Most worshipful brothers in the Lord,
The letter that was sent to us last year
in the name of the Churches of Zealand, and your kindness shown to us by so
many great services, assures us that we must interpret them as strong witnesses
of the goodwill with the whole of your Belgic Churches towards us. This opinion
has been abundantly confirmed in those things which that most distinguished
knight Sir Archibald Johnston of Warriston, assessor in the supreme Assembly,
not long since informed us of from London. Reporting the order of affairs in
both kingdom and Church he related, in that same National Synod, of your
extraordinary zeal towards us, and especially with what great faith, with what
solicitous diligence you have promoted, and even now continue busy to promote,
our cause (or rather that of the Lord Jesus Christ) as it is now being persued
in London. In which business those delegates, whose names are not all unknown
to you, have happily undertaken the scheme for conciliating a union of the
Britannic Churches. May they, by your help and diligence, soon achieve a
result, of which we have already received by no means obscure indications.
There are these so illustrious testimonies of your kindness, open to such an
extent in the eyes of all good people that no forgetfulness could ever destroy
the memory of them. No one will ever repent of labors undertaken now, and labor
that may be undertaken hereafter, to happily compose and decide the
controversies arising in the London Synod. From the fruit which we have already
seen (through the divine blessing) it is reasonable to hope for all the best
for the future.
To add to this so honourable remembrance
of your kindnesses made by Warriston we have also received a letter from parts
of Northern Ireland signed with many autographs, which makes mention of the
remarkable grace poured out on that church by divine influence, from the time
that they were admitted into the covenant of these kingdoms. Of this divine
blessing we have recently had most ample testimony in the outstanding
generosity the saints in Belgium have showed to them though unknown and
foreign, most loving, and as pricked by a very tender sense of their evils. For
they relieved them in the nick of time, being a very few survivors of the sword
and about to soon die of hunger, being surrounded by all kinds of difficulties.
Not only did they strengthened their inner courage by consoling discourses for
their consolation, urging that proceeding humbly they should wait for God as
their liberator (who is not accustomed to hid His face from the house of Jacob
except for a little while) but they also amply warmed them into life with
generous aid in addition, with corn and other things fit for their easement and
necessary relief, in so great straits. When they strove so much as suppliants
to obtain munificence from God, and you were His agents, so He will pay it back
into your bosoms sevenfold. So we humbly and repeatedly crave, in recognition
of such kindness , that you give our thanks to all the Belgic Churches. This
duty do, for if indeed we failed in our duty we should sin against ourselves,
and most grievously against them.
We acknowledge, therefore, the most
illustrious and most powerful and outstanding kindness of Holland, Zealand and
of the other Belgic classes. With whom not only not turning the blind eye but
supplying provisions (which in itself cannot be considered an ordinary
kindness), but also that your authors wrote with method and reason, so that,
leading by example, collections made throughout your Churches were soon sent to
the relief our Irish brothers. We acknowledge such ready good will and
generosity of the devout in the same Belgic Churches. We acknowledge that such
great kindness has been conferred, not less than our brothers themselves do, in
their own persons speaking on their behalf. And we wish that you, Reverend brothers,
as we will always be prompt to all the actions of a grateful mind, that you
will use your diligence to pass on thanks to your most prayerful Classes in our
name, as is most reasonable to be done. And that you might demonstrate,
moreover, to the people committed to your Christian care, first to all
publicly, next to individuals privately, as the occasion may turn out, how
respectfully we feel almost at one with them, and how much worth we place on
their so outstanding goodwill and charity with which they revived our flesh and
blood, in their consolation of the Irish Churches. What, moreover, have you
been in the past, dearest brothers! With what devout zeal and toil, with what
constant diligence have you carried forward the seed of charity until the sprouting
corn waxed at length into the ripe harvest! We both willingly acknowledge this,
whilst the event speaks for itself, as the excellent harvest fruit bears
witness.
Most especially, however, (which is the
chief point) we, together with the Irish Churches, praise and celebrate the
Author and Bestower of such great grace through you, praying that He may pour
out His Spirit on you all in great abundance, and on all the Churches committed
to you by the Lord, in your most illustrious Classes in Belgium and in your
Republic.
