2013 Reprint of 1963 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. While Morgan's literary portfolio shows remarkable diversity, it is studded with works on Puritanism. "Visible Saints" further solidifies his reputation as a leading authority on this subject. An expanded version of his Anson G. Phelps Lectures of 1962 (presented at New York University), this slender volume focuses on the central issue of church membership. Morgan posits and develops a revisionary main thesis: the practice of basing membership upon a declaration of experiencing saving grace, or "conversion," was first put into effect not in England, Holland, or Plymouth, as is commonly related, but in Massachusetts Bay Colony by non-separating Puritans. Characterized by stylistic grace and exegetic finesse, "Visible Saints" is another scholarly milestone in the "Millerian Age" of Puritan historiography.

Author Biography: Alan P. F. Sell, a philosopher-theologian and ecumenist, is employed in research, writing, and lecturing in the United Kingdom and abroad. He has held academic posts in England, Canada, and Wales, and ecclesiastical posts in England and Geneva. He is the author or editor of over thirty books, of which the most recent are Convinced, Concise and Christian: The Thought of Huw Parri Owen (Pickwick, 2012) and Christ and Controversy: The Person of Christ in Nonconformist Thought and Ecclesial Experience (Pickwick, 2012).

This volume in the popular Armchair series presents a short and reader-friendly introduction to the tumultuous life and theology of the fiery reformer John Knox. As leader of the Scottish Reformation, Knox notably came into conflict with the Roman Catholic Church, particularly Queen Mary. He was also an outspoken advocate for education and care for the poor, and is widely regarded as the founder of the Church of Scotland. Each chapter includes a description of Knox's activities as well as a discussion of key texts that introduce Knox's theological convictions. Expertly written by Suzanne McDonald, and featuring witty illustrations from Ron Hill, this book offers an intriguing introduction to the life and work of this major theological figure.

A deeply researched, well-written and comprehensive biography which vividly brings its subject and the milieu of the Scottish Reformation to life - but, even more significantly, the author's approach to Knox is uniquely different to the contemporary preconception of a ranting dogmatic misogynist. This man of action lived a dramatic life - he was a galley slave, an exile, and a man who lived at the very centre of one of the most volatile periods in Christian and Scottish history, keeping his integrity intact.

This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.

When the pastors and theologians who comprised the Synod of Dort met in 1618 and 1619 to frame a response to the rise of Arminian theology in Dutch churches, they were concerned to provide not just theological argument but pastoral vision. They considered seriously the implications of right theology on both growth in grace and holiness and the spiritual comfort of believers. Keenly aware of this vital link between theology and practice, they drew up the Canons of Dort in a manner that astutely rebutted from Scripture the Arminian Remonstrants, point by point, arguing the veracity of the doctrines of predestination, particular atonement, total depravity, effectual grace and the perseverance of the saints-the five points that have come to be known as ''the doctrines of grace." Matthew Barrett opens a window on the synod's deliberations with the Remonstrants and examines the main emphases of the canons, with special attention on their relationship to biblical piety and spirituality. For example, the doctrine of predestination is shown from Scripture to establish not just God's electing grace but assurance of salvation-comforting believers that the God who saved them will preserve them to the very end. As Dr. Barrett examines the Canons of Dort it becomes clear why they are so important. Indeed, the piety and godliness that saturates these seventeenth-century canons shows they are as relevant for the church today as they were then. Wow I really like this book. Matthew Barrett has given us history, theology, ministerial counsel and impetus to true piety in this treatment of the Synod and Canons of Dort. The brief but vibrant historical accounts are informative, his guidance in some thick theological discussion is expert, and his focus on piety leads us to the true purpose of all theology the production of a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. Dr. Barrett s continual insistence on the necessity of monergism for a truly biblical grasp of the character of salvation from beginning to end is a much needed emphasis for contemporary evangelicalism. The appendices provide valuable source material. This is an excellent account of a vitally important subject. Tom J. Nettles, Professor of Historical Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky Matthew Barrett offers a wonderfully simple and direct exposition of one of the more misunderstood confessions of faith. The Canons of Dort are often vilified, but under closer examination Barrett demonstrates that they are biblical and pastoral and a potent tonic for a flagging faith. Tolle et lege, take up and read J.V. Fesko Academic Dean, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Westminster Seminary California By breathing new life into historic events, documents and people, Matthew makes them speak to our culture, our churches and our hearts. David P. Murray Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan By reducing the discussion of Calvinism and the doctrines of grace to the simplified acrostic T-U-L-I-P, I m afraid we have generated far more heat than light. A book that looks deeply within, behind and around the five points of Calvinism is long overdue. Whether you find yourself saying Yea or Nay to the five points, we all need to say thank you to Dr. Barrett for his delightful, informative and light-generating book. Stephen J. Nichols Research Professor of Christianity and Culture, Lancaster Bible College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone!

