The practice of giving circulation to writings selected for superior worth or special interest was adopted at the beginning of Christian history. The canonical Scriptures were themselves a selection from a much wider literature. In the patristic era there began to appear a class of works of compilation (often designed for ready reference in controversy) of the opinions of well-reputed predecessors, and in the Middle Ages many such works were produced. These medieval anthologies actually preserve some noteworthy materials from works otherwise lost. -- General Editor's Preface, The Institutes of the Christian Religion (Westminster Press, Battles translation)
*Calvin, John, The Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 volumes (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1960). 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
"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] 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 (Prov. 29:18). (Beveridge translation)"
See the entire Prefatory Address, Beveridge translation:
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 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House) and with CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES.
Nelson's Ultimate Bible Reference Library, Logos Library System format (LLS) (CD-ROM)
This library systems includes CALVIN'S INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, THE HOLY BIBLE KING JAMES VERSION, THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE, AUGUSTINE'S CONFESSIONS, WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646), WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM, WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM, MATTHEW HENRY'S COMMENTARY, NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, and other classic Bible study aids. THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE (Other title: THE NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE,) in LLS format, may be added to this library. Therefore, all the above works may be used in combination with each other in Bible study.
http://www.logos.com/products/details/3247
Calvin, Spurgeon and International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) (LLS)
Contains Calvin's Commentaries.
http://www.logos.com/products/details/889
Calvin's Commentaries (22 Volumes) (LLS)
http://www.logos.com/products/details/887
The Comprehensive John Calvin Collection CD-ROM in Logos Library System (LLS) format
http://www.logosbiblesoftware.com/logosbiblesoftware/calcom.html
Calvin's Commentaries (online)
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom
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
The Comprehensive John Calvin Collection
From Ages Software. Includes both the Battles and the Beveridge translation of THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES, and other works by Calvin.
http://www.ageslibrary.com/ages_calvin_collection_1.html
Institutes of the Christian Religion (Beveridge translation online)
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.i.html
*Kelly, Douglas F., The Emergence of Liberty in the Modern World: The Influence of Calvin on Five Governments From the 16th Through 18th Centuries (Philadelphia, PA: The Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co.). 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's Annotation
*PINK, ARTHUR W., The Sovereignty of God (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House), ISBN: 0801068649 9780801068645. Be sure to read the original, unrevised, unabridged edition, not the Banner of Truth edition (see the Marc Carpenter article below.) Available on the forthcoming SWRB Hard Drive. A Christian classic.
"Present day conditions call loudly for a new examination and new presentation of God's omnipotence, God's sufficiency, God's sovereignty. From every pulpit in the land it needs to be thundered forth that God still lives, that God still observes, that God still reigns." -- Arthur W. Pink
"This is the best contemporary book explaining the foundations of Calvinism and God's sovereignty (as revealed in Scripture). It is like a key that, by God's grace, opens the door of understanding to some of the most blessed truths in Scripture. From the myriad of testimonies that we have heard concerning how God has used this book, we think that we can safely say that this is also the best book to pass on to those that you want to introduce to Calvinism." -- SWRB
The Banner of Truth edition removed three chapters, "The Sovereignty of God and Reprobation," "God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility," and "Difficulties and Objections." It also removes four appendices that "deal with the false distinction between decretive and permissive will, the foreordaining of the Fall, and treatments of John 3:16 and 1 John 2:2 to show that there is not a universal love or propitiation. . . ."
"The Banner of Truth versus Calvinism," Marc D. Carpenter
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/PDF/147a-TheBannerTruthvsCalvinism.pdf
The Sovereignty of God, by A.W. Pink
The Complete text available in either Word (.doc) format, or Rich Text Format (.rtf)
http://w3.goodnews.net/~maxward/sov.html
*Beeke, Joel R., Justification by Faith: A Bibliography (Grand Rapids, MI:
Reformation Heritage Books, Inc.).
Nearly 400 works on justification are arranged alphabetically by author. Includes the works of Augustine, Calvin, Zanchius, Owen, Manton, Boston, Watson, Edwards, and many others.
*Singer, C. Gregg 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's Annotation
"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 SermonAudion.com
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12607114250
See also:
Dr. C. Gregg Singer at SermonAudio.com (161 messages)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&Keyword=Dr.^C.^Gregg^Singer
*Robbins, John W., Ecclesiastical Megalomania: The Economic and Political Thought of the Roman Catholic Church (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931753 9780940931756.
"This book is a detailed examination of the official statements of the Vatican on economic and political matters. It demonstrates the collectivism and totalitarianism of the Roman Catholic Church-State. It is the only such book written by a Christian in the twentieth century.
"This book explores the conflict between Roman Catholic social thought and human freedom, relying on official pronouncements from the Vatican to show that the political and economic theory of the Roman Church-State justifies feudalism, corporativism, 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's Annotation
Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, Samuel Rutherford, John Owen, Thomas Manton, The Westminster Assembly, James Renwick, Archibald Mason, Christopher Ness, Francis Turretin, The Reformed Presbytery, David Steel, James R. Willson, Alexander M'Leod, William L. Roberts, James Aiken Wylie, Andrew Wilet, Henry Wilkinson, James Wylie, Patrick Fairbairn, James Aiken, Andrew Wilet, Alexander Hislop, Francis Nigel Lee, Arthur W. Pink, and so forth, and so on, have all believed and argued in print that the seated Pope is the Anti-Christ of the Bible.
The Roman Church-State is "the world's oldest, largest, most powerful and most influential politico-ecclesiastical institution" and it "may also be the world's wealthiest." The Roman Catholic Institution is the ultimate "negative guide to the positive," the reformers ultimate "opposite guide to political and economic reform."
*Hall, David W., Savior or Servant? Putting Government in its Place, ISBN: 0965036715 9780965036719.
Table of Contents
"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's Annotation
From Reformation to Revolution: 1500-1650, Chapter 10: Savior or Servant? Putting Government in Its Place
http://capo.org/premise/96/mar/p960304.html
*Smith, Jerome H. (editor), The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, revised and expanded (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997, 1992, 1836). ISBN: 0785212272. A Christian classic.
"For over 150 years, the TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE has given Bible students the most complete collection anywhere of cross references -- far more than any concordance or reference Bible. Now this updated classic is so much easier to use. The entries, arranged verse by verse, offer cross references to related verses, topics, themes, and important words, so you can discover just what the Bible says about itself. This new edition contains over 100,000 new references, hundreds of corrections, seven new indexes, a handy symbol system, and a helpful `how to use the book' section. And it's completely retypeset in modern type for readability! 1664 pages . . ." -- CBD
"The one book, aside from the Bible itself, that I value most in my studies. I am grateful to Thomas Nelson for publishing this expanded edition." -- John MacArthur
Includes bibliography, subject index, topic number index, Proverbs index, name index, figure of speech index, and other indexes. See the index to Proverbs.
Also available in digital format.
Smith, Jerome H., New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, Logos Bible Software (LLS)
"Edited by Jerome H. Smith - An incredible 1-volume Bible reference library, this comprehensive update of the original TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE is a unique resource for Bible study, teaching, or preaching. This edition contains nearly 100,000 new cross-references, additional key words, a new system of symbols, and many other improvements. This is the most comprehensive collection of time-saving and insightful cross-references ever published! Dozens of special study aids help you develop powerful lessons or sermons -- straight from the Bible itself! Dr. John MacArthur, Jr. says: 'The one book, apart from the Bible itself, that I value most in my studies'."
