Alternate title: THE DECLARATION AND TESTIMONY OF THE TRUE PRESBYTERIAN, ANTI-PRELATICK, ANTI-ERASTIAN, PERSECUTED PARTY IN SCOTLAND. PUBLISHED AT SANQUHAR, JUNE 22, 1680. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in James Brown, THE TESTIMONY PUBLISHED AT RUTHERGLEN, MAY 29. 1679.
The Declaration and Testimony of the True Presbyterian, Anti-Prelatick, Anti-Erastian, persecuted party in Scotland. Published at Sanquhar, June 22, 1680
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sanquhar.html
Various, Miscellaneous, Vol. 6.
Contents: Church fellowship, a sermon preached at the opening of the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, May 16, 1816. / John Black -- Divine and human rights, or, the Westminster Confession and the Constitution of the United States tested by the Holy Scripture. / Chauncey Webster -- A circular addressed to the ministers of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America, requesting them to meet in convention in the city of Pittsburgh, on the sixth day of August, 1834. / Ebenezer Cooper and Gavin M'Millan -- Argument on the Arminian controversy. / [Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America] -- Extracts from the minutes of the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. -- [Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church], Notices of particular offences, necessary to be attended to as objects of censure, in the present state of the church. / [Anonymous] -- The true deaconship, or, strictures on a pamphlet entitled 'The scriptural deacon, &c.' / David Smith -- An essay on the application of reformation principles to the American government. / John Knox Jr. -- Review of extracts of minutes and other papers. / David Scott -- An address on a scriptural education. / [Reformed Presbyterian Church, General Synod]. -- Letter on the higher powers. / Thomas Sproull -- The anti-slavery examiner, no. 8; correspondence between the hon. F.H. Elmore, one of the South Carolina delegation in Congress, and James G. Birney, one of the secretaries of the American Anti-Slavery Society. -- Protestantism, the parent and guardian of civil and religious liberty. / John N. McLeod -- O'Connell and the Wesleyans; the calumnies, falsehoods and religion of O'Connell exposed, and Protestantism defended, in seven letters; with Babylon fallen, a poem in 32 stanzas. / Daniel M'Afee -- Provisional committee of the proposed evangelical alliance, Dublin branch. / J.S. Blackwood . . . [et al.] -- Address to the members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church on covenant-renovation. / [Reformed Presbyterian Synod in Ireland] -- Plan of education for the ministry of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Ireland. / [Reformed Presbyterian Synod in Ireland] -- The Sabbath; its adaptation to man's intellectual and moral nature. / James Hamilton -- The Sabbath. / Edward Bickersteth -- The Christian Sabbath. / Richard Winter Hamilton -- The key of knowledge taken away by the National Board of Education; with strictures on a sermon entitled, 'Education, religion and liberty, ' lately preached and published by the Rev. William Johnston, Belfast. / Thomas Carlile.
Vinke, Peter, Protestants Separated for Christ's Name's Sake, sermon on Luke 6:22, 1675. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #15.
Wagner, Michael, Up From Reconstructionism: or, A Short History of the Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton, 1996. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1 and #30.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/UpFromRe.htm
Wallace, James, The Amendment of the Federal Constitution. An Address Before the Christian Association for National Reformation of Southern Illinois, November 8, 1864, 15 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"An address before the Christian Association for National Reformation, of Southern Illinois. Wallace contends, 'The duty of nations to acknowledge the true God, and submit themselves to Jesus Christ as their Lawgiver and King, is of the highest importance, and underlies all moral and political questions.' Though of historical interest, this short piece sets forth a somewhat muted 'Covenanter' stance." -- Publisher
*Watt, Jonathan M., Gordon J. Keddie, and Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, Bring the Books: A Bibliography of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, 1743-1992, in Semper Reformanda, Vol. 1, No. 3, Fall 1992 (Semper Reformanda, 3217 College Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010).
Willson (Wilson), James McLeod (editor), The Covenanter: Devoted to the Principles of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
"The Covenanter, a monthly in the interest of the pro-deacon position in the RPC. Edited by James McLeod Wilson. Merged with The Reformed Presbyterian, January 1863."
*Willson (Wilson), James McLeod (1809-1866), Social Religious Covenanting, 1856. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27,
Social Religious Covenanting, 1856.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/7/27/social-religious-covenanting
*Willson (Wilson), James McLeod (1809-1866), Some Reasons for Retaining the Westminster Confession as the Basis of Ecclesiastical Union. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
"Explains why the use of the Westminster Confession is one of the best ways in which to obtain godly ecclesiastical union. This booklet pays special attention to the biblical teaching regarding civil government and shows why changes to the original WCF (1646), (regarding this matter), has resulted, not surprisingly, in much ecclesiastical disunity. It also contains some interesting notes on the millennial power and glory that will be exhibited in both church and state 'in the day of the Lord's power.' Excerpted from The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness Magazine, (volumes 1:1-4).
Willson (Wilson), James McLeod (1809-1866, editor), Thomas Sproull, and John W. Sproull, The Covenanter monthly magazine, 1845-63.
"The Covenanter, a monthly in the interest of the pro-deacon position in the RPC. Merged with The Reformed Presbyterian, January 1863."
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
Wylie, Richard Cameron, and The National Reform Association, The Institution of Civil Government, 1906.
Wylie, Samuel B. (1773-1852), and John Niel McLeod (1806-1874, editor), Memoir of Alexander McLeod, 1855.
"Definitive account of the life of a 'father' of the Reformed Presbyterian Church."
Memoir of Alexander McLeod
http://archive.org/details/memoirofalexander00wyl
Wylie, Samuel B., James M'Kinney, John Black; John Niel McLeod, Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America, General Synod, Minutes of the Supreme Judicatory of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America: Presbytery from A.D. 1801 to A.D. 1809; Synod from A.D. 1809 to A.D. [1853].
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The church of scotland, general assembly, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, 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, Trusting god, Idolatry, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, Justifying faith, Forgiveness, Sanctification, Glorification, Works of samuel rutherford, Works of George Gillespie, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, substance abuse, 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, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, Covenanted reformation author/title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The one and the many, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, and so forth, and so on.
Formula of Terms of Communion: Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/24/formula-of-terms-of-communion
Presbiterianos Reformados
http://www.presbiterianoreformado.org/
Puritan Downloads and Still Waters Revival Books
http://www.puritandownloads.com/swrb-puritan-hard-drive.html
Reformed Documents
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed-documents/
The Reformed Presbyterian Church in America
www.pcahistory.org/findingaids/rpces/history/02.pdf
The Reformed Presbytery of Scotland and The Reformed Presbytery of America [North America "Steelite"]
http://www.swrb.com/catalog/R.htm
The Reformed Presbytery, USA
http://www.swrb.com/catalog/R.htm
Steele, David (minister, 1803-1887)
"In 2010, the David Steele Reformed Presbyterian Library was formed to preserve and archive his documents and other documents relating to the broader Covenanting and Reformed Dissenting traditions." See also the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Steele_(minister)
Works of David Steele (1803-1887)
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#dsteele
Works of David Steele (1803-1887)
http://worldcat.org/identities/lccn-nr96-15173
See the Theological Notes: "God Reigns: Divine Sovereignty," at Daniel 4:34 in The Reformation Study Bible.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."All things must be referred to the Glory of God. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD), the final sentence of The City of God
Of course, the influence of theology on corporate bodies has its counterpart in influence of theology on the lives of individuals. For example, see Howie's appendix titled 'The Judgment and Justice of God' (which chronicles God's judgments upon Reformation apostates and those who persecuted the Covenanters), in Howie, John, THE SCOTS WORTHIES. BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA: OR, A BRIEF HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE LIVES, CHARACTERS, AND MEMORABLE TRANSACTIONS OF THE MOST EMINENT SCOTS WORTHIES, 2ND EDITION, CORRECTED AND ENLARGED, 1781, listed below.
Woodrow Wilson is one of the foremost examples of the grave consequences to society of ignoring the doctrines of the Sovereignty of God and of the Total Depravity of Man.
"Declaring Wilson to be 'the worst president in American history,' Powell makes a strong case that the rise of the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany were unintended consequences of Wilson's arrogance." -- Paul Craig Roberts in Call Me Unaccountable: Woodrow Wilson and George Bush.
Wilson was the son of a Princeton trained Presbyterian Pastor and a scholar who became President of Princeton, and later President of the United States. His Presidency was one of the worst in American history, and marked the beginning of a tragic national liberal downspin. It is a political example of the destructive consequence to individuals and nations of liberal theology gone awry -- the abandonment of sound doctrine and Christian magistracy.
"Wilson was born to religious and well-educated people, mainly of Scottish background. Wilson's father, Joseph Ruggles Wilson, studied for the clergy at the Presbyterian directed Princeton University. He married Janet Woodrow, and early in the 1850s the Wilsons moved to Virginia, where he became minister of a church in Staunton. There, in 1856 Thomas Woodrow Wilson was born, the first son and third child. . . .
"Wilson was the only professional academic to become president. He began his career teaching history and political science at Bryn Mawr College in 1885 and moved to Wesleyan University in Connecticut in 1888. Two years later he went to Princeton, where he quickly became the most popular and highest-paid faculty member. In 1902 he was the unanimous choice to become president of Princeton." -- Miland Brown in Woodrow Wilson: A Brief Biography
"When formal theological seminaries were organized, one of the first was the Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church at Princeton, New Jersey, where instruction began in 1812 [Rules and Precepts That are Observed in the College at Cambridge in Massachusetts Bay, September 26, 1642 (now known as Harvard University), show the centrality of Christ at the oldest college in America. The Regulations at Yale College (1745) show the centrality of Calvinism and the Westminster Confession (1646), in Colonial higher education. -- compiler]. Founded by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, the seminary held to the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms as its doctrinal standards.
"Princeton excelled under the leadership of distinguished teachers who devoted themselves vigorously and effectively to the development, propagation, and maintenance of the Reformed faith. Among those best known as teachers of the great scriptural system of theology set forth by Princeton's first professor Archibald Alexander were Charles Hodge, J.A. Alexander, B.B. Warfield, and J. Gresham Machen.
"But eventually a movement surfaced to end Princeton's adherence to scriptural theology, and in 1929 Princeton Theological Seminary was reorganized under modernist influences.
"Among the Princeton faculty who loved the Reformed faith were Robert Dick Wilson, J. Gresham Machen, Oswald T. Allis, and Cornelius Van Til. Almost immediately after Princeton's reorganization, these four men founded Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and, with others who were invited to join the teaching staff, continued the exposition and defense of the Reformed faith." -- "History" at Westminster Theological Seminary website
"[Woodrow] Wilson had been engaged for several years to Ellen Louise Axson, and they were married in June 1885. Proficient and lively, Ellen proved the perfect mate for her husband. She gave him unqualified support and helped free his mind from everyday pressures. The couple had three daughters . . . [see below -- compiler]
"In June 1916 the Democrats renominated Wilson. Their platform emphasized peace, and argued that Wilson had kept the United States out of the war. The Republicans nominated Charles Evans Hughes, a former governor of New York with an honored record of reform, and an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. On election night Hughes appeared to have had won, but as the returns came in from California in the early morning hours, the race went to Wilson, who won the state by a mere 1983 votes." [Sound similar to Election 2000? Perhaps a recount would have changed Election 1916. -- compiler] "The Lucitania was sunk. Wilson then broke his campaign promise to keep the United States out of the war. Americans were not impassioned enough to enlist in the military, and Wilson instituted compulsory conscription." -- Miland Brown in Woodrow Wilson: A Brief Biography
Woodrow Wilson's first child, Margaret Woodrow Wilson (1886-1944), was devoted to social causes and "studied the religious classics of India extensively." She became fascinated by the writing of Sri Aurobindo during a visit to the New York City Library. (Mira Richards, The Mother on Aurobindo). "She eventually traveled to Pondicherry, India, [in 1941], where she lived in the ashram of Sri Aurobindo, a contemporary of Gandhi." There she was a personal assistant to Aurobindo and The Mother and typed Aurobindo's manuscripts for the IDEAL OF HUMAN UNITY. (Mira Richards, The Mother on Aurobindo), "Never married, she died of uremia on April 24, 1944 [about three years after first arriving -- compiler], and is buried in the Protestant cemetery at the ashram in Pondicherry."
Margaret was 33 when the League of Nations was formed in 1919, so the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo could have been influential in the founding of the League of Nations. "The League of Nations ceased its activities after failing to prevent the Second World War."
The United Nations Conference on International Organization met in San Francisco in 1945 to draw up the United Nations Charter. Because Margaret was devoted to social causes, and because she was the daughter of Woodrow Wilson, who was President during the formation of the League of Nations in 1919 (she was then 33), it could be expected that the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo as expressed in THE IDEAL OF HUMAN UNITY (which Margaret typed for Sri Aurobindo as his personal assistant between 1941-1944), and which was published under the same cover with Aurobindo's WAR AND SELF DETERMINATION, may also have been influential in the formation of the United Nations.
See also:
Timeline of the liberalization of the Presbyterian Church in Crossed Fingers by Gary North
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gncf/timeline.htm
The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile
http://www.lettermen2.com/syncret.htmlThe following timeline shows how growing liberalism within the Presbyterian church paralleled growing liberalism in the political sphere of American society. It also shows the place of President Woodrow Wilson in it all.
1758 The reunion of the Old Side and the New Side of American Presbyterian Church. "This signaled the end of the influence of Calvinism in American Politics."
1787 There were two conventions in Philadelphia: the Constitution Convention and a convention of the Presbyterian Church.
1788 Ratification: U.S. Constitution, and the revised Westminster Confession.
"In 1787-88, American Presbyterians revised the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) in order to make it conform to the political pluralism that also lay behind the U.S. Constitution, which was being ratified at the same time that the presbyteries were voting for the revision of the Confession. See the quotations for the topical listing The Westminster Confession of Faith (completed by the Assembly in 1646, approved by Parliament in 1647), The Westminster Standards and Related Works, The Westminster Assembly, for an explanation of "The American Version" of The Westminster Confession of Faith.)
For a detailed discussion of the U.S. Constitution see Authority: Biblical, Confessional, Ecclesiastical, in CROSSED FINGERS: HOW THE LIBERALS CAPTURED THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Presbyterians removed that clause in Chapter XXIII:3 of the WCF (1646) which had authorized the civil magistrate to call a synod for advice [The resulting confession is known as "The American Version." Changes were also made to 20-4, 22-3, 23-3,24-4, 25-6 and 31.2. The American Version is found in A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism, with the text of the original Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) printed in italics for comparison. These and future revisions removed Christian Magistracy from the Confession (WCF 1646), and essentially emasculated Christianity and set aside Christ's Crown and Covenant. Conveniently this removed churchmen and laymen from the battlefront of standing for Christ's Crown and Covenant. From then on American Presbyterians could "have their cake and eat it too." What has followed has been a precipitous decline in American society. Covenanters prescribe to the original Confession of 1646 that upholds Christ's Crown and Covenant. See the topical listing The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (The Westminster Standards), and Related Works [which is a Covenanter document -- compiler]: A Study Guide. This was one of the last traces of the theocratic Calvinism of the Scottish Covenanters -- or Calvin's theocratic Calvinism, for that matter." -- Gary North
1812 The Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church at Princeton, New Jersey, began instruction. "Founded by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, the seminary held to the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms as its doctrinal standards." (Probably the "American Version" of 1789. -- compiler)
1856 Thomas Woodrow Wilson was born in Staunton, Virginia, the son of a Presbyterian preacher educated at Princeton.
1885 Woodrow Wilson married Ellen Louise Axson.
1886 Margaret Woodrow Wilson was born. She was devoted to social causes and "studied the religious classics of India extensively." She became fascinated by the writing of Sri Aurobindo during a visit to the New York City Library. (Mira Richards, The Mother on Aurobindo) "She eventually traveled to Pondicherry, India, [in 1941] where she lived in the ashram of Sri Aurobindo, a contemporary of Gandhi." There she was a personal assistant to Aurobindo and The Mother and typed Aurobindo's manuscripts for the IDEAL OF HUMAN UNITY (Mira Richards, The Mother on Aurobindo) "Never married, she died of uremia on April 24, 1944 [about three years after first arriving -- compiler], and is buried in the Protestant cemetery at the ashram in Pondicherry."
1890 Wilson went to Princeton, where he quickly became the most popular and highest-paid faculty member.
1902 Wilson "was the unanimous choice to become president of Princeton" University. Margaret Wilson would have been six years old.
1903 Westminster Confession revised again (universal love of God)
1903 Establishment of the Committee on Church Cooperation. "(The final trace was the Confession's assertion that the failure to take an oath to a lawful authority is a sin [XXII:3]. That provision was abandoned in the 1903 revision, and Machen's Orthodox Presbyterian Church did not restore it in 1936). From that time on, Presbyterians became defenders of a secularized republican order. They believed that God's civil covenant could be made on a common-ground confessional basis, without a mandatory covenantal civil oath, operating under a providential natural law order that did not mandate Trinitarian confession. . . . From that time on, Presbyterians became defenders of a secularized republican order." -- Gary North
1906 J. Gresham Machen joins Princeton's faculty.
1908 Federal Council of Churches (FCC) begins, led by Roberts.
1908 Presbyterian Church reorganized.
1913 The presidency and administration of Woodrow Wilson begins (1913-1921). Margaret Wilson would have been 27 years old. See: The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile.
