Copyright 2002 by Still Waters Revival Books Inc. All rights reserved.

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1 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (Volume Twenty-three) Reformation Church Government (1/2) Distinction Between the True and False Church, the Dangers of Prelacy, Popery and Independecy, Church and State, the Call to the Ministry, Headship of Christ Over His Church, the True Nature of Revival, Visibility of the True Church, Characteristics of the Witnessing Church, A Vindication of the Dissenters, the Divine Right of Church Government, Thornwell Refutes Hodge, The Apostolic Church, Which Is It?, and much more! The Westminster Assembly, John Calvin, George Gillespie, Alexander Henderson, Robert Baillie, David Steele, the Reformed Presbytery (RPNA), the Covenanted Church of Scotland (General Assembly), William Cunningham, Matthew Henry, Samuel Miller, William Henderson, R.L. Dabney, English Parliament (with advice from the Westminster Assembly), James Fisher, Alexander M'Leod, Various Protesting Covenanters (Samuel Rutherford, William and James Guthrie, Robert Traill, Jasmes Nisbett, et al.), Sundry Ministers of London, J.H. Thornwell, the famous Synod of Dort ( ), Thomas Manton, C.H. Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, John Owen, John Brown (of Wamphray), John Brown (of Haddington), Francis Turretin, James Durham, John Howie, William Hetherington, Samuel Miller, John Girardeau, Edward Fisher, Robert Shaw, A.W. Pink, Loraine Boettner, Augustus Toplady, Andrew Symington, Patrick Fairbairn, William Roberts, Richard Baxter, John Anderson, Andrew Clarkson, David Scott, John Cunningham, George Smeaton, Larry Birger, Francis Rouse, Dr. F. Nigel Lee, Bill Mencarow, J.A. Wylie, James Douglas, Michael Wagner, the Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton (Session), Greg Price, Lyndon Dohms (on PRCE session), Greg Barrow, Reg Barrow, et al. Copyright 2002 by Still Waters Revival Books Inc. All rights reserved. Navigational note: You may open any file on this CD by moving your mouse cursor over its title (in this index) and then clicking on that title or by clicking on the bookmarks to the left of this index (if the bookmark column is opened).

2 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 2 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it" (Isa. 2:2). CALVIN, JOHN Comparison Between the False Church and the True BAILLIE, ROBERT An Historical Vindication of the Government of the Church of Scotland (1646) BAILLIE, ROBERT Satan the Leader in chief to all who resist the Reparation of Sion (1643) BAILLIE, ROBERT The Unlawfulness and Danger of Limited Prelacy, or Perpetual Presidency in the Church, Briefly Discovered (1641) BARROW, REG Publisher's Preface to The Covenanted Reformation Defended Against Contemporary Schismatics (1998). In the free books file included on this CD. CUNNINGHAM, WILLIAM Church and State: The Biblical View A compilation of articles from some of the best Christian minds in history, including Cunningham, Smeaton, M'Crie, Symington, Gillespie, the Westminster Divines, Bannerman, Owen and Shaw. This book shows that, generally speaking, the leaders of the Reformed faith have all come to substantial agreement regarding what the Scriptures teach about Christ's Kingship over the nations and the Church. Establishmentarianism is clearly seen to be the historically Reformed consensus, and this has a huge impact on the way one views both the Church and the state, in relation to Scripture. CUNNINGHAM, WILLIAM Discussions on Church Principles: Popish, Erastian and Presbyterian (1863) This was originally volume four in Cunningham's Works, which also included Historical Theology (2 volumes on CD volume 30 in this set) and The Reformers and the Theology of the Reformation (both available at Iain Murray writes that "in the days of Cunningham and Bannerman, New College, Edinburgh, rose to be the finest theological college in Europe." This book is a good example why. It exposes Romanism, which Cunningham called "the masterpiece of Satan," spiritual tyranny, false views of the church's place and power, innovative worship (contrary to the regulative principle of worship Rome's specialty!), and much more! Indexed, 589 pages. DABNEY, ROBERT L. Broad Churchism DABNEY, ROBERT L. What Is A Call To The Ministry ENGLISH PARLIAMENT Ordinance for Settling Presbyterial Government in the Church of England (1646) The full, original title reads: "An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament For the Present Settling