New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge -- Logos Bible Software
http://www.logos.com/ebooks/details/ntsk
*Gaussen, Louis, David Scott (translator), John W. Robbins (editor) God-Breathed: The Divine Inspiration of the Bible. Other title: THEOPNEUSTIA: THE PLENARY INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, 1854 (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 2001). ISBN: 0940931575. Also available on
Reformation Bookshelf CD #15.
"The fundamental doctrine of Christianity is the reliability of Scripture. Through the centuries, Christianity's enemies have concentrated their attacks on the inerrancy [infallibility-- sk] the sufficiency, and the clarity of the Bible, alleging that it contains errors, is inadequate, or is in need of an interpreter. These attacks come from the Roman Catholic Church, zealots, modernists, and unbelievers of various other sorts. God has used these attacks as goads to prod Christian thinkers into defending his Word, and one of the greatest defenses of Scripture ever penned is the book you hold in your hands. Louis Gaussen was a 19th-century Swiss Reformed pastor, defrocked for his fidelity to God's Word. Christians in the 21st century will also face persecution, but they can answer their opponents using Gaussens's arguments." -- Publisher's Annotation
"The turning-point of the battle between those who hold 'the faith once delivered to the saints' and their opponents lies in the true and real inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. This is the Thermopylae of Christendom. . . . In this work the author proves himself a master of holy argument. Gaussen charms us as he proclaims the Divine veracity of Scripture. His testimony is clear as a bell." -- C.H. Spurgeon
*WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY (1643-1652), The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) (Glasgow, Scotland [Free Presbyterian Publications, 133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6LE]: Free Presbyterian Publication, 1994). ISBN: 0902506080 (casebound) and ISBN: 0902506358 (paperback). Available from Crown and Covenant Publications. Also, available from Still Waters Revival Books). A Christian classic.
" '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 [1646] 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." -- SWRB
This is considered to be the definitive publication of the Westminster family of documents. It includes the following:
*Beeke, Joel R. (editor) and Sinclair B. Ferguson (editor), Reformed Confessions Harmonized, ISBN: 080105222X.
*The Reformation Study Bible: The Word That Changes Lives -- the Faith That Changed The World, New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, March 2001). Previous published under the title New Geneva Study Bible: Bringing the Light of the Reformation to Scripture (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995).
"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.
The Reformation Study Bible in Logos Bible Software
http://www.logos.com/ebooks/details/NGSTBIB
A Review of The Reformation Study Bible
http://www.lettermen2.com/geneva.html
Readers of THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE should also be familiar with 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 Short Title Listing
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chb.html#crsstl
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://www.covenantedreformation.com/EssaysCR/RP%20Catechism/RP%20Index.html
*RUTHERFORD, SAMUEL, Lex, Rex (Harrisonburg, VA: Sprinkle Publications), ISBN: 0873779517. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, #25 ISBN: 0921148852 9780921148852. Available on the forthcoming SWRB Hard Drive. Available on The Amazing Christian Library, DVD Three, CD #18. A Christian classic.
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.' (Idem.)"
"Gilmour writes [in SAMUEL RUTHERFORD], 'that, as regards religious fervor, 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'." -- SWRB
"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." -- SWRB
"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
"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 lawlesse 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)." -- SWRB
"This [THE DUE RIGHT OF PRESBYTERIES OR A PEACEABLE PLEA FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND . . . ,] 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'." -- SWRB
A HIND LET LOOSE by Alexander Shields is sometimes referred to as 'Lex, Rex volume two.'
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?' (Ps. 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....' (Deut. 17:19)."
http://www.natreformassn.org/lexrex/index.html
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
Lex, Rex, "Lawfulness to Resist Tyranny" (Samuel Rutherford)
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/7947/LexRex.html
The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm
*SHIELDS, ALEXANDER, 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 (Cerlox Bound Photocopy Series. Edmonton, AB, Canada: Still Waters Revival Books), Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2, #26 ISBN: 0921148690 9780921148692. Available on The Amazing Christian Library, DVD Four, CD #22. A Christian classic.
"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 Camerionian resistance to royal absolutism and the divine right of kings. He argued that government is divinely ordained, but the people are entitled to bring a king to judgment for wrongdoing. Parliament is commissioned by the people to oversee the nation's affairs, but the compact between the people and their rulers does not entail a forfeiture of the people's power to depose tyrants and confer authority on someone else. Government is by consent, and must justify itself to the consciences of the people. God has given men the right of self defense, and this extends to a right not only passively to resist, but also to kill relentless persecutors' writes Isbell (in the Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 773). Controversial chapter titles include: 'Concerning Owning of Tyrants Authority;' 'Defensive Arms Vindicated;' 'Of Extraordinary Execution of Judgement by Private Men;' and 'Refusing to Pay Wicked Taxation Vindicated.' This book sets forth the Crown rights of King Jesus, against all usurpers in both church and state, giving a history of some of faithful sufferings endured by the elect, in maintaining this truth. It bears testimony against 'the popish, prelatical and malignant enemies' of Christ and proclaims the only true basis of liberty for mankind. 'The matter is argued with a vast abundance of Biblical illustration, and with much reference to Reformation and Puritan divines. It should be consulted, if practicable, by all who wish fully to understand the inner spirit of the Covenanting Movement,' writes Purves in FAIR SUNSHINE (p. 202). Isbell interestingly notes that Shields was once 'amanuensis to the English Puritan John Owen'." -- SWRB
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.covenanter.org/AShields/Hind/Hindletloosetitle.htm
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 . . .
The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm
http://books.google.com/books?id=boAAAAAAMAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*JOHNSTON, JOHN C., Treasury of the Scottish Covenant (Cerlox Bound Photocopy Series. Edmonton, AB, Canada: Still Waters Revival Books, 1997). Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27, ISBN: 0921148240 9780921148241. Available on The Amazing Christian Library, DVD Five, CD #25, ATLA 1988-6070. A Christian classic.
"A massive listing (over 671 pages) covering Covenanting literature from the period of the Reformation to its publication in 1887. Contains not only the principal literary productions of the Covenanters (in the course of the long-sustained and heroic resistance offered by them to the spiritual despotism thrust against them in both church and state), but all of the chief historical documents connected with this period of history. Inspiration and courage can be drawn from the memories and associations of these events and writings. Here is one example of what you will find (from page 349 in the book): '(Richard) Camerons' head and hands, cut from his body at Airsmoss, were taken to his father, then suffering in prison in Edinburgh for the Covenant. He was asked if he knew them. 'His words,' says Dr. Kerr, 'were surely the most touching of all the memories of that cruel time: 'I know, I know them! they are my son's, my dear son's! It is the Lord: good is the will of the Lord, who cannot wrong me nor mine, but has made goodness and mercy to follow us all our days.' After which, by order of the Council, his head was fixed upon the Netherbow Port, and his hands beside it, with the fingers upward, a kind of preaching 'at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors,' that told more for his cause and against the persecutors than all the words he could have spoken.' A must for every serious theological student, religious library, or rare book collector who has any interest in Reformation thought and/or literature. It is a veritable gold mine of information, facts, documents, book listings and more!" -- SWRB
PuritanDownloads.com
Download contents: Authors, Titles, Categories, and MP3s for the forthcoming New SWRB Hard Drive (SWRB-PHD) Collection.
http://www.puritandownloads.com/
Reformation Bookshelf 30 CD Set (Edmonton, AB, Canada: Still Waters Revival Books).
"This 30 CD set contains a vast number of Reformed, Puritan, Covenanter, Presbyterian, Calvinistic, and Reformed Baptist works by the best authors of the first and second Reformations. Emphasis is on the most prominent and faithful Reformers, such as John Calvin, John Knox, Samuel Rutherford, the Westminster Divines, C.H. Spurgeon. The smallest CD contains over 9,400 pages and the largest CD contains over 20,500 pages.
