Links to
all 90 SWRB CDs related to our new 3 for 1 CD SUPER SALE (LIMITED TIME OFFER).
(For the "Biblical Separation" section see below.) - The Westminster Confession of Faith by the Westminster Divines
- Treasury of the Scottish Covenant by J.C. Johnstone
- Selected Writings of John Knox by John Knox
- Historical Theology: A Review of the Principle Doctrinal Discussions
in the Christian Church Since the Apostolic Age by William Cunningham
- Guidelines for Elder Training by the Session of the Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton ($.25)
- The Ruling Elder by Samuel Miller
- Doctrinal Integrity: The Utility and Importance of Creeds and Confessions and Adherence to Our Doctrinal Standards by Samuel Miller
- Messiah the Prince by William Symington
- Anarchy in Worship by James Begg
- The Directory for Family Worship and the Directory for the Publick Worship of God by the Westminster Divines
- Commentary on the Larger Catechism by Thomas Ridgeley
- Commentary on the Shorter Catechism by Thomas Boston
- The Elder and His Work by David Dickson ($9.95-20%=7.96)
- 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) by the Reformed Presbytery
- 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.) by the Reformed Presbytery
- The Works of George Gillespie by George Gillespie
- A Dispute Against English Popish Ceremonies by George Gillespie
- The Presbyterian's Armoury by George Gillespie, Samuel Rutherford, David Calderwood and John Brown of Wamphray
- Exclusive Psalmody by Greg Price
- The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til
The Acts of the General Assemblies of the Church of
Scotland, From the Year 1638 to the Year 1649 Inclusive (1682)
Exceedingly rare, these are the acts from what many consider the greatest
general assembly gatherings since the days of the apostles. The work
accomplished and ratified at these meetings has been called "the most
perfect model" of Presbyterial Church Government "as yet
attained." Sitting during the momentous days of the Covenants (National
and Solemn League) and the Westminster Assembly, this general assembly included
the likes of Samuel Rutherford and George Gillespie. Judicially binding on
covenanted Presbyterians these Acts demonstrate how these godly
leaders officially dealt with individual, family, ecclesiastical and civil
Reformation (including national and international matters). Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that these
rulings had major national and international ramifications in their day and
that they still guide faithful Presbyterians at the close of the twentieth
century (as terms of ministerial and Christian communion in the Reformed
Presbyterian church). Moreover, they contain "noble examples to be
followed in testifying against all corruptions embodied in the constitutions of
either churches or states" (Reformed Presbytery, Act, Declaration and
Testimony for the Whole of Our Covenanted Reformation, p. 216).
Christ's Kingship has never since been so boldly and clearly proclaimed to the
nations by a duly constituted general assembly -- neither has His rule and
reign been upheld and actually embodied into the laws of a nation (civil and
ecclesiastical) as they were during these days in Scotland. Much of this can be
attributed to the work (humanly speaking) done by the ministers present while
these Acts were debated and passed. Regarding doctrine, worship, government and
disciple there are few books that will be as helpful -- especially to elders
and those advanced in the faith. Additionally, if you want a glimpse at the
heart of the second Reformation this is
one of the best places to look. It may also be considered "the
eye of the Puritan storm," seeing
that the Scottish Covenanters exerted such a godly influence among their
English Presbyterian brothers (and the Westminster Assembly) during these days
-- the two nations having covenanted with God (in the Solemn League and
Covenant) for the international "reformation and defence of religion...
the peace and safety of the three kingdoms... the glory of God, and the
advancement of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, etc."
Over 500 pages and indexed for easy reference to all major topics.
(Rare bound photocopy) $199.95-90%=19.99
- An Admonition to Flee Idolatry, Romanism and All False Worship (1554). by John Knox. (This letter, originally titled "A Godly Letter of Warning or Admonition..." is also found in the Selected Writing of John Knox and has been edited to reflect contemporary spelling, punctuation, and grammar. This valuable hardcover also contains numerous other exceptional letters by Knox).
