RPTS Press Bicentennial Series
In celebration of the bicentennial of RPTS in 2010, each month we will make available here a digital copy of an older book from our Library (most often the shelves of our Rare Books Room!) that is no longer in print, each highlighting doctrinal, pastoral, and evangelical emphases of the Seminary's denomination, the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Most of these books are by people who served the RPCNA in their ministry and life. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of any of these scanned books from the RPTS Press Bicentennial Series printed form, please contact Grant Van Leuven (412-731-8690, Ext. 108).
Thanks to RPTS Librarian, Tom Reid, and John Mitchell and Ralph Joseph with the RP Historical Archives (housed on the RPTS campus) for their work on making these documents available!
Featured Month: July
- by J.C. McFeeters, D.D. (Pittsburgh, Herald Printing Company, 1922; 116 pages)
An excerpt from the book's preface:
"Eminent men, who represent the great powers of the world, have endeavored to solve the problems of peace and safety. Hitherto the best results have been but "A gentleman's agreement." Will the agreement stand when tested by new and perilous conditions? The world's counselors have failed to take into consideration two great powers that are in the field, Jesus and the devil. Either of these is able to upset the most cherished plans of men ... Another war is on the horizon. The issue is well defined, Who shall rule this world? Shall Jesus and His people govern the nations? Or shall the devil and his minions continue in power? The question must be settled. This little volume is the author's plea for our beloved country, so highly favored of the Lord. O that she be found under the banner of King Jesus in the world crisis which is rapidly approaching! In the horrifying crash of the falling nations, our safety will absolutely depend on right relation with God and loyalty to Jesus Christ."
Past Months.
January:
Messiah, Governor of the Nations of the Earth: A Discourse (1804 Version, Missing Last Two Pages).
Full 1992 Reprint Version By Gordon J. Keddie (RPTS '1980) Note: Rev. Keddie plans to publish a collection of M'Leod's writings.
- Alexander M'Leod, A. M.
Pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Congregation in the City of New York.
One of the founding Superintendents of RPTS.
Glasgow: Stephen Young, 1804.
February:
Negro Slavery Unjustifiable: A Discourse (1802), Alexander McLeod.
This booklet was instrumental in the RPCNA being the second denomination in the United States to ban slave owners from membership during a time when the nation held it to be a constitutional right.
Watch the 27-minute documentary video above which features an introduction and narration by Vince Sims, reporter and anchor for Channel 11 News (Pittsburgh’s NBC Affiliate). RPTS first-year Master of Theological Studies student, Alisha McCombs, sang Negro spirituals for background music. The dramatic reading of excerpts from McLeod’s work was done by RPTS 2006 alum, Andrew Cooper, who also is a D.Min. student at the Seminary and serves as church and student relations specialist and adjunct professor of church history teaching the Black Church History course.
Click here to go to the link on Vimeo to embed this video in full on your website or blog to help promote this project.
Click here to go to our 10-minute YouTube Trailer of this video that you can use to embed on your website or blog and help promote this project.
To order a DVD of this video, please contact Grant Van Leuven at 412-731-8690, ext. 108.
March:
THE DUTY AND DOCTRINE OF BAPTISM. IN THIRTEEN SERMONS. (1810; 314 pages), By Thomas Bradbury, with an introduction and notes by John B. Romeyn, D. D., and Alexander McLeod, D. D. The author's preface for the original work contained in this reproduction is Sept. 18, 1749.
From the introduction:
No subject perhaps is less understood, and no privilege more abused among professing Christians, than that of infant baptism. Every attempt to exhibit it in its true light, and restore it to its proper place in the system of divine truth, is commendable. Under this impression, the following discourses are republished, as calculated to correct prevailing errors in opinion about this solemn ordinance of the Lord Jesus, and to prevent its serious and awful abuse.
April:
The Life and Power of True Godliness; Described in a Series of Discourses.
(New York, 1816; 424 pages), By Alexander M'Leod, D. D.
The book has an opening dedication to his personal friend, Col. Henry Rutgers, in which M'Leod wrote:
You have been the steady friend of sound doctrine, of practical piety, of Christian morality; and it is on this account, that I do myself the honour of prefixing your name to a volume, which I have endeavoured to make a just description of personal religion. Allow me, too, my dear Sir, to entertain a hope, that the perusal of these Discourses will not be unprofitable to yourself, even in the present advanced state of your pilgrimage to the city of God. That your life may be long spared for further usefulness, and that you may, at your appointed time, come home, like a " shock of corn ripe in its season," is the sincere prayer of, Sir,
Your sincere, respectful,
and affectionate Friend,
ALEXANDER MLEOD.
New-York, Dec. 2, 1816.
May:
A SCRIPTURAL VIEW OF THE CHARACTER, CAUSES, AND ENDS OF THE PRESENT WAR.
(2nd Edition, 1815; 236 pages).
- Alexander M'Leod, New York
From the Preface by the Author:
These sermons were addressed to Christians, from the pulpit ... It was becoming a general opinion, that the clergy and the church were, on the great question between the United States and England, upon the side of the enemy ... The principles which I have laid down, and enforced in these sermons, are not, however of mere temporary interest. Whether in peace, or at war, they are of importance to a christian community. They are the permanent principles of social order and public equity. If the work contained a single sentiment of irreligious or immoral tendency, I would cheerfully consign it to the flames. I love mankind, I love the country of my choice, I love the saints; and I desire to promote the best
interests of true religion and of civil liberty, because I love my God.
-- New-York, Jan. 20, 1815.
June:
Lectures in Pastoral Theology, in Three Volumes
- R. J. George, Professor of Church History at RPTS from 1892 to 1910
Volume 1: The Covenanter Pastor (1911; 250 pages)
Volume 2: Pastor and People (1914, includes introduction by Professor D. B. Willson; 261 pages)
Volume 3: The Covenanter Vision (1917; 347 pages)
July:
- by J.C. McFeeters, D.D. (Pittsburgh, Herald Printing Company, 1922; 116 pages)
An excerpt from the book's preface:
"Eminent men, who represent the great powers of the world, have endeavored to solve the problems of peace and safety. Hitherto the best results have been but "A gentleman's agreement." Will the agreement stand when tested by new and perilous conditions? The world's counselors have failed to take into consideration two great powers that are in the field, Jesus and the devil. Either of these is able to upset the most cherished plans of men ... Another war is on the horizon. The issue is well defined, Who shall rule this world? Shall Jesus and His people govern the nations? Or shall the devil and his minions continue in power? The question must be settled. This little volume is the author's plea for our beloved country, so highly favored of the Lord. O that she be found under the banner of King Jesus in the world-crisis which is rapidly approaching! In the horrifying crash of the falling nations, our safety will absolutely depend on right relation with God and loyalty to Jesus Christ."
August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
