- Secret sinning puts far more respect and fear upon men than upon God. Thou wilt be unjust in secret, and wanton in secret, and unclean in secret, and treacherous in secret, etc., and why, but because thou art afraid that such or such men should know it, or that such and such friends should know it, or that such and such relations should know it? Ah! poor wretch, art thou afraid of the eye of a man, of a man that shall die, and of the son of man, which shall be made as grass? Isaiah 51:12, and yet not tremble under his eye, "whose eyes are as a flame of fire, sharp and terrible, such as pierce into the inward parts?" Revelation 1:14; Heb 4:13. Ah! how full of atheism is that man's heart, that tacitly saith, "If my sins be but hid from the eyes of the world, I do not care though the Lord knows them, though the Lord strictly observes them, though the Lord sets a mark, a memorandum upon them." What is this, O man, but to brave it out with God, and to tempt him, and provoke him to his very face, "who is light, and in whom there is no darkness at all"? 1 John 1:5-6. Ah! sinner, sinner, can man damn thee? can man disinherit thee? can man fill thy conscience with horrors and terrors? can man make thy life a very hell? can man bar the gates of glory against thee? can man speak thee into the grave by a word of his mouth? and after all, can man cast thee into endless, easeless, and remediless torments? Oh no! Can God do all this? Oh yes! Why, then, doth not thy heart stand more in awe of the eye of the great God, than it doth of the eye of a poor, weak, mortal man? I have insisted the longer on this particular, because there is not any one thing in all the world that doth more hinder secret communion with God and secret prayer, than secret sins. And oh that you would all make it your great business to watch against secret sins, and to pray against secret sins, and to mourn over secret sins, and deeply to judge and condemn yourselves for secret sins, and carefully and conscientiously to shun and avoid all occasions and provocations that may be as fuel to secret sins. Certainly there are no men or women that are so sincere and serious in closet-prayer, or that are so frequent, so fervent, so constant in closet-prayer, or that are so delightful, so resolute, so undaunted, or so unwearied in closet-prayer, as those that keep themselves most clear and free from secret sins. - Thomas Brooks, emphases added (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
|
- As to the object of your affections, in a special manner, let it be the cross of Christ, which has exceeding efficacy toward the disappointment of the whole work of indwelling sin: “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, whereby the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Gal. 6:14). The cross of Christ he gloried and rejoiced in; this his heart was set upon; and these were the effects of it—it crucified the world unto him, made it a dead and undesirable thing. The baits and pleasures of sin are taken all of them out of the world, and the things that are in the world— namely, “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” These are the things that are in the world; from these does sin take all its baits, whereby it entices and entangles our souls. If the heart be filled with the cross of Christ, it casts death and undesirableness upon them all; it leaves no seeming beauty, no appearing pleasure or comeliness, in them. Again, says he, “It crucifies me to the world; makes my heart, my affections, my desires, dead unto any of these things.” It roots up corrupt lusts and affections, leaves no principle to go forth and make provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Labor, therefore, to fill your hearts with the cross of Christ. Consider the sorrows he underwent, the curse he bore, the blood he shed, the cries he put forth, the love that was in all this to your souls, and the mystery of the grace of God therein. Meditate on the vileness, the demerit, and punishment of sin as represented in the cross, the blood, the death of Christ. Is Christ crucified for sin, and shall not our hearts be crucified with him unto sin? Shall we give entertainment unto that, or hearken unto its dalliances, which wounded, which pierced, which slew our dear Lord Jesus? God forbid! Fill your affections with the cross of Christ, that there may be no room for sin. The world once put him out of the house into a stable, when he came to save us; let him now turn the world out of doors, when he is come to sanctify us. - John Owen
- Now, Christians, the more great and glorious things you expect from God, as the downfall of antichrist, the conversion of the Jews, the conquest of the nations to Christ, the breaking of all yokes, the new Jerusalem's coming down from above, the extraordinary pouring out of the Spirit, and a more general union among all saints, the more holy, yea, the more eminently holy in all your ways and actings it becomes you to be. - Thomas Brooks, The Crown and Glory of Christianity, 1662, CompleteWorks, 1867, p. 444, as cited in Iain Murray's The Puritan Hope: Revival and the Interpretation of Prophecy, p. 84). Thomas Brooks Works are also on the Puritan Hard Drive