- Shunning the Unlawful Rites of the Ungodly and Preserving the Purity of the Christian Religion by John Calvin
- An Explanation and Defence of the Terms of Communion, Adopted by the Community of Dissenters, etc. by the Reformed Presbytery
- A Hind Let Loose by A Lover of Liberty (Alexander Shields)
- Terms of Chruch Union and Communion by James Chrystie
- Church Union and Communion (1819) by John Black
- A Useful Case of Conscience, Learnedly and Accurately Discussed and Resolved, Concerning Associations and Confederacies with Idolaters, Infidels, Heretics, Malignants, or Any Other Known Enemies of Truth and Godliness by Hugh Binning
- A Modest Apology for the Conduct of Seceders, in Refusing to Join in
Christian Communion with Sectarians, Latitudinarians, etc. Who Have Departed From the
Purity of Reformation Once Attained
to in these Kingdoms by Anonymous
- Concerning Close Communion by W.J. McKnight
- A Warning Against Backsliding, False Worship and False Teachers
by John Flavel formerly titled "Antipharmacum Saluberrimum: Or, A
Serious and Seasonable Caveat to all Saints in the Hour of Temptation"
(Works of the John Flavel, volume 4, London, 1820.)
- Some Comments for Those Who Attend Idolatrous Worship
by Knox, Burgess, and Philpot ($.25)
- Of Separation from Corrupt Churches ($.25)
- War Against the Idols: The Reformation of Worship from Erasmus to Calvin
by Carlos M.N. Eire (Most imporatant are chapters 6-8 which deal with
Calvin's attack on idolatry, his all important battle with the "Nicodemites,"
and the revolutionary political implications of the "war against the idols."
- How Best to Secure a Return to the Use of the Psalms in the Ordinance of Praise by S.R. M'Neilly
- Making Shipwreck of the Faith: Evangelicals and Roman Catholics Together
by Kevin Reed
- Our Reformation Heritage by James Dodson
- The Scots Worthies by John Howie
- Doctrinal Integrity: The Utility and Importance of Creeds and Confessions and Adherence to Our Doctrinal Standards by Samuel Miller
- The Solemn League and Covenant ($.25)
- The Hurt of Hearing Mass by John Bradford
- A Cloud of Witnesses for the Royal Prerogatives of Jesus Christ: Being the Last Speeches and Testimonies of Those Who Have Suffered for the Truth in Scotland Since the Year 1680 by John H. Thompson
- Prince Messiah's Claims to Dominion Over All Governments:
and the Disregard of His Authority by the United States
in the Federal Constitution by James R. Willson
- Paisley's Protest Against Popery in Parliament by Ian Paisely
- The Two Sons of Oil; or, The Faithful Witness for Magistracy
and Ministry Upon a Scriptural Basis by Samuel B. Wylie
- Wholesome Severity Reconciled With Christian Liberty by George Gillespie
- John Knox Debates Theonomy, Idolatry and Civil Resistance
in the General Assembly of 1564 by John Knox
- Reformation, Revolution and Romanism by John Knox
- Civil Government: An Exposition of Romans 13:1-7 by James M. Willson
- On Rebellion by John Knox
- A Short Directory for Religious Societies (1881) by the Reformed Presbytery
- A Defense of Liberty Against Tyrants by Junius Brutus
- Statement of the Difference... Particularly on the Power of Civil Magistrates Respecting Religion, National Reformation, National Churches, and National Covenants by Thomas M'Crie
- The Works of George Gillespie by George Gillespie
- A Dispute Against English Popish Ceremonies by George Gillespie
- The Presbyterian's Armoury by George Gillespie, Samuel Rutherford, David Calderwood and John Brown of Wamphray
- Lex, Rex or The Law and the Prince by Samuel Rutherford
- A Free Disputation Against Pretended Liberty of Conscience by Samuel Rutherford
- Human Authority in Religion Condemned by John Brown (of Edinbugh)
- The Testimony of Some Persecuted Presbyterian Ministers of the Gospel
Unto the Covenanted Reformation of the Church of Scotland, and to the
Present Expediency of Continuing to Preach the Gospel in the Fields, and
Against the Present Antichristian Toleration in its Nature and Design,
Tending to Bury all these in Oblivion, Lately Obtruded Upon, and Accepted
by the Body of this Nation. by James Renwick
- The Covenanters: A History of the Church in Scotland from the Reformation to the Revolution (1908, 2 vol.) by James King Hewiston
- Against Apostasy and Indifference by John Knox
- Against Romish Rites and Political and Ecclesiastical Tyranny (1554)
by John Knox
- An Admonition to Flee Idolatry, Romanism and All False Worship (1554)
by John Knox
- What to Do When There Is No Faithful Church in Your Area by John Knox
- Covenanting, Communion and Confessions: With a Short Summary of the Westminster Confession of Faith by W.J. McKnight
Come Out From Among Them: The "Anti-Nicodemite"
Writings of John Calvin
Much of Calvin's best work still lays buried in languages other than English
(as Eire's book War Against The Idols: The Reformation of Worship from
Erasmus to Calvin testifies). This will no longer be the case with
these fine sermons and writings, of which most are now translated, for the
first time ever, into English! Calvin placed the central emphasis of the Reformation
not on the doctrine of salvation alone, but equally upon the foundation of
biblically-regulated worship. The works contained in this newly compiled
edition find Calvin at his "ballistic" best as he refutes and rebukes
all those who would undermine the Reformation, by compromising the truth of
Christ, in their outward attendance among those who practice idolatrous acts of
"worship" (i.e. those referred to as the "Nicodemites").
