Civil Government, Civil Resistance, God's Law, etc.
FREE
REFORMATION AND PURITAN Books, MP3s, Videos, Articles, Debates, etc.
"And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their
queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the
earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the
LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me." - Isaiah 49:23
(KJV).
"The orthodox churches believe also, and do willingly
acknowledge, that every lawful magistrate, being by God himself constituted
the keeper and defender of both tables of the law, may and ought first and chiefly
to take care of God's glory, and (according to his place, or in his manner and
way) to preserve religion when pure, and to restore it when decayed and corrupted:
and also to provide a learned and godly ministry, schools also and synods, as
likewise to restrain and punish as well atheists, blasphemers, heretics and
schismatics, as the violators of justice and civil peace." - George Gillespie, Works, 1:12.
"I lay down this maxime of Divinitie; Tyranny
being a worke of Sathan, is not from God, because sinne either habituall or actuall, is not
from God; the power that is, must be from God; the Magistrate as Magistrate, is good, in nature of office, and
the intrinsecall end of his office, Rom. 13:4. for he is the Minister of God
for thy good; and
therefore a power ethicall, politick, or morall, to oppresse, is not from God,
and is not a
power, but a licentious deviation of a power, and is no more from God, but from sinfull nature, and the
old serpent, then a license to sinne."—Samuel Rutherford, Lex Rex (1644).
"This collection... is a truly astounding
accomplishment. There is nothing like this available to the ordinary Christian
on the whole face of the earth. Now, for the first time ever, ordinary Christians can
have direct and near effortless access to the very cream of Puritan and
Reformed, as well as Covenanter, literature... What they used to say of
the Puritan John Flavel's preaching, can be said of these CDs:
they are 'hissing hot'! ... more" (emphases added).
- Dr Jonathan D. Moore, Cambridge, UK.
(Scholar of 16th
and 17th century Calvinistic literature.)
ANNOUNCING
THE GRAND OPENING OF STILL
WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS' NEW WEB SITE!
PLEASE JOIN US AT PuritanDownloads.com TO SEE ALL THE NEW 99 CENT DIGITAL DOWNLOADS (REFORMATION AND PURITAN BOOKS, PSALM SINGING MP3s, etc.), THE NEW SWRB PURITAN HARD DRIVE, AND MUCH MORE! The new
Web site is state-of-the-art and contains Puritan Hard Drive videos, Puritan quote videos, free samples of Psalm singing (MP3s), a powerful search
engine, new material (Puritan books, MP3s and videos) that
you may follow through an RSS feed, and it is very easy to navigate. Click
here now to take a look at SWRB's new Web site!
Civil Government and Resistance - Covenanters and Covenanted Reformation - God's Law, The Ten Commandments, etc.
FREE REFORMATION AND PURITAN
Books, MP3s and Videos
Biblical Civil Government, Civil Resistance, God's Law, etc.
"Reformation is
desperately needed in our languishing nations. In the past, not only did
biblical reformation sweep the church in doctrine, worship, and government, but
also reformation of biblical Christianity was promoted and accelerated by Christian magistrates who wholeheartedly supported and defended the
ministry of the reformed churches. Reformation is never easy. The truth is no
more fashionable today than it was at the time of our reformed and covenanted forefathers. If we would see reformation we must return to
the old paths of our God and of our forefathers. What is presented in the
following pages is not a novel view of civil magistracy, but one which is believed to be both biblical
and representative of our reformed and Presbyterian forefathers from the covenanted reformation at the time of the Westminster Assembly. Civil magistracy is a blessed ordinance of the
living God, given to
the human family in order that it might reflect the order in which God so much
delights ("For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" 1
Cor. 14:33). This ordinance should be so cherished by God's people that when
the ruling civil magistrate cannot be owned as "the ordinance of God"
within a nation, the hearts of God's people both sadly bemoan that fact and
earnestly pray that God would in His mercy remove His righteous anger from the
land and grant nursing fathers to the church. May God be pleased to open the
eyes of His people to the need for reformation in the divine ordinance of civil magistracy." - Greg Price, Biblical Civil Government Versus the
Beast; and, The Basis For Civil Resistance, free online at http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/bibcg_gp.htm.
Biblical Civil Government Versus the Beast; and,
the Basis for Christian Resistance by Greg Price
(This is the best modern testimony for
the biblical principles of civil magistracy -- which were so prominent during
the height of the second Reformation -- that we have seen. Price documents the
teachings of many of the major Reformers (and some of the church fathers) and
in an easy reading manner simplifies what can at times become a very complex
subject. This particular Reformation message, proclaiming Christ's Kingship
over the nations [and the practical outworking of the same], has been buried
from the view of the general public for some time now, but is once again being
brought to light in this very helpful introductory book. A sobering appendix
has been added [written by a friend of the covenanted Reformation] which shows
why it is unlawful for a Christian to swear any oath to uphold and defend the
U.S. Constitution. This appendix also compares the points of difference between
classic [or historic] Reformed teaching and modern Reformed teaching regarding
magistracy and religion. Special attention is payed to the OPC, the PCA and the
RPCNA and the changes that these groups have made to second Reformation confessional standards [concerning matters related
to the civil magistrate]. Statements by B.B. Warfield are also contrasted to
the older Reformed views. You won't find a better easy-to-read and easy to
understand introduction to this important topic -- a topic which impacts
directly on every Christian's testimony for the crown rights of King Jesus!)
