Our
opinion is confirmed by various reasons. The first is drawn from the condition
of the church under the Old Testament, under which it is evident that she was
not rarely obscured and destitute of all splendor (which can easily be
demonstrated by her various intervals). Who can deny that she was without
splendor before the flood, when all flesh had corrupted its way (Gen. 6:12),
and in the flood when reduced to eight souls, she was included in the ark? In
the time of Abraham before his call from Ur of the Chaldees, she lay concealed
in a paternal family given to idolatry (Jos. 24:1, 2). What was the splendor of
the church in Egypt, where she was so long a captive without any form either of
a state or of a sacred ministry? What was her splendor under the judges, when
after the death of Joshua the Israelites, having left the God of their fathers,
went after other gods (Jdg. 2:7; 3:8, 12), concerning which times Azariah says,
"Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without
a teaching priest, and without law" (2 Ch. 15:3)? What appearance and
splendor did the church have in the time of Elijah, when he thought that he was
left alone to worship God (1 K. 19:10); God in the meantime consoling him with
this-that he had preserved seven thousand believers known to himself alone who
had not bowed the knee to Baal? What splendor had the Jewish church under Ahaz,
Manasseh, Ammon and other wicked kings under whom the sacrifice was interrupted
by law, the gates of the temple closed, an altar built after the form of those
of Damascus by Uriah the high priest and idolatry introduced everywhere (as we
read in 2 K. 16:11, 12, 14; 2 Ch. 28:3, 4, 24, 25)? And if we come down to the
Babylonian captivity, where was the splendor of the church after the city had
been razed, the temple polluted, the sacred vessels taken away, sacrifice
abolished, the worship of God interrupted (which could not be performed except
at Jerusalem) and the people brought into the most direful servitude? Hence the
pious most mournfully lamented that the prophets and all the signs had been
taken away (Ps. 74:9). In fine, what appearance and prominence could the church
have had under the most dreadful persecutions of Antiochus and his successors,
mentioned in the book of Maccabees and by Josephus (JW 1.30-40 [Loeb,
2:16-23]). In that time, Paul says believers "were stoned...were slain
with the sword...being destitute...tormented, they wandered about in sheepskins
and goatskins; in deserts, and in mountains and in caves of the earth"
(Heb. 11:37, 38).
All titles below available
from Still Waters Revival Books at: http://www.swrb.com/pcopy/photoc.htm.
"The Reformed View of Schism" by Andrew
Clarkson
The Reformers often said "that to avoid
schism we must separate." This should give the perceptive reader some
indication of how badly misunderstood the biblical teaching regarding schism
and separation (which should be differentiated in many ways) has become in our
day. Sadly, some of the most anti-Reformed work on this subject has been
written by contemporary individuals, who, though calling themselves Reformed,
"understand neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm" (1 Tim.
1:7)should contribute much to
correcting the promotion of unbiblical ecumenism and place this doctrine back
on its Scriptural foundation -- which was recovered during the Reformation.
Clarkson cites Beza, Rutherford, Gillespie, Dickson, Durham, McWard
(Rutherford's "disciple"), Marshal, Watson, Owen, Burroughs, and many
others, while defending the truth about schism. Objections brought against the
Reformation view of schism are also carefully answered. This is probably the
single best short treatment of this subject. Free at: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Schism.htm
Other Related
Reformation Resources:
Westminster Confession of Faith Super Sale
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/westminster-confession.htm
Covenanter Sale
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/covenanter-books.htm
Puritan Bookshelf CD Series Super Sale
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/puritan-bookshelf-CDs.htm
Reformation Bookshelf CD Series Super Sale
http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/reformation-bookshelf-CDs.htm
Doctrinal Integrity: The Utility and Importance of
Creeds and Confessions and Adherence to Our Doctrinal Standards by Samuel Miller
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 ])
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!
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
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 John
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 salient points of the controversy (and
disciplinary actions) between Wilson and Barrow in their actual email debates!.
