George Gillespie - Solemn League and Covenant - Puritan
Hard Drive - Westminster
Confession, Assembly and Divines
First
of all, that I may rightly deduce and state the matter of fact, it is to be
remembered:-
That the solemn
league and covenant hath been the strongest band of union in this common
cause of religion and liberty, and that which the common enemies have mainly
endeavoured with all their might to overthrow:
That the chief motive to engage Scotland
was professed to be the reformation of religion, and uniformity according to
the covenant:
That the league and treaty between the two
kingdoms is in pursuance of the ends of the covenants, and that we should never
lay down arms till these were obtained:
That, by order of parliament, the covenant
was turned in Latin, and sent abroad to the reformed churches, with letters
from the
Assembly of Divines:
That, upon the former assurances, the
church and kingdom of Scotland, the parliaments of both kingdoms, the Assembly
of Divines, the city of London, and many thousands in England, have taken the
covenant, and have sworn most solemnly that they shall constantly, really and
sincerely, during all the days of their lifetime, with their lives and
fortunes, stand to the performance of it. And both kingdoms have suffered the
loss of their goods, cheerfully laid out their means, and laid down their lives
resolutely in pursuance thereof.
At the treaty of Uxbridge, the
propositions for religion (of which the confirming of the covenant is the first
and chiefest) were acknowledged to be of such excellency and absolute
necessity, as they were appointed to be treated of in the first place, and that
no peace nor agreement should be till they were first agreed unto. The same
propositions for religion are yet set down in the first place among the
propositions sent last to the king, as being agreed unto by the parliaments of
both kingdoms. And now that the king's answer to the propositions is delayed,
the House of Commons have thought fit to turn the propositions into ordinances,
to show their constant resolution of adhering thereto; and that they may be of
greater force, and receive the better obedience from the subjects, have
converted the propositions for civil matters into ordinances; and (that their
zeal and constancy may appear for religion, which is of greatest moment, and
wherein the glory of God and the good of his church is most concerned) it is
desired that the propositions concerning the covenant be likewise turned into
an ordinance, with a considerable penalty: that so we may give some real
evidence that we do not seek the things of this world in the first place, and
the kingdom of heaven, and the righteousness of it, in the last; much less
that, Demas-like, we forsake it as lovers of this present world.
Now the grounds and reasons for such an
ordinance may be these:-
1. It were a great unthankfulness to God,
if, after sacred and solemn vows made in time of our greatest dangers, and
when, after our vows, God hath begun to deliver us, and hath dissipated our
enemies, we should now grow weary of paying and performing those vows. We may
say of the covenant as the prophet said of the laying of the foundation of the
second temple, Consider whether from that very day God did not sensibly bless
us, and give a testimony from heaven to his own cause and covenant. And now
shall the covenant, which was our glory and ornament before God and men, be
laid aside as a worn or moth-eaten garment? God forbid.
2. If the taking of the solemn
league and covenant be not enjoined by authority of parliaments, under a
penalty, but left arbitrary, this were an opening instead of shutting of the
door unto as many as are apt and inclinable to refuse and oppose the covenant,
yea, to as many as write or speak against it, and maintain opinions or
practices contrary to it. The impiety and obstinacy of such persons, if not
punished, but connived at, or tacitly permitted by the parliaments, involveth
them and the nation as partakers of the sin, and so consequently of the
judgment.
Although the oath which Joshua and the
princes of Israel made to the Gibeonites was made unadvisedly, and without
asking counsel from the mouth of the Lord, yet, some hundred years after, being
broken, that breach brought a national judgment, till justice was done upon the
offenders. How much more may a national judgment be feared, if even in our days
the contempt and violation of a most lawful and sacred oath be winked at?
Surely God will not wink at their sin who wink at his dishonour. Better not to
have vowed than not to pay and perform.
3. When king
Josiah made a solemn covenant (the effect whereof was a thorough
reformation, the taking away of the ancient and long-continued high places, the
destroying of Baal's vessels, altars, priests, &c. 2 Kings xxiii.,
throughout), he did not leave his covenant arbitrary; but "he caused all
that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it," 2 Chron.
xxxiv. 32. In all which he is set forth as a precedent to Christian reformers,
that they may know their duty in like cases.
5. The vow and protestation was not left
arbitrary; for by the vote, July 30, 1641, it was resolved upon the question,
that whosoever would not take that protestation are declared to be unfit to
bear any office in the church or state, which was accordingly published. But
the solemn
league and covenant must be at least more effectual than the protestation,
for the narrative, or preface of the covenant, holdeth forth the necessity of
the same as a more effectual means to be used after other means of
supplication, remonstrance, and protestation.