"Some titles have been out of print for hundreds of years. Some are almost impossible to find. Others are only found in rare book collections, in distant libraries, or abroad. If they can be found in the antiquarian book trade, then they may be very expensive.
"Other titles included on the CDs are presently available in SWRB's Cerlox and hardcover bound photocopy format, although the cost on CD is a fraction of their normal cost.
"In addition, each CD includes over 101 fully searchable free bonus books, and articles. Free audio (MP3) sermons and audio books (by Calvin, Knox, et al.), which were previously read on to tape, are also included on each CD.
"These CDs make classic Puritan and Reformed works both accessible and affordable to everyone. It is an opportunity to inexpensively build a vast library of important works of both Reformations (and related contemporary titles), at a small fraction of the cost of the actual books (i.e. about $.25 US funds or $.30 Canadian funds per average-sized book on these CDs).
Searching the Reformation Bookshelf 30 CD Set
*KERR, JAMES (editor), The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation, 1895? Still Waters Revival Books. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, ISBN: 0921148674 9780921148678. Available on the forthcoming SWRB Hard Drive. Available on The Amazing Christian Library, DVD Four, CD #24. ATLA 1990-2072
"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). 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 defenses 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 intepreachers, 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 fervor, 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 honors 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). 442 pages with illustrations." -- SWRB
The Covenants and the Covenanters
Project Gutenberg free etext online.
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/19100
The Covenants and the Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation. Introd. on the National Covenants
http://books.google.com/books?id=nrdKAAAAMAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Bastiat, Frederic, The Law (Foundation for Economic Education, October 1998). A Christian classic.
"Full of truths that are not merely relevant, but are absolutely vital to our future." -- Dick Armey
"If ever there was a concise and powerful argument for defending Liberty and the Law against every social engineer, this has to be it (only 75 pages!). Bastiat is a master of words and the analogy. Every lover of freedom who wishes to get a nutshell understanding of why Liberty and Law matters ought to read this book. . . ." -- Reader's Comment
The Law by Frederic Bastiat (Part 1 of 10)
"The law perverted! And the police powers of the state perverted along with it! The law, I say, not only turned from its proper purpose but made to follow an entirely contrary purpose! The law become the weapon of every kind of greed! Instead of checking crime, the law itself guilty of the evils it is supposed to punish! " -- Frederic Bastiat, from the Introduction
http://nesara.org/articles/bastiat_the_law01.htm
*Rushdoony, Rousas J., Institutes of Biblical Law, 3 volumes (Vallecito, CA: Ross House Books), ISBN: 1879998130.
Volume 1, INSTITUTES OF BIBLICAL LAW, 890 pages, ISBN-10: 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's Annotation
Volume 2, LAW AND SOCIETY, 752 pages, ISBN-10: 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's Annotation
Volume 3, THE INTENT OF THE LAW, 252 pages, 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's Annotation
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
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), From Rationalism to Irrationality: The Decline of the Western Mind From the Renaissance to the Present (Philadelphia, PA: The Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co., 1979), 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 "Apolgetics" under:
Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
*Hall, David W., The Arrogance of the Modern: Historical Theology Held in Contempt (Covenant Foundation), ISBN: 096503674X 9780965036740.
Table of Contents
http://capo.org/opeds/AOMTOC.html
"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
*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? Machen was one of the leading theologians of the early 20th century, the founder of a denomination and a seminary, and a staunch defender of Biblical truth. 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
*De Graaf, Simon Gerrit, Promise and Deliverance, 4 volumes (Scarsdale, NY [Westminster Discount Book Service, P.O. Box 125H, Scarsdale 10583]: Westminster Discount Book Service, 1977). Translated from the Dutch by H. Evan Runner and Elisabeth Wichers Runner. A Christian classic.
"In Scripture, religion means covenant. By His Word, God called into being an order of creation culminating in man. By that Word He also gave man His favor and brought him into a life of conscious covenantal fellowship with Himself. As De Graaf himself puts it: `Without covenant, there is no religion, no conscious fellowship between man and God, no exchange of love and faithfulness. Without the covenant, man would be just an instrument in God's hand. When God created man, He had more than an instrument in mind: He made a creature that could respond to Him. . . .'
"This renewed insight into Biblical revelation is the perspective undergirding De Graaf's treatment of all Bible stories. It makes his book a unique presentation of God's revelation of Himself in the covenant and keeps his interpretations of the stories from degenerating into mere moralizing. Religion is not morality." -- H. Evan Runner
"I highly recommend this book. One of the best books available." -- R.C. Sproul
"A landmark in interpreting the simple stories of the Bible." -- Christianity Today
*Moore, Edwin Nisbet, Our covenant heritage: the Covenanters' struggle for unity in truth as revealed in the memoir of James Nisbet (1667-1728) and sermons of John Nevay (d. 1672), illustrated by Brenda Newman and Linda Rhoden (Tain [Ross-shire:] Christian Focus Publications, c2000), includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN: 1857926188.
"A new book, OUR COVENANT HERITAGE, examines the rise and fall of the Scottish Church. It rose when men placed the rights of God above the rights of man. It fell when men abandoned unity in truth. It is written by Ed Moore, who spent several years examining why the Covenanters, particularly those who lived near Loudoun Castle, were willing to die for their understanding of God's truth. The answer is found in the sermons of their minister John Nevay on God's Covenant of Grace and in the Memoirs of James Nisbet, one of their number who survived their epic battle for truth only to face the age-old struggle of Christ's church for unity in truth." -- Publisher's Annotation
Our Covenant Heritage, Edwin Nesbet Moore
http://www.covenanters.com/
*Thompson, Frank Charles (editor) and Kirkbride Bible and Technology (other contributor), Thompson Chain Reference Bible, KJV, 5th edition, improved, leather bound (Kirkbride Bible Company, December 2005), some editions include a CD-ROM. Language: English, French, and Spanish. Many editions and bindings are available.
"Dr. Frank C. Thompson, D.D., Ph.D., invested more than forty years in compiling and developing the remarkable Chain-Reference system that is the heart of the Bible that now bears his name." -- Publisher's Annotation
This is a huge body of work: the fully cross-referenced Bible, 1619 pages, plus Bible helps, 788 pages, for a total of 2417 pages. It may be used profitably in combination with THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (1680 pages), THE NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE (THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE) (2220 pages), THE GENEVA BIBLE (648 pages), THE THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE: KING JAMES VERSION (1631 pages), and THE NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE (1114 pages). "The topics from the TOPICAL BIBLE can easily be found in the General Index of the THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE. In the General Index are found the chain-reference numbers that will guide the user into the biblical context for many of the topics. The many additional resources in the THOMSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE . . . will greatly supplement any topical study." -- Introduction to the TOPICAL BIBLE
We feel that both THE THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE, KING JAMES VERSION, 5TH EDITION, and the THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE: KING JAMES VERSION has a part in every reference library, particularly the libraries of Biblical Counselors.
Remember the Thompson Chain-Reference System was developed for the Authorized King James Version. It is also available in New American Standard, New King James, and the New International versions.
