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)
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 TruthYe 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. 92The 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.phpTraditionally, 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
Bad men cannot make good citizens. It is impossible that a nation of infidels or idolaters should be a nation of freemen. It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains. A vitiated [defective] state of morals, a corrupted public conscience, are incompatible with freedom. -- Patrick Henry
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), in 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)
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 honoured 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.
Part 2
Part 3
Chapter 9 (part 3) Related Weblinks
Part 4
The Covenanted Reformation of Scotland Author/Title Listing
Chapter 9 (part 4) Related Weblinks
Combined Interactive Contents for The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/combtoc.html
Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said:Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee. (1 Chronicles 29:10-15,17,18)
Thine, O LORD, is the greatness,
and the power, and the glory,
and the victory, and the majesty;
for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine;
thine is the kingdom, O LORD,
and thou art exalted as head above all.
Both riches and honour come of thee,
and thou reignest over all.
And in thine hand is power and might;
and in thine hand it is to make great,
and to give strength unto all.
Now therefore, our God,
we thank thee
and praise thy glorious name.
But who am I, and what is my people,
that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort?
For all things come of thee,
and of thine own have we given thee.
For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners,
as were all our fathers;
our days on the earth are as a shadow,
and there is none abiding. . . .See the Theological Notes: "The Authority of Scripture," at 2 Timothy 3:16 in The Reformation Study Bible.
I simply taught, preached, wrote God's Word: otherwise I did nothing. And then, while I slept or drank Wittenberg beer with my Philip of Amsdorf, the Word so greatly weakened the papacy that never a prince or emperor did such damage to it. I did nothing: the Word did it all. -- Martin Luther (1483-1546)
The Protestant Reformation is based upon the Five Solas.
Sola Scriptura ("Scripture alone"): The Bible alone is our highest authority.
Sola Fide ("faith alone"): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.
Sola Gratia ("grace alone"): We are saved by the grace of God alone.
Solus Christus ("Christ alone"): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King.
Soli Deo Gloria ("to the glory of God alone"): We live for the glory of God alone.A simple layman armed with Scripture is greater than the mightiest pope without it. -- Martin Luther (1483-1546)
For I am not ashamed of the good news of the Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to every one who is believing; both to Jew first, and to Greek. For the righteousness of God in it is revealed from faith to faith, according as it hath been written, 'And the righteous one by faith shall live,' for revealed is the wrath of God from heaven upon all impiety and unrighteousness of men, holding down the truth in unrighteousness. (Romans 1:16,17, YLTHB)
And may I remind you, and I would remind you of this for all times throughout your lives, that in the Western church there are only three basic theologies. There is Thomism (which held sway in the Roman church officially from the Council of Trent to Vatican II) . . . Lutheranism . . . and, thirdly, Calvinism. These are the three theologies which have dominated Western thought. . . .
I would remind you that all other theological systems are, to a lesser or greater extent, negation either of Thomism within the Roman Catholic system, or they are a negation of Lutheranism, or they are, to a lesser or greater extent, a negation of Calvinism. . . .
When enemies of Christianity unleash their attacks on Christianity, if they attack the Roman Catholic system, they always direct their heaviest guns against Thomas Aquinas. This is not an idle gesture. For if they can topple Thomas Aquinas, then the rest of the Roman Catholic structure will fall, because it depends upon Saint Thomas Aquinas. He was a great thinker, no question about it, and had a systematic approach to his position. So if they can destroy him, they can destroy the rest of it.
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, the same reason, in general, which I mentioned in regard to Thomas Aquinas. If the enemies of faith can destroy Calvinism, then those theologies which are, to a greater or 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. . . . When they attack Calvinism they are attacking the citadel of the whole Protestant position, 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 his address Calvinism and the ReformationThe medieval structure of ecclesiastical authority could not withstand the Protestant idea of sola scriptura -- the Bible alone. One Christian man with a Bible was superior to any pope or council or tradition without it. Luther translated the Bible from Greek and Hebrew into German so the people could read it in their own language and not be subject to an ecclesiastical ruling class. By translating the Bible into the common language, Luther freed the German people from ecclesiastical totalitarianism: The Bible was the written constitution of the church, which the people could now read for themselves. His second major contribution to Western political thought was the idea of a written constitution -- the Bible -- limiting the power and authority of the church (and later political), leaders. There is a direct connection between the Reformation cry of sola scriptura and the American idea of the Constitution -- not any man or body of men -- as the supreme law of the land. -- John W. Robbins, in a tract, Civilization and the Protestant Reformation
Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Soli Deo Gloria: the five Solas of the Protestant Reformation.
What distinguishes the arid ages from the period of the Reformation, when nations were moved as they had not been since Paul preached in Ephesus, Corinth, and Rome, is the latter's fullness of knowledge of God's Word. To echo an early Reformation thought, when the ploughman and the garage attendant know the Bible as well as the theologian does, and know it better than some contemporary theologians, then the desired awakening shall have already occurred. -- Gordon Clark
What the Reformation's return to Biblical teaching gave society was the opportunity for tremendous freedom, but without chaos. That is, an individual had freedom because there was a consensus based upon the absolutes given in the Bible, and therefore real values within which to have freedom, without these freedoms leading to chaos. The world had not known anything like this before. -- Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984)
Our protection is only in the Triune God, and in our individual and collective covenant relationship with The True and Living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and in His Son The Lord Jesus Christ.If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
The Golden Sceptre Held Forth to the Humble, a commentary on 2 Chronicles 7:14
http://www.archive.org/details/TheGoldenSceptreHeldForthToTheHumbleA diamond is perfectly showcased in black velvet. The horrendous cameo of total depravity of Islamic miscreants [and, apparently, treasonous factions within our own government -- compiler], on September 11, 2001, showcased, possibly better than any single event in history, the diametrically opposite teachings of The Lord Jesus Christ, the highest ethical standard known to mankind -- the basis of law and justice, and the teachings of Mohammed.
How sobering that, after the cataclysmic suicide airline bombing of the Twin International Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon, our politicians still equate freedom with toleration and license, a fatalistic and false presupposition. How sobering that we still can not see that conflict of will leads to death. Toleration is the enemy of truth, and no individual or nation can tolerate falsehood, or they will be destroyed by that falsehood. The issue is life and death. Absolute Truth leads to life, both temporal and eternal, and falsehood leads to death, both physical death and the Second Death. Nor can a republican form of government grant suffrage to anti-Christian factions and expect the protection and positive sanctions of the Triune God.
Among other things, the cataclysmic suicide airline bombing of the Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon was a clear example -- to our generation, seen around the world, and never to be forgotten -- of moral absolutes. Since September 11, 2001, no intellectually honest individual can make an assertion of moral relativism, values clarification, situation ethics, all paths lead to God, polytheism, toleration of all religions, neutrality, or non-duality.
How sobering that it takes a tragedy of the magnitude of September 11, 2001 to make us realize that justice and punishment are the only ways to suppress evil, evil that, among other things, results in suffering of the innocent.
How chilling to realize that, after God has used our enemy to chasten us, we are still apparently blind to our own sin as a nation, sins that collectively outweigh the sin of the Islamic Jehad's Holy War.
How sobering to realize that, after the war on international terrorism, this nation will then have to face the enemy within.
How 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."
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)
God be merciful unto us, and bless us: and cause his face to shine upon us: That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. (Psalm 67:1,2)
The Treasury of David, Psalm 130, C.H. Spurgeon
I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. (Psalm 130:5)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps130.php
*Acton, John E. (1834-1902), History of Freedom, and Other Essays, facsimile edition.
*Acton, John E. (1834-1902), Lectures on the French Revolution.
Armstrong, William Park (editor), Calvin and the Reformation: Four Studies by Emile Doumergue, August Lang, Herman Bavinck, and Benjamin B. Warfield.
*Bainton, Roland H., Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther. A Christian classic.
"Available for the first time in trade paperback, this authoritative biography of the great religious leader was hailed by Time magazine as "the most readable Luther biography in English." This edition showcases the intricate woodcuts and engravings that enhance the text and give the flavor of the era in which Martin Luther lived. More than 100 woodcuts and engravings." -- Publisher
A scholarly presentation of Luther's part in the Protestant Reformation which changed the course of Western civilization. Highly recommended, especially for those seeking a deeper understanding of the theology of the Reformation. A scholarly work in which the Gospel is articulately presented. The story of Luther's conversion is, of course, presented in detail. Numerous editions of this book are available. Includes extensive bibliography.
Martin Luther
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/author/martin-luther
*Bainton, Roland H., Women of the Reformation in Germany and Italy, ISBN: 0807056510.
"These frequently neglected women were faithful to their commitments and often displayed courage equal to that of the Reformers themselves." -- Cyril J. Barber
Barrow, Greg, Classical Protestant Doctrine of the Church (as read by Larry Birger for THE COVENANTED REFORMATION DEFENDED, series of audio files. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This tape, read by Larry Birger, is chapter 2 in Greg Barrow's THE COVENANTED REFORMATION DEFENDED. It covers some of the most important (and often forgotten, in our day), aspects of the Reformation doctrine of the church. Numerous citations are included, from many Reformation leaders and the confessional statements of the best Reformed churches. Without the distinctions made here you are likely to misunderstand not only the Reformation view of the church, but also related questions (like why the Reformers accepted Roman Catholic baptism [it was the Anabaptists that rejected the baptism of Rome, because of errors related to these very questions]). Furthermore, as Barrow points out, the Reformed distinction regarding the 'being' and the 'well-being' of the church is absolutely indispensable. Without an understanding of this crucial Scriptural distinction concerning the church you will not be able to fully understand the best Reformers on any issues about or related to the church." -- Publisher
Barrow, Reg, Books as Tools for Reformation, a tract.
*Beeke, Joel R., Assurance of Faith: Calvin, English Puritanism, and the Dutch Second Reformation, ISBN: 082041428X 9780820414287.
"In-depth studies and comparisons of William Perkins, Willem Teellinck, the Westminster Confession, John Owen, Alexander Comrie, and Thomas Goodwin convincingly demonstrate with fresh insights that the differences between Calvin and the English/Dutch Calvinism on assurance arose primarily from a newly evolving pastoral context rather than from foundational variations in doctrine. One of the best books on assurance, maybe even the best. 'This is a clearly-written study of the ways in which faith was related to the assurance of salvation by the Reformers, the Puritans and the their Dutch counterparts. Calvin, Beza, Perkins, Owen, Goodwin and the men of the Dutch Second Reformation are all considered. A most valuable book which bears scholarly scrutiny and is full of pastoral counsel'." -- Banner of Truth
Beeke, Joel, Calvin's Piety: The Heartbeat of the Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (CALVIN ON PIETY) in THE CAMBRIDGE COMPANION TO JOHN CALVIN.
*Bullinger, Henry (Heinrich, 1504-1575), The Decades of Henry Bullinger: Fifty Sermons Divided Into Five Decades: Containing the Chief and Principle Points of Christian Religion, 4 volumes, 1549-1852. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Henry Bullinger (1504-1575), was one of the most widely esteemed leaders of the Reformed churches, and THE DECADES was the most famous of his 150 treatises and manuscripts. THE DECADES derives its name from being a series of fifty theological sermons divided into five groups of ten sermons each. Each sermon is a helpful, detailed exposition of an important doctrine. Combined, they encompass the field of theology in a form readable for the typical layman. They became more popular than CALVIN'S INSTITUTES in England, and now are reprinted for the first time since 1850.
"From 1550 to 1560, there were in England 77 editions of Bullinger's Latin 'Decades' and 137 editions of their vernacular translation 'House Book,' a treatise in pastoral theology (in comparison, CALVIN'S INSTITUTES had two editions in England during the same time). Some historians count Bullinger together with Bucer as the most influential theologian of the Anglican reformation.
"Bullinger played a crucial role in the drafting of the Second Helvetic Confession of 1566. What eventually became the Second Helvetic Confession originated in a personal statement of his faith which Bullinger intended to be presented to the Zurich Rat upon his death. In 1566, when the elector palatine introduced Reformed elements into the church in his region, Bullinger felt that this statement might be useful for the elector, so he had it circulated among the Protestant cities of Switzerland who signed to indicate their assent. Later, the Reformed churches of France, Scotland, and Hungary would do likewise.
"Bullingers works comprise 127 titles. Already during his lifetime they were translated in several languages and counted among the best known theological works in Europe. His main work was THE DECADES, 'a treatise in pastoral theology, in the vernacular called 'House Book'." -- Wikipedia
Calvin, John (1509-1564), Defending the Reformation: John Calvin Debates the Romanist Sadolet. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17. Available in Calvin, Jean [John], Jacques Sadolet, and John C. Olin, A REFORMATION DEBATE: SADOLETO'S LETTER TO THE GENEVANS AND CALVIN'S REPLY, ISBN: 0823219917 9780823219919.
*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
*Cambridge University Library, Acton Collection, Acton Collection . . .
"In October 1902 Viscount Morley of Blackburn presented to the University the library of the late Lord Acton . . . A full catalogue of this collection of nearly 60,000 volumes is in preparation; but it was thought that it might prove useful to issue during the progress of the work bulletins of some specially interesting sections of the library."
*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
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), James Buchanan (preface), and James Bannerman (preface), The Reformers and the Theology of the Reformation, 2 volumes.
*D'Aubigné, J.H. Merle (1794-1872), Discourses and Essays, Family Worship, Lutheranism and Calvinism, etc. (1846), ISBN: 1599250187 9781599250182. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A great part of these productions were presented to the public for the first time, in English, when this volume first appeared. President of the Theological Seminary of Geneva, Merle D'Aubigné is best know for his massive history of the great reformation. [HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN EUROPE IN THE TIME OF CALVIN -- compiler]. Concerning this book, Baird, in the introduction, writes, 'it would be hard to find in any language an equal number (of essays), that can be compared with them.' Furthermore, he notes that they 'possess one grand characteristic: that of a glorious baptism, if I may so express myself, into the spirit of the Reformation.' Includes Merle D'Aubigné's 'Family Worship,' 'Lutheranism and Calvinism,' and fifteen more articles." -- Publisher
*D'Aubigné, J.H. Merle (1794-1872), History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century. 2 volumes. Available (HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY, in 5 volumes, 1846), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Originally published in five volumes. This paperback edition is unabridged and 867 double-column pages in length.
"This man will make you live through the thrills and chills of those days of battle between good and evil. You will see the providence of God preserving the saints as they were being attacked by world powers. And these who were tortured, burned, and pilloried would be the first to testify that God upheld them all during their ordeals, then took them to receive the robes of Heaven purchased for them by the Lord Jesus Christ. He is a superb author, one that will not let you go until you have read the entire book." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
D'Aubigné, J.H. Merle (1794-1872), The Life and Times of Martin Luther: Selections From D'Aubigné's Famed History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century.
"The best book on Luther and his part in the Reformation." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
*D'Aubigné, J.H. Merle (1794-1872), The Reformation in England, 2 volumes.
"Provides an indispensable guide to the place of the Bible in the Reformation of England. No one can read the writings of D'Aubigné and be the same afterward." -- Cyril J. Barber
"The author devoted his lifetime to the study of the Reformation. His ability to convey the importance of the history of this historical transformation of the world is easy-to-understand, even exciting . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Davis, D. Clair, The Issue of Biblical Authority in the Reformation.
Dawson, Jane E.A., The Early Career of Christopher Goodman and his Place in the Development of English Protestant Thought, a thesis, 1978.
Defoe, Daniel (1661?-1731), Lex Talionis, or, An Enquiry Into the Most Proper Ways to Prevent the Persecution of the Protestants in France, 1698.
De Witt, John R., What is the Reformed Faith? ISBN: 0851513263 9780851513263.
"A professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Seminary in Jackson provides a short, insightful look into the major truths of the Reformed Faith." -- GCB
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
Edwards, Brian H., God's Outlaw: The Story of William Tyndale and the English Bible. Alternate title: WILLIAM TYNDALE, THE FATHER OF THE ENGLISH BIBLE and WILLIAM TYNEDALE: ENGLAND'S GREAT BIBLE TRANSLATOR, ISBN: 0842382186 9780842382182.
"This is the thrilling story of one who was forced to leave England and slip from city to city in Germany, Holland, and Belgium in an attempt to avoid the agents sent to arrest him. Tyndale's story is one of poverty, danger, and ceaseless labor, but he left a priceless heritage: The Scriptures in the English language." -- GCB
Vision Video, Roger Rees, Ben Steed, and Tony Tew, God's Outlaw: The Story of William Tyndale, DVD.
Elazar, Daniel Judah, Covenant and Commonwealth: From Christian Separation Through the Protestant Reformation, ISBN: 1560002085 9781560002086.
Fountain, David, John Wycliffe: The Dawn of the Reformation, ISBN: 0907821022 9780907821021.
"There are those who believe that when Wycliffe was born about 660 years ago, he became the one man who changed the course of English history more than any other man." -- GCB
Includes bibliography.
*Foxe, John (1516-1587), and Thomas Freeman (prefatory material), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable (unabridged). Alternate title: THE UNABRIDGED ACTS AND MONUMENTS ONLINE or TAMO (HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011). A Christian classic. Available from: http://www.johnfoxe.org. Implemented by the Humanities Research Institute, University of Sheffield, England, and published by HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011, Version 2.0, ISBN: 9780954260864.
"You can browse and compare the unabridged texts of the four editions of this massive work published in John Foxe's lifetime (1563, 1570, 1576, 1583). Each edition changed significantly as Foxe sought to incorporate new material, answer his critics, and adjust its polemical force to the needs of the moment. . . .
"TAMO is both an instrument of scholarship and a tool for anyone who wants to explore this remarkable work, a milestone in the history of the English printed book and a signal achievement of its printer, John Day."
John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable, ISBN: 0197262252 9780197262252.
"This CD-ROM combines readable and printable images of 2,200 pages of text and woodcut engravings from the 1583 edition, the last for which Foxe was personally responsible."
Other editions: Acts and Monuments or Foxe's Book of Martyrs, 1554, 1843-49 edition, 8 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'No book ever inflicted a wound so deep and incurable on the Romish system of superstition and bloody persecution . . . it was placed in . . . all churches and chapels throughout the kingdom, by order of Queen Elizabeth.' (Smith, Select Memoirs, p. 245). Contains much information not found in any of the liberally edited and severely shortened editions of this classic work which are in print today. Covering martyrs from the early church through to Foxe's day, it was one of the most influential books of the sixteenth century! It overflows with faith building testimony of the power of God to overcome the most cruel and barbarous acts of human depravity and demonic cruelty. 6890 pages. A very rare set, now back in print after 150 years!" -- Publisher
"After the Bible itself, no book so profoundly influenced early Protestant sentiment as the BOOK OF MARTYRS. Even in our time it is still a living force. It is more than a record of persecution. It is an arsenal of controversy, a storehouse of romance, as well as a source of edification." -- James Miller Dodds, English Prose
"When one recollects that until the appearance of the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS the common people had almost no other reading matter except the BIBLE and FOX'S BOOK OF MARTYRS, we can understand the deep impression that this book produced; and how it served to mold the national character. Those who could read for themselves learned the full details of all the atrocities performed on the Protestant reformers; the illiterate could see the rude illustrations of the various instruments of torture, the rack, the gridiron, the boiling oil, and then the holy ones breathing out their souls amid the flames. Take a people just awakening to a new intellectual and religious life; let several generations of them, from childhood to old age, pore over such a book, and its stories become traditions as individual and almost as potent as songs and customs on a nation's life." -- Douglas Campbell, The Puritan in Holland, England, and America
"If we divest the book of its accidental character of feud between churches, it yet stands, in the first years of Elizabeth's reign, a monument that marks the growing strength of a desire for spiritual freedom, defiance of those forms that seek to stifle conscience and fetter thought." -- Henry Morley, English Writers
"John Foxe was a prince among believers. He had his printing press on a cart, and had often to print at night, moving his press before dawn to escape capture and burning at the stake. He never faltered in his purpose to leave a voluminous written witness to the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to keep His saints in love and peace." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Text Encoding Initiative (TEI), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs Variorum Edition Online
http://www.tei-c.org/Activities/Projects/jo01.xml
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
*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., 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
*Hammond, Peter, The Greatest Century of Reformation, ISBN: 9780994697172 0994697171.
"In this book, readers are introduced to examples of excellence -- Professor John Wycliffe of Oxford University; Queen Anne from Bohemia; Professor Jan Hus of Prague University; Gutenberg, the Father of the Printing Press, and Italian Reformer Savonarola -- are some of the pre-Reformers that are highlighted in the chapter on Preparation for Reformation. Towering above all the Reformers is Dr. Martin Luther; followed by Ulrich Zwingli, the Reformer of Zurich; William Tyndale, who gave his life translating the Bible into English; Heinrich Bullinger, the Consolidator of the Reformation; Martin Bucer, the Reformer of Strassburg; Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, who transformed the Catholic church in England into the Reformed Church of England; Anne Askew, a Daughter of the Reformation; Philipp Melanchthon, the Teacher of Germany; the fiery debater and Evangelist, William Farel; the greatest Theologian of the second generation of Reformers, John Calvin; John Knox, whose prayer: 'Give me Scotland or I die!' was answered in his own lifetime; Pierre Viret, the French Evangelist and Reformer; Albrecht Dürer, the Evangelist and Reformer in Art and many more, are illustrated and quoted in this book.
"Practical Resources to Empower You for Reformation Today
"There are also chapters on Martin Luther's Practical Programme to Revive your Prayer Life, How the Reformation Changed the Church and How the Reformation Changed the World. The Appendices include a Chronology of the Reformation, a Reformation Calendar of key events and dates, the people of the Reformation, the popes of Rome, Libel against Luther and articles tackling thorny issues, such as, Did the Reformers Persecute the Anabaptists? and Is Celebrating the Reformation Anti-Catholic? There are lists of Roman catholic heresies and inventions and the approximate dates of when they were introduced. The Challenge of Islam According to the Reformers, The Five Points of Calvinism in the Teachings of Christ, 25 Steps You Can Take for Reformation Today, Key Contacts for Reformation Today, Questions for Discussion, either for home educators, or at Bible college classes, are also included. The book concludes with an inspiring example of how to celebrate and promote Reformation Today, applying the Lordship of Christ to all areas of life." -- Publisher
Hillerbrand, Hans J. (editor), The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Reformation, 4 volumes, ISBN: 0195064933 9780195064933 0195103629 9780195103625 0195103637 9780195103632 0195103645 9780195103649 0195103653 9780195103656.
"The preface notes, 'THE OXFORD ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF THE REFORMATION seeks to do justice to the whole range of events and happenings of the sixteenth century. It uses the broadest possible definition of the Reformation in order to depict not only religious life but also the related societal phenomena that in one way or another had bearing on religion . . . the roster of contributors encompasses scholars not only from the United States and Canada but the United Kingdom, Norway, Hungary, the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, Finland, Poland, and Australia, to mention but a few nations at random. If nothing else, the encyclopaedia represents the creative international guild of Reformation scholars.' The preface also notes that 'for far too long, many interesting and important personalities of the sixteenth century, because they were not major reformers, theologians, or rulers, have fallen into scholarly obscurity . . . One of our major intentions was to shed new light on these fascinating figures.' This set includes four beautifully bound, oversized hardcover volumes. Each volume contains about 500 double column pages. The final volume includes a massive index and maps." -- Publisher
*Himmelfarb, Gertrude, Lord Acton: A Study in Conscience and Politics, ISBN: 1558152709 9781558152700.
A scholarly work on the politics of the Reformation and Counter-reformation. Includes bibliography and index.
It was Acton who stated:
Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority: still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority. -- John Emerich Edward Dalberg, Lord Acton (1834-1902), in a letter to Mandell Creighton, April 5, 1887, quoted by Gertrude Himmelfarb in Acton, Essays on Freedom and Power, pp. 335-36 (1972)See also:
Holborn, Hajo, Ulrich Von Hutten and the German Reformation, revised and expanded translation, ISBN: 0313201250 9780313201257.
Hospers, Gerrit Hendrik, The Reformed Principle of Authority: The Scripture Principle of the Reformation Set Forth in the Light of our Times.
Includes contributions by Abraham Kuyper.
Hurst, John F., Short History of the Reformation, 1884. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.
Hutcheson, George, A Review and Examination of a Pamphlet . . . "Protestor no Subverters, etc." Alternate title: A REVIEW AND EXAMINATION OF A PAMPHLET LATELY PUBLISHED BEARING THE TITLE PROTESTERS NO SUBVERTERS, AND PRESBYTERIE NO PAPACY, &C. / BY SOME LOVERS OF THE INTEREST OF CHRIST IN THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, 1659.
Johnston, Pamela, and Robert W. Scribner, The Reformation in Germany and Switzerland, ISBN: 0521406072 9780521406079.
"Combines new interpretations which emphasize the importance of popular response, belief and practice with the traditional approach to the origins and progress of the Reformation in Germany and Switzerland. Avoiding a Luther-centered view, it gives equal attention to other important figures as well as the political dimensions of the Reformation and elements of social protest. . . . It focuses on the longer-term success or failure of the implementation of the Reformation and includes many original documents translated here for the first time from previously unpublished archival sources." -- Publisher
*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
Kittelson, James M., Luther the Reformer, ISBN: 0806622407 9780806622408.
"Historically solid, factually authentic, psychologically sensitive, personally perceptive, socially aware, and above all theologically knowledgeable and persuasive." -- Lewis Spitz
*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), 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), 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), 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), Scottish Confession of Faith, 1560. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.
"The CONFESSION was the first Subordinate Standard for the Protestant church in Scotland. With frank outspokenness, Knox focuses on the central doctrines of election and the Church. Warning against all sects of heresy and all teachers of erroneous doctrine, this narrative presents the truth that is confessed in historical form. His conviction and his fiery personality brought the Gospel back to Scotland and continue to inspire many today to take a stand for the truth of the Gospel, regardless of adversity or cost.
"A good primer on Christian church history!" -- Reader's Comment
Scottish Confession of Faith, 1560
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/ScotConf.htm
*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:
Kyle, Richard G., The Mind of John Knox, 1984, ISBN: 0872911640 9780872911642.
Based on the author's Ph.D. dissertation.
Lang, Andrew, John Knox and the Reformation, 1905.
*Luther, Martin (1483-1546), J.I. Packer (translator), and O.R. Johnston (translator), Bondage of the Will, ISBN: 0800753429 9780800753429. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"THE BONDAGE OF THE WILL is fundamental to an understanding of the primary doctrines of the Reformation. In these pages, Luther gives extensive treatment to what he saw as the heart of the gospel. Free will was no academic question to Luther; the whole gospel of the Grace of God, he believed, was bound up with it and stood or fell according to the way one decided it. . . This is the greatest piece of writing that came from Luther's pen. In its vigour of language, its profound theological grasp, and the grand sweep of its exposition, it stands unsurpassed among Luther's writings." Publisher
"Luther recognized this book as his most important work and even said that if all his other books perished, he would hope that this one, along with his SMALL CATECHISM, would be the only ones to remain. As noted above, this is one of the most important books of the early Reformation, for it deals with what Luther saw to be the heart of the Gospel. Luther here refutes the Romish notion of 'free will' in man and upholds the absolute sovereignty of God in the salvation of sinners -- as well as justification by faith alone. Luther clearly saw the issue of free will as the primary cause of his separation from Rome.
"In this book he replied to the Roman Catholic scholar, Erasmus, and his diatribe THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. Though disagreeing with just about everything else Erasmus wrote, Luther commended Erasmus for recognizing the crux of the matter at issue between Rome and the Bible believers, the debate over 'free will.' In this regard Luther wrote,
that unlike all the rest, you alone have attacked the real issue, the essence of the matter in dispute [i.e. man's so-called free-will -- RB] . . . You and you alone saw, what was the grand hinge upon which the whole turned, and therefore you attacked the vital part at once; for which, from my heart, I thank you." 'This book is most needful at the present day,' noted Atherton in 1931, for 'the teachings of many so-called Protestants are more in accordance with the Dogmas of the Papists, or the ideas of Erasmus, than with the Principles of the Reformers; they are more in harmony with the Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent than with the Protestant or Reformed Confessions of Faith.'
*Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Commentary on Galatians, English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge, ISBN: 0825431247. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"I prefer this book of Martin Luther's (except the Bible), before all the books I have ever seen, as most fit for a wounded soul." -- John Bunyan
"This is a great, historic work, and is beyond criticism on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se." -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
"The reissue of a famous series of lectures delivered at Wittenberg University in 1553." -- Cyril J. Barber
Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther
http://archive.org/details/cu31924029294133
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, Who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html
Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Luther's Ninety-Five Theses: With the Pertinent Documents From the History of the Reformation.
*Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Jaroslav Pelikan, Helmut T. Lehmann, Luther's Works on CD-ROM, 55 volumes.
"This CD-ROM makes available the entire 55-volume set of Luther's Works, a magisterial translation project published jointly by Fortress Press and Concordia Publishing House in 1957."
"Essential reading in order to understand the Protestant Reformation."
Luther tended to be subjective, while Calvin tended to be objective.
Luther Martin, Luther's Works: Volume 55, Index to LUTHER'S WORKS, ISBN: 0800603559 9780800603557.
"This is the long awaited index to the American edition of LUTHER'S WORKS. This comprehensive index includes a names, subjects and literature, and Scripture index (Old Testament, New Testament, and Apocrypha). An indispensable tool for exploring the works of Luther." -- GCB
Vogel, Heinrich J., Vogel's Cross Reference and Index to the Contents of Luther's Works: A Cross Reference Between the American Edition and the St. Louis, Weimar, and Erlangen Editions of Luther's Works, ISBN: 0810001683 9780810001688.
Koelpin, Arnold J., Martin Luther, Luther's Works: A Quick Reference Guide.
Luther, Martin (1483-1546), T.G. Tapper (editor), Selected Writings of Luther, 4 volumes.
"Important selections from Luther's writings, arranged chronologically."
Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 volumes, ISBN: 0801056268 9780801056260. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This is the best collection of the Reformer's sermons in English! Here are 175 sermons, only seven of which appear in Luther's WORKS. 'Striking freshness . . . clarity of exposition and incisiveness of thought . . . epitomize Luther's genius.' Indispensable for preachers and for students of Luther and the Reformation. . . ." -- CBD
*Lyford, William (1598-1653), The Plain Mans Senses Exercised to Discern Both Good and Evill: Or, A Discovery of the Errors, Heresies and Blasphemies of These Times, and the toleration of them as they are collected and testified against by the ministers of London, in their testimony to the truth of Jesus Christ, 1657. Alternate title: TESTIMONY TO THE TRUTH OF JESUS CHRIST AND OUR SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT.
This is a detailed refutation of Anabaptist error.
Sundry Ministers of London, Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ and our Solemn League and Covenant
http://archive.org/details/plainmanssensese00lyfo
Sundry Ministers of London, Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ and our Solemn League and Covenant, 1647
http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/testimony_truth.html
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, Luther and the Reformation, 4 volumes, 1925-30.
Mackinnon, James, The Origins of the Reformation, 1939.
*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, 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
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
McNeill, John T., The History and Character of Calvinism.
M'Crie, Thomas (the younger, 1797-1875), Annals of English Presbytery From the Earliest Period to the Present Time, 1872, ISBN: 1286121043 9781286121047.
M'Crie, Thomas (the younger, 1797-1875), History of the Progress and Suppression of the Reformation in Italy in the Sixteenth Century; Including a Sketch of the History of the Reformation in the Grisons, 1856, ISBN: 0404041183 9780404041182.
M'Gavin, William (1773-1832), The Protestant: A Series of Essays in Which are Discussed, at Length, Those Subjects Which Form the Distinguishing Features Between True and False Religion, Between the Christianity of the New Testament and the Papal Superstition Which has Usurped the Name.
McGrath, Alister E, A Life of John Calvin: A Study in the Shaping of Western Culture, ISBN: 0631163980 9780631163985.
"Provides an exploration of Calvin's life and influence, his theology and his political thought, and his determining of the course of European history. This book traces Calvin's remarkable impact on the development of modern Western attitudes to work, wealth, civil rights, capitalism and the natural sciences." -- Publisher
McKay, W.D.J., An Ecclesiastical Republic: Church Government in the Writings of George Gillespie, ISBN: 0946068607 9780946068609.
*McKim, Donald K., and David F. Wright (consulting editor), Robert Benedetto, Carnegie Samuel Calian, Arthur C. Cochrane, Stephen D. Crocco, Richard C. Gamble, et al., Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith, ISBN: 0664218822 9780664218829 0715206605 9780715206607.
"More than two hundred international scholars from a variety of denominations contribute to this outstanding, one-volume reference book. Comprehensive in scope, it stresses the importance of events, persons, and theological concepts that have been significant to the Reformed tradition.
"Includes the article 'Marian exiles.'
"The Reformed faith provides a basis for the lives of millions of people throughout the world. American and British academics pay particular attention to the historical development of this faith: the events, people and theological issues." -- Publisher
*M'Crie (McCrie), Thomas (the elder, 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 (the elder, 1772-1835), Life of Knox, 1831. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"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
*M'Crie, Thomas (the elder, 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
*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
*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
Oberman, Heiko A., Luther: Man Between God and the Devil, ISBN: 0300037945 9780300037944.
"Written by one of the world's greatest authorities on Luther, this book portrays the controversial reformer in the context of his own time, analyzing his state of mind, and portraying his world more closely than has been done before." -- GCB
Ogden, Greg, The New Reformation: Returning the Ministry to the People of God, revised edition, ISBN: 0310246199 9780310246190.
"Ministry is to be by the people and for the people, and this book explains why it is needed and how it can be done." -- Publisher
Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
*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
Reid, W. Stanford, The Reformation: Revival or Revolution? ISBN: 0030714753 9780030714757.
Ridley, Nicholas, and Henry Christmas, Works of Nicholas Ridley.
"Ridley was 'an eminent reformer and Protestant martyr . . . Having concurred in the proclamation of Lady Jane Grey, he was committed to the Tower. Condemned to death for heresy and burnt in 1555.' (Darling, Cyclopedia Bibliographica, p. 2557)
Of all our English martyrs, . . . Ridley has been esteemed by far the most learned . . . he learned to repeat, without book, almost all the epistles in Greek . . . The courage and zeal he manifested in promoting the (first English -- RB), reformation was such, that he was considered, next to Cranmer, its greatest supporter amongst the clergy . . . the purity of his life corresponded with his knowledge . . . The reformation was greatly promoted by his learning, zeal, and active exertions while he lived, and perhaps more so by his death in its defence. In England, as everywhere else, the ancient observation has been verified, that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.' (Thomas Smith, Select Memoirs of the Lives Labours, and Sufferings, of Those Pious and Learned English and Scottish Divines, p. 173 ff, 1828)"Along with a biographical notice, and among 16 other works, letters, and disputations, this book contains Ridley's 'Brief Declaration or Treatise Against Transubstantiation' ('Ridley is allowed to have been master of that subject more than any man of his age,' Smith, p. 175), his 'Treatise Against Image Worship,' and his 'Conferences with Latimer.' Printed from the 1843 Parker Society edition, indexed, 485 pages." -- Publisher
*Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Acton on the Papacy, an article.
It should be noted that The Acton Institute has come under the control of the Roman Catholic Institution.
*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 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.
Robertson, Edwin, Wycliffe: Morning Star of the Reformation, ISBN: 0551011424 9780551011427.
"This short book (125 pages), was written to commemorate and celebrate this famous Bible translator's place in our Christian heritage. Wycliffe was a man burdened for a Gospel for all people and a vision of God's grace being freely available to all." -- GCB
Robinson, Hastings (editor), Original Letters Relative to the English Reformation Written During the Reigns of King Henry VIII., King Edward VI., and Queen Mary: Chiefly From the Archives of Zurich, 1846-47, 2 volumes, 819 pages, 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'." -- 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
Schnucker, Robert V., Calviniana: Ideas and Influence of Jean Calvin. Series title: SIXTEENTH CENTURY ESSAYS AND STUDIES, Vol. 10. ISBN: 0940474107 9780940474109.
There are more than 40 volumes in this series.
*Schuettinger, Robert, Lord Acton: Historian of Liberty, ISBN: 0875482945 9780875482941.
Includes appendix, bibliography, and index.
Shaw, Duncan (editor, a festschrift), and Hugh Watt, Reformation and Revolution: Essays Presented to Hugh Watt, on the Sixtieth Anniversary of his Ordination, 1967.
Sheats, Rebecca A., Pierre Viret: The Angel of the Reformation, ISBN: 9780984378517, 0984378510.
"Rebekah Sheats is engaged in translating Viret's writings. Her latest work, THOU SHALT NOT KILL: A PLEA FOR LIFE, is a translation of Viret's commentary on the sixth commandment. Other translations include LETTERS OF COMFORT TO THE PERSECUTED CHURCH, THE CHRISTIAN AND THE MAGISTRATE: ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND JURISDICTIONS, and SIMPLE EXPOSITION OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH.
"Rebekah is grateful for the godly home education she received, and has designed several curricula to assist parents in the education of their children, including Biblical Greek and Biblical Hebrew for Children (Psalm 78 Ministries)." -- Publisher
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), Calvinism: The Summit of Reformation Theology in JOHN CALVIN: HIS ROOTS AND FRUITS, (pp. 7-19).