1913 Ratification of the Sixteenth Amendment authorizes income tax.
1913 The Federal Reserve System was passed into law.
1914 Wilson's first wife dies in August. World War I breaks out in August. Wilson remarried in December to Edith who was like his first wife.
1916 The National Women's Party is founded. Margaret Wilson 30 years old.
1916 "In June 1916 the Democrats renominated Wilson. Their platform emphasized peace, and argued that Wilson had kept the United States out of the war. The Republicans nominated Charles Evans Hughes, a former governor of New York with an honored record of reform, and an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. On election night Hughes appeared to have had won, but as the returns came in from California in the early morning hours, the race went to Wilson, who won the state by a mere 1983 votes." [Sound similar to Election 2000? Perhaps a recount would have changed Election 1916. -- compiler] "The Lucitania was sunk. Wilson then broke his campaign promise to keep the United States out of the war. Americans were not impassioned enough to enlist in the military, and Wilson instituted compulsory conscription." -- Miland Brown in Woodrow Wilson: A Brief Biography For more on the long-term impact of Wilson's foreign policy on American history see WILSON'S WAR: HOW WOODROW WILSON'S GREAT BLUNDER LED TO HITLER, LENIN, STALIN, AND WORLD WAR II and THEODORE AND WOODROW: HOW TWO AMERICAN PRESIDENTS DESTROYED CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOM. For a discussion of the impact of Woodrow Wilson's daughter, Margaret, on international politics see "The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile." -- compiler].
1917 United States joins Allies in European fighting of World War I; Bolsheviks led by Lenin seize power in Russia.
1917 Women picket the White House for the right to vote. Margaret was 31.
1917 Compulsory conscription enacted.
1918 Armistice ends World War I.
1918 A striking worldwide social decline begins as follows.
1918 The worldwide Swine Flue pandemic took the lives of an estimated 500,000 individuals before it subsided in 1919.
1919 After President Woodrow Wilson calls a special session of Congress to consider the proposed women's suffrage amendment, the House of Representatives passes it on May 21 and the Senate passes it on June 4.
1919 The National American Woman Suffrage Association holds its convention in St. Louis, where Carrie Chapman Catt rallies to transform the association into the League of Women Voters.
1919 In January, the National Women's Party lights and guards a "Watchfire for Freedom." It is maintained until the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution passes the U.S. Senate on June 4.
1919 The League of Nations is founded [under the Treaty of Versailles "to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and security." -- compiler]; Margaret Wilson was 33 when the League of Nations was formed in 1919, so the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo could have been influential in its founding. "The League of Nations ceased its activities in 1946 after failing to prevent the Second World War."
1919 The Communist Party of America is founded.
1919 Benito Mussolini introduces fascism in Italy; the first public birth control clinic is opened in Brooklyn, New York; Margaret Sanger is arrested for operating a birth control clinic. Margaret Wilson is 33.
1919 Wilson had a near breakdown in September. In October he suffered a massive stroke.
1920 The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) founded by Roger Baldwin, Crystal Eastman, Albert DeSilver, and others, some of whom were avowed Communists.
1920 Women win the right to vote with ratification of the Nineteen Amendment/
1920 The League of Women Voters is founded. Margaret Wilson 34 years old.
1921 Wilson leaves the White House a broken man. Warren G. Harding became President.
1921 Margaret Sanger establishes the American Birth Control League, the predecessor of Planned Parenthood. Margaret Wilson 35 years old.
1922 Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is established; Mussolini is named prime minister of Italy.
1922 Mussolini is named prime minister of Italy.
1923 Machen's CHRISTIANITY AND LIBERALISM, was published. The Pew Charitable Trust sent a copy to every pastor in America.
1923 Adolf Hitler forms National Socialist Party in Germany.
1924 Woodrow Wilson died.
1924 About 1300 ministers of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America "signed and circulated the Auburn Affirmation, a document that denied the infallibility of Scripture and asserted that the Virgin Birth, the miracles of Christ, his Atonement, and Resurrection were unessential." Margaret Wilson 38 years old.
1924 The first U.S. gay rights organization, the Society for Human Rights, is founded in Chicago; Joseph Stalin succeeds Lenin as leader of Soviet Union; new Chinese government is formed with communist members.
1925 John T. Scopes is convicted of teaching the theory of evolution; Tennessee bans the teaching of evolution.
1929 Princeton Theological Seminary was reorganized under modernist influences.
1929 "Almost immediately after Princeton's reorganization, these four men [Robert Dick Wilson, J. Gresham Machen, Oswald T. Allis, and Cornelius Van Til -- compiler], founded Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and, with others who were invited to join the teaching staff [among them J. Gresham Machen, Charles Hodge, Archibald Alexander, and B.B. Warfield -- compiler], continued the exposition and defense of the Reformed faith." -- Westminster Theological Seminary
1929 The stock market crashes, beginning the Great Depression.
1933 President Franklin Roosevelt closes all U.S. banks.
1933 New Deal legislation is passed including the establishment of the National Recovery Administration and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
1933 The Twenty-first Amendment, ending Prohibition, is passed.
1933 Frances Perkins becomes the first woman appointed to the U.S. Cabinet. She serves as Secretary of Labor until 1945.
1935 President Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act.
1936 "The signers of the Auburn Affirmation showed that they had captured the church by reorganizing Princeton Seminary and placing one of the signers on its governing board, by electing one of their number Moderator of the General Assembly and, what was decisive, by excommunicating those ministers who had insisted on maintaining the Westminster Standards in practice. Thus ministers who rejected the Scripture and all it contains were given authority, while men who believed the Bible and all it contains were ejected as disturbers of the peace. Since that day the Westminster Confession has been a dead letter in that denomination. . . ." -- Gordon H. Clark
1941 Margaret Wilson, at age 55, "traveled to Pondicherry, India, where she lived in the ashram of Sri Aurobindo, a contemporary of Gandhi." There she was a personal assistant to Aurobindo and The Mother (see "The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile." -- compiler), and she typed Aurobindo's manuscripts for the IDEAL OF HUMAN UNITY. (Mira Richards, The Mother on Aurobindo)
1941 The Japanese attack Pearl Harbor on December 7, bringing the United States into World War II. It appears to have been the biggest conspiracy in American history. See also: DAY OF DECEIT: THE TRUTH ABOUT FDR AND PEARL HARBOR.
1941 Jeanette Rankin, a Republican and a pacifist, is the only member of Congress to vote against declaring war on Japan following the attack on Peal Harbor.
1942 The United States enters World War II.
1942 The Manhattan Project begins developing the atomic bomb.
1943 The Women's Army Corps (WAC), becomes a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces on July 1. Its director is Oveta Culp Hobby.
1944 Wilson's, oldest child, Margaret Woodrow Wilson died at age 58. She "never married, she died of uremia on April 24, 1944 [about three years after first arriving -- compiler], and is buried in the Protestant cemetery at the ashram in Pondicherry." See: The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile.
1945 Roosevelt dies. Truman becomes President. The first atomic bomb is exploded at Alamogordo, New Mexico.
1945 The United States drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
1945 Representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization to draw up the United Nations Charter. Because Margaret Wilson was devoted to social causes, and because she was the daughter of Woodrow Wilson, who was President during the formation of the League of Nations in 1919 (she was then 33), it could be expected that the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo as expressed in THE IDEAL OF HUMAN UNITY (which Margaret typed for Sri Aurobindo as his personal assistant between 1941-1944. See: "1941"), and which was published under the same cover with Aurobindo's WAR AND SELF DETERMINATION, may also have been influential in the formation of the United Nations.
1945 The United Nations Charter is adopted.
1946 The Atomic Energy Commission is formed.
1946 The League of Nations is replaced by the United Nations.
Late 50s An occult revival of non-dualistic, eastern religion began in the United States. Guru's began coming to the United States from India and the Far East.
1962 The Supreme Court bars school prayer.
1963 The Supreme Court bars mandatory Bible reading in public schools.
1963 The United States enters the Vietnamese Conflict.
1963 The report of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women finds discrimination against women in every aspect of American life and outlines plans to achieve equality. Specific recommendations for women in the workplace included fair hiring practices, paid maternity leave, and affordable childcare.
1965 The Supreme Court holds that the "right of privacy" covers the use of contraceptives.
1969 The Stonewall rebellion, at a bar in New York City, starts the modern gay rights movement.
1971 The Twenty-sixth Amendment is ratified, lowering the national voting age from 21 to 18.
1972 The Supreme Court rules the death penalty unconstitutional. This ruling was later reversed in 1976.
1973 In the Roe v. Wade decision the Supreme Court rules that a state may not prevent a woman from having an abortion during the first six months of pregnancy.
1982 The Supreme Court bars posting of the Ten Commandments in schools.
1987 Robert Bork is nominated by President Reagan to the Supreme Court, but withdraws in the face of strong opposition.
1993 William Clinton was elected President. Poles show majority of Americans are pro-abortion.
1993 Janet Reno sworn in as the first female Attorney General; cult leader David Koresh and many followers die in a Texas compound fire.
1993 President Clinton touches off controversy with his attempt to end the ban on homosexuals in the military.
1993 Suspect arrested in bombing that killed six at the World Trade Center in New York City;
1994 The John Birch Society experienced a "tidal wave of growth, recruiting averaged 79 percent higher than in 1993, literature sales in 1994 were double that of two years earlier, and subscriptions to The New American doubled in 25 months."
1994 The Gender Equity in Education Act becomes law in the U.S. It bans sex-role stereotyping and gender discrimination in the classroom.
1994 The Violence Against Women Act becomes law.
1994 National Organization for Women v. Scheidler, 510 U.S. 249 (1994), is a United States Supreme Court case in which the Court ruled that the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) could apply to enterprises without economic motives; pro-life protesters could thus be prosecuted under it. An organization without an economic motive can still affect interstate or foreign commerce and thus satisfy the Act's definition of a racketeering enterprise.
1995 Appeals court upholds woman's plea to enter Citadel military academy.
1995 The Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, ordained three women in violation of the denomination's rules -- Kendra Haloviak, Norma Osborn, and Penny Shell.
1996 President Clinton blocks ban on late-term abortions.
1996 Clinton appoints Madeleine Albright as first female U.S. Secretary of State.
1997 President William Clinton is re-elected for a second term; Reproductive rights and gun control are campaign issues; repeated attempt to outlaw partial-birth abortion failed in Congress during the Clinton administrations.
2000 Approximately 35 million American children have been killed in the womb since Roe v. Wade in 1973; approximately 35 million aliens have entered the United States since 1973.
2001 George W. Bush elected President. Poles show that the majority of Americans are anti-abortion. Americans are still unable to overturn Roe v. Wade apparently due to liberal Supreme Court Justices, appointed by liberal Presidents, elected by a liberal electorate, comprised of 50 percent women voters.
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 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.
2005 Approximately 43 million American children have been killed in the womb of their mothers since Roe v. Wade in 1973; [56 million American babies from 1973 to 2014, annual rate continues at 1.2 million babies a year. -- compiler]
"Immigrants in the United States and their U.S.-born children now number approximately 81 million people, or 26 percent of the overall U.S. population." -- Historical Numbers and Shares
"The U.S. immigrant population stood at more than 42.4 million, or 13.3 percent, of the total U.S. population of 318.9 million in 2014, according to ACS data. Between 2013 and 2014, the foreign-born population increased by 1 million, or 2.5 percent." -- 5 Facts About Illegal Immigration in the U.S.
2008 Barack Obama becomes the first African-American to be elected President, with 52.8 percent of the vote. Political analysts state he would not have been elected if it had not been for the women's vote.
See also:
The Westminster Confession of Faith (completed by the Assembly in 1646, approved by Parliament in 1647), The Westminster Standards and Related Works, The Westminster Assembly
Refer to the comments on alterations to The Westminster Confession of Faith in the beginning notes.
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#wstandards
Male Role and Responsibility, Gender Equality, Suffrage, Reproductive Rights, and the Decline of American Society
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#suffrage
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
Unfaithful Reformed Ministries
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#unfaith
*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
Calvin, John (1509-1564), Calvin's Commentary on Hosea
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion/calvhose.htm
Calvin, John (1509-1564), Calvin's Commentary on Zechariah and Malachi
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom30.html
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1544). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also found in CALVIN'S SELECTED WORKS, TRACTS AND LETTERS. Available in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library. Available in THE CHURCH EFFEMINATE AND OTHER ESSAYS.
"It [THE NECESSITY OF REFORMING THE CHURCH (1544) -- compiler], has still been correctly acknowledged as one of the most important documents of the Reformation.
"C.H. Spurgeon once said, 'the longer I live the clearer does it appear that John Calvin's system is the nearest to perfection.' (cited in Christian History, Vol. 5, No. 4). . . . Like Calvin, some few believers today see 'the present condition of the Church . . . to be very miserable, and almost desperate.' Our context is different in one key respect however. The church needing reformation in Calvin's day was the tradition-encrusted church of Rome. Shortly after the Reformation, for those leaving Rome behind, two streams became apparent. One was the stream of classical Protestant orthodoxy, represented today by a handful of Gideons in their desktop publishing wine vats. The other was the left wing of the Reformation -- the anabaptist movement. In the early years, the anabaptists were suffering outsiders. But today the anabaptist church is the Establishment -- an establishment governed by a chaos of traditions instead of biblical worship. Everywhere we look we see Christians approaching God with observances in worship which Calvin calls 'the random offspring of their own brain.' Though this work is not an elaborate systematic presentation of the foundations of Christianity, such as CALVIN'S INSTITUTES, it has still been correctly acknowledged as one of the most important documents of the Reformation. Calvin here pleads the cause dearest to his heart before an assembly perhaps the most august that Europe could have furnished in that day. It has been said that the animated style used by Calvin in this work would not lose by comparison with any thing in the celebrated 'Dedication' prefixed to his INSTITUTES. To this day, THE NECESSITY OF REFORMING THE CHURCH remains a powerful weapon, both defensive and offensive, to fight the contemporary battle for Protestantism -- the everlasting gospel of truth. Here, in our modern setting, we find the answers to many of the vexing questions which continue to agitate the Church." -- Publisher
The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1543), by John Calvin
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/NRC_ch00.htm
Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), John W. Robbins (1949-2008, editor), Historiography: Secular and Religious, ISBN: 0940931397 9780940931398 (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 1994).
"The Christian doctrine of the sovereignty of God transformed the world's view of history, investing it with a meaning, importance, and grandeur that pagan historiography could never achieve. History is the unfolding of God's purpose and plan. Because God is rational, because God is sovereign, history is not a tale told by an idiot.
"The Bible is not only the earliest history book, it is also the most reliable. Centuries before the famed historians of Greece and Rome, Moses had already written the definitive account of mankind's early history as revealed to him by God. The account was not exhaustive, for no history can be, but it contained all that God wished it to contain and nothing else. God, writing through Moses, has given us true history.
"HISTORIOGRAPHY SECULAR AND RELIGIOUS will introduce the reader to the principles and problems of historiography and, in so doing, begin to suggest what an enormous debt we owe to the Bible in the study of history." -- Publisher
*Robbins, John W. (1949-2008, editor), Christ and Civilization, ISBN: 1891777246 9781891777240.
"A new 48-page booklet. Includes a complete listing (in an additional 16 pages), of the books currently available from The Trinity Foundation."
Christ and Civilization
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/PDF/200a-ChristandCivilization.pdf
*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 Hammondhttps://vimeo.com/242042901
*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 . . . as 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 book files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PDF file) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #10. The series of 22 MP3 audio book files, produced by Still Waters Revival Books, are available 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
Biographia Scoticana, John Howie
Original from Oxford University, published 1885, digitized May 22, 2006. Described as a reprint of the 1781 edition. It does not appear to include the appendix cited above.
http://books.google.com/books?vid=OCLC34190563&id=5iwAAAAAQAAJ&q=Scots+Worthies+1781&dq=Scots+Worthies+1781&ie=ISO-8859-1&pgis=1
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.
*Kerr, James (1847-1905), Church and State: Three Lectures. I. Religious Equality -- National Disaster. II. Erastian Establishment -- Ecclesiastical Dishonour. III. Scriptural Establishment -- Imperial Glory. Available in pamphlet format from:
Covenanter Pamphlets
http://www.covenanter.org/pamphlets/
Church and State: Three Lectures. I. Religious Equality -- National Disaster. II. Erastian Establishment -- Ecclesiastical Dishonour. III. Scriptural Establishment -- Imperial Glory
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/7/james-kerrs-three-lectures-on-church-and-state
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
Powell, Jim, Wilson's War: How Woodrow Wilson's Great Blunder led to Hitler, Lenin, Stalin, and World War II, ISBN: 1400082366 9781400082360.