"A THOMPSON STUDY BIBLE will help you in ways other Bibles can't. It's the unique Chain-Reference System that allows you to follow any subject, person, place or idea, from the front of your Bible to the end. THOMPSON users say it's the best way to study your Bible. No other Bible has this superb, patented, Thompson Chain Reference System developed by Dr. Frank C. Thompson in 1890. Since that time, thousands of additional topics and links have been added. The AKJV 4th edition has been out-of-print since 1988. The 5th edition began printing in 1988. The only way to find a 4th edition would be in the secondary market. . . ' -- Publisher's Annotation
"Some Thompson Bible Features [from among 75 additional study features]:
*Thompson, Frank Charles (author), Paul M. Hillman (editor), John Stephen Jauchen (editor) The Thompson Exhaustive Topical Bible: King James Version (Indianapolis, IN: Kirkbride Bible Company, Inc., 1997). Hardcover, 1631 pages.
This is a topical Bible compiled from the Thompson Chain-Reference System.
"NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE was edited into a Study Bible format shortly after the appearance of the original THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE. It is fitting for Thompson's Study Bible to be reformatted into a reference book. And where there is room in the marketplace and on every serious student's bookshelf for more than one Bible translation, so there is room for more than one Topical Bible -- and great value in the use of both Nave's and Thompson's work. . . ." -- John R. Kohlenbertger III, from the Foreword
"Now, the detailed and comprehensive topical and subject data that forms the heart of the unparalleled Thompson Chain-Reference system is offered in this -- the most exhaustive topical Bible currently available! Combining to make THE THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE unique are features which include:
*Nave, Orville, and Edward Viening (revised and compiled) The New Nave's Topical Bible, new and enlarged (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986), 1114 pages, ISBN: 0310337100 9780310337102.
NAVE'S is a way of finding what the Bible teaches on any subject. Unlike a concordance it has the verses printed right within the book.
Formerly THE ZONDERVAN TOPICAL BIBLE. Edward Viening was responsible for the compilation and revision of this 1969 work. This revised edition has 21,000 subject-heads rather than 20,000, but does not have the extensive Scripture references which still appear only in the Hendrickson edition. Nearly 6500 listings with more than 100,000 Scripture references and 1114 pages. Very useful in counseling also. A Christian classic.
Dr. D. James Kennedy says he has used it for 30 years and considers it an indispensable aid. Billy Graham has said he uses it more than any other book except the Bible in the preparation of his sermons. A Christian classic.
Nave's Topical Bible
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/NavesTopicalBible/
*BAXTER, RICHARD (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians How to Use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours) (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic.
"The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages) is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
"Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God) merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer
Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
"There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
"We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
"The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle) and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
"Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr.
POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), found elsewhere in BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, are less detailed works. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
" Ptacek in Family Worship (p. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous `nonconformists,' in what is know as the `great ejection,' in 1662, `Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. `Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled `Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God. . . .
"Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- SWRB
This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007. They may be the publisher who will eventually reprints the title.
http://www.heritagebooks.org/
The reprint by George Virtue is included on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21, ISBN: 0921148992 9780921148999.
The reprint by George Virtue is available as a Cerlox bound photocopy from Still Waters Revival Books, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/baxter/practical.toc.html
The reprint by George Virtue is included on The Amazing Christian Library, DVD Four, CD 21#.
The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. This Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix. This contents in detail is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
Notice that the etext in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition) feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and paste from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
http://books.google.com/books?id=cyQFBOUHkaoC&dq=A+Christian+Directory+inpublisher:lettermen+inpublisher:associates&lr=&as_brr=0&ie=ISO-8859-1
One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28, ISBN: 0921148267 9780921148265.
1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1, A Christian Directory, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1, A Christian Directory, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1, A Christian Directory, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
The Practical Works of Richard Baxter: A Christian Directory, Vol. 1
A summary of currently available publications.
http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
*Green, Jay P., Sr. (general editor), Best Books in Print (Lafayette, IN [The Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1274 Meadowbrooke Drive, P.O. Box 4998, Lafayette 47905]: The Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1992).
"There are more than 25,000 volumes in print which claim to be Christian in content. There are not many Christians who have the background and specific information needed to separate the precious from the vile. The editors have chosen some 800 of the current Christian Books in print as representative of the publications flooding the market (one Christian publisher alone publishes a book every day of the year). Here you will find in-depth informative reviews of Christian classics, commentaries, dictionaries, atlases, handbooks, encyclopedias, doctrines, behavioral problems of the age, Bible versions, biographies, novels, children's books, denominations, education, cults, philosophy, psychology, devotions, economics, ethics, evangelism, feminism, biblical language books, history, and etc.
"Besides the hundreds of reviews of the editors, guest reviews from such sound publications as The Christian Observer, The Banner of Truth Magazine, The Standard Bearer, The Trinity Review, etc., as well as from several theological journals, newsletters, and private publications." -- Publisher's Annotation
BEST BOOKS IN PRINT includes all the books (about 800) reviewed inNews and Views of the Christian Literature World: An Important Look at Books for Home Bible Study and the 325 books designated as Best Books in Print. Each of the reviews has been coded with a Thompson Chain Topic number, and will appear in the topics section of the Online Computer Bible. The October 1, 1988 issue (vol. I, No. 1) featured a listing and reviews of the 250 greatest Christian books in print. The January 1, 1990 issue (vol. II, No. 1) lists by title, author, and publisher the 300 books selected as the best books in print for home Bible study.
Sovereign Grace Publishers, Inc. (Jay P. Green, Jr.)
Tel. 800-447-9142; 765-447-4122 (voice)
Request a listing of publications.
Email: Sovereign Grace Trust Fund
http://www.sgpbooks.com/cubecart/index.php
*Beeke, Joel R. and Randall J. Pederson, Meet the Puritans: With A Guide to Modern Reprints (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2006). ISBN: 1601780001.
"It's endorsed by Packer, Piper, MacArthur, Sproul, Duncan, Mohler, Ferguson -- and the recommendations go on and on.
"It's packed with terse information, illustrations, great biographies on more than 140 individual Puritan authors, overviews of over 700 individual Puritan volumes, a list of all the known reprints published between 1956 and 2005, excellent articles, and a glossary of terms used. At 900 pages, its a deep well of information. As clothbound, it's made to endure years of use.
"Important helps include chapters on who the Puritans are, why we should read them, and short histories of the English, Scottish and Dutch Puritans. I found the short history of the resurgence of Puritan literature in the 20th century especially interesting.
"Here is just one quote, taken from the section explaining why we should read the Puritans today:
With the Spirit's blessing, Puritan writings can enrich your life as a Christian in many ways as they open the Scriptures and apply them practically, probing your conscience, indicting your sins, leading you to repentance, shaping your faith, guiding your conduct, comforting you in Christ and conforming you to Him, and bringing you into full assurance of salvation and a lifestyle of gratitude to the triune God for His great salvation (xix)."Perfect for the beginner and the more advanced reader, MEET THE PURITANS will help guide and direct your way through the forest of Puritan authors.
Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson have produced a tremendous gift to and resource for all who want an entryway into the study of the Puritans. They not only provide accurate biographical and theological introduction to every Puritan whose works have been reprinted in the last fifty years, but also combine with their helpful summaries an insightful analysis. If this were not enough, they've added major appendices that include the so-called Scottish Puritans (that is, the great Scottish theologians who were contemporaries of and like-minded brethren in doctrine and piety with the English Puritans) as well as the Dutch Further Reformation divines. MEET THE PURITANS, WITH A GUIDE TO MODERN REPRINTS is a must have. I know of nothing like it. If you are looking for a reliable window into the life, theology, piety and ministry of the Puritans — this is it."Like I said, a monumental work!" -- The Shepherd's Scrapebook
*Martin, Robert P., A Guide to the Puritans: A Topical and Textual Index to the Writings of the Puritans and Some of Their Successors Recently in Print (Banner of Truth, 1997), 546 pages, ISBN: 0851517137 9780851517131.
