Reformation CD#1 - John Knox & Bonus Books
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John Knox's Works, (Scottish) Reformation History, John Calvin, the Westminster Divines, the Covenanted Church of Scotland (General Assembly), the famous Synod of Dort (1618-1619), Thomas Manton, George Gillespie, Samuel Rutherford, Matthew Henry, C.H. Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, John Owen, John Brown (of Wamphray), John Brown (of Haddington), Francis Turretin, James Durham, John Howie, William Hetherington, David Steele, Samuel Miller, John Girardeau, Edward Fisher, Robert Shaw, A.W. Pink, Loraine Boettner, Augustus Toplady, Andrew Symington, Patrick Fairbairn, William Roberts, Richard Baxter, William Cunningham, John Anderson, Andrew Clarkson, David Scott, John Cunningham, George Smeaton, Larry Birger, Francis Rouse, Dr. F. Nigel Lee, Bill Mencarow, Thomas M'Crie, Hugh Latimer, David Calderwood, Andrew Melville, David Hay Fleming, John Welch, J.C. McFeeters, A.F. Mitchell, Peter Lorimer, P. Hume Brown, Taylor Innes, James Kerr, William Morison, the Reformed Presbytery (RPNA), J.A. Wylie, J.C. McFeeters, James Douglas, Michael Wagner, Greg Price, Lyndon Dohms (on PRCE session), Greg Barrow, Reg Barrow, et al.

Here is a chance to touch the flame that ignited whole nations for covenanted Reformation. John Knox is considered by many to have been the most biblically consistent and thoroughgoing of all the great Reformers of the sixteenth century. "John Knox was in fact the embodiment of the Scottish Reformation as its preacher, theologian, liturgist, historian, and catalyst for reform." (Hall and Hall, ed. Paradigms in Polity: Classic Readings in Reformed and Presbyterian Church Government [Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1994], p. 219).

"With this concern for purity of worship," notes Kevin Reed regarding Knox, "it is no wonder that the Scottish Reformation was the most thorough among any of the Protestant nations." (From the introduction to John Knox, True and False Worship: A Vindication of the Doctrine that the Sacrifice of the Mass is Idolatry [Dallas, TX: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1550 reprinted 1994], p.14.).

"I know not," states George Smeaton, "if ever so much piety and genius were lodged in such a frail and weak body. Certain I am, that it will be difficult to find one in whom the gifts of the Holy Spirit shone so bright to the comfort of the church." (Cited in Thomas M'Crie, The Life of John Knox [1831], p. 272.)

The Works of John Knox listed here is the complete six volume set collected by David Laing, 1895. Concerning this 6 volume collection, Kyle, in The Mind of John Knox (p. 14) notes, "The only real basis for a study of Knox's thought must be the writings of the reformer himself. From 1846 to 1864, David Laing collected and edited nearly all of Knox's extant writings. This remarkable collection, which scholars regard highly, is indispensable for any serious study of John Knox."

Reid, in his Trumpeter of God, notes that Knox "wrote history as a prophet" and that, wherever he could, he used original sources, many of which he reproduced. Furthermore, he proclaims that this "is still a work that no one interested in this area can afford to neglect." As W.C. Dickinson has commented, "it is his monument, for in it he puts flesh and blood on the whole Reformation movement." Innes (John Knox, p. 45) says of this work, "[t]he author who has enabled us to see his own confused and changing age under 'the broad clear light of that wonderful book' the History of the Reformation in Scotland, and who outside that book was the utterer of many an armed and winged word which pursues and smites us to this day, must have been born with nothing less than genius -- genius to observe, to narrate, and to judge. Even had he written as a mere recluse and critic, looking out upon his world from a monk's cell or from the corner of a housetop, the vividness, the tenderness, the sarcasm and the humour would still have been there." Moreover, Burton writes, "[t]here certainly is in the English language no other parallel to it in clearness, vigour, and picturesqueness with which it renders the history of a stirring period" (cited in Innes, John Knox, p. 45). This photocopy edition far surpasses the edited down version that is available in paperback. Over 600 pages of stirring Reformation history.