6. This same solemn league and covenant
was not in the beginning left arbitrary, for some members were suspended from
the house for not taking it. And in the ordinance, Feb. 2, 1643, it is ordained
and enjoined, that it be solemnly taken in all places throughout the kingdom of
England, and dominion of Wales. And withal, in the instructions and orders of
parliament then sent into the committees, it was appointed that the names of
such as refuse it should be returned to the parliament, that they may take such
further course with them as they might think fit. In the ordinance of
parliament for ordination of ministers (both the first and last ordinance), the
person to be ordained is appointed and obliged to address himself to the
presbytery, "and bring with him a testimony of his taking the covenant of
the three kingdoms." Again, by the ordinance for election of elders, dated
the 19th of August 1645, no member of any congregation may concur or have voice
in the choosing of elders but such as have taken the national covenant.
7. In the first article of the treaty
between the kingdoms, signed Nov. 29, 1643, it is agreed and concluded, that
the covenant be sworn and subscribed by both kingdoms, not that it shall be
taken by as many as will in both kingdoms, but that it shall be taken by both
kingdoms. How shall this be performed if it be still left arbitrary?
8. In the propositions of peace it is
plainly supposed and intimated, that the taking of the covenant shall be
enjoined under some penalty, otherwise we have not dealt faithfully, neither
with God nor man, in tendering that second proposition to the king concerning
his consent to an act of parliament in both kingdoms respectively for the
enjoining the taking of the covenant by all the subjects of the three kingdoms,
with such penalties as, by mutual advice of both kingdoms, shall be agreed
upon.
9. If other propositions of peace be
turned into ordinances, and this of the covenant not so, it will strengthen the
calumnies cast upon the parliament by the malignant party, that they have had
no intention to settle religion according to the covenant, but that they
entered into the covenant for brining in the Scots to their assistance, and for
gaining the good opinion of the reformed churches.
10. It will also be a dangerous precedent
to separate between the legislative power and the corrective or punitive power.
For if after the ordinance of parliament enjoining and ordaining that the
covenant be taken universally throughout the whole kingdom there be no sanction
nor penalty upon those who shall refuse it, let wise men judge whether this may
not expose the authority of parliament to contempt.
11. I shall conclude with this syllogism,
That which is not only sinful in itself, but a great dishonour to God, a great
scandal to the church, and withal a disobedience to the lawful ordinance of
authority, may and ought to be punished by this Christian and reforming
parliament. But their offence which still refuse to take the covenant is not
only sinful in itself, but a great dishonour to God, and great scandal to the
church, and withal a disobedience to the lawful ordinance of authority.
Therefore the offence of those who still
refuse to take the covenant, may and ought to be punished by this Christian and
reforming parliament.
Obj. 1. The covenant ought not to be
compulsory but free. Good things grow evil when men's consciences are thereunto
forced. Ans. 1. An ordinance enjoining the taking of it under a certain penalty
were not other compulsion than was used by king Josiah and others, yea by this
present parliament upon their own members, and upon ministers to be ordained,
as is evident by the passages above expressed. The parliament hath also, by
their ordinance dated the 23d of August 1645, imposed the Directory of Worship
under certain mulets and penalties to be inflicted upon such as do not observe
it, or preach or write against it. 2. It is no tyranny over men's consciences
to punish a great and scandalous sin (such as the refusing and opposing of the
covenant, or a dividing from it), although the offender in his conscience
believe it to be no sin, yea, peradventure, believe it to be a duty, otherwise
it had been tyranny over the conscience to punish those who killed the
apostles, because they thought they were doing God good service, John xvi. 2.
3. If they who make this objection be so tender of men's consciences why would
they keep up an army when there is no enemy, and continue taxes and burdens
upon the exhausted counties which are altogether against the consciences of the
generality of people in the kingdom. If in these things they will have the
conscience of any to be forced, and in the covenant the consciences of some
left at liberty, this is not fair and equal, and it will be generally
apprehended that such men study their own interest more than that of the
public.