"For Calvin, God was a true sovereign, who is only limited in the sense that He cannot do anything which would negate His attributes. . . . (p. 11)
"In his treatment of the atonement, Calvin surpassed not only the Scholastics but Augustine as well. Calvin had a greater insight into this Biblical doctrine than any other theologian before or after him. . . . (p. 11)
"Calvin clearly saw the Scriptural relationship of the sovereignty of God and the total depravity of the whole human race to the doctrines of atonement and election. Divine election is the means ordained of God for making the death of Christ effective." (p. 16) -- C. Gregg Singer
*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.
Smellie, Alexander (1857-1923), The Reformation in its Literature. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*Sproul, R.C. (general editor), The Reformation Study Bible: The Word That Changes Lives -- the Faith That Changed The World, New King James Version, ISBN: 0785258523 9780785258520. Previously published under the title New Geneva Study Bible: Bringing the Light of the Reformation to Scripture, ISBN: 0840710917 9780840710918.
"The NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE offers a restatement of Reformation truth for Christians today. The first Geneva Bible was a pivotal force in the Reformation. Using the everyday language of its time, it opened the pages of Scripture to readers and provided helpful notes to assist them in understanding its message. It became the family Bible of the English people, and was the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to the New World. Since that time a multitude of English translations and study Bibles have appeared, but none of these has incorporated a summary of Reformed theology." -- Thomas Nelson Publishers
Also available in digital format from Logos Bible Software.
Geneva Bible Notes: Reviews of the 1599 and the 1672 editions of the Notes, and of the Reformation Study Bible
http://www.lettermen2.com/geneva.html
Readers of THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE should also be familiar with the Geneva Bible Notes, The Westminster Family of Documents, the doctrine of the Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ, and the literature of the Covenanted Reformation.
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
The Covenanted Reformation of Scotland Author/Title Listing
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chb.html#crsstl
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
*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 Quartercentenary '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
Various, Spiritual and Anabaptist Writers: Documents Illustrative of the Radical Reformation.
Welch, John (1568?-1622), Hugh Latimer, and John Knox, The Pulpit of the Reformation.
*Williams, George H., The Radical Reformation.
Wilmot, Alexander, The Story of the Scottish Reformation, 1883, ISBN: 0524035237 9780524035238.
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.
*Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), The History of Protestantism, 2 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This massive (8.5' X 11'), two-volume set contains nearly 2000 pages and more than 500 illustrations. It chronicles Protestantism in its progress from the first century to the late 17th century (though the focus is clearly on the 16th and 17th centuries). From Luther's burning of the Papal Bull 'excommunicating' him, to Calvin's refusing the Lord's supper to the Libertines of Geneva (who said they would kill him for doing so), the pages of this book testify to the life and death struggle for truth that remains to this day. The pictures in these books are also excellent for introducing children to major historical events relating to the struggle, sacrifice and victory of Christ's church on earth. The writing of Wylie is well worth the time invested to gain an overview of the great controversy between the true church and the false. Paisley, in his foreword, states, 'The Reformation of the 16th century was the greatest revival of New Testament Christianity since the days of Pentecost. Then once more the gospel in its purity was preached with apostolic power and with apostolic results.' He continues, 'Wylie's . . . is the best history extant. I welcome its republishing. Read it. Study it. Circulate it and by so doing you will help to dispel the dark cloud of priestly superstition, popish idolatry and papal tyranny encircling our land.' When it was first published Rome banned this book, buying up and burning all the copies that they could lay their hands on. It was more hated and denounced by Papists than any other book of its time. In our day, when the Pope addresses the United Nations, is often the subject of news reports, and regularly meets with national civil leaders (and when professing Protestants are defecting to 'the whore of Babylon,' and signing 'peace' treaties with this great enemy of Christ [to fight cultural battles]), these books are needed more than ever. William Cunningham's words, though written many years ago, should be heeded by all faithful Christians today, for he said, 'it is quite evident, from the signs of the times, that the Popish controversy must be fought over again . . . It is incumbent upon ministers of the gospel to prepare themselves for the contest'." -- Publisher
Wylie, The History of Protestantism (1902), vol. 1 of 3.
http://archive.org/details/historyofprotes01wyli
Wylie, The History of Protestantism, vol. 2 of 3.
http://archive.org/details/historyofprotes02wyli
Wylie, The History of Protestantism, vol. 3 of 3.
http://archive.org/details/historyofprotes03wyli
Wylie, James Aiken (1808-1890), History of Protestantism in the Netherlands. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
Wylie, James Aiken (1808-1890), The Scottish Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), What the Sixteenth Century says to the Nineteenth.
Zwingli, Ulrich (1484-1531), and Samuel Macauley Jackson, Selected Works of Huldreich Zwingli (1484-1531): The Reformer of German Switzerland.
Zwingli, Ulrich (1484-1531), and Elizabeth Warren, The Story of Ulrich Zwingle and the Reformation in German Switzerland.
See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Christ's influence on western civilization, Church history, The providence of god, Lutheranism, Christian scholarship, The history of reformation of the church, The protestant reformation, Christian biography, The history of martyrs, The dutch reformation, Calvinism, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Church history and the history of local churches, Works of c. gregg singer, A theological interpretation of american history, God's sovereign hand in history, "his-story," The history of martyrs, Persecution, Church government, God's sovereign hand in history, "his-story," Church and state, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, The westminster confession of faith (1646), (westminster standards) and related works a study guide, National establishment of religion: establishmentarianism, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, The reformed presbytery of america, and other smaller reformed associations, The puritan revolution, Covenanting in america, Servant leadership, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, liberty of conscience, pluralism, and neutrality, Unfaithful reformed ministries, The counter-reformation, The destruction of American liberty, 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, Modern myths and fallacies, The love and justice of God, Revisionist history, Reformation eschatology, Books considered to be among the ten greatest in the english language, and so forth, and so on.
The Genevan Institute for Reformed Studies
http://www.girs.com/index.html
The Historicism Research Foundation
http://www.historicism.net
John Knox and the Reformation in Scotland [audio file], Peter Hammond
"On this day, 15 May 1556, John Knox appeared at the Church of Blackfriars in Edinburgh to face charges of heresy. Knox succeeded in turning the tables on the Catholic Bishops and went on to preach to large crowds in Edinburgh."
"I am more afraid of the prayers of John Knox than of an army of 10,000." -- Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots,
"Give me Scotland or I die!" -- John Knox's famous prayer that was answered in his lifetime.
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=103014335471
https://vimeo.com/232620505
http://reformationsa.org/index.php/reformation/353-knox-500
https://www.slideshare.net/
/john-knox-and-the-reformation-
Lutheranism and Calvinism. Their Diversity Essential to Their Unity: An Essay
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2017/3/7/lutheranism-and-calvinism
Martin Luther -- Captive to the Word
"10 December 1520 -- Martin Luther publicly burned the Papal Edict demanding that he recant, or face, excommunication. Surrounded by a large crowd of students and faculty of the University of Wittenberg, Luther declared: 'I stand fast on the truth and no other. Fear of power shall never sway me, for God is God and man is naught.'
http://reformationsa.org/index.php/reformation/95-martin-luther-captive-to-the-word-of-god
Martin Luther -- Captive to the Word
https://vimeo.com/227875118
Martin Luther's Date With Destiny, [audio file], Peter Hammond, 10/31/2017
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=11117414232
Reformation and Geneva Bibles
http://www.swrb.com/bibles/bibles.htm
Repentance (FGB #203)
What is Repentance? Plumer, William S. (1802-1880) | The Necessity of Repentance, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900) | Six Ingredients of Repentance, Watson. Thomas (c. 1620-1686) | Repentance or Faith: Which Comes First? Murray, John (1898-1975) | Christ Commanded Repentance, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Sin, Sinners, and Repentance, Gill, John (1697-1771) | The Fruits of Repentance, Pink, A.W. (1886-1952) | Examining our Repentance, Watson, Thomas (c. 1620-1686) | The Greatest Motive to Repentance, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Repentance and Universal Judgment, Davies, Samuel (1723-1761) | Heaven's Joy and Repentance, Payson, Edward (1783-1827)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/repefg/repentance
Still Waters Revival Books, Puritan Hard Drive Collection.
Containing 12,500 plus Puritan and Reformation resources on an external USB hard drive, "with an embedded database and custom search/interface program now added, the most extensive and powerful reformation study tool ever produced!"
"Over 12,500 Classic and Contemporary Puritan and Reformation Resources On SWRB's New, Portable, USB Puritan Hard Drive (SWRB-PHD) -- Easy, Virtually Effortless, Access To All 12,500+ Puritan And Reformation Resources (Books, MP3s and Videos [audio files, DVD]), and the Power to Search, Build, Print and Even Save An Unlimited Number of Study Lists Related to Whatever Authors, Topics and Titles You Most Need To Know and Understand!
"The new Puritan Hard Drive also works on both PCs and Macs." -- Publisher
Apparently the Puritan Hard Drive includes all Bookshelf collections prepared and in preparation by SWRB at the time of release of the Puritan Hard Drive. Therefore, it includes titles formerly in the Puritan Bookshelf, Reformation Bookshelf, Calvinism Bookshelf, and Protestant Bookshelf as well as SWRB Newsletter, and audio files. Text and audio files that Puritan Downloads has acquire since release of the PHD may be purchased and downloaded singly at puritandownloads.com. It seems that individual PHD owners can not incorporate new text into the PHD database software and indexes.
PuritanDownloads.com
Download contents: Authors, Titles, Categories, and MP3s for the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://www.puritandownloads.com/swrb-puritan-hard-drive.html
Still Waters Revival Books, Reformation Bookshelf 30 CD Set, ISBN: 0921148674 9780921148678.
This is the WorldCat (OCLC) record for the entire 30 CD set. It gives the title of each CD. See the WorldCat (OCLC) record for each CD for a listing of the titles included on that CD. "Comprehensive Author Index Containing all the Books Found in the Entire 30 CD Reformation Bookshelf Set" is available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30. ISBN: 0921148380 9780921148388.
Reformation Eschatology at Still Waters Revival Books
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/reformation-eschatology.htm
Reformation History, a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/RefHist.htm
See the Theological Notes: "Repentance," at Acts 26:20 in Geneva Bible Notes: Reviews of the 1599 and the 1672 editions of the Notes, and of the Reformation Study Bible.God be merciful unto us, and bless us: and cause his face to shine upon us: That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. (Psalm 67:1,2)
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
*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
*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), What Must be the Nature of our National Repentance to Divert Judgment [audio file], a narration.
"Observation. It is the great rule of divine Providence, with the special seal of our Lord Christ annexed to it, I tell you, Nay; but, unless ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. When warnings for instruction are not received, they are tokens of destruction. This is a truth which none almost deny, and none almost believe. Had it been believed, many desolating judgments in former ages had been prevented; nations and cities should have abode in prosperity, which are now sunk into ruin, yea, into hell. See Luke 24: 41-44; Matthew 11:23. And were it believed in the days wherein we live, it would be the means of saving a poor nation from otherwise inevitable ruin. The state, is so with us, that, unless we repent, we shall perish."
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=81020123455967
*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.
*Poole, Matthew (1624-1679), Steven Dilday (translator), Andrew Myers (editor), The Exegetical Labors of the Reverend Matthew Poole.
The Matthew Poole Project
"The Project is dedicated to republishing the extensive literary efforts of the Reverend Matthew Poole. The cornerstone of the project is the translation of Poole's massive SYNOPSIS CRITICORUM (SYNOPSIS OF INTERPRETERS), making it available in English for the first time." -- The Matthew Poole Project
"Notes: Each volume [to date, February 2012 -- compiler], in this edition combines two separate works: A synopsis of interpreters, both critical and otherwise, of the Sacred Scriptures is printed in regular type and Annotations upon the Holy Bible is printed in bold type. Description: v.; 24 cm.
Contents:
Volume 1: Genesis 1-9
Volume 2: Genesis 10-22
Volume 3: Genesis 23-50
Volume 4: Exodus 1-18
Volume 5: Exodus 19-40
Volume 80: Revelation 1-7
Volume 81: Revelation 8-14
Volume 82: Revelation 15-22.
http://www.matthewpoole.net/index.html
*Poole, Matthew (1624-1679), Synopsis Criticorum Aliorumque Sacrae Scripturć Interpretum, 5 volumes from 1669-1676. Alternate title: SYNOPSIS CRITICORUM ALIORUMQUE SACRAE SCRIPTURAE INTERPRETUM ET COMMENTATORUM.
This is a Latin work currently being translated by the Matthew Poole Project.
"The work with which his name [Matthew Poole], is principally associated is the SYNOPSIS CRITICORUM BIBLICORUM (5 vols. fol., 1669-1676), in which he summarizes the views of one hundred and fifty biblical critics. On the suggestion of William Lloyd, Poole undertook the SYNOPSIS as a digest of biblical commentators, from 1666. . . .
"Rabbinical sources and Roman Catholic commentators are included; little is taken from John Calvin, nothing from Martin Luther.[2] The book was written in Latin and is currently being translated into English by the Matthew Poole Project.[3] Poole also wrote ENGLISH ANNOTATIONS ON THE HOLY BIBLE, a work which was completed by several of his Nonconformist brethren, and published in 2 vols. in 1683. The work was continued by others (last edition, three volumes, 1840).[4]" -- Wikipedia
*Preston, John (1587-1628), The Golden Sceptre Held Forth to the Humble. 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
*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
Stevenson, Thomas Patton, The Forgiveness of National Sin, 1900.
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.
*Williams, Daniel (1643?-1716), What Repentance of National Sins God Doth Require, as Ever we Expect National Mercies? [Sermon on Hosea x. 12. (Hosea 10:12)], 1690. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
See also: Confession of national sin and covenant renewal, The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, The protestant reformation, Background, foundation, and history of the covenanted reformation of scotland, and so forth, and so on.
The Matthew Poole Project
"The Project is dedicated to republishing the extensive literary efforts of the Reverend Matthew Poole. The cornerstone of the project is the translation of Poole's massive SYNOPSIS CRITICORUM (SYNOPSIS OF INTERPRETERS), making it available in English for the first time."
http://www.matthewpoole.net/index.html
Repentance (FGB #203)
What is Repentance? Plumer, William S. (1802-1880) | The Necessity of Repentance, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900) | Six Ingredients of Repentance, Watson. Thomas (c. 1620-1686) | Repentance or Faith: Which Comes First? Murray, John (1898-1975) | Christ Commanded Repentance, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Sin, Sinners, and Repentance, Gill, John (1697-1771) | The Fruits of Repentance, Pink, A.W. (1886-1952) | Examining our Repentance, Watson, Thomas (c. 1620-1686) | The Greatest Motive to Repentance, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Repentance and Universal Judgment, Davies, Samuel (1723-1761) | Heaven's Joy and Repentance, Payson, Edward (1783-1827)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/repefg/repentance
Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:7-11)A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. (John 3:27)
Right views of God's truth are not an intellectual attainment, but a blessing bestowed on us by God. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), He Instructed HimWho 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)
The most excellent study of expanding the soul, is the science of Christ, and Him crucified, and the knowledge of the Godhead in the glorious Trinity. -- James Innell Packer
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)
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:8-10)
He himself shall be saved, etc. It is certain that Paul speaks of those who, while always retaining the foundations, mix hay with gold, stubble with silver, and wood with precious stones -- that is, those who build upon Christ, but in consequence of the weakness of the flesh, admit something that is man's, or through ignorance turn aside to some extent from the strict purity of God's word. Such were many of the saints, Cyprian, Ambrose, Augustine, and the like. Add to these, if you choose, from those of later times, Gregory and Bernard, and others of that stamp, who, while they had it as their object to build upon Christ, did nevertheless often deviate from the right system of building. Such persons, Paul says, could be saved, but on this condition -- if the Lord wiped away their ignorance, and purged them from all dross. -- John Calvin commenting on 1 Corinthians 3:15
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
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
On the contrary, he charges them with gross and voluntary ignorance, as if he had said that, by their madness, they brought down destruction on themselves. The meaning therefore is, that the people perished because they despised instruction . . . .
Hence we draw a useful doctrine; namely, that the source of all our calamities is, that we do not allow ourselves to be taught by the word of God, and this is what the Prophet chiefly intended that we should observe. . . .
So then it is a true statement, that the reason why the people endure such a variety of afflictions is, that they are ignorant of God, and will not allow themselves to be taught by him. -- John Calvin commenting on Isaiah 5:13Where there is the greatest simplicity, there is the greatest unity; and where there is the greatest unity, there is the greatest power. -- Stephen Charnock (1628-1680)
Saint 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 (1910-1999)Truth is the only merit that gives dignity and worth to history. -- Lord Acton (1834-1902)
We are an illiterate nation incapable of understanding great truth. -- C. Gregg Singer (1910-1999)
It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance. -- Thomas Sowell
I would have you remember, ladies and gentlemen, that the Reformation was born on the wings of sound scholarship. I can not emphasis this enough, that learning and great theology, great evangelical convictions, the great evangelical fervor, and even bravery and martyrdom are not foreign to the Reformation, but they are all part of the story. We see Calvin fleeing from France. We see Archbishop Thomas Cramner putting out the hand to be burned first because that was the hand which betrayed his Lord. We hear Bishop Latimer and Bishop Ridley crying out to one another as they are being burned at the stake by Henry VIII. These men, without exception, were great scholars. The evangelical world then was floated by divine mercy and divine sovereignty on the wings of great scholarship, and desperately the church needed it then. Desperately the church needs it today. . . . Don't every come to the place where you believe that you can not be a great evangelical minister and not be a profound scholar. I would site to you Thornwell, Dabney, Palmer, and the other great leaders of our church, the Southern Church . . . I remind you of the Hodges and the Alexanders, and so on, in American church history to support this thesis. Time does not permit me to recite the list of those who lead the Reformation, who were equally great scholars. -- C. Gregg Singer, in the lecture Speaking on Calvinism
Down through the ages there have been only a few great Christian scholars, but God had given them to us when they were needed. -- C. Gregg Singer
So many times people in the pew and the pulpit say, well how did all this get started? How did psychology descend to its present level? . . . How did political science produce our political thought, produce the dictatorships which are engulfing the modern world? Why are we in the economic mess in which we are today? Why is sociology such a jumble of immorality? Why is education as it is today? Why is art so meaningless? . . . Why is modern music an affront to the modern ears as well as to the mind and ear of God? . . . Why are all these things!? . . .
I would suggest to you that if you will follow this course with thought and care, you will finally come to see the answer to the questions which haunt us today in Western society." -- Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), in the Apologetics series of 24 lectures using FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY: THE DECLINE OF THE WESTERN MIND FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO THE PRESENT (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=2250511453The Reformation is the revival of Augustine. Augustine came to his own in the Reformers. . . .
Charles Hodge, in his SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY, three volumes, declares that the Reformation was a revival of Augustine. Now, there is no doubt, students, that when Luther was so distressed in mind, so distressed in spirit, when he entered the monastery in 1505, and came under the powerful influence of Von Staupitz, Von Staupitz said, "My son, my son, read Saint Augustine. Martin my son, read the blessed Saint Paul, Martin read the blessed Saint Paul, Martin read Augustine." And after a struggle of some years Martin Luther walked out in the fullness and the brightness of the light of Justification by Faith.
And when Luther had done his greatest work, in 1536 in the city of Basil, there was published THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION by a man, who at that time, was 27 years of age. And around Calvin were gathered the great forces of Reformers. Luther spoke for Germany, but Calvin spoke for the whole Christian world in Western Europe, for Hungry, for Poland, for southern Germany, for The Netherlands, for the French Huguenots, for the Calvinists in Spain and Italy, for the Calvinists in England and Scotland, and at Wales and Ireland. And the Church was once again brought into a position of great strength in its contact with Philosophy. . . .
In other words, students, because Calvin so emphasized the Doctrine of the Covenant, because he so emphasized the fullness and the necessity of revelation, because he so emphasized the Sovereignty of God, what did he give the Church? He gave the Church the message founded upon the truth, grounded in the truth, a Christian Theism. . . I am saying this, that when you have a truly biblically oriented, centered theology, comprehending and including the whole counsel of God, the Church is well armed to meet the conflict of culture. For the real conflict is Christian Theology verses all the ideologies, verses all the philosophies, which rage around her today. . . .
But the more pure her theology, the greater will be the conflict. The communists do not care about tearing down liberal Christianity. Now, that theology, which is most biblical, that church which holds that theology which is most biblical, will be the object of violent attack. Humanly speaking these men are correct, because if they can destroy biblical theology, that is found in Calvinism, the whole edifice will fall. . . .
Calvin and his cohorts provided for the Western mind a biblical rationalism. By that I mean a world and life view which made it possible for the Christian man to view reality after God, to think his thought concerning history, literature, music, art, philosophy, education, economic activity, and so on, thinking, in all these areas, God's thought after him. In other words, they provided a biblical . . . world and life view, a biblical view of all things, which was rational in the sense that when you see things as God sees them, even though we do it analogically, and, of course, never perfectly, but when we begin to see things as God sees them, we begin to see them in the right perspective, which is rational in the biblical sense. We see the purpose and meaning of everything in a biblical perspective. It is not truth achieved by us, it is God's revealed truth overwhelming our minds, in one sense, making us captive to his thinking, and giving us, as Paul said, a sense of all things have become new to us. We see them in the new light.
Now, in this book [FROM RATIONALISM (the Renaissance sense of "rationalism" -- compiler), TO IRRATIONALITY], I have been frankly supporting Calvinism as the answer.
Now let me make a point here in my discussion of the Reformation. I am not saying that other reformers were not Christian. I am certainly not saying that. I am not saying that other reformers did not make a significant contribution. . . . -- C. Gregg Singer in Apologetics #03: Classical and Medieval Thought #3
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 81 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=2250511637Then, 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 RepublicOurs is not an age of thinking or reading to the great detriment of the church and the souls of men. Unless the church and individual professing Christians wake up, most will live out their lives believing falsehoods and when they die will wake up in hell for all eternity. -- Arthur Pink, The Broad Way and the Narrow Way
The name Tolle Lege comes from St. Augustine's autobiographical work CONFESSIONS. Translated from the Latin and pronounced tol-lay lah-jhay, it means, take up and read. Augustine used this phrase when relating his own conversion experience as he described how God used a sentence in the New Testament (Romans 13:13,14), to suddenly convert him:
But when a profound reflection had, from the secret depths of my soul, drawn together and heaped up all my misery before the sight of my heart, there arose a mighty storm, accompanied by as mighty a shower of tears . . . . I flung myself down, how, I know not, under a certain fig-tree, giving free course to my tears, and the streams of mine eyes gushed out, an acceptable sacrifice unto Thee. And, not indeed in these words, yet to this effect, spake I much unto Thee, -- But Thou, O Lord, how long? -- How long, Lord? Wilt Thou be angry for ever? Oh, remember not against us former iniquities; for I felt that I was enthralled by them. I sent up these sorrowful cries, -- How long, how long? Tomorrow, and tomorrow? Why not now? Why is there not this hour an end to my uncleanness?As the apostle says to Timothy, so also he says to every-one, Give yourself to reading. [1 Timothy 4:13] . . . He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains proves that he has no brains of his own . . . You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible . . . the best way for you to spend your leisure is to be either reading or praying. -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)
I was saying these things and weeping in the most bitter contrition of my heart, when, lo, I heard the voice as of a boy or girl, I know not which, coming from a neighbouring house, chanting, and oft repeating, Take up and read; take up and read. Immediately my countenance was changed, and I began most earnestly to consider whether it was usual for children in any kind of game to sing such words; nor could I remember ever to have heard the like. So, restraining the torrent of my tears, I rose up, interpreting it no other way than as a command to me from Heaven to open the book, and to read the first chapter I should light upon . . . I grasped, opened, and in silence read that paragraph on which my eyes first fell, -- Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. No further would I read, nor did I need; for instantly, as the sentence ended, -- by a light, as it were, of security infused into my heart, -- all the gloom of doubt vanished away. -- The Confessions of St. Augustine (Book 8, Chapter 12), as quoted at the Tolle Lege Press websiteAutodidact: A self-taught person.
Each famous author of antiquity whom I recall places a new offence and another cause of dishonor to the charge of later generations, who, not satisfied with their own disgraceful barrenness, permitted the fruit of other minds and the writings that their ancestors had produced by toil and application, to perish through insufferable neglect. Although they had nothing of their own to hand down to those who were to come after, they robbed posterity of its ancestral heritage. -- Petrarch (1304-1374)
The time will come when diligent research over long periods will bring to light things which now lie hidden. A single lifetime, even though entirely devoted to the sky, would not be enough for the investigation of so vast a subject . . . And so this knowledge will be unfolded only through long successive ages. There will come a time when our descendants will be amazed that we did not know things that are so plain to them . . . Many discoveries are reserved for ages still to come, when memory of us will have been effaced. -- Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 BC to 65 AD) in Natural Questions
Many of the celebrated makers of the modern world have been shown up for their devious handling of truth in some aspect of their thinking or their lives -- including Rousseau, Shelley, Marx, Ibsen, Tolstoy, Hemingway, Brecht, Bertrand Russell, Sartre, Margaret Mead and others. Yet these are the men and women of ideas who have risen up to overthrow the guardians of traditional Western society, and who on the basis of the brilliance of their minds are now trusted to diagnose our ills, prescribe our remedies and direct the future for our children and for the world. -- Os Guinness, Fool's Talk: Recovering the Art of Christian Persuasion, pp. 79-80
Experts of every kind are in the perfect position to exploit you. -- from the Contents of Freakonomics: A Rogue Economists Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
Above all, we must at all times remember what intellectuals habitually forget: that people matter more than concepts and must come first. The worst of all despotisms is the heartless tyranny of ideas. -- Paul M. Johnson, his concluding statement in Intellectuals: From Marx and Tolstoy to Sartre and Chomsky
Theological acumen should never be viewed as a substitute for godly piety. -- Jon D. Payne
"Give thyself unto reading." The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. -- C.H. Spurgeon
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. (John 21:25)
Averitt, Richard C., The Scriptural Teaching Regarding Christian Scholarship (Dissertation: Thesis [M.A.] -- Wheaton College, 1953).
*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
*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Commentary on the Prophet Isaiah, 4 books, published in 2 volumes, ISBN: 0801024404. A Christian classic. Available in CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES, a 22-book series, online, and in various other formats.
"Of all commentators I believe Calvin to be the most candid. . . . He was no trimmer and pruner of texts. He gave their meaning as far as he knew it." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"I know of no man since the Apostles' days whom I value and honor more than Calvin, and whose judgment in all things, one with another, I more esteem and come nearer to." -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
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. [see Warfield, CALVIN AND AUGUSTINE -- compiler]. 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. 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. -- C. Gregg Singer in Speaking on Calvinism, a lectureThere seem to be very few commentaries on Chronicles from Reformed writers. Both Chronicles and Isaiah cover the reign of good King Hezekiah. Probably this is one reason Calvin did not comment on Chronicles. Isaiah covers the themes of Chronicles with the addition of the prophesy of the Messiah.
*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, Jean (John, 1509-1564), Theodore de Beza, Robert Estienne, Academiae de Geneve, Leges Academiae Genevensis. Alternate title (French): L'ORDRE DU COLLEGE DE GENEUE. Language: Latin.
"First edition of the new Academy of Geneva founded by John Calvin. It contains the complete speeches made at the inauguration by John Calvin and Theodore de Beza, the first Rector of the Academy. Also a complete outline of the curriculum, from seventh to first grade, with a complete reading list in classical authors for each grade, and the by-laws and regulations for appointing the faculty. One of the two imprints by Robert Estienne to bear the place of publication as Geneva."
*Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), A Christian View of Men and Things, ISBN: 1891777009 9781891777004.
"It is important to learn many subjects in detail, but it is equally important to understand the whole picture. How does Christianity relate to history, politics, ethics, science, human religions, and the study of knowledge? This book carefully and clearly answers those questions. It may be studies with profit by teachers and parents . . . Clark's command of both worldly philosophy and Scripture is evident on every page, and the result is a breathtaking and invigorating challenge to the wisdom of this world." -- The Trinity Foundation
Contents: Foreword, Introduction; The Philosophy of History; The Philosophy of Politics; Ethics; Science; Religion; Epistemology; Index; Scripture Index.
"It was a Christian view of men and things that created and sustained Western civilization. It is a Christian view of things and men that gives us truth about history, science, religion, ethics, politics, and philosophy. . . . Gordon Clark demonstrates that it is Christianity, and Christianity alone, that offers hope both for this world and the world to come." -- Publisher
In Chapter V, "Science," Clark makes, among many others, the following points: "Theism gives coherence to history, politics, and ethics, whereas naturalism does not. . . . Christian theism furnishes a basis for significance in history, orderly freedom in government, and a life that is still called respectable west of the iron curtain. . . . Scientific laws are not discovered but are chosen. . . . Not only are scientific laws non-empirical, they must indeed be false. . . . The fallacy of asserting the consequent is invalid whenever used. But it is precisely this fallacy that is used in every case of scientific verification. . . . There is a prior and much more important question: What is the purpose of science? . . . If there are any scientific facts, they are unattainable values with zero variable error. . . . No scientific or observational proof can be given for the uniformity of nature. . . . Science is incapable of arriving at any truth whatever. . . . Ethics and history do not depend on science, but science depends on them. . . ."
Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), The Johannine Logos (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931222 9780940931220.
"Clark analyzes the relationship between Christ, who is the truth, and the Bible. He explains why John used the same word to refer to both Christ and his teaching. Chapters deal with the Prologue to John's Gospel, Logos and Rheemata, Truth, and Saving Faith.
"Yet how is Christ, who is the truth, related to the truths of the Bible? That is the question Gordon Clark answers in this book. His answer explains why contemporary religion has little to do with Christianity, for religion has moved far away from what the Bible, especially the Gospel of John, says about truth." -- The Trinity Foundation
*Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), The Philosophy of Science and Belief in God, ISBN: 0940931850 9780940931855.
"Through most of its history, modern science has been at war with Christianity. This little book ends the battles, for it demonstrates that science cannot argue against the truth of Scripture, for the methods of science can never prove anything true. Written by the chairman of the philosophy department at Butler University, this book may be studied with profit by teachers, parents, and students." -- Publisher
"THIS IS THE BOOK to confound anyone who is putting faith and trust in science." -- Jay P. Green Sr.
Includes bibliography and indexes.
"In this book the late philosopher Gordon H. Clark takes a critical look at the fundamental workings of the scientific method and demonstrates that science is incapable of discovering truth. Science is a collection of useful falsehoods, which we may use to manipulate and control nature. It is useful for giving us technology and for providing working theories of the natural world, but these theories are forever that -- theories. They can be proven false, and often are proven false, but no scientific theory can ever be proven true. Therefore the modern fascination with science (which borders almost on idolization), is misguided. Since science cannot discover truth, science has nothing to say about the existence of God, or the truths of Christianity and the Bible. These things are outside the domain of science. This means that there is no fundamental conflict between religion and science, once science is properly understood. Truth does not come from science, but is, rather, a gift revealed to us by God in the pages of the Bible. This book is well worth one's careful study." -- Reader's Comment
Clark, Gordon Haddon (1902-1985), The Works of Gordon Haddon Clark, Volume 5: Modern Philosophy, 417 pages (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 2008), ISBN: 9781891777202 1891777203.
"MODERN PHILOSOPHY is Volume 5 of The Works of Gordon Haddon Clark. MODERN PHILOSOPHY combines five of Dr. Clark's books confuting modern philosophy and philosophers: THE PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE AND BELIEF IN GOD, BEHAVIORISM AND CHRISTIANITY, LANGUAGE AND THEOLOGY, WILLIAM JAMES, and JOHN DEWEY. These books compose a brilliant refutation of the major figures and movements of twentieth-century philosophy: Bertrand Russell, Ludwig Wittgenstein, William James, John Dewey, Gilbert Ryle, John Watson, Edgar Singer, B.F. Skinner, A.J. Ayer, Herbert Feigl, and Rudolf Carnap. Clark subjects the notions that science discovers truth, that language is inadequate, that mind is a myth, and that Christianity is fiction to withering logical examination and demonstrates them all to be false. Science discovers no truth, language is completely adequate to express meaning and truth, intellect is indispensable, and Christianity is truth revealed by God." -- The Trinity Foundation
Contents: The Philosophy of Science and Belief in God, Behaviorism and Christianity, Language and Theology, William James, and John Dewey.
*Crampton, W. Gary, The Scripturalism of Gordon H. Clark (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 1999), ISBN: 0940931532 9780940931534.
"Gordon Clark was one of the clearest thinking and clearest writing theologians and philosophers of the twentieth century, yet one of the least influential. By engaging the philosophical thought of the past 2,500 years, Dr. Clark achieved what no thinker before him had done: a complete revolution in philosophy. Dr. Gary Crampton is one of the few scholars who understands the significance of what Dr. Clark has done, and he explains it clearly and concisely in this introduction to Dr. Clark's thought." -- Publisher
Contents: Introduction
Part 1: Knowledge; Epistemology; Three Methods of Epistemology; Christian Epistemology; General and Special Revelation; Epistemology and Soteriology; Revelation and Apologetics; Knowledge and Opinion; Epistemological Limitations and the Language of Scripture
Part 2: Scripture; Progressive Revelation; Canonization of Scripture; the Inspiration of Scripture; The Nature and Extent of Inspiration; The Attributes of Scripture; The Witness of the Bible and Church History; Original Manuscripts, Copies, and Translations; The Authority and Sufficiency of Scripture; The Law and the Gospel; Law and Love; Biblical Hermeneutics and Application; Theology and Philosophy; Scripture and Biblical Institutions; Conclusion; Index; Scripture Index
*Crampton, W. Gary, By Scripture Alone: The Sufficiency of Scripture (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 2002), ISBN: 0940931591 9780940931596.
"Over the centuries, the enemies of Christianity, with Satanic shrewdness, have focused their attacks on the Bible, the Word of God, knowing that the surest way to discredit Christianity is to discredit its source. Those enemies -- rationalist and mystic, empiricist and scientific, religious and irreligious -- have denied the clarity, the truthfulness, the sufficiency, the accuracy, and the divine origin of the 66 books of the Bible. They have done so in order to support their own claims that another document (such as the KORAN or the BOOK OF MORMON), or an organization (such as the Roman Church-State or the Greek Orthodox Church), or an experience (such as visions and intuitions), or a method (such as scientific experimentalism), or a man (such as the pope), are the genuine source of knowledge.
"BY SCRIPTURE ALONE is an articulate and reasoned defense of the principal doctrine of Christianity, The Bible alone is the Word of God, against one of Christianity's most persistent and determined foes: Roman Catholicism." -- Publisher
"Metaphorically speaking, then, as Gordon Clark taught, the first chapter of the Confession [The Westminster Confession of Faith in its original form, 1646], stands as a 'continental divide.' The Word of God, which has been the touchstone of pure doctrine throughout the centuries, forms a great divide between Christianity and all other types of thought. In 'Of the Holy Scripture' the Westminster divines discuss (among other things), the necessity of Scripture, the identity of Scripture, the inspiration of Scripture, the authority of Scripture, the self-authentication of Scripture, the sufficiency of Scripture, the clarity of Scripture, the transmission and preservation of Scripture, the interpretation of Scripture, and the finality of Scripture, all of which are essential for a proper understanding of the Word of God. And it is because of these essential marks or attributes of the Bible that the Reformers held to the principle of sola Scriptura: Scripture alone has a systematic monopoly on truth; it is the sole criterion of truth. This is why the Preface of the 1611 King James Version described the Bible as 'A Pandect [complete body], of Profitable Laws, against Rebellious Spirits.'
"To ignore, reject, or attack any one of these attributes is to ignore, reject, or attack the Word of God and the God of the Word. We are forbidden to add to or to take away from the written Word of God (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19). Yet, it is precisely at this point that opponents of Christianity -- modernists, Pentecostal-Charismatics, Greek Orthodox, and Roman Catholics -- have made their most determined attacks on Christianity, that is, at the foundation. The most vehement opponent and enemy of God and the true church through the centuries has been the one the Confession (25:6), calls the Antichrist himself: 'the pope of Rome,' the Roman Church-State. 'The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent' go so far as to anathematize anyone who adheres to the Reformed doctrine of sola Scriptura. This is why William Whitaker wrote: 'If ever any heresies have impiously outraged the Holy Scripture of God, we may justly rank the papists [Roman Catholics] . . . with this class of men, who pervert things most sacred'."
*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), A Discourse on the use and Results of Church History.
"Delivered by Robert L. Dabney, May 8, 1854, at his induction into the professorship of Ecclesiastical History and Polity in Union Theological Seminary, Virginia." -- Publisher
Diekema, Anthony J., Academic Freedom and Christian Scholarship, 214 pages, ISBN: 0802847560.
"This book reflects on the scholarly literature on academic freedom and the personal experience of an educator with 20 years experience as a college president. The book offers a balanced approach which develops a working definition of academic freedom, assesses the threats it faces, acknowledges the significance of academic freedom, and explores educational policy implications for Christian colleges. The chapters are: (1) Introduction; (2) The Search for Definition; (3) Threats to Academic Freedom; (4) Academic Freedom in the Context of Worldview; (5) Policy Development in the Christian College: Modest Proposals; and (6) Reflections: Toward an Ethos of Freedom. An appendix contains the expanded mission statement for Calvin College (contains 254 references)."
Douma, Doug J., Presbyterian Philosopher: The Authorized Biography of Gordon H. Clark, ISBN: 9781532607257 1532607253.
"This is the story of Gordon Clark (1902-85), respected philosopher and prolific writer, who held that Christianity, as a logically coherent system, is superior to all other philosophies. Clark fought no wars and conquered no kingdoms. Yet he was a leading figure in many theological wars fought for the Kingdom of God. These battles for the minds and souls of men were every bit as crucial as physical wars between nations.
"In an age of increasing secularization, he put up an intellectual defense of the Christian faith. This faith, he believed, was a system. All of its parts link together, a luxury of no other philosophy. His stance shows a Christianity that is in fact intellectual, not relying on appeals to emotion or experience.
"In propounding this view, he encountered frequent opposition, not from the secular world, but from within his own denomination. This biography helps explain why his thought was so profound, why resistance mounted against him, and how his struggles impacted American Presbyterianism. Additionally, this book calls for a reappraisal of Clark's views, which have been maligned by controversy. Understanding and applying his views could significantly fortify Christians combating irrational and non-systematic ideas prevalent in today's churches." -- Publisher
Federer, William J. (compiler), America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations, ISBN: 1880563053 9781880563052 1880563096 9781880563090 1880563134 9781880563137.
"An invaluable resource highlighting America's noble heritage, profound quotes from founding fathers, presidents, statesmen, scientists, constitutions, court decisions . . . for use in speeches, papers, debates, essays . . ." -- Publisher
Amerisearch
https://americanminute.com/
*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., et al., Tributes to John Calvin: A Celebration of his Quincentenary, ISBN: 9781596380967 1596380969.
"The essays in TRIBUTES TO JOHN CALVIN: A CELEBRATION OF HIS QUINCENTENARY illuminate Calvin's times, thought and legacy, and provide a celebratory tribute to one of the most influential people in history.
"This book commemorates the quincentenary of Calvin's birth (July 10, 1509), and attests to the remarkable fact that a French religious leader from a tiny village is still remembered half a millennium later. Twenty-three leading Calvin scholars exhibit a firm understanding of Calvin's era, theology, and the heritage he bequeathed the church. Their articles cover Calvin's theology, soteriology, and ecclesiology, as well as his doctrines of assurance, worship, and Scripture. They examine Calvin as a Frenchman, lawyer, and liturgist. Other articles explore Calvin's impact on the arts, Calvinism in Asia, and the influential women in Calvin's life." -- Publisher
Holmgren, Fredrick Carlson, The Old Testament and the Significance of Jesus: Embracing Change -- Maintaining Christian Identity: The Emerging Center in Biblical Scholarship, 204 pages, ISBN: 0802844537 9780802844538.
*James, Kevin, Corruption of the Word (Williamsburg, NM [Micro-Load Press, Box 92 St. Rt., Williamsburg 87942]: MicroLoad Press), ISBN: 0962442003 9780962442001.
"This book developed from the discovery of the author that there were some very important differences in various versions of the Bible. When he asked fellow Christians and pastors why there were certain passages missing from the new versions, he was met with a shrug, or a lack of interest . . . James has done a wonderful job of isolating the differences between the advocates of the handful of maverick MSS B and Aleph, and those supporting the majority of the MSS. He gives many instances of heretical changes of the first three centuries which are repeated in the modern versions. And he names the MSS (usually 4 or 5), which contain those heresies. He shows that often these changes, especially omissions, were made to support their theory that Jesus was a created creature, or at best a secondary god.
"The author has done a tremendous amount of work. He gives many comparisons. He does a good job of bringing out the many points seen in Burgon's works. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Johnson, Paul, Intellectuals: From Marx and Tolstoy to Sartre and Chomsky, ISBN: 0061253170 9780061253171.
"The trail of the intellectuals is filled with radicalism and perversion. It is very interesting to see the men and women behind the theories and ideas that have greatly influenced culture in the past few centuries. Intellectuals may be brilliant in art or have a certain area of expertise, but when an intellectual begins to express influence in an area outside of where he or she has proven his or her mastery of a subject, beware. 'A dozen people picked at random on the street are at least as likely to offer sensible views on moral and political matters as a cross-section of the intelligentsia.' But I would go further. One of the principal lessons of our tragic century, which has seen so many millions of innocent lives sacrificed in schemes to improve the lot of humanity, is -- beware intellectuals. Not merely should they be kept well away from the levers of power, they should also be objects of particular suspicion when they seek to offer collective advice. Beware committees, conferences and leagues of intellectuals. Distrust public statements issued from their serried ranks. Discount their verdicts on political leaders and important events." -- Reader's Comment
Johnson, Gary L.W. and R. Fowler White, Whatever Happened to the Reformation? ISBN: 0875521835 9780875521831.
*Machen, Gresham J., Education, Christianity and the State, ISBN: 0940931192 9780940931190.
"Machen was one of the foremost educators, theologians, and defenders of Christianity in the twentieth century. The author of numerous scholarly books, Machen saw clearly that if Christianity is to survive and flourish, a system of Christian grade schools must be established. This collection of essays captures his thought on education over nearly three decades.
"What role does the government have to play in education? What is the relationship between faith and knowledge? Is scholarship important, or is education the same as training? This book has been adopted as required reading by a large college in Florida. It may be studied with profit by teachers, parents, and students. Contents include: Faith and Knowledge, The Importance of Christian Scholarship, Christianity and Culture, Reforming the Government Schools, The Necessity of The Christian School, Shall We Have a Federal Department of Education? Proposed Department of Education, The Christian School: The Hope of America, Westminster Theological Seminary: Its Purpose and Plan." -- The Trinity Foundation
Machen, J. Gresham, The Importance of Christian Scholarship, 43 pages.
MacLeod, A. Donald, W. Stanford Reid: An Evangelical Calvinist in the Academy (Mcgill-Queen's Studies in the History of Religion. McGill-Queen's University Press, November 2004), 401 pages, ISBN: 0773527702 9780773527706.
"W. Stanford Reid's career affected both university and religious life in Canada during the post-war period. Donald MacLeod traces Reid's career in the university, first at McGill, where Reid was a history professor for twenty-four years as well as dean of residences, and then at the University of Guelph, where he set up a history department, organized a large graduate program, and created a Scottish Studies emphasis.
"MacLeod's in-depth analysis examines how an observant Christian academic, unapologetically Calvinist, openly articulated his faith in a secular environment and helped convince evangelicals to abandon their ghettoizing anti-intellectualism. His discussion of Reid's international networking serves as a reminder of the way in which Canadian evangelicalism was influenced by and in turn influenced the United States, where Reid's influence was appreciable, both as a trustee of Westminster Seminary for thirty-seven years and as editor at large of the nascent Christianity Today. W. STANFORD REID is a poignant, in-depth investigation of the life of a man whose career spanned academia and church." -- Publisher
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.
*Meyer, Stephen C., Darwin's Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the Case for Intelligent Design, ISBN: 9780062071477, 9780062071484, 9780062071491, 0062071475, 0062071483, 0062071491.
"Charles Darwin knew that there was a significant event in the history of life that his theory did not explain. In what is known today as the 'Cambrian explosion,' 530 million years ago many animals suddenly appeared in the fossil record without apparent ancestors in earlier layers of rock. In DARWIN'S DOUBT Stephen C. Meyer tells the story of the mystery surrounding this explosion of animal life -- a mystery that has intensified, not only because the expected ancestors of these animals have not been found, but also because scientists have learned more about what it takes to construct an animal. Expanding on the compelling case he presented in his last book, SIGNATURE IN THE CELL, Meyer argues that the theory of intelligent design -- which holds that certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection -- is ultimately the best explanation for the origin of the Cambrian animals." -- Publisher
Miethe, Terry L., Augustinian Bibliography, 1970-1980: With Essays on the Fundamentals of Augustinian Scholarship, 218 pages, ISBN: 0313226296 9780313226298.
North, Gary, Foundations of Christian Scholarship: Essays in the Van Til Perspective, ISBN: 1879998254, 372 pages.
Of particular interest in this collection of papers are the following:
"PART ONE -- EPISTEMOLOGICAL CRITICISM
Chapter 1 -- The Epistemological Crisis of American Universities -- by Gary North
Chapter 2 -- The Quest for Common Ground -- by Rousas Rushdoony
PART TWO -- ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES
Chapter 3 -- Psychology -- by Rousas Rushdoony
Chapter 4 -- History -- by C. Gregg Singer [Dr. Singer addresses "The Problem of Historical Interpretation" -- compiler]
Chapter 5 -- Economics -- by Gary North
Chapter 6 -- Education -- by William Blake
Chapter 7 -- Political Science -- by Lawrence Pratt
Chapter 8 -- Sociology -- by Gary North
Chapter 9 -- Mathematics -- by Vern Poythress"
*Owen, John (1616-1683), William H. Goold (editor), The Complete Works of John Owen, 23 volumes (The Banner of Truth). Christian classic.
"[John Owen -- compiler] 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
"I owe more to John Owen than to any other theologian, ancient or modern; and I owe more to [THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN -- compiler] than to anything else he wrote." -- J.I. Packer
https://banneroftruth.org/us/resources/articles/2013/packer-on-owen-on-mortification/
"To master his works is to be a profound theologian." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"John Owen's treatises on INDWELLING SIN IN BELIEVERS [see: TEMPTATION AND SIN,] and THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN [see: THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN IN BELIEVERS] are, in my opinion, the most helpful writings on personal holiness ever written." -- Jerry Bridges
"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
Note: "The Goold edition of John Owen's works originally comprised seventeen volumes, with a further seven volumes published as the EXPOSITION OF HEBREWS, these being numbered volumes 18-24. In the present republication of the Goold edition, volume 17, largely made up of the author's Latin writings, has not been reprinted. The only material in English in that volume, Posthumous sermons and three discourses suitable to the Lord's supper, is added to volume 16 of the present set. The first volume on Hebrews has become volume 17.
"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)
Volume 1: The Glory of Christ, ISBN: 0851511236, 9780851511238. The Glory of Christ, ISBN: 0851516610 9780851516615. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"In THE GLORY OF CHRIST . . . we have the great Puritan pastor and theologian, John Owen, at his richest and most mature. Here he writes about Jesus Christ, the heart of the Gospel, with biblical insight and understanding that is at times almost overwhelming for a contemporary reader.
"These chapters were written during the final period of Owen's life, and began simply in his personal meditation and study, before being shared with others in public ministry. Deep love for, and fervent devotion to Christ, is evident on every page. Owen had already seen the glory of Christ from afar and pondered long on its significance. Here he speaks from his proximity to eternity, and teaches us how to see Christ more clearly and to serve him more faithfully.
"The publishers are convinced that THE GLORY OF CHRIST is a spiritual treasure-cave to which many readers will return again and again throughout the whole of their lives. Its sole purpose is to renew and deepen devotion to Jesus Christ." -- Publisher
Contains: Life of Owen, the Person of Christ, Glory of Christ, and two short catechisms.*Volume 2: Communion With God, vol. 2 of WORKS, ISBN: 0851511244 9780851511245. Alternate title: OF COMMUNION WITH GOD THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST (EACH PERSON DISTINCTLY), IN LOVE, GRACE, AND CONSOLATION: OR, THE SAINTS FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST, UNFOLDED. BY JOHN OWEN, D.D. Available (COMMUNION WITH GOD, MP3 only), [audio file], on the Puritan Hard Drive.
See also: COMMUNION WITH GOD, the Puritan Paperback Series edition, abridged and made easy to read by R.J.K. Law, ISBN: 0851516076 9780851516073. A Christian classic.
"Contains: COMMUNION WITH THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY, and more."
"John Owen (1616-1683), believed that communion with God lies at the heart of the Christian life. With Paul he recognized that through the Son we have access by the Spirit to the Father. He never lost the sense of amazement expressed by John: 'Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.' In this outstanding book he explains the nature of this communion and describes the many privileges it brings.
"COMMUNION WITH GOD was written in a day, like our own, when the doctrine of the Trinity was under attack and the Christian faith was being reduced either to rationalism on the one hand or mysticism on the other. His exposition shows that nothing is more vital to spiritual well-being than a practical knowledge of what this doctrine means. . .
"One of the greatest Christian classics of all time . . ." -- Publisher
Owen, Of Communion With God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost or, The Saints Fellowship With the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Unfolded (1763)
http://archive.org/details/communionwithgo00owengoogVolume 3: The Holy Spirit, ISBN: 0851511252 9780851511252. Alternate title: HOLY SPIRIT GIFTS AND POWER: EXPOSITION OF THE SPIRIT'S NAME, NATURE, PERSONALITY, DISPENSATION, OPERATIONS AND EFFECTS. A Christian classic.
"Contains: Work of the Holy Spirit, His name, personality, operations, effects, work in regeneration, in the Old Testament, work on the mind, in sanctification, mortification of sin, and more."
John Newton calls Owen's discourse on the Holy Spirit, "An epitome, if not the masterpiece of his writings."
"Goodwin (THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR SALVATION), and Owen were both excellent expositors. Goodwin interpreted by the insight of a renewed heart, Owen by the patient and prayerful study of words and phrases. . . . These two books complement one another. Together they form a definitive answer to virtually every book concerning the Holy Spirit which has appeared since these two were written in the 17th century . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"I owe more to John Owen than to any other theologian, ancient or modern; and I owe more to [THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN -- compiler] than to anything else he wrote." -- J.I. PackerVolume 4: The Work of the Spirit. A Christian classic. Alternate title: PNEUMATOLOGIA, OR, A DISCOURSE CONCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT: WHEREIN AN ACCOUNT IS GIVEN OF HIS NAME, NATURE, PERSONALITY, DISPENSATION, OPERATIONS, AND EFFECTS: HIS WHOLE WORK IN THE OLD AND NEW CREATION IS EXPLAINED, THE DOCTRINE CONCERNING IT VINDICATED FROM OPPOSITIONS AND REPROACHES . . . ISBN: 9780851510682 085151068X.
"This volume continues the very detailed study of the last volume, and contains new sections on the work of the Spirit in prayer, as the Comforter, and a discourse on the Gifts of the Spirit."
Volume 5: Faith and its Evidences, ISBN: 9780851510675 0851510671. A Christian classic. Alternate title: THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH, EVIDENCES OF THE FAITH OF GOD'S ELECT, and DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH
Contains a detailed discussion of Justification, its foundation, purpose, results, and extent. Also several chapters on just exactly what was imputed to us by Christ's work."
John Owen on Justification
http://www.ccel.org/owen/justification/justification.txt
*Volume 6: Temptation and Sin, ISBN: 9780851511269 0851511260. A Christian classic.
"Contains sections on: Mortification of sin, temptation, indwelling sin, and an exposition of Psalm 130."
"I owe more to John Owen than to any other theologian, ancient or modern; and I owe more to [THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN -- compiler] than to anything else he wrote." -- J.I. Packer
"John Owen's treatises on INDWELLING SIN IN BELIEVERS [see: TEMPTATION AND SIN,] and THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN [see: THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN IN BELIEVERS] are, in my opinion, the most helpful writings on personal holiness ever written." -- Jerry Bridges
Owen, John (1616-1683), The Mortification of Sin in Believers: Containing the Necessity, Nature, and Means of it. With a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto belonging. By John Owen, D.D. . . .
On the Mortification of sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), [audio file]
Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, [audio file], and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628
*Volume 7: Sin and Grace, ISBN: 9780851511276 0851511279. A Christian classic. Alternate title: A TREATISE OF THE DOMINION OF SIN AND GRACE. . . . BY THE LATE PIOUS AND LEARNED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, JOHN OWEN, D.D.
"Contains: Nature and causes of apostasy from the Gospel, duty of being spiritually minded, treatise on the dominion of Sin, and Grace."
*Volume 8: 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."
*Volume 9: Sermons to the Church, ISBN: 0851510655 9780851510651. A Christian classic.
"Contains 83 sermons: Fourteen which resolve practical cases of conscience, twenty-five intended as preparations to the Lord's Table, and others of various Gospel subjects."
*Volume 10: The Death of Christ, vol. 10 of WORKS, ISBN: 0851510647 9780851510644. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also found in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, Volume 10, ISBN: 9780851510644 0851510647.
"Greatest Biblical apologetic on the specific and limited nature of the atoning work of Christ in print. Contains discussions on Arminianism, the death of death in the death of Christ, Divine justice, and also discusses, in detail, many views of the atonement that certain men and groups held (and still hold)." -- Publisher
"THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST is a polemical work, designed to show, among other things, that the doctrine of universal redemption is unscriptural and destructive of the gospel. . . . Those who see no need for doctrinal exactness and have no time for theological debates which show up divisions between so-called Evangelicals may well regret its reappearance. Some may find the very sound of Owen's thesis so shocking that they will refuse to read his book at all. . . . But . . . there are signs today of a new upsurge of interest in the theology of the Bible: a new readiness to test traditions, to search the Scriptures and to think through the faith. It is to those who share this readiness that Owen's treatise is now offered, in the belief that it will help us in one of the most urgent tasks facing evangelical Christendom today -- the recovery of the Gospel.
"It is safe to say that no comparable exposition of the work of redemption as planned and executed by the Triune Jehovah has ever been done since Owen published his in 1684. None has been needed.
"Owen's interpretation of the texts . . . is sure; his power of theological construction is superb; nothing that needs discussing is omitted, and . . . no arguments for or against his position have been used since his day which he has not himself noted and dealt with. . . . Owen's work is a constructive, broad-based biblical analysis of the heart of the gospel, and must be taken seriously as such. . . Nobody has a right to dismiss the doctrine of the limitedness . . . of the atonement as a monstrosity of Calvinistic logic until he has refuted Owen's proof that it is part of the uniform biblical presentation of redemption, clearly taught in plain text after plain text. And nobody has done that yet." -- J.I. Packer, from the Introduction
"Packer's well balanced definition of Calvinism in the introduction to that volume [John Owen's THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST], is by far the best we have seen in 42 years of intensive reading." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/owen/deathofdeath
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Being a Treatise of the Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ; Wherein the whole controversy about universal redemption is fully discussed: In four parts (1792)
http://archive.org/details/deathofdeathinde00owen
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, including J.I. Packer's Introduction by John Owen
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ (Limited Atonement), 1 of 33, [audio file]
An audio file reading by Still Waters Revival Books from THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Currently (October 2018), there are 77 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, [audio file], and listening on iPhone, mobile phones, and MPE players.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=47081639571*Volume 11: Continuing in the Faith, ISBN: 0851511287 9780851511283. A Christian classic.
"Contains detailed Biblical arguments for the perseverance of the saints. Also has chapters which answer arguments against the doctrine of perseverance of the saints. Very detailed and complete work on the subject."
Volume 12: The Gospel Defended, ISBN: 0851511295 9780851511290. A Christian classic.
"Contains chapters on: the mystery of the Gospel, the death of Christ, Justification, and an examination of Socinianism."
Volume 13: 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."
Volume 14: True and False Religion, ISBN: 0851510620 9780851510620. A Christian classic.
"Contains many and detailed arguments against the Church of Rome, during Owen's day, its teachings, and practices. Owen was answering those in his day who wanted to return to Rome. Still applicable for our day of ecumenicalism."
Volume 15: Church Purity and Unity, ISBN: 0851511309 9780851511306. 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."
Volume 16: The Church and the Bible, ISBN: 0851510612 9780851510613. A Christian classic.
"Contains: the true nature of a Gospel Church, excommunication, administration of church censures, marrying after divorce, infant Baptism and dipping, and more. Includes 84-page index to Owen's works, writings, life, Greek and Hebrew words used, authors, and Scripture passages used or commented on in his works."*Indexes to The Complete Works of John Owen, Banner of Truth, volume 16
Volumes 17-23 are the 7 volumes on Hebrews. Apparently they are not included in the "Indices."
http://spurgeon.wordpress.com/2006/11/08/download-free-index-to-the-works-of-john-owen-16-volumes/*Hebrews, 7 volume set, volumes 17-23 of Owen's WORKS (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1999). Alternate title: EXPOSITION OF HEBREWS and AN EXPOSITION OF THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS.
Volume 17 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516122 9780851516127.
Volume 18 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516130 9780851516134.
Volume 19 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516149 9780851516141.
Volume 20 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516157 9780851516158.
Volume 21 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516165 9780851516165.
Volume 22 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516173 9780851516172.
Volume 23 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516181 9780851516189.
Keep in mind that there are many other editions of Owen's books that have been published in modern times.
Many single works by Owen may be found on the Puritan Hard Drive and on the Reformation Bookshelf 30 CD Set. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN including HEBREWS, OCR digital text, in the Amazing Christian Library, DVD One, CD #1.Owen, John (1616-1683), An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews; With the Preliminary Exercitations. By John Owen, D.D. revised and abridged; . . . by Edward Williams, 3 vols.
Owen, Hebrews, vol. 1 of 3
http://archive.org/details/expositionofepis184001owen
Owen, Hebrews, vol. 2 of 3
http://archive.org/details/expositionofepis184002owen
Owen, Hebrews, vol. 3 of 3
http://archive.org/details/expositionofepis184003owenThe Works of John Owen at Archive.org
https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2On the Mortification of sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), [audio file]
Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by Still Waters Revival Books and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), Thomas Sullivan, narrator, at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, [audio file], and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628John Owen (1616-1683), Quotes
http://johnowen.org/quotes/
Rainy, Robert (1826-1906), and James Mackenzie, Life of William Cunningham, D.D: Principal and Professor of Theology and Church History, New College, Edinburgh, ISBN:0790557975 9780790557977. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Cunningham (1805-1861), was Principal and Professor of Theology and Church History at New College, Edinburgh, during the mid-1800's. His four volume WORKS include the magisterial two volume set HISTORICAL THEOLOGY, DISCUSSIONS ON CHURCH PRINCIPLES and THE REFORMERS AND THE THEOLOGY OF THE REFORMATION. A volume of his SERMONS is also in print. In Iain Murray's introduction to HISTORICAL THEOLOGY he points out that 'in the days of Cunningham and Bannerman, New College, Edinburgh, rose to be the finest theological college in Europe.' Furthermore, concerning Cunningham's work in the General Assembly of 1832, he writes, 'and once more a young man arose to deliver a historic speech. Like Begg he was a new-comer to the Assembly's debates, but his tall figure and mass of curly hair quickly identified him as "Cunningham of Greenock".'
"When he sat down two hours later there was no mistaking the feeling of the Moderates. 'That's Andrew come back,' exclaimed one! Others were forced to think of young George Gillespie of the 17th century, who, having just arrived in London, in riding boots and with whip still in hand, delivered such a speech in the Westminster Assembly that his opponent, the great Selden, declared: 'This young man, by a single speech, has swept away the learning and labour of my life! . . . Those who heard Cunningham's speech that day,' write his biographers, 'speak of it with wonder to this day. Such power, wealth, and precision of language they had never heard. . . . In his first six years at Edinburgh he read and carefully classified 530 distinct volumes, not to mention pamphlets or magazines.' Cunningham's works are still much sought after today." -- Publisher
Reid, W. Stanford, Christianity and Scholarship, 110 pages.
Reid, W. Stanford (editor), and Paul Woolley, John Calvin: His Influence in the Western World, ISBN: 0310447216 9780310447214.
"This book, which is dedicated to Paul Woolley, covers over 400 pages. There are 16 different chapters. The contributor's include: Robert Knudsen, W. Stanford Reid, Richard Gamble, D. Clair Davis, Philip Hughes, R.T. Kendall, J.N.D. Douglas, George Marsden, C. Gregg Singer, John Bratt, and others." -- GCB
Includes "The Scotch-Irish in America" by C. Gregg Singer.
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.
Research Scientists' Christian Fellowship, The Scientific Enterprise and Christian Faith: Main Themes From a Conference of the Research Scientists' Christian Fellowship, ISBN: 0851117228 9780851117225.
Robertson, James Patrick Bannerman, Right Hon. Lord President of the Court of Session, The Duty of Educated Intellect to the State. An address, 1895.
Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), America's Augustine: Gordon Haddon Clark, an article.
"Some may think it an exaggeration to refer to Clark as America's Augustine, but those who have studied his works will not. Not only did he consider himself an Augustinian (he repeatedly and modestly emphasized that he was simply restating, refining, and developing insights Augustine had originated), but he was the equal of the African doctor in breadth of learning, and his contributions to theology and philosophy are both original and brilliant. Not many histories of philosophy have been written by Christians in this century. Clark's THALES TO DEWEY has been in print since 1957 and is a standard college text. It is a model of philosophical clarity and literary style. One of his early texts on Hellenistic philosophy has been in print for forty-five years -- no one has published anything worthy to replace it. A CHRISTIAN VIEW OF MEN AND THINGS -- Clark's outline of his philosophy -- has become a contemporary classic. No Christian since Augustine, except Clark, has attempted what Clark accomplished masterfully in HISTORIOGRAPHY, SECULAR AND RELIGIOUS. And at the time he died, Clark had just completed a manuscript on the Incarnation, part of his major series of books on systematic theology, the first to be written by an American Calvinist in over a century. As his remaining works are published and a new generation of Christians becomes familiar with his thought, they too will agree that he was indeed America's Augustine." -- John W. Robbins
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/PDF/041a-AmericasAugustine-GordonHaddonClark.pdf
*Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), What is Christian Philosophy? a tract.
"Those who put their trust in science as the key to understanding the universe are embarrassed by the fact that science never discovers truth. If the Bible is the source of all truth, science cannot discover truth.
"One of the insoluble problems of the scientific method is the fallacy of induction; induction, in fact, is a problem for all forms of empiricism (learning by experience). The problem is simply this: Induction, arguing from the particular to the general, is always a logical fallacy. No matter how many crows, for example, you observe to be black, the conclusion that all crows are black is never warranted. The reason is quite simple: Even assuming you have good eyesight, are not colorblind, and are actually looking at crows, you have not, and cannot, see all crows. Millions have already died. Millions more are on the opposite side of the planet. Millions more will hatch after you die. Induction is always a fallacy.
"There is another fatal fallacy in science as well: the fallacy of asserting the consequent. The atheist philosopher Bertrand Russell put the matter this way:
All inductive arguments in the last resort reduce themselves to the following form: If this is true, that is true: now that is true, therefore this is true. This argument is, of course, formally fallacious. Suppose I were to say: "If bread is a stone and stones are nourishing, then this bread will nourish me; now this bread does nourish me; therefore it is a stone and stones are nourishing. If I were to advance such an argument, I should certainly be thought foolish, yet it would not be fundamentally different from the argument upon which all scientific laws are based."Recognizing that induction is always fallacious, philosophers of science in the twentieth century, in an effort to defend science, developed the notion that science does not rely on induction at all. Instead, it consists of conjectures, experiments to test those conjectures, and refutations of conjectures. But in their attempts to save science from logical disgrace, the philosophers of science had to abandon any claim to knowledge: Science is only conjectures and refutations of conjectures. Karl Popper, one of the twentieth century's greatest philosophers of science, wrote:
First, although in science we do our best to find the truth, we are conscious of the fact that we can never be sure whether we have got it . . . . We know that our scientific theories always remain hypotheses . . . . In science there is no "knowledge" in the sense in which Plato and Aristotle understood the word, in the sense which implies finality; in science, we never have sufficient reason for the belief that we have attained the truth . . . . Einstein declared that his theory was false: he said that it would be a better approximation to the truth than Newton's, but he gave reasons why he would not, even if all predictions came out right, regard it as a true theory . . . . Our attempts to see and to find the truth are not final, but open to improvement: . . . our knowledge, our doctrine is conjectural; . . . it consist of guesses, of hypotheses rather than of final and certain truths."Observation and science cannot furnish us with truth about the universe, let alone truth about God. The secular worldview, which begins by denying God and divine revelation, cannot furnish us with knowledge at all." -- John W. Robbins
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.
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
*Rushdoony, Rousas John (1916-2001), The Foundations of Social Order: Studies in the Creed and Councils of the Early Church, ISBN: 1879998122 9781879998124. Available through Exodus Books.
"Tampering with our basic social order is tampering with the religious beliefs that underlie it." -- GCB
"One of the seminal works of Christian scholarship, by one of the few men who actually believed that the Bible is authoritative. A study in the early Church's battles with various forms of heresy, that were then put down in creeds. But Rushdoony does something more: he puts these creeds in philosophical context, showing that these creeds actually do much more than simply make a statement about the faith.
"Should be read in conjunction with his THE ONE AND THE MANY." -- Reader's Comment
Schrotenboer, Paul G., Integral Christian Scholarship.
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), The Apologetics lecture series 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, 17 MP3 files.
"So many times people in the pew and the pulpit say, well how did all this get started? How did psychology descend to its present level? . . . How did political science produce our political thought, produce the dictatorships which are engulfing the modern world? Why are we in the economic mess in which we are today? Why is sociology such a jumble of immorality? Why is education as it is today? Why is art so meaningless? . . . Why is modern music an affront to the modern ears as well as to the mind and ear of God? . . . Why are all these things!? . . .
"I would suggest to you that if you will follow this course with thought and care, you will finally come to see the answer to the questions which haunt us today in Western society." -- C. Gregg Singer, from this cited lecture series
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=2250511453
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), Christian Approaches: To Philosophy; To History, ISBN: 0934532249.
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), From Rationalism to Irrationality: The Decline of the Western Mind From the Renaissance to the Present, ISBN: 0875524281 9780875524283 and a reprint of the P&R Publishing edition of 1979 (Wipf and Stock, 2006), 479 pp.
"Now, frankly students, this course is presented from obviously the Reformed Theology. I hold unabashedly, unashamedly to the whole of Reformed Theology as we find it specifically in the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) and the Longer and Shorter Catechisms.
"At the same time I hold to a position in regard to Apologetics generally known as Presuppositionalism, and particularly that view held by Cornelius Van Til.
"This book is an attempt to enlarge and to broaden the scope of Van Til's own Apologetical system, and also his Epistemology. By that I mean, and I worked this book with him, so anything that I say is not to be construed as a criticism of Cornelius Van Til. I might add he wrote me a letter. He is delighted with this book. But what I did was to take his principles, both of Apologetics and of Epistemology, and apply them to all realms of modern thought.
"Dr. Van Til, for good and sufficient reason, sought to limit to the main stream of what we might call pure Philosophy, that is from Saint Thomas, well even before then, back to the Greeks, but particularly in the more modern period, from Saint Thomas Aquinas, William of Ockham (Occam), down through Descartes, the Rationalists, the Empiricists, down to Kant and Hegel, and of course Modern Philosophy and Modern Theology. Very seldom has he gone into what we might call the arena of Political Philosophy, or the arena of Social Thought, or the arena of Psychology and Psychiatry, the realm of Educational Philosophy, and into Art, Music, and so on, to the Fine Arts.
"This book is an attempt to apply his system, and show what happens when the Western mind has forsaken his principles, or the principles which he has espoused, and turned into its own way. And thus the book is called FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY. [Notice Singer seems to have gracefully embraced the best of Van Til in this work that, on a grand scale, disproves Van Til's inconsistent statements relating to epistemology. See the Robbins article below. -- compiler]. The thesis being that the irrationalism inherent in Saint Thomas and the post-Thomists, and more particularly, and more openly, in the Philosophy of the Renaissance, and Descartes, and Spinosa, and Leibniz has, as it's gained momentum in the modern world, brought Western Culture to its knees. We are living, as I would think, in the death throws of the Western Cultures, the Western Civilization." -- Dr. C. Gregg Singer, in the introductory address to his course in Apologetics soon after FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY came off the press in 1979
Apologetics: #01: Classical and Medieval Thought #1
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 56 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=2250511453
"Locke endeavored to set forth a political philosophy which would anchor his democratic political thought on what he felt were the firm foundations of his empiricism. However, his insistence that nature has bestowed upon mankind certain basic and inalienable rights was an assumption quite contrary to his empiricism. His denial of conscience as an innate possession or quality makes it impossible for men to know that they possess the rights of life, liberty, and property. The very concept of a human right is moral in nature and has its basis of authority in the human conscience. It is thus impossible for men to know through the senses that they have these cherished human rights. Granted that it was far from Locke's intention to undermine or destroy the traditional English concept of personal rights, his empiricism removed from his political thought the necessary foundations on which a government could be built for the protection of these rights. His empiricism supported neither the idea that men have such rights nor that they are inalienable. (p. 61)
"Underlying the secular and naturalistic assumptions of the thought of the Enlightenment was a related and equally serious problem. In their political and economic thought the leaders of this era were passionately devoted to the pursuit of freedom, and yet they seemed to be completely unaware of this incompatibility between their quest for freedom on the one hand and their reliance upon natural law on the other. How can an impersonal and deterministic concept of law produce and sustain a meaningful concept of freedom? Blindly convinced that there was no problem involved in the contradiction, the leaders of the Enlightenment pushed boldly ahead in the quest for political and economic liberty. However, their failure to recognize the issues involved in this quest led not only to the disaster of the French Revolution but to the growth of the totalitarian political and economic philosophies which first appeared in Hegel and Marx during the nineteenth century and reached their culmination in the totalitarianism of the twentieth century." (p. 73) -- quoted at the blog, Imago Veritatis: Post-modern Reformed Paleo-orthodoxy
Singer used this as the textbook for his course in Apologetics. Epistemology is a recurring theme throughout the textbook and the course. The series of 24 addresses on Apologetics is available free online. See: "Apologetics" under:
Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
Cornelius Van Til, John W. Robbins
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=33
*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.
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), A Theological Interpretation of American History, 1994 edition, 354 pages, ISBN: 0875524265 9780875524269. A Christian classic.
This book portrays "the influence of theology and the changing doctrines in the life of the church on the pattern of American political, constitutional, social and economic development.
"The author shows that the decline of constitutional government in this country is the result of the departure from historical Christian faith and the resulting rise of alien political philosophies. Particularly does he emphasize the intimate relationship between theological liberalism on the one hand and political, social, and economic liberalism on the other. This theological liberalism has been a major agent in the decline of the Constitution in the political life of the people and in the appearance of a highly centralized government." -- Publisher
"There is between the democratic philosophy and theological liberalism a basic affinity which has placed them in the same camp in many major political struggles.
"This condition exists because theological liberalism shares the basic postulates of the democratic philosophy. . . .
"Theological liberalism at heart has been a continuing protest against Calvinism, particularly against its insistence on the Sovereignty of God and the Total Depravity of the race. These two Biblical doctrines have often proved to be a stumbling block to theologians within the church as well as to the unbelieving world.
"The result of theological liberalism has been the movement away from constitutionalism and away from liberty, and a movement toward collectivistic society and totalitarian regime." -- C. Gregg Singer, A Theological Interpretation of American History, p. 290
See also: John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly (tape 3 of 5), in a series of addresses, History Notes on Presbyterianism, Reformation, and Theology by Dr. C. Gregg Singer on SermonAudio.com
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12607114250
Dr. C. Gregg Singer at SermonAudio.com (161 messages)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&Keyword=Dr.^C.^Gregg^Singer
Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), Toynbee (International library of philosophy and theology, Modern thinkers series. Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co., June 1965), ISBN: 0875525903 9780875525907, 76 pages.
Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), The Unholy Alliance: The Definitive History of the National Council of Churches and its Leftist Policies -- From 1908 to the Present, 384 pages, ISBN: 0870003275 9780870003271.
"This book is not calculated to win friends among adherents to the National Council of Churches. It provides convincing evidence of the tremendous gap that has developed between the NCC and its critics and demonstrates the NCC's inability to achieve its objectives." -- Cyril J. Barber
Unholy Alliance: The Definitive History of the National Council of Churches and Its Leftist Policies -- From 1908 to the Present
Freebooks online e-text.
http://freebooks.entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/39be_47e.htm
Smith, Gregory A., The Role of the Library in the Character Formation of the Christian College Student.
*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)
Swanson, Kevin, Apostate -- The men who Destroyed the Christian West, ISBN: 9780985365158 0985365153.
