Select Bible & Christian Reference Books

John Owen (1616-1683) was an important theologian, minister, and advocate of the congregational form of church government in England. Educated at Oxford, he was a confessed Puritan, seeking reform in the established Church as a parish minister (1643-51). At first a presbyterian, he became an "Independent" congregationalist, or "Nonconformist", and rose in influence with the parliamentary rebellion of Cromwell, being appointed vice-chancellor of Oxford. After 1660, he continued to write and lead in support of nonconformity with the English Church as a congregational minister in London.

This is Owen's last treatise, written near his death, and published in 1684. It is a powerful series of meditations, or discourses, on John 17:24, regarding the Glory of Christ and the vision of it unto those who believe. The text is explicated, then are treated in turn the Person of Christ, the mystery of the Incarnation, His work as Mediator, His exaltation, and the consummation of all things in Him. The final chapters discuss beatitude – the beholding of the Glory of Christ both on earth and in heaven. This treatise is rightly called Owen's "dying testimony to the truth".

John Owen (1616-1683) was an important theologian, minister, and advocate of the congregational form of church government in England. Educated at Oxford, he was a confessed Puritan, seeking reform in the established Church as a parish minister (1643-51). At first a presbyterian, he became an "Independent" congregationalist, or "Nonconformist", and rose in influence with the parliamentary rebellion of Cromwell, being appointed vice-chancellor of Oxford. After 1660, he continued to write and lead in support of nonconformity with the English Church as a congregational minister in London.

This treatise, titled "Gospel Grounds and Evidences of the Faith of God's Elect", was published in 1695, twelve years after Owen's death. "It is an inquiry...into the evidences on which the elect of God, in any process of self-scrutiny, may ascertain the reality of their own faith." Four evidences are discussed - a "fourfold development or operation" in the hearts of believers:

    1. Acceptance of God's way of salvation for sinners
    2. Acceptance of the will of God in regard to holiness and obedience
    3. Guarding of the mind and exercise of worship
    4. Genuine repentance and penitential feeling

    Throughout there is keen observation of human nature and psychology, in this treatise which has been called "an admirable manual for self-examination."

John Owen (1616-1683) was an important theologian, minister, and advocate of the congregational form of church government in England. Educated at Oxford, he was a confessed Puritan, seeking reform in the established Church as a parish minister (1643-51). At first a presbyterian, he became an "Independent" congregationalist, or "Nonconformist", and rose in influence with the parliamentary rebellion of Cromwell, being appointed vice-chancellor of Oxford. After 1660, he continued to write and lead in support of nonconformity with the English Church as a congregational minister in London.

This treatise, first published in 1679, is Owen's principal Christological work and is a worthy companion to On the Glory of Christ. Its purpose is "to illustrate the mystery of divine grace in the person of Christ", emphasizing the Divinity of Christ in a way that seems to anticipate Trinitarian controversies in England in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The work begins with an exposition of Matthew 16:16, then proceeds in the first part to expound on the Person of Christ as the representation of Divine nature and truth, the source of salvation and all true religion. The second part of the work the responsibility of believers is discussed in terms of the honor and obedience due Christ, and the need for conforming oneself to Him. The final part deals with Divine wisdom, the hypostatic union, and Christ's exaltation and place in heaven.

John Owen (1616-1683) was an important theologian, minister, and advocate of the congregational form of church government in England. Educated at Oxford, he was a confessed Puritan, seeking reform in the established Church as a parish minister (1643-51). At first a presbyterian, he became an "Independent" congregationalist, or "Nonconformist", and rose in influence with the parliamentary rebellion of Cromwell, being appointed vice-chancellor of Oxford. After 1660, he continued to write and lead in support of nonconformity with the English Church as a congregational minister in London.

This short treatise, written in 1658, is a commentary on Matthew 26:41 – "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation". It is a thorough and thoughtful exposition of the text, and a significant treatment of the topic of temptation.

John Owen (1616-1683) was an important theologian, minister, and advocate of the congregational form of church government in England. Educated at Oxford, he was a confessed Puritan, seeking reform in the established Church as a parish minister (1643-51). At first a presbyterian, he became an "Independent" congregationalist, or "Nonconformist", and rose in influence with the parliamentary rebellion of Cromwell, being appointed vice-chancellor of Oxford. After 1660, he continued to write and lead in support of nonconformity with the English Church as a congregational minister in London.

This treatise, written in 1656, is effectively an expanded commentary on the 8th chapter of Romans (particularly verse 3) and the exhortation to mortify (or put to death) the deeds of the flesh. The subtitle of this writings is "...the Necessity, Nature and Means of it: With a Resolution of Sundry Cases of Conscience Thereunto Belonging". The analysis is extensive, touching upon practical ethical and psychological concerns while continually grounded in passages of Scripture. The final chapter treats of the work itself – of putting sin to death, claiming that all previous discussion is preparatory for the essential work – which is of the heart, by faith in Christ.

John Wesley (1703-1791), along with his brother Charles, was an active participant and leader of the 18th century Revivals, a prominent missionary, and founder of the Methodist movement. Born in England and educated in the Anglican Church, he received degrees from Oxford, was ordained as a deacon and served as a minister for three years before his critical period at Oxford (1729-35). The Christian Bible-study group (the "Holy Club", later called "Methodist"), led by he and his brother, and including George Whitefield, was influential in shaping Wesley's development, as was the teaching of William Law. Gradually the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, by grace, leading to entire sanctification and Christian perfection, became the center of his belief and preaching, and coincided with his involvement in a wave of missionary activity. These years (1735 to the end of his life) are described in Wesley's own Journal, an invaluable source of information.

“A Collection of Hymns for the use of the people called Methodists”– these are the words, or lyrics, to 1026 hymns, constituting the Methodist hymnal published by Wesley in 1780 with the “New Supplement” compiled and added in 1876. This collection reaches back to Wesley’s missionary work in Georgia (1737), enlarged and expanded several times as needs arose and Methodist congregations grew. The original 1780 publication contained 525 hymns, most of which were written by Wesley’s brother Charles, the “hymnist of Methodism”, while a number were written by Wesley himself, Isaac Watts and others. Many of these hymns are well known throughout the Protestant Churches: “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”, “Come, Ye that Love the Lord”, “And Can It Be That I should Gain”, etc. These hymns can be read as poetry in their own right, or used as the basis for singing the familiar melodies.

    This electronic versions contains topical and first-line indexes, in addition to the main numerical listing.

John Wesley (1703-1791), along with his brother Charles, was an active participant and leader of the 18th century Revivals, a prominent missionary, and founder of the Methodist movement. Born in England and educated in the Anglican Church, he received degrees from Oxford, was ordained as a deacon and served as a minister for three years before his critical period at Oxford (1729-35). The Christian Bible-study group (the "Holy Club", later called "Methodist"), led by he and his brother, and including George Whitefield, was influential in shaping Wesley's development, as was the teaching of William Law. Gradually the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, by grace, leading to entire sanctification and Christian perfection, became the center of his belief and preaching, and coincided with his involvement in a wave of missionary activity. These years (1735 to the end of his life) are described in Wesley's own Journal, an invaluable source of information.

This is a collection of 141 sermons preached by John Wesley (including several by his brother Charles), compiled and divided into five separate series. The First series, published in 1771, contain 53 sermons given by Wesley during his initial years of preaching and evangelism (with the Moravian Brethren, and from 1739 on revival tours throughout Britain and Ireland with George Whitefield); these date from 1738 to 1747. The Second series, published in 1788, consists of 55 sermons which first appeared in the Arminian Magazine. The remaining three series contain 33 additional sermons or discourses, some of which where published by Wesley in other forms, others of which were never intended for publication. These sermons reflect the full range of Wesley’s mature thought. According to the title of the first series, these sermons are defined “as constituting, with Mr. Wesley's Notes on the New Testament, the Standard Doctrines of the Methodist Connexion”.

John Wesley (1703-1791), along with his brother Charles, was an active participant and leader of the 18th century Revivals, a prominent missionary, and founder of the Methodist movement. Born in England and educated in the Anglican Church, he received degrees from Oxford, was ordained as a deacon and served as a minister for three years before his critical period at Oxford (1729-35). The Christian Bible-study group (the "Holy Club", later called "Methodist"), led by he and his brother, and including George Whitefield, was influential in shaping Wesley's development, as was the teaching of William Law. Gradually the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, by grace, leading to entire sanctification and Christian perfection, became the center of his belief and preaching, and coincided with his involvement in a wave of missionary activity. These years (1735 to the end of his life) are described in Wesley's own Journal, an invaluable source of information.

This tract, revised and expanded between 1725 and 1777, contains, according to the author, “a plain and distinct account of the steps by which I was led, during a course of many years, to embrace the doctrine of Christian perfection.” This important and difficult issue, central to Wesley’s thought, clearly developed and matured over time – in some ways mirroring his spiritual growth, and indeed that of any believer. Perfection is described as the culmination of sanctifying grace, where love is purified of all secondary motives, continually progressing, all unto and toward the glory of God. The work concludes with a series of “Brief Thoughts on Christian Perfection”, written in 1767.

John Wesley (1703-1791), along with his brother Charles, was an active participant and leader of the 18th century Revivals, a prominent missionary, and founder of the Methodist movement. Born in England and educated in the Anglican Church, he received degrees from Oxford, was ordained as a deacon and served as a minister for three years before his critical period at Oxford (1729-35). The Christian Bible-study group (the "Holy Club", later called "Methodist"), led by he and his brother, and including George Whitefield, was influential in shaping Wesley's development, as was the teaching of William Law. Gradually the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, by grace, leading to entire sanctification and Christian perfection, became the center of his belief and preaching, and coincided with his involvement in a wave of missionary activity. These years (1735 to the end of his life) are described in Wesley's own Journal, an invaluable source of information.

This is a condensed version of the four published volumes of Wesley’s Journal, which provides one of the only true autobiographical accounts of a major historical Christian figure, and is the best source for Wesley’s life and ministry. The Journal begins in 1735, at the beginning of his evangelistic activity, in the prime of his life, with his departure to Georgia as a missionary to the Indians. From then until near the end of his life in 1790, his preaching and missionary work is described in detail – his experiences with Peter Böhler and the Moravian Brethren, the revival tours with George Whitefield, the first Methodist conferences, and his many travels throughout Britain and Ireland. An appendix of Wesley’s last hours “by one present” is also included. Overall, a rich picture of the man is conveyed: "we can learn better from Wesley's Journal than from anywhere else what manner of man Wesley was, and the character of the times during which he lived and moved and had his being."

Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556) born at Aslocton, Nottinghamshire, England. Educated at Jesus College, Cambridge, ordained 1523. Preacher and theologian. Appointed Archibishop of Canterbury by King Henry. Advocated doctrinal reform and promoted translation of the Bible into English, (Cranmer's Bible). Largely responsible for the First Book of Prayer, the Second Book of Prayer, and the Forty-Two Articles, and doing away with the Mass in Latin. Under the Catholic Queen Mary, he was arrested, and then excommunicated by the Pope. He recanted his Protestant views, but later recanted his recantations and died a martyr, being burned at the stake.

The Book of Common Prayer is the liturgical and service book of the Anglican and Protestant Episcopal churches. Its origins go back to the 16th century in England and the Institution of a Christian Man (1537), with the first version of 1549 attributed largely to Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. This handbook for the worship service provided "common prayer" – both used in common and in a common language (English, instead of ecclesiastical Latin). The second and third editions (1552 and 1662) brought the language and doctrinal expression more in line with Protestantism. This current (1979) version is that used by the Protestant Episcopal Church. It outlines the service of worship for the Daily Office, Baptism, Eucharist, Pastoral and Episcopal services; it provides a calendar of the Church Year, with related litanies and liturgical forms; and it includes the Psalter, prayers for various occasions, the Lectionary, an Outline of the Faith, and some historical documents of the Church.

Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) was an English historian and scholar, who remains best known for his highly influential and widely read Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. He was born in Surrey and studied briefly at Oxford before coming under the charge of a Calvinist minister in Lausanne, Switzerland. Shortly thereafter he was converted to Protestantism, studying for five years at Lausanne, and becoming a scholar of Latin and French, and a budding historian as well. Following his return to England, he accepted a military commission, rising to rank of lieutenant colonel. After traveling throughout Europe for a number of years, Gibbon entered the English House of Commons in 1774, serving for eight years, before returning to Lausanne, where he remained until his death. He wrote extensively, which great erudition and fine scholarship, though many have questioned the sincerity of his Christian belief.

This history of the Roman Empire, spanning more than 1500 years of western civilization, is undoubtedly one of the most famous books in the English language. Gibbon’s work in Latin and his interest in history extend back to his initial studies in Lausanne; he clearly demonstrated great literary ambitions, which began to come to fruition by 1765, when he spent time in the city of Rome. He was well prepared to write his History, which was first published in 1776. The Decline and Fall originally appeared in six separate volumes up to the year 1788. These volumes span two Parts – the Western and Eastern (or Byzantine) Roman Empire. The scope of the work is impressive, touching upon many peoples and territories – the European “barbarians”, the Islam and the Arab conquests, the Turks, the Crusades, the Mongols and Ottomans – as well as Church History, Medieval society and politics. Always colorful and erudite, the readership and popularity of Gibbon’s work have scarcely flagged in 200 years.

James Arminius (1560-1609) was an important Protestant theologian and pastor, who is most known for advocating the doctrine of "conditional predestination" – that God foreknows, but does not determine, the way that one by grace freely chooses or rejects Christ. Arminius was born in the Netherlands and was educated at the universities and academies of Marburg, Leiden, Geneva, and Basle. He was a pastor in Amsterdam for 15 years (1588-1603) and taught at the University of Leiden after 1603; most of his writings come from these later years. He argued strongly against the supralapsarianism, or "unconditional predestination" taught by many Calvinists (a "recoil from Calvinism"). His own teachings had tremendous influence both in the Netherlands and abroad; and the predestination debate remains lively and provocative to this day.

This is the first of a standard 3-volume set of the works of Arminius (reorganized slightly), containing:

1. Five Orations given at the University of Leiden, related to Arminius professorial chair and doctorate - three directly addressing the topic of Theology, one on the Priesthood of Christ, and one on "Dissensions among Christians".
2. A “Declaration of Sentiments” covering principal theological topics, which Arminius delivered in 1608 before the States of Holland.
3. An Apology, or Defense, of 31 articles (doctrinal statements) which had been circulating in the University of Leiden and elsewhere, attributed, often slanderously, to him by theological opponents.
4. Arminius’ responses to nine questions presented to the University of Leiden by deputies of a National Synod.
5. 25 University Disputations on a wide range of theological issues.

James Arminius (1560-1609) was an important Protestant theologian and pastor, who is most known for advocating the doctrine of "conditional predestination" – that God foreknows, but does not determine, the way that one by grace freely chooses or rejects Christ. Arminius was born in the Netherlands and was educated at the universities and academies of Marburg, Leiden, Geneva, and Basle. He was a pastor in Amsterdam for 15 years (1588-1603) and taught at the University of Leiden after 1603; most of his writings come from these later years. He argued strongly against the supralapsarianism, or "unconditional predestination" taught by many Calvinists (a "recoil from Calvinism"). His own teachings had tremendous influence both in the Netherlands and abroad; and the predestination debate remains lively and provocative to this day.

This is the second of a standard 3-volume set of the works of Arminius (reorganized slightly), containing:

1. 79 "private" Disputations, or short treatises, on a range of theological and doctrinal topics; together serving as a concise "Systematic Theology".
2. A lengthy dissertation on the seventh chapter of Romans.
3. A letter addressed to the ambassador of Prince Frederick IV to the Dutch Provinces, discussing certain articles (doctrinal topics) of controversy in the Reformed religion – the Divinity of the Son of God, Providence, Predestination, Grace and Free Will, Justification.
4. A treatise on 29 "Articles of the Faith", for all of which "some controversy has arisen concerning them among even those who profess the Reformed Religion"; treated in succession, these articles provide a concise and "systematic" Theology.
5. A letter addressed to Hans Uytenbogaert in which the difficult subject of the "sin against the Holy Ghost" is discussed.

James Arminius (1560-1609) was an important Protestant theologian and pastor, who is most known for advocating the doctrine of "conditional predestination" – that God foreknows, but does not determine, the way that one by grace freely chooses or rejects Christ. Arminius was born in the Netherlands and was educated at the universities and academies of Marburg, Leiden, Geneva, and Basle. He was a pastor in Amsterdam for 15 years (1588-1603) and taught at the University of Leiden after 1603; most of his writings come from these later years. He argued strongly against the supralapsarianism, or "unconditional predestination" taught by many Calvinists (a "recoil from Calvinism"). His own teachings had tremendous influence both in the Netherlands and abroad; and the predestination debate remains lively and provocative to this day.

This is the third of a standard 3-volume set of the works of Arminius (reorganized slightly), containing a discussion of predestination “by means of an exchange of letters” between Arminius and Francis Junius. Junius was an influential theologian and Bible translator who studied at Geneva, was professor of theology at Heidelberg and later at Leiden, where he remained till his death in 1602. Junius, presenting a tempered version of the Calvinist position on predestination, divided the letter from Arminius into 27 propositions, which is the structure of this version: Junius’ answer to each point, followed by Arminius’ corresponding reply. In addition, several appendices are provided:

1. 20 theses of Junius concerning predestination
2. Arminius’ examination of a treatise on predestination by English theologian William Perkins
3. Two separate analyses of the ninth chapter of Romans

Arthur Walkington Pink (1886-1952) was an itinerate pastor and Bible teacher who is known today for his theological and expository writings, which have gained greatly in circulation and esteem since his death. He was born in Scotland, but after 1910 he lived in the United States, studying briefly at the Moody Bible Institute and serving in several different pastorates. He spent three years in Australia during the 1920's, another year in England (1928), and seven more years in America, during which he preached and wrote without achieving obvious popular success. Most of his works were published as articles in the Bible exposition magazine Studies in the Scriptures, which he edited. He recognized the failures of his personal ministry, but also felt God's certain blessing upon his written ministry. He returned to Scotland in 1934, where he lived the rest of his life in virtual isolation.

This treatise was published in 1923, based upon lectures given at Bible Conferences, a discussion of the person and idea of Antichrist, according to Biblical prophecy and other Scriptural testimony.

Arthur Walkington Pink (1886-1952) was an itinerate pastor and Bible teacher who is known today for his theological and expository writings, which have gained greatly in circulation and esteem since his death. He was born in Scotland, but after 1910 he lived in the United States, studying briefly at the Moody Bible Institute and serving in several different pastorates. He spent three years in Australia during the 1920's, another year in England (1928), and seven more years in America, during which he preached and wrote without achieving obvious popular success. Most of his works were published as articles in the Bible exposition magazine Studies in the Scriptures, which he edited. He recognized the failures of his personal ministry, but also felt God's certain blessing upon his written ministry. He returned to Scotland in 1934, where he lived the rest of his life in virtual isolation.

This devotional treatise, published in 1952, consists of 17 short meditative commentaries on individual Bible verses, all related to the idea presented in Isaiah 40:1: "Comfort ye, My people, said your God", seen as an important facet of the Christian’s commission from God.