Biblical Civil Government Versus the Beast and the
Basis for Christian Civil Resistance by Greg Price (FREE MP3, shorter version as a
sermon of the book above)
Pornography, the Anabaptists, and Doug Wilson's
Civil Antinomianism (1997) by Dr. Reg Barrow (Pointed but irenic, Barrow
decisively refutes the view of Doug Wilson (cf. "Cyberporn: A Case
Study" [Credenda/Agenda,
vol. 7, no. 5, p. 11]), many modern Theonomists and the civil libertarians,
that the production and distribution of pornography is not a crime (and thus
not subject to negative penal sanctions by the civil magistrate). Barrow
demonstrates that Wilson's view of civil government (which logically results in such a monstrous
conclusion) is actually a overly strict view of the regulative principle. This
"hyper-regulativism" (denying lawful inferences, or what Samuel
Rutherford calls "logical consequence") is then wrongly applied to
the civil magistrate, rather than to worship (when rightly interpreted). He
also points out the link between Wilson's view and the principles of the
Anabaptists, Libertines and other antiestablishmentarian forces. With an
impressive array of historical citations (primarily John Calvin, George
Gillespie, Samuel Rutherford, and the Westminster Confession of Faith), and a
cogent analysis and application of relevant Scripture passages, Barrow shows
clearly that Wilson's view of civil government "gives birth to
illegitimate offspring in the case of pornography, contradicting as it does
common sense (the light of nature), our reformed fathers in the faith, and the
express commands and approved examples of Scripture. In short, it is anything
but the 'classical Protestant' position, and anything but biblical." This
item is also available as a bound photocopy for $1.99 [US funds]) and is
appendix "B" excerpted from 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.
What Is A Moral Person?
How God Views the Church and the Nations by David Scott, John Cunningham, and
George Smeaton (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.)
Permanence of
Covenant Obligation by Omicron (1856) (Shows how Scripture teaches
that covenants bind posterity.)
"On the Duty
of Covenanting and the Permanent Obligations of Religious Covenants" being
section 11 in the Reformed Presbyterian Catechism by William Roberts (1853) (All the Scripture you will
ever need to prove that covenanting is an ordinance of God and a moral duty for
men.)
THE SOLEMN LEAGUE & COVENANT BINDS THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, THE UNITED KINGDOM TODAY!
A Refutation of Religious Pluralism (Absurdity
& Perfidy of All Toleration) by John Brown of Haddington (printed book)
First Commandment: Exposing the Idolatry of
Arminianism, Roman Catholicism, Cults, Judaism, Islam, Humanism, Materialism,
etc. by Greg Price
BIBLICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CIVIL & CHURCH
GOVERNMENT/RULERS TO BRING ABOUT NATIONAL REFORMATION, SWRB
Necessity of
the Connection of Church and State by James Bannerman (free MP3)
Duty of the
Connection of Church and State (The Church of Christ Vol. 1, #6) by James
Bannerman
Erastian
Controversy: Civil Magistrate & Religion by William Cunningham (free MP3)
A Contemporary
Covenanting Debate; Or, Covenanting Redivivus by Dr. Reg Barrow (Joe Bell [an independent,
Baptist, and professing Reconstructionist] kicked Reg Barrow off his email
discussion group because the subjects of Divine Right Presbyterianism and the Covenanted
Reformation
were too hot for him to handle. This is Barrow's final answer to Bell [which
Bell censored from his list]. No one, including Bell, has yet to attempt an
answer. Barrow answers many specific questions regarding the permanence of
covenant obligation, national Reformation, historical testimony and many other
doctrines which were prevalent during the period of the second Reformation. A
wealth of original [Reformation] texts are cited throughout and this spirited
debate should help to generate interest in many of those biblical attainments
which were won during those glorious days in which major nations openly
covenanted themselves [as moral persons] to Christ.)
Whether
it be lawful, just, and expedient, that the taking of the Solemn League and
Covenant be enjoined by the Parliament upon all persons in the kingdom under a
considerable penalty by George Gillespie (CHAPTER XVI. of "A Treatise of Miscellany Questions,"
pp. 85-88 from The Works of George Gillespie
volume 2, Still Waters Revival Books reprint. Includes "Nine particulars
to be remembered for the right deducing and stating the matter of fact. - The
grounds and reasons of such an ordinance and appointment may be eleven. - Four
objections answered. - How this ordinance would not be tyranny over men's
consciences. - The covenant is no temporary obligation. - If such an ordinance
to the army be scandalum acceptum, then the
not making of it is scandalum datum.)
Act, Declaration &
Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation, as Attained to, and
Established in Britain and Ireland; Particularly Betwixt the Years 1638 and
1649, Inclusive by the Reformed Presbytery (offsite)
FREE BOOK at http://www.gutenberg.org/files/13200/13200.txt
The
Auchensaugh Renovation of the National Covenant and Solemn League and
Covenant With the Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, as They Were
Renewed at Auchensaugh, Near Douglas, July 24, 1712. (Compared With the
Editions of Paisley, 1820, and Belfast, 1835.) Also, The Renovation of These
Public Federal Deeds Ordained at Philadelphia, October 8, 1880, by the Reformed
Presbytery, with Accommodation of the Original Covenants, in Both Transactions,
to Their Times and Positions Respectively by the Reformed Presbytery (offsite)
FREE BOOK at http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/12381
Unlawful Taxation and Unlawful Civil Government
(Mark #60) by Greg Price
CHRISTIANS AND
CIVIL GOVERNMENT at covenanter.org (free text)
- Andrew Melville's Commentary on Romans 13:1-5.
- Patrick Gillespie's Sermon on Ruler's Sins the
Cause of National Judgments.
- Sanquhar Declaration.
- Alexander Shields' Book A Hind Let Loose.
- The Mystery of Magistracy Unveiled.
- Alexander McLeod's Sermon on Messiah Governor
of the Nations of the Earth.
- Samuel B. Wylie's Book on The Two Sons of Oil.
- James R. Willson's Sermon on Civil Government.
- James R. Willson's Sermon on Subjection of
Kings and Nations to Messiah.
- James R. Willson's Sermon on Prince Messiah.
- Overture by the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, North
America entitled Argument for the Jury Law.
- James R. Willson's Sermon on The Written Law.
- James M. Willson's Book on Bible Magistracy.
- James Douglas on Civil Government.
- Josiah Dodds' Essay on Civil Government.
- James M. Willson's Essay on Submission to
Civil Government.
- William L. Roberts' Discourse on The Higher
Law.
- James M. Willson's Book on Romans XIII.
- David Steele's Article on the Duty of Nations
to the Church.
- Article on "Was the Bishop's Death
Murder?"
- Article on The New Constitution of
Pennsylvania [1874].
- David Steele's Article on A Case of Conscience
regarding taxation.
- Thomas Sproull's Sermon on The Loyal Archite;
or the Attributes of Legitimate Civil Government.
- Robert Alexander's Answers to A Jury Summons.
- Richard Cameron and the Sanquhar Declaration.
- Thomas
McCrie's A Statement of the Difference.
- James Kerr's
Three Lectures on Church and State.
WORKS
AGAINST TOLERANCE AND PRETENDED LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE at covenanter.org (free
text)
- Henry Bullinger's Sermon on Of Judgment, and
the Office of the Judge; that Christians are not Forbidden to Judge: Of
Revengement and Punishment: Whether it be Lawful for a Magistrate to Kill
the Guilty: Wherefore, When, How, and What the Magistrate Must Punish:
Whether He May Punish Offenders in Religion or No.
- John Knox's Defense of the Execution of
Servetus extracted from his Treatise on Predestination.
- George Gillespie's Wholesome Severity
Reconciled with Christian Liberty.
- Samuel Rutherfurd's Preface to his Survey of Spirituall
Antichrist.
- A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ, and
to Our Solemn League and Covenant; as also Against the Errours, Heresies
and Blasphemies of these times, and the Toleration of them. Wherein is
inserted A Catalogue of divers of the said Errours &c. All of them
being collected out of their Authors own Books alleadged in the margin,
and laid down in their own words; except one that was maintained in a dispute
in Oxford, Decemb. 11. 1646. and six or seven which were asserted before a
Committe of the Honourable House of Commons in the Star-Chamber, and
reported to the House, Sept. 12. 1643. Subscribed by the Ministers
of Christ within the Province of London, Decemb. 14 &c. 1647.
- A Testimony of the Ministers of the Province
of Salop, to the Truth of Jesus Christ, and to the Solemn League and
Covenant, as Also Against the Errors, Heresies, and Blasphemies of these
times, and the Toleration of them. Sent up to the Ministers within
the Province of London, Subscribers of the First Testimony.
- The Commissioners of the General Assembly of
the Kirk of Scotland—A Solemn Testimony Against Toleration, and the
Present Proceedings of the Sectaries and their Abettors, in England, in
Reference to Religion and Government.
- Ministers of Perth and Fife—A Testimony to the
Truth of Jesus Christ; or, to the Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and
Government of the Kirk of Scotland; and to the National Covenants, Against
the Prevailing Errors, Heresies, Blasphemies, etc., etc.
- James Guthrie's Some Considerations
Contributing Unto the Discovery of the Dangers that Threaten Religion, and
the Work of Reformation in the Church of Scotland.
- John Howie's Preface to Faithful Witness
Bearing Exemplified.
- James R. Willson's Essay on Tolerance.
The Scottish Theory of Ecclesiastical
Establishments (1875) by George Smeaton (Civil Government)
CIVIL GOVERNMENT & RELIGION by Price, Calvin,
Knox, et al. - CLASSIC VS. MODERN REFORMED TEACHING
BIBLICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CIVIL & CHURCH
GOVERNMENT/RULERS TO BRING ABOUT NATIONAL REFORMATION, SWRB
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AGAINST PORNOGRAPHY,
ABORTION AND CONTRACEPTIVES (BIRTH CONTROL)
To Love Christ Is To Love God's Law (1 John Series
11/27) by Greg Price
The First Commandment (1 of 10, God's Law) Thou
shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3) by Dr. Francis Nigel Lee
The Ten
Commandments by Thomas Watson
When Is Civil Government So Constituted that
Christians Can Swear Allegiance To It?
