The following letters are circulated by permission of Pastor Bruce Robinson.
Pastor Robinson is presently not affiliated with the Puritan Reformed Church of
Edmonton (PRCE) in any way and the views expressed in the following letters are
not necessarily to be understood as those of the PRCE. My sole purpose in
publishing this letter is to show that Pastor Robinson is in agreement with the
PRCE session and affirms along with us that no vows were ever taken to
constitute the pretended presbytery of the RPC. In addition to his letter of
dissociation (Dec. 9, 1996), Pastor Robinson has graciously provided us with an
additional remonstrance regarding the recent unseemly behavior of the Session
of the First Presbyterian Church of Rowlett. This article and the following
letter of dissociation have not been altered in any way.
The Visible Church and her Displaced Order, or, An Open and Terse
Remonstrance against the Cyber-Unseemliness of Rowlett, by Pastor Bruce
Robinson
"...yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." 2 Tim 2:5. "...so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth." Pr 26:20. "...a busybody in other men's matters" 1 Pt 4:15.
Since this minister's declaration was originally emitted nearly one year
ago, his judgment (which Edmonton did not influence, as opposed to the chimera
of Rowlett's session) has not changed regarding the past or current legitimacy
of the RPC [Reformation Presbyterian Church GB] presbytery (sic) as a true
judicatory. The FPCR [First Presbyterian Church of Rowlett GB] session
purports that a duly constituted presbytery (sic) existed, and even
continues... Through its web pages, however, the FPCR session strangely omits that
its particular claim respecting the RPC'S lawfulness is not that of other
participating ministers and elders from that prior association.
Yet it is more puzzling upon what proper justification the FPCR session now
webposts primary and derivative information from that association (reader's
note: information for public review may only be released by express permission
of both a presiding officer and secretary of a society). The sites also record
instances of previously sent "minutes" of the RPC, and forwarded
information to an individual regarding another's censure. An idle browser might
conjecture that the FPCR session either considers itself a duly constituted
classical presbytery, or perhaps, an ecumenical council to the church
universal.
The former unlawfulness notwithstanding, Rowlett's specific web posting of
Kevin Barrow's letters (previously addressed to, and received by, the PRCE
session) was a singularly ignoble act. The FPCR session alone possessed neither
the jurisdiction, nor the freedom to receive and disseminate the letters on its
websites without the prior release and consent (which Rowlett did not obtain)
of the Edmonton session. The Texas session may have judged Edmonton's position
as an aberration from true presbyterianism, and requiring rebuttal. Still, this
dispute was not so extraordinarily injurious to the visible church that the
Rowlett presbyters were liberated from observing the canons of rectitude and
propriety. Contrary to the practice of Messrs Bacon and Seekamp, "all is
not fair" when battling antagonists even those derided as proselytes of
David Steele.
By illegitimately receiving and publicizing Kevin's letters, the FPCR
session and The Blue Banner have needlessly displaced outward order and peace
in the visible church. The web pages of FPCR and The Blue Banner owe a written
amendment to its browsers, and particularly to the Edmonton session. This
formal apology unquestionably includes a complete retraction of Kevin Barrow's
letters.
To this writer, the aforestated misdeeds of whispering and meddling validate
that before FPCR accedes from independency, a receiving presbytery is obliged
to address extensive interrogatories to the FPCR session concerning these, and
other unsettling occurrences.
To: Presbyters David Seekamp, Richard Bacon, Greg Barrow, Lyndon Dohms, Greg
Price, and Jerry Crick
From: Presbyter Bruce Robinson
Dear Brethren:
With brokenness of spirit, humiliation of face, and invoking the help of the
Strength of Israel, I, the undersigned, on this ninth day of December, in the
year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred ninety six, cease my duplicitous
participation in the society of ministers and elders heretofore known as the
presbytery of the Reformation Presbyterian Church. In keeping with this
certification, I formally request a record of my transferred [sic] credentials.
This testimony is not a judicial secession; I believe there is no due
judicatory from which to secede. Neither is this attestation a personal
withdrawal to initial independency; I believe, and lamentably acknowledge, that
our entire fellowship has resided in independency almost two years. (This
admission is also the studied consensus of three additional presbyters).
What was the nature of our group? I believe we were an aggregation of ministers
and elders desirous of presbyterian doctrine, worship, and polity. Though never
duly constituted as a presbytery through regular vows, and subsequently, with a
single session, we persistently regarded our fellowship as a due presbytery. We
later complicated our errors through a "provisional adoption" of new
affirmations of doctrine, worship, and polity (viz., The FPCS [Free
Presbyterian Church of Scotland GB] MANUAL). We borrowed the nomenclature and
emulated the practice of a de jure presbytery. I believe the aforesaid actions
were altogether specious. Again, it is not inconsequential that, at least,
three ministers (including myself) and two elders now concur with this
determination.
The genesis of my doubts concerning our due constitution occurred during our
July, 1995 meeting in Atlanta. My doubts amplified after our June, 1996 meeting
in Charlotte. Last week after much prayer and anguish, I acknowledged without
reservation our state of independency. Once realizing this, my continued
participation as an official presbyter with an unlawful judicatory would have
only compounded my offenses.
I entertained lofty expectations for our embryonic association in October,
1994; my hubris was foolish and deceitful. The history of our group was a
workshop of variance, imprecision, hastiness, arrogation, dissension, disorder,
and peevishness. As much as any, perhaps more, I bear a sizable share of
culpability. Please forgive me of these sins and errors, and others I may have
committed.
I would be open to a future meeting with a minimum of three sessions
(including our original society of ministers and elders) to discuss the
feasibility of "beginning again." May Christ have mercy upon us.
In a feeble effort to maintain a good conscience, amend my dissimulation,
and lift the ensign of presbyterianism. I am,
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Bruce Robinson
The following letter is circulated by permission of Dr. Jerry Crick. Dr.
Crick is presently not affiliated with the PRCE in any way, and the views
expressed in the following letter are not necessarily to be understood as those
of the PRCE. My sole purpose in publishing this letter is to show Dr. Crick's
agreement with the position of the PRCE session that no vows were ever taken to
constitute the pretended presbytery of the RPC. One section of the original
letter was removed for the purpose of protecting the confidentiality of certain
individuals. The removal of this section in no way affects the opinion of Dr.
Crick regarding the present controversy.
December 5, 1996 A.D.
Elder David Seekamp
Clerk of Session
First Presbyterian Church of Rowlett
6501 Mesquite Tr.
Plano, Texas 75023
Dear Elder Seekamp:
Having given considerable time, effort, and thought with much prayer and
supplication before God, I desire to inform you of the following conclusions to
which I have finally come:
1. In keeping with the plain declaration and teaching of Holy Scripture,
historic Presbyterianism has always set forth the view of a plurality of elders
in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. This also applies to a plurality of
Sessions constituting a Presbytery. With the departure of the Edmonton Session,
there remains only one Session in what has been called the Reformation
Presbyterian Church. As such, there does not exist a Presbytery.
2. Although at the April meeting in Charlotte, I had thought that vows had
been properly taken, I have since reexamined the issue and have concluded
that, in fact, no vows were taken. At the April meeting, I had thought that the
PCA BCO section on the Constitution Defined was sufficient justification;
however, I have since come to the realization that that section was only a
definition and not an instance of taking or making vows. Therefore, I now
acknowledge and own that I was in error in coming to that conclusion at that
time. It is also the fact, that no one of any of the officers has officially or
formally taken any vows; and I recognize that this claim has been and might
still be contested. As such there never existed a true Presbytery as we thought
ourselves to have been.
3. Considering 1 and 2 together, it is my firm conviction that we have been
in a state of independency since the time of transferal of ministerial
credentials from our former respective denominations. I also am convinced that
my departure from the PCA was hasty, improper, and schismatic, which conclusion
is based partly on Rutherfurd's material printed in Naphtali Press' Anthology,
vol. 2, number 2, as well as on other materials by Scottish Presbyterian
theologians.
4. Therefore, it is my intention to seek denominational affiliation in the
near future; however, I am unresolved at this time as to the specific direction
I will take.
