Church
(or Ecclesiastical) Government
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Church (or
Ecclesiastical) Government
MANY FREE
REFORMATION AND PURITAN RESOURCES (Books, MP3s, Debates and Articles)
The Covenanted
Reformation Defended Against Contemporary Schismatics by Greg Barrow (Greg Price,
Dr. Reg Barrow and Larry Birger)
A modern classic defending divine right Presbyterianism, the attainments of the
second Reformation, the Westminster standards and the Solemn League and
Covenant! This book, of over 300 [8.5" X 11"] pages, is also offered
as a cerlox bound photocopy [$14.98 US funds] or a Hardcover photocopy [$25.00
US funds].)
Biblical Church
Government by Kevin Reed
(Covers the basic principles of Presbyterian church government: (1.) scriptural
church officers, (2.) church courts, (3.) confessional standards, and (4.)
church membership. Second (expanded) edition. "This is the best short
statement [of Presbyterian principles of church government] we have ever seen,"
noted the Banner of Truth
magazine.)
Divine
Right of Church Government by Sundry Ministers Of Christ Within The City
Of London (offsite)
FREE BOOK at http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/13941
An
Assertion of the Government of the Church of Scotland by George Gillespie
The Visible Church:
Essence Versus Lawful Form by Larry Birger, Jr. (Discusses Calvin's and the Westminster
Confession's view of the visible church, exhibiting the vital distinction
between that which is necessary to the being of the visible church and that which is necessary
for the well-being of the
visible church. Clearly exposes the erroneous notion that the government of
the church equals the church.
Calvin listed this as a fundamental difference between Protestants and Papists,
indicating that the multitude of churches in our current apostasy are (as to
their form or constitution) daughters of the Roman Catholic whore (Rev. 17:5).
Because they have not followed in the footsteps of the flock (Song 1:8), but
instead are walking in the adulterous ways of their (constitutional) mother,
these churches are schismatic. Birger concludes with 13 Scripture commands to
separate from such denominations who themselves have separated from the
company of the faithful.)
International
Covenanted Reformation or Schism? (A Reply to Doug Wilson) by Dr. Reg Barrow
Of Uniformity In
Religion, Worship of God, and Church Government by George Gillespie
Apostolic
Presbyterianism by William Cunningham and Dr. Reg Barrow (Shows from Scripture how the Apostles practiced the
divine right of Presbyterianism)
Proof That the Church
is Often Obscured by Francis Turretin (Proves from Scripture that, throughout much of history, the church
[visible and constitutional], is often found only in a very small remnant.)
Communion Catechism
(1592) by John Craig "John
Craig (1512-1600) was a Scottish reformer. Previously a Dominican Friar, Craig
was converted to the Protestant Faith. The Roman Inquisition condemned Craig to
death, yet he escaped and returned to Scotland. In 1560, Craig became co-pastor
with John Knox in Edinburgh. Later, Craig became a chaplain to James VI. At the
direction of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Craig composed
this catechism, which was subsequently approved by the Assembly in 1592"
(Kevin Reed).
The Decline of
American Presbyterianism (A Book Review of Gary North's Crossed Fingers: How
the Liberals Captured the Presbyterian Church)
by Kevin Reed
("Last year, the present writer reviewed volume 1 of David Calhoun's
history of Princeton Seminary. The first volume of Calhoun's narrative ended at
a pivotal point in the history of Northern Presbyterianism: the reunion of the
Old School and New School Assemblies in 1869. Realizing that a significant part
of Princeton's story (as well as the story of the Northern Presbyterianism) was
yet to be told, I eagerly took up volume two of Calhoun's narrative, shortly
after the book was published. Unfortunately, the second volume, The Majestic
Testimony, is a major disappointment.
Readers who want to know what happened after 1869, in order to gain an
understanding of the demise of Princeton (and Northern Presbyterianism) will
require additional sources beyond Calhoun's second volume. Therefore, we are
presenting readers with a combined book review, in which we will also draw
attention to another important work, Gary North's Crossed Fingers: How the
Liberals Captured the Presbyterian Church," notes Reed.)