These debates are also a classic example of the differences that 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 not 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). Free at: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Saul.htm
Why the PCA is Not a Duly Constituted
Church and Why Faithful Christians Should Separate from this Corrupted
"Communion"
Two letters from Larry Birger, Jr. to the
session of his former congregation in the PCA, with an historical introduction.
Birger states, "This work is emitted by way of testimony against the
defections from the reformation of the true religion granted by God in ages
past, in hopes of playing some small part in the edification of God's people
currently languishing under such defected and defecting denominations." It
spotlights the differences between classic Presbyterian thought
(paleopresbyterianism) and what today is but a pale imitation
(neopresbyterianism) of the Reformation attainments that have been won (at the
cost of much suffering and many lives) in the past. This is a good practical
introduction to ecclesiology, testimony-bearing, and second Reformation
thought.
An Informatory Vindication (1687)
"Informatory Vindication (1687), a
statement of principles issued by the Society People (see Societies, United)
during James VII's reign. Prepared mainly by James Renwick, latterly in
consultation with Alexander Shields, it was published in Utrecht. Its full
title reflects something of the contents: 'An Informatory Vindication of a Poor
Wasted Misrepresented Remnant of the Suffering Anti-Popish Anti-Prelatic
Anti-Erastian Anti-Sectarian True Presbyterian Church of Christ in Scotland
united together in a General Correspondence. By Way of Reply to Various
Accusations in Letters Informations and Conferences given forth against them.' It
refuted charges brought against the 'Remnant' of schism (in their eyes a great
evil)... The Vindication mourned the
estrangement from other Presbyterians who had accepted the government's
Indulgences or Edicts of Toleration, and expressed love for them as
fellow-ministers 'with whom again we would desire to have communion in
ordinances'. The separation had been forced upon the Society People by the
tyranny and temper of the times, but it did not affect their position as being
in the succession of the historic Kirk of Scotland. The document aimed to clear
away the hostility and misunderstanding about them that had grown up in
Scotland and Holland." (Cameron, ed., Dictionary of Scottish Church
History and Theology [1993], p. 429)
"In proof of the catholic, unsectarian, Christian spirit of Renwick and
his followers, the clear statements of the INFORMATORY VINDICATION, the work
which most fully and clearly defines their position, may be referred to... In these noble utterances, we have strikingly
exemplified the true spirit of Christian brotherhood... This is the genuine
import of the vow of the Solemn League and Covenant, which binds Covenanters to
regard whatever is done to the least of them, as done to all and to every one
in particular. While firmly holding fast all Scriptural attainments, and contending "earnestly for the faith once
delivered to the saints," we should cordially rejoice in the evidences of
grace in Christ's servants wherever we find them. We should love them as
brethren, fulfil the law of Christ by bearing their burdens, wish them God
speed in all that they are doing for the advancement of His glory, and
fervently labour and pray for the coming of the happy period when divisions and
animosities shall cease, and when there shall be one King, and His name one in
all the earth. The testimony of Renwick and his associates is of permanent
value and of special importance in our day, as it was directed against systems
of error and idolatry, which serve to corrupt the Church and enslave the State. Against Popery in every form Renwick was a heroic
and uncompromising witness. At the peril of life, he publicly testified against
the usurpation of the papist James, and rejected him as having no claim to be
regarded as a constitutional sovereign, and as utterly disqualified to reign in
a Protestant reformed land. This was the main ground of his objection against
James' toleration, for which the Indulged ministers tendered obsequious thanks
to the usurper. Yet this edict of toleration was issued for the purpose of
opening the way for the practice of Rome's abominations, and for the
advancement of papists to places of power and trust in the nation. None of
the Cameronians would, for any earthly consideration, even to save their lives,
for a moment admit that a papist had any right to exercise political power in a
reformed land. Our martyred
forefathers we regard as worthy of high respect and imitation, for their deeply
cherished dread of the growing influence of Popery, and for their determined
resistance to its exclusive and extravagant claims. The system of Popery is the
abnegation of all precious gospel truth; and is a complete politico-religious
confederacy against the best interests of a Protestant nation. The boast of its