A Presbyterian Political Manifesto by Dr. Michael
Wagner
(Using citations from great Presbyterians of the past [such as Rutherford,
Gillespie and Knox], as well as the thoughts of modern day Reformers and
Reconstructionists, Wagner demonstrates how the impossibility of neutrality in
civil matters leads inescapably to established religion. He then builds the
Biblical case for establishmentarianism and deals with some of the hard
questions regarding religious liberty and toleration (in such a state). This
book contains a great bibliography and is, in our opinion, the best short work
introducing the subject of civil establishments. Wagner has almost completed
his work on his Doctorate in political science at a major Canadian University.)
Institutes of the Christian Religion #15
(Exposition of the Moral Law) by John Calvin (FREE MP3)
Debate on the US Constitution Andrew Sandlin Versus
Dr. Reg Barrow
(The following debate on the US Constitution, between Andrew Sandlin [editor of
the Chalcedon Report] and Reg
Barrow [President of Still Waters Revival Books], took place on the Knox Ring
email discussion group in January of 1997.)
Oliver Cromwell by Dr. Reg Barrow
The Covenanted Reformation Defended Against
Contemporary Schismatics by Greg Barrow (Greg Price, Dr. Reg Barrow and Dr.
Larry Birger) Contains especially
indispensably important information on how the Solemn League and Covenant binds
nations like Canada and the United States (as well as many others)! 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].)
International Covenanted Reformation or Schism? (A
Reply to Doug Wilson) by Dr. Reg Barrow
The Ten Commandments: A Guide for Living 1 of 3 by
A.W. Pink
The Appellation from the Sentence
Pronounced by the Bishops and Clergy: Addressed to the Nobility and Estates of
Scotland (1558) by John Knox (Mason states that this Appeal "is the most important... of Knox's political writings," [in the Introduction to his compilation of Knox's
political writings titled On Rebellion]. It shows in a conclusive manner that Knox wanted a CIVIL
ESTABLISHMENT of the Reformed religion, which was careful to "disapprove,
detest, oppose and remove all false worship and all monuments of idolatry"
[cf. Westminster Larger Catechism #108]. It also clearly demonstrates that Knox
believed in and promoted the continuing binding validity of the moral equity
found in Old Testament case laws and the penal sanctions attached to them,
including the death penalty. Kevin Reed, in a editor's note, introducing this
piece in his newly published Selected Writing of John Knox, also points out that "the Westminster
Confession provides a distinct echo of Knox, when it states that the magistrate
"hath authority, and it is his duty, to take order, that unity and peace
be preserved in the church, that the truth of God be kept pure and entire, that
all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, all corruptions and abuses in
worship and discipline prevented or reformed, and all the ordinances of God
duly settled, administered, and observed" [Ch. 23:3, original wording].
One secular historian once described Knox as "Calvin with a sword,"
making one wonder if he had not just been reading this very book. For
"[w]here Calvin merely permitted disobedience to an ungodly ruler or
immoral law, Knox championed armed rebellion -- a type of Calvinism that made
religious revolution in Scotland possible" [Christian History, Issue 46, p. 35]. This is the best of the best;
don't miss it! Extracted from: Selected Writings of John Knox: Public
Epistles, Treatises, and Expositions to the Year 1559.)
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.)
Reformation Civil Government by Dr. Reg Barrow (This is Barrow's letter to the
editor of the Christian Renewal
magazine. In it he challenges their review of Michael Wagner's Presbyterian
Political Manifesto [a free etext
of Wagner's work is listed below]. Barrow provides some good introductory insights
into historic, Calvinistic thought regarding civil government -- citing
Reformers and Confessions often. He also applies some of these teachings to the
present situation. Barrow is not afraid to name names when it comes to apostate
and antichristian political parties, as will become clear as you read his
stirring concluding rebuke.)
Of the Samaritans, and of the Non Compelling of
Heathens; How the Covenant Bindeth Us. by Samuel Rutherford
Whether it be lawful, just, and expedient, that
the taking of the Solemn League and Covenant be enjoined by the Parliament upon
all persons in the kingdom under a considerable penalty by George Gillespie (CHAPTER XVI. of "A
Treatise of Miscellany Questions," pp. 85-88 from The Works of George
Gillespie volume 2, Still Waters
Revival Books reprint. Includes "Nine particulars to be remembered for the
right deducing and stating the matter of fact. - The grounds and reasons of
such an ordinance and appointment may be eleven. - Four objections answered. -
How this ordinance would not be tyranny over men's consciences. - The covenant
is no temporary obligation. - If such an ordinance to the army be scandalum
acceptum, then the not making of
it is scandalum datum.)
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 (The table of contents
contained in this file 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!)
A brotherly and free Epistle to the patrons and
friends of pretended Liberty of Conscience by Samuel Rutherford
The Antinomian Streak in the Reconstructionist
Movement by Kevin Reed
A Defense of Liberty Against Tyrants by Junius
Brutus
(This book had a major influence on Samuel Rutherford's Lex Rex, while also lighting the way to later Calvinistic
theories of civil resistance and the development of constitutionalism in the
west. For more on this topic see John Knox's Reformation, Revolution and
Romanism [originally titled
"An Appeal to the Scottish Nobility"], Alexander Shields' Hind Let
Loose and Samuel Wylie's Two
Sons of Oil.)
Truth's Victory: On the Magistrate's duty to
suppress false religion & blasphemy by David Dickson
On the Monstrous Government of Women by Kevin Reed (The position of the Protestant Reformers [Calvin and Knox] against
female government, for civil resistance against tyrants and respecting the use
of natural law. This letter was written in response to a book review by
professor David Engelsma critical of John Knox's First Blast of the Trumpet
Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women.