Calvin, Close Communion and the Coming
Reformation (a book review of Alexander and Rufus... by John Anderson [1862]) by Reg Barrow (Shows how Calvin practiced close
communion and how the biblical view of this ordinance is intended to purify the
individual, church and state. Refutes the Popish and paedocommunion heresies
[regarding this sacrament], as well as all views of open communion. Also argues
that Arminians, anti-paedobaptists, anti-regulativists, and all those who
openly violate the law of God [and are unrepentant] should be barred from the
Lord's table -- as a corrective measure ordained of God for their recovery.)
Corporate
Sanctification: Holding Fast the Attainments of Reformation by John Brown (of
Wamphray; Samuel Rutherford's Disciple) (An overview of the Covenanter doctrine of reformation attainments by
one of the great Covenanter theologians. Helpful in dispelling false charges of
Anabaptism and perfectionism laid at the feet of faithful Covenanters.)
Presbyterian
Government in Extraordinary Times by Kevin Reed
What Is A Moral Person?
How God Views the Church and the Nations by David Scott, John Cunningham, and
George Smeaton (A clear and
concise summary of the biblical doctrine of the moral person; i.e. that God
regards churches and nations as moral entities separate from the individual
members of which they are composed. No Christian can afford not to understand
this vital teaching! In many ways this is a crux of the Covenanter position,
underlying as it does upon the issues of separation, civil government, the
Covenants, eschatology, etc.)
Saul in the Cave of Adullam:
A Testimony Against the Fashionable Sub-Calvinism of Doug Wilson (Editor of Credenda/Agenda Magazine); and, for Classical Protestantism and the
Attainments of the Second Reformation by
Dr. Reg Barrow
Plain Reasons for
Presbyterians Dissenting from the Revolution Church of Scotland. Also, Their
Principles Concerning Civil Government, and the Difference Betwixt the
Reformation and Revolution Principles (1731) by Andrew Clarkson (In this file you will find the complete table of
contents, the preface and the first reason for dissent. Lord willing, other
sections will follow in time. The table of contents is very valuable as it lays
out in summary [and with a fair amount of detail] the whole scope of the book.
It can serve as a kind of summary of second Reformation thought concerning the
church, state, separation, schism, worship, civil dissent, church planting,
opposition to idolatry and tyranny, and much more!)
Wholesome Severity
Reconciled With Christian Liberty; or, the True Resolution of a Present
Controversy Concerning Liberty of Conscience by
George Gillespie (1644)
An Able &
Faithful Ministry by Samuel Miller
The Ruling Elder by
Samuel Miller
The Necessity of
Reforming the Church (1543) by John Calvin
The Solemn League and
Covenant by Alexander Henderson and others
The Six Points of the
"Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian
Church by the Reformed Presbytery
The Scottish Confession of Faith (1560)
The First & Second Books of Discipline
Geneva Book of Church Order (1556)
The Order of Excommunication and Public
Repentance adopted by the Church of Scotland in 1569
Paleopresbyterianism
Versus Neopresbyterianism by Dr. Michael Wagner
The Unity of the
Church by Thomas M'Crie
A Brotherly Testimony
Against the Use of Instrumental Accompaniment In Public Worship by Dr. Larry
Birger
FIRST
TIME EVER, DOUGLAS'
STRICTURES ON OCCASION HEARING NOW FREE ONLINE AT: http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/index.html
88 Free MP3s on Church and Civil
Government
Presbyterian
Church Government (more
free MP3s)
Covenanter
Terms of Communion 8 of 19: Presbyterian Worship and Government 1/2 by Greg
Price
Covenanter
Terms of Communion 9 of 19: Presbyterian Worship and Government 2/2 by Greg
Price
DEBATE on the
Meaning of the Church in Reformation Thought (Greg Barrow Vs. Richard Bacon)
Of Uniformity
In Religion, Worship of God, and Church Government by George Gillespie
The Divine
Right of Presbyterian Church Government (Jus Divinum Regiminis Ecclesiastici)
#1
Divine Right
of a Form of Church Government (Historical Theology Vol. 1, #4) by William
Cunningham
Presbyterianism
and the Preservation of the Church by Greg Price
The Church In
Its Relation to the State (The Church of Christ Vol. 1, #5) by James Bannerman
Separation,
Occasional Hearing and Marriages by Greg Barrow
Occasional
Hearing and Church Discipline 1 of 2 (1841) by Associate Session Xenia, Ohio
Occasional
Hearing and Church Discipline 2 of 2 (1841) by Associate Session Xenia, Ohio
Puritan &
Reformed Worship, Puritan Church & Civil Government (Joel Beeke &
Puritans)
WORKS ON CHURCH
GOVERNMENT AT COVENANTER.ORG
"I know also that a government and
discipline in the church (the thing which I now undertake to plead for) is a
very displeasing thing to those that would fain enjoy liberty, either of pernicious
errors or gross profaneness." - George
Gillespie, Aaron's Rod Blossoming; or, the Divine Ordinance of Church
Government Vindicated.