*Price, Greg L., Biblical Civil Government Versus the Beast; and, the Basis for Civil Resistance. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
"This is the best modern testimony for the biblical principles of civil magistracy -- which were so prominent during the height of the Second Reformation -- that we have seen. Price documents the teachings of many of the major Reformers (and some of the church fathers), and in an easy reading manner simplifies what can at times become a very complex subject. This particular Reformation message, proclaiming Christ's Kingship over the nations (and the practical outworking of the same), has been buried from the view of the general public for some time now, but is once again being brought to light in this very helpful introductory book. A sobering appendix has been added (written by a friend of the Covenanted Reformation), which shows why it is unlawful for a Christian to swear any oath to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution. This appendix also compares the points of difference between classic (or historic), Reformed teaching and modern Reformed teaching regarding magistracy and religion. Special attention is given to the OPC, the PCA and the RPCNA and the changes that these groups have made to Second Reformation confessional standards (concerning matters related to the civil magistrate). Statements by B.B. Warfield are also contrasted to the older Reformed views. You won't find a better easy-to-read and easy to understand introduction to this important topic -- a topic which impacts directly on every Christian's testimony for the crown rights of King Jesus!" -- Publisher
"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 principal; 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; II Cor. 13:8 [2 Corinthians 13:8]) -- Greg Price, Biblical Civil Government Verses the Beast, p. 64
Biblical Civil Government Versus the Beast; and, the Basis for Civil Resistance, Greg Price
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/BibCG_GP.htm
*Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," David Steele (1803-1887), John Thorburn (1730?-1788), John Courtass (d. 1795), et al., Act, Declaration, and Testimony, for the Whole of the Covenanted Reformation, as Attained to, and Established in, Britain and Ireland; Particularly Betwixt the Years 1638 and 1649, Inclusive. As, Also, Against all the Steps of Defection From Said Reformation, Whether in Former or Later Times, Since the Overthrow of that Glorious Work, Down to This Present day (1876), (Philadelphia, PA: Printed by Rue and Jones, 1876), a new edition of the Ploughlandhead Testimony of 1761, the subordinate standard of the original "Steelite" Reformed Presbytery that was constitutes in 1840. Available (the 1850 edition only) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (the 1850 edition only) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"And now, when time has proved that more recent Testimonies, Terms, and Covenants, have failed to preserve either unity or uniformity among those who framed them; it cannot be unseasonable to re-exhibit the original ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY, which has been justly characterized as 'the most profoundly reasoned document ever emitted by the Reformed Presbyterian Church'." -- The Reformation Advocate Magazine, Vol. I, No. 8, December, 1875, page 267
"Upholds the original work of the Westminster Assembly and testifies to the abiding worth and truth formulated in the Westminster family of documents. Upholds and defends the Crown Rights of King Jesus in Church and State, denouncing those who would remove the crown from Christ's head by denying His right to rule (by His law), in both the civil and ecclesiastical spheres. Testifies to the received doctrine, government, worship, and discipline of the Church of Scotland in her purest (reforming) periods. Applies God's Word to the Church's corporate attainments 'with a judicial approbation of the earnest contendings and attainments of the faithful, and a strong and pointed judicial condemnation of error and the promoters thereof.' (The Contending Witness magazine, Dec. 17/93, p. 558). Shows the church's great historical victories (such as the National and Solemn League and Covenant, leading to the Westminster Assembly), and exposes her enemies actions (e.g. the Prelacy of Laud; the Independency, sectarianism, covenant breaking and ungodly toleration set forth by the likes of Cromwell [and the Independents that conspired with him]; the Erastianism and civil sectarianism of William of Orange, etc.). It is not likely that you will find a more consistent working out of the principles of Calvinism anywhere. Deals with the most important matters relating to the individual, the family, the church and the state. Sets forth a faithful historical testimony of God's dealings with men during some of the most important days of church history. A basic text that should be mastered by all Christians." -- Publisher
Act, Declaration, and Testimony (1876)
https://archive.org/details/actdeclarationte00refo
Act, Declaration and Testimony, 1761 (edition of 1876)
"Compared with the 1777 edition, Philadelphia. We hereby certify that this is a true edition of the ORIGINAL JUDICIAL TESTIMONY, emitted by the Reformed Presbytery at Ploughlandhead, Scotland, 1761; together with the Supplements adopted by the Reformed Presbytery at this date, June 2d, 1876. [Signed -- compiler] David Steele, James Campbell, Robert Clyde, Robert Alexander, Committee.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/
*Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite" (David Steele [1803-1887], James Campbell, Thomas Sproull, James Fulton), A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, 2nd Edition, Revised, and Enlarged by a Committee of the Reformed Presbytery ("Circular" and "Review" prefixed), 1879, 50 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2 (also #1, #25, and #30).
"Until the church comes to terms with what is written in this book it will remain weak and divided. Covenant breakers will not prosper, as this rare item demonstrates from both Scripture and history. The power packed ordinance of covenanting (the National and Solemn League and Covenant in particular), was foundational to the Second Reformation and the work of the Westminster Assembly. 'By the National Covenant our fathers laid Popery prostrate. By the Solemn League and Covenant they were successful in resisting prelatic encroachments and civil tyranny. By it they were enabled to achieve the Second Reformation . . . They were setting up landmarks by which the location and limits of the city of God will be known at the dawn of the millennial day . . . How can they be said to go forth by the footsteps of the flock, who have declined from the attainments, renounced the covenants and contradicted the testimony of 'the cloud of witnesses. . . . All the schisms (separations) that disfigure the body mystical of Christ . . . are the legitimate consequences of the abandonment of reformation attainments, the violation of covenant engagements.' If you are interested in knowing how to recognize a faithful church (or state), when and why to separate from unfaithful institutions, who has held up the standard of Covenanted Reformation attainments and who has backslidden (and why), what it means to subscribe to the Westminster Confession (1646), (and why most that say they do so today do not have any idea of what that means), and much more concerning individual, family, church and civil, individual, family, church and civil duties, this is one of the best books you will ever lay your hands on. It chronicles 'some instances of worldly conformity and mark(s) some steps of defection from our 'covenanted unity and uniformity,' noting how 'it is necessary to take a retrospect of our history for many years; for we did not all at once reach our present condition of sinful ignorance and manifold apostasy.' Presbyterian and the Reformed churches lay under the heavy hand of God's judgement in our day, because of the very defections noted throughout this fine work. 'We heard (hear) from various quarters the cry, "maintain the truth, stand up for the principles of the Second Reformation"; and yet many of those who are the most loud in uttering this cry, appear desirous to bury in oblivion those imperishable national and ecclesiastical deeds, by which the church and kingdom of Scotland became 'married to the Lord.' Are we married to the Lord, or have we thrown off the covenants of our forefathers; are we the chaste bride of Christ, or a harlot who is found in the bedchambers of every devilish suitor (whether ecclesiastical or civil), who tempts us with the favors of this world? Let us cry out, as with 'the noble Marquis of Argyle, upon the scaffold,' when he said, 'God hath tied us by covenants to religion and reformation. These that were then unborn are yet engaged, and it passeth the power of all the magistrates under heaven to absolve them from the oath of God. They deceive themselves, and it may be, would deceive others, who think otherwise.' Not for the weak of heart." -- Publisher
A Short Vindication of our Covenanted Reformation, Reformed Presbytery
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/a-short-vindication-of-our-covenanted-reformation
Reformed Presbytery (Scotland), A Short Directory for Religious Societies, Drawn up by Appointment of the Reformed Presbytery for the particular use of the several societies of Christian people under their inspection; and now by order of the Reformed Presbytery, in America, 1881. Alternate title: RULES FOR FELLOWSHIP MEETINGS.
A Short Directory for Religious Societies
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/24/vuh52dogwp1ry74n5cnz4tu2jrbppz
*Robbins, John W. (1949-2008, editor), The Church Effeminate and Other Essays, 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
*Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Ecclesiastical Megalomania: The Economic and Political Thought of the Roman Catholic Church, 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."
Rogers, Jack Bartlett, Scripture in the Westminster Confession: A Problem of Historical Interpretation for American Presbyterianism, 1967.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) With Scripture Proofs
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), A Theological Interpretation of American History, 1994 edition, 354 pages (Greenville, SC: A Press, 1994, 1981, 1975, 1974, 1964), 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
"The Erastian Revolution, anno 1689, was "utterly inconsistent with the covenanted constitution of the Reformed Church of Scotland, anno 1648."
In fact, the relationship between Church and State has been in decline since 1661. "In early 1661 . . . the Scottish Parliament passed the Act Rescissory, which established the king as supreme judge in all matters civil and ecclesiastical, and which made owning the covenants [National and Solemn League], unlawful. These acts undid all the works of Reformation from 1638 to 1650 and made it high treason to acknowledge Jesus Christ as head of the church. . . ." See: Act, Declaration, and Testimony, 1876, Part II.
Another turning point occurred in 1758 with the reunion of the Old Side and the New Side of American Presbyterian Church. "This signaled the end of the influence of Calvinism in American Politics." For a detailed discussion see:
From Old School to New School in CROSSED FINGERS: HOW THE LIBERALS CAPTURED THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, by Gary North
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gncf/Chapter02.htm
An example of the positive influence of theological doctrine on American political development is the Presbyterian General Assembly meeting in 1774, in which the Assembly instructed local congregations to press for the dissolution of ties with Great Britain. The result was a flood of resolutions, the most important of which was the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence which became a pattern for our national Declaration of Independence. See: James Geddes Craighead (1832-1895), SCOTCH AND IRISH SEEDS IN AMERICAN SOIL: THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE SCOTCH AND IRISH CHURCHES, AND THEIR RELATIONS TO THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF AMERICA, ISBN: 0790546221 (microfiche).
In 1787 there were two conventions in Philadelphia: the Constitution Convention and a convention of the Presbyterian Church. "In 1787-88, American Presbyterians revised the Westminster Confession of Faith [know as the "American Version (1789)"], in order to make it conform to the political pluralism that also lay behind the U.S. Constitution,(26) which was being ratified at the same time that the presbyteries were voting for the revision of the Confession. The Presbyterians removed that clause in Chapter XXIII:3 which had authorized the civil magistrate to call a synod for advice.(27) This was one of the last traces of the theocratic Calvinism of the Scottish Covenanters -- or Calvin's theocratic Calvinism, for that matter. (The final trace was the Confession's assertion that the failure to take an oath to a lawful authority is a sin [XXII:3]. That provision was abandoned in the 1903 revision, and Machen's Orthodox Presbyterian Church did not restore it in 1936). From that time on, Presbyterians became defenders of a secularized republican order. They believed that God's civil covenant could be made on a common-ground confessional basis, without a mandatory covenantal civil oath, operating under a providential natural law order that did not mandate Trinitarian confession. Obedience to this natural order, they believed, would bring national prosperity.(28) This was the liberal worldview of English Whig politics, and no group in America was more dedicated to defending it than the Presbyterians."(29) -- Gary North, Crossed Fingers, p. 106
Many scholars consider alterations to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), originally compiled by the Westminster Assembly of Divines, to be a "reverse plagiarism," an alteration of the original document by someone beside the author, and then passed off to the public, under the original title, as the work of the original authors. Plagiarize: to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another), as one's own use (a created production), without crediting the source; to commit literary theft: present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source. (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary)
Revisers have altered the content of the original WCF (1646), have removed key doctrine related to Christ's Crown and Covenant, and yet have retained the name given by the Westminster Assembly. Consequently, revisers have deceived many in the Church into believing that their alterations are the work of the Westminster Assembly of Divines in 1646.
Most Presbyterian and Reformed denominations and seminaries today prescribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1789), the "American Version." Ideas have consequences. Because theology is truth, when men delete or alter key doctrines, or replace sound doctrine deducted from God's infallible Word by logic, with human imaginations, then the course of history is changed.
For a detailed analysis of the devastating consequences to American history caused by non-Biblical alterations in the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) and non-Biblical alterations to constitutional government in the United States see the following:
The Topical Listing "A Theological Interpretation of American History"
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#stiahis
In Great Britain the Independents and Calvinistic Baptists edited the Westminster Confession (1646) for their own use, but they gave the new confessions a different name, the Savoy Declaration and the Baptist Confession. Certainly this was the honest procedure.
"In 1788 the U.S. Constitution and the revised Westminster Confession were ratified. For a detailed discussion see:
From Old School to New School in CROSSED FINGERS: HOW THE LIBERALS CAPTURED THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, by Gary North
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gncf/Chapter03.htm
See also the following:
Appendix A: Major Changes of the Savoy Declaration
http://www.bible-researcher.com/wescoappa.html
Appendix B: Major Changes of the PCUSA (1788-1958)
http://www.bible-researcher.com/wescoappb.html
Appendix C: Major Changes of the UPCUSA and PCUS (1958-1983)
http://www.bible-researcher.com/wescoappc.html
Preface to Confession and Catechisms of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC)
http://opc.org/documents/Preface.pdf
Trinitarianism Verses Polytheism: Unresolved Questions of Article VI, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution
http://www.lettermen2.com/trinpoly.html
Selection of Covenant Heads for Positions of Leadership
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#covenantheads
Timeline of the liberalization of the Presbyterian Church in Crossed Fingers by Gary North
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gncf/timeline.htm
A THEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF AMERICAN HISTORY, Chapter 6, "Theological Liberalism After 1920 and its Political Consequence."
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.
*Price, Greg L., Biblical Civil Government Versus the Beast; and, the Basis for Civil Resistance. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
"This is the best modern testimony for the biblical principles of civil magistracy -- which were so prominent during the height of the Second Reformation -- that we have seen. Price documents the teachings of many of the major Reformers (and some of the church fathers), and in an easy reading manner simplifies what can at times become a very complex subject. This particular Reformation message, proclaiming Christ's Kingship over the nations (and the practical outworking of the same), has been buried from the view of the general public for some time now, but is once again being brought to light in this very helpful introductory book. A sobering appendix has been added (written by a friend of the Covenanted Reformation), which shows why it is unlawful for a Christian to swear any oath to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution. This appendix also compares the points of difference between classic (or historic), Reformed teaching and modern Reformed teaching regarding magistracy and religion. Special attention is given to the OPC, the PCA and the RPCNA and the changes that these groups have made to Second Reformation confessional standards (concerning matters related to the civil magistrate). Statements by B.B. Warfield are also contrasted to the older Reformed views. You won't find a better easy-to-read and easy to understand introduction to this important topic -- a topic which impacts directly on every Christian's testimony for the crown rights of King Jesus!" -- Publisher
"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 principal; 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; II Cor. 13:8 [2 Corinthians 13:8]) -- Greg Price Biblical Civil Government Verses the Beast, p. 64
Biblical Civil Government Versus the Beast; and, the Basis for Civil Resistance, Greg Price
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/BibCG_GP.htm
After 1920 "Forces of liberalism were able to gain a commanding position in the liberal arts colleges and seminaries run by most of the major denominations. . . .
"The denial of the inspiration and infallibility of the Scripture proved to be tantamount to a rejection of their doctrinal authority; one by one, the great evangelical doctrines of the past were rewritten in such a way as to be scarcely recognizable. . ." -- C. Gregg Singer, A Theological Interpretation of American History, p. 187
"The basic issue is the reduction of the total scope of government, on both the federal and state level, to those spheres which are clearly conferred upon it by the Scriptures, and the surrender of those extra-Biblical powers which liberal political philosophies and practice have given to it during the last one hundred years or so. . . .
"When Jesus Christ returns, this span of history will cease. Perhaps at this point the cleavage between the biblical position and the views of Hegel, Marx, Spengler, Toynbee, and other contemporaries, becomes most obvious. The modern mind simply cannot accept the idea that humanity does not control its own destiny. It refuses to believe that the ultimate manifestation of the glory of Jesus Christ is beyond all human manipulation, whether they be statesmen or educators. It denies that the sovereign Ruler of the universe will bring all sinful humanity to judgment in a final accounting for its long history of willful rebellion against His righteousness, goodness, and mercy." -- Gregg C. Singer
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
Swancara, Frank, Thomas Jefferson Versus Religious Oppression.
"Swancara was a journalist, wrote book in his old age, apparently had an obsession with 'religious oppression,' Jefferson was a hero of his, he actually studied the collection of Jefferson's library, Jefferson gave it to the Library of Congress when it was formed.
"Swancara was godless and argued everything from the wrong side, but it is the best listing of public documents and legislation calling for religious tests for office holders that I have seen, goes back to English law which prohibited a man from being a member of Parliament unless he believed there was going to be a final judgement and our actions have eternal consequences. Swancara unwittingly produced a valuable work for the reformer." -- Reader's Comment
*Thornwell, James H. (1812-1862), Collected Writings of James Henley Thornwell, 4 volumes, 1875, ISBN: 0524059632 9780524059630. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Vol. I. LECTURES ON THE DOCTRINE OF GOD AND ON DIVINE GOVERNMENT (672 pages)"J.W. Alexander once wrote the following of one of Thornwell's sermons, 'His sermon was a model of what is rare, viz.: burning hot argument, logic in ignition, and glowing more and more to the end.'
Vol. II. THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE; SERMONS; DISCOURSES ON TRUTH (632 pages)
Vol. III. THEOLOGICAL AND CONTROVERSIAL; RATIONALIST CONTROVERSY: REASON, REVELATION AND MIRACLES; PAPAL CONTROVERSY; BAPTISM, JUSTIFICATION, INFALLIBILITY, THE APOCRYPHA (824 pages)
Vol. IV. WRITINGS ON THE CHURCH: CHURCH OFFICERS; CHURCH OPERATIONS; CHURCH DISCIPLINES; THE SOUTHERN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ETC., SERMONS AND APPENDICES (640 pages).