The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the
Monstrous Regiment of Women (1558) by John Knox
The Solemn League and Covenant by Alexander
Henderson and others
Paleopresbyterianism Versus Neopresbyterianism by
Dr. Michael Wagner
A Faithful Admonition to the Professors of God's
Truth in England (1554) by John Knox
Reg Barrow's Reply to Christian Renewal Regarding Their Review of Mike Wagner's Presbyterian
Political Manifesto by Dr. Reg
Barrow
(Shows how all the Reformation Confessions set forth establishmentarianism as
the biblical position concerning civil government. Applies the implications of
this Reformation teaching to our modern political situation -- with special
reference to and a rebuke for those presently involved in the Canadian
political scene.)
Apostolic Presbyterianism by William Cunningham and
Dr. Reg Barrow
(Shows from Scripture how the Apostles practiced the divine right of
Presbyterianism)
Debate on the US Constitution Andrew Sandlin Versus
Dr. Reg Barrow
(The following debate on the US Constitution, between Andrew Sandlin [editor of
the Chalcedon Report] and Reg Barrow
[President of Still Waters Revival Books], took place on the Knox Ring email
discussion group in January of 1997.)
Divers Testimonies for THE REFORMED PRINCIPLE OF
ANTI-TOLERATION And Against Pretended Liberty of Conscience by John Calvin,
John Knox, the Westminster Assembly, Samuel Rutherford, George Gillespie, the
Synod of Dort, James Renwick, James Guthrie, Reformed Presbytery of Scotland,
John Howie, Henry Bullinger, et al.
John Knox Versus Bill Clinton
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
"Moreover, to kings, princes, rulers, and magistrates, we affirm that chiefly and most principally
the conservation and purgation of the religion appertains; so that not only
they are appointed for civil policy, but also for maintenance of the true
religion, and for suppressing of idolatry and superstition whatsoever: as in
David, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, and others, highly commended for their
zeal in that case, may be espied." The Scottish Confession of Faith
(written by John Knox and others), Chapter 24, 1560. "Yet civil government has as its appointed end, so long as we live
among men, to cherish and protect the outward worship of God, to defend sound
doctrine of piety and the position of the church, to adjust our life to the
society of men, to form our social behavior to civil righteousness, to
reconcile us with one another, and to promote general peace and
tranquility." - John Calvin, Institutes
of the Christian Religion, 4:20:2.
Books
at Still Waters Revival Books PuritanDownloads.com
Messiah, Governor of the Nations of the Earth
(1803) by Alexander M'Leod
The Subjection of Kings and Nations to Messiah
(1820) by James R. Willson
Lex, Rex, or the Law and the Prince by Samuel
Rutherford
The Scottish Theory of Ecclesiastical
Establishments (1875) by George Smeaton
A Free Disputation Against Pretended Liberty of
Conscience (1649 edition) by Samuel Rutherford
A Hind Let Loose by Alexander Shields
The Works of John Knox 6 Volume Set
Headship of Christ Over the Nations (1841) by
Andrew Symington
Defending the Reformed Presbyterian Position on the
Civil Magistrate (1781) by John M'Millan Jr
he Millennium: Peace, Prosperity and National
Covenanting (1879) by Matthew Murray
Lectures on the Principles of the Second
Reformation (1841) by Andrew Symington (Editor)
The Right of Dissent from an Immoral Civil
Government by Covenanter Magazine
Pornography, the Anabaptists, and Doug Wilson's
Civil Antinomianism by Reg Barrow
The Establishment Principle Defended (1873) by
William Balfour
Sins Which Bring God's Fiery Judgement Upon Cities
and Nations by Thomas Brooks
The National (1638) and Solemn League and Covenant
(1643) by Alexander Henderson
"Maybe now you can understand
why the national reformations that took place in the OT always included the
recognition and national confession of the sins of the fathers — for those sins
brought God's wrath upon the nation (2 Chr. 34:21, 2 Chr. 29:6-7, 2 Chron.
30:7-9, Ezra 9:6-10:2, Neh. 9:2-37). Previous attainments and obligations continue to bind the
national moral person (for more on the "moral person" of nations and
churches see Scott's
Distinctive Principles of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, pp.
61,70,195f.,285f. and Robert's The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, p. 150). Moreover, these teachings
formed the biblical basis as to why the Reformers (especially during the second
Reformation) where always eager to seek out the causes of God's wrath, and
repent of these, whether individual, ecclesiastical or national.
The best Reformers did not try
to gather together all manner of infidels, idolaters, sectarians, etc. and form
some kind of general, moralistic, conservative crusade to uplift the nation —
never! (Cf. Gillespie's
"Another Most Useful Case of Conscience Discussed and Resolved, Concerning
Associations and Confederacies With Idolaters, Infidels, Heretics, or Any Other
Know Enemies of Truth and Godliness" in his "Treatise of Miscellany
Questions", Works, volume two). They aimed at purifying and unifying
the church, state and family on the basis of a covenanted
uniformity — always
seeking to be faithful to Christ's Crown and Covenant and shunning all
suggestions of humanly based solutions to the problems of the day! They looked
first to God's mercy and grace (after recognition and confession of sin of
course) in their individual lives; and they weren't about to start to build on
a resurrected covenant of works, after having faithfully begun building on the
covenant of grace, in the civil or ecclesiastical realms either — when dealing
with the reformation of church and state.