(1646).
George Gillespie on Of the Election of Pastors with
the Congregation's Consent.
Robert Traill's Sermon on "By What Means Ministers May Best Win
Souls."
James Fraser's (of Brae) Sermon on Prelacy An Idol and Prelates
Idolaters.
John Fairley's Ordination Sermon Treasure in Earthen
Vessels.
John Anderson's Sermon Against Occasional Hearing on Proverbs 19:27.
James M. Willson's Pamphlet on The Deacon.
An Article from the Covenanter Magazine on
Occasional Hearing.
J.W. Shaw's Sermon on Attachment to Zion.
John T. Pressly's Book An Inquiry into the
Principles of Church Fellowship.
John L. Girardeau's Sermon on the Discretionary
Power of the Church.
James Kerr's Lecture on The Attainments of the Church of the Second
Reformation.
James Kerr's Lecture on The Church Crisis in Scotland.
Church Government at TrueCovennater.org
Presbyterian Church Government:
An Assertion of the Government of the Church of
Scotland. By George Gillespie.
The First and Second Books of Discipline: David Calderwood's Edition of 1621.
Terms of Communion: The Authority of the Books of Discipline within
the R.P. Churches. By J.B. Johnston.
The Ministerial Office:
The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. A Sermon by John Fairley.
Ordination Sermon: We are Labourers together with
God. By Thomas Nairn
The Faithful & Wise Servant; or The Authority,
Character, & Work of a Gospel Minister, in the Church of Christ, opened up. By John M'Millan II.
The Ministry a Perpetual Ordinance of Christ. Chapter 1 from George Gillespie's Miscellany
Questions.
Concerning the Right of Prophesying. Chapter 8 from Robert Baillie's Dissuasive from
Errours.
A Humble Acknowledgment of the Sins of the Ministry
of Scotland. By James Guthrie.
A Sermon
on 1 Timothy 3:1-4, concerning the qualifications for Shepherds in the Church,
wherein is discovered the difference between the Popish Clergy with their
wicked Hierarchy, and the true Church of Jesus Christ with the faithful
ministers thereof. By John Calvin.
On the Calling of Ecclesiastical Officers:
Of the Election of Pastors with the Congregation's
Consent. Chapter 2 excerpted from
George Gillespie's Miscellany Questions.
Concerning a Calling to the Ministry, and Clearness
therein. Excerpted from James
Durham's Lectures on Revelation.
Whether Ordination be essential to the calling of a
Minister. Chapter 3 excerpted from
George Gillespie's Miscellany Questions.
Objections against the necessity of Ordination
answered. Chapter 4 excerpted from
George Gillespie's Miscellany Questions.
Ruling Elders:
A Treatise of Ruling Elders and Deacons. By James Guthrie.
The Form and Order of the Admission of Elders, as done by Mr. James Renwick.