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Feminism, Men, women, and god, misogyny, misandry, misanthropy, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, God's sovereign hand in history, History, "his-story," Church history and history of local churches, The history of reformation of the church, Church and state, Sermons preached before governing bodies, The history of martyrs, Background, foundation, and history of the covenanted reformation of scotland, The christian foundation of america, colonial history, Revisionist history, 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, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Sin and its consequence: physical and spiritual death, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Toleration the enemy of truth, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, and so forth, and so on.
The Covenanted Reformation of Scotland Author/Title Listing
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chb.html#crsstl
Iain Murray on Whitefield and Wesley
"This article first appeared in the 1960 edition of Whitefield's Journals, published by The Banner of Truth Trust. Here Iain Murray discusses the historical background that led to George Whitefield's famous letter to John Wesley."
http://archive.spurgeon.org/~phil/wesley/murray.php
A Letter From George Whitefield to the Rev. Mr. John Wesley in Answer to Mr. Wesley's Sermon Entitled "Free Grace"
In GEORGE WHITEFIELD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE GREAT EVANGELIST OF THE 18TH CENTURY REVIVAL, 2 volumes (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust), ISBN: 0851510264 9780851510262 085151300X 9780851513003.
Arnold Dallimore explains in detail how Wesley's possibly contrived difference with Whitefield over "sinless perfection" had the effect of carving out a 'spiritual empire' for John Wesley and of bringing him to pre-eminence.
See also "Iain Murray on Whitefield and Wesley."
http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/wesley.php
Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly, Acts 1:11; Romans 13 (1 of 3 audio files [MP3]). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Great historical teaching, Singer at his best!" -- Publisher
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=124071413102Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly, Hebrews 11:39; 1 Peter 2:13-14 (2 of 3 audio files [MP3]). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Great historical teaching, Singer at his best!" -- Publisher
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=125071244422Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly, Daniel 4:35; Acts 13:17 (3 of 3 audio files [MP3]). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Great historical teaching, Singer at his best!" -- Publisher
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12607114250Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), The Reformation in England 1 of 2 (the Providential Historical Preparation for the Westminster Assembly)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12607144153Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), The Reformation in England 2 of 2 (and America)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=126071623510Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
Timeline of the liberalization of the Presbyterian Church in Crossed Fingers by Gary North
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gncf/timeline.htm
Unfaithful Reformed Ministries
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#unfaith
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (The Westminster Standards) and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
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)On a wise and prudent exercise of the right of suffrage, depends the happiness of a republican state. What half so powerful, when the throng approach the poll, to direct their interest and their sagacity for the general weal, as the though deeply fixed in the mind, of their accountability for their transactions, to the sovereign of nations? Without religious principles to direct, the powers of mind and advantages of science, will be like military armour in the hands of a maniac. Why so much intrigue at our elections? Why such a disregard to the qualifications of candidates for office? The opinion, tacitly embraced, that God has no concern in these things! Until religious principle shall govern men, never will it be better -- when that time shall have arrived, feeble idiotism and raging impiety shall be banished from national councils. The blasphemer of God and his institutions, shall not be entrusted with the guardianship of the rights of nations. -- McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), in The Duty of Nations
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12)
A male's responsibility to protect his family, wife, children, and his country from evil can not be delegated to women by submission to their authority, or by suffrage.
Until the twentieth century, Americans almost universally held to this doctrine of representation in some form or the other. The reason why women were not allowed to vote had nothing to do with women being considered "inferior" or "too emotional" (these values arose during the Victorian era and were themselves theologically and socially deviant), but rather because the husband and father was ASSUMED to represent the family to the broader community. By definition, there could only be ONE representative of the family just as there could only be ONE representative of the Human Race to God!
However, by the end of the 19th century, American Christians had largely stopped thinking in theological terms. Instead, an emotive, subjective religious "experience" (called Pietism), emphasizing individual conversion replaced the comprehensive Christian worldview of the Reformation. As Christians failed to think biblically about all of life, they were unable to withstand either the new philosophies gaining ground in the universities or deal effectively with the changing social conditions of the Industrial Revolution. By the 20th century, American Christians saw the "height" of Christian activism as banning alcohol while at the same time affirming a woman's right to vote. Both ideas were unmitigated disasters; God has not allowed the civil magistrate to outlaw wine and God does not allow women to vote (cf. 1 Tim 2:11ff [1 Timothy 2:11]). But by ignoring God's law, American Christians both destroyed their own credibility (the Prohibition era is STILL a matter of public ridicule and repealing prohibition set the legal precedence for pornography, sodomy and the acceptance of other moral failures), and the integrity of own families.
In regards to a woman's right to vote; if husband and wife are truly "one flesh" and the husband is doing his duty to represent the family to the wider community, then what PRACTICAL benefit does allowing women to vote provide? If husband and wife agree on an issue, then one has simply doubled the number of votes; but the result is the same. Women's voting only makes a difference when the husband and wife disagree; a wife, who does not trust the judgment of her husband, can nullify his vote. Thus, the immediate consequence is to enshrine the will of the individual OVER the good of the family thus creating divisions WITHIN the family. -- Brian AbshireWe should not marry if we are not willing to take the responsibility of raising children. See: Sexual Relationship
How ironic that Cain, the very first man born of a woman, murdered his brother, while so many modern men believe that humans are "basically good." The biblical account of Cain slaying his brother Able, is a most telling example of the utter depravity of fallen man.
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].
The voter, in voting, is bound to set aside personal ends and vote for those policies alone which will be equally promotive of his own, his family's and all his fellow-citizens' rights and interests. . . . The voter who cannot rise to this grade of common honesty in voting ought to be disenfranchised. -- R.L. Dabney
Human beings are born with different capacities. If they are free, they are not equal. And if they are equal, they are not free. -- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008)
When a citizen gives his suffrage to a man of known immorality he abuses his trust; he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor; he betrays the interest of his country. -- Noah Webster
They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies. (Hosea 7:3)
The Prophet now arraigns all the citizens of Samaria, and in their persons the whole people, because they rendered obedience to the king by flattery, and to the princes in wicked things, respecting which their own conscience convicted them. He had already in the fifth chapter mentioned the defection of the people in this respect, that they had obeyed the royal edict. It might indeed have appeared a matter worthy of praise, that the people had quietly embraced what the king commanded. This is the case with many at this day, who bring forward a pretext of this kind. Under the papacy they dare not withdraw themselves from their impious superstitions, and they adduce this excuse, that they ought to obey their princes. But, as I have already said, the Prophet has before condemned this sort of obedience, and now he shows that the defection which then reigned through all Israel, ought not to be ascribed to the king or to few men, but that it was a common evil, which involved all in one and the same guilt, without exception. How so? "By their wickedness," he says, "they have exhilarated the king, and by their lies the princes"; that is, If they wish to cast the blame on their governors, it will be done in vain; for whence came then such a promptitude? As soon as Jeroboam formed the calves, as soon as he built temples, religion instantly collapsed, and whatever was before pure, degenerated; how was the change so sudden? Even because the people had inwardly concocted their wickedness, which, when an occasion was offered, showed itself; for hypocrisy did lie hid in all, and was then discovered. We now perceive what the Prophet had in view. And this place ought to be carefully noticed: for it often happens that some vice creeps in, which proceeds from one man or from a few; but when all readily embrace what a few introduce, it is quite evident that they have no living root of piety or of the fear of God. They then who are so prone to adopt vices were before hypocrites; and we daily find this to be the case. When pious men have the government of a city, and act prudently, then the whole people will give some hope that they will fear the Lord; and when any king, influenced by a desire of advancing the glory of God, endeavors to preserve all his subjects in the pure worship of God, then the same feeling of piety will be seen in all: but when an ungodly king succeeds him, the greater part will immediately fall back again; and when a magistrate neglects his duty, the greater portion of the people will break out into open impiety. I wish there were no proofs of these things; but throughout the world the Lord has designed that there should exist examples of them. This purpose of God ought therefore to be noticed; for he accuses the people of having made themselves too obsequious and pliant. When king Jeroboam set up vicious worship, the people immediately offered themselves as ready to obey: hence impiety became quite open. They then "delighted the king by their wickedness, and the princes by their lies"; as though he said, "They cannot transfer the blame to the king and princes. Why? Because they delighted them by their wickedness; that is, they haltered the king by their wickedness and delighted the princes by their lies." -- John Calvin in a sermon on Hosea 7:3 in Calvin's Commentary on HoseaSanctity 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)
Therefore, men who abort their children, women who abort their children, and abortion providers should be barred from voting in public elections, just as convicted murders are barred from voting.
Therefore, pro-abortion public officials and judges should be impeached promptly.
George Barna reviewed more than a dozen national surveys related to matters of faith conducted by the Barna Research Group during 2000 and devised three lists of faith-related survey results -- particularly noteworthy insights . . .
Surveys showed the following results:
- Voter turnout in the 2000 presidential election was higher among born again Christians than among non-believers.
- Most Christians' votes were influenced more by their economic self-interest than by their spiritual and moral values.
- Voting place exit polls during the 2000 presidential election indicated that, in generally, men voted for George W. Bush and women voted for Al Gore. -- The Barna Research Group
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.
Critchlow, Donald T. (editor), The Politics of Abortion and Birth Control in Historical Perspective, ISBN: 0271015705 9780271015705.
Dabney, Robert Lewis (1820-1898), and Benjamin Breckinridge, Women's Rights Women (Feminism, Infidel Democracy, Egalitarianism and . . .). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Flexner, Eleanor, Century of Struggle: The Woman's Rights Movement in the United States, ISBN: 0674106539 9780674106536 0674106547 9780674106543.
"The single best history of the U.S. suffrage movement. This recent paperback edition of CENTURY OF STRUGGLE, Eleanor Flexner's classic history of women's suffrage, has a splendid new introduction by her friend and collaborator Ellen Fitzpatrick, who relates the major events in Flexner's own life to Flexner's deep understanding of the complex social and political problem confronting 19th- and early 20th-century American suffragists. There is no better account than Flexner's of the dogged determination of U.S. women to achieve their political aims, or of the genius of their political inventiveness in a time in which both law and custom were against women's full participation in civic life. The achievement of the vote for women was extraordinarily difficult, infinitely more so than most people realize. . . ." -- Reader's Comment
*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." -- Annotation 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
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
*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:
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.
*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
M'Crie, Thomas (1772-1835), On the Right of Females to Vote in the Election of Ministers and Elders, 1841. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
Napolitano, Andrew P., Theodore and Woodrow: How Two American Presidents Destroyed Constitutional Freedom, ISBN: 9781595553515 1595553517.
"Either the Constitution means what it says, or it doesn't." -- Judge Napolitano
"America's founding fathers saw freedom as a part of our nature to be protected -- not to be usurped by the federal government -- and so enshrined separation of powers and guarantees of freedom in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. But a little over a hundred years after America's founding, those God-given rights were laid siege by two presidents caring more about the advancement of progressive, redistributionist ideology than the principles on which America was founded.
"THEODORE AND WOODROW is Judge Andrew P. Napolitano's shocking historical account of how a Republican and a Democratic president oversaw the greatest shift in power in American history, from a land built on the belief that authority should be left to the individuals and the states, to a bloated, far-reaching federal bureaucracy, continuing to grow and consume power each day.
"With lessons rooted in history, Judge Napolitano shows the intellectually arrogant, anti-personal freedom, even racist progressive philosophy driving these men to poison the American system of government.
"And Americans still pay for their legacy -- in the federal income, in state-prescribed compulsory education, in the Federal Reserve, in perpetual wars, and in the constant encroachment of a government that coddles special interests and discourages true competition in the marketplace.
"With his attention to detail, deep constitutional knowledge, and unwavering adherence to truth telling, Judge Napolitano moves through the history of these men and their times in office to show how American values and the Constitution were sadly set aside, leaving personal freedom as a shadow of its former self, in the grip of an insidious, Nanny state, progressive ideology." -- Publisher
"Judge Andrew P. Napolitano is Fox News Channel's senior judicial analyst, currently seen by millions of viewers weeknights on "The Big Story" and "The O'Reilly Factor." Napolitano is the youngest person in New Jersey history to receive a lifetime judgeship. He is bright (graduate of Princeton and Notre Dame Law School), articulate (four times voted most outstanding professor at the two law schools at which he taught), and broadcast-experienced (as a daily fixture on Fox News Channel since 1998). He is the author of CONSTITUTIONAL CHAOS and THE CONSTITUTION IN EXILE." -- Publisher
"This book is an important contribution to the historian who would connect the dots from the early Progressive era to today, in figuring out how and why there was a silent revolution by the radical Left to destroy the Constitution and replace it with a Marxist platform. One can well argue that the Marxists captured the White House BEFORE they captured the Kremlin! Wilson and T. Roosevelt implemented radical ideas that were subsequently built upon by almost every administration since. One can see this Red Thread running through the entire fabric of the national government for more than a century now. So many planks of Karl Marx were accomplished by Wilson and Col. Mandel House that historians of the future will be compelled to ask how such a paradigm shift could occur without a guiding hand behind it (and I do not refer to a Divine Hand). It took two world wars to keep the American People diverted away from what amounted to a coup d'etat. Thanks to Judge Napolitano for this expose. Napolitano should be sitting on the Supreme Court. But then, what SHOULD be, rarely is." -- Reader's Comment
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:
See also: Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Men, women and god, Family, Authority, Power, Feminism, 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, The new age, Women and the New Age, The occult, spiritism, witchcraft, Sorcery, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Incest, Sexual abuse, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Adultery, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Divorce, Avoiding divorce, Children of divorce, Fatherlessness, Absolute truth and relativism, Unity and uniformity in the truth, The religion of secular humanism: man as god, human autonomy, Reform of the church, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, 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, Slavery, Modern myths and fallacies, and so forth, and so on.
John Calvin commenting on 1 Timothy 2:11-14
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol43/htm/iii.iv.iv.htm
Gratuitous Sex, a Cause of Violence
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#gsacov
John Gill commenting on 1 Timothy 2:11
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/1-timothy-2-11.html
Virginia Fornication Laws
http://members.icanect.net/~tincat/2000/lesson/fornication.htm
Note: Compiled from the following sources:
- The timeline in CROSSED FINGERS: HOW THE LIBERALS CAPTURED THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
- Important Dates in American History in THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY DESK REFERENCE, 2nd edition
- U.S. History Timeline, at infoplease
- A Timeline of Feminism in the United States and
- A Timeline of the Women's Liberation Movement.
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. (1 Timothy 2:11-14)
John Calvin commenting on 1 Timothy 2:11-14
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol43/htm/iii.iv.iv.htm
John Gill commenting on 1 Timothy 2:11
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/1-timothy-2-11.htmlUntil the twentieth century, Americans almost universally held to this doctrine of representation in some form or the other. The reason why women were not allowed to vote had nothing to do with women being considered "inferior" or "too emotional" (these values arose during the Victorian era and were themselves theologically and socially deviant), but rather because the husband and father was ASSUMED to represent the family to the broader community. By definition, there could only be ONE representative of the family just as there could only be ONE representative of the Human Race to God!
However, by the end of the 19th century, American Christians had largely stopped thinking in theological terms. Instead, an emotive, subjective religious "experience" (called Pietism), emphasizing individual conversion replaced the comprehensive Christian worldview of the Reformation. As Christians failed to think biblically about all of life, they were unable to withstand either the new philosophies gaining ground in the universities or deal effectively with the changing social conditions of the Industrial Revolution. By the 20th century, American Christians saw the "height" of Christian activism as banning alcohol while at the same time affirming a woman's right to vote. Both ideas were unmitigated disasters; God has not allowed the civil magistrate to outlaw wine and God does not allow women to vote (cf. 1 Tim 2:11ff [1 Timothy 2:11]). But by ignoring God's law, American Christians both destroyed their own credibility (the Prohibition era is STILL a matter of public ridicule and repealing prohibition set the legal precedence for pornography, sodomy and the acceptance of other moral failures), and the integrity of own families.
In regards to a woman's right to vote; if husband and wife are truly "one flesh" and the husband is doing his duty to represent the family to the wider community, then what PRACTICAL benefit does allowing women to vote provide? If husband and wife agree on an issue, then one has simply doubled the number of votes; but the result is the same. Women's voting only makes a difference when the husband and wife disagree; a wife, who does not trust the judgment of her husband, can nullify his vote. Thus, the immediate consequence is to enshrine the will of the individual OVER the good of the family thus creating divisions WITHIN the family. -- Brian AbshireIt has been observed that when the church is in declension, when she becomes liberal, then men in society also fail in their leadership roles, they begin to show effeminate characteristics. Women simultaneously, out of necessity, must fill the void of leadership. They become more dominant and assume male characteristics and leadership roles. However, both situations are found wanting, and destabilizing to society. The inevitable consequence of effeminate leadership, from male or female, is that society heads into a downward spiral, and the enemies of that society, both within and without, eventually destroy it. The following timeline evidences such a pattern of role reversal and decline in American society.
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.