"Knox portrayed the origins and development of a movement and not a mere chronology of events... Knox based his arguments on original sources and he often cited the documents in full. When Knox's History is compared to the contemporary vernacular narratives of Bishop Leslie and Sir James Melville, the superiority of Knox's work becomes evident. For the most part, these writers were preoccupied with petty details and had no conception of the momentous issues that hung on the events they recorded... Knox used history to demonstrate his single-track philosophy. And his philosophy said: 'The hearts of men, their thoughts, and their actions are but in the hands of God.' Lee said Knox's History was a sermon without an audience, a preaching book, one long inflammatory speech in behalf of God's truth as the reformer saw it." (Kyle, The Mind of John Knox, p. 13). Our editions of volumes one and two of Knox's Works contain the only full, unedited version of Knox's massive History of the Reformation in Scotland available today.

"After the death of the regent Mary of Guise, Knox and five others drew up the Scots Confession, which parliament approved. The authority of the pope was abolished and celebration of the Mass became illegal" (Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith, p. 208). "It was the Scottish church's official theology for only 90 years, having been superseded in 1647 by the Westminster Confession... the Confession is... cordial, vigorous, and spontaneous. A crystal-clear theological core is dressed in prophetic and militant language. A number of passages have inspired Christians in Scotland and elsewhere. Especially noteworthy are its insights on the Bible, Communion, Christian living, and the Christian's relationship with civil power" (Christian History, Vol. 14, No. 2, p. 24). Interestingly, some German Christians, suffering under Hitler's tyranny, sought guidance from this Confession -- a pattern that has often been repeated regarding Knox's works, whenever tyranny raises its ugly head. Knox championed and defended the Biblical doctrine regarding the right to revolution and its concomitant, resistance against unbiblical authoritarianism in Church and State.

"Knox and five others drafted the Book of Discipline (1560), which set forth a blueprint for the ideal Christian society," notes the Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith. "The Book of Discipline was used in conjunction with Calvin's Catechism and the book of order previously used by the English congregation in Geneva," writes Reed (John Knox the Forgotten Reformer. The First Book "asserted the authority of Scripture, and it demonstrates that the regulative principle of worship is merely a natural application of the sola scriptura rule of Protestant theology" (Ibid., p. 76). The second book, often called the "Magna Carta of Presbyterianism," focuses more specifically on matters of polity relating to an established and reformed church, laying out the key tenets of Presbyterian government. It also gives attention to the doctrine of the civil magistrate. Both books prefigure the Westminster Standards in many respects, as well as exhibiting the genius of Scottish Presbyterianism.

Contains much that is related to worship questions and the blessings that God pours out upon Churches that keep the second commandment -- as well as the curses that follow those who reject the regulative principle of worship.

This letter is written as a warning against defection from the Reformed religion and against giving countenance to the idolatrous worship then being practised, in England, by public authority. The Mass was especially odious in Knox's sight and he "calls his people to separate from compromising associations with idolaters; the Lord's people must never condone false religion, or give the impression that corrupt worship is a matter of indifference" (notes Kevin Reed in his editor's note to this letter found in the Selected Writings of John Knox, p. 146). Our photocopy edition of this work is titled An Admonition to Flee Idolatry, Romanism and All False Worship.

Bullinger, in answering "[w]hether obedience is to be rendered to a Magistrate who enforces idolatry and condemns true religion..." states, "death itself is far preferable to the admission of idolatry."

"From," this book "which clearly enunciated Luther's great theme of justification by faith, it can be certain that Knox was squarely in the mainstream of the Reformation's purpose of restoring the gospel of Jesus Christ to its rightful place... The Scottish reformer asserted that the wicked believe works to be a part of salvation, but a true preacher must exclude them from justification as did Christ and the prophets. Yet Knox did not condemn good works, for as shall be seen, he held them to be a fruit of justification, but not the cause of it.... Finally, he contended that the faith of the Old Testament fathers and that of the New Testament, which he possessed, were one and the same. The patriarchs stood in God's favor in the future promised Seed, and Knox stood in God's grace by faith in the Seed that had already been revealed. Such a position of exact continuity in the promise of the gospel and in the content and object of the faith bore some resemblance to the 'Federal Theology' or the covenant theological system that developed more formally at a later date" (Kyle, The Mind of John Knox, pp. 85, 98).

Our photocopy edition of this letter is titled, What to Do When There Is No Faithful Church in Your Area. Given the lack of truly Reformed churches in many areas, this letter, full of practical advise, should be a welcome addition to the libraries of those seeking to remain ecclesiastically faithful to the Lord. This letter will provide a useful bridge for those separated geographically from faithful fellowship, until new, duly constituted churches can be formed.