The Duties of Ruling Elders and the People over
whom they are Appointed Overseers.
By Thomas Boston.
An Assertion of the Government of the Church of
Scotland: Part 1: Concerning Ruling Elders. By George Gillespie.
Deacons:
A Treatise of Ruling Elders and Deacons. By James Guthrie.
Terms of Communion: A Defence of the Deacon's Office &
Responsibilities. By J.B. Johnston.
The Marks of the True Catholic Church:
The Marks of the True Catholic Church: An Answer to
a Jesuit. By John Knox.
Marks of the True Church. From The Original Covenanter.
Ecclesiastical Assemblies:
The Westminster Assembly. From The Original Covenanter.
The Nature & Benefits of Church Membership:
Church Membership. From The Contending Witness
Biblical Principles of Ecclesiastical Dissent &
Separation:
The Informatory Vindication of the True
Presbyterian Church of Scotland: Head 4
Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting: A
Summary Article from The
Contending Witness
Occasional Hearing from The Reformed Presbyterian, 1839.
The Duty of Separation by John McAuley from The Original Covenanter
Ecclesiastical Association & Terms of
Communion:
A Modest Reply to a Pamphlet, entitled A Letter
from a Friend to Mr. John McMillan,
1710. (Early Defence of R.P. Principles & Terms of
Communion.)
Terms of Communion From The Contending Witness.
Introduction & Appendix to the Auchensaugh
Renovation by Thomas Henderson.
Remarks on a Letter... by Adam Brown, (Concerning
the Auchensaugh Renovation) by
John Dow.
Against Anti-Scriptural forms of Church Government:
The Bishop's Doom. A Sermon by Alexander Henderson on the occasion of
the Excommunication of several bishops from the Church of Scotland.
From whence essentially is the calling of a Pastor? Against Independency; Excerpted from Samuel
Rutherford's Peaceable Plea for Paul's Presbytery.
Of the Power and Primacy of the Pope. Against the Papacy and the Tyranny of the Roman
Heirarchy; Compiled by the Lutheran Theologians Assembled at Smalcald, in the
Year 1537.
Whether the power of Ecclesiastick Jurisdiction
belongs to the People or to the Presbytery. Chapter 9 from Robert Baillie's Dissuasive from Errours.
A Letter from the Synod of Zeeland expressing their desire for uniformity in
Kirk-Government in Scotland, England, & Ireland, and their joy in the
overthrow of the intolerable tyranny of Episcopal government, 1643.
Against Ecclesiastical Tyranny:
A Protestation, Declinature, & Appeal, given to
the Commission of the General Assembly, 1708, by John McMillan & John McNeil.
A Vindication of the Ministerial Mission &
Authority of John McMillan I by
John McMillan II.
The Vindication of Mr. James Gilchrist, Minister of
the Gospel at Dunscore, by A
Dissenting Presbytery of the Church of Scotland.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
SUNDRY
MINISTERS OF LONDON
The Divine Right of Church Government (Jus
Divinum Regiminis Ecclesiastici), Wherein it is Proved that the Presbyterian
Government, By Preaching and Ruling Elders, in Sessional, Presbyterial, and
Synodical Assemblies, May Lay the Only Lawful Claim to a Divine Right,
According to the Holy Scriptures, c. 1646, 1844 ed.
This is one of the all time classic
defenses of the divine right of Presbyterianism. It also gives us a clear
picture of the original intent of the English Presbyterians working at the
Westminster Assembly (and is therefore very useful in determining the original
intent of the Westminster Confession itself). It can be seen here that it was
the strong conviction of the majority of English divines at Westminster that
Presbyterianism is the only form of church government that is instituted by God
in His Word. David Hall, (the editor of the Nap. Press edition), states, the
book "was not written as a polemical tract, as if to prop up some moribund
tradition; rather it is an exemplar of gentle and reasoned discourse."