3 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 3 (without further delay) of the Presbyterial Government in the Church of England." ENGLISH PARLIAMENT (with advice from the WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY) The Ordination of Ministers (1644) The full, original title reads: "An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament After Advice had with the (Westminster RB) Assembly of Divines, for the Ordination of Ministers pro Tempore, according to the Directory for Ordination, and Rules for Examination, therein expressed." Because many congregations were "destitute of able and faithful ministers" this ordinance was implemented "until a Government of the Church be formed up to the full power and work of it, and the whole course of ordination of ministers in an ordinary way be set up and settled for all the three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland" (p.3). Interestingly, among the prerequisites to ordination we find that each candidate was to "bring with him a testimonial of his taking of the Covenant of the three Kingdoms (i.e. the Solemn League and Covenant RB)." Clearly then, no one could be a lawfully ordained minister in any of these three national Presbyterian Churches without swearing the Solemn League and Covenant and this being in accord with Scripture, this prerequisite remains binding upon the moral person of the church. This book lists other qualifications for ministers (prior to examination), along with the rules used during examination and includes many other useful points of order (1 Cor. 14:40). 15 pages. FERGUSON, JAMES The Headship of Christ Over His Church and Her Independent Jurisdiction (1841) FISHER, JAMES Edwards, Whitefield, the True Nature of Revival and the "Old Time" Charismatics (1742) Originally titled "A Review of the Preface to a Narrative of the Extraordinary Work at Kilsyth...," this book exposes the deficiencies of shallow revivalism and warns against what today would be called charismatic excesses. It contrasts these weaknesses with the true nature and fruit of salvation (from a Reformed perspective), and specifically deals with some of the less than Scriptural antics of George Whitefield ("a Priest of the Church of England, who refuses to be reformed," Fisher notes) and those Presbyterians that would hear him (occasional hearing). Some of Jonathan Edwards' revival methods also warrant rebuke in this piece. At one point Fisher writes that Edwards' defense of these works uses "exactly the language of Quakers, a branch of that hellish scheme, calculated for enervating and overthrowing the divine authority of the Word, as it is the only foundation of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" (p. 19). He also notes "that Edwards wants to set aside the Word, as the only rule, at least, in judging and trying this work" (i.e. the "revivals" at Kilsyth and Cambuslang). The work also exposes the defective nature of "revivals" that deal with only personal reformation, leaving off any thought of (or actively burying) the more public concerns that have been prominent in past reformations.

4 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 4 GILLESPIE, GEORGE An Assertion of the Government of the Church of Scotland in the Points of Ruling Elders, and of the Authority of Presbyteries and Synods (1846, reprinted from the 1641 edition) Also found in volume one of the Presbyterian's Armoury this work is not included in Gillespie's Works. The first part deals with Ruling Elders and the second is written "Concerning the Assemblies of the Church of Scotland, and Authority Thereof." A postscript is appended in answer to a treatise, written in Gillespie's day, against Presbyterial government. "Incomparably the best account of the constitution of our national Church which has ever appeared," noted Principal Lee (cited in the Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 302). GIRARDEAU, JOHN Discretionary Power of the Church (1875) This book is available on all the Reformation Bookshelf CDs in the "Free Books" file. HALL, ARCHIBALD An Humble Attempt to Exhibit a Scriptural View of the Constitution, Order, Discipline, and Fellowship of the Gospel-Church (1785) HENDERSON, ALEXANDER Reformation of Church Government in Scotland, Cleared from Some Mistakes and Prejudices (1644) Henderson was the statesman and an acknowledged leader among the Scottish Presbyterians at the Westminster Assembly. This work was written on behalf of the Scottish commissioners attending the Assembly, while they were in London in HENRY, MATTHEW Work and Success of the Ministry HETHERINGTON, WILLIAM H. The Independent Controversy, the Westminster Assembly and Cromwell More in formation exposing Oliver Cromwell at the "Judas of the Covenant" and the hindrances to real Reformation caused by the Independents at the time of the Westminster Assembly. LEE, SAMUEL The Visibility of the True Church (1675, reprinted 1845) LEIGHTON, DR. ALEXANDER Sion's Plea Against the Prelacie, An Appeal To the Parliament Tried in his absence by the Star-chamber court, Leighton, a Scots divine, was sentenced to pay 10,000 pounds, to be degraded from holy orders, to have his ears cut off, his nose slit, to be branded on the cheek with S.S. (sower of sedition), to be whipped, and to stand in that condition in the pillory and endure what amounted to perpetual imprisonment: all this for daring to write this book against Laud's popish ceremonies and against prelatic Church government. He calls prelacy "antichristian" and declaims vehemently against the canons and ceremonies, adding that "the church has her laws from Scripture, and that no king may make laws for the house of God." LUSK, ROBERT Characteristics of the Witnessing Church (c. 1840) The witnessing Church, engaged in battle during the 1260 years of apostasy, fights with the devil and his angels. She is the true Reformation church; she is the "women in the wilderness". But