Titled, Reformation, Revolution and Romanism: An Appeal to the Scottish Nobility (1558), as a photocopy. David Chilton notes, "Of all the sixteenth-century Reformers, John Knox remains the most ardently loved and fiercely hated. No other leader of his day saw so clearly the political issues in the light of Scripture. Nor has any of his contemporaries had so much direct influence upon the subsequent history of the world. He transformed a land of barbarians into one of the most hardheadly Calvinistic cultures ever to exist, and his doctrines lie at the core of all Protestant revolutionary activity. While he is often considered merely one of Calvin's lieutenants, he was actually a Reformer in his own right. In some respects he was the greatest of them all." ("John Knox," The Journal of Christian Reconstruction: Symposium on Puritanism and Law [Vallecito, CA: Chalcedon, Vol. V, No. 2, Winter, 1978-79, p. 194). Furthermore, R.L. Greaves has noted that "it has even been suggested" and not altogether without merit "that Knox was a key link in the development of political ideology that culminated in the American Revolution." Theology and Revolution in the Scottish Reformation: Studies in the Thought of John Knox (Grand Rapids, MI: Christian University Press, 1980, p. 156). Moreover, Mason states that this Appeal "is the most important... of Knox's political writings," (in the Introduction to his compilation of Knox's political writings titled On Rebellion). It shows in a conclusive manner that Knox wanted a COVENANTED ESTABLISHMENT which was careful to "disapprove, detest, oppose and remove all false worship and all monuments of idolatry" (cf. Westminster Larger Catechism #108). It also clearly demonstrates that Knox believed in and promoted the continuing binding validity of the Old Testament case laws and the penal sanctions attached to them, including the death penalty. Kevin Reed, in a editor's note, introducing this piece in his Selected Writing of John Knox, also points out that "the Westminster Confession provides a distinct echo of Knox, when it states that the magistrate 'hath authority, and it is his duty, to take order, that unity and peace be preserved in the church, that the truth of God be kept pure and entire, that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, all corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented or reformed, and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed'" (Ch. 23:3, original wording). One secular historian once described Knox as "Calvin with a sword," making one wonder if he had not just been reading this very book. For "[w]here Calvin merely permitted disobedience to an ungodly ruler or immoral law, Knox championed armed rebellion -- a type of Calvinism that made religious revolution in Scotland possible" (Christian History, Issue 46, p. 35). This is the best of the best; don't miss it!

Curt Daniel calls this "Knox's major theological work." Moreover, he states that this is "more than a short answer (to the Anabaptist—RB, 468 pages), it is a complete exposition and defence of the Reformed doctrine at the height of the Scottish Reformation" which helped "guide early Presbyterianism and build the theological bridge between Edinburgh and Geneva." Furthrermore, Walker writes: "Very far from being a mere iconoclast, he (Knox) was also a great teacher of his country men... the long and elaborate treatise on Predestination, in which the doctrines of grace and of divine sovereignty are so vigorously, yet upon the whole so wisely, asserted and maintained -- gives Knox a high place among theologians" (Theology and Theologians of Scotland). Boettner, in his Reformed Doctrine of Predestination, calls this Knox's "chief theological work." Titled Against an Anabaptist: In Defense of Predestination in the photocopy edition.

Written to stem the tide of backsliding and compromise during the dark days of Mary's reign in England, Knox sends a pastoral exhortation of repentance to those who had reverted to idolatrous worship. Grieving, he says that he was "wounded almost to death" over these developments. Nevertheless he remained faithful to his readers, directing them to consider the great reward awaiting those who persevere and noting "how horrible are the torments which the slaves of Satan (I mean idolaters, and such as for fear refuse the known truth) shall suffer with the Devil, and with his angels, without end." Herein we see the serious nature of idolatry and of turning away from truth once attained. Titled Against Apostasy and Indifference in the photocopy edition.

Kevin Reed (Selected Writings of John Knox, p. 580) comments, "Some historians have reflected negatively on the vehemence of Knox's remarks. Perhaps they should peruse the long list of the martyrs named in the appendix to this work. Critics may then find a clue for understanding the reformer's zeal. Knox is discussing serious matters of life and death -- spiritual issues which affect us deeply in this life, and for eternity." Magistrates everywhere today need to hear this message again; God has not changed -- there are still corporate curses for disobedience at a national level and corporate blessings for those nations "that kiss the Son" (cf. Psalm 2). Titled National Repentance and Reformation in the photocopy edition.

Written by Knox and four others, this book received the approval of John Calvin. Succinctly covers matters of worship and church government. "Readers need only a cursory glance at contemporary Presbyterian books of order to see how far these modern manuals of polity have degenerated from their venerable predecessors," notes Kevin Reed in the introduction. The Geneva Book is not a liturgy, but illustrates the doctrine and practices of worship used by a church committed to the regulative principle of worship. The Geneva Order was later adopted and expanded by the church of Scotland.