"I owe an enormous debt to the Puritans, the most prolific and accurate expounders of the biblical principles upon which the Reformation was built. Their concern for vital godliness in every area of the Christian's experience has rightly earned for them the title 'theologians of the Christian life.' Their writings are a rich banquet table loaded with solid nourishment for God's people. . . .
There are many more qualified to index the Puritans than I. Had someone more acquainted with the Puritans' works and more schooled in their history and theology undertaken this project, the end product would have been vastly superior. My primary qualification is that I have been willing to undertake the task. I will not be surprised if those who use this volume find many things which could be done better, especially in the topical index. My hope, however, is that those who find flaws will favor me with their suggestions for improvement, so that if future editions come from the press, the people of God will be served better than at present.
"In determining which writers and works to index, I have been guided and restrained by several principles. First, I have deliberately chosen a broad definition of the term Puritan. Instead of the narrow ecclesiastical sense, i.e., of referring only to those in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries who desired reformation in the national church of England, I am using the term Puritan in the broader religious sense of those advocating the experimental, Calvinistic religion which the Puritans exemplified. Moreover, I have cast my net even farther to take in those who have looked to the Puritans as their nearest theological kin; thus including such men as Archibald Alexander, Charles Hodge, B.B. Warfield, W.G.T Shedd, John Murray, and many other modern Puritans.
"Second, with reference to older writers, I have limited my efforts to recently republished works. Many valuable works, of course, have not reappeared in our day, but are available only in libraries and private collections. I have not tried to include any such items. A comprehensive index of the entire body of Puritan writings would be a wonderful resource, but it is quite beyond my ability to undertake such a project.
"Third, though I have tried to include all the older works currently available, I have indexed only a sampling of works from living writers. Some may question my choices or judge that I have overlooked important new works and authors in the Puritan mold. I sincerely regret overlooking any volume worthy of notice. My only defense is that my knowledge of living authors is much less than my awareness of the proven guides of the past. For the most part I have limited new works to those published by the Banner of Truth Trust, confident that these works have passed through a fine grid of review, and would not bear the Banner label if they were not clearly in the Puritan tradition.
"Fourth, doubtless some users of this index will be disappointed that several important precursors to the Puritans are missing. For example, except for the notice of a few well-known works, Calvin and Luther are not indexed. The same is true of Augustine. The contribution of these men to reformed and Puritan thinking cannot be overestimated. Including their works, however, was not possible, given my present constraints. I regret this greatly.
"Among nineteenth-century figures, the most prominent absence is that of C. H. Spurgeon. Spurgeon certainly is worthy of a place in this work; however, since a textual and topical index of his sermons already exists, I chose not to duplicate that work here.
"In our own century, the ministry of D. M. Lloyd-Jones has produced a large body of useful material in the Puritan tradition; however, unlike his contemporary, John Murray, no collection of Dr. Lloyd-Jones's writings is yet available. Much that Dr. Lloyd-Jones preached is now published in commentary form (e.g., his expositions of the Sermon on the Mount, Romans, Ephesians, etc.) and is not included in this index because of my decision not to index commentaries. I have indexed the Doctor's topical works that were available to me. Those wanting more information on Dr. Lloyd-Jones's writings should consult the bibliography found at the end of volume two of Iain Murray's biography [LLOYD-JONES, D. MARTYN: THE FIGHT OF FAITH, 1939-1981 -- sk].
"The Scripture Index was easy to produce. Where a specific text (or texts) of scripture served as the basis for a sermon or treatise, it is included in the Scripture Index at the appropriate place. This does not mean, however, that every work listed in the Scripture Index contains a detailed exegesis of the text to which it is attached. Often the Puritans used texts as the starting points for topical sermons or series. What follows is not so much an exposition of the text but an exposition of a theme which the text epitomizes. Such sermons do not always answer to the needs of the technical exegete, but they often serve as catalysts for doctrinal and practical observations on the text.
"A few whole commentaries are found in the Scripture Index. These are present only because they are included in an author's collected writings. Many more commentaries could have been included; however, those appearing before 1870 are catalogued already in Spurgeon's COMMENTING AND COMMENTARIES. Many fine commentaries in the Puritan tradition also have appeared since 1870; but I have made no effort to produce what would in fact have been an update of Spurgeon's work.
"The Topical Index was extremely difficult to construct. Two problems constantly intruded themselves into the process. First, when I began, no list of topics was ready at hand. My method therefore was to compile the list of topics as I went along. The end product doubtless is less accurate than if the topics had been set from the beginning. Second, Puritan sermons are not always capable of being reduced to one or two key ideas. Frequently the Puritans ranged across a wide field of related themes in a single sermon. Where this occurred, properly placing the sermon in the Topical Index was difficult. In most cases I was guided by either the author's title or his doctrine summary, i.e., a statement expressing the theme of the sermon. I have tried to exercise as much care as possible in indexing topically; however, those more familiar with individual sermons or treatises perhaps will question my decisions. Again, I hope that observations which may improve this work will be communicated to me. . . . I have included comments with some entries. It was not possible to do this for every entry. For the most part, I did this where I felt that a word was needed to clarify the emphasis of a given work. . . ." -- Robert P. Martin in the Preface, August 1996, Seattle, Washington
*Thomas, I.D.E., A Puritan Golden Treasury. Alternate title: THE GOLDEN TREASURY OF PURITAN QUOTATIONS (Puritan Paperback Series. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust), ISBN: 0851512496 9780851512495.
"One of the purposes of this book is to . . . acquaint the Christian believer with the great Puritan authors. . . . Just as it has been said of modern democracy that it is the child of the Reformation rather than of the Reformers, the same could be said of the political revolution of the 1650's -- it was more the child of Puritanism than of the Puritans." -- I.D.E. Thomas. Includes about 1500 quotations. Includes author index.
*Manton, Thomas, Psalm 119 (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust), ISBN: 0851515762. See THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON (Volumes 1 to 11) available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4, ISBN: 0921148739 9780921148739.
*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Spurgeon's Devotional Bible (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1975, 1974, 1964) and Spurgeon's Devotional Bible: Selected Passages From the Word of God With Running Comments (paperback), (Evangelical Press, February 1996). Other title: The Interpreter: Spurgeon's morning and evening devotions from the Bible.
"For anyone who wants to restore daily devotions on an individual or family basis, SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE is the perfect answer. One can read through this book in a year when morning and evening devotions are maintained. . . .
"The gist of the entire Bible is found between the covers of this book. . . . some verses [and chapters] were omitted in whole or in part, but they are always summarized in such a way that the narrative or teaching remains clear. The emphasis is always on Scripture . . ." -- Publisher's Annotation
C.H. Spurgeon wrote, among other things:
*Spurgeon, Charles Haddon, Devotional Classics of C. H. Spurgeon (Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, December 2000), ISBN: 1878442503 9781878442505 1878442627 9781878442628.
The first 366 pages of this volume are the well known MORNING AND EVENING. The second 366 pages are MORNING AND EVENING II: A SECOND YEAR OF DAILY DEVOTIONS BY C.H. SPURGEON selected from Mr. Spurgeon's work by Rebecca Kay Thorpe and edited by Jay P. Green, Sr. It contains selections from Puritans and others including Jonathan Edwards, John Calvin, Martin Luther, William Gurnall, Thomas Goodwin, John Owen, Joseph Alleine, John Flavel, Thomas Brooks, John Gill, Thomas Manton, and Joseph Caryl.
