Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith
and love which is in Christ Jesus. -- 2 Timothy 1:13
And he gave . . . pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints,
for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we
all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,
unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that
we henceforth be no mo re children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with
every wind of doctrine. -- Ephesians 4:11-14
Also [they] caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood
in their place. So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave
the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. -- Nehemiah 8:7-8
To see the unavoidable necessity of uninspired creeds,
consider the following conversation between Hans (a paleopresbyterian) and
Franz (a neopresbyterian):
HANS: We're studying the Westminster Confession of Faith. Want to join
us?
FRANZ: No; I don't give heed to the words of men like you do.
H: What do you mean?
F: I go by the Bible. I
can't rely on the words of mere uninspired men.
H: Me, too. That's why we're studying the Confession. You should join us;
it'd be very edifying.
F: Wait a minute. I just told you that I only go by the Bible, and yet
you have just equated the study of this Westminster Confession with a study of
the Scriptures!
H: And as I just said, I only go by the Bible, too. So, I'm not going to
pay any attention to what you've just said. You're not inspired, after all.
F: Of course I'm not inspired; but what I said was right because it was
BIBLICAL.
H: How could it be biblical if it was merely what you -- an uninspired
man -- told me? I only listen to the inspired words of the Bible. Isn't it lording it over my conscience to tell
me to accept your uninspired words as though they were the very inspired words of God?
F: Oh, come on. I may not have quoted chapter and verse, but I was
telling you what the Bible MEANS. That's why you have you have to pay attention to it.
H: Are you saying the meaning of the Bible, even if explained in the uninspired
words of uninspired men, is still binding -- in fact, as binding as
the very words written in the Bible?
F: Well, yes, that is what I'm saying. The meaning of the Bible, though
stated in different words, has the same authority as the exact words found
there. And since I'm telling you that the meaning of the Bible is not to give
heed to the uninspired words of men, you still have to receive it as though
those exact words I've spoken were writte n in the pages of Scripture.
H: Wait a minute. How is what you've just said any different from the
Westminster Confession? After all, the writers of the Confession were only
putting forth what they thought was the meaning of the Bible.
F: Well, er. . . umm. . . .
H: I know of one difference: they were all preeminently qualified to
expound the Word of God. They were recognized as having these gifts by the
various churches that delegated them to sit at the Westminster Assembly. Any
scholar who knows anything about Protestant history knows that these men were
the "cream of the crop", and that almo st certainly there has never
been since that time (and maybe even up to that time, except for the apostles
themselves) one body containing so many godly and learned men. I don't think
you possess the same qualifications, at least not yet.
F: Hmmm, good point.
H: Furthermore, the Holy Spirit says in Ephesians 4 that Christ has given
to the church teachers as a powerful and necessary means to building up the
body of Christ into "a perfect or complete man". Obviously, these
teachers do not have the gift of inspiration, and yet the Spirit didn't view this as a challenge to the
sufficiency o f Scripture, but rather as a necessary outgrowth of it. This is
because he desires that we know the meaning of the Bible, not just the bare
words. As R.L. Dabney said, "He who would consistently banish creeds
must silence all preaching and reduce the teaching of the church to the
recital of the exact words of Holy Scripture without no te or comment."
And, just because these men lived in the past doesn't mean that they're not a gift from God to
us today. The Bible
everywhere speaks of the church as one body throughout all history (Gal. 3:23-24; 4:1-3; Ps.
66:6; Hos. 12:4; Deut. 5:2-3). Therefore, the astute teachers of the past are our
teachers as well, t hanks to God's
gracious preservation of their writings. Actually, because these men were on
the crest of the waves of reformation, and not in the trough of apostasy as we
are today, we ought to pay more attention to them than to contemporary teachers.
This is because all of us -- including our teachers -- have been blinded by our
cult ure's wretched and extreme departure from the Lord Jesus Christ.
F: What time did you say you were meeting? I believe the meaning of
Scripture requires that I attend!
Most of the books listed below are also available in printed format or on
CD at http://www.swrb.com.