Holiness & Sanctification In Reformed Thought, By John Calvin, John Owen, Greg Price, J.C. Ryle, Dr. R.C. Sproul, Stephen Charnock, Dr. Steven Dilday, A.W. Pink, Paul Washer, Christopher Love, William Perkins, Al Martin, Wilhelmus a Brakel, Henry Scougal, et al. (Free MP3s, Videos, etc.) |
- B. Leviticus 10:1-3: Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD spoke, saying: 'By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified'" (emphasis added). Carefully note that the nature of the sin committed by Nadab and Abihu was that they offered profane fire before the Lord "which He had not commanded them." God did not say they offered profane fire "which was forbidden them." The fact that He had not commanded the use of the strange fire meant it was forbidden (God's silence in the matter meant an express prohibition of all profane fire). According to Leviticus 16:12 it would appear that the coals for the incense offering were to come from the fire on the altar of burnt offering. The priest then brought the coals from the altar of burnt offering into the Tabernacle, and on the altar of incense he spread the coals out mixing the coals and the incense which then filled the Holy Place. Apparently in a rather spontaneous act of worship (with perhaps "good intentions" cf. Lev. 9:22-24) they took fire from another source to praise God. God had just consumed the burnt offering by a miraculous display of fire, and all the people were in an enthusiastic state of shouting and falling on their faces before the Most High God. Leviticus 10:1 immediately follows with "Then." It may be that in all of the excitement, Nadab and Abihu, quite overcome by the demonstration of God's awesome power took fire from the quickest and nearest source available to them and immediately went into the Tabernacle to offer incense to the Lord God. They took liberties in worship which God had not given them, and they were slain. They added to the worship of God an act that was not specifically authorized by God. They brought their own man-made worship into the house of God, and His anger burned against them. - FOUNDATION FOR REFORMATION: THE REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE OF WORSHIP, by Greg Price (Free Online Book About Sola Scriptura and the Regulative Principle of Worship)
These four messages make up some of the best teaching you will ever hear on the second commandment, Puritan and Reformed worship, and the regulative principle of worship. - John Calvin: "God here cuts off from men every occasion for making evasions, since he condemns by this one phrase, "I have not commanded them," whatever the Jews devised. There is then no other argument needed to condemn superstitions, than that they are not commanded by God: for when men allow themselves to worship God according to their own fancies, and attend not to his commands, they pervert true religion. And if this principle was adopted by the Papists, all those fictitious modes of worship, in which they absurdly exercise themselves, would fall to the ground. It is indeed a horrible thing for the Papists to seek to discharge their duties towards God by performing their own superstitions. There is an immense number of them, as it is well known, and as it manifestly appears. Were they to admit this principle, that we cannot rightly worship God except by obeying his word, they would be delivered from their deep abyss of error. The Prophet's words then are very important, when he says, that God had commanded no such thing, and that it never came to his mind; as though he had said, that men assume too much wisdom, when they devise what he never required, nay, what he never knew." - John Calvin on the Puritan Hard Drive
- John Calvin wrote, "If it be asked, then, by what things chiefly the Christian religion has a standing amongst us, and maintains its truth, it will be found that the following two not only occupy the principal place, but comprehend under them all the other parts, and consequently the whole substance of Christianity, viz., a knowledge first, of the right way to worship God; and secondly of the source from which salvation is to be sought. When these are kept out of view, though we may glory in the name of Christians, our profession is empty and vain." - Cited in, Carlos Eire, War Against the Idols: The Reformation of Worship, p. 198, citing John Calvin's great book, On the Necessity of Reforming the Church (FREE ONLINE)