"Perhaps the most thoroughgoing Calvinist," writes W. Stanford Reid (in Christian History magazine, Vol. 5, No. 4), "who took the teacher's (Calvin--RB) ideas to their logical conclusions, was the Scot, John Knox." This debate is a perfect example of Knox's consistent Calvinism.Reid (Trumpeter of God, pp. 234-235) also notes that "[t]he implications of this debate were far reaching" and that "[a]s far as Knox personally was concerned, this debate also marked a turning point in his career." Also of great importance was the situation that occurred "[w]hen Maitland quoted Luther, Musculus, Calvin, and others to support the requirement of absolute obedience, Knox replied that they either spoke in a situation in which they had no power to resist the ruler or they were refuting arguments of Anabaptists who rejected all civil government. Unfaithful rulers could therefore be removed by the people if they had the power to do so. In this position he was supported by John Craig, his colleague in St. Giles, and by most, although not all, of the other ministers" (Trumpeter, p. 234).

Contains four sermons: "The Last Judgment," by John Welch (with an extract from Latimer's sermon "The Day of Judgment"); "The Parable of the Householders," and "The Parable of the Tares," by Hugh Latimer; and a sermon by John Knox on Isa. 26:13-14 preached before the King of Scotland (Darnley). Subsequent to this sermon, his conscience stinging, the King attempted to forbid Knox from preaching. Knox, of course, refused the King's command, as "he had spoken nothing but according to his text." An extract from Knox's "Admonition to the People of England" is subjoined to the final sermon in this collection. 64 pages.

Iain Murray, in his stirring introduction to Cunningham’s Historical Theology writes, "The third event marking the commencement of this spiritual movement was the publication of a book in 1811. It was the biography of John Knox by Thomas M’Crie. All over Scotland this work was used to revive the memory of the great Reformer and nothing could have been a more telling protest against the stifling influence of Moderatism. It brought many a student and minister into the experience once described by James Fraser of Brae in his Memoirs: ‘When I read Knox, I thought I saw another scheme of divinity, much more agreeable to the Scriptures and to my experience than the modern.’" M’Crie followed this up in 1819 with a biography of Knox’s great successor, Andrew Melville (Life of Andrew Melville [2 vol.]), and these two books became known as the ‘Iliad and Odyssey of the Scottish Church.’ Just as Homer’s heroes fired the hearts of many imitators so M’Crie’s biographies aroused a holy ambition in many to follow the noble example of these two spiritual giants." M’Crie’s work is an undisputed classic regarding this fiery reformer. It exhibits information on Knox and the Scottish Reformation which has been hid in manuscripts and books which are now little known or consulted. Knox may be the most pertinent first Reformation Reformer to study in our day of widespread idolatry, theological and civil pluralism, anti-Christian government, humanistic law, relativism, false ecumenicity, and the revival of that "masterpiece of Satan," Roman Catholicism. Read everything that you can get your hands on either by or about Knox; you’ll never be the same again! This is the full unedited text of 484 pages, not available from any other publisher (to our knowledge).

Here Lorimer gives us an important look at a major chapter in the life of Christ's Reformation "workman," as founded upon several important papers of Knox never before published. Kyle elaborates: "After the publication of Laing's collection, three smaller Knoxian writings were discovered. In 1875 these tracts were reprinted as part of Peter Lorimer's book John Knox and the Church of England. Scholarly criticism has verified Knox's authorship of these articles" (The Mind of John Knox, p. 14). Lorimer himself says that "[t]he amount of fresh biographical and historical material supplied by these papers is so very considerable that it appeared to warrant and suggest a re-writing of the English chapter of Knox's life." Furthermore, he continues, that though Knox is too often thought of only in connection "with his work and success as the Reformer of Scotland," it should be remembered that "a large portion of the best and most energetic part of his life was spent in England, and among Englishmen out of England." Kevin Reed, one of the foremost Knox scholars alive today, calls this work "an excellent account of Knox's ministry in England" (John Knox the Forgotten Reformer, p. 19. Forthcoming in print from Presbyterian Heritage Publications.