5 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 5 "Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?" (Song 6:10). What are the marks of this host? How will she be known? What is distinctive about her as opposed to the whore of Babylon and her harlot daughters? These questions and many more, probing the nature of the true church (in contrast to the false church), are answered in this fascinating and edifying article. Robert Lusk was a founding member of the Reformed Presbytery, who, "together with David Steele erected the Reformed Presbytery upon true covenanting principles when the RP Synod made it clear that they would not be reclaimed," writes Dodson. For an interesting account of this story see the SWRB publication, A Short Vindication of Our Covenanted Reformation, by the Reformed Presbytery, which is in the free books file (A7) on all the Reformation Bookshelf CDs. They don't write them like this anymore (at least not very often)! M'LEOD, ALEXANDER The Ecclesiastical Catechism, Being A Series of Questions Relative to the Christian Church Stated and Answered with the Scripture Proofs (1831) "The contents of this small but valuable work, are Questions relative to the Christian church Church fellowship Church government Church officers Church courts Religious worship and Church discipline" (Thompson, 1821). This copy was made from Samuel Miller's personal copy and bears his signature. 144 pages. MILLER, SAMUEL The Ruling Elder: An Essay on the Warrant, Nature, and Duties of the Office (1832) This book is in the "free books" file in all of the Reformation Bookshelf CDs. PIERCE, JAMES A Vindication of the Dissenters: In Answer to Dr. William Nichols's Defence of the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England (1718, second edition, corrected) Written "In Answer to Dr. William Nichols's Defence of the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England," this work was first written in Latin and then translated into English. It is a massive (605 pages) and detailed history and doctrinal defense of the Dissenters and "An Appeal to Foreign Divines, Professors, and all other Learned Men of the Reformed Religion." Part one covers the history and controversies surrounding nonconformity, drawing from sources ancient to the author's day (in 288 pages). Part two is titled "Concerning the Doctrine of the Church of England." It deals with separation, backsliding into Popish ways, civil resistance, the power of the magistrate and numerous other topics of importance to Reformed Christians. Part three, "Concerning Discipline, and Modes of Worship," systematically exposes numerous specific errors of the Prelates (in worship and government), while defending the testimony of the Dissenters. Chapters in this section include, "Of the Government of Bishops," "Of Singing and Music in Churches," "Of the Public Liturgy," "Of the Sign of the Cross in Baptism," "Of Godfathers and Godmothers," "Of Confirmation," "Of the Surplice, and other Ecclesiastical Habits," "Of the Ring in Marriage," "Of Kneeling at the Sacraments," "Of the Observation of Holidays," "Of Bowing in the Name of Jesus," "Of Reading Apocryphal books in the Church," Of the Faults found with the English Liturgy," and much more.

6 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 6 This last section is particularly revealing, as it exposes how far many, in our day, who claim to be Reformed (Steve Schlissel, John Frame, et al.), have actually backslidden into the rejected ways of Popery and Prelacy casting off some of the greatest attainments of the Reformation (notably the second Reformation) in the process. This is especially evident in the modern "Reformed" rejection of the regulative principle of worship and the subsequent (ignorant) embracing of many worship practises which our worthy Reformed forefathers rightly abominated (as idolatry), confessed outside the church, and sometimes even gave their lives fighting against. This book might be called a miniature encyclopaedia of dissent. It should not be overlooked by those interested in the great Puritan revolution which Pierce here defends a revolution which is once again being revived (by the power of Almighty God) in our day and is destined to one day cover the whole earth! RUTHERFORD, SAMUEL A Peaceable and Temperate Plea for Paul's Presbytery in Scotland (1642) The title continues: "Or, A modest and Brotherly Dispute of the government of the Church of Scotland, Wherein, Our Discipline is demonstrated to be the true Apostolic way of divine Truth, and the Arguments on the contrary are friendly dissolved, the grounds of Separation and the Independents of particular Congregations, in defence of Ecclesiastical Presbyteries, Synods and Assemblies, are Examined and tried." "'This,' says Murray, 'is one of the most temperate, judicious, and best written works he (Rutherford RB) ever gave the world. It corresponds in every respect with the promise which its title holds out; with this exception, that it is much more learned, dispassionate, and conclusive than the promise implies. It must have had a very considerable effect on public sentiment, and have served to pave the way for that introduction of the Presbyterian system into England which soon took place'" (cited in Rutherford's Letters, page 612, footnote 1, emphases added). It is another classic by one of the grand old leaders of the Protesters (i.e. the Covenanters who upheld the continuing obligation of the National and Solemn League and Covenant and the biblical attainments of the second Reformation). Thomas Smith calls Rutherford a "greatly experienced Christian, and celebrated divine," further noting that "Mr. Rutherford's reputation for piety, learning, and sound theology, was so highly raised, both at home and abroad, by his writings against the Arminians and Jesuits, which were composed in Latin, that, upon the death of the learned Dematius in 1651, the magistrates of Utrecht in Holland invited him to the divinity chair in that university" (Select Memoirs... of Pious and Learned English and Scottish Divines, pp. 636, 639). One need only read Rutherford to understand why he was held in such high esteem, internationally, by the Reformed community. 340 pages. RUTHERFORD, SAMUEL, JAMES GUTHRIE, WILLIAM GUTHRIE, ROBERT TRAILL, JAMES NISBET, & NUMEROUS OTHER PROTESTERS A Protest Against the Unlawful, Unfree and Unjust Assembly of the Resolutioners (1652)

7 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 7 Hewison writes of this paper, "(t)he Protesters compeared (at the pretended assembly of the Resolutioners RB) to lodge a protestation subscribed by 63 ministers and 80 laymen, who declared the Assembly to be 'unlawful, unfrie, and unjust.' The Assembly threatened them with discipline" (The Covenanters, vol. 2, p. 43). Rutherford and the other Protesters held their ground and refused to have ecclesiastical fellowship with the backsliding, covenant-breaking Resolutioners a lesson on faithful biblical separation that has long since been forgotten. This work gives us a little slice of the Protesters views during this most important period of controversy in the Church of Scotland: for as Anderson notes, "(f)uture events showed the impolicy of these Resolutions. The men who were admitted by them into places of power and trust in the army and state, became, as the Protesters always predicted, the persecutors of the Church. Had the counsels of the Protesters prevailed, the twenty-eight years' persecution might not have existed" (cited in Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 120). Dodds adds this testimony, "Last fatal sign that the ancient spirit and the freedom of Scotland were about to disappear under a total eclipse, the Kirk hitherto impregnable, unyielding Kirk, stooped down from her old height and emitted Resolutions in favour of those proceedings of the royalists. Against these Resolutions, a large, bold, fierce minority headed by James Guthrie of Stirling protested that the principles of the Covenant should be maintained" (Ibid.). Finally, Johnston writes, "Durham's last treatise had reference to the 'scandalous divisions' thus created, and what is particularly noticeable is the circumstance that David Dickson's last hours were embittered by the recollection of his shortsightedness in adopting these Resolutions. To a lady who visited him on his death-bed he said, 'Madam, I must confess, the Protesters have been truer prophets than we were'" (Idib.) 20 pages. For application of the Protester's position to the modern Reformed church, see A Brief Defense of Dissociation by the session of the Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton (free on the web at: and Greg Barrow's The Covenanted Reformation Defended (free on the web at: Both books noted above are also in the free books file on all the Reformation Bookshelf CDs (at C14 and A8 respectively). RUTHERFORD, SAMUEL A Survey of the Survey of that Summe of Church- Discipline Penned by Mr. Richard Hooker, Late Pastor of the Church at Hartford upon Connecticut in New England. Wherein The Way of the Churches in N. England is now re-examined; Arguments in favour thereof winnowed; The Principles of that Way discussed; and the Reasons of most seeming strength and nerves removed (1658) Hooker "helped found Hartford, Connecticut (1636)... He helped create Connecticut's 'Fundamental Orders' (1638) and was instrumental in forming the New England Confederation (1643)" (Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith).

8 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 8 In this book Rutherford refutes Hooker's Independent views of church government in great detail. In doing so he has left us much to ponder regarding Presbyterianism, the constitution of the visible church (as it is revealed in Scripture), covenanting, separation, discipline, Arminianism, church communion and much more. Hooker's congregational way is easily accepted by the flesh and is prominently held by a wide range of professing Christians today from liberals all the way to those who call themselves Reformed. This book should go a long way to correcting this prevalent "democratic/egalitarian" heresy. Rutherford was (and still is through his books) one of the most notable defenders of the divine right of Presbyterianism since the days of the Apostles. This rare book has been generally unavailable to the public (as far as we know) for three centuries now until this reprinting and should be welcomed by all lovers of truth. 521 pages. SCOTTISH COMMISSIONERS The Charge of the Scottish Commissioners Against Canterburie and the Lieutenant of Ireland (1641) Rebukes the Prelates for their Popish innovations in doctrine, worship and government. 53 pages. SESSION-BOOK OF THE PARISH OF PENNINGHAME Accounts of Suffering for Christ and His Covenanted Reformation Under Erastian Prelacy in Scotland Especially From 1679 to 1689 (1826) Contains numerous accounts of suffering and martyrdom brought about by the Prelates and Royalists: who conspired together to destroy the people of God who refused to conform to Prelacy, adopt false worship or abjure the covenants. SPROULL, THOMAS The Duty of Social Covenanting Illustrated and Enforced (1841) A sermon based on, "they first gave their own selves to the Lord" (2 Cor. 8:5). Contains an appendix on how only agreement to truth will bring about visible unity in the church. 32 pages. STEELE, DAVID Apostasy in the RPCNA: David Steele Debates James M. Willson This debate took place in 1856 in the Covenanter magazine (edited by James M. Willson), with Steele's final response appearing in the Reformed Presbyterian magazine in Steele's exchange with Willson is especially instructive concerning Steele's views of historical testimony, subordinate standards, terms of communion, and sola scriptura which were simply the views of the best classical Protestants of the First and Second Reformations. STEELE, DAVID A Concise History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church from the Middle of the Sixteenth Century and of the Reformed Presbytery from 1840 Till the Present Time A good introduction to the ongoing battle for Christ's Crown and Covenant. Takes the Protestors side and shows how a faithful remnant remained true to the Biblical principles of covenanted Reformation. Clearly demonstrates how that "(a)mong the nations of Christendom, Scotland stands preeminent in this work of faith and labor of love to God and

9 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 9 man. Her National Covenant and its obvious sequel, the Solemn League and Covenant, are memorial columns bearing inscriptions, perhaps more important to mankind than those of the Moabite stone, or the Hieroglyphics of Egypt. Often obscured by defection and apostasy, those inscriptions are not obliterated. They continue to exhibit the Divine institution and mutually independent functions of Church and State a 'Gospel Ministry and Scriptural Magistracy'; their coordination and subservience to the family, as the primary organism in human society. They do also prescribe the duty of all ranks; of the king in his palace and of the humblest citizen in his cottage, to keep up the worship of God, each 'in his person and family.' They moreover contain a Standing Testimony against the heresies, tyrannies and cruelties of Diocesan and Erastian Prelacy; whether misnamed Catholicism or Episcopacy." Here, as with Guthrie's final cry (while standing on the scaffold), the martyrs voice is once again being heard in our lands, "The Covenants! The Covenants! shall yet be Scotland's (the world's, RB) reviving!" Also sets forth the principles contained in the following two statements: "A union without truth is a conspiracy against the truth, in the Church," and "A toleration of all religions is the cut-throat of the true religion, in the state." STEELE, DAVID Reminiscences: Historical and Biographical of a Ministry in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, During 53 Years (1883) Since Steele forms a continuing theological link with the faithful General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland ( ), this book is of great importance. Steele held to the attainments of the second (or covenanted) Reformation which gave us the Solemn League and Covenant and the Westminster Standards and other Covenanters who follow in this train (along with the British Covenanters, like Rutherford and Gillespie) are sometimes derisively branded as "Steelites" or "Cameronians." SUNDRY MINISTERS OF LONDON The Divine Right of Church Government (Jus Divinum Regiminis Ecclesiastici), Wherein it is Proved that the Presbyterian Government, By Preaching and Ruling Elders, in Sessional, Presbyterial, and Synodical Assemblies, May Lay the Only Lawful Claim to a Divine Right, According to the Holy Scriptures, c. 1646, 1844 ed. This is one of the all time classic defenses of the divine right of Presbyterianism. It also gives us a clear picture of the original intent of the English Presbyterians working at the Westminster Assembly (and is therefore very useful in determining the original intent of the Westminster Confession itself). It can be seen here that it was the strong conviction of the majority of English divines at Westminster that Presbyterianism is the only form of church government that is instituted by God in His Word. David Hall, (the editor of the Naphtali Press edition), states, the book "was not written as a polemical tract, as if to prop up some moribund tradition; rather it is an exemplar of gentle and reasoned discourse." Published anonymously, during the sitting of the Westminster Assembly, because of the Erastian leaning Parliament's "gag rule," this work is considered by some as "an even truer record of the Westminster divines' views of government than the final (politically suppressed) standards" (NP edition).

10 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 10 Moreover, Hall goes so far as to state that "perhaps no single work is as illuminating for original intent [of the Westminster Standards] as this rare work printed contemporaneously with the meeting of the Assembly;" and that "acquaintance with the political and ecclesiastical events of the time narrows down the possible authorship of this (book RB) to either (the) Westminster divines themselves, or sympathizers of the Westminster Assembly of divines" (p. xvi). This edition also includes a preface, "The Editor to the Reader," written by the Cameronian "T.H" (Thomas Henderson) an Irish Reformed Presbyterian who was also the author to the forward of James Douglas' Strictures on Occasional Hearing. Henderson recommends this volume as "one of the best defences of presbytery which he has ever seen." SUNDRY MINISTERS OF LONDON The Divine Right of the Gospel Ministry (Jus Divinum Ministerii Evangelici) 1654 This is an English Presbyterian classic written by some of the men who attended the Westminster Assembly. It is a companion volume to their earlier Divine Right of Church Government and should be studied in conjunction with this unsurpassed work. SUNDRY MINISTERS OF LONDON A Vindication of the Presbyterial Government and Ministry (1650, London edition) This was the second of three major works published by these famous London divines the title page noting that this book was "Published By the Ministers and Elders met together in a Provincial Assembly, Novemb. 2d, 1649." The first of their works was The Divine Right of Church Government (Jus Divinum Regiminis Ecclesiastici), Wherein it is Proved that the Presbyterian Government, By Preaching and Ruling Elders, in Sessional, Presbyterial, and Synodical Assemblies, May Lay the Only Lawful Claim to a Divine Right, According to the Holy Scriptures (c. 1646, 1844 ed., above) the third being The Divine Right of the Gospel Ministry (Jus Divinum Ministerii Evangelici) (1654, above). Great insights into the thinking of the English Covenanters (some who served at the Westminster Assembly) are to be had here. THORNWELL, JAMES HENLY Thornwell Refutes Charles Hodge's Church Polity and Views on Worship Thornwell, regarding Hodge, writes, "Whether it be that Dr. Hodge has never been a Pastor, and knows little of the actual working of our system, or whether his mind is of an order that refuses to deal with the practical and concrete, it so happens that he has never touched the questions connected with the nature and organization of the Church without being singularly unhappy." UNKNOWN A Letter from a Parochial Bishop to a Prelatical Gentleman in Scotland, Concerning Church Government (1714) Gives "a Historical Account of the ancient Government of the Church, and Alterations made therein since the Apostles Times, with the Rise and Growth of Prelacy," "An Account of the Worship of the Ancient Church, and the Rise of Liturgies," "An Account of the Cyprianick Presbyters," with "The Institution of ruling Elders proven from Scripture and Antiquity," and much more related to the worship and government of the church. 151 pages.

11 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 11 WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY Propositions Concerning Church Government and Ordination of Ministers (1647) WITHEROW, THOMAS The Apostolic Church, Which Is It? Shows, based on six Scriptural and Apostolic principles, which system of governing the church [Independent, Prelatical, or Presbyterian] is pleasing to God. Concludes that Presbyterianism is set forth in Scripture as of divine right. Joe Morecraft calls this book "irrefutable." See Rutherfurd's Due Right of Presbyteries or his Divine Right of Church Government for more advanced treatment of this subject. Easy reading, engaging, and a good textbook for Bible study classes. 91 pages. WOOD, JAMES A Little Stone Pretended to be out of the Mountain (1654) WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY The Reasons Presented by the Dissenting Brethren Against Certain Propositions Concerning Presbyterial Government. And the Proofs of them Voted by the Assembly of Divines, sitting by authority of Parliament, at Westminster. Together With the Answer of the Assembly of Divines to those Reasons of Dissent (1648) It is interesting to note, as Hetherington points out in his History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines (p. 220), that, "(i)n their answer, the Assembly Divines seem almost to have been ashamed to analyze and expose the weak sophistry of the Dissenting Brethren's (i.e. the Independents RB) argument... but by availing themselves of the concessions made by the Independents in the course of their own illustrations, they completely overthrow the whole Congregational theory." Regarding the book itself Hetherington writes, These reasons of Dissent, and the Answers by the Assembly, occupied the attention of that venerable body during the conclusion of the year 1644, and the early part of the year 1645; and when fully completed, both the reasons and the answers were submitted to the consideration of the Parliament for a considerable time, and when the discussions of the Assembly had terminated, an order was issued by the House of Lords, on the 24th of January 1648 (or 1647, according to their style), that these reasons and answers should be printed from the papers in the hands of Adoniram Byfield, one of the Assembly's scribes, after having been inspected by Messrs Goodwin and Whittaker, to secure their genuineness and authenticity; and they were published in the same year... In the year 1652, the same publication received a new title-page, and was called The Grand Debate concerning Presbytery and Independency, by the Assembly of Divines convened at Westminster by authority of Parliament (History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, pp ). In short, this is a definitive answer to the best the Independents had to offer. This photocopy is taken from what had previously been Samuel Miller's personal copy of this title. One of the most important works in this field of study. 314 pages. Quotes to Think About: "A private subtraction and separation from the Ministry of a known wolf and seducer,... this the Law of nature will warrant... as Parker saith from Saravia, 'it is lawful to use that blameless and just defence, if the bad church-guide cannot be deposed.' So the son may save himself by a just

12 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 12 defence in fleeing from his mad father, or his distracted friend coming to kill him. Now this defence is not an authoritative act, nor [a] judicial act of authority, but a natural act that is common to any private person, yea to all without the true Church as well as within to take that care in extreme necessity, for the safety of their souls, that they would do for the safety of their bodies" (Samuel Rutherford [1642], as cited in The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness magazine). Unless one is so naive as to think that every man who calls himself a minister is truly a minister of Christ, or that every group of people that call themselves a church is actually a true church, then one is left to discern which ministers and churches are true and which are false. Repeatedly, our Lord warned the church to beware of wolves in sheep's clothing and schismatic heretics who would come into the church of God to deceive the simple and to cause division. To testify openly against error is a moral and perpetual obligation binding upon all faithful churches and ministers. In so doing they are fulfilling their primary function as disciples of Christ by witnessing for the truth and contending against error. (Greg Barrow, The Covenanted Reformation Defended, p. 54 in the PDF edition found in the free books section [A8] on this CD) Those things commonly called the notes or marks of the church, viz., the true preaching of the Word, the right administration of the sacraments and ecclesiastical discipline uprightly administered, pertain to the well-being of the church or, the perfecting of the saints. By these notes we distinguish between a truly constituted visible church (being), and a true church faithfully adhering to its lawful constitution (well-being). We must distinguish between the things for which the church was instituted and the things that have been instituted for the church. James Bannerman explains: In the second place, what are those things which, unlike the truth, have been instituted for the sake of the Church, and not the church for the sake of them? Such, unquestionably, are those ordinances, office bearers, and discipline which have been established within the Christian society. These being instituted for the advantage and edification of the Church, are, from their very nature, subordinate and secondary to the truth, for the holding and publication of which both they and the Church itself exist. They may be necessary, and are necessary, for the perfection of the Church, but they are not necessary for its existence (James Bannerman, The Church of Christ, 1869 Vol. 1, SWRB reprint, 1991, p. 59, emphases added). But join to the possession of the true faith the administration of the outward ordinances, as necessary to constitute a Christian Church and you assign to outward ordinances a rank and value which are not justly theirs, and make them primary, and not, as they truly are of secondary importance (James Bannerman, The Church of Christ, 1869, SWRB reprint, 1991, Vol. 1, p. 61). The Westminster Confession of Faith (25:3) distinguishes that which is essential from that which is given for the well-being of the church. The Westminster Confession of Faith (25:3) states, Unto this catholic and visible Church, Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints, in this life, to the end of the world; and doth by his own presence and Spirit, according to his promise, make them effectual thereunto (double emphasis added). That the ministry, oracles, and ordinances are not necessary to the being of the church is clearly spelled out for us when the Confession says that these things were given unto the church for the perfecting of the saints. That which is given unto the church for its perfection cannot be said to constitute its existence. Ministry, oracles and ordinances are not things that essentially distinguish Christians from Pagans, but rather these are the marks that essentially distinguish one Christian assembly from another. Rather than distinguishing Christian churches from non-christian churches, this distinction allows us to differentiate between faithful true churches (esse) and unfaithful true churches (esse). The Church of Scotland ( ) serves as an example of the former and is to be distinguished from the Church of Rome or the Reformed and Presbyterian daughters of the Revolution Church, who serve as examples of the latter. (Greg Barrow, The Covenanted Reformation Defended, pp in the PDF edition found in the free books section [A8] on this CD).

13 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 13 Over 100 FREE bonus books and articles are listed below (a number of FREE audio [MP3] files, which vary with each CD, follow the free books). A. Free Bonus Books and Articles on the Sovereignty of God Over Doctrine, Practice, and Testimony (In the Westminster Standards, Covenants, etc. and Among the Faithful Martyrs of Christ) 1. The Westminster Assembly - Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) Contains the original and unedited text of this judicially binding document, the greatest of Christian Confessions, with the full scripture proof texts written out. This book represents Reformed thinking at its purest and best. "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). Also included are the following documents, which are usually bound together with the Westminster Confession of Faith: a. The Solemn League and Covenant b. The Confession of Faith of the Kirk of Scotland: Or, The National Covenant c. The Westminster Shorter Catechism (with full Scripture references) d. The Westminster Larger Catechism (with full Scripture references) e. To the Christian Reader, Especially Heads of Families (Prefaced to the Westminster Confession and Catechisms) f. Mr. Thomas Manton's Epistle to the Reader (Prefaced to the Westminster Confession and Catechisms) g. The Sum of Saving Knowledge h. The (Westminster) Directory for the Publick Worship of God i. The (Westminster) Directory for Family Worship j. The (Westminster) Form of Presbyterial Church Government

14 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 14 k. A Solemn Acknowledgement of Public Sins, and Breaches of the (Solemn League and) Covenant; and A Solemn Engagement to All the Duties Contained Therein. 2. Reformed Presbytery - The Six Points of the Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church 3. William Hetherington - History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines The best history of this unsurpassed Assembly, their times, and their work! 4. Fisher's Catechism - The Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism Explained, By Way of Question and Answer Wherein it is essayed to bring forth the truths of God contained in that excellent composure, more fully than has been attempted in any one of the explicatory Catechisms hitherto published. 5. Robert Shaw - The Reformed Faith: An Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith (With An Introductory Essay by William M. Hetherington) 6. Andrew Symington - Religious Principles of the Scottish Martyrs Sets forth the major Scriptural truths which the Scottish Presbyterians/Covenanters died for. Also introduces some of the reasons why these Scriptural teachings were held in such high esteem; showing why multitudes died a martyr's death rather than denying Christ before men in relinquishing the precious truths. 7. Reformed Presbytery - A Short Vindication of Our Covenanted Reformation 8. Greg Barrow - The Covenanted Reformation Defended (1998) An unsurpassed work, citing original source documents from the Westminster Divines (and the Covenanted Reformation that gave us the Westminster Standards), Calvin's Geneva, and a broad range of other classic Reformation sources, documenting what true biblical Reformation is as opposed to the almost complete defection from biblical Reformation attainments among modern Presbyterian and Reformed churches in our day. Originally written in the context of a debate with neopresbyterian Richard [Dick] Bacon. ( Must reading for anyone who is serious about the truth of Scripture as formulated by some of the most faithful Christians thus far in history. 9. Michael G. Wagner - Paleopresbyterianism Versus Neopresbyterianism 10. William Roberts - "The Covenanting Martyrs and the Revival of the Covenants!" from the Reformed Presbyterian Catechism.

15 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS William Roberts - "On the Duty of Covenanting and the Permanent Obligations of Religious Covenants" from section 11 of the Reformed Presbyterian Catechism (1853). 12. George Gillespie - Whether it be lawful, just, and expedient, that the taking of the Solemn League and Covenant be enjoined by the Parliament upon all persons in the kingdom under a considerable penalty. CHAPTER 16 of "A Treatise of Miscellany Questions," pp , from The Works of George Gillespie, volume 2, Still Waters Revival Books reprint. Includes "Nine particulars to be remembered for the right deducing and stating the matter of fact. - The grounds and reasons of such an ordinance and appointment may be eleven.. - Four objections answered. - How this ordinance would not be tyranny over men's consciences. - The covenant is no temporary obligation.. - If such an ordinance to the army be scandalum acceptum, then the not making of it is scandalum datum. 13. The Nicene Creed 14. The Athanasian Creed 15. The Definition of the Council of Chalcedon (451) 16. Larry Birger - The Biblical and Logical Necessity of Uninspired Creeds A humorous and instructive dialogue between Hans [a paleopresbyterian] and Franz [a neopresbyterian], demonstrating the absolute necessity of uninspired creeds. Hans shows Franz that Franz's rejection of uninspired creeds is itself an uninspired creed. B. Free Bonus Books and Articles on the Sovereignty of God in Salvation ("Calvinism") 1. A.W. Pink - The Sovereignty of God One of the best books explaining the foundations of Calvinism and God s sovereignty as revealed in Scripture. This is the unabridged edition. 2. Augustus Toplady - Arminianism: The Road to Rome! 3. John Calvin - Calvin's Calvinism: Treatises on the Eternal Predestination of God and the Secret Providence of God. 4. C.H. Spurgeon - A Defense of Calvinism 5. John Owen - For Whom Did Christ Die? 6. Loraine Boettner - The Reformed Faith 7. Synod of Dort - The Canons of Dordt ("The Decision of the Synod of Dordt on the Five Main Points of Doctrine in Dispute in the Netherlands") "This famous Synod of Dordt ( ) was held in order to settle a serious controversy in the Dutch churches initiated by the rise of Arminianism... Although this was a national synod