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 Holy Spirit makes no promise to bless compromises. If we make a treaty with error or sin, we do it at our own risk. If we do anything that we are not clear about, if we tamper with truth or holiness, if we are friends of the world, if we make provision for the flesh, if we preach half-heartedly, if we are in league with errorists, we have no promise that the Holy Spirit will go with us. If you want to know what great things the Lord can do, the Lord Almighty, be separate from the world and from those who apostasize from the truth. The man of God will have nothing to do with Sodom or with false doctrine. If you see anything that is evil, give it the cut direct. Have done with those who have done with truth. -- C.H. Spurgeon
1758 The reunion of the Old Side and the New Side of American Presbyterian Church. "This signaled the end of the influence of Calvinism in American Politics."
1777 Women lose the right to vote in New York.
1780 Women lose the right to vote in Massachusetts.
1784 Women lose the right to vote in New Hampshire.
1787 There were two conventions in Philadelphia: the Constitution Convention and a convention of the Presbyterian Church.
1787 The U.S. Constitutional Convention places voting qualifications in the hands of the states. Women in all states except New Jersey lose the right to vote.
1788 "In 1787-88, American Presbyterians revised the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) in order to make it conform to the political pluralism that also lay behind the U.S. Constitution, which was being ratified at the same time that the Presbyteries were voting for the revision of the Confession. See the quotations for the topical listing The Westminster Confession of Faith (completed by the Assembly in 1646, approved by Parliament in 1647), The Westminster Standards and Related Works, The Westminster Assembly, for an explanation of "The American Version" of The Westminster Confession of Faith.)
The Presbyterians removed that clause in Chapter XXIII:3 which had authorized the civil magistrate to call a synod for advice. The resulting confession is known as "The American Version." Changes were also made to chapters 20-4, 22-3, 23-3, 24-4, 25-6 and 31.2 of the original Confession. The American Version is found in A GUIDE TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS: CONFESSION OF FAITH AND LARGER CATECHISM, James Bordwine (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 1996), with the text of the original Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) printed in italics for comparison.
These and future revisions removed Christian Magistracy from the Confession (WCF 1646) and essentially emasculated Christianity, and set aside Christ's Crown and Covenant. Conveniently, this removed churchmen and laymen from the battlefront of standing for Christ's Crown and Covenant. From then on American Presbyterians could "have their cake and eat it too." What has followed has been a precipitous decline in American society. Covenanters prescribe to the original Confession of 1646 that upholds Christ's Crown and Covenant. See the topical listing, The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (The Westminster Standards), and Related Works [which is a Covenanter document -- compiler]: A Study Guide. "This was one of the last traces of the theocratic Calvinism of the Scottish Covenanters -- or Calvin's theocratic Calvinism, for that matter." -- Gary North
For a detailed discussion of the U.S. Constitution see Authority: Biblical, Confessional, Ecclesiastical, in CROSSED FINGERS: HOW THE LIBERALS CAPTURED THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
1790 The State of New Jersey grants the vote to "all free inhabitants," including women.
1807 Women lose the right to vote in New Jersey, the last state to revoke the right.
1812 The Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church at Princeton, New Jersey, began instruction. "Founded by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, the seminary held to the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms as its doctrinal standards." (Probably the "American Version" of 1789. -- compiler)
1815 Clarissa Danforth was ordained in New England. She was the first woman ordained by the Free Will Baptist denomination.
1833 The first co-educational institution of higher learning, Oberlin College, is founded in Ohio. It grants women degrees equivalent to those granted men, beginning in 1841.
1837 Women organize the Anti-Slavery Convention of American Women, the first assembly to discuss the rights of women, especially African-American women.
1838 Kentucky gives school suffrage, the right to vote at school meetings, to widows with children of school age.
1838 Iowa becomes the first U.S. state to allow a mother to have sole custody of a child in the event of divorce.
1839 Mississippi is the first U.S. state to give married women limited property rights. Mississippi's Married Women's Property Act 1839 grants married women the right to manage property in their own name.
1848 New York's Married Women's Property Act grants married women separate economy.
1848 On June 14,15, presidential candidate Gerrit Smith makes women's suffrage a plank in the Liberty Party platform at the party's convention in New York.
1848 The Seneca Falls Convention, the first women's rights convention, meets in New York in July. Women's suffrage is proposed by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and agreed to after an impassioned argument from Frederick Douglass.
1849 Elizabeth Blackwell, born in England, becomes the first female medical doctor in the U.S.
1850 Ohio feminists organized a convention in April to start a petition for women's equal legal and political rights, the petition to be presented to the Ohio legislature.
1850California's Married Women's Property Act grants married women separate economy.
1850 Wisconsin's Married Women's Property Act grants married women separate economy.
1850 Oregon allows unmarried women to own land.
1850 The first National Women's Rights Convention was organized by Lucy Stone and Paulina Wright Davis, held in Worcester, Massachusetts, in October.
1852 New Jersey grants married women separate economy.
1856 Thomas Woodrow Wilson was born in Staunton, Virginia, the son of a Presbyterian preacher educated at Princeton.
1857 Maine grants married women the right to control their own earnings.
1859 The U.S. Supreme Court declared in Dred Scott v. Sanford, that slaves are personal property, and are not citizens of any state, or of the United States.
1860 New York passes a revised Married Women's Property Act that gives women shared ownership of their children, allowing them to have a say in their children's wills, wages, and granting them the right to inherit property.
1866 Helenor M. Davison was ordained as a deacon by the North Indiana Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church, probably making her the first ordained woman in the Methodist tradition.
1867 Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Lucy Stone address a subcommittee of the New York State Constitutional Convention requesting that the revised constitution include woman suffrage. Their efforts fail.
1867 Kansas holds a state referendum on whether to enfranchise women and/or black males. Lucy Stone, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton traverse the state speaking in favor of women suffrage. Both women and black male suffrage is voted down.
1867 The American Equal Rights Association, working for suffrage for both women and African Americans, is formed at the initiative of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
1869 National Woman's Suffrage Association was founded by Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and others.
1869 Wyoming grants women the right to vote, the first U.S. state to do so.
1869 Arabella Mansfield became the first female lawyer in the United States in 1869, when she was admitted to the Iowa bar.
1870 The Utah Territory grants women the right to vote.
1870 The Fiftheenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is adopted. The amendment grants suffrage to former male African-American slaves, but not to women.
1870 The Anti-Suffrage Society is formed.
1872 A suffrage proposal before the Dakota Territory legislature loses by one vote.
1872 Susan B. Anthony registers and votes in Rochester, New York, arguing that the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives her that right. However, she is arrested a few days later.
1872 Victoria Woodhull runs for president of the U.S., the first woman to do so, as the candidate of the Equal Rights Party.
1873 In 1873 Congress adopted the Comstock Act, which prohibited the importation or mailing of "obscene matter." The law's definition of obscene matter included contraceptives or information about contraception.
1874 In the case of Minor v. Happersett, the Supreme Court rules that the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not grant women the right to vote.
1874 There is a referendum in Michigan on women's suffrage, but women's suffrage loses.
1880 A suffrage campaign loses in South Dakota.
1880 Anna Howard Shaw was the first woman ordained in the Methodist Protestant Church, an American church which later merged with other denominations to form the United Methodist Church.
1881 The Supreme Court rules that Native Americans are aliens.
1883 Women in the Washington territory are granted full voting rights.
1885 Woodrow Wilson married Ellen Louise Axson.
1886 Margaret Woodrow Wilson was born. She was devoted to social causes and "studied the religious classics of India extensively." She became fascinated by the writing of Sri Aurobindo during a visit to the New York City Library. (Mira Richards, The Mother on Aurobindo) "She eventually traveled to Pondicherry, India, [in 1941 -- compiler] where she lived in the ashram of Sri Aurobindo, a contemporary of Gandhi." There she was a personal assistant to Aurobindo and The Mother and typed Aurobindo's manuscripts for the IDEAL OF HUMAN UNITY. "Never married, she died of uremia on April 24, 1944 [about three years after first arriving -- compiler], and is buried in the Protestant cemetery at the ashram in Pondicherry." (Mira Richards, The Mother on Aurobindo)
1886 All but six U.S. states allow divorce on grounds of cruelty.
1886 In his novel THE BOSTONIANS, Henry James coins the term "Boston marriage" to denote a long-term, co-habiting relationship between two unmarried women.
1886 The suffrage amendment is defeated two to one in the U.S. Senate.
1887 The federal government abolishes women's suffrage in the Utah Territory with the Edmunds-Tucker Act.
1887 The Supreme Court strikes down the law that enfranchised women in the Washington territory.
1887 In Kansas, women win the right to vote in municipal elections.
1887 Rhode Island becomes the first eastern state to vote on a women's suffrage referendum, but it does not pass.
1889 The Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church ordained Louisa Woosley as the first female minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, USA.
1890 Wilson went to Princeton, where he quickly became the most popular and highest-paid faculty member.
1890The National Woman Suffrage Association and the American Woman Suffrage Association merge to form the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Its first president is Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The focus turns to working at the state level.
1902 Wilson "was the unanimous choice to become president of Princeton" University. Margaret Wilson would have been six years old.
1893 After a campaign led by Carrie Chapman Catt, Colorado men vote for women suffrage.
1893 Colorado grants women the right to vote.
1896 On January 4, Utah becomes a state and its constitution providing for women's suffrage takes effect.
1896 Idaho grants women the right to vote.
1902 Wilson "was the unanimous choice to become president of Princeton" University. Margaret Wilson would have been six years old.
1902 Women from ten nations meet in Washington, D.C. to plan an international effort for suffrage. Clara Barton is among the speakers.
1902 The men of New Hampshire vote down a women's suffrage referendum.
1903 Westminster Confession revised again (universal love of God).
1903 Establishment of the Committee on Church Cooperation. "(The final trace was the Confession's assertion that the failure to take an oath to a lawful authority is a sin [XXII:3]. That provision was abandoned in the 1903 revision, and Machen's Orthodox Presbyterian Church did not restore it in 1936). They believed that God's civil covenant could be made on a common-ground confessional basis, without a mandatory covenantal civil oath, operating under a providential natural law order that did not mandate Trinitarian confession. . . . From that time on, Presbyterians became defenders of a secularized republican order." -- Gary North
1906 J. Gresham Machen joins Princeton's faculty.
1908 Federal Council of Churches (FCC) begins, led by Roberts.
1908 Presbyterian Church reorganized.
1910 Emma Smith DeVoe organizes a grassroots campaign in Washington State, where women win suffrage.
1910 Harriet Stanton Blatch's Equality League changes its name to the Women's Political Union. Emulating the grassroots tactics of labor activists, the Women's Political Union organizes America's first large-scale suffrage parade, which is held in New York City.
1910 Washington grants women the right to vote.
1911 California grants women the right to vote.
1912 Oregon, Kansas, and Arizona grant women the right to vote.
1912 Alaska's territorial legislature grants women suffrage.
1912 The Seventeenth Amendment was passed by Congress May 13, 1912, and ratified April 8, 1913. It modified Article I, section 3, of the Constitution by allowing voters to cast direct votes for U.S. Senators. Prior to its passage, Senators were chosen by state legislatures. This seriously weakened the influence of states upon the Federal Government and undermined the "separation of powers" provisions of the U.S. Constitution.
1913 The National Women's Party founded by Alice Paul and others.
1913 Alice Paul becomes the leader of the Congressional Union (CU), a militant branch of the National American Woman Suffrage Association.
1913 Alice Paul organizes the women's suffrage parade on the eve of Wilson's inauguration. It is the largest suffrage parade to date and consists of 10,000 people marching down Fifth Avenue in New York City on May 10. The parade is attacked by a mob. Hundreds of women are injured, but no arrests are made.
1913 The Alaskan Territory grants women suffrage.
1913 The presidency and administration of Woodrow Wilson begins (1913-1921). Margaret Wilson would have been 27 years old. See: The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile.
1913 Ratification of the Sixteenth Amendment authorizes income tax.
1913 The Federal Reserve System was passed into law.
1913 The Seventeenth Amendment was ratified April 8, 1913. It modified Article I, section 3, of the Constitution by allowing voters to cast direct votes for U.S. Senators. Prior to its passage, Senators were chosen by state legislatures. This seriously weakened the influence of states upon the Federal Government and undermined the "separation of powers" provisions of the U.S. Constitution.
1914 Montana and Nevada grant women the right to vote.
1914 World War I begins in Europe.
1915 The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom is founded; 25,000 women march in New York City demanding suffrage.
1915 The American Medical Association admits its first women members.
1915 The Woman's Peace Party is organized at a convention in Washington, D.C., in January, a response to the outbreak of World War I in 1914.
1916 The National Women's Party is founded. Margaret Wilson is 30 years old.
1916 The first public birth control clinic opens in Brooklyn, New York. Margaret Sanger is arrested for operating a birth control clinic.
1916 "In June 1916 the Democrats renominated Wilson. Their platform emphasized peace, and argued that Wilson had kept the United States out of the war. The Republicans nominated Charles Evans Hughes, a former governor of New York with an honored record of reform, and an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. On election night Hughes appeared to have had won, but as the returns came in from California in the early morning hours, the race went to Wilson, who won the state by a mere 1983 votes." [Sound similar to Election 2000? Perhaps a recount would have changed Election 1916. -- compiler]. "The Lucitania was sunk. Wilson then broke his campaign promise to keep the United States out of the war. Americans were not impassioned enough to enlist in the military, and Wilson instituted compulsory conscription." -- Miland Brown in Woodrow Wilson: A Brief Biography For more on the long-term impact of Wilson's foreign policy on American history see WILSON'S WAR: HOW WOODROW WILSON'S GREAT BLUNDER LED TO HITLER, LENIN, STALIN, AND WORLD WAR II and THEODORE AND WOODROW: HOW TWO AMERICAN PRESIDENTS DESTROYED CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOM. For a discussion of the impact of Woodrow Wilson's daughter, Margaret, on international politics see The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile and the comments and timeline in the comments for A Theological Interpretation of American History
1916 Alice Paul and others break away from the National American Woman Suffrage Association and form the National Women's Party.
1916 Woodrow Wilson promises that the Democratic Party Platform will endorse women suffrage.
1916 Montana elects suffragist Jeannette Rankin to the House of Representatives. She is the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress.
1917 New York grants women the right to vote.
1917 Indiana grants women presidential suffrage.
1917 Nebraska grants women presidential suffrage.
1917 North Dakota grants women presidential suffrage.
1917 Michigan grants women presidential suffrage.
1917 Rhode Island grants women presidential suffrage.
1917 The Oklahoma state constitution grants women suffrage.
1917 The South Dakota state constitution grants women suffrage.
1917 United States joins Allies in European fighting in World War I.
1917 Women picket the White House for the right to vote. Margaret Wilson was 31.
1917 The United States declares war on Germany, entering World War I.
1917 Compulsory conscription enacted.
1917 Bolsheviks led by Lenin seize power in Russia.
1918 The Sedition Act of 1918 was passed. Congress repealed the act on December 13, 1920.
1918 World War I ends.
1918 The first two women are admitted to the American Bar Association on August 28 at the organization's annual meeting in Cleveland.
1918 Michigan, South Dakota, and Oklahoma grant women the right to vote.
1918 Alma Bridwell White, head of the Pillar of Fire Church, became the first woman to be a bishop in the United States.
1918 The Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which eventually granted women suffrage, passes the U.S. House with exactly a two-thirds vote, but loses by two votes in the Senate. Jeannette Rankin opened debate on it in the House.
1918 President Wilson declares his support for women suffrage.
1919 After President Woodrow Wilson calls a special session of Congress to consider the proposed women's suffrage amendment, the House of Representatives passes it on May 21 and the Senate passes it on June 4.
1919 The National American Woman Suffrage Association holds its convention in St. Louis, where Carrie Chapman Catt rallies to transform the association into the League of Women Voters.
1919 In January, the National Women's Party lights and guards a "Watchfire for Freedom." It is maintained until the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution passes the U.S. Senate on June 4.
1919 The League of Nations is founded [under the Treaty of Versailles "to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and security." -- compiler]. Margaret Wilson was 33 when the League of Nations was formed in 1919, so the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo could have been influential in its founding. "The League of Nations ceased its activities after failing to prevent the Second World War."
1919 The first public birth control clinic is opened in Brooklyn, New York; Margaret Sanger is arrested for operating a birth control clinic. Margaret Wilson is 33.
1919 Wilson had a near breakdown in September. In October he suffered a massive stroke.
1919 Benito Mussolini introduces fascism in Italy.
1919 The Communist Party of America is founded.
1920 In the case of Hawke v. Smith, anti-suffragists file suit against the Ohio legislature, but the Supreme Court upholds the constitutionality of Ohio's ratification process.
1920 Women win the right to vote with ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment. On August 18, Tennessee becomes the 36th state to ratify the women's suffrage amendment. It becomes the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and takes effect a few days later. Margaret Wilson 34 years old.
1920 The sale of alcoholic beverages is banned under the Eighteenth Amendment; Prohibition begins.
1920 The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is founded by Roger Baldwin, Crystal Eastman, Albert DeSilver, and others, some of whom were avowed Communists.