Why Most Worship Is Actually Idolatry, Which God Hates, According To the Bible (the Second Commandment Or The Regulative Principle Of Worship, RPW) By John Calvin, Pastor Jim Dodson, John Calvin, , the Westminster Assembly, Dr. Steven Dilday, John Owen, W.J. Mencarow, Jonathan Edwards, Kevin Reed, Thomas Watson, Greg Price and Others (Free MP3s, Videos, Etc.) What's Wrong With Worship In Most Churches? -- False Worship (Violations Of the Second Commandment Or the Regulative Principle of Worship) and Well Intentioned Idolatry Brings God's Wrath and Even Death, by Jim Dodson, John Owen, Jonathan Edwards, Greg Price, John Calvin, Kevin Reed, David Steele, William J. Mencarow, John Flavel, Dr. Steven Dilday, John Girardeau, John McNaugher and Others (Free MP3s, Videos, Books, Kindle, Etc.) - John Calvin on the Regulative Principle of Worship: "...which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart." "...God here cuts off from men every occasion for making evasions, since he condemns by this one phrase, "I have not commanded them," whatever the Jews devised. There is then no other argument needed to condemn superstitions, than that they are not commanded by God: for when men allow themselves to worship God according to their own fancies, and attend not to his commands, they pervert true religion. And if this principle was adopted by the Papists, all those fictitious modes of worship, in which they absurdly exercise themselves, would fall to the ground. It is indeed a horrible thing for the Papists to seek to discharge their duties towards God by performing their own superstitions. There is an immense number of them, as it is well known, and as it manifestly appears. Were they to admit this principle, that we cannot rightly worship God except by obeying his word, they would be delivered from their deep abyss of error. The Prophet's words then are very important, when he says, that God had commanded no such thing, and that it never came to his mind; as though he had said, that men assume too much wisdom, when they devise what he never required, nay, what he never knew." - John Calvin, Commentary on Jeremiah 7:31
Classic Calvinist Worship, What Is It? by John Knox, Greg Price, John Calvin, Dr. Steven Dilday, Jonathan Edwards, Jim Dodson, Samuel Rutherford, Kevin Reed, John McNaugher, W.J. Mencarow, David Steele, Dr. Reg Barrow, George Gillespie and Others (Free MP3s, Videos, Books)
- We glorify God by believing. Rom 4:20. 'Abraham was strong in faith, giving glory to God.' Unbelief affronts God, it gives him the lie; 'he that believeth not, maketh God a liar.' 1 John 5:10. But faith brings glory to God; it sets to its seal that God is true. John 3:33. He that believes flies to God's mercy and truth, as to an altar of refuge; he engarrisons himself in the promises, and trusts all he has with God. Ps. 31:5. 'Into thy hands I commit my spirit.' This is a great way of bringing glory to God, and God honours faith, because faith honours him. It is a great honour we do to a man when we trust him with all we have, when we put our lives and estates into his hand; it is a sign we have a good opinion of him. The three children glorified God by believing. 'The God whom we serve is able to deliver us, and will deliver us.' Dan 3:17. Faith knows there are no impossibilities with God, and will trust him where it cannot trace him. - Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity, p.12 (on the Puritan Hard Drive), emphases added. This quotation was located using the Master Search Index on the Puritan Hard Drive, during a search for word "unbelief."
|
Completely refutes Amillennial from Scripture, while defending Biblical Postmillennialism. - Because of their outlook upon the future all Scottish missionary leaders took the long-term view in evangelization, that is to say, they did not regard the number of individual converts in the present as the first consideration, but rather that energy should be deployed in work which would have the maximum influence upon nations in subsequent generations. - Iain Murray, The Puritan Hope: Revival and the Interpretation Of Prophecy
- "Another instance in which posterity is recognized in covenant obligation is found in Joshua 9:15. This covenant was made between the children of Israel and the Gibeonites. Between four and five hundred years after that time, the children of Israel are visited with a very severe famine, in the days of David. 2 Sam. 21:1. And it is expressly declared by the Lord that, 'It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.' And at the same time, v. 2, that very covenant is recognized, and the breach of it is stated, as being the formal reason of the divine displeasure. Now, had it not been for this covenant, the extirpation of the Gibeonites would not have been imputed to Israel as a thing criminal; for they were comprehended in Canaanitish nations, which God had commanded them to root out." - William L. Roberts, The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism (1853, emphases added), pp. 139-140, on the Puritan Hard Drive
|
There is not a word we whisper but God hears it. “There is not a word in my tongue—but lo, O Lord, you know it altogether.” There is not the most subtle thought that comes into our mind—but God perceives it. “I know their thoughts.” Thoughts speak as loud in God’s ears—as words do in ours. All our actions, though ever so subtly contrived, and secretly conducted, are visible to the eye of Omniscience. “I know their works.” Achan hid the Babylonish garment in the earth—but God brought it to light. Minerva was drawn in such curious colors, and so lively pencilled, that whichever way one turned, Minerva’s eyes were upon him. Just so, whichever way we turn ourselves, God’s eye is upon us!