Making defence against a most potent
enemy, and being endangered in the midst of so many difficulties, you are
protected by the light of the uncontaminated truth of the Gospel in your
Churches against the gates of hell. Then, being defended the more widely by the
immense power of God watching over you has caused His manifold wisdom and
understanding kindness to be celebrated at this time throughout the entire
world. So may the same fount of all goodness continue to keep you in Him and in
all good things, so that your Federal Republic may daily be more eminent, to
the murmuring of the enemies of our religion and liberty. May the exercise of
your wisdom and best arts as well as your arms and triumphs over the most
eminent nations, make the Church shine forth by the purity of a holy people, to
the evident splendor of heavenly truth. And may your most prudent and wholesome
designs turn out all the more successful for you; plans by which you may be
assured you are creating an advantage for the common happiness. Nor have you
consulted only your own interests, but you are concerned also about
neighbouring Churches as to how, by your diligence and providential use of your
resources, you may support and strengthen them all. As if looking out from a watch-tower
you give warning to them all, averting dangers and forearming against all the
downfalls treacherously plotted by the enemy. You warned us of your letter sent
from Zealand last year, how impostors, impudently counterfeiting the name of
Jesus, and other henchmen of the Antichrist, have the more securely brought
many onto their side, in a nation fascinated by Papal errors, with a design no
less than to cut out, root and branch all the pure Churches of Christ. As they
have bound themselves together in this by a close conspiracy to perpetrate such
infamous plans, so all the Reformed Churches, as if at a given alarm signal,
should join their minds and strength, united, as it were in the middle, so that
they may turn the ruin intended for them back upon the heads of their enemies.
Unless we can do so we will lack, in the eyes of posterity, any excuse for our
shameless cowardice. We willingly acknowledged that your plan and advice was
not less provident than trustworthy, not less happy than wholesome, and we
again approve of it, as we see its outworking.
Firstly, however, in order to achieve
this, it seems necessary that without delay we all fly to our most merciful
God, who has, after so long suffering the so-little reformed character of the
Reformed Churches began many years ago first to brandish the rod, and then at
length the unsheathed sword, and now for a long time has loosed the sword, red
and dripping, nay, streaming and foaming with blood, and that the blood of His
own people throughout many regions. Finally it is now stretched over we who are
left, warning us to come to our right minds quickly and unite our ranks more
closely against the common enemy, to purge and further cleanse His house, to
more highly esteem the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to see that the
institutions of God concerning His worship, and concerning sanctification of
His Sabbath be observed more religiously (from which things we have, alas,
averted our eyes all too much), and concerning morals being rectified by the
rule of true piety more thoroughly than has hitherto been done, and
establishing ourselves as the people of God under pious governors, as they that
lived under Nehemiah, Joshua and other such godly magistrates.
Being bound to God by a solemn religious
Covenant, struck as the very firmest of bonds, we seek that God might avert His
wrath (now steaming and threatening over our heads); wrath which our very many
and very great sins have provoked and inflamed against us.
Not sooner had we offered ourselves, than
we began to taste those fruits which a covenanted people receive from their
God, fruits well worthy of the vows which have been so solemnly and openly
announced, so that it may be pleasing to you to place our example before you.
What we have experienced, however,
concerning the grace of God towards us, what gratitude to God His glory
requires of us we dare not conceal, whatever our own merits may be in the sight
of God and of men. Certainly from that day on which we first thought of
entering upon a religious Covenant with God and among ourselves, we began to be
called back from the gates of hell, and all our affairs, thus necessarily
thrown onto our God, began to work out for the better, and so far with the most
happy success. But if it seems good to your providence to think of entering
into further religious society by a Covenant of this kind (which can be done to
the advantage of purging and stabilising your affairs, as has been the case in
our Britain from the Covenant recently entered upon), and from the interest of
those whose business it is to deliberate and to deal with the other Reformed
churches, (by the influence of that grace by which you are so strong among them
all), so that many may enter upon the same plan of action with you, then there
is no doubt that, through the grace of our most kind Lord and God Jesus Christ
towards his Churches, it will be the case that not only will you maintain a
most sure defence against the impending evils mentioned in your letter sent
from Zealand last year, but that the Reformed Churches may unite amongst
themselves by a new bond and closer association, invigorating and strengthening
each other against all the attempts and assaults of the enemy. Thus might even
the dislodged stones of the house of God throughout Germany be lifted from the
debris and ruins and be replaced into the building, and the glorious Temple of
our Lord be restored in that same place whilst the professors of a pure
religion in those Churches may be purified by the renewing of a right Spirit
towards Him who had seen fit to strike them and, being returned by a pact which
never can grow old, be united and joined with us in the Lord, and at length
relieved of the evils under which they have been groaning for so many years. In
that day, so longed for and desired, (if it ever dawns, through the grace of
God), a course of action may be worked out concerning the inter communion of
the councils and Synods of the Reformed churches (by means of delegates and
letters). By this means heresies may be crushed, schisms avoided and a peace
provided for with God and amongst ourselves, whilst the glorious work of the
Lord may be provided for in propagating the Gospel throughout the world and so
the kingdom of Antichrist be overthrown.