"Whatever happened to Western civilization? Somehow, Christians have lost ground in every cultural area of leadership and influence in Europe and America since 1700. This is an indubitable fact. The remaining Christians search for an explanation. They want to know how it happened. This is the story of the decline and fall of Western civilization. It is the story of uncommonly powerful men, unfathomably evil men and apostates. Reader beware! This book faces head-on the spiritual forces that leveled a full-out attack on the Christian faith in the Western world. On the one hand, it is a story of demonic possession, insanity, suicide, mass-murder, adultery, homosexuality, cultural and social revolutions, and unbridled, maniacal apostasy. It is the story of apostasy on a massive scale. But it is also a story of hope and victory for the last men standing in the ashes of Western civilization. It will be a testimony to the inevitable triumph of Jesus Christ over the great men of renown who picked the wrong fight in the history of the West." -- Publisher
"In APOSTATE, Kevin Swanson covers not only philosophers such as Rene Descartes and John Locke but also those who put the philosophers ideas in motion. It took men of the world such as Richard Wagner and John Lennon in the music industry, and Mark Twain and John Steinbeck with their impact in the literary field to take the ideas from the philosophers and put those ideas into the hands of the people. The Average Joe is not going to pick up Rousseau's writings, but he will listen to a song by Lennon. The general populace follows along with the popular and 'relevant' ideas of the day. What they don't know, is that those ideas are actually old ideas that have been working into the culture for several hundred years. Kevin Swanson's has a biblically rooted worldview and throughout the book, although he openly acknowledges the 'nephilim [A biblical race of giants or demigod "tyrants" Genesis 6:4]' who brought Western Civilizations down, he also openly acknowledges God's providence even through the decline of the Western World. Apostate was thoroughly researched and is extremely well written. I highly recommend this book." -- Reader's Comment
"Homeschooled himself in the 1960s and 70s, Kevin Swanson and his wife, Brenda, are now homeschooling their five children. Kevin has 43 years of experience in the homeschooling movement and serves as the director of Generations With Vision a ministry he founded to strengthen homeschool families. Kevin's passion is to strengthen and encourage the homeschooling movement all over the world, and to cast a vision for generations to come. For the last 4 years Kevin has hosted a daily radio program, Generations Radio, the world's largest homeschooling and biblical worldview program that reaches families across the US and in over 100 countries. Kevin has also served as the executive director of Christian Home Educators of Colorado for the last nine years. He has authored several popular books for homeschoolers, including APOSTATE, UPGRADE: 10 SECRETS TO THE BEST EDUCATION FOR YOUR CHILD, THE SECOND MAYFLOWER, THE FAMILY BIBLE STUDY GUIDE SERIES, and others." -- Publisher
"This might be a crude comparison to make, but Swanson's book is basically the Calvinist equivalent of Pat Buchanan's THE DEATH OF THE WEST [see also Calvinist C. Gregg Singer's FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY: THE DECLINE OF THE WESTERN MIND FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO THE PRESENT]. Whereas the trajectory of Buchanan's book is more political in nature and focuses more on demography, Swanson's writings are far more theological in nature and focus on the toxic philosophies of unbelieving humanists." -- Reader's Comment
Timm, Alberto Ronald, The Academy of Geneva and its Role in the Spread and Consolidation of the Calvinistic Movement.
*Varghese, Roy Abraham (editor), The Intellectuals Speak out About God: A Handbook for the Christian Student in a Secular Society, ISBN: 0895268272 9780895268273.
"This book reaffirms the need for character, personal integrity, spiritual depth, and moral standards that are essential if education is to remain viable . . . The essays that make up this book are stimulating, and it is a work that can be heartily recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber
Various, Christian Higher Education: The Contemporary Challenge: Proceedings of the First International Conference of Reformed Institutions for Christian Scholarship (Potchefstroom: Institute for the Advancement of Calvinism; Toronto; distributed in Canada and the U.S.A. by Wedge Pub. Foundation, 1976), ISBN: 0869903209 9780869903209.
Various, Mount Olive Tape Library of Reformed Theology. Alternate title: TAPE LIBRARY OF REFORMED THEOLOGY: SOLA GRATIA, SOLO CHRISTO, SOLA FIDE, SOLI DEO GLORIA, SOLA SCRIPTURA.
This collection is now in the custody of the Greenville Presbyterian Seminary. It appears that the Media Center at the Seminary have put practically none of the lectures in the collection on SermonAudio.com in MP3 format.
If a lecture from the Mount Olive Library is not found on SermonAudio, then the listener may make a request to the Greenville Presbyterian Seminary Media Center to have it put on SermonAudio.com.
"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."
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 [audio file]
http://gpts.edu/media/index.php?currpage=1&sa_action=
Wilder-Smith, A.E., and Beate Wilder Smith, Fulfilled Journey: The Wilder-Smith Memoirs, ISBN: 0936728752 9780936728759.
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, 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, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, 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, The one and the many, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Unfaithful reformed ministries, 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), Epistemology, Absolute truth and relativism, Logic based on god's truth, The ten commandments: the moral law, Artificial intelligence and christianity, Trusting god, Idolatry, Crosswalk bible study tools, Tools for biblical scholars, lingua workstation, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, The history of Reformation of the Church, Works considered to be among the ten greatest in the english language, Christian classics, a short title listing, Collections of christian classics, The best books in this bibliography, Some complementary works, Works of saint augustine, Works of john calvin, Works of john knox, Works by david steele (1803-1887), Works of gordon haddon clark, Works of r.j. rushdoony, Works of c. gregg singer, The works of c.h. spurgeon, The complete works of various authors, Puritanism: works by and about puritans, Works by and about the pilgrims, Early english books online (eebo), Eighteenth century collection online (ecco), Google book search, Librarything, How to find a book, Reformed publishers and booksellers online, Special listings, Reference works, CD-ROM libraries, Online digital libraries, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Servant leadership, Excellence, Topical bible indexes, Bible reference works, Books considered to be among the ten greatest in the english language, Reformation bookshelf 30 CD Set, The still waters revival books hard drive, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, Education, Public schools, public education, Home schooling, Teaching children, and so forth, and so on.
Apologetics #08: The Enlightenment in Western Thought #1
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 76 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=3105182137
The Autodidact (Self-taught)
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html#atddct
Books of Interest Noted Informally During Editing and Proofing of the Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/toread.html
Calvin 500 Collection From Logos Bible Software
"Calvin's Latin writings fill 59 volumes of the massive CORPUS REFORMATORUM. Many of his works have been translated into English -- some several times -- and have gone through numerous editions. He is best known for his INSTITUTES and COMMENTARIES covering almost the entire Bible, but these are only a portion of all that he wrote. He also penned hundreds of pages of sermons, letters, tracts, and treatises.
"Logos Bible Software currently offers the largest collection of Calvin material available in the English-speaking world. The Calvin 500 Collection includes 108 volumes."
http://www.calvin500.com/john-calvin/works-by-calvin/
Calvin Center for Christian Scholarship
"Since 1976, the CCCS has been a place where committed Christian thinkers from across the academic disciplines could reflect and write about pressing issues of public concern. Over the years its support has enabled scholars to produce some sixty-two books, several of which have gone into second editions, as well as numerous articles, lectures, conferences, and public presentations. Visit the CCCS bibliography."
http://www.calvin.edu/admin/cccs/
Calvin Center for Christian Scholarship: International Christian Scholarship: Bibliography
http://www.calvin.edu/admin/cccs/scholarship/publications.html
Decline (Political, Economic, Cultural), part 1
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Decline of American Culture
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?ID=819021843
Functional Illiteracy
"Functional illiteracy is a term used to describe reading and writing skills that are inadequate 'to manage daily living and employment tasks that require reading skills beyond a basic level.' Functional illiteracy is contrasted with illiteracy in the strict sense, meaning the inability to read or write simple sentences in any language. . . .
"Links with poverty and crime
"In developed countries, the level of functional literacy of an individual is proportional to his/her income level and risk of committing crime. For example, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics in the United States:
"According to BeginToRead.com:Over 60 percent of adults in the U.S. Prison System read at or below the fourth grade level
85 percent of U.S. juvenile inmates are functionally illiterate.
Adult inmates who received educational services while in prison had a 16 percent chance of returning to prison, as opposed to 70 percent for those who received no instruction. [this statistic not in citation given -- compiler]
43 percent of adults at the lowest level of literacy lived below the poverty line, as opposed to 4 percent of those with the highest levels of literacy.
"The National Center for Education Statistics provides more detail. Literacy is broken down into three parameters: prose, document, and quantitative literacy. Each parameter has four levels: below basic, basic, intermediate, and proficient. For prose literacy, for example, a below basic level of literacy means that a person can look at a short piece of text to get a small piece of uncomplicated information, while a person who is below basic in quantitative literacy would be able to do simple addition. In the US, 14 percent of the adult population is at the 'below basic' level for prose literacy; 12 percent are at the 'below basic' level for document literacy; and 22 percent are at that level for quantitative literacy. Only 13 percent of the population is proficient in these three areas -- able to compare viewpoints in two editorials; interpret a table about blood pressure, age, and physical activity; or compute and compare the cost per ounce of food items."Two thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare.
Three out of four individuals who receive food stamps read on the two lowest levels of literacy.
16 to 19 year old girls at the poverty level and below, with below average skills, are 6 times more likely to have out-of-wedlock children than their reading counterparts. . . .
List of Christian Thinkers in Science
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_thinkers_in_science
Speaking on Calvinism
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, 53 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=8110391415
The Trinity Foundation
http://trinityfoundation.org/
The Trinity Foundation Lecture Series (MP3)
There are 13 series of lectures here in MP3 format. They can be listened to online, or downloaded for use on a CD player, computer. Load them on an iPod and listen anytime, anywhere.
http://www.trinitylectures.org/MP3_downloads.php
Why Darwin's Theory of Evolution Does not Explain Biodiversity, Otangelo Grasso
"NEVER, in over 150 years, since Darwin's book ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES was published, has even ONE, amongst hundreds or thousands, if not millions of science papers, provided ONE DEMONSTRATION, and empirical verifiable replicable evidence, that any of the evolutionary mechanisms proposed, could produce a primary macroevolutionary transition zone of speciation and population differentiation."
https://reasonandscience.catsboard.com/t2623-why-darwins-theory-of-evolution-does-not-explain-biodiversity
Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
Works of John Calvin
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#wojclvn
Works of Saint Augustine
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#wosagst
Autodidact: A self-taught person.The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7)
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. (Proverbs 18:15)
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:21, 23)Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:8-10)
We know ourselves because we first know God. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)
John Calvin begins his theological masterpiece, THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, with these sentences: "Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. But, while joined by many bonds, which one precedes and brings forth the other is not easy to discern" (I:1:1). Without a knowledge of one's self, there is no knowledge of God. But to know one's self (and the whole world in general), there must first be a knowledge of God. God is known both better, and before, oneself or anything else (I:1:1-3). -- W. Gary Crampton
Epistemology: The study or a theory of the nature and grounds of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity.
What distinguishes the arid ages from the period of the Reformation, when nations were moved as they had not been since Paul preached in Ephesus, Corinth, and Rome, is the latter's fullness of knowledge of God's Word. To echo an early Reformation thought, when the ploughman and the garage attendant know the Bible as well as the theologian does, and know it better than some contemporary theologians, then the desired awakening shall have already occurred. -- Gordon Clark
*[Bible], 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)
*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
Carranza, Elhu, Logic Workbook, ISBN: 0940931346 9780940931343.
"This Workbook, geared to Clark's textbook, LOGIC, contains hundreds of exercises and the test questions based on Scripture. It includes an appendix on what several theologian have said about logic. The pages are perforated for easy removal. A must for both the student and the teacher of logic."
Carranza, Elhu, Logic Workbook Answer Key (Philadelphia, PA: Trinity Press International).
"This Answer Key contains answers to all the questions and exercises in the LOGIC WORKBOOK. An invaluable aid to the teacher. Clark's textbook, LOGIC, and these two books by Carranza, are a complete course in logic."
*Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680), The Existence and Attributes of God. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF STEPHEN CHARNOCK, VOL. 4: THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"When the essence and attributes of God are called into question, to whom else can we better go than to Stephen Charnock? . . . the study of God's attributes is not dry-as-dust theology, but is practical; that is, it leads to righteousness." -- Gordon H. Clark
Discourses Upon the Existence and Attributes of God (1853), Charnock and Symington,
http://archive.org/details/discoursesupone00symigoog
The Works of the Late Rev. Stephen Charnock (1815), volume 1 of 9.
http://archive.org/details/worksoflaterevst01char
*Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), Logic.
"Reading, writing, and arithmetic are not the most basic subjects, although they are taught first, for they all depend on thinking. Logic provides the rules for correct thinking. Unless the next generation of Christians is taught how to think correctly, it will be overwhelmed by worldly philosophy. This book is a clear explanation of the rules of correct thinking. It may be studied with profit by parents, teachers, and students. . . . His [Clark's] presentation of the laws of thought, which must be followed if Scripture is to be understood correctly, and which are found in Scripture itself, is both clear and thorough. LOGIC is an indispensable book for the thinking Christian." -- The Trinity Foundation
See Elhu Carranza, Logic Workbook designed to be used with this book.
*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
*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."
*Kettler, Steven C. (compiler), Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal. An Annotated Topical Bibliography of Works Containing Biblical Counsel for Persons Seeking Lasting Solutions to Life's Problems, ISBN: 0963682113 9780963682116.
A book-length annotated bibliography containing over 5700 citations by 2550 authors cross-referenced under 440 topic headings. Includes author and title, scripture, and subject indexes.
An edited version of the 1993 edition of BIBLICAL COUNSEL: RESOURCES FOR RENEWAL (1997), is available on CD-ROM in Logos Library System (LLS) format.
"This unique book-length bibliography enables the reader to bring known Biblical counselors into the home via book, audio cassette [audio file], video cassette, and the World Wide Web. Painstakingly researched over a 15-year period, it is a gold mine of Biblical wisdom. The 5,700 titles by 2,300 authors include little known and hard to find books, for example, 273 Reformed classics. The breadth of the collection evidences the interrelationship of absolute truth, life, moral behavior, the law, freedom, obedience, social stability, and the positive sanctions of God. Therefore, it is a strong apologetic for the Biblical Christianity of our forefathers, that aimed to be true to Christ." -- Publisher
Logos Research Systems
http://www.logos.com
The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrhome.html
Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://books.google.com/books?id=j4vzqat_dqEC&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
Some Complementary Works
http://www.lettermen2.com/somecomp.html
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), The Apologetics lecture series 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, 17 MP3 files.
"So many times people in the pew and the pulpit say, well how did all this get started? How did psychology descend to its present level? . . . How did political science produce our political thought, produce the dictatorships which are engulfing the modern world? Why are we in the economic mess in which we are today? Why is sociology such a jumble of immorality? Why is education as it is today? Why is art so meaningless? . . . Why is modern music an affront to the modern ears as well as to the mind and ear of God? . . . Why are all these things!? . . .
"I would suggest to you that if you will follow this course with thought and care, you will finally come to see the answer to the questions which haunt us today in Western society." -- C. Gregg Singer, from this cited lecture series
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=2250511453
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), From Rationalism to Irrationality: The Decline of the Western Mind From the Renaissance to the Present, ISBN: 0875524281 9780875524283 and a reprint of the P&R Publishing edition of 1979 (Wipf and Stock, 2006), 479 pp.
"Now, frankly students, this course is presented from obviously the Reformed Theology. I hold unabashedly, unashamedly to the whole of Reformed Theology as we find it specifically in the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) and the Longer and Shorter Catechisms.
"At the same time I hold to a position in regard to Apologetics generally known as Presuppositionalism, and particularly that view held by Cornelius Van Til.
"This book is an attempt to enlarge and to broaden the scope of Van Til's own Apologetical system, and also his Epistemology. By that I mean, and I worked this book with him, so anything that I say is not to be construed as a criticism of Cornelius Van Til. I might add he wrote me a letter. He is delighted with this book. But what I did was to take his principles, both of Apologetics and of Epistemology, and apply them to all realms of modern thought.
"Dr. Van Til, for good and sufficient reason, sought to limit to the main stream of what we might call pure Philosophy, that is from Saint Thomas, well even before them, back to the Greeks, but particularly in the more modern period, from Saint Thomas Aquinas, William of Ockham (Occam), down through Descartes, the Rationalists, the Empiricists, down to Kant and Hegel, and of course Modern Philosophy and Modern Theology. Very seldom has he gone into what we might call the arena of Political Philosophy, or the arena of Social Thought, or the arena of Psychology and Psychiatry, the realm of Educational Philosophy, and into Art, Music, and so on, to the Fine Arts.
"This book is an attempt to apply his system, and show what happens when the Western mind has forsaken his principles, or the principles which he has espoused, and turned into its own way. And thus the book called FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY. The thesis being that the Rationalism inherent in Saint Thomas and the post-Thomists, and more particularly, and more openly, in the Philosophy of the Renaissance, and Descartes, and Spinosa, and Leibniz has, as it's gained momentum in the modern world, brought Western Culture to its knees. We are living, as I would think, in the death throws of the Western Cultures, the Western Civilization." -- Dr. C. Gregg Singer, in the introductory address to his course in Apologetics soon after FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY came off the press in 1979
Apologetics: #01: Classical and Medieval Thought #1
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 56 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=2250511453
"Locke endeavored to set forth a political philosophy which would anchor his democratic political thought on what he felt were the firm foundations of his empiricism. However, his insistence that nature has bestowed upon mankind certain basic and inalienable rights was an assumption quite contrary to his empiricism. His denial of conscience as an innate possession or quality makes it impossible for men to know that they possess the rights of life, liberty, and property. The very concept of a human right is moral in nature and has its basis of authority in the human conscience. It is thus impossible for men to know through the senses that they have these cherished human rights. Granted that it was far from Locke's intention to undermine or destroy the traditional English concept of personal rights, his empiricism removed from his political thought the necessary foundations on which a government could be built for the protection of these rights. His empiricism supported neither the idea that men have such rights nor that they are inalienable. (p. 61)
"Underlying the secular and naturalistic assumptions of the thought of the Enlightenment was a related and equally serious problem. In their political and economic thought the leaders of this era were passionately devoted to the pursuit of freedom, and yet they seemed to be completely unaware of this incompatibility between their quest for freedom on the one hand and their reliance upon natural law on the other. How can an impersonal and deterministic concept of law produce and sustain a meaningful concept of freedom? Blindly convinced that there was no problem involved in the contradiction, the leaders of the Enlightenment pushed boldly ahead in the quest for political and economic liberty. However, their failure to recognize the issues involved in this quest led not only to the disaster of the French Revolution but to the growth of the totalitarian political and economic philosophies which first appeared in Hegel and Marx during the nineteenth century and reached their culmination in the totalitarianism of the twentieth century." (p. 73) -- quoted at the blog, Imago Veritatis: Post-modern Reformed Paleo-orthodoxy
Singer used this as textbook for his course in Apologetics. Epistemology is a recurring theme throughout the textbook and the course. The series of 24 addresses on Apologetics is available free online. See: "Apologetics" under:
Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
*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
Various, Mount Olive Tape Library of Reformed Theology. Alternate title: TAPE LIBRARY OF REFORMED THEOLOGY: SOLA GRATIA, SOLO CHRISTO, SOLA FIDE, SOLI DEO GLORIA, SOLA SCRIPTURA.
This collection is now in the custody of the Greenville Presbyterian Seminary. It appears that the Media Center at the Seminary have put practically none of the lectures in the collection on SermonAudio.com in MP3 format.
If a lecture from the Mount Olive Library is not found on SermonAudio, then the listener may make a request to the Greenville Presbyterian Seminary Media Center to have it put on SermonAudio.com.
"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."
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 [audio file]
http://gpts.edu/media/index.php?currpage=1&sa_action=
Voeller, Brad, Accelerated Distance Learning: The new way to Earn Your College Degree in the Twenty-first Century, ISBN: 0970156316 9780970156310.
"Home school graduate Brad Voeller earned his four-year, fully-accredited college degree in less than six months for less than $5,000 by applying the revolutionary techniques of accelerated distance learning. In this book, he shares with you tested approaches to learning that will allow you to earn a college degree in less than half the normal time -- for a fraction of the cost. Discover how to: receive college credit for life experiences; earn college credit quickly and easily through credit-by-examination; speed up the learning process while improving comprehension; cut study time by at least 50 percent; make a wise decision in choosing a distance-learning program; and complete college in less than half the time for less than half the cost." -- Vision Forum
See also: The attributes of god, Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, 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 holy bible, Wisdom, Loving and obeying god, obedience, Christian scholarship, Works of saint augustine, Works of john calvin, Works of gordon haddon clark, Works of john knox, Works of John Owen, Works of john w. robbins, Works of samuel rutherford, Works of c. gregg singer, The autodidact, An introduction to the covenanted reformation, Books considered to be among the ten greatest in the english language, Resources for students, Home schooling, Chapter 5, "reference works," public education, Modern myths and fallacies, and so forth, and so on.
Books of Interest Noted Informally During Editing and Proofing of the Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/toread.html
Christian Classics
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html
Combined Interactive Contents for The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/combtoc.html
Epistemology of Theology, The Theory of Knowledge
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#epist
A Guide to the Puritans -- Index to the Writings of the Puritans, Martin
http://www.lettermen2.com/mgtp.html
How to Find a Book
http://www.lettermen2.com/findbook.html
Inspiration, Revelation and Infallibility of Scripture
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#irai
An Introduction to the Covenanted Reformation
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#intrcvtdref
Logic Based on God's Truth
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#logic
Logical Fallacies
http://www.datanation.com/fallacies/
Resources Associated With Dr. C. Gregg Singer's Work, From Rationalism to Irrationality: The Decline of the Western Mind From the Renaissance to the Present
http://www.lettermen2.com/autodidact.html
The Scottish Covenanting Struggle, Alexander Craighead, and the Mecklenburg Declaration
http://www.lettermen2.com/craig.html
Some Complementary Works
http://www.lettermen2.com/somecomp.html
Virtual Online Digital Libraries
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr5ch.html#odlib
Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
While AI can help provide information and resources, it cannot replace inspiration that comes from God.A local search of a designated domain (or web page), using the New Bing AI-powered copilot, could prove to be helpful to Reformed researchers and writers. After the search question simply add the search operator "site:. . ." for example, site:ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom34/
Another example, [search question] "What does the Apostle John say about eternal life? [search operator] site:ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom34/" The search operator "site:. . . " following the question instructs the New Bing to search locally only. Notice that some domains are large with many web pages. Therefore, the researcher may find it necessary to first visit the domain and select the web page to be used in search operator.
Following are a few suggested search operators:
site:bibleprotector.com/ (for THE CAMBRIDGE EDITION [PCE] of the Bible)
site:biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%201&version=GNV (for THE 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, TOLLE LEGE EDITION, online)
site:reformedreader.org/gbn/en.htm (for 1599 GENEVA BIBLE NOTES)
site:ccel.org/ccel/owen/deathofdeath (for THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST)
site:chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/ (for THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, to search PILGRIM'S PROGRESS)
site:ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom34/ (for CALVIN'S COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN)
site:lettermen2.com/icrcont.html (for Contents and Chapter Sections for CALVIN'S INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, 1559 [McNeill/Battles])
site:ccel.org/ccel/baxter/practical.toc.html (for THE PRACTICAL WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER in four volumes)
site:biblestudytools.com/Commentaries/MatthewHenryComplete/ (for MATTHEW HENRY'S COMPLETE COMMENTARY ON THE WHOLE BIBLE)
site:biblestudytools.com/Commentaries/GillsExpositionoftheBible/ (for JOHN GILL'S EXPOSITION OF THE ENTIRE BIBLE, 6 volumes)
site:ccel.org/fathers/NPNF1-02/ (CITY OF GOD, Saint Augustine)
and so forth, and so on.
Users may want to experiment by searching some titles from among the approximately 50 found at "The Ten Greatest Books in English," lettermen2.com/tengreat.html.
Try a New Bing AI-piloted search from the Edge browser or from the New Bing, https://www.bing.com/search.Predictions about world-altering technology are usually premature, but AI shows no signs of slowing down. Sooner or later, AI will bring changes -- perhaps significant changes -- to the counseling field. The key is to adapt and evolve. Remember, no AI is better than the best counselor -- yet. (2023) -- https://ct.counseling.org/2018/01/counseling-artificial-intelligence/
The Gospel is the good news of God's love and salvation for humanity through Jesus Christ. On Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom and security. How can we relate these two events? One way is to think of the "mechanism" of the Gospel, or how it works to bring us to God.
The Bible tells us that sin separates us from God and leads to death (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23). But God, in his mercy and grace, sent his Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, taking our place and paying our penalty (Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 3:18). By his death, Jesus defeated sin and death, and by his resurrection, he opened the way for us to have eternal life with God (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; John 3:16). This is the "mechanism" of the Gospel: substitutionary atonement.
On Memorial Day, we can see a reflection of this "mechanism" in the lives of those who have died for our country. They gave their lives so that we can enjoy the benefits of freedom and peace. They took our place and paid our price. They substituted themselves for us. Of course, this is not a perfect analogy, because no human sacrifice can compare to the sacrifice of Jesus, who was sinless and divine. But it can help us appreciate the cost and the value of what Jesus did for us.
So on Memorial Day, as we remember and honor those who have died for our country, let us also remember and honor the one who died for our souls. Let us thank God for his love and grace, and let us respond with faith and obedience. Let us live in a way that honors both our earthly and heavenly heroes. And let us share the Gospel with others, so that they too can experience the "mechanism" of God's salvation. -- Microsoft Edge browser, Artificial Intelligence composition, unedited, "The 'mechanism' of The Gospel illustrated on Memorial Day"Some of the top online Christian counseling services include Faithful Counseling, ReGain, Grace Wellness Center, Christian Therapist on Demand, Chatnow, and GoodTherapy.
Henley, Wallace, and Otis Graf, Who Will Rule the Coming 'Gods'?: The Looming Spiritual Crisis of Artificial Intelligence, ISBN: 9781954618374 1954618379.
"We have entered a new age in which we can go into the quietness of our rooms and slip into whatever identity we desire, virtually. Artificial intelligence is fast becoming a normal part of our lives. The existential crisis of our age is how technology, specifically AI and robots, is eclipsing our reverence for the transcendence of God. In the rush to create human-helping AI, technologists are making machines that may eventually become our masters. Some people are already worshiping at the feet of the great god of AI, just as the ancient Philistines once bowed before statues of the idol Dagon. In this compelling and groundbreaking book, best-selling author Wallace Henley shares about the impending moral and ethical choices we will soon need to make, as believers in Christ, to hold AI and it's creators accountable to the true God. Otherwise our world will spin into peril." -- Publisher
Huizinga, Gretchen (author), and Stephen T. Kerr (degree supervisor), Righteous AI: The Christian Voice in the Ethical AI Conversation, a Thesis, Dissertation, English, 2022.
"I further proposed that acknowledgment of divine intelligence, along with an ordinate (or rightly ordered) understanding of human intelligence, is foundational to the development and use of artificial intelligence and therefore, religious voices should have a say in framing the ethical scaffolding around it. This basic qualitative study explored the Christian voice in AI ethics and focused on three main research questions: 1) How does worldview affect our approach to artificial intelligence? 2) Does a Christian worldview have anything unique to contribute to the discussion around Ethical AI? and 3) How might AI ethics be more robust and beneficial if we brought Christian teachings, texts, and traditions explicitly into the conversation? Using a semi-structured question protocol as the primary data-collection instrument and a constant comparison method of data analysis during both collection and analysis phases, I conducted online interviews with a purposeful sample of AI/tech/ethics professionals who were also professing Christians to identify key themes that differentiate the Christian ethical worldview from the materialist worldview that currently animates the conversation around Ethical AI. My findings suggest that worldview (both implicit and explicit) informs every aspect of our approach to Ethical AI. While materialist thought seeks to compel humans to be good without transcendent reason or power, the Christian faith speaks clearly about the role of God as originator, motivator, and sustainer of human moral behavior. Christianity compels us to look beyond a humanistic idea of ethics and toward a creative notion of goodness that cannot be accomplished by our own will and power. This study adds critical insights to the field of AI ethics by deepening awareness of how faith in and fear of God could influence how artificial intelligence is designed and implemented. When Christian wisdom is included in every phase of AI development, we begin to think beyond a minimum-standard culture of Ethical AI and move toward a robust culture of Righteous AI." -- Gretchen Huizinga
Paulus, Michael D. (editor), and Michael D. Langford (editor), AI, Faith, and the Future: An Interdisciplinary Approach, ISBN: 9781666703481 1666703486
"Artificial intelligence is rapidly and radically changing our lives and world. This book is a multidisciplinary engagement with the present and future impacts of AI from the standpoint of Christian faith. It provides technological, philosophical, and theological foundations for thinking about AI, as well as a series of reflections on the impact of AI on relationships, behavior, education, work, and moral action. The book serves as an accessible introduction to AI as well as a guide to wise consideration, design, and use of AI by examining foundational understandings and beliefs from a Christian perspective." -- Publisher
Thacker, Jason, The age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity, ISBN: 9780310357643 9780310357667 0310357640 0310357667.
"This is an area that Christians must become aware of and engage with. In this book you'll hear of some of the progresses that have been made with AI, it goes much wider than one might initially think. AI is involved in banking, medicine, warfare, work, and even in our homes. So it's pretty important! This book explores the benefits, limitations and dangers of AI. The fundamental conviction is that people are made in the image of God and the whole book stems from this. Thacker engages with those who think that one day AI will surpass its human creators and deals graciously with the lack of understanding about the beginnings of humanity. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to you. -- Reader's Comment
Trothen, Tracy J. (editor) and Calvin Mercer (editor), Ethics, Religion, and Spiritual Health: Intersections With Artificial Intelligence or Other Human Enhancement Technologies, ISBN: 9783036557182 3036557180.
"What does human enhancement technology (HET) and artificial intelligence (AI) have to do with religion? This book explores, specifically, the intersection of HET and AI with spiritual health, Christianity, and ethics. The exploration strengthens an emergent, robust body of publications about human enhancement ethics. What does it mean to make us 'better' must also address the potential spiritual implications. Concern for spiritual health promises to make the study of religion and human enhancement ethics increasingly pressing in the public sphere. Some of the most significant possible and probable spiritual impacts of HET and AI are probed. Topics include warfare, robots, chatbots, moral bioenhancement, spiritual psychotherapy, superintelligence, ecology, fasting, and psychedelics. Two sections comprise this book: one addresses spirituality in relation to HETs and AI, and one addresses Christianity in relation to HETs and AI." -- Publisher
AI and Tech in Your Church: Determining the Role new Technologies Play in Your Ministry.
"A growing number of leaders are wondering what role artificial intelligence and other new technologies could and should play in church leadership. Here at Barna, we agree this is an important and timely topic. We also believe the answer could depend on the person and ministry context.
"To help you work through these questions in your own heart, reaching conclusions that align with your beliefs and goals, we're hosting a six-week CoLab dedicated to exploring the role of tech and AI in church ministry." (Begins September 5, 2023)
https://www.barna.com/colabs/ai-tech/
AI in Counseling and Spiritual Care
"Predictive models are transforming mental health. They might also monitor and shape our moral lives."
https://medium.com/ai-and-christianity/ai-in-counseling-spiritual-care-e324d9aea3b0
Bing AI-powered Copilot Local Search
THE WEB EDITION OF BIBLICAL COUNSEL: RESOURCES FOR RENEWAL (lettermen2.com, a database of approximately 25MB of annotated bibliography), can now (August 2023) be searched with the Microsoft Edge browser using the "New Bing AI-powered copilot for the web." (MicroSoft has been a major partner with OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT and now GPT-4. "On February 7, 2023, Microsoft announced that it is building AI technology based on the same foundation as ChatGPT into Microsoft Bing, Edge, Microsoft 365 and other products." Apparently, "Microsoft's new Bing was using GPT-4 all along." (March 30, 2023)
From Edge click on the Bing icon in the upper right corner. Or, if you do not use Edge, then access the New Bing from The Internet.
Users with questions may specify that the Bing search be limited to one website or domain. For example, search by entering in the "Ask any question" dialogue box, "What is the biblical basis for Grace? site:lettermen2.com." Of course, any question, website, or domains may be specified in a New Bing AI-powered search.
Christian Mental Health and AI, March 22, 2023
"I looked at the main chatbots available at this time and know of three big ones: OpenAI, Jasper, and Bing's ChatGPT."
https://churchandmentalhealth.com/christian-mental-health-and-ai/
DTx and the Treatment of Mental Health
"Among the earliest advances in the DTx [Digital Therapeutics] space were several for the treatment of mental health and substance abuse conditions. Thus far, these have focused on a variety of established needs in treatment, including technologies to provide information and guidance to patients, support needs in monitoring and behavior modification, expand access to motivational support, and deliver real-time assessments of cognitive function. They can also significantly enhance the range of available data from individual patients and entire patient populations that can, in turn, support more rapid and effective modifications to treatment regimens and approaches. DTx are also shown to present opportunities for benefits in other areas, including the ability for patients to better manage the pace of their treatment and monitor their own progress, reduced costs, less need for in-person interventions, and enhanced privacy."
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/the-expanding-role-of-digital-therapeutics-in-mental-health
Existential Risk From Artificial General Intelligence
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existential_risk_from_artificial_general_intelligence
The Lessons we can Learn From ChatGPT's Interpretation
"In the end, ChatGPT offers us a mirror and a caution. ChatGPT's interpretations of the biblical texts are a distillation of the spirit of our age. Like ChatGPT, we tend toward metaphorical interpretations of Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount. Like ChatGPT, we tend toward individualizing interpretations of Paul. And like ChatGPT, we tend to forget or be ignorant of whose interpretations that have formed our own interpretations of the text. These tendencies are interconnected. After all, it is not the tendency to metaphorize Scripture that is the problem, but rather the default to a metaphorizing interpretation as a kind of short circuit when we are unable or do not wish to examine the interpretative tradition and application of the text. ChatGPT cannot do these latter two things, but we can. Thus, ChatGPT exposes us to ourselves.
"This experience with ChatGPT therefore cautions us to consider the value of any of the interpretive tendencies it exposes. Will we treat the Bible as a statistical game of tokens? As words and ideas to be bandied about in disembodied dialogue? Or will we take up the challenge of Jesus to be wise, to hear his teachings and to do them (Matthew 7:24) in community with one another? In a word, will we outsource our understanding of the Scriptures? Or will we choose to live together, seeking the meaning of these texts through our history and our common commitment to God, and thus teaching them to those who come after us (Matthew 28:20)?"
https://hebraicthought.org/chatgpt-sermon-on-the-mount/
Search Your Print Books, Digitally
Apparently, Logos is now able to search both the text of print books in your library and your Logos titles.
"Catalog your print library by simply scanning the ISBN with the Logos mobile app. Then, search in Logos to discover results from your print resources right alongside your digital library."
https://www.logos.com/10
Welcome to the New Bing
"Your AI-powered copilot for the web."
The New Bing seems to deliver better results when running for the Edge browser, than when running from The Internet.
https://www.bing.com/search
When Artificial Intelligence Finds its way Into the Church, Rosaly Guzman, August 8, 2023
I simply taught, preached, wrote God's Word: otherwise I did nothing. And then, while I slept or drank Wittenberg beer with my Philip of Amsdorf, the Word so greatly weakened the papacy that never a prince or emperor did such damage to it. I did nothing: the Word did it all. -- Martin Luther (1483-1546)
A man with God is always in the majority. -- John Knox (1505-1572), the inscription on the Reformation Monument, Geneva, Switzerland
The Protestant Reformation is based upon the Five Solas.
The history of the church has practical value for every Christian, as a storehouse of warning and encouragement, of consolation and counsel. It is the philosophy of facts, Christianity in living examples. If history in general be . . . as Diodorus calls it, "the handmaid of providence, the priestess of truth, and the mother of wisdom," the history of the kingdom of heaven is all these in highest degree. Next to the holy Scriptures . . . there is no stronger proof of the continual presence of Christ with His people, no more thorough vindication of Christianity, no richer source of spiritual wisdom and experience, no deeper incentive to virtue and piety, than the history of Christ's kingdom. -- Philip Schaff
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.
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 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).
To the glory of His Divine Majesty, in propagating of the Christian religion to such people as yet live in ignorance of the true knowledge and worship of God. . . . (April 10, 1606) -- King James I, in the charter for the settlement of Virginia
Whereas we all came into these parts of America with one and the same end and aim, namely, to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy the liberties of the Gospel in purity with peace. (May 19, 1643) -- The Articles of Confederation
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 (Matt. 15:6,9), [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; 2 Cor. 13:8 [2 Corinthians 13:8]) -- Greg Price (Biblical Civil Government Verses the Beast, p. 64)
We are an illiterate nation incapable of understanding great truth. -- C. Gregg Singer (1910-1999)
*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.
Bainton, Roland Herbert, The Church of our Fathers, ISBN: 0880192119 9780880192118.
Bainton, Ronald H., Yesterday, Today, and What Next? Reflections on History and Hope, ISBN: 0806616709 9780806616704.
Baird, Henry, History of the Rise of the Huguenots of France, 2 volumes, 1127 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
*[Bible] 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.
*Bradford, William (1588-1657), Of Plymouth Plantation: 1620-1647, ISBN: 0075542811. A Christian classic.
*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.
*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.
Buxbaum, Melvin H., BF (Benjamin Franklin), and the Zealous Presbyterians, ISBN: 0271011769 9780271011769.
Cairns, Earl E., God and Man in Time: A Christian Approach to Historiography, ISBN: 0801024269 9780801024269.
*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.
*Calvin, Jean (John, 1509-1564), Theodore de Beza, Robert Estienne, Academiae de Geneve, Leges Academiae Genevensis. Alternate title (French): L'ORDRE DU COLLEGE DE GENEUE. Language: Latin.
Carden, Allen, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in Seventeenth-Century Massachusetts, ISBN: 0801025435 9780801025433.
Christensen, Merton A., Franklin on the Hemphill Trial: Deism vs. Presbyterianism Orthodoxy, WMQ [William and Mary Quarterly -- compiler], 10 (1953): 422-40.
Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF)
Christian History Magazine (Worchester, PA [Christian History Magazine, Box 540, 2030 Wentz Church Road, Worchester 19490]: Christian History Magazine).
Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), John W. Robbins (1949-2008, editor), Historiography: Secular and Religious, ISBN: 0940931397 9780940931398.
Columbus, Christopher, Christopher Columbus' Book of Prophecies: Reproduction of the Original Manuscript With English Translation by Kay Brigham, ISBN: 8476454775 9788476454770.
Cowan, Henry, John Knox: Hero of the Scottish Reformation, ISBN: 0404017886 9780404017880.
Cowan, Ian Borthwick, The Scottish Reformation: Church and Society in Sixteenth Century Scotland, ISBN: 0312705190 9780312705190.