Obj. 2. The covenant was occasional and
temporary, being made upon the occasion of the prevalency and growing power of
the enemy (as is mentioned in the narrative), which foundation being taken away
the superstructure cannot stand. Ans. 1. Ex malis moribus bonae nascuntur
leges. Shall we therefore be no
longer bound to obey and maintain good laws, because the evils which gave
occasion to their making have ceased? 2. The covenant doth, in express words,
oblige us constantly, and all the days of our lives, to pursue the ends therein
expressed; so that to hold it but a temporary obligation is a breach of
covenant. 3. There is not any one of the ends of the covenant which is yet
fully attained. The very Directory of Worship is not observed in most places of
the kingdom; neither is the abolition of prelacy, and of the book of Common
Prayer, yet established by act of parliament. 4. If we had attained the ends of
the covenant (which we have not), yet non minor est virtus quam quarere
parta tueri, and the recidivation
may prove worse than the first disease.
Obj. 3. Some things in the covenant are
disputable, for instance, good and learned men differ in their opinions about
prelacy. Ans. 1. The oath of supremacy was much more disputable, and great
disputes there were among good and learned men about it, yet it hath been
imposed upon all members of parliament. 2. If the very materials of the
covenant be stuck at, whether they be good in themselves, there is the greater danger
to leave all men to abound in their own sense, concerning things of the highest
consequence.
Obj. 4. The army which hath served us so
faithfully, and regained our liberties, shall by this ordinance lose their own
greatest liberty, which is the liberty of their consciences. Ans. 1. In the
ordinance and instructions of parliament, dated the 2d Feb. 1643, it was
ordained that the covenant should be speedily sent to my Lord General, and the
Lord Admiral, and all other commanders-in-chief, governors of towns, &c.,
to the end it may be taken by all officers and soldiers under their command. I
hope the parliament did not here take from their army the liberty of their
consciences. 2. The army must either take laws from the parliament, or give
laws to the parliament. If they will, as the parliament's servants, submit
themselves to its ordinances (which hath ever been professed they would do),
then the objection is taken away; but if they will be the parliament's masters
or fellows, and independent of the parliament itself, and at liberty to reject
as they list so good or wholesome an ordinance as the taking of the covenant,
then God have mercy upon us, if the parliament do not preserve their own rights
and privileges, with which the kingdom hath intrusted them. 3. If an ordinance,
imposing the taking of the covenant under a considerable penalty, be to the
army scandalum acceptum, the
not passing of such an ordinance will be scandalum datum to the city of London, and to many thousands of
the godly and well-affected of the kingdom, both ministers and people, who have
faithfully adhered to and served the parliament, and will still hazard their
lives and fortunes in pursuance of the ends of the covenant; yea, a horrible
scandal to the reformed churches abroad, whose hearts were once comforted and
raised up to expect better things. 4. God forbid there be any such in the
houses of parliament as would admit of deformation instead of reformation, and
all manner of confusion in place of government. Would not this be the ready way
to banish all religion, and open a door for all sorts of schism and heresy? And
shall this be the fruits of the labours, blood and expenses, of the three
kingdoms, in place of reformation and uniformity, to admit of such a liberty
and horrible confusion? Let it not be told in Gath, nor published in Askelon,
least the Philistines rejoice, least the daughters of the uncircumcised
triumph!
Excerpted from the Works of George Gillespie.
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mighty man." He was called malleus Malignantium, 'the hammer of the
Malignants.'" - Woodrow's Analecta.
"George
Gillespie was one of the greatest theologians of all time — almost
singlehandedly steering, by God's grace, the Westminster Assembly at on a
number of vital points." - Dr. Reg Barrow.
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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, Dr. Reg Barrow, Dr. 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
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The
Works of George Gillespie (2 vol.)
Gillespie was one of the Scottish
commissioners to the Westminster Assembly. One of the great theologians of all
time ó almost singlehandedly steering this august Assembly at certain points.
As Hetherington notes, "in all those debates no person took a more active
part, or gained more distinction than George Gillespie," though he was the
youngest man there. Furthermore, Hetherington calls him a "genius of the
highest order," and writes that his work "dazzled and astonished his
countrymen." He "held an undisputed position among the foremost of
the distinguished men by whose talents and energy the Church of Scotland was
delivered from the prelatic despotism" of that day. This rare work
contains Gillespie's per-sonal notes during the Westminster Assembly and A
Dispute Against English Popish Ceremonies. A Dispute Against English Popish
Ceremonies is a rare classic on Reformed worship, taking on all the arguments
related to the use of man-made ceremonies in worship. Burned by the Prelates
(Episcopalians) just after it first appeared in 1637, this masterful defense of
the regulative principle has yet to be answered (by those that oppose God's
sovereignty in worship). It ably, and in a detailed manner, refutes the old
errors of Prelacy and Romanism ó many of which are being resurrected in our day
by writers like James Jordan (and others abandoning historic Presbyterian [i.e.