This we commend as being worthy to be desired
and hoped for in your devout and prudent meditations, like a good seed in a
most fertile soil.
Edinburgh, 4th June, 1644.
Pledged to your worthinesses, most
fraternally, by the Pastors and Elders of the National Synod of Scotland, in
the name and by the mandate of them all.
To the
Churches of God which are in the United Provinces of Holland, Zealand, and the
Federated Provinces of Belgium.
STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS
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The Acts of the General Assemblies of the Church
of Scotland, From the Year 1638 to the Year 1649 Inclusive (1682)
Exceedingly rare, these are the acts from
what many consider the greatest general assembly gatherings since the days of
the apostles. The work accomplished and ratified at these meetings has been
called "the most perfect model" of Presbyterial Church Government
"as yet attained." Sitting during the momentous days of the Covenants
(National and Solemn League) and the
Westminster Assembly, this general assembly included the likes of Samuel
Rutherford and George Gillespie. Judicially binding on covenanted
Presbyterians (WCF 31:3), these Acts demonstrate how these godly leaders
officially dealt with individual, family, ecclesiastical and civil Reformation
(including national and international matters). Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that
these rulings had major national and international ramifications in their day
and that they still guide faithful Presbyterians at the close of the twentieth
century (as terms of ministerial and Christian communion in the Reformed
Presbyterian church). Moreover, they contain "noble examples to be
followed in testifying against all corruptions embodied in the constitutions of
either churches or states" (Reformed Presbytery, Act, Declaration and
Testimony for the Whole of Our Covenanted Reformation, p. 216). Christ's Kingship has never since been
so boldly and clearly proclaimed to the nations by a duly constituted general
assembly -- neither has His rule and reign been upheld and actually embodied
into the laws of a nation (civil and ecclesiastical) as it was during these
days in Scotland. Much of this can be attributed to the work (humanly speaking)
done by the ministers present while these Acts were debated and passed. Regarding
doctrine, worship, government and discipline there are few books that will be
as helpful -- especially to elders and those advanced in the faith.
Additionally, if you want a glimpse at
the heart of the second Reformation this is one of the best places to look. It may also be considered "the
eye of the Puritan storm,"
seeing that the Scottish
Covenanters exerted such a godly influence among their English Presbyterian
brothers (and the Westminster Assembly) during these days -- the two nations
having covenanted with God (in the Solemn League and Covenant) for the
international "reformation and defence of religion... the peace and safety
of the three kingdoms... the glory of God, and the advancement of the kingdom
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, etc." Over 500 pages and indexed for
easy reference to all major topics.
(Rare bound photocopy) $199.95-90%=19.99
(Hardcover photocopy) $39.00 (US funds)
The Wonders of the Most High: 125 Years History of
the United Netherlands 1550-1675 (c. 1678)
The subtitle reads: "An
Indication of the Causes, Ways and Means Whereby the United Provinces, Against
the Expectation of the Whole World, Were Elevated in Such a Marvelous Way from
their Previous Oppression to Such Great, Awe Inspiring Riches and Acclaim. As
Related By Several Eminent Historians, and Which After the Manner of the Time
are Compiled to a Necessary and Profitable Use." This book gives us an indication
why the best theologians in the Netherlands were ready to swear the Solemn
League and Covenant with their brethren in the British Isles (before Cromwell
and his forces ruined these plans for a united international Protestant
testimony). It shows us that the best Dutch Synods agreed with the British
Covenanters regarding the civil magistrate (establishments), God's law,
anti-tolerationism, historical testimony, true unity, false teachers, the
Sabbath, "Roman feast days," worship, etc. For example, in the section
"The Organ in the Worship Service and the Singing of Hymns," we read,
With one word, we judge this and other novelties,
in these carefree days, a useless hindrance. This we also say of the
introduction of new hymn-books, and present day ditties, which we do not find
in God's Word; as also the playing and peeping of organs in the Church. The
former are all against the decrees of our Synods. See about singing in the
Church, the National Synod of Dordt held in 1578, art. 76; the National Synod
held in Middelburg, 1581, art. 51; the National Synod held in the Hague, 1586,
art 62; at which gatherings hymns not found in Scripture are expressly
forbidden (in a footnote: those who would like to know more about singing of
the Psalms, from the Old as well as the New Testament, can read the learned
treatise by S. Omius, called 'Dissertation", the first book. Chapter 5,
cap. 3).