*Cunningham, William (1805-1861), The Scottish Reformation, Tercentenary of. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Davis, D. Clair, Church History (part 4 of 5): Awakening and Revivalism; Modern Church (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette CD504 [audio file].
Davis, D. Clair, Church History (part 3 of 5): Awakening and Revivalism (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Dawson, Jan C., The Unusable Past: America's Puritan Tradition, 1830 to 1930, ISBN: 0891307214 9780891307211 0891307222 9780891307228.
Dell, William (d. 1664), Right Reformation, or the reformation of the church of the New Testament, represented in Gospel-light. In a sermon preached . . . November 25, 1646. By William Dell.
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.
*Edersheim, Alfred (1825-1889), Bible History, ISBN: 156563165X 9781565631656.
*Edersheim, Alfred (1825-1889), The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. A Christian classic.
Edersheim, Alfred (1825-1889), Sketches of Jewish Life, ISBN: 1565631382 9781565631380. Alternate title: SKETCHES OF JEWISH SOCIAL LIFE IN THE DAYS OF CHRIST.
*Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), A History of the Work of Redemption (unfinished), ISBN: 0781227747. Alternate title: HISTORY OF REDEMPTION, ON A PLAN ENTIRELY ORIGINAL: EXHIBITING THE GRADUAL DISCOVERY AND ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE DIVINE PURPOSES IN THE SALVATION OF MAN . . . BY THE LATE REVEREND JONATHAN EDWARDS . . . TO WHICH ARE NOW ADDED NOTES, HISTORICAL, CRITICAL, AND THEOLOGICAL, WITH THE LIFE AND EXPERIENCE OF THE AUTHOR, LONDON, 1788. Available in THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS. Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive. An 18 volume edition is also available on
Fitzgerald, Allan D. (editor), Augustine Through The Ages: An Encyclopedia, 902 pages, ISBN: 080283843X 9780802838438.
Fountain, David, John Wycliffe: The Dawn of the Reformation, ISBN: 0907821022 9780907821021.
*Foxe, John (1516-1587), and Thomas Freeman (prefatory material), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable (unabridged). Alternate title: THE UNABRIDGED ACTS AND MONUMENTS ONLINE or TAMO (HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011). A Christian classic. 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.
*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.
Frend, W.H.C., Martyrdom and Persecution in the Early Church: A Study of a Conflict From the Maccabees to Donatus, ISBN: 9780227172292 0227172299.
[Geneva Bible, 1599] *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.
*Geneva Bible Notes, 1599
Gillespie, George (1613-1648), A Late Dialogue Betwixt a Civilian and a Divine, Concerning the Church of England, 1644.
*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Reformation's Refining Fire; or, Iconoclastic Zeal Necessary to World Reformation by George Gillespie, audio file. Available (MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also found in volume one of GILLESPIE'S WORKS.
Grant, George, The Last Crusader: The Untold Story of Christopher Columbus, ISBN: 0891076905 9780891076902.
Grant, Robert McBride, Early Christianity and Society, ISBN: 0060634111 9780060634117.
*Green, Edward M.B., Evangelism in the Early Church, ISBN: 0340107073 9780340107072.
Greaves, Richard L., Theology and Revolution in the Scottish Reformation: Studies in the Thought of John Knox, 1980, ISBN: 0802818471 9780802818478.
Guinness, H. Grattan, Romanism and the Reformation: From the Standpoint of Prophecy, 1891. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13.
Guthrie, William D., Magna Carta and Other Addresses.
Hambrick-Stowe, Charles E., The Practice of Piety: Puritan Devotional Disciplines in Seventeenth-Century New England, ISBN: 0807815187 9780807815182.
Harrison, Cassain, Liam Neeson, Timothy West, Lee Pullbrook, and Nick Powell, Martin Luther, an empires special, distributed by PBS Home Video, ISBN: 0793696283 9780793696284.
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.
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.
Hetherington, William (1803-1865), History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines (1856). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, #30.
Hood, Fred J., Reformed America: the Middle and Southern States, 1783-1837, ISBN: 0817300341 9780817300340 0817300368 9780817300364.
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 . . . Also, an Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Hint of the Wicked Lives . . . of the . . . Apostates and . . . Persecutors in Scotland . . . 2nd edition, corrected and enlarged, 1781. A Christian classic. Available (PDF and MP3 audio files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PDF file) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #10. Available (22 MP3 audio files) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30 and at AudioSermons.com.
*Hughes, Philip E., The Register of the Company of Pastors of Geneva in the Time of Calvin, ISBN: 1592444865 9781592444861.
*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.
*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.
*Jackson, Jeremy, No Other Foundation: The Church Through Twenty Centuries, ISBN: 0891071695 9780891071693.
Johnson, Gary L.W. and R. Fowler White, Whatever Happened to the Reformation? ISBN: 0875521835 9780875521831.
*Josephus, Flavius, and William Whiston (translator), The Complete Works of Flavius Josephus, 4 volumes, ISBN: 9789568351762 9568351760. Alternate title: THE WORKS OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS.
*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.
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if the Bible had Never Been Written? ISBN: 0785271546 9780785271543.
*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.
Kerr, James (1847-1905), 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.
*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)].
Knox, John (1505-1572), The Early Church and the Coming Great Church. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX), 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.
*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.
*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.
Lang, Andrew, John Knox and the Reformation, 1905.
*Lorimer, Peter, John Knox and the Church of England: His Work in her Pulpit and his Influence Upon her Liturgy, Articles, and Parties. Alternate Title: JOHN KNOX AND THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, HIS WORK IN HER PULPIT AND HIS INFLUENCE UPON HER LITURGY, ARTICLES, AND PARTIES. A MONOGRAPH FOUNDED UPON SEVERAL IMPORTANT PAPERS OF KNOX NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Lorimer, Peter, The Scottish Reformation: A Historical Sketch, 1861.
*McFetridge, N.S., Calvinism in History. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*M'Crie, Thomas (the younger, 1797-1875), Life of John Knox, 1855. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Miller, Perry, and James Hoopes (editor), Sources for the New England Mind: The Seventeenth Century, ISBN: 0910776016 9780910776011.
*Montgomery, Michael S. (compiler), American Puritan Studies: An Annotated Bibliography of Dissertations, 1882-1981, 419 pages, ISBN: 0313242372 9780313242373.
*Murray, Iain, The Reformation of the Church: A Collection of Reformed and Puritan Documents on Church Issues, ISBN: 085151118X 9780851511184.
*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.
*New Liberty Videos, The Forbidden Book: The History of the English Bible, DVD, new 2006 version, on-camera spokesman: Dr. Craig Lampe; Narrator: Jim Birdsall; Director: Brian Barkley; Run Time: 60 minutes.
New Liberty Videos, Mysteries of the Dead Sea Scrolls: Secrets of God Revealed, Joel Lampe, Craig Lampe, Frank Seekins, New Liberty Videos, DVD, ISBN: 0966321669 9780966321661.
Noll, Mark A. (editor), Eerdman's Handbook to Christianity in America, ISBN: 0802835821 9780802835826.
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.
Packer, J.I. (editor, 1926-2020), The Bible Almanac: A Comprehensive Handbook of the People of the Bible and how They Lived, ISBN: 0840751621 9780840751621.
Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), and David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981), Puritan Papers, 5 volumes, vol. 1, ISBN: 0875524664 9780875524665; vol. 2, ISBN: 0875524672 9780875524672; vol. 3, ISBN: 0875524680 9780875524689; vol. 4, ISBN: 0875524699 9780875524696; vol. 5, ISBN: 0875524702 9780875524702.
Pauck, Wilhelm (editor), Melanchthon and Bucer, ISBN: 0664220193 9780664220198.
Paul, Robert S., The Assembly of the Lord: Politics and Religion in the Westminster Assembly and the Grand Debate, ISBN: 0567085597 9780567085597.
*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.
Perrin, Jean Paul, Robert Baird, and Samuel Miller, History of the Ancient Christians Inhabiting the Valley of the Alps: I. The Waldenses. II. The Albigenses. III. The Vaudois, 1847. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #16.
Phillips, Thomas, The Welsh Revival: Its Origin and Development, ISBN: 0851515428 9780851515427.
Post-Reformation Digital Library
*Powlison, David (1949-2019), Competent to Counsel? The History of Biblical Counseling, new edition. Alternate title: COMPETENT TO COUNSEL? THE HISTORY OF A CONSERVATIVE PROTESTANT ANTI-PSYCHIATRY MOVEMENT, ISBN: 0978556763 9780978556761 (College Park, PA: University of Pennsylvania, Ph.D. thesis, 1996).
Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 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).
Come out From Among Them: 'Anti-Nicodemite' Writings of John Calvin, Library of Congress Number: 47597573.
Green, William Henry (1825-1900), The Argument of the Book of Job Unfolded.
Alternative titles (many previously available in printed form)
Books and Booklets
*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.
*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).
*Reid, James, Memoirs of the Westminster Divines.
Reid, W. Stanford, The Reformation: Revival or Revolution? ISBN: 0030714753 9780030714757.
*Reid, W. Stanford, Trumpeter of God: A Biography of John Knox, 372 pages, ISBN: 0801077087 9780801077081.
*Renwick, A.M., and A.M. Harman, The Story of the Church, 2nd enlarged edition, ISBN: 0802800920 9780802800923 0851104649 9780851104645. Includes index.
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), Select Works of John Renwick, at True Covenanter
*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.
*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.
Ridley, Nicholas, and Henry Christmas, Works of Nicholas Ridley. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Ringenberg, William C., The Christian College: A History of Protestant Higher Education in America, ISBN: 0802819966 9780802819963
*Robbins, John W. (1949-2008, editor), Christ and Civilization, ISBN: 1891777246 9781891777240.
Roberts, William L. (1798-1864), The Covenanting Martyrs and Revival of the Covenants! Quoting the Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
*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.
*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.
Robertson, Edwin, Wycliffe: Morning Star of the Reformation, ISBN: 0551011424 9780551011427.
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.
*Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Christianity and the State, ISBN: 9996717755. Available through Exodus Books.
*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 DIVIN{TIY OF ST ANDREWS IN SCOTLAND. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, #25.
"There are several applications of Artificial Intelligence that can be useful to Christian ministry. For instance, AI can help with routine tasks such as recording donations and attendance data, allowing church staff to focus on other tasks1. AI can also help personalize content, suggesting Bible study materials or prayer schedules, thus facilitating a deeper understanding of the Bible through targeted resources. Additionally, AI can indicate the kind of content people are drawn to, aiding in spreading the gospel and sermon preparation. Another possible ministry application for generative AI is video creation. A platform such as Synthesia enables ministry leaders to produce low-cost and customized videos for small group Bible studies or training purposes2. A ministry leader can also use an AI image creation application (also known as text-to-image AI) to make a customized graphic for a sermon series." -- AI
The History of Reformation of the Church
Grace and election are the essence and meaning of history. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD), quoted by C. Gregg Singer
Sola Scriptura ("Scripture alone"): The Bible alone is our highest authority.
Sola Fide ("faith alone"): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.
Sola Gratia ("grace alone"): We are saved by the grace of God alone.
Solus Christus ("Christ alone"): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King.
Soli Deo Gloria ("to the glory of God alone"): We live for the glory of God alone.
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)
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)
Atkinson, Miles, The Necessity of a National Reformation. A sermon occasioned by the present critical state of the nation, preached at the parish-church of Leeds, July 11th 1779. . . . By Miles Atkinson, A.B. Leeds, [1779?].
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
"The book contains the parallel histories of what Augustine terms the City of God and the City of Man, both descended from Adam. The City of Man is founded on murder (specifically fratricide, the murder of a brother, viz. Cain and Abel, Romulus and Remus). The City of Man has been deceived and debased, fallen under the sway of pagan gods, which appear to be either demons or, at best indifferent or benign spirits that are mistakenly worshipped. The City of God, on the other hand, is a pilgrim on this earth, toiling here in the joyous expectation of final salvation in God's Kingdom." -- Reader's Comment
"His 'grand unifying theory' of Western civilization, uniting the organization of Rome with the thought of Greece and the revelation of the Bible, has been accepted as the de facto definition of what it means to be Western until only the very last few decades of our time. . . .
"This seamless blend of literary prowess from Rome's greatest scholar and highest ranking professor generates for the reader a powerful education in philosophy, history and theology, tied together with awesome rhetoric, that is uniquely powerful, erudite, insightful and useful all at once.
"As it is written for the leaders of society and not for the average citizen, be ready to be intrigued, challenged to thought, and impressed with every line.
"By no means must the reader have any kind of religious belief to benefit from this book, nor must the reader agree with all that Augustine postulates, nor can the reader, due to the great distance of time separating him from us and improvements in scientific knowledge since his time. The importance, greatness and power of the writing itself commend it to us." -- Reader's Comment
"One who has been introduced to Augustine through his auto-biographical CONFESSIONS may find it easier to follow his logic as he discusses the numerous topics of THE CITY OF GOD." -- Reader's Comment
"It would do the modern Church well to read this book since Augustine places THE CITY OF GOD (i.e., Christ and His Church), within the context of the pagan world in which we live, and its message is as applicable today as it was 1,500 years ago when he first wrote it." -- Reader's Comment
"History and theology in one rich volume." -- Reader's Comment
City of God, Saint Augustine, Philip Schaff (editor), Rev. Marcus Dods, D.D. (translator)
http://www.ccel.org/fathers/NPNF1-02/
The Confessions of Saint Augustine
"The story of his sinful pursuits before conversion, and of his conversion, then of his confession to God, and his discoveries of the greatness of God after his conversion." -- Publisher
http://www.ccel.org/a/augustine/confessions/confessions.html
The Works of Saint Augustine
http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/book/lookupname?key=Augustine%2C%20Saint%2C%20Bishop%20of%20Hippo
Calvin's Commentaries (online)
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom
The Classical View of History (Augustine)
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, "The Christian View of History," lecture series.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=7150273140
The Augustinian Approach to History
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, 47 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9150393751
Church History #09: Augustine #1
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, "Church History" lecture series.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=41504163949
Church History #10: Augustine #2
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, "Church History" lecture series.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=41504164048
Church History #11: Augustine #3
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, "Church History" lecture series.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=41504164152
"A popular presentation of the historic drama, intrigues, rivalry, persecution, suffering, courage, and heroism displayed by Christian leaders from Paul to the establishment of the church in the New World." -- Cyril J. Barber
"Important reflections on history, the discernible patterns that may be used to guide our decision today, and what we may expect in the future." -- Cyril J. Barber
"Volume one covers the period from the beginning of the French Reformation to the Edict of January, 1562. Volume two takes in the period from the battle of Coutras to the death of Henry the Fourth (1610). The author notes that 'the period of about half a century with which these volumes are concerned may properly be regarded as the formative age of the Huguenots in France. It included the first planting of the reformed doctrines, and the steady growth of the Reformation in spite of obloquy and persecution, whether exercised under the forms of law or vented in lawless violence. It was the gathering and the regular organization of the reformed communities, as well as their consolidation into one of the most orderly and zealous churches of the Protestant family.' The author has made use of manuscripts 'previously known to few scholars -- if at all.' 1127 pages, including an extensive 26 page index covering both volumes." -- Publisher
"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).
"Moreover, this is the Bible that led to the King James edition. James . . . did not want the Calvinistic marginal notes of the GENEVA BIBLE getting into the hands of the people because he considered them 'seditious' hence, he authorized the KING JAMES VERSION as a substitute (though the KJV far surpasses modern translations).
"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! Taking a modern work, such as the SCOFIELD REFERENCE BIBLE, and comparing the notes to those of the GENEVA BIBLE, it will readily be seen that the religion of the Protestant Reformation bears no resemblance to much of the nonsense being prattled today!
"Additionally, the later editions of the GENEVA BIBLE (like this 1599 edition), are more strongly Calvinistic and anti-Papal noted by Eason in THE GENEVAN BIBLE, NOTES ON ITS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION. . . ."
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
"There were three primary editions of the GENEVA BIBLE:
(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."
"Features of the Tolle Lege 1599 GENEVA BIBLE:
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.
http://www.swrb.com/bibles/bibles.htm
"The GENEVA BIBLE has a unique place in history. It is some times called the BREECHES BIBLE. That term comes from the reference in Genesis 3:7 where it says that Adam and Eve clothed themselves in 'breeches' made from fig leaves. It is the product of Protestant scholars who had taken refuge in Geneva, Switzerland during the reign of Queen 'Bloody Mary' of England (1553-1558). It is also known as the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to America. It is older than the KING JAMES VERSION and is considered by some to be more 'Protestant' than the KING JAMES VERSION." [probably because of the Notes of the Geneva Reformers -- compiler] -- Reader's Comment
"I've seen the facsimile versions of the GENEVA BIBLE and they don't even come close to this edition. The legibility and readability of this edition is far superior to other editions. -- Reader's Comment
Tolle Lege Press edition of the 1599 Geneva Bible
http://www.GenevaBible.com
Perhaps the unique wisdom in the annotation by the Reformers, John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Knox, and Theodore Beza, among others, is due to their doctrinal position of the absolute sovereignty of God and the utter depravity of mankind. The notes are also very concise, explaining the meaning of Scripture and free of pedantic material.
Sample notes from the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, the Tolle Lege Press restored edition of 2007:
1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege Press Restoration, Fourth Printing, 2008, Probable Errata Listing
Therefore to kill man is to deface God's image, and so injury is not only done to man, but also to God.
"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).
"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.
http://www.lettermen2.com/1599errata.html
A Resolution That Tolle Lege Press and White Hall Press of Chicago Complete the Limited Modernization of the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE Begun in 2004 and of all Spin-off Publications
http://www.lettermen2.com/1599resolve.html
The 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege edition, online
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%201&version=GNV
There is confusion in certain library records for the 1599 and 1672 Bibles that will only be resolved by physical inspection. The following is thought to be an alternative record for the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE.
*Beze, Theodore de, Joachim Camerarius, Pierre Loyseleur, Laurence Tomson, and Franciscus Junius, The Bible, That is, The Holy Scriptures Conteined in the Old and New Testament. "Publisher: [Amsterdam?]: [publisher not identified], [approximately 1599]."
1599 Geneva Bible Notes
http://www.reformedreader.org/gbn/en.htm
The journal of William Bradford.
"A remarkable work by a man who himself was something of a marvel. It remains one of the most readable seventeenth-century American books, attractive to us as much for its artfulness as for its high seriousness, the work of a good storyteller with intelligence and wit." -- Publisher
History of Plymouth Plantation, 1620-1647 (1912), William Bradford
http://archive.org/details/historyplymouth00socigoog
"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
"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
"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 [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
"First edition of the new Academy of Geneva founded by John Calvin. It contains the complete speeches made at the inauguration by John Calvin and Theodore de Beza, the first Rector of the Academy. Also a complete outline of the curriculum, from seventh to first grade, with a complete reading list in classical authors for each grade, and the by-laws and regulations for appointing the faculty. One of the two imprints by Robert Estienne to bear the place of publication as Geneva."
"After exploring the Biblical basis of the Puritan movement, Carden's thematic study examines all aspects of Puritan theology as well as the Puritan's approach to the Christian life, social ethics, politics, family life, education, and culture. He concludes with an overview of the legacy bequeathed to American culture." -- GCB
1803 East Willow Grove Avenue
Glenside, PA 19038
Telephone: 215.884.7676
http://www.ccef.org/
A quarterly magazine devoted to giving the reader an awareness of our Christian heritage. Request a listing of back issues.
Christian History CD-ROM
http://www.christianityonline.com/christianhistory/current/
"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
" '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
From a set of five audio files.
Audio cassette CD503 [audio file].
"An examination of how American thinkers and writers reinterpreted the Puritan tradition from the Romantic period to the Great Depression. Drawing from major literary, historical, religious, and journalistic sources, this study traces the reasons for the decline of Puritan influence from the time when New Englanders still wrestled with the inscrutability of Divine Providence to the indifference and even hostility toward Puritanism of the late 1930's." -- Cyril J. Barber
"Alfred Edersheim's monumental work -- his most significant one next to the LIFE AND TIMES OF JESUS THE MESSIAH. This massive, popular-level work covers Bible history from creation to the decline and captivity of Israel and Judah, drawing on criticism and Biblical geography and antiquities in its analysis. . . ." -- CBD
"This has long been a standard work. It is a telling of the Scripture in a straightforward, more or less chronological form. But unlike secular historians, he tells no lies. He has a good grasp of Scripture, and a reverent attitude toward God and His people." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
The Bible History Old Testament, Alfred Edersheim
http://philologos.org/__eb-bhot/default.htm
"The most important general work on the life of Christ in our language." -- Wilbur M. Smith
"From his prodigious study he produced an unrivaled picture of the life of Christ and of the whole Jewish background -- not merely of the archaeological details, but of the essential characteristics of Jewish thought and feeling. It is today the most extensively used life of Christ in the English language." -- Publisher
The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, by Alfred Edersheim
http://www.ccel.org/e/edersheim/lifetimes/
Sketches of Jewish Social Life in the Days of Christ, by Alfred Edersheim
http://www.ccel.org/e/edersheim/sketches/
"Edwards powerfully shows how the work of redemption was carried on through the time from The Fall to the end of the world. It is truly amazing how Edwards cover the redemptive history with a strong link on the destruction of Jerusalem, the time of Constantine, Reformation, the rise of Antichrist, etc. . . ." -- Reader's Comment
This is an unfinished work.
The Works of Jonathan Edwards
http://www.ccel.org/e/edwards/works/works.html
A History of the Work of Redemption, Jonathan Edwards
http://www.jonathanedwards.com/text/Hist%20of%20Redemption/Hist%20Outline.htm
Jonathan Edwards.com
http://www.jonathanedwards.com/
A History of the Work of Redemption, Jonathan Edwards
http://www.heritagebooks.org/item.asp?bookid=517
"AUGUSTINE THROUGH THE AGES is an enormously informative work on the life and thought of Augustine of Hippo. Every serious student of Augustine would benefit from having this volume. Allow me to enumerate three reasons why this encyclopedia is so valuable in helping people to understand Augustine and his extraordinary contribution both to the history of Christianity and to the intellectual development of the Western world:
1. This work contains hundreds of articles by the best Augustine scholars from both the Catholic and Protestant ranks. The result is that you can fairly evaluate Augustine's contribution to the history of Western Christianity. For example, this volume contains insightful articles on how Augustine's thought influenced the development of the Catholic, Lutheran, and Reformed theological traditions in particular.
"AUGUSTINE THROUGH THE AGES contains more than 900 pages that attempt to capture the life, thought, controversies, and literary output of one of Christianity's greatest thinkers. This is indeed an extremely valuable volume." -- Reader's Comment
2. Because Augustine wrote more than five million words, it is often difficult to pull together his various treatments of issues and to attempt to summarize his overall position. This encyclopedia is quite helpful in systematizing the various categories of Augustine's thought.
3. This work includes articles which address all areas of Augustine's thought, including biblical, theological, philosophical, ethical, historical, and his many literary works.
"Fitzgerald (patristics, Augustinian Patristic Institute, Rome, and editor of Augustinian Studies for Villanova U.), presents an encyclopedic treatment of the life, thought, and influence of arguably the most influential Western Christian thinker after the apostles, Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-430). Includes some 400 articles written by scholars whose academic backgrounds include classics, history, philosophy, political science, and theology, and which cover every aspect of Augustine's life and writings and trace his influence on the church and on the development of Western thought. Indexes, cross references, and current bibliographies should make this volume a useful research tool." -- Publisher
"There are those who believe that when Wycliffe was born about 660 years ago, he became the one man who changed the course of English history more than any other man." -- GCB
Includes bibliography.
"You can browse and compare the unabridged texts of the four editions of this massive work published in John Foxe's lifetime (1563, 1570, 1576, 1583). Each edition changed significantly as Foxe sought to incorporate new material, answer his critics, and adjust its polemical force to the needs of the moment. . . .
"TAMO is both an instrument of scholarship and a tool for anyone who wants to explore this remarkable work, a milestone in the history of the English printed book and a signal achievement of its printer, John Day."
John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable, ISBN: 0197262252 9780197262252.
"This CD-ROM combines readable and printable images of 2,200 pages of text and woodcut engravings from the 1583 edition, the last for which Foxe was personally responsible."
Other editions: Acts and Monuments or Foxe's Book of Martyrs, 1554, 1843-49 edition, 8 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'No book ever inflicted a wound so deep and incurable on the Romish system of superstition and bloody persecution . . . it was placed in . . . all churches and chapels throughout the kingdom, by order of Queen Elizabeth.' (Smith, Select Memoirs, p. 245). Contains much information not found in any of the liberally edited and severely shortened editions of this classic work which are in print today. Covering martyrs from the early church through to Foxe's day, it was one of the most influential books of the sixteenth century! It overflows with faith building testimony of the power of God to overcome the most cruel and barbarous acts of human depravity and demonic cruelty. 6890 pages. A very rare set, now back in print after 150 years!" -- Publisher
"After the Bible itself, no book so profoundly influenced early Protestant sentiment as the BOOK OF MARTYRS. Even in our time it is still a living force. It is more than a record of persecution. It is an arsenal of controversy, a storehouse of romance, as well as a source of edification." -- James Miller Dodds, English Prose
"When one recollects that until the appearance of the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS the common people had almost no other reading matter except the BIBLE and FOX'S BOOK OF MARTYRS, we can understand the deep impression that this book produced; and how it served to mold the national character. Those who could read for themselves learned the full details of all the atrocities performed on the Protestant reformers; the illiterate could see the rude illustrations of the various instruments of torture, the rack, the gridiron, the boiling oil, and then the holy ones breathing out their souls amid the flames. Take a people just awakening to a new intellectual and religious life; let several generations of them, from childhood to old age, pore over such a book, and its stories become traditions as individual and almost as potent as songs and customs on a nation's life." -- Douglas Campbell, The Puritan in Holland, England, and America
"If we divest the book of its accidental character of feud between churches, it yet stands, in the first years of Elizabeth's reign, a monument that marks the growing strength of a desire for spiritual freedom, defiance of those forms that seek to stifle conscience and fetter thought." -- Henry Morley, English Writers
"John Foxe was a prince among believers. He had his printing press on a cart, and had often to print at night, moving his press before dawn to escape capture and burning at the stake. He never faltered in his purpose to leave a voluminous written witness to the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to keep His saints in love and peace." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Text Encoding Initiative (TEI), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs Variorum Edition Online
http://www.tei-c.org/Activities/Projects/jo01.xml
"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
"First published in 1965, this work remains the standard treatment of the interplay between Church and State in the early centuries of the Christian era. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
"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).
"Moreover, this is the Bible that led to the King James edition. James . . . did not want the Calvinistic marginal notes of the GENEVA BIBLE getting into the hands of the people because he considered them 'seditious' hence, he authorized the KING JAMES VERSION as a substitute (though the KJV far surpasses modern translations).
"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! Taking a modern work, such as the SCOFIELD REFERENCE BIBLE, and comparing the notes to those of the GENEVA BIBLE, it will readily be seen that the religion of the Protestant Reformation bears no resemblance to much of the nonsense being prattled today!
"Additionally, the later editions of the GENEVA BIBLE (like this 1599 edition), are more strongly Calvinistic and anti-Papal noted by Eason in THE GENEVAN BIBLE, NOTES ON ITS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION. . . ."
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
"There were three primary editions of the GENEVA BIBLE:
(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."
"Features of the Tolle Lege 1599 GENEVA BIBLE:
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.
http://www.swrb.com/bibles/bibles.htm
"The GENEVA BIBLE has a unique place in history. It is some times called the BREECHES BIBLE. That term comes from the reference in Genesis 3:7 where it says that Adam and Eve clothed themselves in 'breeches' made from fig leaves. It is the product of Protestant scholars who had taken refuge in Geneva, Switzerland during the reign of Queen 'Bloody Mary' of England (1553-1558). It is also known as the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to America. It is older than the KING JAMES VERSION and is considered by some to be more 'Protestant' than the KING JAMES VERSION." [probably because of the Notes of the Geneva Reformers -- compiler] -- Reader's Comment
"I've seen the facsimile versions of the GENEVA BIBLE and they don't even come close to this edition. The legibility and readability of this edition is far superior to other editions. -- Reader's Comment
Tolle Lege Press edition of the 1599 Geneva Bible
http://www.GenevaBible.com
Perhaps the unique wisdom in the annotation by the Reformers, John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Knox, and Theodore Beza, among others, is due to their doctrinal position of the absolute sovereignty of God and the utter depravity of mankind. The notes are also very concise, explaining the meaning of Scripture and free of pedantic material.
Sample notes from the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, the Tolle Lege Press restored edition of 2007:
1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege Press Restoration, Fourth Printing, 2008, Probable Errata Listing
Therefore to kill man is to deface God's image, and so injury is not only done to man, but also to God.
"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).
"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.
http://www.lettermen2.com/1599errata.html
A Resolution That Tolle Lege Press and White Hall Press of Chicago Complete the Limited Modernization of the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE Begun in 2004 and of all Spin-off Publications
http://www.lettermen2.com/1599resolve.html
The 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege edition, online
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%201&version=GNV
There is confusion in certain library records for the 1599 and 1672 Bibles that will only be resolved by physical inspection. The following is thought to be an alternative record for the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE.
*Beze, Theodore de, Joachim Camerarius, Pierre Loyseleur, Laurence Tomson, and Franciscus Junius, The Bible, That is, The Holy Scriptures Conteined in the Old and New Testament. "Publisher: [Amsterdam?]: [publisher not identified], [approximately 1599]."
1599 Geneva Bible Notes
http://www.reformedreader.org/gbn/en.htm
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.
This is considered to be a superior text to the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE, which is said to be about 80 percent Tyndale translation. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive and in The Amazing Christian Library. [broken link]
"The best Reformation translation (King James Version), combined with the best Bible notes of the first Reformation, the GENEVA BIBLE notes. [The drawback of the 1672 is that it has never been restored with a modern typeface. -- compiler] A great tool for public, family, and private worship and study. Printed from a marvelously clean original copy, surpassing the quality of all other printings (of the GENEVA BIBLE NOTES in particular), we have seen. Contains almost 1000 (8.5 X 11 inch), pages with notes on the complete Bible (Old and New Testaments), making this a veritable library of study and classic Protestant commentary in just one book." -- Publisher
The following title is apparently an alternative edition of the 1672 AKJV with GENEVA NOTES:
James, King of England, Lancelot Andrewes, Theodore de Beze, Franciscus Junius, and John Canne, The Holy Bible: Containing the Old and New Testament; Newly translated out of the originall tongues and with the former translations diligently compared and revised by his Majesties speciall command; With most profitable Annotations [probably the GENEVA NOTES -- compiler] upon all the hard places, and other things of great importance; Which notes have never before been set forth with this new translation; but are now placed in due order with great care and industrie. "Publisher: [Amsterdam]: [Stephen Swart], Printed in the Year MDCLXXII."
The Authorized King James Version of 1611 (Pure Cambridge Edition), Digital Text
"The PURE CAMBRIDGE EDITION (first published circa 1900), is the product of the process of textual purification that has occurred since 1611 when the AUTHORIZED VERSION was completed, and has been used (often unwittingly), as the received text for many decades. Millions of copies conformed to this edition were issued by Bible and missionary societies in the twentieth century. This text stands in contrast to all other editions (especially newly edited and modernized ones). . . ." -- excerpt from Bible Protector homepage
https://archive.org/details/king-james-bible-pure-cambridge-edition-pdf
"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.
"This sermon, read by elder Lyndon Dohms, was originally preached to the House of Lords in the abbey church at Westminster during the days of the Westminster Assembly (on August 27, 1645). It deals with Malachi 3:2 and can also be found in volume one of GILLESPIE'S WORKS. The reading is approximately 80 minutes in length and for content this is likely the best sermon that we have ever carried. The glory of Christ is magnified in a soul stirring manner and at a level which is seldom (if ever), reached in our day. Though preaching before some of the most powerful men of his day, Gillespie does nothing to shave off the sharp edges of the whole counsel of God. He makes it abundantly clear that spiritual Reformation (individual, ecclesiastical and civil), is like a flaming fire which burns the dross of the flesh and is often hated and opposed by those that cry loudest for 'Reform.' On the other hand, the refining fire of Reformation which pleases God (and comes from His fatherly hands, filled with mercy, love and grace), not only turns his wrath from the nations (by granting the grace to remove the causes of His wrath), but invigorates the spirit with that iconoclastic zeal against sin (whether personal or corporate), that can only be produced by His sovereign power. Whole-hearted (covenanted) reformation is contrasted, throughout this sermon, with the half-hearted comfortable Christianity that has been common in most ages. Gillespie wields the sword of Scripture as few can in driving home a multitude of vitally important points. This sermon can be listened to over and over with increasing profit, as it contains a fullness which is almost impossible to absorb in just one sitting. Don't miss this one; it is a real gem!" -- Publisher
Reformation's Refining Fire; or, Iconoclastic Zeal Necessary to World Reformation. Preaching on Malachi 3:2 in 1645.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonssource&sermonID=103006312
"This carefully researched and enlightening study shows that Columbus was not only a man of God, but that his voyage was largely motivated by godly zeal. Written in narrative to appeal to the heroic heart of all generations, it is designed to rekindle our natural wonder even as it recaptures the true meaning of Columbus." -- GCB
"Other titles in the series: National danger in romanism, Creed of pius iv, Roman catholic faith of the world today, Spanish romanism and english protestantism on the western continent."
"A valuable historical resume in which the author attempts to probe the Godward relationship of our founding fathers in an endeavor to recapture something of their lost piety." -- Cyril J. Barber
"Traces Luther's life. His attack on the all-powerful Catholic Church was a knife to the heart of an empire that had endured for over a thousand years. Luther became a monk and by the nailing of his treatise to the doors of the Wittenberg Cathedral, Martin Luther changed the world forever, unleashing forces that plunged Europe into war and chaos. Martin Luther not only revolutionize the Church, he offered the Christian world a new vision of man's relationship with God, and in turn redefined man's relationship with authority in general. This is a dramatic story of the collapse of the medieval world, of social, economic and political revolution, and of the birth of the modern age." -- Publisher
The Bishop's Doom
http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/henderson_bishops_doom.html
"This book is one of the best easy reading historical accounts published concerning this unsurpassed Assembly. Hetherington's purpose for writing this book is stated in the preface as follows:
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 book takes a 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 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 mold 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)
"Hetherington covers the period from 1531 to 1662. Many consider this era a historical high water mark for doctrinal and practical Puritan 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).
"This work is indispensable for understanding the work accomplished by the Westminster Assembly, Presbyterian and Independent history, Oliver Cromwell and much more. For example, consider the lofty and Christ honoring 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. (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)
"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 this book at least once. Third edition, 413 pages." -- Publisher
Hetherington, W.M., History of the Westminster Assembly
History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, by William Maxwell Hetherington, D.D., LL.D.
http://www.reformed.org/books/hetherington/west_assembly/index.html
"Most commonly known as SCOTS WORTHIES, this edition contains Howie's footnotes (defending the Covenanters), and Howie's appendix titled 'The Judgment and Justice of God' (which chronicles God's judgments upon Reformation apostates and those who persecuted the Covenanters). It is the only edition in print which contains both these sections intended for publication by the author (as later editors often removed either one or both of these parts of this book). BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA covers the history of 'noblemen, gentlemen, ministers and others from Mr. Patrick Hamilton, who was born about the year of our Lord 1503, and suffered martyrdom at St. Andrews, Feb., 1527, to Mr. James Renwick, who was executed in the Grass-market of Edinburgh, Feb. 17, 1688. Together with a succinct account of the lives of other seven eminent divines, and Sir Robert Hamilton of Preston, who died about, or shortly after the Revolution.' This is one of our best history books (over 700 pages), covering all of the major Scottish Reformers. Howie summarizes his book as follows: 'The design of the following was to collect, from the best authorities, a summary account of the lives, characters, and contendings, of a certain number of our most renowned SCOTS WORTHIES, who, for their faithful services, ardent zeal, constancy in sufferings, and other Christian graces and virtues, deserve honourable memorial in the Church of Christ; and for which their names have been, and will be savoury to all the true lovers of our Zion, while Reformation principles are regarded.' Furthermore, the momentous nature of the struggles chronicled in this book are succinctly noted when Howie writes: 'the primitive witnesses had the divinity of the Son of God, and an open confession of Him, for their testimony. Our reformers from Popery had Antichrist to struggle with, in asserting the doctrines of the Gospel, and the right way of salvation in and through Jesus Christ. Again, in the reigns of James VI. and Charles I., Christ's REGALIA, and the divine right of Presbytery, became the subject matter of their testimony. Then, in the beginning of the reign of Charles II. (until he got the whole of our ancient and laudable constitution effaced and overturned), our Worthies only saw it their duty to hold and contend for what they had already attained unto. But, in the end of this and the subsequent tyrant's reign, they found it their duty (a duty which they had too long neglected), to advance one step higher, by casting off their authority altogether, and that as well on account of their manifest usurpation of Christ's crown and dignity, as on account of their treachery, bloodshed, and tyranny . . . which may be summed up. The Primitive martyrs sealed the prophetic office of Christ in opposition to Pagan idolatry. The reforming martyrs sealed His priestly office with their blood, in opposition to Popish idolatry. And last of all, our late martyrs have sealed His kingly office with their best blood, in despite of supremacy and bold Erastianism. They indeed have cemented it upon His royal head, so that to the world's end it shall never drop off again.' Moreover, the importance of this book can be clearly seen when Johnston, in TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT, reports that, Walter Scott refers to Howie as 'the fine old chronicler of the Cameronians'. . . Howie's book has been for upwards of a century a household word, occupying a place on the shelf beside THE BIBLE and THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' Written for God, country and the covenanted work of Reformation. Stirring history!" -- Publisher
An alternative edition that also contains the appendix, Biographia Scoticana: or, A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies, Noblemen, Gentlemen, Ministers and Others . . . With an Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Account of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of Some of the Most Bloody Persecutors in Scotland, 1836.
An Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Hint of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of Some of the Most Remarkable Apostates and Bloody Persecutors in Scotland From the Reformation to the Revolution
This is the Appendix to THE SCOTS WORTHIES. BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA, 2nd edition, corrected and enlarged, 1781.
http://archive.org/details/biographiascotic28272gut
See also: A CLOUD OF WITNESSES FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST BEING THE LAST SPEECHES AND TESTIMONIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FOR THE TRUTH IN SCOTLAND SINCE . . . 1680 and JOHN FOXE'S BOOK OF MARTYRS. ACTES AND MONUMENTS OF MATTERS MOST SPECIALL AND MEMORABLE. Available from: http://www.johnfoxe.org. Implemented by the Humanities Research Institute, University of Sheffield, England, and published by HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011, Version 2.0, ISBN: 9780954260864.
The last chapter, about Calvin's last meeting with his pastors, is said to be one of the great pieces of Reformation literature.
"A Puritan sermon on a much neglected means to spiritual victory, ecclesiastical revival, and national reformation." -- Publisher
"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, 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
"Josephus' writings are indispensable for understanding Jewish thought, background, and history up to and around the time of Christ. Now Josephus is more accessible than ever!
"In this edition, the entire text has been reset in modern, easy-to-read type. The Loeb numbering system (the standard way to cite Josephus), has been added so you can locate passages mentioned in other reference works -- and the confusing Roman numerals have been changed to simple Arabic ones. The entire text and notes of William Whiston's four-volume edition are included so you'll have the most complete edition possible. And the indexes have been thoroughly corrected and expanded. This is the edition to own!" -- CBD, referring to the Whiston translation
The Works of Josephus
http://www.biblestudytools.com/History/BC/FlaviusJosephus/
"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
"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
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.
"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
"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
"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.
"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
"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
"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
" 'The 'three mighties' in the army of the Reformation, are undoubtedly Luther, Calvin, and Knox. Each of the three has his appropriate place and his peculiar work. Luther cleared the ground; Calvin exhibited the plan of the new edifice; Knox was the workman who erected it.' (Wylie, Tercentenary of the Scottish Reformation, p. 73, this book is listed under 'Cunningham' in this catalogue). Here Lorimer gives us an important look at a major chapter in the life of Christ's Reformation 'workman,' as founded upon several important papers of Knox never before published. Kyle elaborates: 'After the publication of Laing's collection, three smaller Knoxian writings were discovered. In 1875 these tracts were reprinted as part of Peter Lorimer's book JOHN KNOX AND THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. Scholarly criticism has verified Knox's authorship of these articles.' (The Mind of John Knox, p. 14). Lorimer himself says that 'the amount of fresh biographical and historical material supplied by these papers is so very considerable that it appeared to warrant and suggest a re-writing of the English chapter of Knox's life.' Furthermore, he continues, that though Knox is too often thought of only in connection 'with his work and success as the Reformer of Scotland,' it should be remembered that 'a large portion of the best and most energetic part of his life was spent in England, and among Englishmen out of England.' Written as a Monograph to 'make larger and freer use of Knox's own writings, in the way of culling their most personal and characteristic passages,' Lorimer intimates, 'I wished, as much as possible, to let Knox himself be seen and heard in my book.' Kevin Reed, one of the foremost Knox scholars alive today, calls this work 'an excellent account of Knox's ministry in England' (JOHN KNOX THE FORGOTTEN REFORMER, Presbyterian Heritage Publishing, p. 19). A great supplement to any study of Knox." -- Publisher
"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."
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
Includes bibliography.
"This bibliography orders one major genre of research in American Puritan studies -- doctoral dissertations and published monographs based on them -- to facilitate access to many significant but often neglected studies, and to display per exemplum the remarkably broad array of topics that have interested students of the American Puritans. It comprises citations of and abstracts for 940 American, British, Canadian, and German doctoral dissertations from 1882 through 1981. Dissertations cited treat entirely or in part some aspect of the history, theology, literature, and culture of the American Puritans, from the time of the Mayflower through 1730, and the perceived influence of Puritanism on later American thought. Also included are historiographical studies on the idea of Puritanism as interpreted by later generations of Americans. Each citation is annotated with a brief abstract and/or the table of contents. For ease of access to the contents of this bibliography, Montgomery has provided four indexes: author/editor/compiler, short-title, degree-granting institution, and subject." -- Publisher
American Puritan Studies: An Annotated Bibliography of Dissertations, 1882-1981
http://info.greenwood.com/books/0313242/0313242372.html
American Puritan Studies: An Annotated Bibliography of Dissertations, 1882-1981, full view.
http://books.google.com/books?id=cqjVAAAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
"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
"Reprinted from the latest edition and containing critical notes, this outstanding presentation of Protestant nonconformity (from 1517 to 1688), delineates the course of action taken by those dubbed Puritan, describes the seeds of liberty and democracy that they spread and that lie latent in their history and teachings, and presents a vivid picture of the effect of their stand for truth. This is an excellent work and is well-deserving of careful study. The benefits of reading these volumes is too great to be tabulated here. We can only hope that a new generation of men and women who are loyal to the Lord and His Word will peruse these pages to their own great profit." -- Cyril J. Barber
The History of the Puritans, or, Protestant Non-conformists . . . (vol. 1 of 4)
https://archive.org/details/historyofp01neal
The History of the Puritans, or, Protestant Non-conformists . . . (vol. 2 of 4)
https://archive.org/details/historyo02neal
The History of the Puritans, or, Protestant Non-conformists . . . (vol. 3 of 4)
https://archive.org/details/historyofpurit03neal
The History of the Puritans, or, Protestant Non-conformists . . . (vol. 4 of 4)
https://archive.org/details/historyofpurit04neal
" 'The Forbidden Book' is unlike anything you have ever seen before. Hosted by Dr. Craig Lampe, this one-hour documentary takes you on a fascinating journey through time. Follow our film crew across Europe as we SHOW YOU all the important places of Christian history.
"Learn how God's Word was originally scribed in Hebrew and Greek. Walk with Dr. Lampe among the ruins of the very first Christian Church ever built above ground -- not in Israel, but in England! Discover how the Word was preserved through the 1,000 year period of the Dark and Middle Ages, when possession of scripture in any language other than Latin meant certain death at the hands of the organized church. Uncover the truth about the misunderstood books called 'Apocrypha' that were printed in every Protestant Christian's Bible until 1885.
"Meet John Wycliffe, the first person to translate the Bible into English -- and see his church, which is still offering Sunday services today, as it has since the 1300's. Look at the door where Martin Luther, the first person to print the Bible in German, nailed his 95 Theses, starting the Protestant Reformation. See William Tyndale's illegal printing shop, which is a book store today, and find out why Tyndale was executed for being the first person to print the scriptures in English. Find out about the 1535 first complete printed English Bible of Myles Coverdale, the 1537 Matthews Bible, and King Henry the Eighth's 1539 'Great Bible' -- the first legal English Bible.
"Learn why the Bible of the Protestant Reformation, the 1560 English Geneva Bible, had to be printed in Switzerland due to the reign of Queen 'Bloody' Mary. See how the 1568 BISHOPS BIBLE was revised to become the 1611 KING JAMES BIBLE, and how the KING JAMES VERSION slowly replaced the much more popular GENEVA BIBLE among early American Colonists.
"The Forbidden Book is simply the most captivating and informative video ever produced on the subject of how we got the Bible, and how God has preserved His Word for thousands of years to countless generations." -- Publisher
"The Forbidden Book is a DVD presentation examining the history of the Word of God in English. It is hosted by Dr. Craig Lampe, a Bible historian and International Director of the World Bible Society. Dr. Lampe owns the Rare Bible Showroom in Arizona and holds a virtual monopoly over rare and antique Bibles. His collection even includes a 1410 Wycliffe Manuscript valued at just under $3 million. It is one of the rarest Bibles in the world. He has a Coverdale Bible, Great Bibles, sells leaves of the Geneva Bible, and, amazingly enough, leaves from the Gutenberg Bible -- the first book ever published. If you happen to have one of these complete Bibles sitting in your attic, you should have it insured for about $100 million.
"This DVD is an hour-long presentation on the history of the English Bible. The viewer will meet most of the historical figures responsible for bringing us the Bible as we know and love it today: Wycliffe, Huss, Gutenberg, Colet, Erasmus, Tyndale, Luther and so on. He will see some of the locations important to the history of the Bible, such as the Wittenberg door and Martin Luther's study. He will learn about the earliest English translations, in the Old World and in the New.
"There are many amazing facts worked into the presentation. Lampe shows a scroll that is 1000 years old, and tells the viewer that it is word-for-word the same as the text of the Dead Sea Scrolls that were written a full millennium before. He describes how the Bible went from being available in 500 languages in 400 AD to being available in only 1 only 100 years later. He talks about a 110 year period in America during which 5000 editions of the Bible were produced. . . .
"Before I close, I will warn that the host is quite harsh towards the Roman Catholic Church and their role in the history of the English Bible. And well he should be, as the papacy worked tirelessly to eradicate any person who dared to present the Scriptures to the common man. Of course the fears of the Church were founded, for when Scripture became accessible, the light quickly broke forth and spread throughout the world. -- Viewer's Comments
"Did you know that during the period of AD 100 and AD 400 the Bible had been translated into nearly 500 languages? Did you know that from AD 400 to AD 500 it had been reduced to just one language? A language only know to the clergy and the educated. . . .
"John Wycliffe, the brilliant 14th century Oxford scholar, translated the Bible from Latin into English in order to enlighten the masses oppressed through ignorance. His work was so despised by the established church, that Pope Martin V ordered Wycliffe's bones to be dug up and burned. Martin Luther was one of the few who challenged church authority in the 16th century and lived to tell the tale. . . .
"William Tyndale was not spared like his friend Luther. Tyndale spent the last 500 days of his life in a cold castle dungeon. He was then tied to a stake, strangled and burned. His crime? . . . printing Bibles in the English language! Discover the fascinating story behind the preservation of the English Bible . . ." -- J.J. Calvin
"Learn the behind-the-scenes details of the 19,000 pieces of what has become known as the Dead Sea Scrolls.
"Hebrew word pictures: In ancient Hebrew, every word is formed by adding pictures together to illustrate its meaning. Biblical Hebrew is composed of simple word pictures that illustrate the truths found in Scripture.
"During the dark ages, superstition and ignorance controlled the minds of the masses. A few brave men obeyed God and brought the Bible to the world."
Includes bibliography and index.
Addresses delivered at the Puritan and Westminster Conferences 1959-1969.
"These studies are of practical value because the Puritans are approached with three important question in mind: What did they teach and do? Was their teaching Biblical? and, What can we learn from them for our life and witness today?" -- GCB
Paisley, Ian R.K., and J.A. Wylie, The Pope is the Antichrist: A Demonstration From Scripture, History, and his own Lips; Being a Precis of Dr. J.A. Wylie's classic, The Papacy is the Antichrist.
Contents: The Puritans and the doctrine of election / Iain Murray | The witness of the spirit: the Puritan teaching / J.I. Packer | The Puritans' dealings with troubled souls / G.A. Hemming | The law and the covenants: a study in John Ball / E.F. Kevan | Mrs. Hutchinson and her teaching / E. Braund | Richard Greenham and the trials of a Christian / O.R. Johnston | The Puritans and the Lord's day / J.I. Packer | The Savoy Conference, 1661 / G. Thomas | Thomas Shepard's "Parable of the ten virgins" / O.R. Johnston | John Bunyan and his experience / Owen C. Watkins | The Puritan principle of worship / W. Young | Daily life among the Puritans / E. Braund | The life and work of a minister according to the Puritans / Paul Cook | The Puritans as interpreters of Scripture / J.I. Packer | William Guthrie on the trial of a saving interest in Christ / D. Mingard | Divine sovereignty in the thought of Stephen Charnock / F.K. Drayson | Richard Baxter's social and economic teaching / D.R. Wooldridge | Morgan Llwyd / Geraint Gruffydd | John Calvin: the man whom God subdued / P.E. Hughes | The Puritan view of preaching the gospel / J.I. Packer | Andrew Fuller's conflict with hyper-Calvinism / T.E. Watson | Discipline in the Puritan congregation / D. Downham | Revival: an historical and theological survey / D.M. Lloyd-Jones.
Contents: Philip Doddridges's The rise and progress of religion in the soul / Alan Gibson | Jonathan Edwards and the theology of revival / J.I. Packer | John Knox and the Scottish Reformation / G.N.M. Collins | The Puritan doctrine of apostasy / W.H. Davies | Knowledge: false and true / D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones | The Puritan idea of communion with God / J.I. Packer | The Puritan doctrine of Christian joy / J. Gwyn-Thomas | Missions in the Reformed tradition / B.R. Easter | Preaching: Puritan and Reformed / J.A. Caiger | The Puritan concept of divine intercession / Eifion E. Evans | Summing up / D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones | The casuistry of William Perkins / I. Breward | The Puritan conscience / J.I. Packer | Thomas Boston of Ettrick / D.J. Innes | John Owen's doctrine of Christ / F.R. Entwistle | Puritan perplexities: lessons from 1640-1662 / D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
Contents: The Puritan approach to worship / J.I. Packer | Scripture and "things indifferent" / Iain Murray | Charles Haddon Spurgeon: preacher / D.M. Whyte | John Owen on schism / D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones | John Calvin's doctrine of God / R.A. Finlayson | John Calvin the man / O.R. Johnston | John Calvin: a servant of the word / J.I. Packer | The growth of John Calvin's Institutes / G.E. Duffield | John Calvin's Geneva / W.H. Grier | John Calvin and George Whitefield / D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
Contents: Ulrich Zwingli / D.W. Marshall | The Anabaptists / D.P. Kingdon | Martin Luther / J.I. Packer | Thomas Cranmer / G.S.R. Cox | John Knox / S.M. Houghton | Ecclesiola in Ecclesia / D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones | Charles Finney on revival / P.E.G. Cook | John Owen on communication from God / J.I. Packer | Catechisms and the Puritans / J. Lewis Wilson | Oliver Heywood, the northern Puritan / W.H. Davies | Henry Jacob and the first Congregational Church / D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones | The Christian mind of Abraham Kuyper / Rex Ambler | The Puritans and spiritual gifts / J.I. Packer | Daniel Rowland / Eifion Evans | Richard Baxter's Reformed pastor / J.A. Caiger | Sandemanianism / D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
Contents: The Arminian conflict and the Synod of Dort / John R. de Witt | Arminianisms / J.I. Packer | John Wycliffe: the Evangelical doctor / David Fountain | Puritan eschatology: 1600-1648 / Peter Toon | John Fletcher: an Arminian upholder of holiness / David R. Smith | William Williams and Welsh Calvinistic Methodism / D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones | German Pietism and the Evangelical Revival / John D. Manton | The doctrine of justification among the Puritans / J.I. Packer | The death of Presbyterianism / Hywel R. Jones | Joseph Alleine / Elizabeth Braund | Can we learn from history? / D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
http://www.ianpaisley.org/article.asp?ArtKey=antichrist_intro
"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
"This rare book, published in 1860 as the first comprehensive account of the 1859 revival in Wales, holds a primary place in the authentic records of periods of remarkable spiritual recovery and growth. Phillips was an eye witness of much that he records. He also gives the testimony of others." -- GCB
"The Post-Reformation Digital Library is a collection of resources relating to the development of theology during the Post-Reformation/Early Modern era (c. 16th-18th centuries), hosted by the H. Henry Meeter Center for Calvin Studies of Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary.
"The primary focus of this site is digital books available from Google Books as well as smaller digital libraries such as Internet Archive, which may have books not available on Google.
"All users are encouraged to contribute to this project by reporting new books with a note under 'Comments' at the bottom of the relevant page. Please also copy and paste any broken links in the relevant comments page so that the editorial board can investigate. (Nota bene: this site is limited insofar as it aims at only those works of the authors that have been digitized. In the vast majority of cases this will not be representative of the author's work as a whole and is no substitute for due bibliographic research.)"
http://libguides.calvin.edu/prdl
David Powlison is editor of Journal of Biblical Counseling, a staff member of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Glenside, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Harvard University in 1972.
Through the years I have often asked our students and alumni about the pivotal moments of their studies at Westminster Theological Seminary. High on the list of frequent answers was Dr. Powlison's class on "The Dynamics of Biblical Change." Students have told me repeatedly, "That course changed my life." We thank God for the gift of Dr. Powlison (1949-2019) who has left such a permanent impact on so many, including Westminster Theological Seminary. -- Peter Lillback
"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.
*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. Includes the following:
The Protestant Reformation
"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 on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (in the LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library.
"From 1555 to 1558, Christopher Goodman served as co-pastor, with John Knox, of the congregation of English exiles in Geneva. During the course of his ministry, Goodman preached upon Acts 4:19 and 5:29: Whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God, judge ye. We ought rather to obey God than men. At the request of his brethren, Goodman subsequently published an expanded version of his exposition, HOW SUPERIOR POWERS OUGHT TO BE OBEYED OF THEIR SUBJECTS: AND WHEREIN THEY MAY LAWFULLY BY GOD'S WORD BE DISOBEYED AND RESISTED. WHEREIN ALSO IS DECLARED THE CAUSE OF ALL THIS PRESENT MISERY IN ENGLAND, AND THE ONLY WAY TO REMEDY THE SAME. In this book, Goodman contends against both ecclesiastical and political tyranny.
"This new edition of SUPERIOR POWERS includes a scripture index, a subject index, a biographical essay on the life of Christopher Goodman, and the original foreword by William Whittingham." -- Publisher from Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library
"Very rare. One of the dozen most important political writings appearing in English in the latter half of the sixteenth century. Together with THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET and THE APPELLATION (retitled REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM in this catalogue), by John Knox, and Ponet's TREATISE OF POLITIQUE POWER, this book marks the first definite shift of opinion under the pressure of religion, away from the doctrine of almost unlimited obedience which characterized the political thought of the first half of the century laying the foundation for future ideas about civil disobedience. In that day, a proclamation of Philip and Mary had decreed the death of a rebel for anyone found in possession of the book." -- Publisher
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
"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."
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.
Special Publications: Miscellaneous Articles and Book Reviews
"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).
Reed, Kevin, The Decline of American Presbyterianism, a book review of Gary North's CROSSED FINGERS: HOW THE LIBERALS CAPTURED THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/decline.htm
Crossed Fingers: How the Liberals Captured the Presbyterian Church, by Gary North
http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gncf/table_of_contents.htm
"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/
"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 judgment 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
"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
Knox laid the foundation for Presbyterianism and the Covenanted Reformation.
"First published in 1958, this concise summary of the history of the church is one of the very best for laypeople. Since its first appearance, this work has attained the status of a classic. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
http://www.truecovenanter.com/renwick/index.htm
A Testimony Against anti-Christian Toleration, James Renwick; Alexander Shields
http://www.truecovenanter.com/renwick/renwick_testimony_16880117.html
"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
"Ridley was 'an eminent reformer and Protestant martyr . . . Having concurred in the proclamation of Lady Jane Grey, he was committed to the Tower. Condemned to death for heresy and burnt in 1555.' (Darling, Cyclopedia Bibliographica, p. 2557).
Of all our English martyrs, . . . Ridley has been esteemed by far the most learned . . . he learned to repeat, without book, almost all the epistles in Greek . . . The courage and zeal he manifested in promoting the (first English -- RB), reformation was such, that he was considered, next to Cranmer, its greatest supporter amongst the clergy . . . the purity of his life corresponded with his knowledge . . . The reformation was greatly promoted by his learning, zeal, and active exertions while he lived, and perhaps more so by his death in its defence. In England, as everywhere else, the ancient observation has been verified, that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. (Thomas Smith, Select Memoirs of the Lives Labours, and Sufferings, of Those Pious and Learned English and Scottish Divines, p. 173 ff, 1828).
"Along with a biographical notice, and among 16 other works, letters, and disputations, this book contains Ridley's BRIEF DECLARATION OR TREATISE AGAINST TRANSUBSTANTIATION. 'Ridley is allowed to have been master of that subject more than any man of his age,' (Smith, p. 175). See his TREATISE AGAINST IMAGE WORSHIP, and his CONFERENCES WITH LATIMER. Printed from the 1843 Parker Society edition, indexed, 485 pages." -- Publisher
"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
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CovMart.htm
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
"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
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
A Hind let Loose; Or An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland. . . . by Mr. Alexander Shields, Minister of the Gospel, in St. Andrews
http://www.truecovenanter.com/shields/
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
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.
"This short book (125 pages), was written to commemorate and celebrate this famous Bible translator's place in our Christian heritage. Wycliffe was a man burdened for a Gospel for all people and a vision of God's grace being freely available to all." -- GCB
"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
" '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,
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 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 (editor, 1819-1893), Church Fathers Series, 38 volumes.
*Schaff, Philip (editor), The Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series.
*Schaff, Philip (editor), A Select Library of Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series.
Christian Classics Ethereal Library CCEL CD-ROM 2000
http://www.ccel.org/cdrom/cdrom.html
*Schaff, Philip (1819-1893), Schaff's History of Christianity, 8 volumes, ISBN: 0802880479 9780802880475.
"A brilliant, detailed account of the history of Christianity up to and including the continental Reformation. Well written, and easy to read. One of the most informative and valuable treatments available. Based on the edition published in 1910." -- Cyril J. Barber
The History of the Christian Church, Philip Schaff
http://www.reformedreader.org/history/schaff/
Scharpff, Paulus, History of Evangelism: Three Hundred Years of Evangelism in Germany, Great Britain and the United States of America.
*Shedd, William Greenough Thayer (1820-1894), The Proposed Revision of the Westminster Standards (1890)
http://archive.org/details/proposedrevision00shed
*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 defense, 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/index.htm#shields_hind_let_loose
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.
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), From Rationalism to Irrationality: The Decline of the Western Mind From the Renaissance to the Present (Wipf and Stock, 2006), 479 pp.
"Now, frankly students, this course is presented from obviously the Reformed Theology. I hold unabashedly, unashamedly to the whole of Reformed Theology as we find it specifically in the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Longer and Shorter Catechisms.
"At the same time I hold to a position in regard to Apologetics generally known as Presuppositionalism, and particularly that view held by Cornelius Van Til.
"This book is an attempt to enlarge and to broaden the scope of Van Til's own Apologetical system, and also his Epistemology. By that I mean, and I worked this book with him, so anything that I say is not to be construed as a criticism of Cornelius Van Til. I might add he wrote me a letter. He is delighted with this book. But what I did was to take his principles, both of Apologetics and of Epistemology, and apply them to all realms of modern thought.
"Dr. Van Til, for good and sufficient reason, sought to limit to the main stream of what we might call pure Philosophy, that is from Saint Thomas, well even before them, back to the Greeks, but particularly in the more modern period, from Saint Thomas Aquinas, William of Ockham (Occam), down through Descartes, the Rationalists, the Empiricists, down to Kant and Hegel, and of course Modern Philosophy and Modern Theology. Very seldom has he gone into what we might call the arena of Political Philosophy, or the arena of Social Thought, or the arena of Psychology and Psychiatry, the realm of Educational Philosophy, and into Art, Music, and so on, to the Fine Arts.
"This book is an attempt to apply his system, and show what happens when the Western mind has forsaken his principles, or the principles which he has espoused, and turned into its own way. And thus the book called FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY. The thesis being that the Rationalism inherent in Saint Thomas and the post-Thomists, and more particularly, and more openly, in the Philosophy of the Renaissance, and Descartes, and Spinosa, and Leibniz has, as it's gained momentum in the modern world, brought Western Culture to its knees. We are living, as I would think, in the death throws of the Western Cultures, the Western Civilization." -- Dr. C. Gregg Singer, in the introductory address to his course in Apologetics soon after FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY came off the press in 1979
Apologetics: #01: Classical and Medieval Thought #1
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 56 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=2250511453
"Locke endeavored to set forth a political philosophy which would anchor his democratic political thought on what he felt were the firm foundations of his empiricism. However, his insistence that nature has bestowed upon mankind certain basic and inalienable rights was an assumption quite contrary to his empiricism. His denial of conscience as an innate possession or quality makes it impossible for men to know that they possess the rights of life, liberty, and property. The very concept of a human right is moral in nature and has its basis of authority in the human conscience. It is thus impossible for men to know through the senses that they have these cherished human rights. Granted that it was far from Locke's intention to undermine or destroy the traditional English concept of personal rights, his empiricism removed from his political thought the necessary foundations on which a government could be built for the protection of these rights. His empiricism supported neither the idea that men have such rights nor that they are inalienable. (p. 61)
"Underlying the secular and naturalistic assumptions of the thought of the Enlightenment was a related and equally serious problem. In their political and economic thought the leaders of this era were passionately devoted to the pursuit of freedom, and yet they seemed to be completely unaware of this incompatibility between their quest for freedom on the one hand and their reliance upon natural law on the other. How can an impersonal and deterministic concept of law produce and sustain a meaningful concept of freedom? Blindly convinced that there was no problem involved in the contradiction, the leaders of the Enlightenment pushed boldly ahead in the quest for political and economic liberty. However, their failure to recognize the issues involved in this quest led not only to the disaster of the French Revolution but to the growth of the totalitarian political and economic philosophies which first appeared in Hegel and Marx during the nineteenth century and reached their culmination in the totalitarianism of the twentieth century." (p. 73) -- quoted at the blog, Imago Veritatis: Post-modern Reformed Paleo-orthodoxy
Singer used this as textbook for his course in Apologetics. Epistemology is a recurring theme throughout the textbook and the course. The series of 24 addresses on Apologetics is available free online. See: "Apologetics" under:
Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
*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.
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), A Theological Interpretation of American History, 1994 edition, 354 pages (Greenville, SC: A Press, 1994, 1981, 1975, 1974, 1964). 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.
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. This was the liberal worldview of English Whig politics, and no group in America was more dedicated to defending it than the Presbyterians." -- 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 (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 (1646) and non-Biblical alterations to constitutional government in the United States see the following:
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.
"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. (Matt. 15:6,9 [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; 2 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
Smith, Timothy Lawrence, Revivalism and Social Reform: American Protestantism on the Eve of the Civil War, ISBN: 080182477X 9780801824777. Alternate title: REVIVALISM AND SOCIAL REFORM IN MID-NINETEENTH-CENTURY AMERICA.
Includes bibliography and index.
*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
*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
Sylvester, Nigel, God's Word in a Young World: The Story of Scripture Union, ISBN: 0862012597 9780862012595.
"A wonderful retelling of the Scripture Union story from its inception in 1867 to the present day."
*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
Thomas, Derek W.H., and John W. Tweeddale (editors and Preface), John Calvin: For a New Reformation, ISBN: 9781433512827 1433512823 9781433512834 1433512831 9781433523991 143352399X.
"More than 500 years ago, 16th-century Reformer John Calvin was born -- a theologian whose teachings set the stage for reformation of the church around the world. The modern world is in continual need of his Christ-exalting doctrine and vision of the Christian life. In 20 essays by leading Reformed pastors and scholars, this primer explores Calvin's life, teaching, and legacy for a new generation. This book is a clarion call to Christians everywhere to take seriously the ongoing need of theological reformation across the globe." -- Publisher
"Thomas and Tweeddale have brought together an impressive team of sympathetic scholars to provide us with this wonderful in-depth exposition of many important aspects of Calvin's life and teaching. The contributors to John Calvin not only highlight but also understand the profound contemporary relevance of his theological and pastoral emphases. Here is a genuine Calvinian treat! May it encourage twenty-first-century pastors and teachers -- indeed, all serious Christians -- to think, worship, serve, and live in the kind of dependence on God and confidence in his word that Calvin so courageously exhibited in his day." -- Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries
*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
Timm, Alberto Ronald, The Academy of Geneva and its Role in the Spread and Consolidation of the Calvinistic Movement
*Tocqueville, Alexis de, Democracy in America, 2 volumes, revised edition, 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
Tracy, Joseph, Great Awakening: A History of the Revival of Religion in the Time of Edwards and Whitefield, new edition, ISBN: 085151233X 9780851512334 0851517129 9780851517124.
"This volume remains second to none in its definitive treatment of the 'Revival of Religion in New England in 1740', one of the most important and remarkable eras in the history of the Christian church in modern times." -- Publisher
"The most comprehensive account of the major 18th century revival." -- Roberts
"The author follows his theme from the local revivals of the 1730s to the floodtide of 1740-1742. The material is broad-based and includes numerous quotes from the time period." -- GCB
"I have read a number of works on revivals and this revival in particular. This is the one book on the subject that I have gone back to time and again. It is scholarly, thorough, and devotionally helpful. As I read of the changes in the lives in the villagers of New England I became more and more impressed with how true revivals are such awesome and precious things.
"This book is very helpful for our day as well. In describing the excesses of this revival (especially those that had to do with Davenport), and in the detailed accounts of unwanted side-phenomena, we see sad similarities to what has been experienced in some of our churches today. This book shows what a true revival looks like." -- Reader's Comment
Watt, Hugh, John Knox in Controversy, 1950.
*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:
*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).
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 (1600-1661)" -- 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.
*Woodbridge, John D., Mark A. Noll, and Nathan O. Hatch, The Gospel in America: Themes in the Story of America's Evangelicals, ISBN: 0310372402 9780310372400.
Woods, David Walker, John Witherspoon, ISBN: 9781432672799 1432672797.
"A republic once equally poised must either preserve its virtue or lose its liberty. . . . He is the best friend of American liberty who is most sincere and active in promoting pure and undefiled religion." -- John Witherspoon
"John Witherspoon, a Presbyterian minister and president of what is now Princeton University, was the only pastor to sign the Declaration of Independence." -- Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984)
Workman, Herbert B., Persecution in the Early Church, ISBN: 0192830252 9780192830258.
"This important assessment of persecution in the early centuries of the Christian era analyzes the clash between church and state, probes the causes of hatred, chronicles the great persecutions, and recounts the experiences of those who were persecuted for their faith." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), The History of Protestantism, 2 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This massive (8.5' X 11'), two-volume set contains nearly 2000 pages and more than 500 illustrations. It chronicles Protestantism in its progress from the first century to the late 17th century (though the focus is clearly on the 16th and 17th centuries). From Luther's burning of the Papal Bull 'excommunicating' him, to Calvin's refusing the Lord's supper to the Libertines of Geneva (who said they would kill him for doing so), the pages of this book testify to the life and death struggle for truth that remains to this day. The pictures in these books are also excellent for introducing children to major historical events relating to the struggle, sacrifice and victory of Christ's church on earth. The writing of Wylie is well worth the time invested to gain an overview of the great controversy between the true church and the false. Paisley, in his foreword, states, 'The Reformation of the 16th century was the greatest revival of New Testament Christianity since the days of Pentecost. Then once more the gospel in its purity was preached with apostolic power and with apostolic results.' He continues, 'Wylie's . . . is the best history extant. I welcome its republishing. Read it. Study it. Circulate it and by so doing you will help to dispel the dark cloud of priestly superstition, popish idolatry and papal tyranny encircling our land.' When it was first published Rome banned this book, buying up and burning all the copies that they could lay their hands on. It was more hated and denounced by Papists than any other book of its time. In our day, when the Pope addresses the United Nations, is often the subject of news reports, and regularly meets with national civil leaders (and when professing Protestants are defecting to 'the whore of Babylon,' and signing 'peace' treaties with this great enemy of Christ [to fight cultural battles]), these books are needed more than ever. William Cunningham's words, though written many years ago, should be heeded by all faithful Christians today, for he said, 'it is quite evident, from the signs of the times, that the Popish controversy must be fought over again . . . It is incumbent upon ministers of the gospel to prepare themselves for the contest'." -- Publisher
Wylie, The History of Protestantism (1902), vol. 1 of 3.
http://archive.org/details/historyofprotes01wyli
Wylie, The History of Protestantism, vol. 2 of 3.
http://archive.org/details/historyofprotes02wyli
Wylie, The History of Protestantism, vol. 3 of 3.
http://archive.org/details/historyofprotes03wyli
Wylie, James Aiken (1808-1890), History of Protestantism in the Netherlands. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), History of the Waldenses, ISBN: 1572581859 9781572581852.
"The Waldenses 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), 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), The Road to Rome via Oxford: or, Ritualism Identical With Romanism.
Wylie, Samuel B. (1773-1852), The Obligation of Covenants: A Discourse, Delivered, Monday, June 27, 1803, After the Dispensation of the Lord's Supper, in the Reformed Presbyterian Congregation, Glasgow. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Obligation of Covenants
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/samuel-b-wylies-sermon-on-the-obligation-of-covenants
*Wylie, Samuel B. (1773-1852), The two Sons of oil; or, The Faithful Witness for Magistracy and Ministry Upon a Scriptural Basis (1850 edition, reprinted 1995). A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13, #26.
"A Covenanter classic opening Revelation 11:3,4 and Zechariah 4:14. It has been hailed as the 'best presentation of the position of the Covenanter Church that has been written.' Noting that the 'time has been, when the whole body of Presbyterians, in Scotland, England, and Ireland, unanimously subscribed' to these principles, 'for civil and ecclesiastical reformation' and that thousands bled and died for the glorious covenanted cause of civil and ecclesiastical reformation; Wylie sets out to explain and defend 'that cause. Not because it is an ancient cause; not because many have sealed it with their blood; but, because,' as he says, 'I thought it the doctrine of the Bible, and the cause of Christ.' This book explains how to tell if a government (especially a civil government), is faithful to Christ and thus to be obeyed for conscience's sake. It also gives direction regarding when and how to resist (and disassociate), yourself from governments which get their power from 'the beast.' Moreover, this book gives clear testimony as to what the Bible requires of civil magistrates, noting 'that civil rulers should exercise their power in protecting and defending the religion of Jesus.' It also gives plain reasons why dissent from the government of the United States (and other covenant breaking nations), is the legitimate Scriptural pattern." -- Publisher
The two Sons of oil; or, The Faithful Witness for Magistracy and Ministry Upon a Scriptural Basis, Samuel B. Wylie
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/two-sons-of-oil.htm
The two Sons of oil, or, The Faithful Witness for Magistracy and Ministry Upon a Scriptural Basis (1850), Samuel Brown Wylie and James McLeod Willson
http://archive.org/details/twosonsofoilorfa00wylirich
Wylie, Samuel B. (1773-1852), 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), 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, The love and justice of God, God's sovereign hand in history, History, "his-story," Christian scholarship, Christ's influence on western civilization, Family worship, The protestant reformation, The dutch reformation, Calvinism, Background, foundation, and history of the covenanted reformation of scotland, Church history and history of local churches, The history of reformation of the church, The puritan revolution, The reformed presbytery of america, and other smaller reformed associations, Christian biography, A theological interpretation of american history, Works of c. gregg singer, The providence of god, The christian foundation of america, colonial history, Works by and about puritans, Church and state, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Persecution, The history of martyrs, Revisionist history, Modern myths and fallacies, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, Meltdown: the depression of 2008, God's deliverance of nations, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Covenanting in America, The scottish covenanting struggle, alexander craighead, and the mecklenburg declaration, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, Church government, Servant leadership, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, National establishment of religion: establishmentarianism, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, The westminster confession of faith (1646), (westminster standards) and related works a study guide, The puritan revolution, The reformed presbytery of america, and other smaller reformed associations, Covenanting in america, Unfaithful reformed ministries, The counter-reformation, The destruction of American liberty, Reformation eschatology, Books considered to be among the ten greatest in the english language, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, and so forth, and so on.
Christian History CD-ROM
http://www.christianityonline.com/christianhistory/current/
The Historicism Research Foundation
http://www.historicism.net
How Christ Taught us to Pray for Reformation
https://www.reformationscotland.org/2021/06/24/how-christ-taught-us-to-pray-for-reformation/
Reformation and Geneva Bibles
http://www.swrb.com/bibles/bibles.htm
Still Waters Revival Books, Puritan Hard Drive Collection.
Containing 12,500 plus Puritan and Reformation resources on an external USB hard drive, "with an embedded database and custom search/interface program now added, the most extensive and powerful reformation study tool ever produced!"
"Over 12,500 Classic and Contemporary Puritan and Reformation Resources On SWRB's New, Portable, USB Puritan Hard Drive (SWRB-PHD) -- Easy, Virtually Effortless, Access To All 12,500+ Puritan And Reformation Resources (Books, MP3s and Videos [audio files, DVD]), and the Power to Search, Build, Print and Even Save An Unlimited Number of Study Lists Related to Whatever Authors, Topics and Titles You Most Need To Know and Understand!