5. As to the Edmonton Session, even if we did constitute a Presbytery, there
is nothing of a judicial, ecclesiastical, disciplinary nature which could be
done with reference to them. It is impossible to discipline a Session and
Congregation which have removed themselves. This is not a matter of dismissing
to independency as has been claimed by reference to the PCA BCO related chapter
and sections. I have received corroboration on this point from men who are
highly seasoned in their ministries.
I have no resignation to tender or to propose, since there is nothing from
which to resign, either formally or informally. Therefore, I fully acknowledge
my present and past condition of independency which sin, by God's grace, I hope
to rectify as soon as is practicable. In light of these conclusions and present
circumstances, I would be most grateful if you would be so kind as to forward
to me my ministerial credential file so I will have it readily available.
Please be assured that there is no tone of anger, cynicism, malice,
contumacy, subterfuge, disrespect, or any other like disposition in this
communication. I pray that God will give each of us the necessary wisdom and
humility to labor faithfully for the Gospel and advancement of the Kingdom of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
I do desire to make it certain and clear that my conclusions have not been
influenced or precipitated by the events involving the Edmonton Session. I have
not communicated with them since before the April meeting, excepting only to
receive the email which they sent and to order books from Still Waters for my
own instruction in Presbyterian history and theology.
Finally, I humbly ask forgiveness for the errors I have made in attempting
to pursue that which I now firmly believe to be improper and without Scriptural
justification. I do understand the awkward situation in which each of us is;
and it has not been my intent to increase the awkwardness but simply terminate
my contribution to it at this time.
Please exercise the liberty to copy and forward this communication to whomever
you may desire, and of course, especially to those with whom we have had
association over the past two years.
Respectfully, and for Christ's Crown and Covenant,
Jerry W. Crick
Go back to Table of Contents
Go to Appendix C
This book, The Covenanted Reformation Defended (318 pages), is also available from Still Waters Revival Books
(swrb@swrb.com) as a cerlox bound photocopy (for $14.99 US funds) or as a
Hardcover photocopy (for $25.00 US funds). Please add appropriate postage and
handling. Thank you.
All pricing in US funds.
The Westminster Confession of Faith
"The product of Puritan conflict," stated Shedd, reaching "a
perfection of statement never elsewhere achieved.""All that learning
the most profound and extensive, intellect the most acute and searching, and
piety the most sincere and earnest, could accomplish, was thus concentrated in
the Westminster Assembly_s Confession of Faith, which may be safely termed the
most perfect statement of Systematic Theology ever framed by the Christian
Church," writes Hetherington in The History of the Westminster Assembly
of Divines (p. 345, emphasis added). "These are worth an
hundred victories on the battle field. We do not fear to say of them that they
are the finest transfusion into uninspired language of the sublime, awful,
blessed truths of the Word of God which the Church has as yet been honored to
make... Never can the Covenanters be robbed of the immortal honor of having,
while at the summit of their power, published this great principle to the
world" noted J.A. Wylie, in praise of the Westminster Standards (cited in
Johnston_s Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 101). Concerning the Shorter Catechism, which is one of the items
also included in this book, Mitchell, in his Westminster Assembly:
Its History and Standards, notes:
"...it is a thoroughly Calvinistic and Puritan catechism, the ripest fruit
of the Assembly's thought and experience, maturing and finally fixing the
definitions of theological terms to which Puritanism for half a century had
been leading up and gradually coming closer and closer to in its legion of
catechisms" (p. 431). The WCF is the greatest of all the creeds of the
Christian church. The church of Christ cannot be creedless and live. Especially
in an age of doubt and confusion, it is her duty to define and proclaim the one
true faith. Nowhere has the Reformed church done this so effectively as in the
Westminster family of documents. This book represents Reformed thinking at its
purest and best. It was intended, as part of the covenanted reformation taking
place during its compilation, to be adopted as the binding confessional
standard for every individual, family, court, church, and legislature in the
British Isles. Study it carefully and we think that you will see why this same
goal should be covenanted to by all serious minded followers of the Lord Jesus
Christ. This is the definitive edition of the WCF and its many related
documents. It contains Manton's "Epistle to the Reader," the Larger
Catechism, Shorter Catechism, "The Sum of Saving Knowledge,"
"The National Covenant (1638)," "The Solemn League and Covenant
(1643)," "Acknowledgment of Publick Sins and Breaches of the Covenant
(1648)," "The Directory for the Publick Worship of God (1645),"
The Form of Presbyterial Church Government (1645)," "The Directory
for Family Worship (1647)," an extensive index and more! "Every effort
has been made, by sparing no expense or labour... to render it the Standard
Edition," note the publishers. An essential book for every Christian home,
church, and state! Next to the Bible itself, no other book can furnish you
with as much necessary spiritual information. Related item: William
Hetherington's History of the Westminster Assembly ($9.98/cerlox bound photocopy or $19.00/Hardcover
photocopy).