It is known from Church history, that those
who are after novelties, by introducing man-made hymns and errors, have
corrupted the Congregation. Although these people have no wrong motives, it is
nevertheless not advisable to follow in their steps, since we may receive from
them copper instead of gold, as the Pious Peter Martyr witnessed about the time
hymns were introduced into the Roman Church. See Peter Martyr on 1 Cor. 14:26.
The words of lord van Aldegonde in this respect are remarkable. In the
introduction to his book of Psalms he says, "The experience of earlier
days has taught us that it is often harmful to introduce something which is not
based on the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments." The Synod of
Dordt, 1578, art. 77; of Middleburg, 1581; of Gerderland, 1640, art. 3, have
all dealt with terminating, when determining the place of the organ in the
Church. The statement made by the Synod of Dordt, 1574, art. 50, needs our
special attention; where we read, "Concerning the use of Organs in the
Congregation, we hold that according to 1 Cor. 14:19, it should not have a
place in the Church; and where it is still used when the people leave the
church, it is of no use but to forget what was heard before;" they witness
that it is nothing but frivolity. It is also remarkable that lord Rivet,
contending against the papists, mentions several of their authors, who condemn
the novelty of the Organ, and point out that is is without profit. Rivet,
Cathol. Orthodox. tom. 1, pag. 561.
To know the reason why Organs should be kept
out of the church, read our learned theologians and their polemics about Organs
against the Lutherans and Papists, see Faukee, about Psalm 45, pag. 20. Also
Lodoc. Larenus, in cap. 12 Esa, pag. 47, where we find the story of the duty of
Middleburg's consistory to do away with the Organ; Hoornbeek disput. 2, de
Psalmodia. thes 7; Rivet, in Exod. cap. 15 vs. 12. Imprimis Gisb. Voetii.
Polit. Eccl. part 1, pag. 548. Hospiniamus de Templis, pag. 309. It would be
better if this and other novelties were not mentioned. (pp. 151-152)
Translated here for the
first time from Dutch into English, this book may be a shocker to those not
familiar with the Dutch Reformation and the faithful pronouncements of her
Synods.
(Softcover) $19.95-20%=15.96
"The Whole Manner of Worship..." Worship
and the Sufficiency of Scripture in Belgic Confession Article 7 (1997)
A great work for everyone interested
in Reformed worship, but especially for those with a continental Reformed
background. Dispels the idea that the regulative principle of worship "is
something peculiar to the so-called Presbyterian tradition." This work
demonstrates that the regulative principle of worship was an indispensable and
foundational part of the Protestant Reformation -- being connected as it was to
the battle over the sufficiency of Scripture. More specifically Bredenhof also
proves that "the regulative principle is in fact found... in Article 7 of
the Belgic Confession." Bredenhof writes, "(t)he regulative principle
was a foundational truth in the contentions of the Reformed during the 16th
century, and as such it should not surprise us to find it here in the Belgic
Confession. Moreover, the relationship between the sufficiency of Scripture and
worship further elucidates this significance, for it is the Reformational
principle of sola Scriptura
which is foundational for the regulative principle. Without the sufficiency of
Scripture the regulative principle falls flat" (p. 21). Additionally, the
author encourages the reader to hearken back to the old Reformed confessional
standards (as they are agreeable to Scripture) and to "remove not the
ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set" (Prov. 22:28). This is an
important book for today as the old paths of Reformed worship are under attack
from not only the classic enemies of the Reformed faith (such as Rome), but
also, in many cases, from those (like Steve Schlissel, John Frame, Doug Wilson,
etc.) that pretend to the name Reformed regarding worship, when in actuality
they are "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt.
15:9).
(Bound photocopy) $9.95-70%=2.99
(Hardcover photocopy) $14.00 (US funds)
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
The Duty and Perpetual
Obligation of Social Covenanting
The material found in this bound photocopy
addresses a forgotten and neglected ordinance of God: social covenanting. God's
people in times of repentance and thanksgiving, trial and blessing have been a
covenanting people. In the most pure times of ecclesiastical and civil
reformation throughout history, both church and state under the mediatorial
rule of Christ have by the grace of God bound themselves together by covenant
to promote and defend the true Christian religion. The first document adopted
by the Westminster Assembly was in fact, the Solemn League and Covenant (1644).