Spurgeon read extensively in Puritan literature. "He also published at least two whole books consisting entirely of sayings of these authors:" ILLUSTRATIONS AND MEDITATIONS; OR, FLOWERS FROM A PURITAN'S GARDEN, DISTILLED AND DISPENSED, BY C. H. SPURGEON, (1883) and SMOOTH STONES TAKEN FROM ANCIENT BROOKS: BEING A COLLECTION OF SENTENCES, ILLUSTRATIONS, AND QUAINT SAYINGS, FROM THE WORKS OF THAT RENOWNED PURITAN, THOMAS BROOKS / [SELECTED] BY C. H. SPURGEON (1996). So many of the Puritan quotes were originally selected by Spurgeon himself.
*Hunt, Gladys M., Honey for a Child's Heart: The Imaginative Use of Books in Family Life, revised edition, ISBN: 0310263816 9780310263814.
"The imaginative use of books in family life. Offers warm, practical advice on how to instill a love for reading in children. Extensive bibliography grouped according to ages.
"HONEY FOR A CHILD'S HEART, now in its third edition, is one of the best guides to children's books available. It is for parents who know the value of reaching their children with good books. A good book is a gateway into a wider world of wonder, beauty, delight, and adventure. But children don't stumble onto the best books by themselves. They need a parent's help. Author Gladys Hunt discusses everything from how to choose good books for your children to encouraging them to be avid readers. This edition includes an indexed and updated 85-page list of the best children's favorites, HONEY FOR A CHILD'S HEART opens new worlds of reading possibilities for children and parents alike. Are you concerned about building whole children -- children who are alive emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually? Then this book can help. Gladys Hunt deeply believes in the potential of books to assist in this building process. Her tastes are broad, her advice is rooted in experience, and her suggestions will enrich the cultural life of any home.
"Gladys Hunt is a popular and well-known writer. Among her many books are READ FOR YOUR LIFE and several volumes of the FISHERMAN BIBLE STUDYGUIDE SERIES. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan." -- Publisher's Annotation
"There's got to be a reason a book is in its 50th printing! This book is both motivational and informative. I wrote it to encourage parents to read aloud to their children -- and to keep on reading together long after children can read for themselves. Few things bind people together as much as sharing a good book. Without ever leaving your home, you can go on fantastic adventures, meet the same people, laugh at the ridiculous together, weep together over the plight of your favorite characters and learn life lessons from the bravery or foolishness of your main characters! Everyone who has ever read a ripping good story wants to share it with someone else. C.S. Lewis was right when he said that any book worth reading at 10 should be worth reading at 50. That means as you read with your children you get to catch up on all the stories you missed when you were growing up. Reading together gives you a reservoir of experiences from which to examine life and to figure out how to live it. And the bibliography at the end of the book introduces you to books your children should have the opportunity to read Take it to the library with you." -- Gladys Hunt, e-mail: gladyshunt@cs.com.
*DARLING, JAMES, Cyclopaedia Bibliographica: A Library Manual of Theological and General Literature, and Guide to Books for Authors, Preachers, Students, and Literary Men. Analytical, Bibliographical, and Biographical (1854), 5245 pages. Available on the forthcoming SWRB Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #12, ISBN: 0921148895 9780921148890. Available on The Amazing Christian Library, DVD One, CD #4.
"An indispensable set for authors, researchers, serious students of Scripture, librarians, ministers, collectors, rare book dealers, etc. Contains much information that is either unavailable elsewhere or would have to be gleaned from several scattered volumes. Its ten volumes total 5245 pages. A phenomenal, theological, bibliographical resource of staggering comprehensiveness. The first section of this extremely rare set is a huge bibliography, organized by authors alphabetically. Most known Biblical and theological publications, to the author's day, are listed. Includes not only English listings, but Latin, French, and German also. The second part is a topical bibliography categorizing items under the headings of Universal Knowledge, Theology (including the major commentaries, sermons, articles and studies for just about every verse in the Bible), a listing of Scripture texts (Hebrew, Greek, and Latin) and an extensive index. The Morning Post calls this massive work `the most copious, accurate, and well-arranged catalogue of works in theological and general literature which has as yet been published.' Brownson's Review noted that `for practical utility we know of none that surpasses or approaches it.' Finally Bell's Messenger states, `No clergyman or antiquarian should think it needless to possess a copy of this work. It will smooth many a day's hard toil, by diminishing the labor of research, pointing as it does, in an instant to works which it might have taken weeks, if not months, or years, to search after.' Don't miss this darling of a help, which will ease and aid all your theological studies!" -- SWRB
*Beeke, Joel R., A Reader's Guide to Reformed Theology: An Annotated Bibliography of Reformed Theology, ISBN: 1892777150 9781892777157.
*Scott, Otto, R.J. Rushdoony, M.R. Rushdoony, Martin G. Selbrede, and John Lofton, Jr., The Great Christian Revolution: The Myths of Paganism and Arminianism (Vallecito, CA: Ross House Books), ISBN: 1879998025 9781879998025.
"Dr. Warfield noted that Calvinism represents the Christian religion in its highest and purest form, for Calvinism alone acknowledges the totality of God's kingly prerogatives over every square inch of our world. This volume supports these powerful truths from three different perspectives, with each author supplying cumulative weight to the proposition that God rules in the affairs of all men, from the least to the greatest. This book will help you sort out much of the current error in theology in our day." -- GCB
"Never has so broad a sweep of Christian history been so swiftly or dramatically told. From the savage tribes of Europe to the rise of the most wealthy and intellectual civilization in the world; from the Dark Ages to the Reformation; from the tyranny of English kings to the spirit of freedom in Philadelphia. Otto Scott takes you on a gripping journey through the rise and fall of men and empires, while the Christian faith has always shined through every generation. Get this book for your library." -- Publisher's Annotation
*Rushdoony, R.J., This Independent Republic (Vallecito, CA: Ross House Books)
"First published in 1964 and out of print for many years, this series of essays gives important insight into American history by one who could trace American development in terms of the Christian ideas which gave it direction.
"These essays will greatly alter your understanding of, and appreciation for, American history. Topics discussed include: the legal issues behind the War of Independence; sovereignty as a theological tenet foreign to colonial political thought and the Constitution; the desire for land as a consequence of the belief in "inheriting the land" as a future blessing, not an immediate economic asset; federalism's localism as an inheritance of feudalism; the local control of property as a guarantee of liberty; why federal elections were long considered of less importance than local politics; how early American ideas attributed to democratic thought were based on religious ideals of communion and community; and the absurdity of a mathematical concept of equality being applied to people. With index." -- Publisher's Annotation
*Rushdoony, R.J., The Nature of the American System (Vallecito, CA: Ross House Books)
"Originally published in 1965, these essays were a continuation of the author's previous work, THIS INDEPENDENT REPUBLIC, and examine the interpretations and concepts which have attempted to remake and rewrite America's past and present. 'The writing of history then, because man is neither autonomous, objective or ultimately creative, is always in terms of a framework, a philosophical and ultimately religious framework in the mind of the historian.' To the orthodox Christian, the shabby incarnations of the reigning historiographies are both absurd and offensive. They are idols, and he is forbidden to bow down to them and must indeed wage war against them." -- Publisher's Annotation
*Rushdoony, Rousas J., Christianity and the State (Vallecito, CA: Ross House Books), ISBN: 9996717755.
"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
*Machen, J. Gresham (1881-1937), The Christian View of Man (London, England: Banner of Truth Trust, 1965, 1937), ISBN: 0851511120 9780851511122.
"This book by one of the founders of Westminster Theological Seminary and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church is undoubtedly one of the best guides, from a Reformed perspective, to be found anywhere. If you want a sound guide to the basic teachings of the Bible, you will find it in this book. Highly recommended!" -- GCB
"Provides an excellent introduction to Christian anthropology. First published in 1937." -- Cyril J. Barber
Deals with predestination and human freedom.
