Mr. Bacon says:
In February of 1996 I expressed concern that Jim Dodson, a man who is a member of no church at all and has no ministerial credentials from any church anywhere, had the session's ear more so than did their own presbytery (Defense Departed, emphases added).
Mr. Bacon again displays his formidable ignorance when making such comments.
How can he say that Mr. Dodson is, "a man who is a member of no church at all"? According to the Westminster
Confession of Faith 25:2, Mr. Dodson's credible profession of faith
makes him a member of the universal visible church of Jesus Christ. How then is
he a member of "no church at all?" Sadly, it seems that Mr. Bacon
makes the ministry, ordinances and discipline of the church essential to its being. To him, unless you are formally a member of a
local church you are, in the outer darkness. This is the doctrine of Papists, viz., pastors,
elders and deacons are necessary to the existence of the visible church (as to
being).
Perhaps Mr. Bacon would also deride John Calvin for giving the following
godly advice to his flock.
As for the babblers who ridicule us, wondering if one cannot get to paradise except by way of Geneva, I answer: would to God they had the courage to gather in the name of Jesus Christ wherever they are, and set up some sort of church, either in their houses or in those of their neighbors, to do in their place what we do here in our temples! . . . And, whoever has no means of being in the Christian church, where God is worshipped purely, let him at least groan night and day, 'Thine altars, Lord; it is only thine altars that I desire, my God, my king' (John Calvin, Come Out From Among Them, The Anti_Nicodemite Writings of John Calvin, a forthcoming book to be published by Protestant Heritage Press, The Third Sermon, On Psalm 27:4, pp. 192, 193, emphases added).
Some one will therefore ask me what counsel I would like to give to a believer who thus dwells in some Egypt or Babylon where he may not worship God purely, but is forced by the common practice to accommodate himself to bad things. The first advice would be to leave [i.e. relocate _ GB] if he could. . . . If someone has no way to depart, I would counsel him to consider whether it would be possible for him to abstain from all idolatry in order to preserve himself pure and spotless toward God in both body and soul. Then let him worship God in private, praying him to restore his poor church to its right estate (John Calvin, Come Out From Among Them, The Anti_Nicodemite Writings of John Calvin, a forthcoming book to be published by Protestant Heritage Press, "A Short Teatise", pp. 93, 94, emphases added).
Would Mr. Bacon say to those who dwell in some Egypt or Babylon, "would
to God they had the courage to gather in the name of Jesus Christ wherever they
are, and set up some sort of church, either in their houses or in those of
their neighbors, to do in their place what we do here in our temples!" or,
"Then let him worship God in private,
praying him to restore his poor church to its right estate?" Not as long
as he obstinately maintains his present errors. Those who have set up house
churches in places where God is not worshipped purely, are libelled by Mr.
Bacon and said to be, "a member of no church at all."
Directly contradicting John Calvin, Mr. Bacon says,
Churching at home is a contradiction _ the primary meaning of the word "church" is "assembly" (The Visible Church & the Outer Darkness, p. 49).
Both Jim Dodson, and Kevin Reed have felt the sting of Mr. Bacon's caustic
pen. His abusive use of false principle and rhetoric are not confined to the
PRCE. Sadly, Mr. Bacon reserves his most vicious denunciations for those who
are most faithful to the biblical truths embodied in the godly standards of the
First and Second Reformations, while leaving those who espouse his erroneous
principles free to go about their business.
Those who profess the true religion together with their children are members
of the Visible Church of Christ whether they formally join a local congregation
or not. It is their profession of faith that essentially makes them members,
and not their association with an institution calling itself a church. I
certainly am not advocating that people start a house church if there is a
faithful church with which to unite in the area, rather I am saying that when
there is not a faithful church in the area they must not settle for an
unfaithful one. That is to do evil that
good may come.
It is better to let our counsel come from Reformed Divines who have
scripturally guided the church of Christ in times when godly ministers were few
and far between. We have already seen how John Calvin's teaching directly
opposes that of Mr. Bacon, and now we must listen to the faithful counsel of the ministers of the Church of Scotland.
We are not ignorant that the rarity of godly and learned men shall seem to some a just reason why that so strait and sharp examination should not be taken universally; for so it shall appear that the most part of [the] kirks shall have no minister at all. But let these men understand that the lack of able men shall not excuse us before God if, by our consent, unable men be placed over the flock of Christ Jesus; as also that, amongst the Gentiles, godly, learned men were also rare as they are now amongst us, when the apostle gave the same rule to try and examine ministers which we now follow. And last, let them understand that it is alike to have no minister at all, and to have an idol in the place of a true [faithful _ GB] minister; yea and in some cases, it is worse. For those that are utterly destitute of ministers will be diligent to search for them; but those that have a vain shadow do commonly, without further care, content themselves with the same, and so they remain continually deceived, thinking that they have a minister, when in very deed they have none (The First Book of Discipline, p. 37, emphases added).
Worse yet, we find Mr. Bacon elevating the authority of corrupt judicatories
above the right of the individual believer to maintain a clear conscience.
While he acknowledges that a congregation may lawfully depart from a corrupt
denomination, he denies the right of an individual (or head of household) to
make such a determination. This is grossly heretical and violates the doctrinal
principle of the Lordship of Christ alone over the believers conscience.
In Mr. Bacon's ignoble attack upon Mr. Kevin Reed he says,
There have been times in the history of God's church when corruptions were such that it became impossible to stay without sinning. But in such instances, we must not flee Babel only to build Jericho (cp. Joshua 6:26 & First Kings 16:34). A Christian may request dismission from a less reformed church to a more reformed church, but he lacks authority as a private member to declare the church to be "in extraordinary times" and thus run without being sent (Jeremiah 23:21). Those who remove themselves from true churches under such a pretext prophesy without God speaking to them (The Visible Church & the Outer Darkness, p. 49).
From this we observe that Mr. Bacon believes that a group of men (as long as
they have ministers to lead them) may lawfully determine to leave a
denomination while a private believer "lacks the authority" to
make the same choice. What Presbyterian
would teach that Mr. Reed lacked the authority to use his judgment of
discretion to maintain a clear conscience in subjection to the Word of God?
George Gillespie comments:
The subordinate judgment, which I call private, is the judgment of discretion whereby every Christian, for the certain information of his own mind, and the satisfaction of his own conscience, may and ought to try and examine, as well the decrees of councils as the doctrine of particular pastors, and in so far to receive and believe the same, as he understands them to agree with the Scriptures (George Gillespie, A Dispute Against The English Popish Ceremonies, pp. 364_365, emphases added).
The prelates did not allow men to examine, by the judgment of Christians and private discretion, their decrees and canons, so as to search the Scriptures and look at the warrants, but would needs have men think it enough to know the things to be commanded by them that are in places of power. Presbyterial government doth not lord it over men's consciences, but admitteth (yea commendeth) the searching of the Scriptures, whether these things that it holds forth be not so, and doth not press men's consciences with sic volo, sic jubeo, but desireth they may do in faith what they do (George Gillespie, Aaron's Rod Blossoming, 1646, reprinted by Sprinkle Publications, 1985, pp. 83, 84, emphases added).
Either nobody has read Mr. Bacon's book, or nobody has bothered to correct
something so obviously Popish. His doctrine is not only contrary to
Protestantism, but contrary to the light of nature and common sense.
Moreover, Mr. Bacon has more to contend with than Mr. Reed and ourselves as
is evidenced by the following comments from Francis Turretin.
Rather we hold only that private believers gifted with the Holy Spirit are bound to examine according to the Word of God, whatever is proposed for their belief or practice by the rulers of the church; as much as by individuals separately as by many congregated in a synod. Also they are to believe that by the guidance of the Spirit, by pious prayers and diligent study of the Scriptures, they can better find out the meaning of Scripture in things necessary to salvation than whole synods receding from the Word of God and than a society which claims for itself (but falsely) the name of the true church. Therefore, the examination which they are bound to make is not made for the purpose of correcting the meaning of the true church and of finding out a better (as if they were wiser), but to investigate and follow it. Nor is the right of examination founded in this _ that we ought to believe ourselves wiser and more sagacious than entire synods and the whole true church; but in this _ that since the privilege of infallibility has been granted by God to no church or pastor, nor are we certain whether they who compose ecclesiastical assemblies are members of the true church and faithful servants of God, who are partakers of the Holy Spirit and follow his guidance; nay, it can happen (and it has too often happened) that such assemblies have erred in their decisions. Hence no other means is left for the believer to know the legitimate authority of these assemblies and the decisions made by them with the certainty of faith, than a comparison and examination of them with the Word of God, which he not only permits as possible and lawful, but commands a just and necessary. That cannot, therefore, be considered rashness or pride which belongs to the execution of an indispensable office imposed upon all believers. Nor under the pretext of avoiding pride ought believers to blind themselves and to divest themselves of their right in order that their consciences by a blind obedience may be reduced to bondage (Francis Turretin, Institutes of Elenctic Theology, 1696, Presbyterian and Reformed, 1997, p. 84, emphases added).