"The new Puritan Hard Drive also works on both PCs and Macs." -- Publisher
Apparently the Puritan Hard Drive includes all Bookshelf collections prepared and in preparation by SWRB at the time of release of the Puritan Hard Drive. Therefore, it includes titles formerly in the Puritan Bookshelf, Reformation Bookshelf, Calvinism Bookshelf, and Protestant Bookshelf as well as SWRB Newsletter, and audio files. Text and audio files that Puritan Downloads has acquire since release of the PHD may be purchased and downloaded singly at puritandownloads.com. It seems that individual PHD owners can not incorporate new text into the PHD database software and indexes.
PuritanDownloads.com
Download contents: Authors, Titles, Categories, and MP3s for the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://www.puritandownloads.com/swrb-puritan-hard-drive.html
Still Waters Revival Books, Reformation Bookshelf 30 CD Set, ISBN: 0921148674 9780921148678.
This is the WorldCat (OCLC) record for the entire 30 CD set. It gives the title of each CD. See the WorldCat (OCLC) record for each CD for a listing of the titles included on that CD. "Comprehensive Author Index Containing all the Books Found in the Entire 30 CD Reformation Bookshelf Set" is available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30, ISBN: 0921148380 9780921148388.
Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Forgotten Principles of the Reformation, an article.
"These also are principles of the Reformation, largely forgotten among those who call themselves Reformed. We ought to remember and defend the solas, [Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Soli Deo Gloria -- compiler], but we ought also to remember and defend the equally Biblical principles of logical consistency, Scripture alone, the right of private judgment, and separation of church and state."
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=202
Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
#01: Introduction: A Span of History
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Decline of American Culture
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?ID=72902195856Apologetics #04: The Renaissance and the Reformation
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 47 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=3105181649Apologetics #24: The Recovery of Christian Theism
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 58 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?ID=3205142039John 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=12607114250The Story of Presbyterianism, C. Gregg Singer, Ph.D. [audio file]
http://www.fpcjackson.org/resources/apologetics/story.htmA Theological Interpretation of American History
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#stiahis
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:12)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.
Christians continued to be the most persecuted group across the globe in 2016. It is estimated that 90,000 Christians were killed worldwide for their faith in 2016. "And hundreds of millions more were not allowed to practice their faith." -- Christians the Most Persecuted Group in World for Second Year
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. -- Tertullian (160-225)
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
Anonymous, The Book of Martyrs, With an Account of the Acts and Monuments of Church and State, From the Time of our Blessed Saviour, to the Year 1701. . . . Abstracted from the best authors and original papers. Illustrated with . . . plates. In two volumes. . . . Vol. 1. London, 1702. 2 vols.
*Carslaw, W.H., The Life and Letters of James Renwick the Last Scottish Martyr, 1893. Alternate title: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES RENWICK. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30. Available in BIOGRAPHIA PRESBYTERIANA. Available (BIOGRAPHIA PRESBYTERIANA) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (BIOGRAPHIA PRESBYTERIANA) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
Biographia Presbyteriana
https://archive.org/details/biographiapresby02walk/page/n9
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.
Carter, Robert, and Brothers, Martyrs and Covenanters of Scotland.
Clergyman and others, The Biographical and Martyrological Dictionary: Containing the lives, sufferings, and deaths, of the most eminent martyrs and confessors of Christ, . . . To the whole is annexed, a general index, . . . By a clergyman and others. Newcastle upon Tyne, 1790.
Foster, Finley Milligan, In Memory of Scotland's Martyrs: Lectures Delivered June 20th and 27th, and July 4th, 1880, ISBN: 0524050783 9780524050781.
*Foxe, John (1516-1587), and Thomas Freeman (prefatory material), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable (unabridged). Alternate title: THE UNABRIDGED ACTS AND MONUMENTS ONLINE or TAMO (HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011). A Christian classic. 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.
John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable, CD-ROM, ISBN: 0197262252 9780197262252.
Other editions: Acts and Monuments or Foxe's Book of Martyrs, 1554, 1843-49 edition, 8 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Text Encoding Initiative (TEI), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs Variorum Edition Online
http://www.tei-c.org/Activities/Projects/jo01.xml
Frend, W.H.C., Martyrdom and Persecution in the Early Church: A Study of a Conflict From the Maccabees to Donatus, ISBN: 9780227172292 0227172299.
"First published in 1965, this work remains the standard treatment of the interplay between Church and State in the early centuries of the Christian era. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Gilfillan, George (1813-1878), The Martyrs and Heroes of the Scottish Covenant, 10th edition, 1914.
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.
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), 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), 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.
Hefley, James, and Marti Hefle, By Their Blood: Christian Martyrs of the 20th Century, ISBN: 0915134284 9780915134281.
"Too often we forget that God's people are suffering and being martyred. Here in a vivid book we are awakened. What FOXE'S BOOK OF MARTYRS did for generations past this book does for our generation." -- GCB
"The book begins with accounts of the martyrs during the Boxer Rebellion in China, continues with martyrs in Japan and Korea, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Nazi Germany, and of the Soviet Union and its communist regimes. Then there are martyrs from the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and from Latin America. . . .
"The stories themselves are gruesome. There is no viciousness like the viciousness of those who worship humanly-conceived gods. Like the Roman Catholic inquisitors in the sixteenth century, men in all nations have at one time or another sought to physically torture Christians to make them recant their testimonies. It is said that for every Christian Stalin murdered in Russia, two or more were raised up by God, until Stalin ordered the killing stopped for fear the whole nation would become Christians. Despite the lurid details of the torture, we recommend that everyone read the books that tell of martyrs dying for the cause of God and truth. This goes for children. Before you cry out, remember what they are watching on television, and seeing in movies, yes, and reading in Stephen King books, and others of that kind. Horror stories are bestsellers in our times. Let the children learn what horrible things are being done to Christians merely because they believe and obey God's word, and because of it worship the Lord Jesus Christ. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
*Howie, John (1735-1793), The Scots Worthies. Biographia Scoticana: or, A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies . . . Also, an Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Hint of the Wicked Lives . . . of the . . . Apostates and . . . Persecutors in Scotland . . . 2nd edition, corrected and enlarged, 1781. A Christian classic. Available (PDF and MP3 audio files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PDF file) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #10. Available (22 MP3 audio files) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30 and at AudioSermons.com.
"Most commonly known as SCOTS WORTHIES, this edition contains Howie's footnotes (defending the Covenanters), and Howie's appendix titled 'The Judgment and Justice of God' (which chronicles God's judgments upon Reformation apostates and those who persecuted the Covenanters). It is the only edition in print which contains both these sections intended for publication by the author (as later editors often removed either one or both of these parts of this book). BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA covers the history of 'noblemen, gentlemen, ministers and others from Mr. Patrick Hamilton, who was born about the year of our Lord 1503, and suffered martyrdom at St. Andrews, Feb., 1527, to Mr. James Renwick, who was executed in the Grass-market of Edinburgh, Feb. 17, 1688. Together with a succinct account of the lives of other seven eminent divines, and Sir Robert Hamilton of Preston, who died about, or shortly after the Revolution.' This is one of our best history books (over 700 pages), covering all of the major Scottish Reformers. Howie summarizes his book as follows: 'The design of the following was to collect, from the best authorities, a summary account of the lives, characters, and contendings, of a certain number of our most renowned SCOTS WORTHIES, who, for their faithful services, ardent zeal, constancy in sufferings, and other Christian graces and virtues, deserve honourable memorial in the Church of Christ; and for which their names have been, and will be savoury to all the true lovers of our Zion, while Reformation principles are regarded.' Furthermore, the momentous nature of the struggles chronicled in this book are succinctly noted when Howie writes: 'the primitive witnesses had the divinity of the Son of God, and an open confession of Him, for their testimony. Our reformers from Popery had Antichrist to struggle with, in asserting the doctrines of the Gospel, and the right way of salvation in and through Jesus Christ. Again, in the reigns of James VI. and Charles I., Christ's REGALIA, and the divine right of Presbytery, became the subject matter of their testimony. Then, in the beginning of the reign of Charles II. (until he got the whole of our ancient and laudable constitution effaced and overturned), our Worthies only saw it their duty to hold and contend for what they had already attained unto. But, in the end of this and the subsequent tyrant's reign, they found it their duty (a duty which they had too long neglected), to advance one step higher, by casting off their authority altogether, and that as well on account of their manifest usurpation of Christ's crown and dignity, as on account of their treachery, bloodshed, and tyranny . . . which may be summed up. The Primitive martyrs sealed the prophetic office of Christ in opposition to Pagan idolatry. The reforming martyrs sealed His priestly office with their blood, in opposition to Popish idolatry. And last of all, our late martyrs have sealed His kingly office with their best blood, in despite of supremacy and bold Erastianism. They indeed have cemented it upon His royal head, so that to the world's end it shall never drop off again.' Moreover, the importance of this book can be clearly seen when Johnston, in TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT, reports that, Walter Scott refers to Howie as 'the fine old chronicler of the Cameronians'. . . Howie's book has been for upwards of a century a household word, occupying a place on the shelf beside THE BIBLE and THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' Written for God, country and the covenanted work of Reformation. Stirring history!" -- Publisher
An alternative edition that also contains the appendix, Biographia Scoticana: or, A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies, Noblemen, Gentlemen, Ministers and Others . . . With an Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Account of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of Some of the Most Bloody Persecutors in Scotland, 1836.
An Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Hint of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of Some of the Most Remarkable Apostates and Bloody Persecutors in Scotland From the Reformation to the Revolution
This is the Appendix to THE SCOTS WORTHIES. BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA, 2nd edition, corrected and enlarged, 1781.
http://archive.org/details/biographiascotic28272gut
See also: A CLOUD OF WITNESSES FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST BEING THE LAST SPEECHES AND TESTIMONIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FOR THE TRUTH IN SCOTLAND SINCE . . . 1680 and JOHN FOXE'S BOOK OF MARTYRS. ACTES AND MONUMENTS OF MATTERS MOST SPECIALL AND MEMORABLE. Available from: http://www.johnfoxe.org. Implemented by the Humanities Research Institute, University of Sheffield, England, and published by HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011, Version 2.0, ISBN: 9780954260864.
Lawson, John Parker, John Lothian, and David Hay Fleming, Life of George Wishart, the Most Distinguished Martyr for the Reformation in Scotland: With an Appendix Containing the Life and Murder of Cardinal Beaton, and Biographical Sketches of Gawin Dunbar and Sir David Lindsay. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"Had I taught men's doctrine, I had gotten great thanks by men; but for the word's sake and the true gospel, which was given to me by the grace of God, I suffer this day by men, not sorrowfully, but with a glad heart and mind." -- George Wishart (1513-1546), while fixed to a stake moments before being burned alive.
*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
Nisbet, John, A True Relation of the Life and Sufferings of John Nisbet in Hardhill, his Last Testimony to the Truth; With a Short Account of his Last Words on the Scaffold, December 4. 1685. Never Hitherto Published, Edinburgh, 1718. Available in Tweedie, SELECT BIOGRAPHIES II.
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.
Ridley, Nicholas, and Henry Christmas, Works of Nicholas Ridley.
"Ridley was 'an eminent reformer and Protestant martyr . . . Having concurred in the proclamation of Lady Jane Grey, he was committed to the Tower. Condemned to death for heresy and burnt in 1555.' (Darling, Cyclopedia Bibliographica, p. 2557)
Of all our English martyrs, . . . Ridley has been esteemed by far the most learned . . . he learned to repeat, without book, almost all the epistles in Greek . . . The courage and zeal he manifested in promoting the (first English -- RB), reformation was such, that he was considered, next to Cranmer, its greatest supporter amongst the clergy . . . the purity of his life corresponded with his knowledge . . . The reformation was greatly promoted by his learning, zeal, and active exertions while he lived, and perhaps more so by his death in its defence. In England, as everywhere else, the ancient observation has been verified, that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.' (Thomas Smith, Select Memoirs of the Lives Labours, and Sufferings, of Those Pious and Learned English and Scottish Divines, p. 173 ff, 1828)"Along with a biographical notice, and among 16 other works, letters, and disputations, this book contains Ridley's 'Brief Declaration or Treatise Against Transubstantiation' ('Ridley is allowed to have been master of that subject more than any man of his age,' Smith, p. 175), his 'Treatise Against Image Worship,' and his 'Conferences with Latimer.' Printed from the 1843 Parker Society edition, indexed, 485 pages." -- Publisher
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
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.
Staughton, S., A Selection of Remarkable Events in the Lives of the Primitive Fathers, Eminent Reformers, and Martyrs, in the Christian Church, Coventry, 1791.
Symington, Andrew (1785-1853, the older brother of William), The Blood of Faithful Martyrs Precious in the Sight of Christ: A Discourse, Delivered in the Church of Paisley, on the 24th October, 1834: On Occasion of a Collection to Erect a Monument Commemorative of Two Martyrs. Text on Psalm LXXII, 14 [Psalm 72:14], 1834.
Symington, Andrew (1785-1853, the older brother of William), The Martyrs' Monument: A Brief View of the Principles and Character of the Scottish Martyrs, 1847.
Symington, Andrew (1785-1853, the older brother of William), Religious Principles of the Scottish Martyrs
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/RelPrinScotMar.htm
Thomson, J.H., Matthew Hutchison, and David Hay Fleming, The Martyr Graves of Scotland. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
*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
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
See also: Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Chapter 10: christian biography, Biography of covenanters, The covenanted reformation short title listing, Persecution, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Christian biography, Biography of covenanters, and so forth, and so on.
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.
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.
Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), A Dissuasive From the Errours of the Time: Wherein the Tenets of the Principall Sects, Especially of the Independents, are Drawn Together in one map, for the Most Part in the Words of Their own Authours, and Their Maine Principles are Examined by the Touch-stone of the Holy Scriptures. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Chapter titles include: The origin and progress of the Brownists; The doctrine of the Brownists; The origin and progress of the Independents, and of their carriage in New England; The carriage of the Independents in Holland; The carriage of the Independents at London; An enumeration of the common tenets of the Independents; It is unjust scrupulosity to require satisfaction of the true grace of every Church member; Concerning the right of prophesying; Whether the power of ecclesiastical jurisdiction belongs to the people, or to the Presbytery?; Independency is contrary to God's Word; The thousand years of Christ, his visible reign upon Earth, is against Scripture (contra Premillennialism -- RB)." -- 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."
Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), Patrick Adamson (1537-1592), and Welch, John (1568?-1622), An Historical Vindication of the Government of the Church of Scotland: From the Manifold Base Calumnies Which the Most Malignant of the Prelats did Invent of old, and now Lately Have Been Published With Great Industry in two Pamphlets at London: The one intituled Issachars burden, &c. written and published at Oxford by John Maxwell, a Scottish prelate, excommunicate by the Church of Scotland, and declared an unpardonable incendiary by the parliaments of both kingdoms: the other falsly intituled A declaration made by King James in Scotland, concerning church-government and presbyteries: but indeed written by Patrick Adamson, pretended Archbishop of St. Andrews, contrary to his own conscience, as himselfe on his death-bed did confesse and subscribe before many witnesses in a write hereunto annexed. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
Ballantyne, J., George Clark, David Brown, and Alexander Brown, A Comparison of Established and Dissenting Churches, 1824.
Bannerman, D. Douglas (1842-1903), Worship, Order, and Polity of the Presbyterian Church, ISBN: 052402443X 9780524024430.
*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), The Independent System of Church Polity as Opposed to the Presbyterian. Excerpted from Bannerman's THE CHURCH OF CHRIST: A TREATISE ON THE NATURE, POWERS, ORDINANCES, DISCIPLINE, AND GOVERNMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. Alternate title: THE INDEPENDENT THEORY OF THE MINISTRY. Available (THE CHURCH OF CHRIST) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"As good a short treatment as you will find anywhere concerning this subject. Hits all the disputed points.
"The independent view of the ministry critiqued and biblically refuted. Very pertinent given the turmoil, disunity, and confusion in the modern church. Independents must deal with these arguments if they want to retain credibility." -- Publisher
Breckenridge, Robert J., Presbyterian Government not a Hierarchy, but a Commonwealth, and, Presbyterian Ordination, not a Charm, but an act of Government: The Substance of two Arguments Delivered Before the Synod of Philadelphia met in Baltimore, October, 1843. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), The Exclusive Claims of Puseyite Episcopalians to the Christian Ministry Indefensible: With an inquiry into the divine right of episcopacy and the apostolic succession: in a series of letters to the Rev. Dr. Pusey by John Brown. To which is prefixed an article on the Anglican reformation, 1844.
*Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), A Compend of the Letters of the Rev. John Brown, Late Minister of the Gospel in Haddington: On Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery in Britain, and on National Covenanting; In Which the Doctrine of the Westminster Confession of Faith . . . and of the National Covenant and Solemn League are Candidly Represented and Defended, 1797. Alternate title: THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY, IN BRITAIN. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7, #25, #26.
The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain
http://archive.org/details/absurdityperfidy00brow
Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), Letters on the Constitution, Government, and Discipline, of the Christian Church; Humbly Submitted to the Ensuing Venerable Assembly, of the Church of Scotland, 1767, ISBN: 0921148798 9780921148791. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.
Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), Of the Nature, Formation, and Fellowship of the Christian Church, 1796. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.
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
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.
*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
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.
Campbell, William McMaster, The Triumph of Presbyterianism.
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
Copeland, E. Clark, The Church a Covenant Community as Seen in the Jerusalem Council, 1967.
Cunningham, Alexander (d. 1574), Jean Calvin, and Theodore Beza, An Essay Concerning Church Government: Out of the Excellent Writings of Calvin and Beza.
Cunningham, William (1805-1861), Defence of the Rights of the Christian People in the Appointment of Ministers: From the Constitutional Standards and History of the Church of Scotland: With Continuation of Strictures on Mr. Robertson's Observations on the Veto Act, 1840.
Cunningham, William (1805-1861), Discussions on Church Principles: Popish, Erastian, and Presbyterian. 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
De Witt, John R., Jus Divinum: The Westminster Assembly and the Divine Right of Church Government.
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.
*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
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.
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.
Fraser, James (of Brea, 1639-1698), Sermon on Prelacy an Idol and Prelates Idolaters: All Prelatists, Maintainers of, and Complyers With Prelacy, Charg'd With Idolatry, and Proven Guilty. A Sermon [on Hosea ii. 2-5 (Hosea 2:2-5)], 1738.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/james-frasers-of-brae-sermon-on-prelacy-an-idol-and-prelates-idolaters
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), 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
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), 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), 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
*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, 474 pages)."
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.' 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
Girardeau, John L., Individual Liberty and Church Authority: A Sermon Preached at Westminster Church, Charleston, Thursday Night, April 11, 1889, During the Sessions of Charleston Presbytery.
Girardeau, John L., and George A. Blackburn, The Discretionary Power of the Church: Sermons. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20, #23.
The Discretionary Power of the Church, a sermon
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/john-l-girardeaus-sermon-on-the-discretionary-power-of-the-church
Discretionary Power of the Church
http://www.naphtali.com/girard.htm
*Goodman, Christopher (1520-1603), How Superior Powers Ought to be Obeyed of Their Subjects: And Wherein They may Lawfully by God's Word be Disobeyed and Resisted, 1558. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (in the LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library.
"From 1555 to 1558, Christopher Goodman served as co-pastor, with John Knox, of the congregation of English exiles in Geneva. During the course of his ministry, Goodman preached upon Acts 4:19 and 5:29: Whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God, judge ye. We ought rather to obey God than men. At the request of his brethren, Goodman subsequently published an expanded version of his exposition, HOW SUPERIOR POWERS OUGHT TO BE OBEYED OF THEIR SUBJECTS: AND WHEREIN THEY MAY LAWFULLY BY GOD'S WORD BE DISOBEYED AND RESISTED. WHEREIN ALSO IS DECLARED THE CAUSE OF ALL THIS PRESENT MISERY IN ENGLAND, AND THE ONLY WAY TO REMEDY THE SAME. In this book, Goodman contends against both ecclesiastical and political tyranny.
"This new edition of SUPERIOR POWERS includes a scripture index, a subject index, a biographical essay on the life of Christopher Goodman, and the original foreword by William Whittingham." -- Publisher from Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library
"Very rare. One of the dozen most important political writings appearing in English in the latter half of the sixteenth century. Together with THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET and THE APPELLATION (retitled REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM in this catalogue), by John Knox, and Ponet's TREATISE OF POLITIQUE POWER, this book marks the first definite shift of opinion under the pressure of religion, away from the doctrine of almost unlimited obedience which characterized the political thought of the first half of the century laying the foundation for future ideas about civil disobedience. In that day, a proclamation of Philip and Mary had decreed the death of a rebel for anyone found in possession of the book." -- Publisher
How Superior Powers Ought to be Obeyed of Their Subjects
http://www.constitution.org/cmt/goodman/obeyed.htm
Goold, W.H., Patronage Opposed to the Independence of the Church, and to the Scriptural Rights of the Christian People, 1841.
Guthrie, James (1612?-1661), A Treatise of Ruling Elders and Deacons, In Which These Things Which Belong to the Understanding of Their Office and Duty are Clearly and Shortly set Down.
A Treatise of Ruling Elders and Deacons, In Which, These Things Which Belong to the Understanding of Their Office and Duty, are Clearly and Shortly set Down, James Guthrie
Let the elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honour. (1 Timothy 5:17)
They that have used the office of a deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:13)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/guthrie/guthrie_james_treatise_elders_and_deacons.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.
Hall, Archibald, An Humble Attempt to Exhibit a Scriptural View of the Constitution, Order, Discipline, and Fellowship of the Gospel-Church, 1785. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
Hall, David W., Jus Divinum Regiminis Ecclesiastici, or, The Divine Right of Church-government, ISBN: 0941075214 9780941075213 0941075222 9780941075220.
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 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 Charles, I, King of England, 1600-1649, The Papers Which Passed at New-Castle Betwixt his Sacred Majestie and Mr. Al. Henderson: Concerning the Change of Church-government. Anno Dom. 1646.
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.
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.
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.
*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 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.
Lee, Francis Nigel, Are the Mosaic laws for Today?: Calvinism and the Westminster Standards on the Relationship Between God's Moral law of Nature for all men and Ancient Israel's Other Laws.
*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
Mackenzie, Kirsteen M., Presbyterian Church Government and the "Covenanted Interest" in the Three Kingdoms 1649-1660.
McKay, W.D.J., An Ecclesiastical Republic: Church Government in the Writings of George Gillespie, ISBN: 0946068607 9780946068609.
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.
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.
Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Conduct in Church Judicatories.
"Notes: Photocopy of pp. 18-29 of Naphtali Press v. 2:4 1989.
Reprint of a chapter in: LETTERS ON CLERICAL MANNERS AND HABITS ADDRESSED TO A STUDENT IN THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT PRINCETON, N.J. PHILADELPHIA: PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLIC., 1852.
Chapter heading title: Conduct in church judicatories.
Conduct in church courts.
Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Presbyterianism: The Truly Primitive and Apostolic Constitution of the Church of Christ Bound Together With Infant Baptism: Scriptural and Reasonable; and Baptism by Sprinkling or Affusion Most Suitable, 1835. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24, #28.
*Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), The Ruling Elder: An Essay on the Warrant, Nature, and Duties of the Office (1832). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23. Available in HOLDING FAST THE FAITHFUL WORD: SERMONS AND ADDRESSES BY SAMUEL MILLER which is included in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library. Available (LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
" 'One of the classics in the field,' notes Morton Smith. G.I. Williamson writes, 'We . . . heartily welcome the reprint of this excellent survey of the biblical data and warmly recommend it to those who are -- or desire to be -- elders in the church.' The most extensive study of its kind available. For ruling elders this is must reading! Over 300 pages of sound biblical guidance." -- Publisher
The Ruling Elder, Samuel Miller
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/RulElder.htm
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.
Muirhead, John, Dissertations on the Federal Transactions Between God and His Church: Both Before and Since the Canon of Scripture was Completed, 1782.
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.
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.
Price, Greg L., Terms of Communion: The Westminster Standards, 5 MP3 files [digital file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Explains and defends the second term of communion, which is 'That the whole doctrine of the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], and the Catechisms, Larger and Shorter, are agreeable unto, and founded upon the Scriptures.' Price not only explains why we need creeds and confession (answering the question: Isn't the Scripture sufficient?), but he shows how everyone has a creed and how such statements of faith are actually inescapable -- for as soon as one says what he believes the Bible means, he has (by definition), put forth his creed ('credo' in Latin means 'to believe'). There is no neutrality! He also gives a summary of the WESTMINSTER STANDARDS and the history of this august assembly, demonstrating why these standards are agreeable to the word of God. After showing how faithful creeds and confessions (i.e. human testimony), have brought untold blessings to the church he gives a history of the Westminster Assembly (setting the context for the study of the STANDARDS themselves). The doctrines contained in the confessional standards are then summarized. Price also exposes and rebukes much false teaching and false practice (contrary to the STANDARDS), using the specific names associated with each heresy refuted. The following doctrines are covered: sola Scripture (refuting popery, neo-orthodoxy, liberalism and the charismatics), the Doctrine of God (refuting Unitarianism, Oneness theology [Modalism, Sabellianism], and tritheism), God's decrees and predestination (refuting Arminianism, fatalism [Islam]), Creation (refuting Evolutionism, Pantheism and New Age and Eastern mysticism), the covenant of works, Providence (against 'luck' and 'accidents'), the Fall of Man (refuting Arminianism and Pelagianism), the Covenant of Grace (refuting dispensationalism), Christ our mediator (refuting Arianism [JW's], Apollinarianism, Nestorianism, Eutychianism [which led to the transubstantiation and consubstantiation heresies], the free offer of the gospel, Effectual Calling (contra Arminianism), Justification by Faith alone through Christ alone (contra Rome and the Arminians), Sanctification and good works (condemning antinomianism and legalism), Assurance of Faith, Perseverance of the Saints, the Law of God, Christian liberty (against pretended liberty of conscience and the imposition of legalistic standards outside of the law of God), worship (against the anti-regulativists and promoters of will-worship), the Regulative Principle (condemning Arminianism in worship), the Sabbath (taking the high Scottish view), lawful oaths and vows (condemning covenant breaking [churches and nations included], perjury, etc.), the Civil Magistrate (against pluralism, false toleration, Erastianism, and for biblical establishments), marriage, the church (contra popery, prelacy and independency [all of which are forms of sectarianism]), and the resurrection and general judgement." -- Publisher
Covenanter Terms of Communion 1 of 19: The Word of God 1/2
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1210510584
Price, Greg L., The Session of the Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton/Prince George (compiler) Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), George Gillespie (1613-1648), John Brown (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), Greg L. Price, et al., The Duty and Perpetual Obligation of Social Covenanting. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2, #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
The Duty and Perpetual Obligation of Social Covenanting
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/SocCov.htm
Reed, Kevin, Biblical Church Government: An Introduction to Presbyterian Polity. Available in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/BCG_ch00.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
*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 exposé 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
*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), Form for the Admission of Elders
http://www.truecovenanter.com/renwick/renwick_elders.html
Roberts, William Louis (1798-1864), and Larry Birger, The Form and Function of Apostolic Church Government: Excerpted From Chapter Two of The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism." Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
*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), 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), A Survey of the Survey of That Summe of Church-Discipline Penned by Mr. Thomas Hooker: Wherein the way of the churches of N. England is now re-examined, 1658.
*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
Scot (Scott), William, 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, 1846. Alternate title: APOLOGETICAL NARRATION OF THE STATE AND GOVERNMENT OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND SINCE THE REFORMATION.
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.
Steele, David (1803-1887), Causes of Infidelity
"A short article discussing the origin and occasions of infidelity, or unfaithfulness, particularly amongst ministers of the Gospel." -- Publisher
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/causes-of-infidelity
*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, A Vindication of the Presbyteriall-government, and Ministry: Together, With an Exhortation, to all the Ministers, Elders, and People, Within the Bounds of the Province of London, whether joyning with us, or separating from us. Published, by the ministers, and elders, met together in a provinciall assembly, Novemb. 2d. 1649. Wherein, amongst other things, these ensuing particulars are contained; 1. That there is a Church-government, by divine right. 2. That the magistrate, is not the fountain of Church-government. 3. That the presbyterial-government, is by divine right. 4. The inconveniencies of the congregationall-way. 5. That the ruling-elder is by divine right. 6. That it is the will of Jesus Christ, that all sorts of persons should give an account of their faith, to the minister, and elders, before admission to the Lords Supper; . . . 7. Directions to the elders, for the right managing of their office. 8. Directions to such as are admitted to the Lords Supper . . . 9. Rules to preserve people, from the errours of these times. 10. That separation . . . , 1650. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23
Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), Thornwell Refutes Charles Hodge's Church Polity and Views on Worship. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
Warfield, B.B. (1851-1921), Presbyterian Deaconesses.
*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
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.
Westminster Conference Report, The Office and Work of the Minister.
"Papers included: Office in the Church From the Separatist to the Westminster Assembly; The Call to the Ministry in Puritan Teaching; Ministerial Training From Harvard to Princeton; The Pastor as Preacher in 17th Century England; The Puritan Pastor as Counselor; Richard Sibbes, 'The Heavenly Doctor'." -- GCB Includes bibliography.
Whytock, George, and Thomas M'Crie, A Short Vindication of Presbytery: With Twelve Essays on the Church.
Willson, 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. Alternate title: PAMPHLET ON THE DEACON.
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
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."
Willison, John (1680-1750) A Letter From a Parochial Bishop to a Prelatical Gentleman in Scotland: Concerning the government of the church; Wherein the controversie anent bishops, and Presbyterian ordination, is set in a true light, and distinctly handled. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
*Witherow, Thomas, The Apostolic Church: Which is it? Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.
"One of the best handbooks for church government that has been written. It packs an enormous amount of information into a small book." -- Reader's Comment
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
Wood, James (1608-1664), and George Hutcheson, A Review and Examination of a Pamphlet Lately Published, Bearing the Title of Protesters no Subverters, and Presbyterie no Papacy, etc., 1659.
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.
See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, 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 local church, Trusting god, 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, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, 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, Reform of the church, Churches that abuse, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Politics, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Acts of faithful assemblies, Bible magistracy, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, 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, Justification, Justifying faith, 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, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 728, 735, 749-752
Jure Divino Church Government
http://www.covenanter.org/ChurchGovt/churchgovt.htm
Presbyterian Church Government
What the Bible has to say About the Nature of Government*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).
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, 48 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12160372131The Departure From the Puritan Heritage
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Puritan Heritage, 52 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=92903104657Presbyterian Church Government #01: Introduction to Biblical Church Government
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian Church Government
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1270518133Presbyterian Church Government #02: Different Forms of Church Government
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian Church Government
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12705181353Presbyterian Church Government #03: The Visible Church Offices #1
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian Church Government
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12705181435Presbyterian Church Government #04: The Visible Church Offices #2
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian Church Government
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12705181925Presbyterian Church Government #05: The Visible Church Offices #3
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian Church Government
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12705181547Presbyterian Church Government #06: The Visible Church Offices #4
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian Church Government
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12705181925Presbyterian Church Government #07: Presbytery
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian Church Government
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12705182013Presbyterian Church Government #08: General Assembly
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian Church Government
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12705182052Presbyterian Church Government #09: Commission and Committee
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian Church Government
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12705182214Presbyterian Church Government #10: Ordination and Candidates
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian Church Government
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12705182250Presbyterian Church Government #11: Licensure and Worship
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian Church Government
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12705182348Presbyterian Church Government #12: Worship
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Presbyterian Church Government
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12705182423
The Regulative Principle Applied to Church Government, James Henley Thornwell
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/the-church/the-regulative-principle-applied-to-church-government.php
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. (Psalm 33:12)At Sinai the Lord gave his people a religious and national constitution that would provide permanent guidelines for the moral, physical, and spiritual well-being of his people. The directives given pointed to the uniqueness and transparency of their divine Author. -- John Reid, commenting on Psalm 111
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 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.phpSee the Theological Notes: "Christians and Civil Government," at Romans 13:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
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
Whereas the glory of Almighty God and the good of mankind is the reason and the end of government . . . therefore government itself is a venerable ordinance of God . . . (April 25, 1689) -- The Great Law of Pennsylvania
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
Government seems to me a part of religion itself. -- William Penn
If the people be governors, who shall be governed? -- John Cotton (1584-1652)
A simple democracy is the devil's own government. -- Benjamin Rush (1746-1813)
Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants. -- William Penn (1644-1718)
Bad men cannot make good citizens. It is impossible that a nation of infidels or idolaters should be a nation of freemen. It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains. A vitiated [defective] state of morals, a corrupted public conscience, are incompatible with freedom. -- Patrick Henry
Let men be good, and the government cannot be bad; if it be ill, they will cure it. But, if men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will endeavor to warp and spoil it to their turn. I know some say, let us have good laws, and no matter for the men that execute them: but let them consider, that though good laws do well, good men do better; for good laws may want good men, and be abolished or evaded by ill men; but good men will never want good laws, nor suffer ill ones. -- William Penn
The 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
The medieval structure of ecclesiastical authority could not withstand the Protestant idea of sola scriptura -- the Bible alone. One Christian man with a Bible was superior to any pope or council or tradition without it. Luther translated the Bible from Greek and Hebrew into German so the people could read it in their own language and not be subject to an ecclesiastical ruling class. By translating the Bible into the common language, Luther freed the German people from ecclesiastical totalitarianism: The Bible was the written constitution of the church, which the people could now read for themselves. His second major contribution to Western political thought was the idea of a written constitution -- the Bible -- limiting the power and authority of the church (and later political), leaders. There is a direct connection between the Reformation cry of sola scriptura and the American idea of the Constitution -- not any man or body of men -- as the supreme law of the land. -- John W. Robbins, in a tract, Civilization and the Protestant Reformation
Growth of government is the greatest tragedy of the 20th century. -- Gordon H. Clark in A Christian View of Men and Things
If we compare the U.S. Federal Budget to entire economic growth, that is, if we compare Federal Spending as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) we find that in 1900 it was 02.8 percent of GDP, but by 1993 it had grown to 27 percent of (GNP). The U.S. economy grew, of course, during this period, but Federal spending grew ten (10) times as fast as the GDP.
Federal spending growing at ten (10) times the economy partially explains growth in the Cost of Health Care.
Health Care Spending in real terms (adjusted for inflation), increased from negligible in real terms in 1900, to 1 billion in 1930, to 210 billion in 1994. That is an increase of over 2,000 times.
This explains, in part, the skyrocketing cost of Health Care. Increased demands of Federal Spending on Health Care drives up the costs for everyone. -- John W. Robbins, in a lecture, "The Growth of Government in the United States"
*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. 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
Barrow, Reg, John Knox, Oliver Cromwell, God's Law and the Reformation of Civil Government. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #25.
"Many consider Knox one of the greatest Reformers ever and God used him to win the nation of Scotland to Christ. Knox laid the foundations for the Covenanters that followed, and they in turn gave us the clearest foretaste of the millennium glory to come in the magnificent Solemn League and Covenant. Speaking of these Reformation attainments McFeeters notes, 'The fathers are worthy of all praise for this unprecedented effort to build the national government upon the true foundation of God's will, and administer it by men in Covenant with Jesus Christ, the King of kings. This was the first attempt to erect a Christian government, in which the fear of God should pervade every department and characterize every official.' (Sketches of the Covenanters, pp. 155-156). This book deals with some of Knox's most controversial political writings, demonstrating that he was what Barrow calls a 'historic' theonomist (like Rutherford and Gillespie after him). It also offers some fine tuning for 'modern' theonomists, which aims at leading them into the 'footsteps of the flock' and closer to the classic or historic Presbyterian/Covenanter view of law (and away from some of the anabaptist/libertarian tendencies that sometimes arise among modern theonomists). Numerous resources, recently published, dealing with civil disobedience and opposition to tyranny are also listed. The first appendix in this book contains Barrow's letter to Christian Renewal expressing his strong disagreement with an unfavorable and inaccurate review of Michael Wagner's Presbyterian Political Manifesto. In it he shows how the Reformers and their confessions of faith supported the civil establishment of the one true Christian religion, while at the same time publicly excluding Papist's, pagans and other heretics from places of civil rule (in countries blessed with the light of the gospel). The second appendix contains a series of letters dedicated to proving why Barrow calls Cromwell the 'Judas of the Covenant.' It demonstrates Cromwell's reckless abandon in violating his sacred vows to the Lord in the Solemn League and Covenant, while also showing why Cromwell's wicked, anti-Christian views concerning toleration and liberty of conscience led people away from Scriptural standards and helped open the floodgates to modern atheistic pluralism. In short, Cromwell was the prototype of our contemporary pragmatic politician, adept at equivocation and setting his own glory and government above all other concerns, including the glory and government of God. In this vein Barrow contends that Cromwell, unaffectionately dubbed the 'late usurper' by the covenanted Presbyterians of the mid seventeenth-century, was used of the devil to accomplish things in the civil and ecclesiastical realm that he (i.e. Satan), could never have accomplished with the more obviously anti-Christian religions of that day (which were not pluralistic theologically, such Romanism, Episcopalianism, etc.). For Cromwell laid his axe of ungodly toleration and pretended liberty of conscience to the root of the tree of covenanted Reformation in a much more subtle manner than the previous 'midwives to antichrist,' and thus his sectarianism better served the devious designs of the devil during those days. This section also exposes Cromwell as a Erastian tyrant, a liar, and a dictator, who (with the help of his sectarian army), executed the covenanted Presbyterian minister Christopher Love (Cromwell's soldiers even threatened to shoot Thomas Manton for preaching at Love's funeral), sent many other Presbyterian ministers to jail (including Thomas Watson), disbanded the Scottish general assembly (at gunpoint), and eventually began negotiations with Papists (with the intent of granting them a measure of 'liberty' to more freely practice their superstitions and soul murder). This is not the view of Cromwell that you will hear from modern historians and theologians who have abandoned the context of covenanted Reformation (how could it be?), for as Rushdoony has correctly pointed out, 'Men cannot give a meaning to history that they themselves lack, nor can they honor a past which indicts them for their present failures.' (A Biblical Philosophy of History, p. 135)." -- Publisher
John Knox, Oliver Cromwell, God's Law and the Reformation of Civil Government
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Crom.htm
Courtois, Stéphane, Nicolas Werth, Jean-Louis Panné, Andrzej Paczkowski, Karel Bartosek, Jean-Louis Margolin, Mark Kramer (editor), Jonathan Murphy (translator), The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression (Harvard University Press, October 15, 1999), 912 pages, ISBN: 0674076087 9780674076082.