*Kennedy, D. James, with Jerry Newcombe, What if the Bible Had Never Been Written? (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers), ISBN: 0785271546 9780785271543.
"Following its predecessor, WHAT IF JESUS HAD NEVER BEEN BORN, WHAT IF THE BIBLE HAD NEVER BEEN WRITTEN is a veritable compendium of the major accomplishments of the western world. D. James Kennedy demonstrates quite capably that many of the most fundamental stages of advancement for mankind over the last 2000 years began with the impetus of people whose lives were influenced by the Holy Scriptures. The book reads easily and keeps the attention of the reader as the author moves from one aspect of human development to another. He also explodes some myths along the way with clear and concise excerpts from personal letters, writings and biographies of the individuals about whom he writes. All in all, I would recommend this book to those who question the validity and potency of the Bible and to those who need to bolster their faith and resolve in the Book of books." -- Reader's Comment
*Kennedy, D. James, with Jim Nelson Black, Character and Destiny: A Nation in Search of Its Soul (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), ISBN: 0310443806 9780310443803.
"America faces a crisis of moral authority. In this penetrating, informative book, Dr. D. James Kennedy takes readers to the core of today's cultural erosion. The United States' rich heritage of Christian liberty is now being corrupted by those who are trying to rewrite or reinterpret history. Even our traditional values are being undermined by our educational system. More than ever, we need to assert the truth -- the truth of the existence of sin and of the absolute nature of morality." -- Publisher's Annotation
Dr. Kennedy regards this work as his most important book to date.
*Kennedy, D. James with Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus Had Never Been Born? The Positive Impact of Christianity in History, ISBN: 0785271783 9780785271789.
Hospitals, universities, literacy and education, capitalism and free-enterprise, representative government, separation of political powers, justice and common law, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, and so forth can all be attributed to Christianity.
*Adams, Jay Edward, The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling, 202 pages, ISBN: 1889032468 9781889032467.
"THE PRACTICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING is designed to afford Christian counselors quick reference as well as comprehensive access to the chief principles and practices of biblical counseling. It is called an 'encyclopedia' because a counselor interested in surveying the gamut of those principles and practices will find in this volume a wider variety of subjects than may be located in any other book of biblical counseling. The counseling described here is truly 'Christian' with method and content firmly rooted in careful biblical exegesis. At the same time it is 'practical' because articles consist not merely of definitions and descriptions, but also of application of the material useful to Christian counselors. Although not necessarily the only way these biblical principles can be applied, they are the fruit of years of study and experience in biblical counseling. In short, the book is designed as an aid to the working counselor who needs a quick reference guide. We trust that God will use it to His glory and to the blessing of His people." -- Preface
Adler, Mortimer, How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading, ISBN: 067121280X 9780671212803 .
"Originally published in 1940, this book has become a rare phenomenon, a living classic. It is the best and most successful guide to reading comprehension for the general reader. And now it has been completely rewritten and updated. You are told about various levels of reading and how to achieve them, from elementary reading, through systematic skimming and inspectional reading, to speed reading. You learn how to pigeonhole a book, X-ray it, extract the author's message, and criticize. You are taught different reading techniques for reading practical books, imaginative literature, plays, poetry, history, science and mathematics, philosophy (religion) and social science." -- SWRB
*Pride, Mary, The Big Book of Home Learning, 4 volumes, ISBN: 0891075488 9780891075486 0891075496 9780891075493.
Volume 1: Getting Started. Introduces all major home school methods and answers your most frequently asked questions.
Volume 2: Preschool and Elementary.
Volume 3: Junior High Through College.
Volume 4: Afterschooling and Extras.
Each volume is over 500 pages and includes full contact information for every product reviewed.
"Mary Pride has researched tons of educational products. . . . I love Pride's philosophy of teaching and trust her conclusions. She has saved me years of hunting for good educational supplies." -- Reader's Comment
*Pride, Mary, Schoolproof: How to Help Your Family Beat the System and Learn to Love Learning the Easy Natural Way, ISBN: 0891074805 9780891074809.
"Schoolproofing means having children who learn to read, who learn to obey authority, who learn to stand against injustice." -- GCB
"Mary Pride's book will help parents make sure their children get a great education, no matter what political or educational theory happens to be in vogue. Schoolproofing means having children who learn to read, who learn to obey authority, who learn to stand against injustice. Just a few of the topics covered: getting organized; motivating your students while respecting them; steps to independent learning -- including one commonly-forgotten but absolutely essential step; 20 ways to present a lesson and more. This book helps you understand why different educational philosophies work (or don't) and where we should go from here." -- Publisher's Annotation
*Haycock, Ruth, Encyclopedia of Bible Truths, in one volume, 443 pages (Colorado Springs, CO: Association of Christian Schools International, c1993). Former title: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE TRUTHS FOR SCHOOL SUBJECTS. (Purposeful Design Publications, 1979), in four volumes.
Volume 1: Social Studies, 129 pages
Volume 2: Language, Arts/English, 85 pages
Volume 3: Science/Mathematics, 107 pages
Volume 4: Fine Arts/Health, 116 pages
"This comprehensive index to the Bible is the fruit of a life's dedication and study by Dr. Ruth Haycock. Because a wide variety of subjects are covered and defined in light of Scripture, this tool will become your constant companion as you answer questions, prepare lessons, do research, and lead topical studies." -- Publisher's Annotation
"With this unique resource you can help your students understand how God's Word relates to every subject. Whether the topic is Geography or Geometry, Literature or Law, this book establishes the fundamental connection between each discipline and the truth of the Scriptures. Originally published in four separate paperbacks, it is now available in a single, hardback edition. It can be used for lesson preparation, research, project completion, more!" -- GCB
"Dr. Haycock's work is listed in the current ACSI product catalog for $25 for ACSI member schools. You can obtain a copy by calling the order department in Colorado Springs (800) 367-0798. This is still a very popular item at our conventions and for schools in the accreditation process." -- Bill Wilson
May be purchased in Great Britain from:
Homeschool
http://www.homeschool.co.uk/product/1100
*Hatcher, Carolyn, Let the Authors Speak: A Guide to Worthy Books Based on Historical Setting, ISBN: 0964068125 9780964068124.
"This book is an unparalleled resource for classical, historical, and contemporary literature, as well as for classical and contemporary autobiographical, biographical, and historical works. Invaluable for those designing a history/literature curriculum or unit studies. Over 1200 books are briefly annotated and listed 1) chronologically by setting, reading/interest level, and type of work (i.e., biography, novel, myth/legend), 2) by author, and 3) by title. Newbery winners and books reviewed in BOOKS CHILDREN LOVE and HONEY FOR A CHILD'S HEART are highlighted. The author endorses Charlotte Mason's philosophy of reading 'whole books' and encourages the integration of such books into our children's curricula. Recommended by Cathy Duffy, Karen Andreola, Mary Pride, and others." -- GCB
"This book arranges both historical fiction and classics according to the era in which they are set, according to reading ability level, and according to author. It's a fast way to find something really good to supplement any history course - or to just find something good to read." -- Reader's Comment
*Larsen, David L., The Company of the Creative: A Christian Reader's Guide to Great Literature and its Themes, 639 pages, ISBN: 0825430976 9780825430978.
David Larsen is a Professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
See the section on Shakespeare.
"Next to the Bible his works [Shakespeare's] are the most translated of any in the English language. . . .