1921 Margaret Sanger establishes the American Birth Control League, the predecessor of Planned Parenthood.
1921 Woodrow Wilson's presidency ends March 3, 1921.
1921 Wilson leaves the White House a broken man. Warren G. Harding became President.
1922 The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is established.
1922 Mussolini is named prime minister of Italy.
1922 Rebecca L. Felton, from Georgia, is appointed the first woman U.S. Senator.
1923 Machen's CHRISTIANITY AND LIBERALISM, was published. The Pew Charitable Trust sent a copy to every pastor in America.
1923 Adolf Hitler forms National Socialist Party in Germany.
1924 Wilson died.
1924 About 1300 ministers of the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America "signed and circulated the Auburn Affirmation, a document that denied the infallibility of Scripture and asserted that the Virgin Birth, the miracles of Christ, his Atonement, and Resurrection were unessential." Margaret Wilson 38 years old.
1924 The first U.S. gay rights organization, the Society for Human Rights, is founded in Chicago.
1924 Joseph Stalin succeeds Lenin as leader of Soviet Union.
1924 A new Chinese government is formed with communist members.
1925 John T. Scopes is convicted of teaching the theory of evolution. Tennessee bans the teaching of evolution.
1925 Nellie Tayloe [sic] Ross of Wyoming becomes the first female governor, elected in November 1924 to succeed her husband, who died in October.
1929 Princeton Theological Seminary was reorganized under modernist influences.
1929 "Almost immediately after Princeton's reorganization, these four men [Robert Dick Wilson, J. Gresham Machen, Oswald T. Allis, and Cornelius Van Til -- compiler] founded Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and, with others who were invited to join the teaching staff [among them J. Gresham Machen, Charles Hodge, Archibald Alexander, and B.B. Warfield -- compiler], continued the exposition and defense of the Reformed faith." -- Westminster Theological Seminary
1929 The stock market crashes, beginning the Great Depression.
1930 A predecessor church of the Presbyterian Church (USA) ordained its first female as an elder.
1933 President Franklin Roosevelt closes all U.S. banks.
1933 New Deal legislation is passed including the establishment of the National Recovery Administration and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
1933 The Twenty-first Amendment, ending Prohibition, is passed.
1933 Frances Perkins becomes the first woman appointed to the U.S. Cabinet. She serves as Secretary of Labor until 1945.
1935 President Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act.
1936 "The signers of the Auburn Affirmation showed that they had captured the church by reorganizing Princeton Seminary and placing one of the signers on its governing board, by electing one of their number Moderator of the General Assembly and, what was decisive, by excommunicating those ministers who had insisted on maintaining the Westminster Standards in practice. Thus ministers who rejected the Scripture and all it contains were given authority, while men who believed the Bible and all it contains were ejected as disturbers of the peace. Since that day the Westminster Confession has been a dead letter in that denomination. . . ." -- Gordon H. Clark
1941 Margaret Wilson, at age 55, "traveled to Pondicherry, India, where she lived in the ashram of Sri Aurobindo, a contemporary of Gandhi." There she was a personal assistant to Aurobindo and The Mother [see The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile. -- compiler], and she typed Aurobindo's manuscripts for the IDEAL OF HUMAN UNITY. (Mira Richards, The Mother on Aurobindo)
1941 The Japanese attack Pearl Harbor on December 7, bringing the United States into World War II. It appears to have been the biggest conspiracy in American history. See: DAY OF DECEIT: THE TRUTH ABOUT FDR AND PEARL HARBOR.
1941 Jeanette Rankin, a Republican and a pacifist, is the only member of Congress to vote against declaring war on Japan following the attack on Peal Harbor.
1942 The United States enters World War II.
1942 The Manhattan Project begins developing the atomic bomb.
1943 The Women's Army Corps (WAC), becomes a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces on July 1. Its director is Oveta Culp Hobby.
1944 Wilson's, oldest child, Margaret Woodrow Wilson died at age 58. She "never married, she died of uremia on April 24, 1944 [about three years after first arriving -- compiler], and is buried in the Protestant cemetery at the ashram in Pondicherry." See: The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile.
1945 Roosevelt dies. Truman becomes President. The first atomic bomb is exploded at Alamogordo, New Mexico.
1945 The United States drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
1945 Representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization to draw up the United Nations Charter. Because Margaret Wilson was devoted to social causes, and because she was the daughter of Woodrow Wilson, who was President during the formation of the League of Nations in 1919 (she was then 33 -- compiler), it could be expected that the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo, as expressed in THE IDEAL OF HUMAN UNITY (which Margaret typed for Sri Aurobindo as his personal assistant between 1941-1944 [see "1941"], may also have been influential in the formation of the United Nations. It was published under the same cover with Aurobindo's WAR AND SELF DETERMINATION.
1945 The United Nations Charter is adopted.
1946 The Atomic Energy Commission is formed.
1947 The Cold War begins.
1947 The Department of Defense is created.
1947 The Central Intelligence agency (CIA) and the National Security Council are established under the National Security Act.
1948 The 1948 Women's Armed Services Integration Act establishes defined roles for women in the peacetime armed forces of the United States. They had previously only been allowed to serve as nurses in peacetime, and in wider variety of roles only in time of war.
1949 The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NAT0) is formed by the United States, Canada, and ten European nations.
1950 Senator Joseph McCarthy accuses State Department employees of Communist party affiliations.
1950 The United States sends 35 military advisers, and agrees to give military and economic aid to South Vietnam.
1950 Burnita Shelton Matthews, nominated in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman, becomes the first female U.S. District Court judge.
1951 The Mattachine Society, an early gay rights organization, is formed in California.
1951 Atomic energy is first used to generate electricity in the United States.
1952 The United States explodes the world's first hydrogen bomb.
1952 The Immigration and Naturalization Act is passed, lifting the last racial and ethnic barriers to naturalization.
1953 The Truman Administration ends January 20, 1953.
1954 Seven thousand square miles of the Pacific are irradiated by a Bikini Island hydrogen bomb test, which contaminates Japanese fishermen.
1954 The Senate censures Joseph McCarthy.
1955 The United States agrees to help train the South Vietnamese army.
1956 The Presbyterian Church (USA) ordained its first female minister, Margaret Towner.
1957 Congress approves the first bill since the Reconstruction era protecting the right of blacks to vote.
1960 The Flemming Rule of 1960, named after Arthur Flemming, was an administrative ruling which decreed that U.S. states could not deny income assistance eligibility through the U.S. Aid to Families with Dependent Children program on the basis of a home being considered unsuitable per the woman's children being termed as illegitimate.
1960 The FDA approved America's first commercially produced birth-control bill, Enovid-10, made by the G.D. Searle Company of Chicago, Illinois.
1962 SILENT SPRING, by Rachel Carson, is published, launching the environmental movement.
1962 The Supreme Court bars school prayer.
1962 Helen Gurley Brown publishes an advice book, SEX AND THE SINGLE GIRL, that encourages women to become financially independent and experience sexual relationships before or without marriage. It sells two million copies in three weeks.
1962 Lucille Ball becomes the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu Productions, which she founded with her husband Desi Arnaz in 1952.
1963 The report of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women finds discrimination against women in every aspect of American life and outlines plans to achieve equality. Specific recommendations for women in the workplace included fair hiring practices, paid maternity leave, and affordable childcare.
1963 The Supreme Court bars mandatory Bible reading in public schools.
1963 Betty Friedan's THE FEMININE MYSTIQUE is published. A bestseller, it lays the groundwork for the second-wave feminist movement in the U.S.
1963 President Kennedy is assassinated. He was in favor of auditing the Federal Reserve.
1963 Lyndon Johnston become President on November 22, 1963.
1963 The United States enters the Vietnamese Conflict.
1964 A Civil Rights Act is passed by Congress.
1964 Addie Davis became the first Southern Baptist woman to be ordained. However, the Southern Baptist Convention stopped ordaining women in 2000, although existing female pastors are allowed to continue their jobs.
1965 The U.S. Supreme Court case Griswold v. Connecticut struck down the one remaining state law banning the use of contraceptives by married couples.
1965 Rachel Henderlite became the first woman ordained in the Presbyterian Church in the United States. She was ordained by the Hanover Presbytery in Virginia.
1965 The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) appointed commissioners to enforce the Civil Rights Act, including one woman, Aileen Hernandez, a future president of the National Organization for Women.
1965 The Supreme Court holds that the "right of privacy" covers the use of contraceptives.
1966 Twenty-eight women, among them Betty Friedan, found the National Organization for Women (NOW) to function as a civil rights organization for women. Friedan becomes its first president.
1967 Executive Order 11375 expands President Johnson's 1965 affirmative action policy to cover discrimination based on sex, resulting in federal agencies and contractors taking active measures to ensure that all women, as well as minorities, have access to educational and employment opportunities equal to white males.
1967 Women's liberation groups spring up all over the U.S.
1967 NOW begins petitioning the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to end sex-segregated want ads and adopts a Bill of Rights for Women.
1967 Senator Eugene McCarthy introduces the Equal Rights Amendment in the U.S. Senate.
1967 New York Radical Women is formed by Shulamith Firestone and Pam Allen.
1968 Coretta Scott King assumes leadership of the African-American Civil Rights Movement following the death of her husband, and expands the movement's platform to include women's rights.
1968 The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issues revised guidelines on sex discrimination, making it clear that the widespread practice of publishing "help wanted" advertisements that use "male" and "female" column headings violates Title VII.
1968 The first public speak out against abortion laws is held in New York City.
1968 King v. Smith, 392 U.S. 309 (1968), was a decision in which the Supreme Court of the United States held that U.S. Aid to Families with Dependent Children could not be withheld because of the presence of a "substitute father" who visited a family on weekends.
1969 The Johnston Administration ends January 20, 1969.
1969 The Stonewall Rebellion, at a bar in New York City, starts the modern gay rights movement.
1969 The National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws (NARAL), later NARAL Pro-Choice America, is founded.
1969 California becomes the first state to adopt a "no fault" divorce law, allowing couples to divorce by mutual consent. By 2010 every state has adopted a similar law.
1969 California also passes legislation regarding equal division of common property.
1969 Weeks v. Southern Bell was an important sex discrimination case in which Lorena Weeks claimed that Southern Bell had violated her rights under the 1964 Civil Rights Act when they denied her application for promotion to a higher paying position because she was a woman. She was represented in the case by Sylvia Roberts, a National Organization for Women attorney. She lost the initial case, but won in 1969 after several appeals. Weeks v. Southern Bell was an important case as it marked the first victory in which NOW used the Civil Rights Act to fight gender-based discrimination.
1970 On November 22, 1970, Elizabeth Alvina Platz became the first woman ordained by the Lutheran Church in America, and as such was the first woman ordained by any Lutheran denomination in America. The first woman ordained by the American Lutheran Church, Barbara Andrews, was ordained in December 1970. On January 1, 1988 the Lutheran Church in America, the American Lutheran Church, and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches merged to form the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which continues to ordain women.
1970 On August 26, the 50th anniversary of women's suffrage in the U.S., tens of thousands of women across the nation participate in the Women's Strike for Equality, organized by Betty Friedan, to demand equal rights.
1970 The Environmental Protection Agency is established.
1970 The first two U.S. women generals are named by President Nixon.
1971 The U.S. Supreme Court rules for the first time in Reed v. Reed that the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits differential treatment based on sex. The plaintiffs' brief is authored by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, later an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
1971 The Twenty-sixth Amendment is ratified, lowering the national voting age from 21 to 18. (Youth, lacking education and life experience, usually begin thinking liberally, then, with years, become more conservative. -- compiler)
1971 United States v. Vuitch, 402 U.S. 62 (1971) was a United States Supreme Court abortion rights case, which held that the District of Columbia's abortion law banning the practice, except when necessary for the health or life of the woman, was not unconstitutionally vague.
1972 The Senate approves a constitutional amendment [the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) -- compiler] barring discrimination against women because of their sex, and sends the measure to the states to ratify.
1972 The Supreme Court rules the death penalty unconstitutional. This ruling was later reversed in 1976.
1972 Sally Priesand became the first female rabbi to be ordained in Reform Judaism, and also the first female rabbi in the world to be ordained by any theological seminary.
1972 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 becomes law, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs, including public schools and public colleges. The Amendments also expand the Equal Pay Act to cover executives, administrators, outside sales people, and professionals.
1972 The National Women's Political Caucus is founded.
1972 In San Francisco, Margo St. James organizes Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics (COYOTE) to improve the working conditions of prostitutes.
1972 STOP ERA, now known as Eagle Forum, was founded in the U.S. by Phyllis Schlafly in October 1972, and lobbied successfully to block the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment in the USA.
1972 Eisenstadt v. Baird, 405 U.S. 438 (1972), is a United States Supreme Court case that established the right of unmarried people to possess contraception on the same basis as married couples and, by implication, the right of unmarried couples to engage in potentially nonprocreative sexual intercourse (though not the right of unmarried people to engage in any type of sexual intercourse). The Court struck down a Massachusetts law prohibiting the distribution of contraceptives to unmarried people, ruling that it violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.
1972 The Women's Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union was founded.
1973 In the Roe v. Wade decision the Supreme Court rules that a state may not prevent a woman from having an abortion during the first six months of pregnancy. [Notice The Supreme Court's double-standard on human life. They rule the death penalty as unconstitutionality in 1972, then they legalized the murder of the unborn in 1973. The court then repealed the decision on the death penalty in 1976. -- compiler]
1973 The U.S. Supreme Court holds that sex-segregated help wanted ads are illegal in Pittsburgh Press Co. v. Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations.
1973 Congress overrides Nixon's veto of the War Powers Act, which curbs a president's power to commit armed forces to hostilities abroad without congressional approval.
1973 The National Black Feminist Organization is formed.
1973 At the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Church, delegates passed a resolution espousing male superiority. It read in part: "Man was not made for woman, but the woman for the man. Woman is the glory of man. Woman would not have existed without man."
1974 The Women's Campaign Fund was formed for the purpose of "electing qualified progressive women of both parties to public office at every level." It was the first national political action committee with the specific goal of funding women's campaigns.
1974 The Mexican-American Women's National Association is founded.
1974 The Women's Educational Equity Act (WEEA) of 1974 is enacted to promote educational equity for girls and women, including those who suffer multiple discrimination based on gender and on race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or age, and to provide funds to help education agencies and institutions meet the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
1974 Sandy Eisenberg Sasso became the first female rabbi to be ordained in Reconstructionist Judaism.
1974 The Philadelphia Eleven were ordained into the Priesthood of the Episcopal Church of the U.S.A.
1975 Barbara Ostfeld-Horowitz was ordained as the first female cantor in Reform Judaism.
1975 Joan Little, who was raped by a guard while in jail, is acquitted of murdering her offender. The case established a precedent for rape as self-defense against the charge of murder.
1975 The United States Armed Forces opens its military academies to women.
1975 Time names American Women as its Time Person of the Year for 1975. It says: "Feminism has transcended the feminist movement. In 1975 the women's drive penetrated every layer of society, matured beyond ideology to a new status of general, and sometimes unconscious, acceptance."
1975 Ella T. Grasso becomes Governor of Connecticut, the first female governor who does not succeed her husband in office.
1975 Vice President Rockefeller's blue-ribbon panel uncovers illegal CIA operations, including records on 300,000 person and groups, and infiltration by agents into black, antiwar, and political movements.
1976 The American Coalition of Labor Union Women is founded.
1976 Planned Parenthood v. Danforth, 428 U.S. 52 (1976) is a United States Supreme Court case on abortion. The plaintiffs challenged the constitutionality of a Missouri statute regulating abortion. The Court upheld the right to have an abortion, declaring unconstitutional the statute's requirement of prior written consent from a parent (in the case of a minor) or a spouse (in the case of a married woman).
1976 Congresswoman Barbara Charline Jordan of Texas, the first African-American congresswoman to come from the Deep South, delivers the keynote address to the Democratic National Convention.
1976 Bellotti v. Baird (1976), 428 U.S. 132 (1976), was a United States Supreme Court case in which the Court upheld a Massachusetts law requiring parental consent to a minor's abortion, which provided that "if one or both of the [minor]'s parents refuse . . . consent, consent may be obtained by order of a judge . . . for good cause shown."
1977 The first National Women's Conference is held in Houston. Some 20,000 women from all over the country pass a National Plan of Action.
1977 On January 1, 1977, Jacqueline Means became the first woman ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. Eleven (11) women were "irregularly" ordained to the priesthood in Philadelphia on July 29, 1974, before church laws were changed to permit women's ordination. They are often called the "Philadelphia 11." Church laws were changed on September 16, 1976.
1977 Pauli Murray became the first African American woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1977.
1977 The first women pilots of the United States Air Force graduate.
1977 Beal v. Doe, 432 U.S. 438 (1977), was a United States Supreme Court case that concerned the disbursement of federal funds in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania statute restricted federal funding to abortion clinics. The Supreme Court ruled states are not required to treat abortion in the same manner as potential motherhood. The opinion of the Court left the central holding of the Roe v. Wade decision -- abortion as a right -- intact.
1978 The Equal Rights Amendment fell three states short of ratification.
1979 The Three Mile Island nuclear power plant has a near meltdown. 110,000 demonstrate in Washington, DC.
1979 Bellotti v. Baird (1979), 443 U.S. 622 (1979) is a United States Supreme Court case that ruled that teenagers do not have to secure parental consent to obtain an abortion.
1979 The Reformed Church in America started ordaining women as ministers. Women had been admitted to the offices of deacon and elder in 1972.
1979 Colautti v. Franklin, 439 U.S. 379 (1979) was a United States Supreme Court abortion rights case, which held void for vagueness part of Pennsylvania's 1974 Abortion Control Act. The section in question was the following:
Every person who performs or induces an abortion shall prior thereto have made a determination based on his experience, judgment, or professional competence that the fetus is not viable, and if the determination is that the fetus is viable or if there is sufficient reason to believe that the fetus may be viable, shall exercise that degree of professional skill, care and diligence to preserve the life and health of the fetus which such person would be required to exercise in order to preserve the life and health of any fetus intended to be born and not aborted, and the abortion technique employed shall be that which would provide the best opportunity for the fetus to be aborted alive so long as a different technique would not be necessary in order to preserve the life or health of the mother.
1981 Ronald Reagan Administration begins.
1981 Sandra Day O'Connor is appointed the first woman Supreme Court Justice.
1981 The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) lapses without ratification.
1981 Ann M. Gorsuch becomes the first Cabinet-level administrator to be cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over documents from the Environmental Protection Agency.
1982 The Supreme Court bars posting of the Ten Commandments in schools.
1983 The Supreme Court holds that the Internal Revenue Service can deny tax exemption to private schools that practice racial discrimination.
1984 Geraldine A. Ferraro is the first woman candidate on a major party ticket to run for Vice President.
1985 Amy Eilberg became the first female rabbi to be ordained in Conservative Judaism.
1986 U.S. officials announce that AIDS cases and deaths will increase tenfold in the next five years.
1986 Thornburgh v. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 476 U.S. 747 (1986) was a United States Supreme Court case involving a challenge to Pennsylvania's Abortion Control Act of 1982. In the case the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists sought an injunction to all enforcement of the Pennsylvania law. Although the law in question was similar to the one in City of Akron v. Akron Center for Reproductive Health, in Thornburgh the Reagan administration asked the justices to overrule Roe v. Wade, but they did not.
1986 A LESSER LIFE, THE MYTH OF WOMEN'S LIBERATION IN AMERICA, Sylvia Hewlett's antifeminist book, was published.
1987 Robert Bork is nominated by President Reagan to the Supreme Court, but withdraws in the face of strong opposition.
1989 The Reagan Administration ends.
1989 Planned Parenthood v. Casey, 505 U.S. 833 (1992) was a case decided by the Supreme Court of the United States in which the constitutionality of several Pennsylvania state regulations regarding abortion were challenged. The Court's plurality opinion upheld the constitutional right to have an abortion, and altered the standards for analyzing restrictions of that right, invalidating one regulation but upholding the other four.
1992 On November, an 8 to 7 majority of the Presidential Commission on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces recommended that women in the armed forces not be allowed to fly combat missions or engage in ground combat.
1992 The U.S. Senate votes overwhelmingly to open combat positions to women aviators.
1992 The November elections in what is popularly termed the "Year of the Woman" produce victories for four women in races for U.S. Senate seats, who in 1993 join the two already there.
1993 William Clinton elected President. Poles show majority of Americans are pro-abortion.
1993 President Clinton touches off controversy with his attempt to end the ban on homosexuals in the military.
1993 Janet Reno becomes the first female U.S. Attorney General, after it is learned that both of President Bill Clinton's previous choices, Zoe Baird and Kimba Wood, had employed illegal immigrants as nannies.
1993 Cult leader David Koresh and many followers die in a Texas compound fire.
1993 Ruth Bader Ginsburg appointed to the Supreme Court.
1993 Suspect arrested in bombing that killed six at the World Trade Center in New York City.
1993 The John Birch Society experienced a "tidal wave of growth, recruiting averaged 79 percent higher than in 1993, literature sales in 1994 were double that of two years earlier, and subscriptions to The New American doubled in 25 months."
1993 Marital rape is outlawed nationwide.
1993 Elaine Donnelly established the Center for Military Readiness, to provide research in opposition to increased roles for women in the military and any combat role for women.
1994 Congress votes protection for women's health clinics. The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE, or the Access Act, Pub. L. No. 103-259, 108 Stat. 694, May 26, 1994, 18 U.S.C. § 248) is a United States law that was signed by President Bill Clinton in May 1994, which prohibits the following three things: (1) the use of physical force, threat of physical force, or physical obstruction to intentionally injure, intimidate, interfere with or attempt to injure, intimidate or interfere with any person who is obtaining reproductive health services or providing reproductive health services (this portion of the law typically refers to abortion clinics), (2) the use of physical force, threat of physical force, or physical obstruction to intentionally injure, intimidate, interfere with or attempt to injure, intimidate or interfere with any person who is exercising or trying to exercise their First Amendment right of religious freedom at a place of religious worship, (3) the intentional damage or destruction of a reproductive health care facility or a place of worship.
1994 The Gender Equity in Education Act becomes law in the U.S. It bans sex-role stereotyping and gender discrimination in the classroom.
1994 The Violence Against Women Act becomes law.
1994 National Organization for Women v. Scheidler, 510 U.S. 249 (1994), is a United States Supreme Court case in which the Court ruled that the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) could apply to enterprises without economic motives; pro-life protesters could thus be prosecuted under it. An organization without an economic motive can still affect interstate or foreign commerce and thus satisfy the Act's definition of a racketeering enterprise.
1995 Appeals court upholds woman's plea to enter Citadel military academy.
1995 The Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, ordained three women in violation of the denomination's rules -- Kendra Haloviak, Norma Osborn, and Penny Shell.
1996 President Clinton blocks ban on late-term abortions.
1996 Clinton appoints Madeleine Albright as first female U.S. Secretary of State.
1996 President William Clinton is re-elected for a second term; Reproductive rights and gun control are campaign issues; Repeated attempt to outlaw partial-birth abortion failed in Congress during the Clinton administrations.
1996 In United States v. Virginia, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that the male-only admissions policy of the state-supported Virginia Military Institute violates the Fourteenth Amendment.
1997 Sparked by a global economic crisis scare, the Dow Jones Industrial Average follows world markets and plummets 554.26, or 7.18 percent.
1998 The Monica Lewinsky scandal begins when U.S. President Bill Clinton denies his relationship with the White House intern in a televised interview. This denial, and other denials to a grand jury investigation, would lead to the impeachment of the president.
1999 President Bill Clinton is acquitted by the U.S. Senate in the Monica Lewinsky scandal. The Senate trial, which began January 7 and needed a 2/3 majority to convict, ended with a 55-45 not guilty vote on the charge of perjury and 50-50 vote on the charge of obstruction of justice.
1999 A United States House of Representatives appropriations bill (HR 2490) that contained an amendment specifically permitting breast-feeding was signed into law on September 29, 1999; it stipulated that no government funds may be used to enforce any prohibition on women breast-feeding their children in federal buildings or on federal property. A federal law enacted in 1999 specifically provides that "a woman may breast-feed her child at any location in a federal building or on federal property, if the woman and her child are otherwise authorized to be present at the location."
2000 Approximately 35 million American children have been killed in the womb since Roe v. Wade in 1973. Approximately 35 million aliens have entered the United States since 1973.
2000 Stenberg v. Carhart, 530 U.S. 914 (2000), is a case heard by the Supreme Court of the United States dealing with a Nebraska law which made performing "partial-birth abortion" illegal, without regard for the health of the mother. Nebraska physicians who performed the procedure contrary to the law were subject to having their medical licenses revoked. The Court struck down the law, finding the Nebraska statute criminalizing "partial-birth abortions" violated the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution, as interpreted in Planned Parenthood v. Casey and Roe v. Wade.
2000 No clear winner is declared in the close presidential election contest between Vice President Al Gore and Texas governor George W. Bush. More than a month after the presidential election, the U.S. Supreme Court rules against a manual recount of ballots in certain Florida counties, which it contends would violate the Constitution's equal protection and due process guarantees. The decision provokes enormous controversy, with critics maintaining that the Court has in effect determined the outcome of the election.
2001 George W. Bush elected President. Poles show that the majority of Americans are anti-abortion. Americans are still unable to overturn Roe v. Wade apparently due to liberal Supreme Court Justices, appointed by liberal Presidents, elected by a liberal electorate, comprised of 50 percent women voters.
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.
2005 Approximately 43 million American children have been killed in the womb of their mothers since Roe v. Wade in 1973; [56 million American babies from 1973 to 2014, annual rate continues at 1.2 million babies a year.
2001 Americans are still unable to overturn Roe v. Wade apparently due to liberal Supreme Court Justices, appointed by liberal Presidents, elected by a liberal electorate composed of 50 percent women voters and the youth vote. Two of the Justices are women.
2002 President Bush signs legislation creating a new cabinet department of Homeland Security.
2003 War waged by the U.S. and Britain against Iraq begins.
2004 McCorvey v. Hill, 385 F.3d 846 (5th Cir. 2004), was a case in which the principal original litigant in Roe v. Wade (1973) Norma McCorvey, also known as 'Jane Roe', requested the overturning of Roe. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that McCorvey could not do this; the United States Supreme Court denied certiorari on February 22, 2005, rendering the opinion of the Fifth Circuit final.
2005 Approximately 43 million American children have been killed in the womb of their mothers since Roe v. Wade in 1973; [56 million American babies from 1973 to 2014, annual rate continues at 1.2 million babies a year.
"Immigrants in the United States and their U.S.-born children now number approximately 81 million people, or 26 percent of the overall U.S. population." -- Historical Numbers and Shares
"The U.S. immigrant population stood at more than 42.4 million, or 13.3 percent, of the total U.S. population of 318.9 million in 2014, according to ACS data. Between 2013 and 2014, the foreign-born population increased by 1 million, or 2.5 percent." -- 5 Facts About Illegal Immigration in the U.S.
2001 Two hijacked jetliners ram twin towers of World Trade Center in worst terrorist attack against U.S. A third hijacked plane flies into the Pentagon, and a fourth crashes in rural Pennsylvania. More than 3,000 people die in the attacks on September 11.
2005 Hurricane Katrina wreaks catastrophic damage on Mississippi and Louisiana. 80 percent of New Orleans is flooded. All levels of government are criticized for the delayed and inadequate response to the disaster.
2006 The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the population of the United States has reached 300 million.
2007 California Democrat Nancy Pelosi becomes the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives.
2008 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.
2008 Barack Obama becomes the first African-American to be elected President, with 52.8 percent of the vote. Political analysts state he would not have been elected if it had not been for the women's vote.
2008 After months of unraveling, the economy finally comes crashing down in 2008, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbling 4.4 percent in one day, Lehman Brothers filing for bankruptcy, and Bush putting mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under government conservatorship.
2008 Diana Bijon's husband takes her last name upon marriage, taking advantage of a law enacted in California allowing spouses and registered domestic partners to take either's last name. The law was passed after the couple had sued for the right to so.
2008 Sarah Palin is the first female vice presidential nominee of the Republican Party.
2009 President Obama signs the $787 billion stimulus package into law. The President's hope is that the package will create 3.5 million jobs for Americans in the next two years.
2009 Insurance giant American International Group (AIG) reports a $61.7 billion loss for the fourth quarter of 2008. A.I.G. lost $99.3 billion in 2008. The federal government, which has already provided the company with a $60 billion loan, will be giving A.I.G. an additional $30 billion. Nearly 80 percent of A.I.G. is now owned by the Federal Government.
2009 The Senate approves, 68 to 31, the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. She's the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice, and the third woman to serve on the Court.
2009 The Mexico City Policy, a United States government policy that required all non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that receive federal funding to refrain from performing or promoting abortion services as a method of family planning with non-U.S. government funds in other countries, was rescinded by President Obama.
2009 The White House Council on Women and Girls, a council which forms part of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, is established by Executive Order 13506 on March 11, 2009, with a broad mandate to advise the United States President on issues relating to the welfare of women and girls.
2010 With the October 16, 2010, ordination of Margaret Lee, in the Peoria-based Diocese of Quincy, Illinois, women have been ordained as priests in all 110 dioceses of the Episcopal Church in the United States.
2010 The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), commonly called the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or ObamaCare, was enacted March 23.
2010 An explosion and fire on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico sends millions of gallons of oil into the sea. The spill kills 11 and is the largest off-shore spill in U.S. history, as well as one of the largest spills in world history.
2010 The United States Senate votes 63 to 37 to confirm President Obama's most recent nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, Elena Kagan, as the newest Justice. Kagan is only the fourth woman to ever hold this position, and she'll be the third female member of the current bench, joining Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor. Kagan is the former dean of Harvard Law School. She will be the only member of the current Supreme Court to have no previous experience as a judge.
2010 The Senate votes 65 to 31 in favor of repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the Clinton-era military policy that forbids openly gay men and women from serving in the military. Eight Republicans side with the Democrats to strike down the ban."
2011 The Obama Administration determines that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional. The Justice Department will stop defending the law in court.
2011 For the first time in history, the U.S. has its credit rating lowered. Credit agency Standard & Poor's lowered the nation's credit rating from the top grade of AAA to AA+, removing the U.S. from its list of risk-free borrowers.
2011 The Evangelical Presbyterian Church's 31st General Assembly voted to allow congregations to call women to ordained ministry, even if their presbytery (governing body) objects for theological or doctrinal reasons. Such congregations will be allowed to leave the objecting presbytery (such as the Central South, which includes Memphis) and join an adjacent one that permits the ordination of women.
2011 The American Catholic Church in the United States, ACCUS, ordained their first woman priest, Kathleen Maria MacPherson, on June 12, 2011. She is now the pastor of the St. Oscar Romero Pastoral and Outreach Center in El Paso, Texas / Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
2012 Barack Hussein Obama is re-elected President, narrowly defeating Republican nominee Mitt Romney. Again political analysts state that it was the female vote that put him back in office.
2012 Key victories for the Democrats include a win for Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin. Her victory makes her the first openly gay candidate to capture a seat in the Senate.
2012 The Pentagon announces that women will now be permanently assigned to battalions. Many women already serve in those battalions due to demand in Iraq and Afghanistan. The new ruling only makes these job assignments official and upholds the ban on women serving in combat.
2012 Planned Parenthood v. Rounds (686 F.3d 889 (8th Cir. 2012), (en banc)) was a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit that upheld a provision of a South Dakota law that requires a doctor to inform a patient, prior to providing an abortion, that one of the "known medical risks of the procedure and statistically significant risk factors" is an "increased risk of suicide ideation and suicide."
2013 Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee, comes forward and admits that he is the source of the recent NSA leaks.
2013 The Guardian receives information that reveals that the National Security Agency (NSA) is using PRISM to spy on the web activities, including e-mail, of U.S. citizens. Through PRISM, a clandestine national security surveillance program, the NSA has direct access to Facebook, YouTube, Skype, Google, Apple, Yahoo and other websites. The Guardian publishes a report on another NSA tool called Boundless Informant, used by the U.S. government to watch activity in every country in the world. President Obama confirms the existence of PRISM and its use to spy on the online activity of U.S. citizens.
2013 On April 5, 2013, Judge Edward R. Korman in Brooklyn, New York, ordered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make the morning-after birth control pill available to people of any age without a prescription. Korman ordered the FDA to lift any age and sale restrictions on Plan B One-Step, and its generic versions, within 30 days.
2014 The number of abortions performed in the United States since Roe v. Wade reaches 56 million American babies from 1973 to 2014, and the annual rate continues at 1.2 million babies a year.
2015 The U.S. Supreme Court legalized same sex marriage in a 5-4 decision. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion, and was joined by the court's four liberal justices: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.
2015 The Obama administration issued a new rule stating that a closely held for-profit company that objects to covering contraception in its health plan can write a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services stating its objection, and that the Department will then notify a third-party insurer of the company's objection, and the insurer will provide birth control coverage to the company's female employees at no additional cost to the company.
2015 A policy update required all Indian Health Services-run pharmacies, clinics, and emergency departments to have Plan B One-Step in stock, to distribute it to any woman (or her representative) who asked for it without a prescription, age verification, registration or any other requirement, to provide orientation training to all staff regarding the medication, to provide unbiased and medically accurate information about emergency contraception, and to make someone available at all times to distribute the pill in case the primary staffer objected to providing it on religious or moral grounds.
2015 Defense Secretary Ash Carter stated that starting in 2015 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints appointed women to its executive councils for the first time. The church appointed Linda K. Burton, president of the Relief Society, Rosemary Wixom, president of the Primary, and Bonnie L. Oscarson, president of the Young Women's organization, to three high-level church councils (one woman to each).
2016 All combat jobs would open to women.
2016 The Federal debt hits $19 trillion. "President Obama took office with the debt at $10.6 trillion, and has added more than $8 trillion during his seven years in the White House -- a record pace that the Congressional Budget Office says is likely to continue."
2016 It is reported that 84 percent of young people voted for the openly socialist Bernie Sanders in the Iowa caucus, February 1. Obama was reelected by the female and youth voters in 2012.
