THE SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT, for
reformation and defence of religion, the honour and
happiness of the King, and the peace and safety of the
three kingdoms of Scotland, England, and Ireland;
agreed upon by Commissioners from the Parliament
and Assembly of Divines in England, with Commissioners of the Convention of Estates and General
Assembly of the Church of Scotland; approved by the
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and by
both Houses of Parliament, and the Assembly of Divines in England, and taken and subscribed by them
anno 1643; and thereafter, by the said authority, taken
and subscribed by all ranks in Scotland and England
the same year; and ratified by act of the Parliament of
Scotland anno 1644. (And again renewed in Scotland,
with an acknowledgement of sins and engagements to
duties, by all ranks, anno 1648, and by Parliament,
1649; and taken and subscribed by King Charles II., at
Spey, June 23, 1650; and at Scoon, January 1, 1651.)
"We, noblemen, barons, knights, gentlemen, citizens, burgesses, ministers of the Gospel, and com-
mons of all sorts, in the kingdoms of Scotland, England, and Ireland, by the providence of GOD living
under one king, and being of one reformed religion,
having before our eyes the glory of God, and the advancement of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour
JESUS CHRIST, the honour and happiness of the
king's majesty and his posterity, and the true public
liberty, safety, and peace of the kingdom, wherein every one's private condition is included: and calling to
mind the treacherous and bloody plots, conspiracies,
attempts, and practices of the enemies of GOD, against
the true religion and professors thereof in all places,
especially in these three kingdoms, ever since the reformation of religion; and how much their rage,
power, and presumption, are of late, and at this time,
increased and exercised, whereof the deplorable state
of the Church and kingdom of Ireland, the distressed
state of the Church and kingdom of England, and the
dangerous state of the Church and kingdom of Scotland, are present and public testimonies: we have now
at last (after other means of supplication, remonstrance, protestation, and sufferings), for the preservation of ourselves and our religion from utter ruin and
destruction, according to the commendable practice of
these kingdoms in former times, and the example of
GOD'S people in other nations, after mature deliberation, resolved and determined to enter into a Mutual
and Solemn League and Covenant, wherein we all
subscribe, and each one of us for himself, with our
hands lifted up to the Most High GOD, do swear,
"I. That we shall sincerely, really, and constantly,
through the grace of GOD, endeavor, in our several
places and callings, the preservation of the reformed
religion in the Church of Scotland, in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, against our common
enemies; the reformation of religion in the kingdoms of
England and Ireland, in doctrine, worship, discipline,
and government, according to the Word of GOD, and
the example of the best reformed Churches; and shall
endeavour to bring the Churches of GOD in the three
kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in
religion, Confession of Faith, Form of Church Government, Directory for Worship and Catechising; that
we, and our posterity after us, may, as brethren, live in
faith and love, and the Lord may delight to dwell in the
midst of us.
"II. That we shall, in like manner, without respect
of persons, endeavour the extirpation of Popery,
Prelacy (that is, Church government by archbishops,
bishops, their chancellors and commissioners, deans,
deans and chapters, archdeacons, and all other ecclesiastical officers depending on that hierarchy), superstition, heresy, schism, profaneness, and whatsoever
shall be found contrary to sound doctrine and the
power of Godliness; lest we partake in other men's
sins, and thereby be in danger to receive of their
plagues; and that the Lord may be one, and his mane
one, in the three kingdoms.
"III. We shall, with the same sincerity, reality, and
constancy, in our several vocations, endeavour, with
our estates and lives, mutually to preserve the rights
and privileges of the Parliaments, and the liberties of
the kingdoms; and to preserve and defend the king's
majesty's person and authority, in the preservation and
defence of the true religion and liberties of the kingdoms; that the world may bear witness with our consciences of our loyalty, and that we have no other
thoughts or intentions to diminish his majesty's just
power and greatness.
"IV. We shall also, with all faithfulness, endeavour
the discovery of all such as have been or shall be incendiaries, malignants, or evil instruments, be hindering the reformation of religion, dividing the king from
his people, or one of the kingdoms from another, or
making any faction or parties among the people, contrary to this League and Covenant; that they may be
brought to public trial, and receive condign punishment, as the degree of their offences shall require or
deserve, or the supreme judicatories of both kingdoms
respectively, or others having power from them for
that effect, shall judge convenient.
"V. And whereas the happiness of a blessed peace
between these kingdoms, denied in former times to our
progenitors, is, by the good providence of GOD,
granted unto us, and hath been lately concluded and
settled by both Parliaments; we shall, each one of us,
according to our place and interest, endeavour that they
may remain conjoined in a firm peace and union to all
posterity; and that justice may be done upon the willful
opposers thereof, in manner expressed in the precedent
article.
"VI. We shall also, according to our places and
callings, in this common cause of religion, liberty, and
peace of the kingdoms, assist and defend all those that
enter into this League and Covenant, in the maintaining
and pursuing thereof; and shall not suffer ourselves,
directly or indirectly, by whatsoever combination, persuasion, or terror, to be divided or withdrawn from
this blessed union and conjunction, whether to make
defection to the contrary part, or to give ourselves to a
detestable indifferency or neutrality in this cause,
which so much concerneth the glory of God, the good
of the kingdom, and honour of the king; but shall, all
the days of our lives, zealously and constantly continue
therein against all opposition, and promote the same,
according to our power, against all lets and impediments whatsoever; and what we are not able ourselves
to suppress or overcome, we shall reveal and make
known, that it may be timely prevented or removed: All
which we shall do as in the sight of God.
"And, because these kingdoms are guilty of many
sins and provocations against GOD, and his Son JESUS CHRIST, as is too manifest by our present distresses and dangers, the fruits thereof; we profess and
declare, before GOD and the world, our unfeigned desire to be humbled for our own sins, and for the sins
of these kingdoms; especially that we have not, as we
ought, valued the inestimable benefit of the Gospel;
that we have not laboured for the purity and power
thereof; and the we have not endeavoured to receive
Christ in our hearts, not to walk worthy of him in our
lives; which are the causes of other sins and transgression so much abounding amongst us: and our true and
unfeigned purpose, desire, and endeavour, for ourselves, and all others under our power and charge,
both in public and private, in all duties we owe to GOD
and man, to amend our lives, and each one to go before another in the example of a real reformation; that
the Lord may turn away his wrath and heavy indignation, and establish these Churches and kingdoms in
truth and peace. And this Covenant we make in the
presence of ALMIGHTY GOD, the Searcher of all
hearts, with a true intention to perform the same, as we
shall answer at that great day, when the secrets of all
hearts shall be disclosed; most humbly beseeching the
LORD to strengthen us by his HOLY SPIRIT for this
end, and to bless our desires and proceedings with
such success, as may be deliverance and safety to his
people, and encouragement to other Christian
Churches, groaning under, or in danger of the yoke of
antichristian tyranny, to join in the same or like association and covenant, to the glory of GOD, the enlargement of the kingdom of JESUS CHRIST, and the
peace and tranquillity of Christian kingdoms and commonwealths."
Excerpted from our (SWRB's) recent republication of The
History of the Westminster Assembly by
William H. Hetherington, pp. 129-132. This
document can also be found in The Westminster
Confession of Faith (Free Presbyterian Publications, 133 Woodlands Rd., Glasgow G3 6LE, Scotland, sixth printing 1990), pp. 355-360.
CHRISTIAN REFORMATION TODAY
Issue #21 January/Feb., 1992.
STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS
4710 - 37A Ave. Edmonton, AB Canada T6L 3T5
WRITE SWRB FOR A FREE CATALOGUE OF
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RECOMMENDED READING REGARDING THE
WESTMINSTER FAMILY OF DOCUMENTS:
The History of the Westminster Assembly by William
H. Hetherington (SWRB).
The Works of George Gillespie (2 vol. SWRB).
The Minutes of the Sessions of the Westminster
Assembly of Divines Edited by A. F. Mitchell & John
Struthers (SWRB).
The Harmony of Protestant Confessions first compiled
by Beza, Daneau, and Salnar--revised and enlarged by Peter Hall. .
An Exposition of the Confession of Faith by Robert
Shaw (Christian Focus Publications).
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
REFORMED PRESBYTERY
Auchensaugh Renovation of the National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant; with the Acknowledgement of Sins and Engagement to Duties as they were Renewed at Auchensaugh in 1712... Also the Renovation of These Public Federal Deeds Ordained at Philadelphia, Oct. 8, 1880, By the Reformed Presbytery, With Accommodation of the Original Covenants, in Both Transactions, to their Times and Positions Respectively (1880 ed.)
"In 1712, at Auchensaugh, the Covenants, National and Solemn League, were renewed... At the renewal the covenant bonds were recognized as binding the descendants of those who first entered into those bonds. The Covenanters, however, sought to display the true intent of those Covenants with marginal notes. These notes explained that the Church of Jesus Christ, in Scotland (and around the world), must not join hands with any political power in rebellion to the crown rights of King Jesus. The Covenanters pledged the Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church to the support of lawful magistracy (i.e. magistracy which conformed itself to the precepts of God's Word) and declared themselves and their posterity against support of any power, in Church or State, which lacked biblical authority." (From "About the Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church" P.O. Box 131, Pottstown, PA 19464). An excellent introduction (historical and moral) regarding the reasons, motives and manner of fulfilling the duty of covenanting with God. Especially helpful concerning the Biblical view of the blessings (for covenant-keepers) and cursings (for covenant breakers) related to covenanting. As noted on page 37, "the godly usually in times of great defection from the purity and power of religion, and corruption of the ordinances of God's worship, set about renewing their covenant, thereby to prevent covenant curses, and procure covenant blessing; as we find both in scripture record, 2 Chron. 15:12-13; 29:10; 34:30-31; Ezra 10:3, and in our own ecclesiastical history." Times like ours certainly call for a revival of the Scriptural ordinance of covenanting, for "[t]he nations throughout Christendom, continue in league with Antichrist and give their strength to the beast. They still refuse to profess and defend the true religion in doctrine, worship, government and discipline, contrary to the example of the kingdoms of Scotland, England and Ireland in the seventeenth century" (p. 136 in this book).
(Rare bound photocopy) $19.95-70%=5.99
WAGNER, MICHAEL G.
Paleopresbyterianism Versus Neopresbyterianism (1996)
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 easily shake the prevalent neopresbyterian establishment (PCA, OPC, etc.) to its very core.
(Bound photocopy) $7.95-70%=2.39
REFORMED PRESBYTERY
Act, Declaration, And Testimony, For The Whole Of The Covenanted Reformation, As Attained To, And Established In, Britain and Ireland; Particularly Betwixt The Years 1638 and 1649, Inclusive. As, Also, Against All The Steps Of Defection From Said Reformation, Whether In Former Or Later Times, Since The Overthrow Of That Glorious Work, Down To This Present Day (1876)
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) and exposes her enemies actions (e.g. the Prelacy of Laud; the Independency, sectarianism, covenant breaking and ungodly toleration set forth by the likes of Cromwell [and the Independents that conspired with him]; the Erastianism and civil sectarianism of William of Orange, etc.). It is not likely that you will find a more consistent working out of the principles of Calvinism anywhere. Deals with the most important matters relating to the individual, the family, the church and the state. Sets forth a faithful historical testimony of God's dealings with men during some of the most important days of church history. A basic text that should be mastered by all Christians.
$19.95-70%=5.99
DiLELLA, FRED
Aletheia
Aletheia is the Greek word for TRUTH and this book is addressed specifically tois ekezetousi ten aletheian (i.e. to those who are diligently seeking the truth). It explains why the modern church is in such a mess, why it seems so powerless, and why there is little visible unity (or even a general consensus as to what the Scripture teaches) among Christians in our contemporary setting. It also demonstrates that this has not always been the case by tracing the "footsteps of the flock" in opposition to the group that led to the major defections from Reformation attainments (which almost all contemporary churches have followed). This defection is shown to have brought God's covenant curse not only upon the church, but upon the defecting nations also -- and this curse still hangs over our (corporate) heads today. DiLella explains the basis of covenanting and proves from Scripture that covenants entered into by our forefathers (such as the Solemn League and Covenant) on behalf of the moral person (i.e. the constituted and ongoing government, whether civil or ecclesiastical; cf. David Scott's rare bound photocopy Distinctive Principles of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, pp. 70, 195f., 285f.) continue in force to this day. Furthermore, he shows how the Protesters (Covenanters) and their battle in the seventeenth century with the Resolutioners, is still impacting both the church and the state because of the very bonds that were transacted (in that day) between the Covenanting churches or nations and God. This is used to prove why God has a controversy with the backslidden modern church and with contemporary Christ rejecting nations, who have not repented of these national sins of "truce-breaking." DiLella pays special attention to the United States (as a covenant breaking nation) and those churches which trace their roots to the Reformation. In one section it is shown how America's British roots morally obligate the USA (and Canada) to the Solemn League and Covenant. In fact, it is noted that "in Boston, in 1644, the colonists with uplifted hands en masse publicly and solemnly swore their oath of subscription to the Solemn League and Covenant." Moreover the colonist's ministers often preached of this obligation and even the USA congress, as late as 1744, "officially announced and laid claim to all their rights, privileges, and provisions as English citizens." Anyone familiar with Scripture will understand how covenants bind posterity, even if they are just transactions between man and man, much less man and God, as these British covenants were (which still bind both the USA and Canada by virtue of our British roots). "Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto" (Gal. 3:15). This is further illustrated in the following quotation from the Reformed Presbyterian Catechism (by William Roberts, see the whole chapter "The Duty of Covenanting, and the Permanent Obligation of Religious Covenants" for more proof), "Another instance in which posterity is recognized in covenant obligation is found in Joshua 9:15. This covenant was made between the children of Israel and the Gibeonites. Between four and five hundred years after that time, the children of Israel are visited with a very severe famine, in the days of David. 2 Sam. 21:1. And it is expressly declared by the Lord that, "It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites." And at the same time, v. 2, that very covenant is recognized, and the breach of it is stated, as being the formal reason of the divine displeasure. Now, had it not been for this covenant, the extirpation of the Gibeonites would not have been imputed to Israel as a thing criminal; for they were comprehended in Canaanitish nations, which God had commanded them to root out" (pp. 139-140). The ongoing "moral personality" of the state (or church) is also illustrated throughout Scripture when national leaders (and prophets) confess the sins of their fathers and attribute these sins to the then present wrath of God upon the corporate entity [as with Judah's great Reforming king, Josiah, in 2 Chron. 34:21; see also Neh. 9:2, Dan. 9:16, etc.]). Of course the book deals with much more (including democracy vs. theocracy, tolerationism vs. the first commandment, unity vs. schism, establishments vs. voluntaryism, real subscription [to the WCF] vs. false and truncated subscription, pretended liberty of conscience vs. biblical liberty of conscience, the bride of Christ vs. the whore of Babylon, true worship vs. idolatry, Cromwell vs. the Covenanters, the revolution [of 1688] vs. covenanted uniformity, etc.). Originally written as a modern Covenanter's plea to a minister that was leaving the PCA, this is an easy reading, yet most valuable and practical, look at history and the truth of Christ as it comes to bear directly upon each one of us alive today. It is a one-of-a-kind, modern writing, overflowing with Scriptural and historic proof for each assertion, and we consider it one of the most important books written in this century!
(Rare bound photocopy) $14.95 - 67% = 4.93 (US funds)
McFEETERS, J.C.
Sketches of the Covenanters
Stirring accounts of sacrifice and martyrdom for the Reformed Faith that will bring tears to eyes of all but the backslidden. Follows the chain of events which gave Scotland two Reformations and a Revolution. Knox, the National Covenant, the Westminster Assembly, the Field Meetings, and much more is covered. The history of great battles for Christ and His royal rights are recounted in this moving history book. Sheds much light upon the warfare with the dragon for true liberty. One of our best history books, highly recommended!
(Rare bound photocopy) $39.95-75%=9.99 (US funds)
ROBERTS, WILLIAM L.
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 and Ultimate Authority of the Word of God in the Church;" Civil Government, the Moral Ordinance of God;" Christ's Headship over the Nations;" "The Subjection of the Nations to God and to Christ;" The Word, or Revealed Will of God, the Supreme Law in the State;" "The Duty of Nations, in their National Capacity, to acknowledge and support the True Religion:" "The Spiritual Independence of the Church of Christ:" "The Right and Duty of Dissent from an immoral Constitution of Civil Government;" "The Duty of Covenanting, and the Permanent Obligations of Religious Covenants;" "The Application of these Principles to the Governments, where Reformed Presbyterians reside, in the form of a Practical Testimony;" and finally "Application of the Testimony to the British Empire." 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 the breast of kings" (Isa. 60:16).
(Rare bound photocopy) $29.95-70%=8.99 (US funds)
RUTHERFORD, SAMUEL
The Covenant of Life Opened: or, A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace (1655 edition.)