abettors is that it is semper eadem
-- ever the same. Rome cannot reform herself from within, and she is incapable
of reformation from external influences and agencies. The Bible never speaks
of Antichrist as to be reformed, but as waxing worse and worse till the time
when he shall be completely subverted and irrecoverably destroyed. Whatever changes may be going on in some Popish
countries, whereby the power of the Papacy is weakened, it is evident that the
principles and spirit of the Romish priesthood, and of those who are under
their influence, remain unchanged. The errors of the Antichristian system,
instead of being diminished, have of late years increased. Creature worship has
become more marked and general. The Immaculate Conception has been proclaimed
by Papal authority as the creed of Romanism. In these countries, and some other
Protestant lands, the influence of Popery in government and education, and so
on the whole social system, has been greatly on the increase. Among those who
have most deeply studied inspired prophecy, there is a general expectation that
the period of Babylon's downfall is hastening on, and is not far distant. There
is a general presentiment too, that the Man of Sin, prior to his downfall, will
make some dire and violent attempt through his infatuated followers against the
truth, and against such as faithfully maintain it. The 'Slaying of the Witnesses,"
-- which we are disposed to regard as yet future-may take place, not so much by
the actual shedding of blood, though it is plain that Jesuit policy and
violence will not hesitate to re-enact former persecution and massacre, to
accomplish a desired purpose. It may mainly be effected, as Scott, the
expositor, suggests, by silencing the voice of a public testimony in behalf of
fundamental truths throughout Christendom; and of this there are at present
unmistakable signs not a few, throughout the churches in various countries. The
Protestant church in all its sections should be thoroughly awake to its danger
from the destructive errors, idolatry and power of its ancient irreconcilable
enemy; and should, by all legitimate means, labour to counteract and nullify
its political influence. The ministry and the rising youth of the church should
study carefully the Popish controversy, and should be intimately acquainted
with the history of the rise and progress of the Papacy -- its assumed
blasphemous power -- its accumulated errors and delusions, and its plots,
varied persecutions and cruel butcheries of Christ's faithful witnesses. Above
all, they should set themselves earnestly, prayerfully and perseveringly to
diffuse the Bible and Gospel light in the dark parts of their native country,
and among Romanists in other lands. By embracing fully and holding fast, in
their practical application, the principles of the British Covenants, and by
imbibing the spirit of covenanted martyrs -- men like Renwick and the Cameronians,
we will be prepared for the last conflict with Antichrist. The firm and
faithful maintenance of a martyr-testimony will be a principle instrument of
the victory of truth over the error and idolatry of Rome. 'They overcame him by
the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony; and they loved not
their lives unto the death,' (Rev. 12:11.) Finally -- the testimony of Renwick
is valuable, as throwing light on great evils connected with systems of civil
government, and with Protestant churches, and as pointing out clearly the duty
of faithful witnesses in relation to them. Two great principles -- the one
doctrinal, and the other practical, were essential to it, or rather constituted
its whole specialty. These were -- first -- that, according to the national
vows, and the reformation attainments, the whole civil polity of the nation
should be conformed to the Scriptures, -- and secondly, the positive duty of
distinct separation from whatever systems in the state and church that are
opposed to entire allegiance to Messiah the Prince" (Houston, The Life of James Renwick, pp. 52-55). "Some of them, particularly in
Scotland, loved not their lives unto death for the word of God, and for the
testimony which they held. Rev. vi. 9. These refused to have communion in
public ordinances not only with prelatical ministers, but even with the
acceptors of indulgences or licenses from the civil power, to exercise their
ministry under certain limitations.
The Informatory Vindication,
which certainly contains the genuine principles of church communion, held by
the sufferers for the cause of Christ in that period, declares, that they could
by no means own or countenance the administrations of the indulged ministers;
because they considered the indulgence, in any of the forms in which it was
granted by the civil power, as derived from the supremacy claimed by that power
in ecclesiastical matters; as laying the office of the ministry under
unwarrantable restriction; and as tending, in a great measure, to suppress and
bury the covenanted reformation, cf. Informatory Vindication, Head iv."