(Hardcover) $39.95 - 50% = $19.98
(Softcover) $24.95 - 40% = $14.97
(Pocket edition, just the Confession: without scripture proofs, the Catechisms,
etc.)
$4.95-20%= $3.96
(The Confession on cassette)
$2.98
(Larger Catechism on 2 cassettes)
$5.96
(Shorter Catechism on cassette)
$2.98
Protesters Vindicated: Or, A Just and Necessary Defence of
Protesting Against, and Withdrawing from This National Church of Scotland on
Account of Her Many Gross and Continued Defections (1716)
The title continues: "More particularly, her approving of, and going into
the legal establishment of the Prelatic constitutions of England. The generality
of ministers swearing, in the Oath of Abjuration, to maintain Erastianism,
Prelacy, and English Popish Ceremonies. Non-Jurants joining with Jurants,
judicially approving that practice to be free of scandal. The Church's
establishing tyranny in government, against all who will not join in communion
with her, and approve her practices without redress of grievances. Wherein
these and several other causes of withdrawing are proven to be justly
chargeable on the Church, demonstrated to be contrary to the Word of God and
Reformed principles of this Church, and just grounds of withdrawing, and
setting up judicatures distinct from her; and the objections of Jurants and
others fully answered." This is a classic, detailed statement of the old
covenanted principles and the biblical attainments of the second Reformation
(like the Solemn League and Covenant, the Westminster standards, etc.). It is
also an excellent defense against the modern malignants who counsel Christ's
children to remain in the backsliding and covenant breaking denominations that
abound in our day. Very Rare! 270 pages.
(Bound photocopy) $99.95-85%=14.99
(Hardcover photocopy) $24.00 (US funds)
Records of the Kirk of Scotland, Containing the Acts and
Proceedings of the Generals Assemblies, From the Year 1638 Downwards, As
Authenticated by the Clerks of Assembly; With Notes and Historical
Illustrations, by Alexander Peterkin (1838 edition)
"The object of the present work is to present to the public, in a form
that may be generally accessible, the history of one of the most interesting
periods in the annals of our National Church, by the republication of the Acts
and Proceedings, at and subsequent to the era of her second Reformation; and,
combined therewith, such historical documents and sketches as are calculated to
preserve the memory of an important, and, ultimately beneficial
revolution," notes Peterkin in his introduction. This is one of the most
valuable publications we offer related to second Reformation history and the
many important questions that were debated (and oftentimes settled) during this
watershed period -- before, during and after the sitting of the Westminster
Assembly. It also contains some indispensable information on the
Protester/Resolutioner controversy (which reveals many valuable lessons for
Reformed Christians today), including excerpts from some lost books and papers
written by the Protesting Covenanters. The excerpts from James Guthrie's The
Waters of Sihor, or the Lands Defectione, in which Guthrie
enumerates the errors of the Resolutioners, as well as the marks of malignancy,
is one prime example. Other rare Protester documents (inveighing against the
"pretended Assemblies" of the Resolutioners), signed by the likes of
Samuel Rutherford and Robert Traill are also included. Very rare and very
valuable -- a gold mine for the serious student of the second Reformation! 684
pages.
(Bound photocopy) $99.95-75%=24.99
(Hardcover photocopy) $34.00 (US funds)
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 -- and fittingly this work has been
called "the most profoundly reasoned document ever issued by the (R.P.)
Church." It 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.