Westminster
Confession of Faith Super Sale
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/westminster-confession.htm
Puritan
Bookshelf CD Series Super Sale
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/puritan-bookshelf-CDs.htm
Covenanter Sale
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/covenanter-books.htm
Doctrinal
Integrity: The Utility and Importance of Creeds and Confessions and Adherence
to Our Doctrinal Standards by Samuel Miller
More FREE books: http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/index.html
The
Covenanted Reformation Defended Against Contemporary Schismatics: A
Response and Antidote Primarily to the Neopresbyterian Malignancy and
Misrepresentations, and the Manufactured "Steelite" Controversy,
Found in Richard Bacon's A Defense Departed; With a Refutation of Bacon's
Independency, Popery, Arminianism, Anabaptism and Various Other Heresies
(Including an Exhibition of His Opposition to Scripture and the Covenanted
Reformation, in General; and His Opposition to John Calvin, John Knox, the
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland [Especially 1638-1649], Samuel
Rutherford, George Gillespie, the Testimony of the Covenanter Martyrs, the
Reformed Presbytery, the Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton and a Host of
Other Prominent Reformers from Past Generations, in Particular) -- With Copious
Notes on Mr. Bacon's Backsliding and His Blackening of the Blue Banner; as Well
as Various Replies to Other Modern Malignants by Greg Barrow (Greg Price, Reg
Barrow, Larry Birger, et al.)
(Though set in the context of a debate with one individual, this book addresses
a number of specific problems which plague the Presbyterian and Reformed
churches of our day in general. "It conclusively and irrefutably
demonstrates that those churches which today call themselves Presbyterian [and
even many which claim a more general Reformed heritage] have grievously
departed from the Scriptural standards and principles of the previous Spirit
led Reformations [of the 16th and 17th centuries]. This will become
progressively [and painfully] clear as the reader witnesses evidence upon
evidence of defection from biblically based Reformation attainments (Phil.
3:16) -- and the burying and/or removing of the ancient Reformation landmarks.
Ultimately, when the testimony and evidence [presented in this book] is weighed
in light of Scriptural verities, it is entirely safe to say that the original
Reformers would not only have sought negative ecclesiastical sanctions against
our modern pseudo-Reformers, but in many cases negative civil sanctions as
well," writes Reg Barrow in the "Publisher's Preface." 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].
It is also free on most of the CDs in
both the REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD set [30 CDs, http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/reformation-bookshelf-CDs.htm
] and the PURITAN BOOKSHELF CD set
[32 CDs, http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/puritan-bookshelf-CDs.htm
])
Free on the web at: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CovRefGB.htm
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 Reg Barrow
Doug Wilson and others at Credenda/Agenda used their magazine to
publicly attack and slander Reg Barrow (President of Still Waters Revival
Books) in a column that they call the "Cave of Adullam." This
invective was Credenda's response to
Barrow's comments on Knox Ring (where Barrow noted that John Calvin would have
excommunicated Jo hn Frame for the apostasy that he manifests in his new book
on worship). Numerous private attempts were unsuccessfully made (by Barrow and
others) to call Wilson to repentance for this slander. Ultimately, charges for
violation of the ninth commandment were brought (in accord with Matt. 18:15-17)
against Wilson by Barrow. This book recounts the sa lient points of the
controversy (and the Matthew 18 proceedings) between Wilson and Barrow -- in
their actual email debates! Also included is Barrow's demonstration of why
Calvin would have excommunicated Frame and Greg Price's Testimony
Against The Unfounded Charges of Anabaptism.
These debates are a classic example of the differences t hat exist today
between paleopresbyterians (Barrow) and neopresbyterians (Wilson). Wilson's
charges against Barrow, of Anabaptism, separatism, etc. are all refuted under a
mountain of quotations from Reformation source documents. Barrow's refutations
of Wilson's spurious charges bring to light many aspects of Reformation thought
that have been lost or forgotten in our day. Besides the initial controversy
(over Frame and worship) and the restoration process (set forth in Matthew
18:15-17), this book should be of special interest to all of those who love the
"old paths" of truth -- trod by our forefathers in the Reformed faith
-- for some of the most pressing issues of our day (regarding the individual,
church and state) are addressed herein. Classic statements, cited by Barrow,
not only exhibit the wisdom which God granted the best Reformers of both the
first and second Reformations, but also specifically demonstrate how Wilson and
many other modern Protestants actually reject the Reformation at many points
(all their protests n ot withstanding). "And they that shall be of thee
shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many
generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer
of paths to dwell in" (Isa. 58:12). This item is also available as a bound
photocopy for $3.98 (US funds) and a Hardcover photocopy for $14.98 (US funds).
Free on the web at: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Saul.htm
Paleopresbyterianism
Versus Neopresbyterianism by Michael Wagner
Defines the major differences between "paleo" or old Presbyterianism
(the position held at the Westminster Assembly, 1648) and "neo" or
new (modern) Presbyterianism. Maintains and proves that the two major
differences are found in the form of subscription (whether complete, as with
the "paleo's," or loose [i.e. allowing for scruples], as with the
"neo's") to the Westminster standards and in whether or not the
Solemn League and Covenant is thought to be binding today (in its moral
equity). Wagner also demonstrates how the neopresbyterians have turned away
from the original Presbyterian position. The implications of this introductory
booklet are far reaching and revolutionary and could easil y shake the
prevalent neopresbyterian establishment (PCA, OPC, etc.) to its very core. This
item is also available as a bound photocopy for $2.39 (US funds)
Free on the web at: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Paleo.htm
Terms of
Ministerial and Christian Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and In
Our Day, In the Puritan Reformed Church; With Explanatory Dialogue (Including
"The Biblical and Logical Necessity of Uninspired Creeds")
by Larry Birger
Though not originally written with Brian Schwertley in mind, in the providence
of God Birger's work has come at a crucial time. This delightful dialogue,
between Hans (a paleopresbyterian) and Franz (a neo-turned-paleopresbyterian),
deals with many of the accusations made by Schwertley (a minister in the
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North Ameri ca -- RPCNA) in his recent open
letter against the Puritan Reformed Church ("PRC" -- Edmonton, AB,
and Prince George, BC) and Still Waters Revival Books (SWRB). In the process,
this enjoyable work sets forth in a very clear, easy-to-understand way a number
of the more controversial and misunderstood teachings adopted by the PRC and
promoted by SWR B in their return to the biblical attainments of the Second, or
Covenanted Reformation on the British Isles. The conversation begins with
"The Biblical and Logical Necessity of Uninspired Creeds", where Hans
shows Franz that Franz's rejection of uninspired creeds is itself an uninspired
creed. After several months of study Franz is now interested in joining Hans'
Covenanter church, but has been confused and unsettled by the charges of his
friend (a member of the RPCNA). This RPCNA friend alleges that Hans' church is
a continuation of the "schism" of the "Steelites", and that
they are "basically Papists, putting uninspired works on a par with the
Bible and then abusing (their) church autho rity by requiring faith in the
church, rather than in the word of God." Hans then goes through and
explains pertinent aspects of each term of communion, demonstrating that the
RPCNA friend's (and Schwertley's) charges and objections are entirely
inaccurate, vindicating in the process precious and vital truths of the
Reformation. This easy-reading and mild-mannered dialogue includes an index of
topics discussed and objections raised, and is an excellent
introduction to the true Covenanter position (i.e. the position of the
Westminster Assembly and the Church of Scotland during the Second Reformation) and an effective antidote to the kinds of unfounded
slanders circulated by those lik e Brian Schwertley. This item is also
available as a bound photocopy for $1.99 (US funds)
Free on the web at: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/TermsMin.htm
A Free Disputation Against Pretended Liberty of Conscience (1649
edition.)
Rutherford's Free Disputation, though scarce, is still one of his
most important works -- with maybe only a few copies of the actual book left in
existence. Though Rutherford is affectionately remembered in our day for his Letters, or for laying the foundations of constitutional
government (against the divine right of kings) in his u nsurpassed 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). He also deals with conscience,
toleration, penology (punishment), and the judicial laws, as related to both
the civil and ecclesiastical realms. Excellent sections are also included which
address questions related to determining the fundamentals of religion, how
covenants bind us, the perpetual obligation of social covenants (with direct
application to the Solemn League and Covenant and the covenant-breaking of
Cromwell and his sectarian supporters), whether the punishing of seducing
teachers be persecution of conscience, and much more. Walker adds these
comments and context regarding Rutherford's Free Disputation, "The principle of toleration was beginning to
be broached in England, and in a modified shape to find acceptance there.
Samuel Rutherford was alarmed, or rather, I should say, he was horrified, for
he neither feared the face of man or argument. He rushed to the rescue of the
good old view... It is not so easy to find a theoretical ground for toleration;
and Rutherford has ma ny plausible things to say against it. With the most
perfect confidence, he argues that it is alike against Scripture and common
sense that you should have two religions side by side. It is outrageous
ecclesiastically, it is sinful civilly. He does not, however, take what I call
the essentially persecuting ground. He does not hold that the magistr ate is to
punish religion as religion. Nay, he strongly maintains that the civil
magistrate never aims at the conscience. The magistrate, he urges, does not
send anyone, whether a heretic (who is a soul murderer--RB) or a murderer, to
the scaffold with the idea of producing conversion or other spiritual result,
but to strengthen the foundations of civil order. But if he gives so much power
to the king, he is no lover of despotism withal: the king himself must be under
law. To vindicate this great doctrine is the object of another book, the
celebrated Lex Rex; of which it
has been said by one competent to judge, that it first clearly developed the
constitutionalism which all men now accept" (Theology and
Theologians..., pp. 11-12). In our day
Francis Schaeffer, and numerous others, have critiqued many of the problems
found in modern society, but most have spent little time developing explicitly
Biblical solutions -- especially regarding the theoretical foundations that
Rutherford addresses here. Rutherford's Free Di sputation provides a detailed blueprint for laying the
foundations that must be laid before any lasting, God-honoring solutions will
be found. Furthermore, Rutherford and his writings were the enemies of all
governments not covenanted with Christ. This book will give you a very clear
picture as to why "the beast" (civil and ecclesiastical) has reserved
his special hatred for such teaching. As Samuel Wylie noted "[t]he
dispute, then, will not turn upon the point whether religion should be civilly
established... but it is concerning what religion ought to be civilly
established and protected, -- whether the religion of Jesus alone should be
countenanced by civil authority, or every blasp hemous, heretical, and
idolatrous abomination which the subtle malignity of the old serpent and a
heart deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, can frame and devise,
should be put on an equal footing therewith" (Two Sons of Oil:
or, The Faithful Witness For Magistracy and Ministry Upon a Scriptural Basis, softcover). Can our gene ration swallow
Rutherford's hard, anti-pluralistic, Covenanter medicine, poured forth from the
bottle of the first commandment, without choking on their carnal dreams of a
free and righteous society divorced from God (and His absolute claims upon
everyone and everything)? Not without the enabling power of the Holy Spirit --
that is for sure! In su mmary, this book answers all the hardest questions
theonomists (and their wisest and best opponents) have been asking for the last
20-30 years (and these answers are much more in depth than any we have seen in
the last couple of millennia [less about a century to account for the
apostles]). As the reader will discover, Rutherford was a wealthy man when it
came to wisdom (and much advanced theologically), and those who take the time
to gaze into the King's treasure house, as exhibited in this book, will find
that they are greatly rewarded. Furthermore, because of its uncompromising
stand upon the Word of God, this book is sure to be unpopular among a wicked
and adulterous generation. Howeve r, on the other hand, it is sure to be
popular among the covenanted servants of King Jesus! This is one of the best
books (in the top five anyway) for advanced study of the Christian faith. We
have now obtained an easy-to-read, amazingly clear copy of this very rare, old
treasure. Great price too, considering that a copy of the 1649 edition, conta
ining this quality of print, would likely cost upwards of $1000 on the rare
book market -- though it is unlikely you would ever see a copy for sale!
The Ordinance of Covenanting (1843)
This book is considered by many as the classic work on covenanting. "The
theology of Covenanting is here unfolded with a richness of scriptural research
and a maturity of intellectual strength which would have made the grey eye of
Peden glisten with delight. The treatise is a valuable addition to that solid
theological literature of which the Refo rmed Presbyterian Church has produced
repeated and enduring specimens, and stamps Mr. Cunningham as a distinguished
disciple of the thoughtful and scriptural school of Mason and the
Symingtons" (Presby Rev., (1844) as cited in The Treasury
of the Scottish Covenant by Johnston). The
author himself notes that "Prayer and the offering o f praise are
universally admitted to be duties of religion. The Scriptures announce a place
among these for the exercise of solemn Covenanting... What the word of God
unfolds concerning it, is addressed to the most resolute consideration of all,
and is capable of engaging the most extensive and prolonged investigation. And
yet, though none have fo und this subject, like all God's judgements, else than
a great deep, still in meditating upon it, the ignorant have been brought to
true knowledge, and the wise have increased in wisdom. 'The secret of the Lord
is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant' (Ps. 25:14)...
Mutual federal engagements, concerning things religious and civil, whether
entered into merely by simple promise, or confirmed by the solemn oath, have
been made from the highest antiquity to the present. The hostility to some such
engagements, and also the proud disregard for their obligation, which have been
evinced by some in all ages, demand a most careful examination into their
nature and design... F urnished with the key of Scripture, approaching the
subject, we are enabled to open the mysteries in which ignorance and prejudice
had shut it up; and equipped with the armour of light shooting forth its
heavenly radiance, in safety to ourselves we assail the darkness thrown around
it, and behold the instant flight of the spirits of error which th at darkness
contains. Standing alone in beauteous attractions descended from heaven upon
it, this service beckons us to approach it, and engages to connect extensive
good with a proper attention to its claims. The observance, under various
phases, is described in Scripture as an undisputed and indisputable
reality." In this book Cunningham exhaust ively covers the subject of
covenanting in over 400 pages. He deals with the manner, duty and nature of
covenanting (including personal and social covenanting), the obligation
covenanting confers, how covenanting is provided for in the everlasting
covenant, how it is adapted to the moral constitution of man and how it is
according to the purposes of God. Numerous Divine examples are cited from
Scripture and covenanting is shown to be one of the great privileges of the
Christian life. An interesting chapter covers "Covenanting Enforced By the
Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals;" which touches on circumcision,
baptism, the Sabbath, the Priesthood, the new heart and the person and work of
the Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore, this book demonstrates how God's
approbation rested upon Covenanters in formers ages, how covenanting is
predicted in prophecy, how it is recommended by the practice of the New
Testament Church and at what seasons it is appropriate. The appendices touch on
the relationship of covenanting to immoral and unscriptural civil governments,
the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, the British constitution and the
apostasy of the Revolution settlement. Additionally, Cunningham acknowledges
that the true church is "bound by the obligations of the Church of God is
past times" and is still obligated to pay what it has vowed to the Lord
in those magnificent att ainments of the second Reformation (the epitome of
these attainments being embodied in the Solemn League and Covenant and the
Westminster Standards). If you are interested in the ordinance of covenanting
this is the most extensive treatment you will find in one book. It is a gold
mine of Scriptural references and should be read at least once by ev eryone who
calls upon the name of Christ.
Unity and Uniformity in the Church (1881)
This item lays out the case for unity among churches, proving its assertions
from: (1.) throughout Scripture; (2.) from our Lord's declaring His will both
in precept and prayer; (3.) from apostolic practise; and (4.) from the
covenanted Reformation's "Solemn League and Covenant" which lead to
the production of the Westminster standards. Houston no tes that in the
Apostolic church "the government of the church was one and common wherever
churches were planted. It was Presbyterian, and neither Prelatic, a system of
monarchial despotism, nor Congregational, a system of popular democracy."