This is why the Reformations
under Asa, Hezekiah, Josiah, Ezra and Nehemiah all involved the biblical
aspects listed below. They sought to:
1. Nationally eradicate
idolatry and false religion (with iconoclastic zeal) (cf. 2 Chron. 34:3-7; 2 Chron.
31:1; 2 Chron. 15:8; 2 Chron. 15:16, etc.).
2. Nationally promote the true
worship, discipline, and doctrine of the church of Christ (2 Chron. 29:11-30:6; 2 Chron.
30:12-27; Ezra 10:10vv.; Neh. 10:31-32, etc.).
3. Nationally establish the one
true religion and church (cf. 2 Chron. 34:8- 17; 2 Chron. 29:3-5; 2 Chron. 31:2-3; 2 Chron.
31:20-21; 2 Chron. 32:12, etc.).
4. Nationally confess their own
sins and the sins of their fathers (2 Chron. 34:21; 2 Chron. 29:6-7; 2 Chron. 30:7-9; Ezra
9:6-10:2; Neh. 9:2-37, etc.).
5. Nationally publish the truth (2 Chron. 34:30; Ezra 10:7-8,
etc.).
6. Nationally renew covenant
with God (with specific regard to the present testimony) and set the state upon
a fully covenanted biblical pattern, agreeing to nationally obey the law of God (2 Chron. 34:31; 2 Chron. 29:10;
2 Chron. 15:12-15; Ezra 10:3-4; Neh. 9:38-10:31, etc.).
7. Nationally cause (by civil
power) the inhabitants of the nation to stand to the covenant (2 Chron. 34:32-33; 2 Chron.
15:12-13; Ezra 10:5, etc.).
- Dr. Reg Barrow, A Contemporary Covenanting
Debate; Or, Covenanting Redivivus (Reg Barrow Debates Joe Bell), free online at http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/covdebrb.htm.
THORBURN, JOHN
Vindiciae Magistratus: or, the Divine
Institution and Right of the Civil Magistrate Vindicated (1773)
The title continues: "Wherein are
properly stated and ascertained, the true nature and extent of the moral power
of civil society and magistracy, legislative and executive. The just instituted
authority of magistrates. The inviolableness of just human laws and
constitutions in general, and particularly those of Scotland. The natural and
unalienable rights of individuals in, or with respect to civil society. And the
true causes from which a moral relation flows, and upon which a moral
obligation is founded, etc. Against the truly factious and immoral doctrine of
John Thomson (Burger Associate) minister of the gospel at Donaghclony in
Ireland... maintained in his pretended confutation of the principles of the Reformed Presbytery, in a pamphlet entitled The Presbyterian
Covenanter displayed in his political Principles, and the Imposter detected. To which is subjoined by way of appendix, A
vindication of the constitution of the Reformed Presbytery, and of the character, ministerial mission and
authority of the Rev. Mr. John M'Millan Senior, deceased, from the groundless
cavils of Mr. W.W. and Seceders. By his son. The whole being humbly offered as
an apologetical representation and defence of the principles of the said
Presbytery, and of their people, commonly known by the names of Old Dissenters, Cameronians, etc. against the injurious charges and false
imputations cast upon them, first by the established church of Scotland, and
then by the Secession." Goold, in his The Church in Scotland: Its Origin and History
1680-1876, writes of Thorburn and this book, "He was a man of studious habits, and his 'Vindiciae Magistratus,' in defence of the principles of his Church
against the attacks of the Secession, thought lacking the popular style of the
writings of some of his brethren, was not inferior to any of them in thorough
grasp of the truth, and power of argument. Lord Kames characterized it as the
'best defences of Whig principles;' and the late Rev. Dr. A. M'Leod, of New
York, himself a man of distinguished ability, declared that he was more
indebted to Mr. Thorburn, of Pentland, than to any other man living or
dead." Upon his death Erskine said, "And he is gone! one of our
greatest divines." Goold also notes of Thorburn that "a large amount
of work developed on him in connection with the preparation of the 'Judicial
Act' (i.e. The Act, Declaration and Testimony for the Whole of
Our Covenanted Reformation--RB),
so large that he had to be freed for some time from his work as a
preacher." He "was the theologian of his Church; and in 1785 he was
unanimously appointed to be Tutor in Divinity to the students of the
Church." This has been called one of the best books ever written on the
biblical view of the civil magistrate -- don't miss it! 236 pages.
(Bound photocopy) $99.95-90%=9.99
(Hardcover photocopy) $19.00 (US funds)
PRICE, GREG
Reformation Politics Versus the Beast (1997)
An excellent summary of Price's latest book Biblical Civil Government Versus the Beast; and,
the Basis for Civil Resistance.
Here Price lays out the biblical and historical basis for the most highly
developed aspects of Reformation thought regarding civil government. He explains the biblical view of civil magistracy and applies it to the present situation, showing
why most modern civil rulers are tyrants and thus should not be given
conscientious submission (according to Romans 13:1-7). Price's list of how
modern rulers habitually violate each of the ten commandments should prove
illuminating, as well as his citations from the searing indictments against
wicked rulers given from famous Reformed leaders of the past. This book also
discusses tactics of Christian resistance, while answering the question: Should Christians
hold office or vote in the present circumstances? This highly controversial
cassette will certainly seem shocking to those who are not familiar with
Reformation thought on this topic -- but it is faithful to Scripture, the original
confessions of the Reformation and the testimony of the covenanting martyrs (who gave their lives resisting the civil beast
and proclaiming Christ's absolute Kingship over the nations).