(Rare bound photocopy) $19.95-70%=5.99
(Hardcover photocopy) $19.00 (US funds)
Auchensaugh Renovation of the National Covenant and Solemn
League and Covenant; with the Acknowledgement of Sins and Engagement to Duties
as they were Renewed at Auchensaugh in 1712... Also the Renovation of These Public
Federal Deeds Ordained at Philadelphia, Oct. 8, 1880, By the Reformed
Presbytery, With Accommodation of the Original Covenants, in Both Transactions,
to their Times and Positions Respectively (1880 ed.)
"In 1712, at Auchensaugh, the Covenants, National and Solemn League, were
renewed... At the renewal the covenant bonds were recognized as binding the
descendants of those who first entered into those bonds. The Covenanters,
however, sought to display the true intent of those Covenants with marginal notes.
These notes explained that the Church of Jesus Christ, in Scotland (and around
the world), must not join hands with any political power in rebellion to the
crown rights of King Jesus. The Covenanters pledged the Covenanted Reformed
Presbyterian Church to the support of lawful magistracy (i.e. magistracy which
conformed itself to the precepts of God's Word) and declared themselves and
their posterity against support of any power, in Church or State, which lacked
biblical authority." (From "About the Covenanted Reformed
Presbyterian Church" newsletter). An excellent introduction (historical
and moral) regarding the reasons, motives and manner of fulfilling the duty of
covenanting with God. Especially helpful concerning the Biblical view of the
blessings (for covenant-keepers) and cursings (for covenant breakers) related
to covenanting. As noted on page 37, "the godly usually in times of great
defection from the purity and power of religion, and corruption of the
ordinances of God's worship, set about renewing their covenant, thereby to
prevent covenant curses, and procure covenant blessing; as we find both in
scripture record, 2 Chron. 15:12-13; 29:10; 34:30-31; Ezra 10:3, and in our own
ecclesiastical history." Times like ours certainly call for a revival of the
Scriptural ordinance of covenanting, for "[t]he nations throughout
Christendom, continue in league with Antichrist and give their strength to the
beast. They still refuse to profess and defend the true religion in doctrine,
worship, government and discipline, contrary to the example of the kingdoms of
Scotland, England and Ireland in the seventeenth century" (p. 136 in this
book).
(Rare bound photocopy) $19.95-70%=5.99
(Hardcover photocopy) $19.00 (US funds)
Various Official Acts, Declarations, Protestations, etc.,
Concerning the Covenanted Reformation
Contains 24 rare documents from the period 1638-1650. One document, "The
Act of Covenant Renovation" (1880) by the Reformed Presbytery (which was a
faithful renewal of the National Covenant and the Solemn League and Covenant
[adapted to the present time], with a confession of public sins), is added from
outside this period to illustrate the continuing obligations that rest upon the
moral person (civilly and ecclesiastically). Among the seventeenth century
documents we find much (from both the church and the state) that relates to the
central place that covenanting played in the second Reformation. We also find
various authoritative international testimonies against Popery, Prelacy and
Schism (i.e. Independency, Cromwell, etc.), and for biblical covenanted
uniformity, divine right Presbyterian church government, and apostolic worship.
Military documents related to the second Reformation are also added. One
proclamation by Charles I is even included, to illustrate Royalist opposition
to Reformation. 686 pages.
(Bound photocopy) $99.95-80%=19.99
(Hardcover photocopy) $29.00 (US funds)
The Book of the Universal Kirk of Scotland
Contains the earliest official records (acts and proceedings) of the
Established Reformed Church in Scotland, covering the period from 1560 to 1616.
Peterkin calls them "the only sure and satisfactory memorials of the course
of Ecclesiastical affairs in the times immediately succeeding the
Reformation." Lee, Clerk of the General Assembly in 1828 writes (regarding
the originals), "there is no difficulty in proving that the volumes in
question were laid on the table of the General Assembly which met at Glasgow in
1638; and that they were pronounced by that Assembly to be true and authentic
Registers of the Kirk of Scotland." Concerning this copy of "The
Booke" ("for the first time fully printed from the copies in the
Advocates' Library"), Lee further states that these records exhibit,
"the real character of the internal government of this national church.
