The republication of John Robinson’s Works is both timely and significant. It is timely, because the year 2009 marks the four hundredth anniversary of the Pilgrims’ arrival in Leyden where their Pastor, John Robinson, would have his most influential impact upon them as a church. It is also significant because John Robinson is the indisputable link between the doctrine of Calvin and the birth of the United States with the Republican form of self-government.
Contents
1. Mr. Bernard’s Counsels of Peace Debated
Sect. I. Containing First Set of Counsels
a. In Upholding the Manifest Good in the Church of England
b. On Bearing with Light Faults
c. On Amending Evils Peaceably
d. On Distinguishing between Persons and Systems
e. On Obeying Authority, when not positively Sinful
Sect II. Containing Second Set of Counsels
a. On Neglecting Divine Injunctions
b. On Preferring Ancient Opinions to Modern Conjectures
c. On Distinguishing between Things that differ
d. On Present Certain Good, as Preferable to Uncertain Future Advantage
e. On Reproving Self before Others
f. On Being Charitable in Judgment
g. On Cherishing Scruples of Conscience
Sect III. On Scruples of Conscience
a. Suggestions respecting their Object
b. Rules for Settling Scruples of Conscience
c. Queries on some Points affecting Conscience
2. Mr. Bernard’s Dissuasions Against Separation Considered
Sect 1 – The Novelty of the System
Sect 2 – The Resemblance between its Advocates and Ancient Schismatics
Sect 3 – Manner of Defending the System
Sect 4 – Unsanctioned by Reformed Churches
Sect 5 – Condemned by the greatest Divines
Sect 6 – Divine Displeasure against its Advocates
Sect 7 – Want of Success
3. Mr. Bernard’s Reasons Against Separation Discussed
Sect 1 – Because Separatists Disclaim all Fellowship with other Communions
Sect 2 – Because of the Alleged Evils of the System
Sect 3 – Because they will not hear their Preachers in the Church
Sect 4 – Because they wrest the Scriptures
Sect 5 – Because they persist in Schism
Sect 6 – Because they rail at the Conformists
Sect 7 – Because of the Matter of the Separation or the Schism
Errors Alleged to be Held by Separatists Considered, and Confuted at Large
4. The Ministers’ Positions Examined
