The BEST edition of Spurgeon's Treasury of David

Started a trip through the Psalms and pulled all my commentaries out of my library. I, or course, started with Spurgeon's Treasury of David. There has never been in the history of the church a better commentary than Spurgeon's work. If you don't have it, you are the lessor for it. Spurgeon spent an extraordinary amount of time and effort searching all known commentaries for valuable nuggets of insight; so, you not only get his thoughts but everything he could find as well. Spurgeon's library was massive so this is really saying a lot!

The best edition of Spurgeon's Treasury of David is the one put out by Pilgrim Publications. The typeset, binding, and overall production will stand for years. Most editions try to squeeze it all into one one or two volumes and you get both tiny print and books that are just too large to hold. Not so with this edition. There are seven volumes in the series and it's really a great edition to your library.

Contend Earnestly: Bart Ehrman vs Stephen Colbert

I have to give a shout out for this video clip of Stephen Colbert making a monkey out of Bart Ehrman. Of course, Dr. Erhman is using his same tired points and Stephen Colbert really has a blast with him. Too funny!

A wonderful introduction to the Puritans on Christ the Center!

I want to give a shout out to Christ the Center for a wonderful program they did this week with James T. O'Brien on an introduction to the Puritans. I was pleased that I had almost everything he mentioned and I hope your library is in similar shape. You can find the show content and download link here.

While you're at it, why don't you just subscribe to Christ the Center's weekly podcast. I really can't say enough about it as its one of the highlights of my week.

Christ Precious To Those That Believe

I added to my library this week a wonderful Puritan classic - Christ Precious To Those That Believe. You can buy the book here. Reformation Heritage describes the book as:

Building on 1 Peter 2:7, Fawcett examines the character of the persons to whom Christ is precious, the evidence those people give that Christ is precious to them, and in what respects Jesus is precious to them. This book is a tribute to the all-surpassing value of the riches of Christ. Being so biblically saturated and Christ-exalting, one would be surprised if a child of God could read this book without being stirred to greater affection for all that God is for us in Jesus.

Certain, to any Christian, Christ is precious and the object of our faith. This volume details the various ways Christ is precious to believers. Highly recommended.

Great Book for Parents

Reformation Heritage continues to produce books in their fabulous Dutch Reformed Translation Society and here is the latest in the series. It's a classic work designed to instruct and encourage parents to raise children in the faith. You can purchase the volume here.

Ames' A Sketch of the Christian's Catechism is 50% off!

Deal of the Week

from Heritage Booktalk by Michael Dewalt

A Sketch of the Christian’s Catechism

Retail: $40.00
RHB Today Only: $20.00

Ames’s method in this book is not an analysis of the Catechism itself. Rather, he chooses a particular text of Scripture that supports the main thoughts for a given Lord’s Day. While the exposition is directly from the Bible, Ames’s doctrinal conclusions interact with the corresponding Questions and Answers of the Heidelberg Catechism.

Joel R. Beeke and Todd M. Rester’s introduction provides valuable background on Ames and his work. Rester’s fresh translation from the Latin opens several avenues of interest for modern day English readers. Historians of 16th and 17th century thought will value the critical English translation of a much neglected text, and the fact that it demonstrates the interaction between English Puritanism and the Dutch Further Reformation. Reformed pastors will also take interest in this, as it provides another important resource on a classic doctrinal standard.

Classic Reformed Theology

Ames’s Sketch of the Christian’s Catechism is the inaugural volume of the Classic Reformed Theology series, edited by Dr. R. Scott Clark. This series seeks to produce and provide critical English translations of some of the more important but generally neglected texts of the orthodox period. It is the sincere hope of the editor and the board that at least one volume shall appear annually.

We call this series Classic Reformed Theology because, by definition, a period is classical when it defines an approach to a discipline. During the period of Protestant orthodoxy, Reformed theology reached its highest degree of definition and precision. It was in this period when the most important Reformed confessions were formed, and when the Reformed churches took the form they have today.

There are at least three reasons why classic Reformed theology ought to be studied and thus why this series of critical English translations should exist. First, Reformed orthodoxy forms the intellectual background of modern theology. Second, Reformed orthodoxy merits attention by those who identify with the Reformed confessions because it is their heritage and thus shapes their theology, piety, and practice. Third, contemporary scholarship has shown that it must be regarded as a vital intellectual and spiritual movement, and thus an important subject for continued study.

The madness and frustration of not viewing your life from God's providence

Calvin writes with great insight here when he strives to show how intolerable it would be to view your own life not from God's providence. This is probably my most favorite portion of Calvin's Institutes:

10. Here we are forcibly reminded of the inestimable felicity of a pious mind. Innumerable are the ills which beset human life, and present death in as many different forms. Not to go beyond ourselves, since the body is a receptacle, nay the nurse, of a thousand diseases, a man cannot move without carrying along with him many forms of destruction. His life is in a manner interwoven with death. For what else can be said where heat and cold bring equal danger? Then, in what direction soever you turn, all surrounding objects not only may do harm, but almost openly threaten and seem to present immediate death. Go on board a ship, you are but a plank’s breadth from death. Mount a horse, the stumbling of a foot endangers your life. Walk along the streets, every tile upon the roofs is a source of danger. If a sharp instrument is in your own hand, or that of a friend, the possible harm is manifest. All the savage beasts you see are so many beings armed for your destruction. Even within a high walled garden, where everything ministers to delight, a serpent will sometimes lurk. Your house, constantly exposed to fire, threatens you with poverty by day, with destruction by night. Your fields, subject to hail, mildew, drought, and other injuries, denounce barrenness, and thereby famine. I say nothing of poison, treachery, robbery, some of which beset us at home, others follow us abroad. Amid these perils, must not man be very miserable, as one who, more dead than alive, with difficulty draws an anxious and feeble breath, just as if a drawn sword were constantly suspended over his neck? It may be said that these things happen seldom, at least not always, or to all, certainly never all at once. I admit it; but since we are reminded by the example of others, that they may also happen to us, and that our life is not an exception any more than theirs, it is impossible not to fear and dread as if they were to befall us. What can you imagine more grievous than such trepidation? Add that there is something like an insult to God when it is said, that man, the noblest of the creatures, stands exposed to every blind and random stroke of fortune. Here, however, we were only referring to the misery which man should feel, were he placed under the dominion of chance.

Calvin, J., & Beveridge, H. (1997). Institutes of the Christian religion. Translation of: Institutio Christianae religionis.; Reprint, with new introd. Originally published: Edinburgh : Calvin Translation Society, 1845-1846. (I, xvii, 10). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

How should we respond to wrongs from others?

Calvin writes with great wisdom and from a pastor's heart:

8. If any thing adverse befalls him, he will forthwith raise his mind to God, whose hand is most effectual in impressing us with patience and placid moderation of mind. Had Joseph kept his thoughts fixed on the treachery of his brethren, he never could have resumed fraternal affection for them. But turning toward the Lord, he forgot the injury, and was so inclined to mildness and mercy, that he even voluntarily comforts his brethren, telling them, “Be not grieved nor angry with yourselves that ye sold me hither; for God did send me before you to preserve life.” “As for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good,” (Gen. 45:5; 50:20). Had Job turned to the Chaldees, by whom he was plundered, he should instantly have been fired with revenge, but recognising the work of the Lord, he solaces himself with this most beautiful sentiment: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord,” (Job 1:21). So when David was assailed by Shimei with stones and curses, had he immediately fixed his eyes on the man, he would have urged his people to retaliate the injury; but perceiving that he acts not without an impulse from the Lord, he rather calms them. “So let him curse,” says he, “because the Lord has said unto him, Curse David.” With the same bridle he elsewhere curbs the excess of his grief, “I was dumb, I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it,” (Ps. 39:9). If there is no more effectual remedy for anger and impatience, he assuredly has not made little progress who has learned so to meditate on Divine Providence, as to be able always to bring his mind to this, The Lord willed it, it must therefore be borne; not only because it is unlawful to strive with him, but because he wills nothing that is not just and befitting.

Calvin, J., & Beveridge, H. (1997). Institutes of the Christian religion. Translation of: Institutio Christianae religionis.; Reprint, with new introd. Originally published: Edinburgh : Calvin Translation Society, 1845-1846. (I, xvii, 8). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

The recent Christ The Center podcast with Dr. Gaffin should be gospel candy for the soul

The recent Christ The Center podcast with the distinguished Dr. Gaffin should be a real treat. I can't wait to listen.

This is not the first time they have covered the duplex gratia (sanctification and justification) of Christ as they interviewed Mark Garcia earlier this year regarding union with Christ.

Regardless, this is a topic you can't hear enough of. The duplex gratia is the core of the gospel benefits.

By the way, not only is this particular episode good, but I can heartily endorse every episode from Christ The Center. It's a panel of well schooled men who interview recent authors or well known figures in Christendom.

Calvin speaks to the abuse of providence in his Institutes

If God providentially determines all that occurs, should we take safeguards in our own life? Calvin speaks to this forcefully in his Institutes (1.17.4):

4. As regards future events, Solomon easily reconciles human deliberation with divine providence. For while he derides the stupidity of those who presume to undertake anything without God, as if they were not ruled by his hand, he elsewhere thus expresses himself: “A man’s heart deviseth his ways but the Lord directeth his steps,” (Prov. 16:9); intimating, that the eternal decrees of God by no means prevent us from proceeding, under his will, to provide for ourselves, and arrange all our affairs. And the reason for this is clear. For he who has fixed the boundaries of our life, has at the same time entrusted us with the care of it, provided us with the means of preserving it, forewarned us of the dangers to which we are exposed, and supplied cautions and remedies, that we may not be overwhelmed unawares. Now, our duty is clear, namely, since the Lord has committed to us the defence of our life,—to defend it; since he offers assistance,—to use it; since he forewarns us of danger,—not to rush on heedless; since he supplies remedies,—not to neglect them. But it is said, a danger that is not fatal will not hurt us, and one that is fatal cannot be resisted by any precaution. But what if dangers are not fatal, merely because the Lord has furnished you with the means of warding them off, and surmounting them? See how far your reasoning accords with the order of divine procedure: You infer that danger is not to be guarded against, because, if it is not fatal, you shall escape without precaution; whereas the Lord enjoins you to guard against its just because he wills it not to be fatal. These insane cavillers overlook what is plainly before their eyes—viz. that the Lord has furnished men with the artful of deliberation and caution, that they may employ them in subservience to his providence, in the preservation of their life; while, on the contrary, by neglect and sloth, they bring upon themselves the evils which he has annexed to them. How comes it that a provident man, while he consults for his safety, disentangles himself from impending evils; while a foolish man, through unadvised temerity, perishes, unless it be that prudence and folly are, in either case, instruments of divine dispensation? God has been pleased to conceal from us all future events that we may prepare for them as doubtful, and cease not to apply the provided remedies until they have either been overcome, or have proved too much for all our care. Hence, I formerly observed, that the Providence of God does not interpose simply; but, by employing means, assumes, as it were, a visible form.

Calvin, J., & Beveridge, H. (1997). Institutes of the Christian religion. Translation of: Institutio Christianae religionis.; Reprint, with new introd. Originally published: Edinburgh : Calvin Translation Society, 1845-1846. (I, xvii, 4). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

How often should a Christian hear the gospel?

Great quote from page 761 of Concise Reformed Dogmatics:

When I have to some extent discovered myself to be a sinner, as being lost and in the wrong, it is hard to believe that there is mercy for me. Preaching continually opens up new vistas. The spirit is enriched, and the heart is filled. Those who have once truly tasted something of the mystery of redemption seeks to hear the gospel over and over again (Van Ruler, no date, 68-71).

How true this is. Any Christian painfully aware of their great sinfulness will drink deeply from the gospel fountain every time it springs forth.

A wonderful section of the Institutes regarding providence

This is a wonderful section of the Institutes (1.16.2) regarding providence:

2. That this distinction may be the more manifest, we must consider that the Providence of God, as taught in Scripture, is opposed to fortune and fortuitous causes. By an erroneous opinion prevailing in all ages, an opinion almost universally prevailing in our own day—viz. that all things happen fortuitously, the true doctrine of Providence has not only been obscured, but almost buried. If one falls among robbers, or ravenous beasts; if a sudden gust of wind at sea causes shipwreck; if one is struck down by the fall of a house or a tree; if another, when wandering through desert paths, meets with deliverance; or, after being tossed by the waves, arrives in port, and makes some wondrous hair-breadth escape from death—all these occurrences, prosperous as well as adverse, carnal sense will attribute to fortune. But whose has learned from the mouth of Christ that all the hairs of his head are numbered (Mt. 10:30), will look farther for the cause, and hold that all events whatsoever are governed by the secret counsel of God.

Calvin, J., & Beveridge, H. (1997). Institutes of the Christian religion. Translation of: Institutio Christianae religionis.; Reprint, with new introd. Originally published: Edinburgh : Calvin Translation Society, 1845-1846. (I, xvi, 2). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.