16 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS 16 of the Reformed churches of the Netherlands, it had an international character, since it was composed not only of Dutch delegates but also of 26 delegates from eight foreign countries... In the Canons the Synod rejected the Arminian views and set forth the Reformed doctrine on unconditional election, limited atonement, total depravity, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of saints (later known as TULIP)." C. Free Bonus Books and Articles on the Sovereignty of God in Worship (The Regulative Principle of Worship, Close Communion, Against Occasional Hearing and for Biblical Separation, etc.) 1. John Calvin - On Shunning the Unlawful Rites of the Ungodly and Preserving the Purity of the Christian Religion (1537) Herein Calvin maintains the sinfulness of outward conformity to false worship. Dealing with a major problem of his day, Calvin shows that false worship should never be tolerated or participated in (even by your bodily presence), no matter what the cost whether it be persecution, exile, or death. For his faithfulness in this matter, Calvin was greatly scorned. Obvious parallels to our day abound, not the least of which include the Lordship controversy, false ecumenism, rampant idolatry in the false rites maintained in the public worship of backslidden Protestantism, and in the rise of the influence Roman Catholic harlot (once again in our day). Excerpted from the "Library of Presbyterian Heritage and Protestant Heritage Press" CD (listed at under "REED KEVIN"). Used by permission. 2. Psalter by Francis Rouse, the Westminster Divines, and the Scottish General Assembly (from ) Annotations by John Brown (of Haddington) - THE PSALMS OF DAVID IN METRE (i.e. the Scottish Metrical Psalter of 1650): Allowed By the Authority of the Kirk of Scotland, and of Several Branches of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. With Notes, Exhibiting the Connection, Explaining the Sense, and for Directing and Animating the Devotion (1841 edition) This is the Psalter (less Brown's notes, which were added later) mandated, approved and used (for public, family, and private worship) by the Westminster Assembly and all those who covenanted to uphold the Biblical Reformation that these Divines proclaimed. The text of the Scottish Metrical Psalms was authorized by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in The notes added by Brown are suitable for explaining the Psalm before singing and are a great aid to understanding and worship (whether public, family, or private). This is a primary source document of Reformation; not to be missed by those serious about the Reformed faith and worshipping God in spirit and in truth. There are few things in life as pleasing and enjoyable as communing with Christ through the singing of His Psalms! Excerpted from the "Library of Presbyterian Heritage and Protestant Heritage Press" CD (listed at under "REED KEVIN"). Used by permission. 3. George Gillespie - Of Uniformity In Religion, Worship of God, and Church Government by George Gillespie

17 REFORMATION BOOKSHELF CD (23/30) Church Government (1/2) swrb.com STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS Greg Price - Foundation for Reformation: The Regulative Principle of Worship (1995, 5. The (Westminster) Directory for the Publick Worship of God 6. James Douglas' classic Strictures on Occasional Hearing: An Inquiry Into Song 1:7 7. John Anderson - A Sermon Against Occasional Hearing 8. S. Bowden - Debarring and Inviting Service at the Administration of the Lord's Supper, Andrew Clarkson - 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, "understanding 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 promotion of unbiblical ecumenism and place this doctrine back on its Scriptural foundation which was recovered during the Reformation. Clarkson cites Beza, Rutherford, Gillespie, Dickson, Durham, McWard (Rutherford's "disciple"), Marshal, Watson, Owen, Burroughs, and many others, while defending the truth about schism. Objections brought against the Reformation view of schism are also carefully answered. This is probably the single best short treatment of this subject. 10. Reg Barrow - Worship: The Regulative Principle of Worship in History 11. Reg Barrow - Psalm Singing in Scripture & History Discusses Reformed worship-song in the context of the regulative principle of worship [Sola Scriptura in Worship]. Defends exclusive Psalmody from Scripture and the writings and testimony of the most prominent Reformers. 12. David Steele - Martin Luther and Psalm Singing Did Luther and the Reformation Lutherans practice exclusive Psalmody? What about Luther's hymns? Where and when were they used? ANSWERS HERE! 13. John Calvin and John Girardeau - Instrumental Music in Public Worship: The Views of John Calvin, the Westminster Assembly, Many English Puritans, the Scottish Church, the churches of Holland in the Synods of the Reformed Dutch Church (soon after the Reformation), Zwingle, Spurgeon, et al. "Instruments were first introduced into use (in public worship) by the Roman Catholic Church in the thirteenth century. The Calvinistic Reformed Church ejected instrumental music from its services as a element of Popery.