This anthology gathers thirty-one articles, some in print for the first time, from twenty-eight authors who use the Kuyperian framework to critique and to develop Christian perspectives on, among other things, the church, culture, gender, common grace, education, politics, scholarship, fashion, art, science, and evolution. This book provides an introduction to Kuyper's life and thought through the eyes of others. The breadth and scope of these articles stand as testimony to Abraham Kuyper's desire to see the lordship of Christ extend to every area of life.

In this study of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Louis Weeks examines the present state of the denomination and how congregations can grow in faith through the current time of transition in the church. He considers markers of Presbyterian identity, new ways of connecting and faith development, and defining qualities of the church. Recognizing that many congregations are changing in different ways, Weeks includes case studies of congregations and interviews with leaders of local congregations and denominational leaders to explore aspects of Presbyterian faith and life that are viable and necessary for the future.

'John Owen on the Work of the Holy Spirit', as the work has generally been called, is perhaps one of the best known, and most highly esteemed of Owen's treatises. 'We are favoured with many excellent books in our tongue', wrote John Newton to a correspondent, 'but I with you agree in assigning one of the first places as a teacher to Dr Owen. I have just finished his discourse on the Holy Spirit which is an epitome, if not the masterpiece of his writings.'

John Calvin revolutionized Christianity. Without him, there would not have been apologetics, evangelism, or even the protestant reformation It's easy to say you think he's a pretty important guy, but it's hard to know why without a clear understanding of things like total depravity, sovereign grace, and predestination--concepts that are quite complex to fully grasp. This book breaks down Calvinism into language we can all understand: plain and simple English If you are curious about Calvinism, but don't want a bias view from someone either for the church or against the church, then this is the book for you. This unbiased book explains Calvinism in a way that's easy to understand: in plain and simple English

THE 1831 ADVERTISEMENT - In offering this selection of Sermons to the publick, the publisher has not been governed by Sectarian principles, but has selected Sermons upon various subjects, that the reader may understand the general doctrine held forth by this eminent divine. Calvin's Sermons were translated and published in England, about the year 1580; since which date we have no account of an edition having been published. In consequence of the imperfection of the English Language when these Sermons were formerly published, it was found necessary to revise them, and correct the language; but in so doing, particular care has been taken to preserve precisely the original meaning."

Have you ever wondered whether or not women ought to cover their heads in the worship of God? Paul talks about it in 1 Corinthians. Should women wear headcoverings? Rev. Price's book is perhaps the definitive work on this subject. A must read for all families, leaders and women who desire to approach God rightly in worship, without submitting to man made rules.

This work defends the continuation of God's Law in the new covenant economy. It defends Theonomic ("God's Law") ethics over against Intrusion Ethics (associated with Meredith Kline). It particularly responds to Dr. T. David Goron's philosophical, exegetical, and theological objections to theonomy. It shows not only that Theonomic Ethics is within the mainstream of Reformed, confessional theology, but is also firmly rooted in the covenantal Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.

This is a textbook with annotated excerpts from Karl Barth's "Church Dogmatics" and additional essays on Barth's life and work and his place in modern theology. This reader from Karl Barth's multi-volume "Church Dogmatics" offers an introduction to the whole work, key readings in reasonable portions with introductions and provides helpful hints at secondary material. This is an ideal textbook for all beginners studying the work of one of the most important theologians of the last century.

In [ital] Becoming a Multicultural Church[ital], Bowers reflects upon and shows how churches can benefit from the experience of First Congregational Church of Randolph, Massachusetts [em dash] the church she pastors [em dash] once a historically "traditional" one social grouping church, but now a "multicultural" church and one of the numerically largest churches in Randolph. She offers practical strategies and explores the processes involved, in a conversational style that will make it an easy read for pastors.