Notice the language of Turretin. We are to believe that individual
believers, "can better find out the meaning of Scripture in things
necessary to salvation than whole synods receding from the Word of God and than
a society which claims for itself (but falsely) the name of the true church... Hence no other means is left for the believer to
know the legitimate authority of these assemblies and the decisions made by
them with the certainty of faith, than a comparison and examination of them
with the Word of God." It must not be considered, "rashness or pride
which belongs to the execution of an indispensable office." Undeniably,
Turretin is arguing that Protestants MUST APPEAL to a conscience that is submitted to the Scripture
and enlightened by the Holy Spirit. The last and highest court of the
church is ultimately based upon the Spirit of God speaking through the Word of
God, and not the opinions of corrupt assemblies. Truth is ultimate and that should never be forgotten.
Again, Turretin comments:
The obedience which he [i.e. Christ _ GB] wishes to be rendered to teachers must always be understood with the condition _ in as far as the teachers do not prescribe to us another thing than what Christ gave to us in his commands (which they do not do, who arrogate to themselves the right of making new laws) (Francis Turretin, Institutes of Elenctic Theology, 1696, Presbyterian and Reformed, 1997, Vol. 3, p. 288, emphases added).
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. (Hebrews 13:7, AV).
For although no one denies that we ought to hold in great esteem the pastors and faithful ministers of God who watch for our souls and that we ought to obey them according to the direction of Paul (Heb.13:17); still it is certain that that obedience and dependency is not absolute and unlimited (which belongs to God and Christ alone), but circumscribed within certain limits (i.e., as far as it promotes the glory of God and our safety and as far as it can consist with the fidelity and obedience due to Christ) (Francis Turretin, Institutes of Elenctic Theology, 1696, Presbyterian and Reformed, 1997, Vol. 3, p. 244, emphases added).
From Heb.13:17, nothing else can be gathered than that obedience is due to teachers, as long as they hear Christ themselves and speak the words of God. Otherwise if they lead us away from Christ, they ought to be anathema to us (Francis Turretin, Institutes of Elenctic Theology, 1696, Presbyterian and Reformed, 1997, Vol. 3, p. 289, emphases added).
The Supreme Judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture. (Westminster Confession of Faith, 1:10).
Writing against the Protestant doctrine of private judgment Mr. Bacon
states:
The plea that Separatists make, whether on the basis of the priesthood of the believer or the sheep hearing the voice of the shepherd, is ultimately an appeal to private conscience as the last and highest court of the church (The Visible Church and the Outer Darkness, p. 15).
Francis Turretin counters Mr. Bacon's Popish notions:
But in affairs of conscience which have reference to faith, piety and the worship of God, no one can usurp dominion over the conscience; nor are we bound to obey anyone, because otherwise we would be bound to error and impiety and thus we would incur eternal punishment and our consciences would be stained with vices without criminality because we would be bound to obey superiors absolutely (Francis Turretin, Institutes of Elenctic Theology, 1696, Presbyterian and Reformed, 1997, Vol. 3, p. 287, emphases added).
George Gillespie also responds:
Howbeit, even in such cases, when the consent of the church cannot be had to the execution of this discipline [i.e. excommunication _ GB], faithful pastors and professors [i.e. professing Christians _ GB] must, every one for his own part, take heed that he have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but even reprove them. Yea, they ought, in sensu negativo [in a negative sense], excommunicate those who should be (but are not) excommunicated positively, which negative excommunication is not an ecclesiastical censure, but either a bare punishment, or a cautel [caution _ GB] and animadversion [warning _ GB]. And so says the Archbishop of Spalato, not only one brother may refuse to communicate with another, but a people, also, may refuse to communicate with their pastor, which he confirms by certain examples. But the public censure of positive excommunication should not be inflicted without the church's consent, for the reasons foresaid (George Gillespie, A Dispute Against The English Popish Ceremonies, p. 382, emphases added).