This biblical and Presbyterian uniformity was considered the apostolic, visible
and doctrinal manifestatio n of the scriptural injunction to "one Lord,
one faith, (and) one baptism." Houston also points out that "the only
true and safe way of union is based on the platform of Scriptural uniformity;
while that which is framed on allowing diversity in doctrine, and differences
in government and worship, is a mere human contrivance, and its effect is to s
anction and perpetuate divisions (which is to sanction schism under the false
pretence of unity--RB), and to mar the prospect of an ultimate happy union in
the church of Christ." Biblical union and uniformity is shown to be based
on "agreement in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government."
Moreover, the author contends that, "this is to be con stantly sought
after by men united in mind and heart, pledged to God and to one another; it is
to be externally manifested, and to be diligently labored for, that it may be
generally and universally prevalent. It is never to be viewed as impracticable.
This was the main design of the convocation of the Westminster Assembly."
The eschatological asp ect of visible unity is also noticed, shedding valuable
light on such postmillennial strongholds as, "The watchmen on the walls of
Zion shall see eye to eye, they shall lift up the voice together, and together
shall they sing" (Isa. 52:8) and "The Lord shall be King over all the
earth; in that day there shall be one Lord, and His name one" (Zech.
14:9). This book is full of faithful encouragement and is one of the best
introductions to this topic we have seen.
The Millennium: Peace, Prosperity and National Covenanting (1879)
This is the Reformation (especially second Reformation) view of
postmillennialism as set forth and explained in terms of the national blessings
and gospel purity that will be present when the millennium arrives. Some items
discussed include: the visible state of unity in the church during the
millennium; national covenanting; how kings will be "nu rsing
fathers" (Isa. 49:23) to the church during this blessed period of history;
and how "all nations shall serve him" (Ps 72:11) in that day (and
there are no nations in heaven -- so this must be speaking of what will take
place on earth before Christ returns, contrary to amillennialism)! In short,
the millennium will be marked by visible civil a nd ecclesiastical obedience to
Christ as King! This is exactly the opposite of the situation that we are
presently experiencing -- for we live in the days of the great apostasy (2
Thes. 2:3). The church (visible) is in disarray and has grievously backslidden
from her previous Reformation attainments. No nation is covenanted with Christ
(as a natio n), but instead, "The kings of the earth set themselves, and
the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed,
saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from
us" (Ps. 2:2-3). The nations and many churches despise Christ's royal law
and He now "vex(es) them in his sore displeasure" -- but when t he
millennial glory arrives the river of His Spirit will fill the earth (Ezek
47:1-12) and His high priestly prayer will be answered (John 17:21: "That
they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also
may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent
me."). This is a greatly encouraging introduct ion to this topic and the
best short treatment of this subject that we offer! Excerpted from the Original
Covenanter and Contending Witness magazine
(volumes 2:4-6).
The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism (1853)
A manual of instruction, drawing from such notable authors as William Symington
and J.R. Willson, presenting "arguments and facts confirming and
illustrating the 'Distinctive Principles'" of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church. Chapters deal with: "Christ's Mediatorial Dominion in
general;" Christ's exclusive Headship over the Church;" "The
Supreme a nd Ultimate Authority of the Word of God in the Church;" Civil
Government, the Moral Ordinance of God;" Christ's Headship over the Nations;"
"The Subjection of the Nations to God and to Christ;" The Word, or
Revealed Will of God, the Supreme Law in the State;" "The Duty of
Nations, in their National Capacity, to acknowledge and support the True Re
ligion:" "The Spiritual Independence of the Church of Christ:"
"The Right and Duty of Dissent from an immoral Constitution of Civil
Government;" "The Duty of Covenanting, and the Permanent Obligations
of Religious Covenants;" "The Application of these Principles to the
Governments, where Reformed Presbyterians reside, in the form of a Practical Te
stimony;" and finally "Application of the Testimony to the British
Empire." A most important book, as we approach (possibly) the end of the
great apostasy and will be in need of preparing for the dawning of the glorious
millennial blessings to come; the days prophesied in which the church
"shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck t he breast of
kings" (Isa. 60:16).
