International Covenanted Reformation Or Schism? Reply To Wilson

International Covenanted Reformation Or Schism? Reply To Wilson

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http://www.puritandownloads.com/swrb/

INTERNATIONAL COVENANTED REFORMATION OR SCHISM? A REPLY TO DOUG WILSON

By Reg Barrow

The following letter to the editor was sent to Doug Wilson in response to his charge of schism against Still Waters Revival Books (cf. vol. 9, no. 4, p. 9, of _Credenda/Agenda_ magazine).

Sept. 25/97 (URL's updated and other slight modifications Feb. 17/03)

Dear Doug:

Notwithstanding your erroneous response to Larry Birger's comments on Reformation worship, which I'll not comment on any further (at this time) than I already have in my previous responses to you in _Saul in the Cave of Adullum_ (free on Still Waters Revival Books web page at: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Saul.htm), you will be happy to know that we have long ago abandoned our "schismatic approach to differences" (as you call them) with other Christians.

We have been promoting the covenanted uniformity set forth in the Solemn League and Covenant (and the Westminster standards) for some time now. For more information please see Greg Barrow's book, _ The Covenanted Reformation Defended Against Contemporary Schismatics_ (free at http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CovRefGB.htm). Greg's work is an excellent introductory answer to the questions that surround the present divided state of Protestantism.

Also, as I am sure you are now aware, the Reformers have always laid the charge of schism at the doorstep of those who have defected from the truth of Scripture (Rom. 16:17) or any previous *biblical* attainments (Phil. 3:16) -- whether the defectors are in the majority or the minority (see "The Reformed View of Schism," free at: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Schism.htm).

Seeing that we have repented of rejecting the ***biblical*** covenanted uniformity attained internationally during the second Reformation, have returned to the truth of this Covenanted Reformation, and have been working to promote one national *divine right* Presbyterian church (in each nation) -- and national and international covenanting by the civil governments of each land -- the charge of schism can only rightly be directed toward those who continue in the path of *independent denominationalism*, rejecting the covenanted uniformity commanded ***in Scripture*** by our Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:21, Rom. 15:6).

We look forward to the day when the bulk of individuals, churches and nations will repent of their schismatic behavior, in rejecting the already attained national and international covenanted uniformity (and the covenants themselves), and return to the old paths trod by our *faithful* fathers in the faith. A day when "the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one" (Zech. 14:9).

Your readers may be helped by noting that Calvin was promoting the same kind of covenanted uniformity which the later Reformers internationally solidified in the Solemn League and Covenant -- and which we at Still Waters Revival Books now promote. I would be happy to send anyone a free copy of my article _Calvin, Covenanting and Close Communion_ which demonstrates this. This article is also free on our web page at: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CalvinCC.htm.

"Whoever brings in any opinion or practise in this Kirk contrary to the Confession of Faith, Directory of Worship or Presbyterian Government may be justly esteemed to be opening the door to schism and sects" (July, 1648, Session 21, as cited in _The Acts of the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland, From the Year 1638 to the Year 1649 Inclusive_, p. 396).

For the Third Reformation,
Reg Barrow, President, STILL WATERS REVIVAL BOOKS

For information about the Puritans, including free and discounted Puritan books, Puritan MP3s, Puritan digital downloads, and Puritan videos, as well as the Puritan Hard Drive, please visit Still Waters Revival Books at http://www.puritandownloads.com/swrb/.

About the Author:
Still Waters Revival Books (SWRB) has been publishing and distributing (free and at discounts) classic and contemporary Christian (Puritan, Reformation, Reformed, Presbyterian, Baptist, Covenanter, Calvinistic, etc.) books, audio (lately MP3s), and videos, worldwide, for over 25 years.



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