If Mr. Bacon will not allow private individuals to search the Scripture and
ultimately appeal to their own judgment of discretion, to whom does he turn to
as a final court of appeal?
Mr. Bacon says,
But it is neither the duty nor the right of private Christians to make determinations of who is ignorant or scandalous. Christ has left this authority in His church _ in the hands of church officers (The Visible Church and the Outer Darkness, p. 11).
Alas, is this not the teaching of Rome? Individuals do not have the duty nor
the right to use the judgment of discretion? What did Turretin just say? What
did Gillespie just say? While it is true that Christ has left a judicial
authority in his church which is to be used by faithful and qualified officers
(for edification, not destruction, 2 Cor. 10:8), that does not alter the fact
that the people of God must use their private judgment of discretion to
scripturally determine whether or not those officers are faithful or qualified.
While private individuals have no ordinary power to authoritatively judge or determine matters of faith on behalf of
the church, they are duty bound to examine whether the determinations and
decisions of church courts are agreeable with Scripture. Even the Apostles
themselves came under such scrutiny.
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so (Acts 17:10_11, AV).
For Mr. Bacon to assert that, "it is neither the duty nor the right of
private Christians to make determinations of who is ignorant or
scandalous," is to leave that duty to the ministry alone. If the private
Christian does not have the "right" to make such a determination,
what is to be done when the greater part of the ministry is corrupt or when
their determinations do not agree with the Word of God? Are private Christians
to ignore the truth because, according to Mr. Bacon, they don't have the
"right" to judge who is ignorant or scandalous? Mr. Bacon's teaching
leads directly to the conclusion that the authority of the ministry is above
the authority of the truth. Such a view is a Popish heresy and a denial that
God alone is Lord of the conscience.
Mr. Bacon says,
Independents invariably elevate the doctrine of the priesthood of the believer to a sort of papacy of the believer (The Visible Church and the Outer Darkness, p. 15).
As seems to be his usual practice, Mr. Bacon accuses people of "papacy
and independency" right before he presents his most serious errors. As we
have seen, Turretin proves that examination of churches and synods by private
individuals is an indispensable right
afforded to Christians by God. This right is designed to protect a believer
from blindly and implicitly following the dictates of a corrupt majority. Mr.
Bacon, in denying this fundamental right to Mr. Reed, is directly promoting the
doctrine of implicit faith (which ironically he alleges against the PRCE).
Noble martyr of God, James Renwick explains:
If this [the right of private judgment _ GB] belongs not to the people they have nothing but blind implicit faith; and what better are they than Papists, who must believe as the church believes? Yea, hath not every Christian a judgment of discretion, even in reference to actions of others? seeing they are to do nothing doubting but to be fully persuaded in their own minds, Rom. 14:23. But some (I know) say, that withdrawing from a scandalous person is a censuring of a scandalous person, and to withdraw from a scandalous minister is to depose him, and make him no minister. But this I deny; for simple withdrawing is not the inflicting of a censure, but only the believers testifying their sense, that a censure should be inflicted (to wit) by such as are competent: and this is warranted by Scripture, Rom.14:17, Eph.11:2, 2 Thess.3:14, and many such like places. Also, Rutherford saith, in his Peaceable Plea, chap 4, p. 25, "that the law of nature will warrant a popular and private subtraction and separation from the ministry of a known wolf and seducer," and alloweth what Parker saith, from Saravia, Licet tetula inculpata uti si malus rector ab ecclesia deponi nequit, "it is lawful to use that blameless and just defense if the bad church_guide cannot be deposed. "Any private person may take that care for the safety of their souls, that they may do for the safety of their bodies. For a son may defend himself by flying from his distracted father coming to kill him; and none will call this an act judicial of authority, but only an act natural. Now, I say private separation from scandalous persons is not depriving of them, if they be pastors; nor excommunicating of them, if they be professors. For the latter is an act of authority, belonging to those to whom Christ hath given the keys; but the former is an act natural, belonging to every believer. Likewise, if withdrawing from a scandalous person be a censuring of scandalous persons, then the professors, who withdraw from the curates, do censure the curates, which I hope no sound presbyterian will say. Howbeit, I distinguish betwixt a person scandalous really, and a person scandalous judicially; and between a church in a settled state, and a church in a broken state. So, I say, when a church is in a settled state, a person really scandalous cannot be withdrawn from, until (at least) he be judicially, by two or three witnesses, convicted, before the church, Rutherford's Peaceable Plea, chap. ix. p. 171. seeing that the brethren offended have church judicatories to appeal unto, for taking order with offenders. But when the church is in a broken state, and "every man (as the children of Israel, when they wanted Governors) "doing that which is right in his own eyes," there may and should be withdrawing from a person scandalous really, though he be not scandalous judicially; because then ecclesiastic judicatories, for censuring of him, cannot be had. Otherwise, all must go into a mixed confusion together, the faithful must become partakers of other men's sins, private and popular means of reclaiming offending brethren shall be stopped, and the testimonies of the faithful shall fall to the ground (W. H. Carslaw, The Life and Letters of James Renwick, The Last Scottish Martyr, 1893, SWRB bound photocopy reprint, 1997, p. 139, emphases added).