(Anderson, Alexander and Rufus; or a Series of Dialogues on Church Communion [1862], p. 294) "To the friends of evangelical
truth, and the faithful witnesses for the redeemer's royal prerogatives, the
services of Renwick, at the crisis in which he exercised his public ministry,
were invaluable. He was eminently the man for the time. Through the influence
of the unhappy Indulgence, the strict Covenanters were reduced to what they
style themselves in the Informatory Vindication, a 'wasted, suffering, anti-popish, anti-prelatic,
anti-erastian, anti-sectarian remnant.' By the death of Cargill and Cameron,
they were left as 'sheep without a shepherd,' -- broken and scattered. Through
the fierceness of persecution, and the machinations of enemies, they were in
danger of falling into confusion, and of being entirely wasted and destroyed.
We admire the gracious providence of God in preparing, at this particular
crisis, an instrument of such rare and suitable endowments for feeding 'the
flock in the wilderness,' and for unfurling and upholding so nobly the 'Banner
of truth' amidst hosts of infuriated enemies. James Renwick, though a very
youth when he entered on his arduous work, and trained under great outward
disadvantages, had a powerful and well-cultivated mind. He was endowed with
singular administrative talent, and had great tact and skill in managing men.
He was an acute and logical thinker, an eloquent and attractive public speaker,
and was distinguished by fertility and force as a writer. The Informatory
Vindication -- his testimony against
king James' toleration, with his 'Letters,' and 'Sermons and Lectures,' bear
ample evidence of his sound judgment, comprehensive mind, and ability as an
author. His prudence, meekness and loving disposition, combined with his
sanctified zeal, and heroic courage, deservedly gave him great influence among
those to whom he ministered. He was eminently fitted to be 'a first man among
men.' The Lord held him in the hollow of his hand, and made him a 'polished
shaft in his quiver.' The services which Renwick rendered to the Protestant
cause were invaluable. He organized the scattered remnant, and imparted new
life and ardour to their proceedings. He set forth clearly the principles of
the 'Society people;' and in a number of able and logical papers, clearly
defined their plans of action. He rendered it, in a great measure, impossible
for enemies to misrepresent and accuse them falsely to the Government. He was their Secretary in their correspondence with
foreign churches; and he did much to evoke the prayerful sympathy of
Protestants in other lands in behalf of the victims of persecution in Scotland.
The presence and influence of Renwick among the suffering Presbyterians were of
the highest importance in his own day; and not to them alone, but also to the
whole church of Christ in these lands, and to the constitutional liberties of
the nation. So far as we can see, but for the singular power and devoted
spirit of Renwick, and the firm and unyielding position which the Cameronians
through him were led to assume, the cause of truth would have been completely
borne down, and Erastianism, and Popery, and Despotism had triumphed. Renwick
and his followers were the vanguard 'in the struggle for Britain's liberties,
and for the Church's spiritual independence.' Though, like other patriots born
before their time, they were doomed to fall, yet posterity owes to them a large
part of the goodly heritage which they enjoy. (Houston, The Life of James Renwick [1865], pp. 36-37). Emphases added throughout the
preceding quotations. This is a rare and valuable specimen of Paleopresbyterian
(Covenanter) thought -- don't miss it!
Necessity of Reforming the Church (1544)
C.H. Spurgeon once said, "[t]he longer I
live the clearer does it appear that John Calvin's system is the nearest to
perfection." (cited in Christian History magazine, Vol. 5, No. 4).
Credenda Agenda reviewed this book stating, "the relevance of Calvin's
book today is exceptional. Apart from the grace of God, the human heart never
changes. Men have always loved external religion, and unless God saves them,
they always will. But God demands heart religion... His writing is relevant
because the church today is in dire need of a similar reformation and revival.