Arthur Walkington Pink (1886-1952) was an itinerate pastor and Bible teacher who is known today for his theological and expository writings, which have gained greatly in circulation and esteem since his death. He was born in Scotland, but after 1910 he lived in the United States, studying briefly at the Moody Bible Institute and serving in several different pastorates. He spent three years in Australia during the 1920's, another year in England (1928), and seven more years in America, during which he preached and wrote without achieving obvious popular success. Most of his works were published as articles in the Bible exposition magazine Studies in the Scriptures, which he edited. He recognized the failures of his personal ministry, but also felt God's certain blessing upon his written ministry. He returned to Scotland in 1934, where he lived the rest of his life in virtual isolation.

This work is a short theological tract, discussing the nature of God in light of, and contrary to, modern humanistic trends. It consists of four sections: The Godhood of God as seen in Creation, in Administration of all things, in giving of the Scriptures, and in Salvation.

Arthur Walkington Pink (1886-1952) was an itinerate pastor and Bible teacher who is known today for his theological and expository writings, which have gained greatly in circulation and esteem since his death. He was born in Scotland, but after 1910 he lived in the United States, studying briefly at the Moody Bible Institute and serving in several different pastorates. He spent three years in Australia during the 1920's, another year in England (1928), and seven more years in America, during which he preached and wrote without achieving obvious popular success. Most of his works were published as articles in the Bible exposition magazine Studies in the Scriptures, which he edited. He recognized the failures of his personal ministry, but also felt God's certain blessing upon his written ministry. He returned to Scotland in 1934, where he lived the rest of his life in virtual isolation.

This treatise was written in 1921, a simple and straightforward discussion of the four New Testament Gospels. Each book is treated in turn – its characteristics, unique features, and possible contradictions – with the author’s clearly stated aim: “We are fully assured that there is very much in the four Gospels which manifest the Divine perfections and distinctive beauties of each one, which has not yet been brought forth by those who have sought to explore their inexhaustible depths.”

Arthur Walkington Pink (1886-1952) was an itinerate pastor and Bible teacher who is known today for his theological and expository writings, which have gained greatly in circulation and esteem since his death. He was born in Scotland, but after 1910 he lived in the United States, studying briefly at the Moody Bible Institute and serving in several different pastorates. He spent three years in Australia during the 1920's, another year in England (1928), and seven more years in America, during which he preached and wrote without achieving obvious popular success. Most of his works were published as articles in the Bible exposition magazine Studies in the Scriptures, which he edited. He recognized the failures of his personal ministry, but also felt God's certain blessing upon his written ministry. He returned to Scotland in 1934, where he lived the rest of his life in virtual isolation.

This treatise is a carefully argued and fervent defense for the inspiration and authority of the Scriptures. Fourteen chapters, each presenting an essential argument – from the character of the Bible’s teachings to its unity, its influence, completeness and veracity, the fulfilment of prophecy, and so forth – follow in succession, each providing food for thought.

Arthur Walkington Pink (1886-1952) was an itinerate pastor and Bible teacher who is known today for his theological and expository writings, which have gained greatly in circulation and esteem since his death. He was born in Scotland, but after 1910 he lived in the United States, studying briefly at the Moody Bible Institute and serving in several different pastorates. He spent three years in Australia during the 1920's, another year in England (1928), and seven more years in America, during which he preached and wrote without achieving obvious popular success. Most of his works were published as articles in the Bible exposition magazine Studies in the Scriptures, which he edited. He recognized the failures of his personal ministry, but also felt God's certain blessing upon his written ministry. He returned to Scotland in 1934, where he lived the rest of his life in virtual isolation.

This treatise, in ten chapters, has as its aim to recover and raise the fundamental Christian doctrine of justification by faith to its proper position. Central to its argument is the reality of the justice and righteousness of God – in this light, justification is analyzed and expounded, as to its meaning, nature and source.