Act, Declaration, And Testimony, For The Whole Of The Covenanted
Reformation, As Attained To, And Established In, Britain and Ireland;
Particularly Betwixt The Years 1638 and 1649, Inclusive. As, Also, Against All
The Steps Of Defection From Said Reformation, Whether In Former Or Later Times,
Since The Overthrow Of That Glorious Work, Down To T his Present Day (1876)
Upholds the original work of the Westminster Assembly and testifies to the
abiding worth and truth formulated in the Westminster family of documents.
Upholds and defends the crown rights of King Jesus in church and state, denouncing
those who would remove the crown from Christ's head by denying His right to
rule (by His law) in both the civil and ecclesiastical spheres. Testifies to
the received doctrine, government, worship, and discipline of the Church of
Scotland in her purest (reforming) periods. Applies God's Word to the Church's
corporate attainments "with a judicial approbation of the earnest
contendings and attainments of the faithful, and a strong and pointed judicial
condemnation of error and the promoters thereof" (The Original Covenanter
and Contending Witness, Dec. 17/93, p. 558. Write for a sample of this highly
recommended publication at: P.O. Box 131, Pottstown, PA, 19464, USA). Shows the
church's great historical victories (such as the National and Solemn League and
Covenant, leading to the Westminster Assembly) a nd exposes her enemies actions
(e.g. the Prelacy of Laud; the Independency, sectarianism, covenant breaking
and ungodly toleration set forth by the likes of Cromwell [and the Independents
that conspired with him]; the Erastianism and civil sectarianism of William of
Orange, etc.). It is not likely that you will find a more consistent working
out o f the principles of Calvinism anywhere. Deals with the most important
matters relating to the individual, the family, the church and the state. Sets
forth a faithful historical testimony of God's dealings with men during some of
the most important days of church history. A basic text that should be mastered
by all Christians.
The Covenanted Reformation Defended by Greg Barrow is also
offered FREE in etext (with navigational enhancements and in various formats)
at:
http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/index.html
PDF Document (913KB) http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/covrefdf/covrefdf.pdf
ZIP File (771KB) http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/covrefdf/covrefdf.zip
Single Web Page (Entire Book)
(999KB) http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/covrefdf/covrefdf.htm
Split-Up Web Page (Frames w/Index) http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/covrefdf/covrefdf2.htm
Chapter three from this book, "How the Solemn League
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DEBATE
on the Meaning of the Church in Reformation Thought by Greg
Barrow
Covers some of the most important
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church (championed by Calvin, Knox, et al.). Includes many citations from
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This is chapter 2 in Greg Barrow's The
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Eschewing
Ecclesiastical Tyranny (Protestant Biblical Separation)
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Bacon) 1 Corinthians 2:15
The classic Reformation position on
biblical separation, Protestant private judgment, the visible church, etc. --
contra Antichrist (the Papacy) and wayward liberal Protestants. This is
appendix G from The Covenanted Reformation
Defended: "A brief
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This FREE
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Protestant
Antidote to Modern Disunity (1/5)
by Greg Barrow (DEBATE with Richard
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Defection from Reformation teaching
on separation, unity, church membership, church government, terms of communion,
creeds, confessions, covenants, etc., exposed (in modern Presbyterian and
Reformed churches) and corrected in accordance with Scripture and the best
teachers and preachers of the (first and second) Protestant Reformations. This
is chapter four from the book The Covenanted
Reformation Defended: "Misrepresentation
#4: The Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton (PRCE) is
guilty of imposing the traditions of men upon the conscience by requiring terms
of communion that are unscriptural."
Free etext: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/append_g.htm.
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Protestant
Antidote to Modern Disunity (1/5)
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http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=8130218525
Protestant
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http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=815022132
Tapes four and five in this series
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This
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