"More than one thousand two hundred allusions to Scripture suffuse his corpus. He quotes from fifty-four of the sixty-six books of the Bible in thirty-seven plays. He uses the world of 'God' more than seven hundred times. Peter Milward in his classic study, SHAKESPEARE'S RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND, concludes that Shakespeare's is Christian drama in every sense of the word." -- David Larsen in The Company of the Creative, pp. 161, 162
Extensive bibliography, Suggestions for further reading, pp. 585-589, Time lines, Subject index, Select title index, Select name index, 639 pages.
*Wilson, Elizabeth, Books Children Love: A Guide to the Best Children's Literature, ISBN: 0891074414 9780891074410.
"This excellent resource was written as a guide for parents and teachers to the very best in children's books. Hundreds of books from more than two dozen subject areas are listed, with comments intended to give the reader a clear idea of tone and content. The criteria for including each title were: that it be well written, that it readily catch the reader's interest, and that its expressed values be consistent with the Judeo-Christian ethic. This book is a perfect starting point for everyone: if you were not surrounded by books as a child, this book will be an invaluable reference, and if you were, it will be a timely reminder of forgotten favorites, and a resource for more recent titles. This book should be in the library of every teacher and parent." -- GCB
Gorder, Cheryl, and Don Hubbs, Home Education Resource Guide, 4th edition, ISBN: 0933025483 9780933025486.
"A comprehensive resource guide for the parent-educator. `If you can afford only one resource directory, this is the one to buy'." -- Library Journal
"This title has been used by homeschoolers since 1987 and is a comprehensive guide to resources for a home education." -- Publisher's Annotation
"Provides current information on hundreds of important resources for homeschoolers. Includes lists of correspondence schools, curricula, testing services, reading and math helps, support groups, educational toys and games, many more. Mary Pride says: "Those dedicated to home schooling, especially home school leaders, will get some mileage out of the Resource Guide." -- GCB
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." -- Doug Phillips
Cowan, Louise (editor), and Os Guinness (editor), Invitation to the Classics, ISBN: 0801011566 9780801011566.
"With the western world urgently needing renewal, we should all remember that great periods of renaissance and reformation spring from a return to first things. Once we recognize the classic's lyric beauty, their aching tragedy, their probing intellectual inquiry, their profound imagination, sympathy, and wisdom, we see that their capacity to restore is fundamental to our continuing liberty and vitality." -- Os Guinness
Following this reading guide might be better than a $80,000 liberal arts education. But this listing, selected by a "diverse group of scholars distinguished in their fields and Christian in commitment . . ." is still fatally flawed. There is no mention of the work of the Westminster Assembly, and Samuel Rutherford does not appear in this work. Yet "the roots of liberty and limited government are to be found in the Scottish covenanting struggle."
Here we have a example of a group of distinguished scholars who apparently are unable to attain to The Covenanted Reformation.
"One of the many purposes of INVITATION TO THE CLASSICS is to warm the heart to the masterworks of Western civilization. In doing so, editors Louise Cowan and Os Guinness hope to `reawaken ... people to the vibrant heritage of these classics that are rich in themselves and in their 2000-year relationship to the Christian faith.' From Homer to Chaucer, Dickens to C.S. Lewis, each author receives a chapter that includes a biographical sketch followed by a thorough summary of the classic(s) he or she penned. The `Issues to Explore' sections at the end of each chapter pose penetrating questions for interrogation of the text as well as recommendations for further study depending on whether your scope is technical, theological, analytical, critical, or biographical. Once you read Invitation to the Classics, you may agree with C.S. Lewis that we must 'keep the clean sea breeze of the centuries blowing through our minds, and this can be done only by reading old books'." -- Jill Heatherly
"Take this book, follow its guidance, and discover your roots. This collection of brief, jewel-like introductions to the classics make accessible and compelling those great writings of the Western tradition on which Christians down through the ages have been nourished, and by which they have nourished others." -- Nicholas Wolterstorff, Professor of Philosophical Theology, Yale Divinity School
Includes bibliographical references, bibliography for further study, and indexes.
Westminster Larger Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/WLC_frames.html
Books Considered To Be Among the Ten Greatest in the English Language
http://www.lettermen2.com/tengreat.html
Ten Best Classics For Advanced Studies From Still Waters Revival Books
This listing is "made up of all new material placed on sale as SUPER SPECIALS for the very first time (excludes sets and classics previously offered at special prices)."
http://www.swrb.com/ten-best.htm
32 CD Puritan Bookshelf CD-ROM Series
Discontinued as of December 7, 2004. WorldCat: 52539330.
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/puritan-bookshelf-CDs.htm
30 CD Reformation Bookshelf CD Series
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/reformation-bookshelf-CDs.htm
Reformation Eschatology at Still Waters Revival Books
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/reformation-eschatology.htm
Treasury of Reformed Literature
www.westminsterconfession.org
The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile
http://www.lettermen2.com/syncret.html
A Resolution to Combat Mind Control With Truth
http://www.lettermen2.com/mindc.html
Biblical Counseling On-line Workshop
http://www.immanuels.org/bc/bc_home.htmy
The Institute for Nouthetic Studies: Training in Biblical Counseling by Extension With Dr. Jay E. Adams
"We are the Institute for Nouthetic Studies (INS), a ministry that seeks to train the next generation of biblical counselors by making the teaching ministry of Dr. Jay E. Adams available to students by extension. . . .
"Several years ago Dr. Adams and I began teaching at the Redeemer Biblical Counseling Training Institute (RBCTI) under the direction of our pastor, Bill Slattery (Dr. Adams' son-in-law). In recent years Dr. Adams has had to limit his travels so RBCTI became the only place one could study under Dr. Adams personally. When word traveled that Dr. Adams was teaching we began to receive a number of requests for tapes and the church began to explore ways to allow others to benefit from the training that was being offered here locally. After much discussion, and with the blessing of the church, Dr. Adams and I formed INS and created a structured curriculum that Dr. Adams believed would include everything the competent biblical counselor would need to understand to be thoroughly trained.
"We began taping Dr. Adams' lectures and offered the training on video tape. As the technology became available, we switched to DVDs and slowly (and sometimes painfully) learned how to produce better and better quality from our recordings. We posted a website to advertise and were quickly overwhelmed by the response. We are now approaching the 300 student mark with students on every continent around the world! We are nearing the completion of our curriculum and hope to have it completed by early fall.
"Here is a list of the courses we have ready:
Introduction to Biblical Counseling/Counseling Principles and Practices
The Counselor Himself
Critical Stages in Biblical Counseling
Counseling Problems
Premarital Counseling
Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
Theology and Counseling
Church Discipline
Forgiveness
Medical Issues in Counseling I & II
Marriage and Family Counseling
We are currently working on the following:
Counseling Theories and Issues Abroad in the Church Today
Legal Issues in Counseling
Counseling Women
The Christian Counselor's Casebook Studies
http://www.nouthetic.org/
The Amazing Christian Library
"Over 1,000 books, historical documents, rare writings, theology, sermons, commentaries and more on 36 CDs or 6 DVDs!
"Receive over $300,000 (25 gigabytes) worth of Reformed Christian, Puritan, Calvinist, Presbyterian and Reformed Baptist Books on DVD or CD-Rom for less than 10 cents per book! Cost $297 plus shipping, a special introductory offer."
http://www.amazinglibrary.com/
Monergism.com
An extraordinary Reformed website with extensive resources including an author/alphabetical listing, a bookstore, discerning links to Biblical Counseling information online, and a listing of books available online as free etext.
This complementary site is sure to be of interest to visitors to The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel Resources for Renewal.
http://www.monergism.com/
Web Layout -- Lettermen Associates
Updated - December 25, 2009 [Lettermen Associates]