Mr. Bacon's smokescreen is designed to protect covenant_breakers whose chief
qualification for ministry is perjury. And he has the audacity to accuse us of
requiring implicit faith? Unbelievable! According to Mr. Bacon, we as
individual believers must not take our Bibles and prayerfully determine where
we can worship with a clear conscience. Instead, we are told to accept the fact
that churches (such as the Presbyterian Church in America, Orthodox
Presbyterian Church, Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America [pretended
covenanters], and the Reformation Presbyterian Church), where error in
doctrine, worship, discipline, and government is established by ecclesiastical
law, cannot be privately judged as unfit to join. We are told to keep our
families in these institutions for years while we "fight for reform"
with church courts who have already made up their mind and historically ruled
contrary to Scripture. During these years our children become used to false
doctrine and practice. As we wait for reform, they learn by example how to bury
the truth for the sake of unity. The hands of compromisers are strengthened,
and while we wait for some sub_committee to admonish us on a technicality, we
pour all our resources into their treasury. Compromised pastors are exalted and
faithful ministers are pushed aside. When have such churches ever shown signs
of reform? They have slid backwards for so long that they think they are going
forward. Truly God has judged our land with blindness when the sentiments of The
Visible Church and the Outer Darkness are
accepted as truth! When such folly is well received by the general Christian
population, it becomes a sad commentary upon the fact that the darkness is no
longer only outside of the visible church. Undeniably, it has pervaded the
interior as well. As Jim Dodson cleverly noted, the refutation of Mr. Bacon's
book entitled, The Visible Church and the Outer Darkness, would be aptly entitled, The Visible
Church and the Inner Darkness.
Why are the pulpits of our nation full of men who teach such hazardous
error? It is because people who have fallen for this kind of Popish implicit
faith are continually attending their services and giving them money.
Does not your attendance upon, and following of such a ministry, help to midwife and bring forth all those evils with which their ministry travails, and is in pain to be delivered of? Could they do any hurt, if they were generally declined and avoided? Their strength lieth in you: As the great commander once said to his soldiers, "That he flew upon their wings." ("Antipharmicun Saluberrimum," The Works of John Flavel, Vol. 4, p. 532, emphases added. Also reprinted by SWRB [1996] as "A Warning Against Backsliding, False Worship, and False Teachers).
Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge (Proverbs 19:27, AV).
If these ministers of compromise can convince you to stay within the
apostasy and fight for reform long after the issue has been decided; if you can
be convinced that individuals don't have the right to judge false doctrine and
superstitious practice; if they can train you to believe that separation from
corrupt churches is wrong, even in the broken state of the church; then you
will never leave their church and you will become like them. You will supply
their error with the fuel it needs to burn up your posterity. Dear reader, do
not be deceived! Their false teaching will become the substance of the thoughts
which fill your children's minds _ and the sound of your grandchildren's
voices. He who teaches that individuals may not judge whether the church is in
extraordinarily backslidden times is a man who is to be avoided and withdrawn
from. Do not be fooled by Mr. Bacon or his quotes from George Gillespie and
James Durham. He has taken their teaching entirely out of context (the settled
state of a faithful church) and erroneously applied them to our contemporary
context (the broken state of a corrupt church).
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple (Romans 16:17,18, AV).
Further, Mr. Bacon ignorantly says,
Even a minister of Christ, as the one who ministers the sacraments, is not free based on his own singular judgment to exclude any person from the Lord's Supper. George Gillespie, a contemporary of Ball [an English Minister _ GB], agreed with him on this point in his "Assertion" (The Visible Church in the Outer Darkness, p. 21, emphases added).
Again, Mr. Bacon is impersonating someone who has actually read what George
Gillespie wrote. George Gillespie believed so strongly in the individual's
right to private judgment that he maintained the exact opposite of what Mr.
Bacon has represented. In a case where a minister is certain that a man allowed
to come to the Lord's table is obstinately scandalous, he must defy the order
of an eldership, classis, or synod based upon his private judgment of
discretion and not serve that man.
And if it should fall out that a scandalous unworthy person should find so much favour in the higher assemblies also as that they shall judge him fit to be admitted to the sacrament; yet if the minister know him certainly to be a scandalous abominable person, and to be clear in his conscience, that the matter of scandal is sufficiently proved, he must not do an unlawful act in obedience to men, but walk by that apostolical rule, 1 Tim. 5:22, "Be not partaker of other mens sins; keep thyself pure." In doing whereof he doth not make his conscience the rule of inflicting any censure, and particularly of suspending from the sacrament (which must be done by many), but yet his conscience, so far as it is informed and illuminate by the Word of God, is a rule to him of his own personal acting or not acting, notwithstanding of which the offender stands rectus in curia, and is not excluded by the sentence of any ecclesiastical court. I confess a minister ought to be very clear in his conscience and be persuaded (not upon suspicions, surmises, or such like slight motives), but upon very certain grounds, that the sentence of an eldership, classis, or synod, is contrary to the Word of God, before he refuses to do the thing (George Gillespie, Aaron's Rod Blossoming, 1646, reprinted by Sprinkle Publications, 1985, p. 224, emphases added).
If, as Gillespie says, an individual minister may defy an eldership, classis
or synod when he is certain that their ruling is contrary to the Word of God,
then Mr. Bacon is clearly at odds with Gillespie's principles. Mr. Bacon
maintains that such doctrine is the basis for a separatist policy that
"elevates the doctrine of the priesthood of the believer to a sort of
papacy of the believer." Does Mr. Bacon also call Mr. Gillespie a
separatist? It appears so. The next time Mr. Bacon wishes to pretend that he
believes the same thing as George Gillespie, perhaps he will remember to read
his books first.
Next, grossly abusing the argument of Kevin Reed (Presbyterian Government
in Extraordinary Times), and true
Presbyterian principle, Mr. Bacon writes that using the right of private
judgment to determine who is ignorant and scandalous is, in effect, to usurp
the office of the eldership.
But it is neither the duty nor the right of private Christians to make determinations of who is ignorant or scandalous. Christ has left this authority in His church _ in the hands of church officers (The Visible Church and the Outer Darkness, p. 11).
John Brown (of Wamphray) directly contradicts Mr. Bacon:
It is true private Christians may not set themselves up into the chair, and judge of the endowments and qualifications of ministers, and what nulleth their office and what not, yet every private Christian hath the use of the judgment of discretion, and that way may judge whether such an one appears qualified according to the rule of the word or not (John Brown of Wamphray, An Apologetical Relation of the Particular Sufferings of the Faithful Ministers and Professors of the Church of Scotland, 1660, 1845, SWRB reprint, 1996, p. 146).
Robert M'Ward adds,
What way can the practice of private persons toward others, in abstaining from some acts of church communion hic & nunc with them; because of scruple, founded upon true Presbyterian principles, be said to be, on the matter, a drawing forth of one of the highest censures... for what hath a Christians private censuring, by judgment of discretion, the practice of another, and carrying according to that other, to do with taking the government off its hinges (Robert McWard, Earnest Contendings for the Faith, 1723, SWRB reprint, 1997, p. 121)?
Mr. Bacon says,
It must be admitted, however, that there will be times when either sufficient evidence cannot be brought to convince a church court, or even times when the church court is itself corrupt. It is in times and circumstances such as those that a conscientious Christian is the most likely to become impatient and run to separation as the only "alternative." It is also at such times that he is most susceptible to the arguments of Separatists. Yet it is at precisely such times that the conscientious Christian must be most diligent in the use of the God_ordained means of grace. It has often been the case that those Christians who are most insistent that discipline is a mark of a true church have been the least willing to make the effort of using it (The Visible Church in the Outer Darkness, p. 26).
The difference lies in this: Separatists maintain that when there is any corruption in a church that they may separate (yea, are duty_bound to separate) from that church and to make up a church of their own by gathering_out as many as they can (The Visible Church and the Outer Darkness, p. 54).
Mr. Bacon's entire book was designed to prove that because the Presbyterian
Church in America (PCA) was a true church (he was still a minister in the PCA
when he wrote it), it was unlawful for Mr. Reed to separate or stay separate
from her. For those who are not aware of this particular controversy, I should
mention that Mr. Bacon subsequently separated from the PCA, and then claimed to
form a presbytery made up mainly of separated PCA ministers. Is that what he
means by, "gathering out as many as they can"? Didn't he just say
that was a mark of Separatists? Is he not judging others by the same principles
he has conspicuously violated?
George Gillespie comments,
1. Separation from churches is properly a renouncing of membership as unlawful.
2. The causes and motives of separation suppose either an unlawful constitution of churches, or an unlawful government of churches, or both, so far, that they who separate hold it unlawful to continue their membership in churches so constituted and governed, or so much as to communicate with such churches though they know no scandalous person admitted to the sacrament (George Gillespie, Aaron's Rod Blossoming, 1646, reprinted by Sprinkle Publications, 1985, p. 201).
Surely Mr. Bacon does not continue to maintain that it is lawful to remain
in a denomination that he himself testified against by separation. If it was
sin for his congregation to remain united with the PCA, how can he maintain
that it is lawful for any other congregation to remain in the PCA? He now,
necessarily, must admit that Kevin Reed correctly (individually) judged that
the PCA was not a faithful denomination. The theological position presented in
his book (The Visible Church and the Outer Darkness) and his subsequent practice are so obviously
self_contradictory that I marvel he has not publicly retracted this book and
repented to Mr. Reed for his own shortsightedness and sinful misrepresentation.
Not only is this book full of self_justifying heresy, but, as I said, the
writer has refuted himself by his own actions. How can Mr. Bacon defend his
separation practice and defend his book (The Visible Church and the
Outer Darkness) at the same time? Truly
this defies logic. His congregation should demand an answer to this
unanswerable dilemma. When Mr. Bacon fails to adequately defend the
indefensible, he should be required to repent or resign.
Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I: yea, thine own lips testify against thee (Job 15:6, AV).
They, therefore, who give their will for a law, and their authority for a reason, and answer all the arguments of their opponents, by bearing down with the force of public constitution and the judgment of superiors, to which theirs must be conformed, do rule the Lord's flock "with force and with cruelty" (Ezek. 34:4); as "lords over God's heritage" (1 Pet. 5:3) Always, since men give us no leave to try their decrees and constitutions, that we may hold fast to no more than is good, God be thanked that we have a warrant to do it (without their leave) from his own word (1 Thess. 5:21). Non numeranda suffragis, sed appendenda [Opinions must not be counted up, but considered], says Augustine in Psalm 39. Our divines hold that all things which are proposed by the ministers of the church, yes, by ecumenical councils, should be proved and examined; and that when the guides of the church do institute any ceremonies as necessary for edification, "yet the church has the free power of judgment to give assent to or reject them"... The schoolmen also give liberty to a private man, of proving the statutes of the church, and neglecting the same, "if he see a cause for doing so, if a reason becomes evident, a man can, on his own, rightfully pass by the observance of a statute. "If any be not able to examine and try all such things, "everyone ought to be able, by the command of God: therefore they remove their own blame," says Paraeus. "If we rightly feel we are deprived of the faculty of questioning, it must be indicated by that same spirit who speaks through his prophets," says Calvin. We will not then call any man rabbi nor, "jurare in verba magistri" [to echo the sentiments of a teacher ], nor yet be Pathagorean disciples to the church herself, but we will believe her and obey her in so far only as she is the pillar and ground of the truth (George Gillespie, A Dispute Against The English Popish Ceremonies, Naphtali Press edition, pp. 29_30, emphases added).
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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) $29.95 (US funds)
(Softcover) $24.95 (US funds)
(Pocket edition, just the Confession: without scripture proofs, the Catechisms,
etc.)
$4.95 (US funds)
(The Confession on cassette)
$2.98 (US funds)
(Larger Catechism on 2 cassettes)
$5.96 (US funds)
(Shorter Catechism on cassette)
$2.98 (US funds)
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 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.
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.)
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