Here we find Calvin calling for separation from all churches which embrace
idolatrous worship. He takes the bold and Biblical stand that only the most
seriously committed Reformers ever understood (like Knox), even proclaiming
that it is better to worship privately in your home than to engage in
dissimulation by participating in ordinances of worship which are known to be
false. For Calvin clearly taught, "When the spiritual government doth
degenerate, the consciences of the godly are at liberty, and set free from
obeying unjust authority; especially if the wicked and profane enemies of
holiness do falsely pretend the title of priesthood (i.e. clergy--OC) to
overthrow the doctrine of salvation (as do Arminians, Neonomians, Antinomians,
Dispensationalists, etc.), and challenge to themselves such authority, as that
they will be thereby equal with God (i.e. making the law of God void through
human traditions; e.g. humanly composed hymns, instrumental music, choirs,
holy-days, etc.--OC)" (Calvin as cited in The Original Covenanter and
Contending Witness magazine). As Calvin's
words once again thunder down the corridors of the centuries, in the common
language of the people, they will certainly ring true in the ears of those who
hear the Master's voice, providing a firm foundation for future Reformation(s).
This title also contains another excellent "Publishers Introduction"
by Kevin Reed, which we believe is worth the price of the book on its own.
Combined with Calvin's work, which is easily worth its weight in gold, you will
not find a better buy among religious books (hardcovers) printed in 1996.
(Hardcover) Forthcoming from Presbyterian Heritage Publications. Write them
for a full list of titles containing all their fine publications: P.O. Box
180922, Dallas, TX, 75218 USA
Plain Reasons for Presbyterians Dissenting from the
Revolution Church of Scotland. Also, Their Principles Concerning Civil
Government, and the Difference Betwixt the Reformation and Revolution
Principles (1731)
An exceedingly rare and important book now back in print after 265 years! The Contending
Witness magazine (May, 1841) described Plain Reasons "as the single best volume penned defending
the principles of the second Reformation." It sets forth "the
grounds why Presbyterian Dissenters refused to hold communion with the
revolution church and state,"
(Reformed Presbytery, Act Declaration and Testimony for the Whole of Our
Covenanted Reformation, p. 154n). The biblical principles contained
in this book still apply today and thus Plain Reasons remains one of the best books explaining why (and
when) an individual (church or citizen) should separate himself (or itself)
from those (in church or state) who do not hold fast to all the attainments of
our covenanted Reformation forefathers. In this regard the
session of the Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton calls this the one book that
best explains why faithful Covenanted Presbyterians must, for conscience sake,
remain ecclesiastically separate from all Presbyterian denominations that have
backslidden from second Reformation attainments. (This being the classic
corporate Calvinistic application of such commands as "Nevertheless,
whereto we have already attained, let
us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing" [Phil. 3:16,
emphasis added]. It is also the acknowledgement that the Lord has clearly
stated in his Word that he "requireth that which is past" [Eccl.
3:15]).