(Cassette) $2.98
(Video) $11.99
Still
Waters Revival Books
swrb
at swrb.com
4710-37A Ave. Edmonton, AB Canada T6L-3T5
Phone: (780) 450-3730 (Monday to Saturday).
Home page at:
http://www.swrb.com/
(Many free books are also located on our web
page)
Fax (for orders only): (780) 468-1096
Back
to the FREE BOOKS index at
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/newslett.htm
"Your... CD's
of Reformation and Puritan authors are a great boon to studies in the
Reformed-Puritan experiential tradition. Receive our hearty thanks for your
invaluable work in making so many rare gems accessible to thousands." (Joel Beeke, President of Puritan Reformed
Theological Seminary).
Secure Online Order
Form (Click Here Now!)
OTHER SWRB
CONTACT INFORMATION
swrb@swrb.com
Phone
780-450-3730 (Please call if you have any questions.)
Fax 780-468-1096
4710-37A Ave.,
Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6L 3T5
"These Puritan
resources are the greatest I've ever seen. These eyes have never seen anything
greater than what you have produced except that old King James Bible" (Email from a Customer in Georgia, USA).
Some Additional
Customer Comments on SWRB's CD sets (Reformation, Calvinism, Protestant,
Puritan).
"This collection of… CDs
is a truly astounding accomplishment. There is nothing like this available to
the ordinary Christian on the whole face of the earth. Now, for the first time ever,
ordinary Christians can have direct and near effortless access to the
very cream of Puritan and Reformed, as well as Covenanter, literature... What they used to say of
the Puritan John Flavel's preaching, can be said of these CDs: they are
'hissing hot'!
... more" (emphases added).
- Dr Jonathan D. Moore, Cambridge,
UK.
(Scholar of 16th
and 17th century Calvinistic literature.)
"The
purchase of (SWRB's) CD's is proving to be one of the wisest investments that I
have ever made.
They are much more than I expected!! I am having a wonderful time reading and
studying."
- TC,
Internet Customer (USA).
"The
greatest collection of classic Reformation resources on one CD set ever!"
"In
reading this mornings mailing I noticed that you also do the Reformation
Bookshelf CD's so I went to your web site to see what was out -- I was in
ecstasy!!!"
-
Missionary working in Hatyai, Southern Thailand
Full
SWRB CD comment from Dr. McMahon:
"I
have been systematically working through reading the Puritan and Reformed CDs I
purchased.
I must say, there is nothing like them available
anywhere.
It is the most amazing collection of works I know of in
one package to date.
In my
opinion, it far surpasses Ages Software and their collections.*
The
Puritan and Reformed material presented on these CDs is exceptional.
I am
continually amazed at the depth and breadth of information in both collections,
and the rarity of works that I now have at my fingertips.
You
have done an immeasurable service for the Kingdom of Christ in making these CDs
available, and every pastor and theologian should own them without question
(they would be foolhardy to pass them by)."
- For
Christ's Crown and Covenant,
Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
A Puritan's Mind
Ministries, www.apuritansmind.com
John 5:39,
"...search the Scriptures..."
"Novum
Testamentum in Vetre latet, et in Novo, Vetus patet." Augustine
( "The New is in
the Old concealed, and in the New, the Old revealed." )
* It is SWRB's opinion
that Ages has done an excellent job in making various Reformed works available
on CD, so much so that we also distribute a number of their CDs at discounts.
Thus, please don't make more out of our publishing this comment than is
warranted, as this is a comment we received from one of our customers and it
expresses his opinion. As for Ages' work, we rejoice whenever the truth is
published, whether through others or through SWRB (as we play only a very small
part in the revival of classic Reformation, Puritan and Covenanter thought that
is now taking place worldwide through God's marvelous grace). The publication
of the best Reformers and Puritans of the past is one of the greatest needs of
our time, as this extends the blessings that come through faithful preachers
and authors into our day and into the future. Lord willing, the growth in the
publishing of faithful works from the past will help stem the tide of the great
declension and unfaithfulness which we are now witnessing all around us, even
(sadly) among many churches that still call themselves "Presbyterian"
and/or "Reformed." So please pray together with us that our Lord will
multiple the number of faithful publishers and publications, and that He will
give many the heart to stand for the truth no matter the consequences (as He
has done for our faithful forefathers, who resisted Satan and sin unto blood
and even to martyrdom in many cases). -- RB.
"SWRB's
Puritan and Reformation CD libraries are an invaluable source for the study of
the history and theology of classic Reformation theology. The collection is remarkable not
only for depth of content, but also for the rarity of many of the works. Most
seminary libraries will not have even a percentage of the works available on
these CD-ROMs. I cannot imagine anyone working in Reformation / historical
theology that would not want to use the Puritan and Reformed libraries!"
- Phillip
J. Long
Associate Prof. of
New Testament
Grace Bible College
Grand Rapids, MI
49509
"I just
received your CD collection. One bit of advice: you should instruct your
customers to take about 1 week off just to peruse the tables of contents for
these CD's, followed by another week off, in order to recover from the
state of shock in which they will find themselves.