They display the operation of the principles by which the first Reformers and
their immediate successors were actuated. They demonstrate that these men were
not more distinguished by zeal for the truth, than by loyalty to the head of
the government, attachment to true principles, (I do not say of toleration--for
that was a term which they certainly did not employ or approve)--of religious
liberty and civil subordination. They bear testimony to the strictness and
impartiality of ancient discipline. They vindicate the character of those
illustrious men whose names have been unjustly aspersed, but who, both by their
doctrine and lives,--by their unwearied exertions and their patient
sufferings,--left an example, not indeed or faultless excellence, but assuredly
of the most noble, magnanimous, and fearless adherence to the standards of our
constitution. These Registers also contain much that is capable of correcting
erroneous representations of historical facts with regard to the internal state
of the kingdom-- institutions, habits, and customs, as well as the morals of
the people, and the spirit which was most prevalent at particular periods in
various districts of the land... they prove, that from the very first moment,
it was the determined object of the leaders of the Reformation, to establish
such a Presbyterian Government, as was at last, with the utmost difficulty
completed... they deserve to be preserved with care, as the most venerable
remnants of a distant age--as the earliest annuls of our infant church... of
confessors and martyrs, who counted not their lives dear to them; and who when
they thought it necessary, never shrunk from sealing their testimony with their
blood... (they) present the seal and superscription of glory to God, and good
will to man--peace to the church, and happiness to the state" (pp.
xi-xii). John Knox, the first name listed in the first record of the first
General Assembly (in 1560), of course, plays a prominent role in much of what
is recorded here. 631 pages.
(Bound photocopy) $99.95-80%=19.99
(Hardcover photocopy) $29.00 (US funds)
Saul in the Cave
of Adullam: A Testimony Against the Fashionable Sub-Calvinism of Doug Wilson
(Editor of Credenda/Agenda
Magazine); and, for Classical Protestantism and the Attainments of the Second
Reformation by Reg Barrow
Doug Wilson and others at Credenda/Agenda used their magazine to
publicly attack and slander Reg Barrow (President of Still Waters Revival
Books) in a column that they call the "Cave of Adullam." This
invective was Credenda's response to Barrow's
comments on Knox Ring (where Barrow noted that John Calvin would have
excommunicated 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 the Matthew 18 proceedings) between Wilson and Barrow -- in
their actual email debates! Also included is Barrow's demonstration of why
Calvin would have excommunicated Frame and Greg Price's Testimony
Against The Unfounded Charges of Anabaptism.
These debates are a classic example of the differences 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). This item is also available as a bound
photocopy for $7.98 (US funds) or a Hardcover photocopy for $19.00 (US funds).
Why the PCA is
Not a Duly Constituted Church and Why Faithful Christians Should Separate from
this Corrupted "Communion" by Larry Birger
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. It is also available as a bound photocopy for $3.98 (US
funds).
A
Brief Defence of Dissociation in the Present Circumstances (1996)
This work explains why Christians should separate themselves from those
churches which deny biblical truth and its implications. It defends this
position using many Reformation source documents. Samuel Rutherford has been especially misunderstood concerning
separation. Examples of misleading and seriously flawed presentations of
Rutherford's position on the church and separation have been seen in Walker's The
Theology and Theologians of Scotland 1560-1750, Bacon's The
Visible Church and Outer Darkness and a
host of other works -- all of which overlook foundational second Reformation
truths set forth by Rutherford and his fellow Covenanters. This book clearly
demonstrates, from Rutherford's own actions and teaching (during the
Protester/Resolutioner controversy in the Scottish church), how far off many
previous works on this subject have been. It is the best short introduction
to questions regarding the visible church and separation which we list.
(Bound photocopy) $9.95-60%=3.98
"The
Reformed View of Schism"
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). This excerpt from
Clarkson's Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting should contribute much to correcting the problem of
unbiblical ecumenism and place this doctrine (of biblical unity in the visible
church) 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 medium length treatment of this subject.)
Still Waters Revival Books
Contact us today for your FREE mail-order catalogue!
4710-37A Ave., Edmonton, AB, Canada T6L 3T5 Voice: (780) 450-3730
(Reformation resources at great discounts!) E-mail: swrb@swrb.com
Home page at: http://www.swrb.com/ (Many free books here!)