(Rare Bound Photocopy) $199.95-90%=19.99
RUTHERFORD, SAMUEL
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 unsurpassed Lex Rex, his Free Disputation should not be overlooked -- for it contains the same searing insights as Lex Rex. In fact, this book should probably be known as Rutherford's "politically incorrect" companion volume to Lex Rex. A sort of sequel aimed at driving pluralists and antinomians insane. Written against "the Belgick Arminians, Socinians, and other Authors contending for lawlesse liberty, or licentious Tolerations of Sects and Heresies," Rutherford explains the undiluted Biblical solution to moral relativism, especially as it is expressed in ecclesiastical and civil pluralism! (Corporate pluralism being a violation of the first commandment and an affront to the holy God of Scripture). He also deals with conscience, toleration, penology (punishment), and the judicial laws, as related to both the civil and ecclesiastical realms. Excellent sections are also included which address questions related to determining the fundamentals of religion, how covenants bind us, the perpetual obligation of social covenants (with direct application to the Solemn League and Covenant and the covenant-breaking of Cromwell and his sectarian supporters), whether the punishing of seducing teachers be persecution of conscience, and much more. Walker adds these comments and context regarding Rutherford's Free Disputation, "The principle of toleration was beginning to be broached in England, and in a modified shape to find acceptance there. Samuel Rutherford was alarmed, or rather, I should say, he was horrified, for he neither feared the face of man or argument. He rushed to the rescue of the good old view... It is not so easy to find a theoretical ground for toleration; and Rutherford has many plausible things to say against it. With the most perfect confidence, he argues that it is alike against Scripture and common sense that you should have two religions side by side. It is outrageous ecclesiastically, it is sinful civilly. He does not, however, take what I call the essentially persecuting ground. He does not hold that the magistrate is to punish religion as religion. Nay, he strongly maintains that the civil magistrate never aims at the conscience. The magistrate, he urges, does not send anyone, whether a heretic (who is a soul murderer--RB) or a murderer, to the scaffold with the idea of producing conversion or other spiritual result, but to strengthen the foundations of civil order. But if he gives so much power to the king, he is no lover of despotism withal: the king himself must be under law. To vindicate this great doctrine is the object of another book, the celebrated Lex Rex; of which it has been said by one competent to judge, that it first clearly developed the constitutionalism which all men now accept" (Theology and Theologians..., pp. 11-12). In our day Francis Schaeffer, and numerous others, have critiqued many of the problems found in modern society, but most have spent little time developing explicitly Biblical solutions -- especially regarding the theoretical foundations that Rutherford addresses here. Rutherford's Free Disputation provides a detailed blueprint for laying the foundations that must be laid before any lasting, God-honoring solutions will be found. Furthermore, Rutherford and his writings were the enemies of all governments not covenanted with Christ. This book will give you a very clear picture as to why "the beast" (civil and ecclesiastical) has reserved his special hatred for such teaching. As Samuel Wylie noted "[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 blasphemous, heretical, and idolatrous abomination which the subtle malignity of the old serpent and a heart deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, can frame and devise, should be put on an equal footing therewith" (Two Sons of Oil: or, The Faithful Witness For Magistracy and Ministry Upon a Scriptural Basis, softcover). Can our generation swallow Rutherford's hard, anti-pluralistic, Covenanter medicine, poured forth from the bottle of the first commandment, without choking on their carnal dreams of a free and righteous society divorced from God (and His absolute claims upon everyone and everything)? Not without the enabling power of the Holy Spirit -- that is for sure! In summary, this book answers all the hardest questions theonomists (and their wisest and best opponents) have been asking for the last 20-30 years (and these answers are much more in depth than any we have seen in the last couple of millennia [less about a century to account for the apostles]). As the reader will discover, Rutherford was a wealthy man when it came to wisdom (and much advanced theologically), and those who take the time to gaze into the King's treasure house, as exhibited in this book, will find that they are greatly rewarded. Furthermore, because of its uncompromising stand upon the Word of God, this book is sure to be unpopular among a wicked and adulterous generation. However, on the other hand, it is sure to be popular among the covenanted servants of King Jesus! This is one of the best books (in the top five anyway) for advanced study of the Christian faith. We have now obtained an easy-to-read, amazingly clear copy of this very rare, old treasure. Great price too, considering that a copy of the 1649 edition, containing this quality of print, would likely cost upwards of $1000 on the rare book market -- though it is unlikely you would ever see a copy for sale!
(Rare Bound Photocopy) $199.95-90%=19.99
CUNNINGHAM, JOHN
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 Reformed 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 of 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 found 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... Furnished 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 that 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 exhaustively 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 attainments 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 everyone who calls upon the name of Christ.
(Rare bound photocopy) $49.95-70%=14.99
HOUSTON, THOMAS
(NEW!) 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 notes 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 manifestation 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 sanction 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 constantly 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 aspect 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.
(Rare bound photocopy) $9.95-60%=3.98
MURRAY, MATTHEW
(NEW!) 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 "nursing 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 and 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 nation), 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 the 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 introduction 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).
(Rare bound photocopy) $9.95-70%=2.99