It united the kingdoms of Scotland, England, and Ireland in a covenanted
reformation of both church and state in order to preserve, promote and defend
the true Christian religion (as summarized in the Westminster Confession of
Faith, Larger and Shorter Catechisms, Directory For Public Worship, and Form of
Church Government), and in order to expose and uproot all false teaching
contrary to the Scripture and these standards. Furthermore, it was not only the
desire of the Westminster Assembly to unite in covenant the three British
kingdoms, but rather to include in this covenanted reformation all of the
Reformed Churches throughout Europe. Consider the goal of the Assembly as
summarized by Hetherington: "There was one great, and even sublime idea,
brought somewhat indefinitely before the Westminster Assembly, which has not
yet been realized, the idea of a Protestant union throughout Christendom, not
merely for the purpose of counterbalancing Popery, but in order to purify,
strengthen, and unite all true Christian churches, so that with combined energy
and zeal they might go forth, in glad compliance with the Redeemer's commands,
teaching all nations, and preaching the everlasting gospel to every creature
under heaven. This truly magnificent, and also truly Christian idea, seems to
have originated in the mind of that distinguished man, Alexander Henderson. It
was suggested by him to the Scottish commissioners, and by them partially
brought before the English Parliament, requesting them to direct the Assembly
to write letters to the Protestant Churches in France, Holland, Switzerland,
and other Reformed Churches. . . . and along with these letters were sent
copies of the Solemn League and Covenant, a document which might itself form
the basis of such a Protestant union. The deep thinking divines of the Netherlands
apprehended the idea, and in their answer, not only expressed their approbation
of the Covenant, but also desired to join in it with the British kingdoms. Nor
did they content themselves with the mere expression of approval and
willingness to join. A letter was soon afterwards sent to the Assembly from the
Hague, written by Duraeus (the celebrated John Dury), offering to come to the
Assembly, and containing a copy of a vow which he had prepared and tendered to
the distinguished Oxenstiern, chancellor of Sweden, wherein he bound himself
'to prosecute a reconciliation between Protestants in point of religion'. . . .
[O]n one occasion Henderson procured a passport to go to Holland, most probably
for the purpose of prosecuting this grand idea. But the intrigues of
politicians, the delays caused by the conduct of the Independents, and the
narrow-minded Erastianism of the English Parliament, all conspired to prevent
the Assembly from entering farther into that truly glorious Christian
enterprise. Days of trouble and darkness came; persecution wore out the great
men of that remarkable period; pure and vital Christianity was stricken to the
earth and trampled under foot. . ." (William Hetherington, History of the
Westminster Assembly of Divines , [Edmonton, Alberta: Still Waters Revival
Books], pp. 337-339). The material presented herein is commended to the reader
with the sincere prayer and confidence that God will again restore the Church
of Jesus Christ to a glorious covenanted reformation--one that will even
surpass that one to which she had attained at the time of the Westminster
Assembly. However, when the Lord brings that future covenanted reformation it
will not be limited to only three kingdoms of the earth, but by the grace and
power of Christ our King, it will be a covenanted reformation that will
encompass all of the nations of the earth (Ps. 2:6-12; Is. 2:1-4; Mt. 28:1-20)
and will bring to the church a visible unity and uniformity that (unlike pleas
for unity today) is firmly grounded upon the truth" (Greg Price, Preface).
The material contained in this compilation was gathered together by the session
of the Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton/Prince George. Its 210 pages contain
the following items, as listed in this bibliography for social covenanting.
1. Samuel Rutherford, Due Right of
Presbyteries , pp. 130-139
2. George
Gillespie, The Works of George Gillespie, Vol. 2, pp. 71-88.
3. John Brown of Wamphray, An Apologetic
Relation , pp. 167-175, 181- 207.
4. David Scott, Distinctive Principles of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church, pp. 14-90.
5. William Roberts, The Reformed Presbyterian
Catechism , pp. 134- 152.
6. The Reformed Presbytery, An Explanation
and Defence of the Terms of Communion , pp. 181-187.
7. The
Reformed Presbytery, Act , Declaration and Testimony , pp. 11- 23.
8. The Reformed Presbytery, The Auchensaugh
Renovation , pp. 115- 140.
9. The Church of Scotland (1639), The
National Covenant of Scotland , pp. 345-354 in the Westminster Confession of
Faith published by Free Presbyterian Publications.
10. The Westminster Assembly (1644), The
Solemn League and Covenant , pp. 355-360 in the Westminster Confession of Faith
published by Free Presbyterian Publications.
11. The Church of Scotland (1648), A Solemn
Acknowledgement of Publick Sins and Breaches of the Covenant , pp. 361-368 in
the Westminster Confession of Faith published by Free Presbyterian
Publications.
(Rare bound photocopy) $22.95-70%=6.89
The Works of George Gillespie 2 Volume Set
Westminster
Confession, Assembly and Divines