- "Any sin is more or less heinous depending upon the honor and majesty of the one whom we had offended. Since God is of infinite honor, infinite majesty, and infinite holiness, the slightest sin is of infinite consequence. The slightest sin is nothing less than cosmic treason when we realize against whom we have sinned." - Jonathan Edwards on the Puritan Hard Drive
- "Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee" (Job 22:21). "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty glory in his might, let not the rich glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth, and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord" (Jer 9:23,24). A spiritual and saving knowledge of God is the greatest need of every human creature.
- Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. - Mark 9:23, KJV
|
This series is a splendid overview of the history of Puritan and Reformed thought on Revelation, referencing many Reformation source documents. A great place to start if you are wondering what the book of Revelation is all about. |
- The anti-Christian leaven, which has been so extensively diffused, shall be purged out of both the churches and the nations. Every usurper of the rights and prerogatives of Sion's King shall be pushed from his seat. Every rival kingdom shall be overthrown. The civil and ecclesiastical constitutions of the earth shall be regulated by the infallible standard of God's word; their office-bearers, of every kind, shall acknowledge the authority of Messiah the Prince; and the greatest kings on earth shall cast their crowns at his feet. All enemies shall be put under his feet; and such as resist the melting influence of his grace, shall be crushed beneath the iron rod of his power. By spiritual conversion or judicial destruction, he shall effect the entire subjugation of the globe. And, at the last, there shall not be a spot on the face of the habitable earth where the true church of Christ shall not have effected a footing, nor a single tribe of the vast family of man which shall not have felt the meliorating and blissful influence of Christian laws and institutions. - William Symington,Messiah the Prince or, The Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ (Still Waters Revival Books, [1884] 1990), pp. 185-86, on the Puritan Hard Drive.
- "Now, Christians, the more great and glorious things you expect from God, as the downfall of antichrist, the conversion of the Jews, the conquest of the nations to Christ, the breaking of all yokes, the new Jerusalem's coming down from above, the extraordinary pouring out of the Spirit, and a more general union among all saints, the more holy, yea, the more eminently holy in all your ways and actings it becomes you to be." - Thomas Brooks, The Crown and Glory of Christianity, 1662, Complete Works (on the Puritan Hard Drive), 1867, p. 444
- Faith imbued with zeal for the honour of Christ and the glory of God will have no sympathy with the defeatism which is, after all, but disguised fatalism. He who is head over all things is head over all things to his body the Church. He has all authority in heaven and in earth. And he is the Lord of the Spirit. Implicit in the prayer he taught his disciples to pray, 'thy will be done as in heaven so in earth,' is the prayer that the whole earth should be filled with his praise. Nothing less is the measure of the believer's desire. 'And blessed be his glorious name for ever; and let the whole earth be filled with his glory' (Psalm 72:19). - Prof. John Murray, Collected Writings, Vol. 2, p. 350, emphases added
- "Prophecy shows that a time is coming when the Kingdom of Christ shall triumph over all opposition and prevail in all the world. The Romish Antichrist shall be utterly destroyed. The Jews shall be converted to Christianity. The fullness of the Gentiles shall be brought in and all mankind shall possess the knowledge of the Lord. The truth in its illuminating, regenerating and sanctifying efficacy shall be felt everywhere, so that the multitudes of all nations shall serve the Lord. Knowledge, love, holiness, and peace shall reign through the abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Arts, sciences, literature, and property shall be consecrated to the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. The social institutions of men shall be regulated by gospel principles, and the nations as such shall consecrate their strength to the Lord. Oppression and tyranny shall come to an end. The nations, instead of being distracted by wars, shall be united in peace. The inhabitants of the world shall be exceedingly multiplied, and pure and undefiled religion shall exert supreme dominion over their hearts and lives so that happiness shall abound. This blessed period shall be of long duration." - The 1901 Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church
- "Moreover, to kings, princes, rulers, and magistrates, we affirm that chiefly and most principally the conservation and purgation of the religion appertains; so that not only they are appointed for civil policy, but also for maintenance of the true religion, and for suppressing of idolatry and superstition whatsoever: as in David, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, and others, highly commended for their zeal in that case, may be espied." The Scottish Confession of Faith (written by John Knox and others), Chapter 24, 1560.
Amillennialism and Premillennialism, as defeatist eschatologies that are refuted in the Bible, both stifle true full-orbed Biblical revival and Reformation. Postmillennialism, which is the Biblical eschatology, leads to revival and Reformation, on the largest of scales (by our Lord's marvelous sovereign grace). - Summary: An important and irrefutable refutation of Amillennialism from Scripture. This inspiring and spectacularly scriptural sermon deals with many of the "big picture" issues surrounding biblical eschatological interpretation — including when the binding of Satan takes place. A fascinating section of this message also contains numerous citations and explanations from the Bible related to the time of the future millennium — providing many scriptures demonstrating that God's Word prophesies that the nations, as nations (and "moral persons" to use classic Covenanter terminology), will come to Christ in a future worldwide Covenanted Reformation that will cover the whole Earth (Isa. 2:2-4, Psalm 72, Ezek. 47:1-12, etc.). The "realized millennium" of some Amillennialists is also dealt with, as is the Amillennial interpretation of "Israel," where special attention is given to Romans 11 and the part the future restoration of the Jews will play in the glorious days ahead when "He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth" and "all nations shall serve him" (Psalm 72:8, 11 — and remember there are no nations in heaven, so these verses must be referring to a time in history prior to the final judgment!). If you are an Amillennialist this is one of the most important sermons you will ever hear! If you are not an Amillennialist this will be an extraordinarily encouraging message about the great victories of Christ's Kingdom, in history and on Earth, which are still in the future, according to what God has revealed in His Holy Word (Isaiah 2:2-4).
Completely refutes Amillennial from Scripture, while defending Biblical Postmillennialism.
- "Yet civil government has as its appointed end, so long as we live among men, to cherish and protect the outward worship of God, to defend sound doctrine of piety and the position of the church, to adjust our life to the society of men, to form our social behavior to civil righteousness, to reconcile us with one another, and to promote general peace and tranquility." - John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 4:20:2
|
If you are looking for a detailed contemporary Reformed audio commentary on Revelation, with much practical application, this is the best you will find. - Now, Christians, the more great and glorious things you expect from God, as the downfall of antichrist, the conversion of the Jews, the conquest of the nations to Christ, the breaking of all yokes, the new Jerusalem's coming down from above, the extraordinary pouring out of the Spirit, and a more general union among all saints, the more holy, yea, the more eminently holy in all your ways and actings it becomes you to be. - Thomas Brooks, The Crown and Glory of Christianity, 1662, Complete Works (on the Puritan Hard Drive), 1867, p. 444
This is the first of 12 free MP3 sermons covering Islam in Revelation in Dr. Dilday's fine audio commentary of the book of Revelation. See the 11 sermons that follow this sermon at "Revelation Audio Commentary by Dr. Steven Dilday" for much more detail about what the book of Revelation teaches about the rise and fall of Islam.
Antichrist Unmistakably Revealed, by Pastor Greg Price, John Calvin, Dr. Steven Dilday, John Owen, W.J. Mencarow, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, J.A. Wylie, Richard Bennett, John Foxe, George Gillespie, David Steele and Others (Free Reformed MP3s, VIdeos and Books)
|
Antichrist Unmistakably Revealed, by Pastor Greg Price, John Calvin, Dr. Steven Dilday, John Owen, W.J. Mencarow, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, J.A. Wylie, Richard Bennett, John Foxe, George Gillespie, David Steele and Others David Steele, in his classic Notes on the Apocalypse includes Mason among his list of "distinguished and approved interpreters of the book of Revelation."
If you are looking for a detailed contemporary Reformed audio commentary on Revelation, with much practical application, this is the best you will find.
|
Puritan Postmillennialism, Reformation Eschatology (Historicism), and the Restoration Prophets: Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, by Pastor Jim Dodson (23 Free SWRB MP3s, Defends Classic Reformation Historicism and Postmillennialism, With Many Comments On Classic Reformation Worship, the Millennium, Christ's Witnesses, Martyr-Like Faithfulness, and Much More! )
"Those prayers God likes best come seething hot from the heart." - Thomas Watson (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me." - Robert Murray McCheyne (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"Prayer is as natural an expression of faith as breathing is of life." - Jonathan Edwards (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"Prayer is the soul's breathing itself into the bosom of its heavenly Father." - Thomas Watson (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"'Rejoice evermore; pray without ceasing.' Delight makes the melody; prayer else will be but a harsh sound." - Stephen Charnock (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"Prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue." - Adam Clarke (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"To an effectual prayer there must concur the intention of the mind and the affections of the heart; else it is not praying but parroting" - John Trapp (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"One way to get comfort is to plead the promise of God in prayer, show Him His handwriting; God is tender of His Word." - Thomas Watson (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"Believer, closet prayer will be found to be but a lifeless, comfortless thing, if you do not enjoy communion with God in it. Therefore press after it, as for life."- Thomas Brooks (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"He who prays as he ought, will endeavor to live as he prays." - John Owen (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease fromprayer." - John Bunyan (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"Cold prayers always freeze before they reach heaven." - Thomas Brooks (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"Pray often; for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan." - John Bunyan (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"I often pray, Lord, make me as holy as a pardoned sinner can be." - Robert Murray McCheyne "I have been benefited by praying for others; for by making an errand to God for them I have gotten something for myself." - Samuel Rutherford (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"God can pick sense out of a confused prayer." - Richard Sibbes (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"You should, in Tertullian's phrase, with a holy conspiracy, besiege heaven." - Thomas Manton (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
"I wish I could pray like my dog looks at a piece of meat." - Martin Luther (on the Puritan Hard Drive)
- "The Puritan Hard Drive is literally a must have resource, period! There are plenty of resources available to today's Bible student but none contain the treasures of the Puritan Hard Drive. In order to be a well-rounded, erudite student of God's word you must, in the words of C.S. Lewis, "read old books." In no other resource can you find, in one place, the writings of the great Calvinistic scholars and in such an easy, searchable format. Student and scholar alike can benefit from the Puritan Hard Drive and to pass over such a resource would be an immeasurable loss." - Dr. Kenny Rhodes (PhD, DRE, Founder, President, Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Host and Bible Teacher for the "Reason for Hope" TV program, etc.)
God's Sovereignty, Calvinism, Reprobation, How God Hardens the Heart Of Reprobates, Romans 9, etc., by Dr. Steven Dilday, Jonathan Edwards, Greg Price, John Calvin, Dr. R.C. Sproul, Charles Spurgeon, Jerry Johnson, et al. (Free MP3s, Videos, Books)
The diligence given, the energy expended, the obvious humility, and the fearful trembling before God's Word which is evident in these commentators makes this truly a classic Puritan work -- a work of great value! Just knowing, as Barker points out, that this commentary was "prepared mostly by Westminster divines, by order of Parliament, at the time of the Assembly" (Puritan Profiles, p. 37), certainly bodes well for the level of scholarship it contains. Moreover, with Gouge, one of the most respected English Covenanters at the Assembly playing a major role, the thoughtful student of Scripture and history ought to take note: for a theological feast of mature Puritan thought surely awaits those that sup at this table. Esteemed, by the mid-1640's, "as the father of the London Ministers," Gouge was elected as Assessor for the Westminster Assembly on Nov. 25, 1647. His detractors sometimes called him an "arch Puritan" (cf. Ibid., p. 35). Dr. Gouge's "share of the useful work consisted of Kings, and the subsequent books down to Esther, inclusive" (Smith, Select Memoirs of English and Scottish Divines, p. 534). Most of the others chosen to this work had similar credentials, though not all exhibit equal proficiency and some later backslid from the Biblical Reformation attainments reached at this point. Nevertheless, when the commentators were first chosen, these Annotations were produced by some of the most qualified English Puritans -- as a historical high water mark for Puritan scholarship was beginning to crest.
Furthermore, in prosecuting this work the divines note, "therefore we have put ourselves to much more pains (for many months) in consulting with many more authors, in several languages, than at first we thought of, that (for the propriety of the original text, for pertinent and profitable variety of versions, for consonancy of parallel Scriptures, and for perspicuity in clearing of the darkest places) we might bring in such observations, as might not only serve to edify the ordinary reader, but might likewise gratify our brethren of the ministry, at least such among them, as have not the means to purchase, or leisure to pursue, so many books, as (by order of the Committee) we were furnished with all, for the finishing of the work, committed to our hands" (preface). As the work wore on, however, it became apparent that the original intention (of printing these annotations as marginal notes in the Bible) would no longer fit the scope and length of commentary that had been produced. Thus, the notes were not added to the Scriptures directly, but rather published as a separate commentary (which we are offering here) -- except that we have divided the work into six volumes rather than the original two, because of logistics.
Additionally, as should be evident, the Annotations were not, strictly speaking, a work of the Westminster Assembly per se, but rather a work primarily by men who attended the Westminster Assembly -- including a few others chosen to this task by Parliament. Notwithstanding, we thought it prudent to title this work in accord with one of the primary names by which it has come to be commonly known (i.e " The Westminster Annotations"). As with much of the literature that was produced by those attending the Westminster Assembly, or by those sympathetic to their work, the modern reader has much to gain by carefully considering the words of these spiritual giants. This work is no exception and we pray that this newly published edition will strengthen and unite the church, turn individuals to righteousness, uplift the family, and help direct the nations to the covenanting love that surrounded the work at the Westminster Assembly in the seventeenth century -- and in all this bring glory to God! 2,383 pages.
- This is a collection of sermons preached to England's Parliament during the glory days of the Puritan preaching on days of public humiliation... These sermons richly combine prayer and thanksgiving on England's behalf. They encourage and admonish Parliament to govern in the fear of God. The volumes include sermons of preachers who were frequently invited to Parliament, including William Ames, Samuel Bolton, William Bridge, Thomas Brooks, Anthony Burgess, Jeremiah Burroughs, Joseph Caryl, Thomas Goodwin, William Greenhill, Christopher Love, Thomas Manton, Stephen Marshall, Philip Nye, John Owen, Obadiah Sedgwick, and Ralph Venning (and many others - RB)" (from pages 632-633 of the important and useful book by Beeke and Pederson on Puritanism and Puritan books, entitled, Meet the Puritans: With a Guide To Modern Reprints -- a great companion guide to the Puritan Hard Drive.
The quote below should also help you to appreciate the spirit of these days of Reformation, while also illustrating the zeal and dedication that the Lord gave both the preaches and those who heard them, - "It was upon these occasions his (John Howe's) common way to begin about nine in the morning with prayer for about a quarter of an hour in which he begged a blessing on the work of the day: and afterward read and expounded a chapter or psalm in which he spent three-quarters of an hour. Then he prayed for about an hour, preached for another hour and prayed for about half an hour. After this he retired and took some little refreshment for about a quarter of an hour more (the people singing all the while) and then came again into the pulpit and prayed for another hour and gave them another sermon of about an hour's length, and so concluded the service of the day at about four of the clock in the evening with about half an hour or more in prayer.
- Linus Chua, The Westminster Confession of Faith: A Brief Historical Survey of the Westminster Assembly and Standards.
|
An amazing series of messages focusing on the sovereignty of God in the Bible, by the man some consider the Spurgeon of our generation. - "It is no novelty, then, that I am preaching; no new doctrine. I love to proclaim these strong old doctrines that are called by nickname Calvinism, but which are truly and verily the revealed truth of God as it is in Christ Jesus. By this truth I make my pilgrimage into the past, and as I go, I see father after father, confessor after confessor, martyr after martyr, standing up to shake hands with me ... Taking these things to be the standard of my faith, I see the land of the ancients peopled with my brethren; I behold multitudes who confess the same as I do, and acknowledge that this is the religion of God's own church." - Charles Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Sovereign Grace Sermons, Still Waters Revival Books, p. 170
- Charles Spurgeon: "What is the heresy of Rome, but the addition of something to the perfect merits of Jesus Christ--the bringing in of the works of the flesh, to assist in our justification? And what is the heresy of Arminianism but the addition of something to the work of the Redeemer? Every heresy, if brought to the touchstone, will discover itself here. I have my own private opinion that there is no such thing as preaching Christ and Him crucified, unless we preach what nowadays is called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else. I do not believe we can preach the gospel, if we do not preach justification by faith, without works; nor unless we preach the sovereignty of God in His dispensation of grace; nor unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah; nor do I think we can preach the gospel, unless we base it upon the special and particular redemption of His elect and chosen people which Christ wrought out upon the cross; nor can I comprehend a gospel which lets saints fall away after they are called, and suffers the children of God to be burned in the fires of damnation after having once believed in Jesus. Such a gospel I abhor." (C. H. Spurgeon, The New Park Street Pulpit, Vol. 1, 1856)
Calvinism In the Early Church Fathers: Ignatius (Student of the Apostle John), Cyprian, Augustine, et al. (Free MP3s & More, By William Cunningham, Dr. Matthew McMahon, W.G.T. Shedd, Dr. Curt Daniel, John Calvin, Dr. Kenneth Talbot, Jerome Zanchius, et al.