Biblical] worship). Gillespie's practical "Treatise of Miscellany
Questions," contains 22 chapters. Topics dealt with range from: whether
prophets and prophesying continued beyond the primitive church (answered in the
negative); whether a sound heart and an unsound head can consist together; what
are heresies and what is their purpose; are infants to be baptized; should the
civil government attach a negative sanction to not swearing to the Solemn
League and Covenant (against one aspect of Theonomy); etc. These Works also
contains a memoir of Gillespie's life and writings, written by Hetherington, Gillespie's
sermons before the house of commons, and much more!
Wholesome Severity Reconciled With Christian
Liberty, or, The True Resolution of a Present Controversy Concerning Liberty of
Conscience (1644)
One of our most rare and valuable resources.
A masterpiece! Wholesome Severity was written during the sitting of the
Westminster Assembly and demonstrates why Gillespie is considered one of the
most influential Divines of the seventeenth century. Here we have the question
stated (regarding liberty of conscience), the middle (or biblical) way between
Popish tyranny and Schismatizing liberty approved, and also confirmed from
Scripture, with the testimonies of Divines, yea of whole churches added to
vindicate Christ's kingship (over the idolatry of the rule of an ill-informed,
sinful conscience sitting in judgement upon the truth of the Word of God). The
chief arguments of exception used in (Roger Williams) The Bloudy Tenet, The
Compassionate Samaritane, M.S. to A.S. etc. are examined herein and Gillespie
also deals with many of the thorny questions related to the abiding validity of
the Old Testament judicial laws. Eight distinctions are added for qualifying and
clearing the whole matter. In conclusion, a moving brotherly appeal is
addressed to the five Apologists (Independents at the Assembly) for choosing
accommodation rather then toleration. This is classic Scottish (covenanted)
Presbyterianism at its best, a work that can be read over and over with
increasing profit! This exceedingly rare essay is not found in Gillespie's
Works or The Presbyterian Armoury, however it is also available on two
cassettes for $4.77.
Aaron's Rod Blossoming; or, the Divine
Ordinance of Church Government Vindicated
The remainder of the title reads: "So as
the Present Erastian Controversy Concerning the Distinction of Civil and
Ecclesiastical Government, Excommunication and Suspension, is Fully Debated and
Discussed, from the Holy Scriptures, for the Jewish and Christian Antiquities,
from the Consent of Later Writers, from the True Nature and Rights of
Magistracy, and from the Groundlessness of the Chief Objections made Against
the Presbyterial Government, in Point of a Domineering Arbitrary Unlimited
Power." In short, this book deals with the biblical view of the separation
of church and state, and is especially pertinent concerning the modern
political climate, in which the old Erastian tree of civil ecclesiastical interference
is growing strong and spreading much poisonous fruit. As with just about
everything else Gillespie wrote, this book has been widely recognized as THE
classic in its field. Three major sections cover "Of the Jewish Church
Government;" "Of Christian Church Government;" and "Of
Excommunication from the Church, and of Suspension from the Lord's Table."
Lachman, in his Preface writes, "It presents the classic Reformed point of
view, one now little heard and perhaps less understood. Gillespie writes carefully
and clearly, in many respects resembling the better know John Owen in the
clarity and power of his reasoning." Bannerman states, "This famous
treatise is unquestionably the most able, learned, systematic, and complete
work on the Erastian controversy in existence. It deserves, and will repay, the
most careful study" (The Church of Christ, vol. 2., p. 432). Beattie
(Memorial Volume, p. xxxvi, 1879) called this book, "the ablest plea for
Presbytery ever made."
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!
The Covenant of Life Opened: or, A
Treatise of the Covenant of Grace (1655 edition.)
A exceedingly rare Covenanter classic! These
are deep waters and this title is recommended for those who have already
developed some fair strength in swimming the strong theological currents of the
second Reformation. Containing some of Rutherford's most mature thought, this book was published six years before
Rutherford passed on to glory. Over 350 pages.
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).
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.). 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. This book is also free on
the web at: http://www.covenanter.org/RefPres/actdeclarationandtestimony/acttitle.htm.
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.
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!
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.
Back to George Gillespie (Scottish Commissioner To the Famous
Westminster Assembly) Free Resources - Solemn League and Covenant - George Gillespie