2016 With 94 percent reporting, The Democratic candidate, Bernie Sanders, wins the New Hampshire primary election with 60.0 percent of the vote (13 delegates). On the Republican side, Trump won with 35.3 percent of the vote (10 delegates). Essentially, 60.0 percent of the electorate, the female and youth voters (18-20), voted for a socialist, something that world history clearly contraindicates as self-destructive. Of course, New Hampshire is one of our most liberal states.
See also: Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Revisionist history, God's sovereign hand in history, History, "his-story," A Theological Interpretation of American History, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, Feminism,and so forth, and so on.
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
Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia includes a timeline of history by year, for example, 1517.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1517
First, a covenant is a mutual, solemn, religious transaction between God and men. The parties in such a transaction as that of which we are speaking, are God and men, betwixt whom there is understood to be a mutual engagement. Thus, in reference to what took place at Sinai, it is said, Now, therefore, if ye will obey my voice and keep my covenants, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people. And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded them: and all the people answered and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. (Exodus 19:6-8. See also Deuteronomy 26:17-19; 2 Chronicles 16:12,15) Here are manifestly two parties, with their stipulations and re-stipulations. There is on the one hand God as a God of mercy in Jesus Christ and as King and Head of his church and people Israel, saying, Ye will obey my voice, and shall be a peculiar treasure unto me; and there are on the other hand the people of Israel as men professing the name, receiving the institutions, obeying the commandments, and seeking the glory of the Lord their God, saying, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. From the covenant being styled in Scripture, the Lord's covenant rather than the people's, some have drawn the inference that it is to be regarded not as a mutual engagement but as a law—not a compact between parties but simply the will of a superior enjoining obedience on an inferior. That the covenant is styled the Lord's covenant does not, however, prove that there is not a mutual engagement; for, first of all, it is perfectly natural and right that a transaction betwixt unequal parties should receive its designation from the more dignified of the two; and, then again, it is not always the case that this rule is observed, there being at least one instance in which a covenant with God is designated after the human party: I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt. (Leviticus 26:45) Not to mention the fact that covenants between men, and vows and oaths in which God is properly no party at all, are spoken of as his on account of his being a witness to them. -- William Symington (1795-1862)[The nature of public social covenanting described]
First, a covenant is a mutual, solemn, religious transaction between God and men. The parties in such a transaction as that of which we are speaking, are God and men, betwixt whom there is understood to be a mutual engagement. Thus, in reference to what took place at Sinai, it is said, Now, therefore, if ye will obey my voice and keep my covenants, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people. And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded them: and all the people answered and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. [Exod. xix. 6-8 (Exodus 19:6-8). See also Deut. xxvi. 17-19 (Deuteronomy 26:17-19); 2 Chron. xvi. 12, 15. (2 Chronicles 16:12,15)] Here are manifestly two parties, with their stipulations and re-stipulations. There is on the one hand God as a God of mercy in Jesus Christ and as King and Head of his church and people Israel, saying, Ye will obey my voice, and shall be a peculiar treasure unto me; and there are on the other hand the people of Israel as men professing the name, receiving the institutions, obeying the commandments, and seeking the glory of the Lord their God, saying, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. From the covenant being styled in Scripture, the Lord's covenant rather than the people's, some have drawn the inference that it is to be regarded not as a mutual engagement but as a law -- not a compact between parties but simply the will of a superior enjoining obedience on an inferior. That the covenant is styled the Lord's covenant does not, however, prove that there is not a mutual engagement; for, first of all, it is perfectly natural and right that a transaction betwixt unequal parties should receive its designation from the more dignified of the two; and, then again, it is not always the case that this rule is observed, there being at least one instance in which a covenant with God is designated after the human party: I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt. [Lev. xxvi. 45. (Leviticus 26:45)] Not to mention the fact that covenants between men, and vows and oaths in which God is properly no party at all, are spoken of as his on account of his being a witness to them. -- William Symington (1795-1862)The argument [for social covenants -- compiler] from reason is greatly confirmed by certain scripture data. For example, God and his people are represented as standing in the mutual relations of king and subjects, husband and wife, master and servants -- each of which supposes a federal compact. The idea seems also to be essentially involved in the very nature of a resolution. If, as will not surely be denied, we are at liberty to form a resolution to serve God -- if we are warranted to resolve both to do certain things and not to do certain other things, what should hinder such resolution from assuming a federal form? or rather, in what does such resolution differ essentially from a covenant? Besides, do not Baptism, the Lord's supper, ministerial ordination, and other institutions of revealed religion, include in them the very spirit and essence of a vow? Personal covenanting, too, to which no saint can be a stranger, in which the believer delights to pour out his soul to the Most High, expresses his determination to keep the whole law, declares his satisfaction with the place of grace, and signifies his acceptance of new covenant blessings, affords solid ground on which to argue the moral obligation of social federal deeds; for, if it be a high and distinguishing blessing for an individual, on what principle can it be shewn to be otherwise than a blessing for a family, a church, a nation, to be in covenant with God? The relation in which Christ stands to both civil and ecclesiastical society, may here also be adduced. As King of Zion and Prince of the kings of the earth, surely both the church and civil society are bound to recognise his authority, and to express their own loyal subjection, by swearing allegiance to their lawful sovereign. These things considered, the inferential or presumptive argument must be held to be strong and conclusive. -- William Symington (1795-1862)
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 NationsIn 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 TruthSecondly, also among men, covenants remain in force even after the first transgression. A succession of kings and authorities will not merely recall the initial transgression of a covenant by others, but will also bring out how frequently the existing covenant has been transgressed. A woman, having committed adultery, remains in covenant with her husband and is not released from it. As often as she involves herself with someone else after the first commission of sin, so often she commits adultery and each time again breaks the covenant. This clearly proves that transgression of a covenant does not release the transgressor from the covenant relationship. -- Wilhelmus a Brakel (1635-1711), in Reasonable Service, 1:375
Anderson, John, and W.C. Brownlee, A Catechism, Setting Forth the Principles of Public Covenanting as it is Practiced in the Session Church, 1889. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"On covenanting the preface perceptively notes, 'In this exercise the covenanter engages to no new duty but declares upon oath that he believes the doctrine and practice of this church to be the very truth of God, and engages in the strength of promised grace to continue faithful to Christ and his cause. The unrest and spirit of change that moves the church of today is the chief reason why this ordinance is so much opposed. It carries with it a certainty of knowledge, a fixedness of principle, and steadfast in profession that is counter to the Spirit of our times. A declining church is not a covenanting one; it (covenanting -- RB), has only been practiced by those churches that were seeking to hold that to which they had attained.' A concise and easy-to-read introduction to covenanting. 88 pages." -- Publisher
Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Public Covenanting -- Jonathan Edwards on Covenant Theology and Social Covenanting (and the Nations Coming To Christ). Available (MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=2409122520
*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
Price, Greg L., Covenanting and Worldwide Reformation: God's Victorious Plan for This World. Alternate title: Covenants and Covenanting. Available (COVENANTS AND COVENANTING series of 7 MP3s) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (COVENANTS AND COVENANTING series of 7 MP3s) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9.
Covenants and Covenanting (Introduction), a series of 7 MP3s, audio file
http://www.sermonaudio.com/go/122143
Annotation for COVENANTING AND WORLDWIDE REFORMATION: GOD'S VICTORIOUS PLAN FOR THIS WORLD:
"The Social Covenant Series has leaped across the centuries (from Samuel Rutherford in the 17th century, to John McMillan and John Brown in the 18th century, to John Cunningham and the Reformed Presbytery in the United States in the 19th century) to provide some of the most helpful covenanting literature for those interested in growing in their knowledge of this forgotten and buried truth.
"In this volume, the reader is brought up to date in a series of sermons preached in the 21st by Mr. Price on the subject of National Covenanting. These sermons not only demonstrate the Biblical warrant for national covenanting as a duty of love to our covenant God (within national Israel and the nations of the world), but also proclaim the joyful news that God's revealed plan for this world is to bind all nations to Himself through the Covenant of Grace by way of the ordinance of national covenanting. With a particular emphasis upon the Solemn League and Covenant of the Three Kingdoms (1643), Mr. Price establishes from Scripture and historical testimony the moral obligation of that Scriptural covenant upon the Kingdoms of England, Ireland, and Scotland that swore it, and upon all their posterity in all his Majesty's dominions (including the British colonies in North America across the Atlantic Ocean).
"Moving from the colonial stage of development in North America, it is shown that a Scriptural covenant made with God does not end simply because a nation takes on a new political identity. Thus, passing from the British Charters that constituted the British Colonies, to the Declaration of Independence, to the Articles of Confederation, and finally to the Constitution of the United States of America, it is confirmed both from Scripture and from historical documents that the Solemn League and Covenant binds the United States and Canada as national descendants of England (and binds all other descendants of England as well).
"Bring your Bibles and your questions to this unique study from God's Word concerning Scriptural truths that God used to promote reformation in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries and that He will use once again to promote reformation in all nations when the Kingdoms of this world shall become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ (Revelation 11:15)." -- Publisher
*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.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.
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
*Schwertley, Brian M., and Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States. Publications Committee, National Covenanting and Christ's Victory Over the Nations. Available at Reformed Online.
"This is the first book-length, scholarly exposition and defense of national covenanting since 1843. This comprehensive treatment includes the binding nature of covenants, covenant renewals under the godly kings of Israel, objections to covenanting answered, the unbiblical nature of the U.S. Constitution, the unscriptural alteration of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1789, the necessity of the Old Testament moral law for a Christian nation and the biblical requirements for civil office. In the book, Rev. Schwertley not only sets forth the biblical case for social or national covenanting in a simple and organized manner but also critiques the modern pluralistic alternatives to the original Presbyterian teaching on this topic." -- Publisher
It was preceded by 'Social Covenanting,' a series of 31 sermons in MP3 format, given by the author starting in the summer of 2012.
Social Covenanting series of 31 sermons [audio files] by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=ccc&keyword=National+Covenanting&keyworddesc=National+Covenanting
*Sproull, Thomas (1803-1892), The Duty of Social Covenanting Illustrated and Enforced: A Sermon Preached March 14th, 1841, in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Allegheny. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
The Duty of Social Covenanting Illustrated and Enforced, Thomas Sproull
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/thomas-sproulls-sermon-on-the-duty-of-social-covenanting-illustrated-and-enforced?rq=Duty%20of%20Social%20Covenanting%20Illustrated
*Willson, James McLeod (1809-1866), Social Religious Covenanting, 1856. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27,
Social Religious Covenanting, 1856.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/7/27/social-religious-covenanting
Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), Public Covenanting; Introductory Lecture at the Opening of the Session of the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, November 7, 1848. Alternate title: SOCIAL RELIGIOUS COVENANTING.
Public Covenanting
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/james-renwick-wilson-1780-1853
Wylie, Richard Cameron, Social Covenanting, 1900. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Lordship of jesus christ, Christ's kingdom, The mediatorial reign of christ: the crown rights of christ, The one and the many, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, and neutrality, Oaths, secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Church and state, Reform of the church, Church government, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, The westminster standards, The Westminster confession of faith (1646), The larger catechism (also commentaries on the larger catechism), The shorter catechism, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, The Biblical Solution to terrorism, Teaching/training children, Systematic theology, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Christian character, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Treason and impeachment, and so forth, and so on.
Chapter 9 (part 2) Related Weblinks
Arminianism/Pelagianism Refutations
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/3505/arminianism_refuted.html
Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal, 1993, Index of Authors and Titles
http://www.lettermen2.com/authors.html
Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal, 1993, Index of Subjects
http://www.lettermen2.com/subjind.html
The Blue Banner (color image)
http://www.lettermen2.com/bbanner.html
Books Considered to be Among the ten Greatest in the English Language
http://www.lettermen2.com/tengreat.html
Calvinistic Quotations
http://www.swrb.com/quotes/quotes.htm
Classic Covenanter, Presbyterian, Puritan, and Reformed Quotes From Various Authors -- Arranged by Topic
http://www.swrb.com/covqsgb.htm
Combined Interactive Contents for the Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/combtoc.html
Corporate Faithfulness and Sanctification (part 2)
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chb.html
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
Early English Books Online
http://wwwlib.umi.com/eebo/
Early English Books Online, About
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/libraries/indexes/eebo.html
Early English Books Text Creation Partnership
http://www.lib.umich.edu/libhome/eebo/
Exhortation by the Westminster Assembly. Available in THE SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT
http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/candcexhortwestassembly.html
Fallacy Files
http://www.fallacyfiles.org/
The Google Advanced Search
This feature may be used to search one specific domain/website. For example, to search for "John 3:16" in "lettermen2.com," (THE WEB EDITION OF BIBLICAL COUNSEL: RESOURCES FOR RENEWAL), enter the search terms on the search screen in "this exact word or phrase:" and "site or domain:".
A link to Google Advanced Search may be added to the Internet Explorer toolbar, so that any favorite website may be conveniently searched.
https://www.google.com/advanced_search
Helps: Key, Acronyms, Permissions, Information for Librarians and Booksellers
http://www.lettermen2.com/help.html
How to Find a Book
http://www.lettermen2.com/findbook.html
Mount Olive Tape Library of Reformed Theology
This collection has been in the custody of the Greenville Presbyterian Seminary since 2006. It appears (September 8, 2016) that the Media Center at the Seminary have digitized practically none of the audio cassette and video tape addresses.
"The following listing was developed by George Calhoun, the founder of Mt. Olive Tape Library, over the course of some thirty years. This catalog reflects the personal quest of Mr. Calhoun for a balanced education in Reformed Theology. The speakers herein have been scrutinized for their faithfulness to the Bible. These tapes will enable students to pursue the study of Reformed theology at a minimum of financial expense."
"FOR YOUR INFORMATION . . . [from the introduction to the Mount Olive Tape Catalog -- compiler]
"The tapes included in this catalog are recordings of sermons and lectures given by various pastors, theologians, Bible teachers, and conference speakers who confess adherence to the broad perspectives of historic Reformed theology. We have diligently tried to screen all the materials as to their basic commitment to the Biblical perspectives reflected in the Reformed creeds and confessions.
"Since, however, no human interpreter of God's Word is infallible, it is the prayer of those responsible for sending forth these tapes that all who listen to them will cultivate the spirit of the Bereans, who 'searched the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.'
"Also, it should be emphasized that the tapes included in this catalog have been evaluated in terms of their basic content as they were originally given, and the inclusion of them in this catalog should not be construed as an unreserved approval of the men who originally gave them. Christians grow in grace and knowledge with the passing of time, yet it must be recognized that some turn aside from the norms of Scripture. It is our hope, therefore, that no one will attach himself to any of the men whose tapes are included in this catalog on the basis of the tapes alone. We are all commanded to be discerning toward those who would instruct us in the faith.
"Finally, it would be a tragic abuse of the intent in providing these sermons and lectures should they in any way cultivate a party spirit so clearly condemned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3. Paul reminded the Corinthians that all things were theirs -- Paul, Cephas, and Apollos included. We, too, may recognize that the various servants of Christ whose voices are heard on these tapes are God's gifts to us and that we are to follow them only insofar as they follow Christ and the clear teachings of His holy and infallible Word! Since not all men have the same gifts, learn to drink from the gifts of many men -- not just one fountain."
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Mount Olive Tape Library lectures (MP3 audio files), approximately 161 of 171
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Dr._C._Gregg_Singer
The Catalog of the Mount Olive Tape Library in PDF Format
http://www.lettermen2.com/olivecat.pdf
Mt. Olive Audio Library, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
http://gpts.edu/media/index.php?currpage=1&sa_action=
Greenville Seminary and Mt. Olive
http://www.sermonaudio.com/source_detail.asp?sourceid=gpts
Puritan Downloads, The Puritan Hard Drive
http://www.puritandownloads.com/swrb-puritan-hard-drive.html
Reformation Eschatology at Still Waters Revival Books
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/reformation-eschatology.htm
Reformed Publishers and Booksellers Online
http://www.lettermen2.com/refpub.html
The Scottish Covenanting Struggle, Alexander Craighead, and the Mecklenburg Declaration
http://www.lettermen2.com/craig.html
SermonAudio.com
"SermonAudio.com is the largest library of audio sermons on the web from conservative Christian churches and ministries with over 438,500 FREE MP3 sermons which can be streamed online for immediate listening or downloaded to your computer or MP3 player for listening at a later time. You can easily search through the entire sermon library by broadcaster, Bible reference, topic, speaker, date preached, language, or any keyword.
"The mission of SermonAudio.com is to help faithful, local churches broadcast their audio sermons to the maximum amount of people with the least amount of cost. Our chief purpose is for the preservation and propagation of great Bible preaching and teaching in its audio form for this generation and the next.
"Additionally, through our Transcription and Translation service, any sermon that is available on SermonAudio.com can be professionally and accurately transcribed by a real human and then machine-translated into 20 plus foreign languages."
http://www.sermonaudio.com/
Ten Best Classics For Advanced Studies From Still Waters Revival Books
http://www.swrb.com/ten-best.htm
The Treasury of David, Psalm 106
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php
Treasury of Reformed Literature
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/literature/
Disclaimer: Weblinks and related resources listed are given only for purposes of research.
Views and opinion expressed at other websites do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of this webmaster.
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Researchers are urged to exercise the utmost discernment in navigating the World Wide Web. See the topical listing "Spiritual Discernment."
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