These four messages make up some of the best teaching you will ever hear on the second commandment, Puritan and Reformed worship, and the regulative principle of worship. - John Calvin: "God here cuts off from men every occasion for making evasions, since he condemns by this one phrase, "I have not commanded them," whatever the Jews devised. There is then no other argument needed to condemn superstitions, than that they are not commanded by God: for when men allow themselves to worship God according to their own fancies, and attend not to his commands, they pervert true religion. And if this principle was adopted by the Papists, all those fictitious modes of worship, in which they absurdly exercise themselves, would fall to the ground. It is indeed a horrible thing for the Papists to seek to discharge their duties towards God by performing their own superstitions. There is an immense number of them, as it is well known, and as it manifestly appears. Were they to admit this principle, that we cannot rightly worship God except by obeying his word, they would be delivered from their deep abyss of error. The Prophet's words then are very important, when he says, that God had commanded no such thing, and that it never came to his mind; as though he had said, that men assume too much wisdom, when they devise what he never required, nay, what he never knew." - John Calvin on the Puritan Hard Drive
God's Will Vs. Man's Will In Worship, Romanism and Arminianism In Worship Are Heresy (The Plausibility Of Will Worship To Worldly Wisdom, Colossians 2:23, the Regulative Principle Of Worship [RPW], Etc.), By Jim Dodson, John Calvin, Greg Price, Westminster Divines, Dr. Steven Dilday, John Owen, Kevin Reed, John Flavel, Thomas Watson, William Perkins and Others (Free Reformed MP3s, Videos, Books, Etc.) - "If it be inquired, then, by what things chiefly the Christian religion has a standing existence amongst us, and maintains its truth, it will be found that the following two not only occupy the principal place, but comprehend under them all the other parts, and consequently the whole substance of Christianity: this is, a knowledge, first, of the mode in which God is duly worshipped; and, secondly, of the source from which salvation is to be obtained. When these are kept out of view, though we may glory in the name Christians, our profession is empty and vain. After these come the sacraments and the government of the church." - John Calvin, The Necessity of Reforming the Church, Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1544, reprinted 1995, p. 15, free online at https://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/NRC_ch00.htm.
- "The idea of millions of years came from the belief that the fossil record was built up over a long time. As soon as people allow for millions of years, they allow for the fossil record to be millions of years old. This creates an insurmountable problem regarding the gospel. The fossil record consists of the death of billions of creatures. In fact, it is a record of death, disease, suffering, cruelty, and brutality. It is a very ugly record. The Bible is adamant though, that death, disease, and suffering came into the world as a result of sin. God instituted death and bloodshed because of sin so man could be redeemed. As soon as Christians allow for death, suffering, and disease before sin, then the whole foundations of the message of the Cross and the Atonement have been destroyed. The doctrine of original sin, then, is totally undermined. If there were death, disease, and suffering before Adam rebelled -- then what did sin do to the world? What does Paul mean in Romans 8 when he says the whole of creation groans in pain because of the Curse? How can all things be restored in the future to no more death and suffering, unless the beginning was also free of death and suffering? The whole message of the gospel falls apart if one allows millions of years for the creation of the world." - The Necessity for Believing in Six Literal Days by Ken Ham. Also hear Six Day Creation and The Eisegesis Problem by Ken Ham (Free MP3) and "The Doctrine Of Original Sin (26 Free MP3s) by Jonathan Edwards.
Scroll down on landing pages to reach all the free Reformation resources.
Scroll down on landing pages to reach all the free Reformation resources. - We are never nearer Christ than when we find ourselves lost in a holy amazement at His unspeakable love. - John Owen(Works, on the Puritan Hard Drive)
- "Let no man think to kill sin with few, easy, or gentle strokes. He who hath once smitten a serpent, if he follow not on his blow until it be slain, may repent that ever he began the quarrel. And so he who undertakes to deal with sin, and pursues it not constantly to the death." - John Owen (Works, on the Puritan Hard Drive)
- "Set no time to the creator of time, for His time is always best." - Samuel Rutherford, most of Rutherford's works are on the Puritan Hard Drive
- "To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall co-operate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over." - Thomas Watson, Many of Thomas Watson works are on the Puritan Hard Drive
|
|
Postmillennialism (Free Reformation MP3s, Puritan Books and Reformed Quotes), by Jonathan Edwards, John Murray, Samuel Rutherford, Dr. Steven Dilday, Iain Murray, Thomas Brooks, Greg Price, Pastor Jim Dodson, Dr. F.N. Lee, David Silversides and Others
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loading... Please wait...