Published anonymously, during the sitting of the Westminster Assembly, because
of the Erastian leaning Parliament's "gag rule," this work is
considered by some as "an even truer record of the Westminster divines'
views of government than the final (politically suppressed) standards"
(Coldwell, Naphtali Press edition). Moreover, Hall goes so far as to state that
"perhaps no single work is as illuminating for original intent [of the
Westminster Standards] as this rare work printed contemporaneously with the
meeting of the Assembly;" and that "acquaintance with the political
and ecclesiastical events of the time narrows down the possible authorship of
this (book, RB) to either (the) Westminster divines themselves, or sympathizers
of the Westminster Assembly of divines (p. xvi). Hall also notes that
Hetherington (in his masterful History of the Westminster Assembly, p. 270) asserts that this book was the
Westminster divine's answer to the English parliament's "nine
queries" that were intended "to discourage their thoroughly
Presbyterian views." Hall continues, "In the first comprehensive Scottish
history of the Assembly, William Hetherington concludes safely: 'Judging from
internal evidence, in matter, manner, and style, it appears most certain that
this work at least embodies the substance of the answer prepared by the
Assembly, somewhat enlarged and modified by the city ministers in whose name it
was published.' Although Hetherington (who in a footnote wished for the
reprinting of this very work as 'a very valuable contribution to the
Presbyterian cause in the present day') initially infers that the work of the
Assembly and the London ministers was merged, such that 'so much of the one was
transfused into the other as to render then to all practical intents one work,'
at the conclusion of his history he concludes with more certainty: "The Jus
Divinum of the city ministers
appears to me to be both virtually and substantially the Assembly's Answer to
the Parliament, containing actually that very Answer as prepared by them; but
with such additional amplifications in statement and illustrations, by the city
ministers themselves, as might both render it more complete and fit for
publication as a distinct work on the subject, and at the same time entitle
them to publish it on their own responsibility'" (Hall, pp. xviii-xix,
citing Hetherington, History of the Westminster Assembly pp. 270, 362). Furthermore, "not only do we
have confirmation from numerous sources that the 2 December 1646 Jus Divinum reflects the Assembly's original intent, we also
see along with that the undisputable historical notation that the Assembly
considered itself bound by a jus divnum, not merely 'guided' by a nebulous jus hamanum. The difference is cataclysmic" (Hall, p.
xxii). Moreover, in The Divine Right of the Gospel Ministry these same authors later give us a glimpse of how
different their jus divinum
presbyterianism is from much of what "presbyterians" today believe.
"So strongly were they committed to this thorough-going jus divinum view that they stated the following 'four things
that justly deserve to be abhorred by all good Christians: (1) An Universal
Toleration of all Religions; (2) An Universal Admittance of all men to the
Lord's Supper; (3) Universal Grace, that is, that Christ died equally for all,
and that all men have free-will to be saved; and (4) Universal Allowance of all
that suppose themselves gifted to preach without Ordination" (Hall, p.
xxi). Moreover, Hall goes so far as to state that "perhaps no single work
is as illuminating for original intent [of the Westminster Standards] as this
rare work printed contemporaneously with the meeting of the Assembly."
This photocopy edition contains the appendix which sets forth "Extracts
from some of the best authors who have written on church government, concerning
the scriptural qualifications and duties of church members; the sole right of
gospel ministers to preach the gospel; the people's divine right to choose
their own pastors; together with an abstract of the arguments of the great Dr.
Owen (though a professed Independent) in favour of the Divine right of the
office of the ruling elder." This edition also includes a preface,
"The Editor to the Reader," written by the Cameronian "T.H"
(Thomas Henderson) -- an Irish Reformed Presbyterian who was also the author to
the forward of James Douglas' Strictures on Occasional Hearing. Henderson recommends this volume as "one of
the best defences of presbytery which he has ever seen."
(Rare bound photocopy)
99.94-90%=9.99
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funds)
Divine
Right of Church Government by Sundry Ministers Of Christ Within The City
Of London Digital Download
(PuritanDownloads.com)
FREE BOOK at http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/13941
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