In all
seriousness, this collection is almost impossible to describe. It has to be
seen to be believed. As a pastor, my library has just increased
dramatically. As
a Ph.D. student in Puritan and Post-Reformation studies, I have immediate
access to many of the same works for which I would normally need to access
through rare book rooms of theological libraries.
Thank you
for this labor of love. Thank you for making it accessible, both financially
and technologically. May the Lord richly bless you for this service to his
people."
- Yours
for the faith,
Pastor David Owen Filson
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church (PCA), Nashville, TN
"You
all are doing a wonderful service by making all these materials so readily
available. Having them on my hard drive is BETTER than having access to a
rare book library with all of them in hand... I have found the CD set
invaluable as a tool of scholarship. So once again I commend you brothers for making it
available."
- Dr. E.
Calvin Beisner
Knox Theological
Seminary
Author and Associate
Professor of Historical Theology and Social Ethics
(Author of: Psalms of
Promise: Celebrating the
Majesty and Faithfulness of God, God in Three Persons, Answers: For Atheists, Agnostics, and Other
Thoughtful Skeptics--Dialogs About Christian Faith and Life, Man, Economy, and
Environment in Biblical Perspective,
Where Garden Meets Wilderness: Evangelical Entry Into the Environmental
Debate, Evangelical Heathenism? Examining
Contemporary Revivalism, as well
as other books, scholarly papers, and contributions to various anthologies).
"It's
been several weeks now since I received the CDs and have had some time to
digest some of them. All I can say is, "WOW!" This is truly a
library like no other, and has already paid great dividends not only in my own
personal worship and study, but in my teaching as well. I first balked at the price, but
after seeing the vastness of the material, I almost feel as though I'm robbing
you!
I pray
that the Lord will allow you to get these materials into the hands of as many
ministers as possible."
- Email
from SC, USA
Full
SWRB CD comment from Dr. Moore:
This
collection of 62 CDs is a truly astounding accomplishment. There is nothing
like this available to the ordinary Christian on the whole face of the earth.
Now, for
the first time ever, ordinary Christians can have direct and near effortless
access to the very cream of Puritan and Reformed, as well as Covenanter,
literature.
These
books are often in fascinating first editions and many are electronically
linked and indexed for the first time. The ordinary Christian may here dig
into a simply staggering wealth of literature, from devotional and sermonic
material to technical and scholarly works. Even in the days of the Long Reformation itself
ordinary Christians didn't get to see this kind of library -- most couldn't
read for a start, and even those who could, would never have been able to
afford to buy even a hundredth part of the material on these CDs. Truly we are
without excuse!
And the
significance of this collection goes even beyond that. No longer do we have to
wait for modern Reformed publishing houses to predict that a particular
Reformation or Puritan book will be sufficiently popular to make it economical
to reprint, or to deem it "safe" enough to be let loose on the modern
evangelical church. Rather, we are now able to see for ourselves the whole
range of the Puritan and Reformed publishing enterprise, including views that
are usually suppressed by most modern devotees of "Puritan" piety!
Buy these
CDs while you can, and find out for yourself what the First
and Second Reformations were really all about! You'll be truly amazed, and,
by God's grace, will grow from being an ordinary Christian to being an
extraordinary one. What they used to say of the Puritan John Flavel's
preaching, can be said of these CDs: they are "hissing hot"!
- Dr
Jonathan D. Moore, Cambridge, UK.
(Scholar of 16th
and 17th century Calvinistic literature.)
"This
side of eternity I'll never be able to repay the favor you have done mankind by
bringing these... CDs together.
The
first week of reading I grew more as a Christian reading those rich, pure
Gospel Commentators than I have in 18 years of Christian life. After reading some of the Puritan
CDs I have to get the Reformation set if it kills me. A fire is burning within
me. These... CDs are liable to start a revival fire unseen in any generation...
the Gospel in its pure form is seen in these... CDs.
Sir, I
cant say enough. What a treasure! I'll never be able to repay you this side of
heaven, but when we get there I am sure you will see the rich fruits of your labor.
God bless you for not being money hungry but wanting to see Christians grow in
the Lord... I love you even though we have never met, you have helped me in
my Christian walk tremendously with these... CDs.
I am not
bragging on the flesh, I am just giving honor where honor is due. The Holy
Ghost will take these CDs and light a fire unseen and unheard of. God bless you
all at Still Waters."
- Email
from the USA
"Thank
you so very much for the CDs.
I am amazed at the quality and quantity of the literature...
I cannot
imagine any other single thing being done by any man or group of men in the
earth today that is of such extensive, present, and enduring value as this
CD work is.
God be
praised that he uses sickly and weak men to forward his kingdom, that the work
may not be mistaken to be wrought by the might of men, but by his Spirit. His
strength is perfected in weakness."
- Email
from Colorado
______________
Many more comments on the SWRB's CD sets (by the Banner
of Truth
magazine, Calvin
Beisner [Professor of Historical Theology and Social Ethics at Knox Theological
Seminary], Dr. E.P. Elliott [Christian Observer magazine], and many others.) can be found at the end of the
page at: http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/calvinism-bookshelf-CDs.htm
Biblical Civil
Government Versus the Beast; and, the Basis for Christian Resistance by Greg
Price