Like Calvin, some few believers today see 'the present condition of the
Church... to be very miserable, and almost desperate.' Our context is different
in one key respect however. The church needing reformation in Calvin's day was
the tradition-encrusted church of Rome. Shortly after the Reformation, for
those leaving Rome behind, two streams became apparent. One was the stream of
classical Protestant orthodoxy, represented today by a handful of Gideons in
their desktop publishing winevats. The other was the left wing of the
Reformation - the anabaptist movement. In the early years, the anabaptists were
suffering outsiders. But today the anabaptist church is the Establishment - an
establishment governed by a chaos of traditions instead of biblical worship.
Everywhere we look we see Christians approaching God with observances in
worship which Calvin calls 'the random offspring of their own brain.'"
Though this work is not an elaborate systematic presentation of the foundations
of Christianity, such as Calvin's Institutes, it has still been correctly
acknowledged as one of the most important documents of the Reformation. Calvin
here pleads the cause dearest to his heart before an assembly perhaps the most
august that Europe could have furnished in that day. It has been said that the
animated style used by Calvin in this work would not lose by comparison with
any thing in the celebrated "Dedication" prefixed to his Institutes.
To this day, The Necessity of Reforming the Church remains a powerful weapon,
both defensive and offensive, to fight the contemporary battle for
Protestantism - the everlasting gospel of truth. Here, in our modern setting,
we find the answers to many of the vexing questions which continue to agitate the
Church. Free at: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/NRC_ch00.htm
Concerning Close Communion
An strong little book that should be considered
by all those seeking the purity and peace of the church. Holds to the strict
old covenanted Presbyterian position. Justifies the maintaining of the separate
existence of a denomination that will faithfully testify against sin, and the
excluding from the Lord's table those that do not so testify. Gives numerous
examples of backsliding in regard to specific truths of Scripture. Proclaims
that "the Word of God teaches unequivocally that the Commandments are
equally binding." This includes the first commandment as it relates to
Christ's Kingship over the nations (and dissent from immoral civil governments
which will not recognize and obey Christ as King and law giver); and the second
commandment concerning purity of worship (as against "all devising,
counselling, using, and any wise approving, any religious worship not
instituted by God Himself," such as the use of songs other than the Psalms
and the Popish use of musical instruments in public worship). Maintains that
violation of these commandments are grounds for barring a person from the
Lord's table. Shows how close communion is nothing more than the old
Presbyterian view, in keeping with the Westminster Confession of Faith and John
Calvin when he stated "We are only contending about the true and lawful
constitution of the church, required in the communion not only of the
sacraments (which are the signs of profession) but also especially of
doctrine" (John Calvin, Institutes 2.12). Also includes an excellent discussion of essentials and
non-essentials, as they relate to the Lord's supper and salvation. The best
short book on the Lord's supper that we have seen. Written by an RPCNA minister
in large easy-to-read type.
An
Explanation and Defence of the Terms of Communion, Adopted by the Community of
Dissenters, etc.
Defends the inescapable necessity of creeds and
confessions, while promoting a fully creedal church membership. Shows how the
law of God obliges all Christians "to think the same things, and to speak
the same things; holding fast the form of sound words, and keeping the
ordinances as they have been delivered to us" (Col. 3:13). After laying
some basic groundwork, this book proceeds to defend the six points of the
"Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion Agreed Upon by the Reformed
Presbytery." These six points are the most conservative and comprehensive
short statements of consistent Presbyterianism you will likely ever see.
Besides the obvious acknowledgement of the alone infallible Scriptures, the
Westminster Standards, and the divine right of Presbyterianism, these points
also maintain the perpetual obligation of our Covenants, National and Solemn
League, the Renovation of these covenants at Auchensaugh in 1712, and the
Judicial Act, Declaration and Testimony emitted by the Reformed Presbytery. In short,
this book sets forth adherence to the whole of the covenanted reformation, in
both church and state, as it has been attained by our covenanting forefathers.
Still Waters Revival Books,
4710-37A Ave., Edmonton, AB, Canada T6L 3T5
(Reformation resources at great discounts!)
E-mail: swrb AT swrb.com
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catalogue!
Concerning
Close Communion by W. J. McKnight
Sketches
of the Covenanters (1913) by J. C. McFeeters
The Atonement of Christ by Francis Turretin