"Introduction: On Covenant Theology" by J. I. Packer

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The name of Herman Wits (Witsius, 1636-1 708) has been unjustly forgotten. He was a masterful Dutch Reformed theologian, learned, wise, mighty in the Scriptures, practical and "experimental" (to use the Puritan label for that which furthers heart-religion). On paper he was calm, judicious, systematic, clear and free from personal oddities and animosities. He was a man whose work stands comparison for substance and thrust with that of his younger British contemporary John Owen, and this writer, for one, knows no praise higher than that! To Witsius it was given, in the treatise here reprinted, to integrate and adjudicate explorations of covenant theology carried out by a long line of theological giants stretching back over more than century and a half to the earliest days of the Reformation. On this major matter Witsius's work has landmark status as summing up a whole era, which is why it is appropriate to reprint it today. However, in modern Christendom covenant theology has been unjustly forgotten, just as Witsius himself has, and it will not therefore be amiss to spend a little time reintroducing it, in order to prepare readers' minds for what is to come.

"The Great Duty of Family Religion" by George Whitefield

Joshua 24:15 — "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

 These words contain the holy resolution of pious Joshua, who having in a most moving, affectionate discourse recounted to the Israelites what great things God had done for them, in the verse immediately preceding the text, comes to draw a proper inference from what he had been delivering; and acquaints them, in the most pressing terms, that since God had been so exceeding gracious unto them, they could do not less, than out of gratitude for such uncommon favors and mercies, dedicate both themselves and families to his service. "Now therefore, fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and truth, and put away the Gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood." And by the same engaging motive does the prophet Samuel afterwards enforce their obedience to the commandments of God, 1 Sam. 12:24, "Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth, with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you."

"Reformed Blog of the Week"

  I want to take a moment to tell you about a very well done and thought provoking blog I have been following for a few months now.  Mike Andrews out of Somewherewayupnorththere, Canada. (AKA Manitoba) has put together a very decent reformed blog.  He is not afraid to speak his mind and say what needs to be said.  Every week we are seeing more and more reformed blogs hitting the internet, and this is a good thing, this blog is most definitely  one to check out.  Mike writes clearly on the providence and sovereignty of our great God and reminds us that we are all sinners deserving of Hell, but offered forgiveness in Christ.   Keep up the good work Pastor Andrews and thank you for your blog.   http://pastormikescorner.blogspot.com/

The State of Christianity Today!" By Shane C. Montgomery

   It saddens me to see the state of Christianity today.  We have drifted way off course and we do not seem to mine.  You might disagree, you might even respond back that "the Church is better than ever" but can you say that with a straight face?  I know I am not able to.  I am  not one of those doom and gloom people who sees black helicopters everywhere I go.  No, I am rationale in what I so clearly  witness and that is a divorce from the early Church, the true Church and the Church the way Christ intended it to be.  We have veered off to such a degree that we cannot even recognize the danger we are in.  The danger we put ourselves in is one thing, but to jeopardize our own children is foolishness and nothing but criminal negligence on our parts.