Furthermore, the session of the PRC of Edmonton has noted that this book
"clearly spells out the reasons why to unite with the Revolution Church
(1689) or any of its descendants (The Free Church of Scotland, The Free
Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and American Presbyterian Churches) is to
undermine and subvert the work of the Second Reformation. The argumentation is
cogent (with an abundant supply of documentation). The reading can be divided
up into 5-10 pages at a time. Reasons 8 and 9 (pp. 77-91) which speak to the
issue of the covenants are very helpful, as is Reason 14 (pp. 138-140) which
covers the matter of terms of communion. We might also highlight Clarkson's
treatment of ecclesiastical dissent (pp. 172-221 wherein he discusses schism)
and political dissent (pp. 221-280). This is the best apologetic we
have read defending the necessity of Presbyterians to faithfully maintain the
attainments of the Second Reformation"
(emphasis added). Moreover, Clarkson's section on schism, separation and the
nature of the visible church (constitutionally considered) contains over 10
pages of notes and quotes taken from numerous Reformers including: Beza,
Rutherford, Gillespie, Dickson, Durham, M'Ward (Rutherford's disciple),
Marshall, Watson, Cotton, Owen, Burroughs, Fraser, and Case -- demonstrating
that his ideas regarding dissent from corrupt and backsliding civil or
ecclesiastical governments are not new, but merely classic Reformation doctrine.
The book also answers a multitude of pertinent and realistic objections in
sections conveniently located directly after each reason for dissent.
Moreover, the days of the revolution settlement were a time of civil and
ecclesiastical confusion not unlike our own day -- the beast (civil and
ecclesiastical) was attempting to devour the "woman in the
wilderness" by a cunning mixture of half-truths that were designed to
beguile an exhausted and persecution-weary remnant. The consequences of the actions taken in these days, by both church
and state "officials," have been amplified by time and apply directly to our contemporary civil and
ecclesiastical situation ("That which hath been is now" [Eccl.
3:15]).
The Reformed Presbytery's Act, Declaration and Testimony (p. 47)
further explains the original historical context -- so germane to the thesis of
this book -- regarding those deceptively trying days which followed the
"killing times" and final martyrs' death of that period of
persecution (being the death of the covenanted Presbyterian minister James
Renwick, who sealed his testimony with his blood February 17, 1688).
Of the so-called "glorious revolution of 1688" and the overthrow of
the Royalist tyranny the Reformed Presbytery's measured and discerning comments
read, "for in a few months, God in his righteous judgement and adorable
providence, overturned that (Royalist--RB) throne of iniquity on which they
(the persecuting popish, prelatical, Erastian, antichristian [civil and
ecclesiastical] "authorities" which were then wondering after the
beast--RB) depended, and expelled that inhuman, cruel monster (the duke of
York--RB), from his tyrannical and usurped power, upon the Prince of Orange's
(William of Orange--RB) coming over into England, in the beginning of November
that same year (1688--RB). But although the Lord at this juncture, and by this
means, rescued and delivered our natural and civil rights and privileges in a
national way, from under the oppression and bondage of anti-christian tyranny, arbitrary
and absolute power; yet the revolution, at this time, brought no real
deliverance to the church of God; but Christ's rights (by these [rights--RB]
are not meant the rights of Christ personal. It is not in the power of mortals,
or any creature, to acquire and secure these to him; but the rights of Christ
mystical, that is, of the church, or of his truth, true worship, and religion,
and professors of it as such.), formerly acquired for him by his faithful
servants, lay still buried under the rubbish of that anti-christian building of
prelacy, erected on the ruins of his work in this land; and the spiritual
liberties and privileges of his house remained, and do still remain under the
bondage of Erastianism, supremacy, toleration, etc. For it is well known, that
although this man (William of Orange--RB), Jehu-like, 'destroyed Baal out of
Israel, yet he departed not from the sins of Jereboam, wherewith he made Israel
to sin.'"
As a second witness to the testimony also given throughout Clarkson's Plain Reasons see pages 55 and following in the Act,
Declaration and Testimony for more on
"the grounds of the presbytery's testimony against the constitutions, both
civil and ecclesiastical, at the late revolution, anno 1689; as also against
the gross Erastianism and tyranny that has attended the administration both of
church and state, since that memorable period; with various instances thereof,
etc."
Since these momentous days Antichrist and his minions have sought to bury the
covenanted Reformation and its attainments (upholding Christ's Kingship over
both church and state) under the rubbish of democratic, humanistic, atheistic,
tolerationism and a "detestable neutrality" in the cause of God and
truth -- the same "detestable neutrality" so strongly inveighed
against in the Solemn league and Covenant. Commenting on this defection from
within professing Christendom, Clarkson writes, "It is also
evident from this, that Schism from our covenanted Church consists in this, to wit, When the Members of the Church make
Defection to the contrary part, that is in plain Terms, when they associate or
incorporate with, assist and defend the Parties against whom the Covenant
(Solemn League and Covenant--RB) was made and sworn, viz. Papists, Prelatist
and their Underlings, Hereticks, &c. the common Enemies of Reformation; and
fall from the Duties of Preserving and propagating the Reformation of the three
Kingdoms; and refuse to join with, assist and defend those, who adhere to the
Covenants, in the necessary Work of Renewing them, for Extirpation of Popery,
Prelacy, Erastianism, Superstition, Heresy, Error and Profaneness, and
whatsoever is contrary to sound Doctrine and the Power of Godliness; and for
re-establishing, preserving, and propagating the covenanted Reformation, once
happily established in these Lands, and sworn unto by our Covenants.