"Already famous throughout Europe, this international bestseller plumbs recently opened archives in the former Soviet bloc to reveal the actual, practical accomplishments of Communism around the world: terror, torture, famine, mass deportations, and massacres. Astonishing in the sheer detail it amasses, the book is the first comprehensive attempt to catalogue and analyze the crimes of Communism over seventy years.
" 'Revolutions, like trees, must be judged by their fruit,' Ignazio Silone wrote, and this is the standard the authors apply to the Communist experience." -- Publisher
*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
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.
*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
*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
*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), 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 on the Puritan Hard Drive. "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 in 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. The full printed version of this text is free or for sale in Knox's 6 volume WORKS . . ."
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonssource&sermonID=1030075041
*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), David Laing (editor), The Works of John Knox, 6 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Here is a chance to touch the flame that ignited whole nations for covenanted Reformation. John Knox is considered by many to have been the most biblically consistent and thoroughgoing of all the great Reformers of the sixteenth century. 'John Knox was in fact the embodiment of the Scottish Reformation as its preacher, theologian, liturgist, historian, and catalyst for reform.' (Hall and Hall [editors], Paradigms in Polity: Classic Readings in Reformed and Presbyterian Church Government [Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1994], p. 219). 'With this concern for purity of worship,' notes Kevin Reed regarding Knox, 'it is no wonder that the Scottish Reformation was the most thorough among any of the Protestant nations.' (from the introduction to John Knox, True and False Worship: A Vindication of the Doctrine that the Sacrifice of the Mass is Idolatry [Dallas, TX: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1550 reprinted 1994], p. 14). 'I know not,' states George Smeaton, 'if ever so much piety and genius were lodged in such a frail and weak body. Certain I am, that it will be difficult to find one in whom the gifts of the Holy Spirit shone so bright to the comfort of the church.' (cited in Thomas M'Crie, The Life of John Knox [1831], p. 272). THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX listed here is the complete six volume set collected by David Laing, 1895. Concerning this 6 volume collection, Kyle, in THE MIND OF JOHN KNOX (p. 14), notes, 'The only real basis for a study of Knox's thought must be the writings of the reformer himself. From 1846 to 1864, David Laing collected and edited nearly all of Knox's extant writings. This remarkable collection, which scholars regard highly, is indispensable for any serious study of John Knox.' Contains much that is related to worship questions and the blessings that God pours out upon Churches that keep the second commandment -- as well as the curses that follow those who reject the regulative principle of worship." -- Publisher
MacMillan, III, John, Letter Anent Civil Government and Political Dissent, 1781Knox, John, Unedited History of the Reformation in Scotland Vol. 1 of 6.
"Reid, in his TRUMPETER OF GOD, notes that Knox 'wrote history as a prophet' and that, wherever he could, he used original sources, many of which he reproduced. Furthermore, he proclaims that this 'is still a work that no one interested in this area can afford to neglect.' As W.C. Dickinson has commented, 'it is his monument, for in it he puts flesh and blood on the whole Reformation movement.' Innes (JOHN KNOX, p. 45), says of this work, 'the author who has enabled us to see his own confused and changing age under 'the broad clear light of that wonderful book' the History of the Reformation in Scotland, and who outside that book was the utterer of many an armed and winged word which pursues and smites us to this day, must have been born with nothing less than genius -- genius to observe, to narrate, and to judge. Even had he written as a mere recluse and critic, looking out upon his world from a monk's cell or from the corner of a housetop, the vividness, the tenderness, the sarcasm and the humour would still have been there.' Moreover, Burton writes, 'there certainly is in the English language no other parallel to it in clearness, vigour, and picturesqueness with which it renders the history of a stirring period.' (cited in Innes, John Knox, p. 45). This photocopy edition far surpasses the edited down version that is available in paperback. Over 600 pages of stirring Reformation history." -- Publisher
The Works of John Knox (1846), vol. 1 of 6.
http://archive.org/details/worksofjohnkn01knox
Knox, John, Unedited History of the Reformation in Scotland Vol. 2 of 6.
"Knox portrayed the origins and development of a movement and not a mere chronology of events . . . Knox based his arguments on original sources and he often cited the documents in full. When Knox's History is compared to the contemporary vernacular narratives of Bishop Leslie and Sir James Melville, the superiority of Knox's work becomes evident. For the most part, these writers were preoccupied with petty details and had no conception of the momentous issues that hung on the events they recorded . . . Knox used history to demonstrate his single-track philosophy. And his philosophy said: 'The hearts of men, their thoughts, and their actions are but in the hands of God.' Lee said Knox's History was a sermon without an audience, a preaching book, one long inflammatory speech in behalf of God's truth as the reformer saw it.' (Kyle, The Mind of John Knox, p. 13). Our editions of volumes one and two of Knox's Works contain the only full, unedited version of Knox's massive History of the Reformation in Scotland available today." -- Publisher
Knox, John, Epistles, Admonitions, etc., Vol. 3 of 6
"Includes 'That the Sacrifice of the Mass is Idolatry.' Also, writings on justification by faith, prayer, the Lord's supper, obedience to magistrates, an exposition of the sixth Psalm, letters of warning, comfort and more." -- Publisher
Knox, John, The Works of John Knox, Vol. 4 of 6
"Includes 'The Appellation . . . to the Scottish Nobility,' 'The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women,' Answers Concerning Baptism, Form of Prayers/Sacraments in Geneva 1556, 'Letter to the Queen,' 'Summary of the Proposed Second Blast of the Trumpet,' and much more." -- Publisher
Knox, John, The Works of John Knox, Vol. 5 of 6
"Includes 'On Predestination, in Answer to the Cavillations by an Anabaptist' (462 pp.), which Boettner, in his REFORMED DOCTRINE OF PREDESTINATION, calls Knox's 'chief theological work.' Also, A Letter to John Foxe, Names of Martyrs, etc. . . .
"Includes the Life of Knox, Letters Relating to Reformation in Scotland, The Book of Common Order, A Debate Concerning the Mass, Fasting, 'The Order of Excommunication and Public Repentance,' indices of names, places and the general index, etc. 755 pages." -- Publisher
Knox, John, The Works of John Knox, Vol. 6 of 6
"Includes 'The Life of Knox,' 'John Knox Debates God's Law, Idolatry and Civil Resistance in the General Assembly of 1564,' 'The Scottish Confession of Faith (1560),' 'John Knox's Only Written Sermon - A Sermon on Isaiah 23:13-21, Preached in St. Giles's Church, Edinburgh, 19th August 1565,' 'A Letter of Wholesome Counsel Addressed to His Brethren in Scotland Or "What to do When There is no Faithful Church to Attend in Your Local Area" originally published in 1556,' 'Select Practical Writings of John Knox,' 'Against Romish Rites and Political and Ecclesiastical Tyranny, A Faithful Admonition to the Professors of God's Truth in England (1554),' 'An Admonition to Flee Idolatry, Romanism and all False Worship (1554),' 'An Answer to a Jesuit: The Marks of a True Church and Ministry: An Answer to a Letter Written by James Tyrie, A Scottish Jesuit, 1572,' 'Against an Anabaptist: In Defense of Predestination,' 'Against Apostasy and Indifference (An Epistle to the Inhabitants of New Castle and Berwick, 1558),' 'On Justification by Faith Alone,' 'National Repentance and Reformation (A Brief Exhortation to England for the Speedy Embracing of the Gospel, 1559),' 'Reformation, Revolution and Romanism: An Appeal to the Scottish Nobility (1558),' 'The Pulpit of the Reformation: "The Last Judgment," by John Welch,' "The Parable of the Householders," and "The Parable of the Tares," by Hugh Latimer.' 'John Knox to the King,' 'The Execution of Servetus for Blasphemy, Heresy, Obstinate Anabaptism,' 'Defended (excerpted from his Treatise on Predestination),' 'A Debate Between John Knox and Secretary Lethington on the Duty of Christian Subjects to Execute Judgement Upon Criminal Magistrates,' 'The Execution of Servetus for Blasphemy, Heresy, Obstinate Anabaptism, Defended (excerpted from John Knox's Treatise on Predestination),' 'It Is I Be Not Afraid,' 'The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women (1558),' and 'Sermon on Isaiah 26.'(sic, all of volume 6)
*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
*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.
*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).
*Price, Greg L., The Extent of God's Law, Antichrist, Beastly Civil Governments, the Family, Christian Education, Contentment and the Eight Commandment, MP3. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"An amazing unfolding of the eighth commandment, as well as the rest of the decalogue, which includes numerous specific applications to various areas of thought and life (most relevant to the contemporary Christian). Price explains how to avoid the extremes of legalism and antinomianism, while expounding the classic Reformed view of the law as it applies to the individual, family, church and state." -- Publisher
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
*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
*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.
*Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Institutes of Biblical Law, 3 volumes, ISBN: 1879998130. Available through Exodus Books.
Volume 1: Institutes of Biblical Law, ISBN: 0875524109.
"A monumental volume . . . Deeply explores the meaning and application of the Ten Commandments for today in civil government, social ethics, and personal conduct." -- GCB
"Many consider this to be the author's most important work. With indices." -- Publisher
Volume 2: Law and Society, ISBN: 1879998238.
"The relationship of Biblical Law to communion and community, the sociology of the Sabbath, the family and inheritance, and much more are covered in the second volume. Contains an appendix by Herbert Titus. With indices." -- Publisher
Volume 3: The Intent of the Law, ISBN: 1879998130.
" 'God's law is much more than a legal code; it is a covenantal law. It establishes a personal relationship between God and man.' The first section summarizes the case laws. The author tenderly illustrates how the law is for our good, and makes clear the difference between the sacrificial laws and those that apply today. The second section vividly shows the practical implications of the law. The examples catch the reader's attention; the author clearly has had much experience discussing God's law. The third section shows that would-be challengers to God's law produce only poison and death. Only God's law can claim to express God's 'covenant grace in helping us'. With indices." -- Publisher
See also: Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html
Sloane, J.R.W. (James Renwick Willson), The Three Pillars of a Republic: An Address Before the Philo and Franklin Societies of Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Penn., Delivered at the Annual Commencement, Aug. 6, 1862.
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.
Willson, 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. Alternate title: PAMPHLET ON THE DEACON.
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 McLeod (1809-1866), and The Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, Civil Government: Argumentive Testimony.
Argumentative Testimony, available in CIVIL GOVERNMENT: ARGUMENTIVE TESTIMONY.
http://www.covenanter.org/JMWillson/argumentativetestimony.htm
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), 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
*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), 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 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, and The National Reform Association, The Institution of Civil Government, 1906.
Wylie, Samuel B. (1773-1852), The Obligation of Covenants: A Discourse, Delivered, Monday, June 27, 1803, After the Dispensation of the Lord's Supper, in the Reformed Presbyterian Congregation, Glasgow. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Obligation of Covenants
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/samuel-b-wylies-sermon-on-the-obligation-of-covenants
*Wylie, Samuel B. (1773-1852), The two Sons of oil; or, The Faithful Witness for Magistracy and Ministry Upon a Scriptural Basis (1850 edition, reprinted 1995). 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 root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Theodicy, Soteriology, atonement, 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, Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Trusting god, Church and state, Civil government, Biblical civil government and the basis for civil resistance, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, 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, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, Leniency, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Politics and government, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The Scottish Reformation, Covenanting in America, Reformation eschatology, and so forth, and so on.
Christians and Civil Government
http://www.covenanter.org/CivilGovt/civilgovernment.htm
Great Moments in Presbyterian History #8: What the Bible has to say About the Nature of Government
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Great Movements in Presbyterian History
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?ID=12160372131
Hi-tech Polygraphy as a Means of Broadscale Reform
http://www.lettermen2.com/polytech.html
Noah Webster on Republican Principles
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/7947/NoahWeb.html
Religious Test Clauses in Colonial and State Constitutions and Other Documents and Statements Supporting the Original Consensus That There Should be a Religious Test for Positions of Authority and Trust
http://www.lettermen2.com/agc001.html
Tract, Civil Government, Civil Resistance, God's Law, etc., a tract
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/civgov.htm
Ideas have consequences. The following works dispel denominational Christianity's "Founder's chick" and "Mount Rushmore Christianity," so prevalent during the last 30 years. The Articles of Confederation provided for Christian government of the Colonies. The intellectually honest acknowledge that the U.S. Constitution did not provide Christian government for the States. . .If the people be governors, who shall be governed? -- John Cotton (1584-1652)
A simple democracy is the devil's own government. -- Benjamin Rush (1746-1813)
Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants. -- William Penn (1644-1718)
Bailyn, Bernard, To Begin the World Anew: The Genius and Ambiguities of the American Founders, ISBN: 0375413774 9780375413773.
"A brilliant, fascinating exploration of issues beyond the mere 'who wrote what and when' of the key American revolutionary texts. Wide-ranging, very well contextualised, written so that a reader with an average interest in the subject (like me) can understand it. Recommended to anyone who wants to get behind and beyond the characters and simple events of the revolution, and explore the thinking, tensions and impacts of it all." -- Reader's Comment
Bailyn, Bernard, The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution, ISBN: 0674443020 9780674443020.
"This is the critically acclaimed book by Bernard Bailyn that stands in contradistinction to Charles Baird's ECONOMIC INTERPRETATION. With unusual courage, Bailyn attempts to understand the founders as they understood themselves. In the preface, Bailyn recalls the 'intense excitement' and 'sense of discovery' he felt at Harvard University when he studied the ideological themes of revolutionary America. This excitement and sense of discovery is passed along to the reader.
"This is a very scholarly work. The extensive footnotes are fabulous.
"I especially enjoyed the chapter called 'Power and Liberty.' Bailyn develops the pre-revolutionary idea that the ultimate explanation of every political controversy is the disposition of power. Power is defined as 'dominion' or the human control of human life. With dozens of fascinating examples, Bailyn illustrates why power is essential to the maintenance of liberty, but dangerous and in need of restraint, lest it extend itself beyond legitimate boundaries.
"I found it refreshing to read a book about America's founding that didn't condescend or politicize. It wasn't until I read this book that I fully appreciated how impoverished my public school education was on the topic. You wont be disappointed." -- Tom Bouthillet
When it comes to American history, arguably the most important . . . event is the American Revolution. The dates run from about 1764, with the passage of the Sugar Act, to 1783, when the Peace of Paris was decided, or even as late as 1787, when Delaware became the first state in the Union. . . . This is the most thorough and most balanced fusion of primary documents and secondary analysis. . . . It receives my highest recommendation. -- Reader's Comment
"Interestingly, the country's revolutionary thinking originated from the very country we were fighting against -- ENGLAND! In arguing the continuous debates over the tension between liberty and power, the pamphlet writers of the day turned to 17th and 18th century thinkers to make their case. The best parts of the book are the last two chapters. In the second to last . . . Bailyn discusses concepts like democracy, representation, and slavery. In the final chapter, 'Fulfillment,' apparently written much later, Bailyn focuses on the Constitutional Convention and the arguments between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, particularly, what they felt about virtue residing among the country's people, and how best to form a government. One final note: Bailyn's sources from other scholarly journals will lead the read to many interesting gems -- especially a few of the articles from William and Mary Quarterly, a must-have journal for anyone interested in the time-period." -- Jack Lechelt
"His work was based on an extensive survey and analysis of the large number of political pamphlets published in the years leading up to the revolution. His work benefited as well greatly from a number of other significant works of scholarship, such as Caroline Robbins' book on the Commonwealth tradition in 18th century thought. More than anything else, Bailyn succeeded in determining what key terms like 'power', 'liberty', and 'republicanism' meant to the Revolutionary generations. In doing so, he was able to strip away anachronistic accretions from these terms and ideas and to recover the actual thinking of the Revolutionaries and their opponents.
"Bailyn's achievement is manifold. He was able to show that dominant intellectual influence on the Revolutionaries was a compound of classical models, Common Law legal tradition, Enlightenment ideology, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, and a strong tradition of British intellectual and political dissent that had its roots in the Commonwealth period of the 17th century. The latter tradition was especially important and acted as the binding matrix for other traditions and interpretative lens through which other received ideas were focused. Bailyn shows how these ideas were articulated in the specifically American context and how they led inevitably to confrontation with the expanding imperial authority of Britain. This conflict led to new expansions of the basic ideology, some of which would represent completely novel ideas. The traditional ideas of representation and consent, constitutional basis of society, and sovereignty were overthrown and replaced to a very large extent by the concepts we still uphold.
"The development of these new ideas and the necessity to give them practical scope would lead to what Bailyn artfully termed 'The Contagion of Liberty,' the expansion of concepts of rights and freedom well beyond the original categories of thought received by the Revolutionary generations. These would include attacks on slavery, the questioning of establishment of religion, speculation about democracy as a legitimate and potentially stable form of government, and an increasing emphasis on social equality generated from the realization of political equality. As Bailyn remarks, the thinking and writing on these topics provides the bridge between the world of the 18th century intellectuals and what would become the world of Madison and de Toqueville.
"Bailyn's analysis and scholarship are superb. The organization and quality of writing in this book are outstanding. Just as important, Bailyn is very good at supporting his analysis with well chosen excerpts from contemporary political pamphlets. His judicious choice of quotations not only serves to support his conclusions, but gives a fine idea of the words and thoughts of the Revolutionaries and their opponents.
"This is a fundamental book for understanding the American past." -- Roger Albin
"Bailyn discusses in detail how the colonists took English political thought and applied it to the nature of representative government, constitutional thought, and the nature of divided sovereignty. He then explains how the manner in which the colonists transformed thinking about the nature of government had ramifications in the colonists' view of slavery, the disestablishment of religion, a classless society, and the nature of democracy. The intellectual transformation required for an independent United States thus occurred well before the Declaration of Independence and the Federalist Papers.
"Bailyn's book is a work of detailed scholarship and not easy to read. It is a major achievement of intellectual history and will more than repay the effort. John Adams is among the major heroes of this book. Readers that want to follow-up McCollough's popular biography and learn about the ideas of the time might well explore this book. Bailyn's study affirms the power of thought and of the American experiment. In our troubled times, it may help take us back to the origins of our country to learn where we have been so that we may intelligently decide where we are going." -- Robin Friedman
"Of course, the other large conclusion one takes from the book is just how much the thoughts behind the revolution were affected by Enlightenment thought: Montesqui, Locke, the ancient Romans, and how little Christianity influenced it in any substantive way." -- Patrick Luck
"There is an unfortunate, somewhat politically correct, movement today attempting to 'prove' that the Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution, were motivated by, and the documents based on, the Bible and Christianity.
This forlorn hope relies on tenuous ties to Biblical scripture to illustrate sections of both documents, and the alleged religious piety of the Founders. . . .
"This excellent volume, written before all the present quasi religious whoop-de-do, dispels all of these misbegotten theories and presents in clear, concise, and documented prose what motivated the Founders to start a Revolution against the mother country and set out on 'the noble experiment. . . .'
"What they wrought was not a state founded on religion or religious principles, but on English Common Law, which had as its antecedents Roman Law, Saxon Law, and the Danelaw, none of which were based either on the Bible or on Christianity in any of its forms. What Bailyn has given us is a clear and concise history of the Founders that needs to be read and studied by present and future citizens to understand our beginnings as a nation." -- Kevin F. Kiley
"Bernard Bailyn did his undergraduate work at Williams College and his graduate work at Harvard, where he is currently Adams University Professor Emeritus and director of the International Seminar on the Atlantic World. His previous books include THE NEW ENGLAND MERCHANTS IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY; EDUCATION IN THE FORMING OF AMERICAN SOCIETY; PAMPHLETS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 1750-1776; THE IDEOLOGICAL ORIGINS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, which received the Pulitzer and Bancroft Prizes in 1968; THE ORDEAL OF THOMAS HUTCHINSON, which won the 1975 National Book Award for History; VOYAGERS TO THE WEST, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1987; and FACES OF REVOLUTION: PERSONALITIES AND THEMES IN THE STRUGGLE FOR AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. -- Publisher
Beard, Charles Austin (1874-1948), and Forrest McDonald (introduction), An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States, ISBN: 0029024803.
"In this classic and controversial interpretation of the economic conditions of the United States between 1783-1787, Beard proposes the thesis that the Framers were motivated by economic concerns. In his landmark work, THE GROWTH OF AMERICAN LAW, Hurst describes AN ECONOMIC INTERPRETATION . . . as 'one of "the basic works" on the Federal Convention of 1787.' (Hurst, The Growth of American Law: 458). Beard [1874-1948], was a founder of The New School for Social Research." -- Publisher
Beliles, Mark A., and Stephen K. McDowell, America's Providential History: Including Biblical Principles of Education, Government, Politics, Economics, and Family Life, ISBN: 1887456007 9781887456005.
"Even Newsweek now admits: 'Historians are discovering that the Bible, perhaps even more than the Constitution, is our founding document.' In this enlightening book, you'll discover the remarkable evidence for this truth. Based on the assumption that all history is Providential (i.e., it reflects God's purposes), you'll learn how God's presence was evident at our nation's founding in the hearts and minds of the men who fought for independence and shaped the Constitution. Numerous illustrations, portraits, and visual aids make this book a valuable resource." -- Publisher
Davies, Samuel (1723-1761), Religion and Patriotism the Constituents of a Good Soldier. A Sermon Preached . . . in . . . Virginia, August 17, 1755. By Samuel Davies, [Glasgow], 1756.
Federer, William J. (compiler), America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations, ISBN: 1880563053 9781880563052 1880563096 9781880563090 1880563134 9781880563137.
"An invaluable resource highlighting America's noble heritage, profound quotes from founding fathers, presidents, statesmen, scientists, constitutions, court decisions . . . for use in speeches, papers, debates, essays . . ." -- Publisher
Amerisearch
https://americanminute.com/
Ferling, John E., A Leap in the Dark: The Struggle to Create the American Republic, ISBN: 0195159241 9780195159240.
"It was an age of fascinating leaders and difficult choices, of grand ideas eloquently expressed and of epic conflicts bitterly fought. Now comes a brilliant portrait of the American Revolution, one that is compelling in its prose, fascinating in its details, and provocative in its fresh interpretations. In A LEAP IN THE DARK, John Ferling offers a magisterial new history that surges from the first rumblings of colonial protest to the volcanic election of 1800. Ferling's swift-moving narrative teems with fascinating details. We see Benjamin Franklin trying to decide if his loyalty was to Great Britain or to America, and we meet George Washington when he was a shrewd planter-businessman who discovered personal economic advantages to American independence. We encounter those who supported the war against Great Britain in 1776, but opposed independence because it was a 'leap in the dark.' Following the war, we hear talk in the North of secession from the United States. The author offers a gripping account of the most dramatic events of our history, showing just how closely fought were the struggle for independence, the adoption of the Constitution, and the later battle between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. Yet, without slowing the flow of events, he has also produced a landmark study of leadership and ideas. Here is all the erratic brilliance of Hamilton and Jefferson battling to shape the new nation, and here too is the passion and political shrewdness of revolutionaries, such as Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry, and their Loyalist counterparts, Joseph Galloway and Thomas Hutchinson. Here as well are activists who are not so well known today, men like Abraham Yates, who battled for democratic change, and Theodore Sedgwick, who fought to preserve the political and social system of the colonial past. Ferling shows that throughout this period the epic political battles often resembled today's politics and the politicians -- the founders -- played a political hardball attendant with enmities, selfish motivations, and bitterness. The political stakes, this book demonstrates, were extraordinary: first to secure independence, then to determine the meaning of the American Revolution. John Ferling has shown himself to be an insightful historian of our Revolution, and an unusually skillful writer. A Leap in the Dark is his masterpiece, work that provokes, enlightens, and entertains in full measure." -- Jack Rakove, author of Original Meanings
Maier, Pauline, American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence, ISBN: 0679779086 9780679779087.
"This is a well-written, well-researched, entertaining account of the creation of the United States' Declaration of Independence as well as an analysis of how the declaration has been enshrined as something of a sacred document (a place it did not always hold). Pauline Maier, a history professor at MIT, will no doubt surprise many readers with detective work demonstrating that Jefferson's Declaration of Independence was actually preceded by many local declarations, which have been generally overlooked by historians but which were published throughout the colonies and were well known in their day. American Scripture holds many surprises as it details Jefferson's drafting of the document, the editing process, and the varying regard with which the Declaration of Independence has been held in the past two centuries." -- Publisher
McDonald, Forrest, Novus Ordo Seclorum: The Intellectual Origins of the Constitution, ISBN: 0700603115 9780700603114.
"McDonald does a great job here unwinding the ideas and institutions developed by the founding generation to produce our system of dual sovereignty. He retains a reverence for what our founders accomplished, and constrains himself to an explanation of what happened to bring into operation our 'New Order' which now looks quite old.
"McDonald is critical of the Charles Beard brand of economic reductionism, and has no patience for the relentless deconstruction of the constitutionalist era by modern historians who insist on showing us that they, rather than these founders, are actually superior moral beings with better insights, as well as more slavish devotion to the current strains of academic obsessions.
"This should be on the list of the 10 best books to understand the American system of government." -- Reader's Comment
"Forrest McDonald, widely considered one of the foremost historians of the Constitution and of the early national period, reconstructs the intellectual world of the Founding Fathers -- including their understanding of law, history political philosophy, and political economy, and their firsthand experience in public affairs -- and then analyzes their behavior in the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in light of that world. No one has attempted to do so on such a scale before. McDonald's principal conclusion is that, though the Framers brought a variety of ideological and philosophical positions to bear upon their task of building a 'new order of the ages,' they were guided primarily by their own experience, their wisdom, and their common sense." -- Publisher
McDonald, Forrest, and Russell Kirk, We the People: The Economic Origins of the Constitution, ISBN: 1560005742 9781560005742.
"Few vices are easier to arouse than envy. Politicians and ideologues have had great success exploiting the resentment that arises when pitting rich against the poor.
"From the time of its publication in 1913 until the 1960s, Charles Beard's thesis dominated discussion of the founders' motives. In the mode of the Marxist interpretation of history as class struggle, Beard argued that economic self-interest, rather than concern for the general good, determined the writing and outcome of the Constitution.
"Interestingly, Beard asserted his system of alignment without actually proving it, admitting that his work was fragmentary because it failed to fill in the blanks. The real legwork of research wasn't done until over fifty years later, when historian Forrest McDonald put Beard's thesis to the test. McDonald dug through numerous public records to write economic biographies of the delegates (the 55 who attended the Constitutional Convention and the 1,750 members at the state conventions), analyzing their occupations, income, and assets. By comparing these to how the delegates voted, he found that Beard's thesis was incompatible with the facts.
"In We the People McDonald analyzed the geographical and political factions represented by delegates, their property holdings and occupations, their voting patterns, if any, and whether they benefited directly from the proposed Constitution. For the state conventions he divided chapters into states favorable, divided, and opposed to the Constitution. At the end he re-evaluated Beard's thesis and discussed whether any economic interpretation could be applied to our founding given the complexity and variety of occupations and opinions that existed.
"The result was a remarkable, though at times necessarily tedious, bit of historical detective work. Very likely it came as a great relief to many Americans to learn that the founders had something other than their own economic gain at heart. Probably few were surprised that the founders were a much more diverse group than Beard had realized.
"We may find that independence difficult to believe today, when the forces of selfishness, materialism, and special interest seem so dominant, not merely among political and business leaders but among the general populace. Today propagandists still want to align people into absolutes, much like trial lawyers who portray their clients as angels and their opponents as devils. Our shallow political debates revolve around false dichotomies such as the Party of Business and the Party of the Common Man. But I imagine this adversarial, intellectually dishonest approach will continue to be used as an effective tool as long as there is envy to be harvested in the heart of man. -- Reader's Comment
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, Conspiracy in Philadelphia: The Origins of the U.S. Constitution, an e-book.
"In addition to primary sources, North relies on the work of the most well respected members of the historical community -- Bailyn, Wood, Mcdonald, Gaustad, Boller, Koch, Adair, and Rakove to name a few.
"The thesis of the book is that the key U.S. Founders -- the ones who pushed through the ideas upon which America declared independence and then constructed the Constitution -- were secret theological unitarians, whose heterodox religious creed inspired them to found American government upon the notion of religious neutrality, and consequently break the tradition of covenanting with the Triune Christian God. His book focuses on Article VI Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution (no religious tests) as the device for achieving secular government.
"From what I have researched, North is correct in his essential claim. Other scholars have noted something similar. For instance, in this post I noted Thomas Pangle and Cushing Stout, whose work North cites, concluding that there is a connection between the U.S. Constitution's benign approach to religion and the key Founders' enlightened and benign personal religious creed. Indeed, one could argue, as does Dr. Gregg Frazer, that the Founders' unitarianism or theistic rationalism was the political theology of the American Founding.
"Ideas have consequences and it was these heterodox unitarian ideas, not orthodox Christianity, that drove the U.S. Founding's approach to religion and government. However, such heterodoxy or heresy wasn't a popular creed, but rather was disproportionately believed in by the elite Whigs. Whatever the religion of a majority of the U.S. population (either nominal Protestant Christianity, which itself can tend towards Deism, or orthodox Protestant Christianity), orthodox Churches held a great deal of institutional power. With such power, they had to essentially consent to the elite Whig's new plan on government. And they did. But not all of them, for instance, the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (Covenanters) to whom North dedicates his book. From the very beginning they smelled a rat in Philadelphia.
"So the notion that there was a secret coup, a bait and switch as Michael Zuckert put it, to sell a Christian audience non-authentically Christian ideas is not new. James Renwick Willson was one of those covenanters who in 1832 made arguments very similar to North's. And he was burned in effigy for this sermon which called all of the Presidents from Washington to Jackson infidels and not more than unitarians. I think Willson got at the truth, but did so by shattering a sacred cow -- a social myth. The kernel of truth that David Barton et al. have is that many folks in the 19th century did believe in the Christian America social myth as a cultural prejudice. And many of their bogus, unconfirmed quotations source back to 19th century places that pushed this social myth.
"Now the non-respectable has become the respectable and secular scholars more or less agree with the claims of James Renwick Willson and Gary North that America didn't have an authentically orthodox Christian founding. . . ." -- Jonathan Rowe, June 8, 2008 (http://www.positiveliberty.com/2008/06/gary-norths-ebook.html)
Download a copy at:
Conspiracy in Philadelphia: The Origins of the U.S. Constitution
https://www.garynorth.com/philadelphia.pdf
Conspiracy in Philadelphia, an article by Gary North
http://www.lewrockwell.com/north/north291.html
*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, The Sinai Strategy: Economics and the Ten Commandments, ISBN: 0930464079 9780930464073.
"A detailed exploration of the Ten Commandments and their social, political and especially, economic implications for all of mankind. Nations in which the Bible is freely preached tend to adopt a free market economy. The capitalism vs. socialism controversy is really God vs. Satan." -- GCB
Institute for Christian Economics Freebooks.com
http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/
North, Gary, Victim's Rights: The Biblical View of Civil Justice, ISBN: 0930464176 9780930464172. Alternate title: THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF VICTIM'S RIGHTS.
"A study of what the Bible says our judicial systems should be like. North contends that Scripture clearly shows that (in ancient days), they were 'harsh on criminals' in order to be 'soft on victims' -- the reverse of the modern approach in our culture." -- GCB
Institute for Christian Economics Freebooks.com
http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/sidefrm4.htm
Peters, Madison Clinton, The Masons as Makers of America: The True Story of The American Revolution, 80 pages.
It is said that George Washington became a Freemason at an early age, that his lieutenants during the American Revolution were Masons, and that Benjamin Franklin was able to solicit war support during a trip to France because of his Masonic connections among government officials there. It is claimed that a delegation of Masons, headed by President Washington, who was dressed in formal Masonic attire, including apron, laid the cornerstone for the U.S. Capitol and dedicated it as a "Temple of the People" were there would be government by the people and for the people.
Masonry attracted men who rejected the authority of the Church in favor of freedom of conscience and the rule of reason. Of course, both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution excluded the authority of the Triune God in favor of government by men who ignore the highest ethical standard known to mankind.
See: THE ANTI-MASONIC PARTY IN THE UNITED STATES, 1826-1843, and "The Anti-Masonic Party" a Wikipedia article.
Conspiracy in Philadelphia: The Origins of the U.S. Constitution
https://www.garynorth.com/philadelphia.pdf
Conspiracy in Philadelphia, an article by Gary North
http://www.lewrockwell.com/north/north291.html
Robbins, Caroline, Eighteenth-Century Commonwealthman: Studies in the Transmission, Development, and Circumstance of English Liberal Thought From the Restoration of Charles II Until the War With the . . . ISBN: 0865974276 9780865974272.
Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Slavery Christianity: Paul's Letter to Philemon, an article (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, November, 2005), ISBN: 1891777173 9781891777172.
"Slavery. Racism. Rebellion. Civil disobedience. The problems are as pressing today as they were 1900 years ago when the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to a slave-owner, Philemon, about his runaway slave -- and the runaway slave carried Paul's letter back to his legal owner.
"What did the letter say? Did Paul -- does Christianity -- approve of slavery? Does Christianity condone slavery? Or does the Gospel abolish slavery and establish freedom wherever it is believed? Jesus said, If you abide in my Word, you are my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31,32)
"Paul's letter to Philemon is a masterpiece of divinely inspired political philosophy. It provides the basis for the non-violent abolition of slavery wherever the Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached and believed.
"Dr. John W. Robbins holds the Ph.D. in Political Philosophy from The Johns Hopkins University. His most recent book is FREEDOM AND CAPITALISM: ESSAYS ON CHRISTIAN POLITICS AND ECONOMICS." -- Publisher
Sidney, Algernon (1622-1683), Discourses on Government: To Which is Added, an Account of the Author's Life, 3 volumes, ISBN: 1584772093 9781584772095.
"This important work appeared fifteen years after Sidney's execution for treason in 1683. A reply to Filmer's PATRIARCHA, the DISCOURSES is one of the earliest modern statements of republican ideals. He proposes a doctrine of natural justice and governmental order from which all institutions vary at their peril. More important, Sidney asserts that a king's authority is granted by parliament, which has the additional power to depose him, indeed a controversial idea during the Restoration period. Thomas Jefferson, one of several individuals influenced by this text, described it as '. . . probably the best elementary book of the principles of government, as founded in natural right which has ever been published in any language; and it is much to be desired in such a government as ours that it should be put into the hands of our youth as soon as their minds are sufficiently matured for that branch of study.' (Sowerby). Sidney [1622-1683], was beheaded by Charles II in part for his involvement in the Rye House plot. One of the other charges against him was that he had committed treasonable libel in this work, which was still in manuscript at that time. Sowerby, Catalogue of the Library of Thomas Jefferson, III: 12. Marke, A Catalogue of the Law Collection at New York University (1953) 953. Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School (1909) II: 588. Sweet and Maxwell, A Legal Bibliography of the British Commonwealth of Nations I: 107. Wing, Short Title Catalogue of English Books 1641-1700 S3761." -- Publisher
Sidney, Algernon (author), and Hans W. Blom (editor), Eco Haitsma-Mulier (editor), Ronald Janse (editor), Raymond Geuss (editor), Quentin Skinner (editor), Sidney: Court Maxims, ISBN: 0521467365 9780521467360.
"This remarkable expression of republican thought has never before been published. Algernon Sidney was among the most unrelenting republican partisans of the seventeenth century, and was executed for his opposition to Charles II. Written during Sidney's continental exile, the vivid COURT MAXIMS was only recently rediscovered. The work presents a lively discussion about the principles of government and the practice of politics, articulating a vital tradition of republicanism in an absolutist age." -- Publisher
"Until quite recently, this wonderful book was lost to the world. Sidney was one of the most eloquent advocates for republicanism and liberty in his or any period of history. This work offers a clear and direct exposition of his political philosophy. Although it is no substitute for his great DISCOURSES CONCERNING GOVERNMENT it is certainly a worthy compliment." -- Will Murphy
Trenchard, John, Thomas Gordon, Ronald Hamowy (editor), Cato's Letters or Essays on Liberty, Civil and Religious, and Other Important Subjects: Four Volumes in Two, ISBN: 0865971307 9780865971301 0865971323 9780865971325.
"Cato's Letters are a must have for any lover of liberty. They are filled with enough passion, wisdom, and wit to make them shining gems on any bookshelf. The philosophy expounded in these letters is that of radical liberty according to the laws of nature. It is made clear throughout that governments are the servants of people, no