Voluntary Associations and Unlawful Confederacies
James Dodson
Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.-Deut. 22:10.
THE ANTI-VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATIONS AND UNLAWFUL CONFEDERACIES HOMEPAGE.
“I recommend to them that fear God, sadly and seriously to consider that the holy Scripture doth plainly hold forth. 1. That the helping of the enemies of God, or joyning and mingling with wicked men, is a sin highly displeasing. 2. That this sin hath ordinaryly ensnared Gods People into diverse other sins. 3. That it hath been punished of God with grievous judgements. 4. That utter destruction is to be feared, when a people after great mercies and judgements relapse into this sin, Ezra 9.13,14.”—George Gillespie, The Testimony of Mr. George Gillespie against Association and Complyance with malignant enemies of the Truth and Godlinesse: Written two dayes before his death.(1648).
Works Against Voluntary Associations and Unlawful Confederacies:
Another Most Useful Case of Conscience Discussed and Resolved, Concerning Associations and Confederacies with Idolaters, Infidels, Heretics, or Any Other Known Enemies of Truth and Godliness.-1648-George Gillespie.-A very careful exposition of what does and does not constitute lawful confederations and associations for those who would walk circumspectly in accordance with that covenanted work of Reformation wrought in the Church of Scotland or are simply concerned to act as consistent Christians.
The Testimony of Mr. George Gillespie.-1648-George Gillespie.-Two days before he died, Gillespie was concerned to leave a dying testimony against voluntary associations with malignants and other opposers of the covenanted Reformation.
An Useful Case of Conscience, Learnedly and Accurately Discussed and Resolved.-1651-Hugh Binning.-This is Binning's work against unlawful voluntary associations, confederacies with the wicked, and any other religious or quasi-religious covenant making with infidels and enemies of true religion.
The Great Danger of Backsliding and Defection From Covenanted-Reformation Principles.-1651-James Guthrie.-An important sermon which discusses the fruit of the Engagement in anticipation of the Protestor/Resolutioner split. The subject matter concerns that of voluntary associations and unlawful alliances with the ungodly together with numerous observations on the wickedness of toleration.
A Lecture and Sermon Preached at Different Times by that Faithful and Painfull Minister of the Gospel, and now Glorified Martyr Mr. Donald Cargill. Concerning Jehosophat his Association with Achab, and the Difficulty where to make Recourse, when Staged before the Tribunal of GOD.-ca. 1678-Donald Cargill.-In these two pieces, Cargill uses biblical narratives to deliver a fierce indictment against compromising with ungodly rulers and a sobering warning of divine judgment. In the lecture on Jehoshaphat, he argues that the king's alliance with Ahab was a sinful association that halted reformation, drawing a direct parallel to Scotland’s compromise with the “Malignant Party.” He contends that true reformation must encompass the people, the civil state, and the ministry, insisting that judges rule for God rather than man and that kings are not above God’s law. He boldly asserts that hatred of God nullifies all earthly obligations, making it a duty to reprove even monarchs. In the sermon from Isaiah, Cargill poses three terrifying questions to those who enact unrighteous laws: what will they do in the day of visitation, to whom will they flee for help, and where will they leave their glory? He warns that both the makers and obedient followers of wicked laws will face God’s tribunal, where no earthly power can shelter them and their ill-gotten glory will only testify against them.
A Seasonable Advertisement, concerning the late publick FAST of the 25th of January, 1712, Publickly Read and affixed to several Church Doors; and now Printed to prevent Misinformation, whereunto are Subjoyned some Reasons of it’s Publication.-1712-United Societies.-This tract, found in a volume of covenant materials which once belonged to Mr. John MacMillan, shows the stance of the Covenanters toward the keeping of holy days was broadly construed to include not merely ecclesiastical but civil days appointed by the magistrate. They see a Romish angle and much harm in observing fast days and, by implication, feast days, appointed by a covenant breaking and covenant refusing magistrate and state.
The Testimony of Rev. William Gibson Against Voluntary Associations.-1838-Willam Gibson.-This is the dying testimony of the last Reformed Presbyterian minister who participated in re-erecting the Reformed Presbytery, in America, in 1798.
The Primary Reform.-ca. 1840s.-Anonymous.-An examination of why social reform movements and their voluntary associations are not the proper approach for Christians, if one understands where true reform must be made.
Pagan Evils in the Church.-1851-James Renwick Willson.-In this introductory lecture at the theological school of the Reformed Presbyterian church, Dr. Willson gives his catalog of the pagan and worldly elements which have entered the church. He explains how the lust of the eye and the pride of life have allowed practices, including the use of immoral pagan literature and opulent forms of worship, into the life of the church.
The Testimony of the Church Respecting Military Associations, &c., With the Wicked and Profane.-ca. 1864-William Milroy.-A paper written in opposition to Reformed Presbyterians joining with Union forces during the American Civil War which cites many past testimonies against voluntary associations of this sort.
Voluntary Associations.-1875-Anonymous.-A succinct explanation of why voluntary associations are unbiblical and to be shunned by all faithful Christians.
Voluntary Associations.-1875-Anonymous.-Another article examining the unlawfulness and corruption wrought in the church through voluntary associations.
The Duty of Separation.-1877-John McAuley.-This article explains why unity is not always the best course, if we would be faithful to the Lord and his church.