Furthermore, Schism from our covenanted Church consists in this, viz, When
Members, Ministers or others, give themselves to a detestable Indifferency and
Neutrality, in the Cause of God, namely, in the preserving and propagating the
covenanted Reformation of these three Kingdoms; that is to say, When Men are
like so many Gallio's in the Cause of God, preferring worldly Ease, Honour and
Wealth, their own Interest to the Interest of Christ, become easy, whether the
covenanted Reformation in these Lands sink or swim; and, from a cowardly
Disposition in some, and a malignant, perfidious Temper in others, coalesce and
accord in apostatizing from the Articles of Covenant foresaid, the Cause of God,
and its honest-hearted Friends; and frighted from both, as if they thought it
both Sin and Shame to have it said, that they carried any warm Side to either
the one or the other. I say, All Members of this National Church, who, on
Account of any Combination, Persuasion, or Terror and Fear of worldly Loss, of
Sufferings of whatsoever Kind, are guilty in any of these two Cases, are also
guilty of making SCHISM from the covenanted Church, as is clearly manifest by
the 6th Article of our Solemn Covenant" (pp. 182-184, , emphasis added).
Commenting on the common charge of schism leveled against those who
would maintain the attainments of the covenanted Reformation, Clarkson writes: "Now, upon the whole of this
Objection, as 'tis plain, Presbyterian Dissenters are not Schismatics, nor
deserve to be so called; so 'tis a most groundless and shameless Reflection, to
call them Separatists, tho' 'tis the ordinary Name of Epithet given them,
especially in Print; yet to me, and I judge to many others, it is a Wonder with
what Audacity, Men of Sobriety and Conscience should have the confidence to
speak at such a Rate, unless they intend, in a desperate Humour, to render
their Authority every where, amongst all sober persons, contemptible: For, if
two Persons, walking upon a high Path-Road, on the Brink of a Puddle, the one
of them by a Blast of Wind tumbling headlong into the Gulf; when weltering
amidst the Glare and miery Clay, cries up to his Neighbor upon the Brink, Sir,
unless you tumble over after me, I will look upon you as a Separatist: Which of
the two are to be judged most insnared into the Course of Separation, whether
the Person keeping the High-way, or the poor Man wallowing in the polluted
Mire, Crying upon his Neighbour to unite with him in that his miserable Estate?
Est solatium miseris habere socios doloris, ('Tis Comfort to
Persons in Misery to have Companions.) Have not this present Church thrown
themselves over into the Ditch of Pollution, in complying with these dreadful
Apostates of this and the former times?
And, shall these be judged Separatists, who dare not, who cannot, and may not
in Conscience follow their Example? Can such as join with, and strengthen them,
be able to purge themselves from the Guilt and Judgements, which accompany this
shameful Defection? For an Union here (so much cried up) without Debate, is the
Brotherhood of Simeon and Levi: It is an Union in the Course of Sin and Wrath,
and not in Truth and Duty" (pp. 206-207, emphasis added).
For more of this strong tonic get the whole book -- it is one of the
strongest and clearest calls that we have ever seen for the church to repent of
its covenant-breaking and backsliding and return to its first love at the
corporate level (covenantal and constitutional).
The only drawback that needs to be noted, regarding Clarkson's Plain Reasons,
is that a few of the pages (the book being as rare as it is) in the only copy
that we have been able to obtain for use as a master, are a little hard to
read. Even so, most of the book is easily legible and contains the highest
quality of Reformation thought regarding the subjects of which it deals. It
is undoubtedly a major Reformation classic and should be studied by all those
who are serious about seeing the destruction of the present tyranny (which is
expressed in the modern civil and ecclesiastical Babylon erected by those that
oppose the covenanted Reformation and the implementation of the Crown rights of
King Jesus over the whole Earth!).
(Rare bound photocopy) $99.95-90%=9.99