Something wonderful is happening in Western Evangelicalism. A resurgence of Calvinism is changing lives, transforming churches, and spreading the gospel. The books are great, the sermons are life-changing, the music is inspirational, and the conferences are astonishing. Will this continue or will we, who are part of it all, end up destroying it? That depends on how we live the message. As "insiders" of the Calvinist resurgence, there are at least eight ways we can mess everything up. -By loving calvinism as an end in itself -By becoming theologians instead of disciples -By loving God's sovereignty more than God himself -By losing an urgency in evangelism -By refusing to learn from non-Calvinists -By tidying up the Bible's "loose ends" -By being a bunch of arrogant know-it-alls -By scoffing at the emotional hang-ups others have with Calvinism

Charles Hodge (1797-1878) was one of nineteenth-century America's leading theologians, owing in part to a lengthy teaching career, voluminous writings, and a faculty post at one of the nation's most influential schools, Princeton Theological Seminary. Surprisingly, the only biography of this towering figure was written by his son, just two years after his death. Paul Gutjahr's book, therefore, is the first modern critical biography of a man some have called the "Pope of Presbyterianism. " Hodge's legacy is especially important to American Presbyterians. His brand of theological conservatism became vital in the 1920s, as Princeton Seminary saw itself, and its denomination, split. The conservative wing held unswervingly to the Old School tradition championed by Hodge, and ultimately founded the breakaway Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The views that Hodge developed, refined, and propagated helped shape many of the central traditions of twentieth- and twenty-first-century American evangelicalism. Hodge helped establish a profound reliance on the Bible among evangelicals, and he became one of the nation's most vocal proponents of biblical inerrancy. Gutjahr's study reveals the exceptional depth, breadth, and longevity of Hodge's theological influence and illuminates the varied and complex nature of conservative American Protestantism.

In the Foreword to the first edition of this book, Brigadier Lord Ballantrae, Lord High Commissioner in 1973 and 1974 commended the book to all Church of Scotland members adding that we should have had something like it in our hands years ago'. Some ten years on Dr Herron has fully revised and updated that first edition, setting out clearly and simply the 'where, when and who' of the annual athering, taking the reader step by step from the Opening Service to the Final Sederunt. The result is another very readable and helpful guide from the pen of Dr Herron. The Very Reverend Andrew Herron MA, BD, LLB, DD, LLD, was Clerk to the Presbytery of Glasgow from 1960 to 1981. A former parish minister and Moderator of The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1971, his other books include: A Guide to Congregational Affairs, A Guide to the Presbytery and kirk by Divine Right. He is also Editor of The Church of Scotland Year Book.

This is the first English language biography of John A. Mackay (1889-1983), an important Presbyterian leader, missionary, and professor who served as president of Princeton Theological Seminary from 1936 to 1959. As president, he rebuilt the seminary faculty after the split in 1927. His ecumenical vision opened Princeton to a wider ecumenical stance and, under his leadership, the seminary prospered as a leading Protestant theological institution. Mackay was a leading ecumenist for much of the twentieth century and helped establish the World Council of Churches. He also founded "Theology Today" and is recognized as a major figure in both the Presbyterian Church and in theological education.

This biography is made all the more compelling by the fact that it was authored by Mackay's grandson, John Metzger, son of the late Princeton Seminary professor, Dr. Bruce M. Metzger.

Throughout history millions have lived and died without hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Despite vigorous missionary efforts, large populations of the world today have never been evangelized. And now religious pluralism has set up shop on Main Street. The question "Who can be saved?" forces itself on the minds of Christians like never before. Is there a wideness in God's mercy? Does God reveal himself in a way that invites all people to respond positively in saving faith? Does one have to be an Arminian to believe so? Or is there a way for Calvinists to see how God might reveal and save apart from the explicit "gospel" and yet exclusively through Jesus Christ? And if so, what does this say about the role of religions within the sovereign providence of God? These are big questions requiring thoughtful care. In this intriguing study, Terrance L. Tiessen reassesses the questions of salvation and the role of religions and offers a proposal that is biblically rooted, theologically articulated and missiologically sensitive. This is a book that will set new terms for the discussion of these important issues.

This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.

This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.

100 Years of the First Presbyterian Church, Eagle Lake, Texas, takes a historical journey through one church's incredible history beginning with the initial Charter Meeting in 1909 and ending with their grand celebration in August 2009.
Sidney Struss, author of three previous history books, possesses a unique style in capturing detailed and comprehensive information from old microfilm rolls. Through his extensive research, he shares fascinating details about the ministers who have blessed the pulpit, the countless baptisms, and nearly every obituary over the years. While offering a compelling, chronological history, he also highlights the perseverance of the Presbyterians to build, grow, and sustain a thriving church despite destructive hurricanes, World War II, and many more monumental events, providing an excellent research tool for others interested in genealogy and family history.
Struss has created a treasure that will preserve an unforgettable milestone for the First Presbyterian Church in Eagle Lake for many years to come.