Brown says of Knox, "It would, indeed, be difficult to name another historical personage who in such degree as Knox revealed a nation's genius to itself, and at once vitalized and dominated its collective thought and action. To present Knox in this twofold aspect, at once as a great Scotsman, and a figure of European importance, is the object of the present biography." Moreover, Brown continues, noting that in Knox, "we have precisely what distinguishes the great religious leader from the mere religious visionary... we have seen in Knox one of the great emancipators of humanity, whose work left undone would irremediably have injured the highest interests not only of his own country but of the community of civilized nations... For the mass of his countrymen, those who have shaped the nation's destinies in the past as they must shape them in the future, Knox is the greatest person their country has produced, and the man to whom in all that makes a people great they owe the deepest and most abiding debt. 'What I have been to my country,' he himself said when within sight of the end he looked back on the long travail of his life, 'what I have been to my country, albeit this unthankful age will not know, yet the ages to come will be compelled to bear witness to the truth;' and the consenting testimony of three centuries is the evidence and pledge that his assurance was not in vain." A rare and extensive biography of over 700 pages at a very low price.

The best easy-to-read book on the history of the Covenanters. May also be used for home schooling or in other teaching settings, as it contains a convenient list of questions at the end of each chapter.

Most commonly known as "Scots Worthies," this edition contains Howie's footnotes (defending the Covenanters) and Howie's appendix titled "The Judgment and Justice of God" (which chronicles God's judgments upon Reformation apostates and those who persecuted the Covenanters). It is the only edition in print which contains both these sections intended for publication by the author (as later editors often removed either one or both of these parts of this book). Biographia Scoticana is one of our best history books (over 700 pages), covering all of the major Scottish Reformers.

This book is one of the best easy reading historical accounts published concerning this unsurpassed Assembly. This title is in the free books file on all the Reformation Bookshelf CDs.

Upholds the original work of the Westminster Assembly and testifies to the abiding worth and truth formulated in the Westminster family of documents. It is not likely that you will find a more consistent working out of the principles of Calvinism anywhere. Deals with the most important matters relating to the individual, the family, the church and the state. Sets forth a faithful historical testimony of God’s dealings with men during some of the most important days of church history. A basic text that should be mastered by all Christians. 217 pages.

The True History of the Church of Scotland, From the Beginning of the Reformation, unto the end of the Reigne of King James VI. Wherein, besides some touches of the civil state and alteration of affairs, in their due order, there is not only a series of the assemblies, and of the principal of their actings recorded; but also a full and plain relation of the trials and troubles, which the church did meet with from enemies to the purity of her doctrine, worship, discipline and government; of the several alterations, caused or occasioned thereby, of the many sad and lamentable faintings and backslidings of persons, sometimes eminent in the church; of the faithful contendings of others for the prerogatives of Christ, as the alone Head of the Church, for the purity of his institutions, and for the liberty and privileges of His Church and Kingdom, against all the enemies thereof, and particularly against Erastianism, and Prelacy, the two grand enemies of the discipline and government of the Church of Christ, and of their sad sufferings upon the account thereof. Printed in 1678.

The prefatory note to this magnificent volume well describes its value: "The Covenants, Sermons, and Papers in this volume carry the readers back to some of the brightest periods in Scottish history. They mark important events in that great struggle by which these three kingdoms (England, Scotland and Ireland—RB) were emancipated from the despotisms of Pope, Prince, and Prelate, and an inheritance of liberty secured for these Islands of the Sea. The whole achievements of the heroes of the battlefields are comprehended under that phrase of Reformers and Martyrs, 'The Covenanted Work of Reformation.' The attainments of those stirring times were bound together by the Covenants, as by rings of gold. The Sermons here were the product of the ripe thought of the main actors in the various scenes -- men of piety, learning, and renown. Hence, the nature, objects , and benefits of personal and national Covenanting are exhibited in a manner fitted to attract to that ordinance the minds and hearts of men." (Thomas Sproull cited in the Reformed Presbytery's Short Vindication, p. 38). 442 pages with illustrations.

NATIONAL COVENANT, Also the Solemn League and Covenant, A Solemn Acknowledgement of public sins, the form and order of the coronation of Charles II, the act for censuring compliers with the public enemies of the kirk and kingdom, act for censuring ministers, etc. 1678.

This resource is contained in the free books file on all the Reformation Bookshelf CDs.

This resource is contained in the free books file on all the Reformation Bookshelf CDs.

Also see Greg Barrow's The Covenanted Reformation Defended in the "Free Books" section.

Almost 900 pages covering the life and work of Knox's successor.

This CD also contains the 101 FREE bonus books and articles listed below:

Also free on this CD are the following audio (MP3) tracks: