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click for details A BODY OF DIVINITY: Being the Sum and Substance of the Christian Religion
Archbishop James Ussher, New Introduction by Dr. Crawford Gribben

"Archbishop James Ussher (1581-1656) was a leader par excellence among the Irish Puritans. His colorful history is inseparable from that of Irish Christianity and from major events transpiring simultaneously in England and Scotland. Ussher's range of achievements are outstanding, including ancient languages, patristics, ancient and Irish history, theology, and chronology. Though he is best known for his biblical chronology, I believe that his Body of Divinity is his most valuable legacy. This volume, long overdue to be reprinted, was once regarded as a classic in the field of Reformed systematic theology and deserves to be so regarded again. Here is pristine Irish Puritan theology, presented to us in a captivating question and answer format." --Joel R. Beeke, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

"Raised in a Bible-believing Calvinistic environment, Dr. Ussher soaked himself in the Holy Scriptures without ceasing. He also read the Early Church Fathers - systematically, every day, for eighteen years. Head of Ireland's foremost Theological Faculty, Ussher was internationally the greatest Anglican antiquarian and theologian of his age - if not of all time." -Dr. Francis Nigel Lee, Professor-Emeritus of the Queensland Presbyterian Theological College

"Among those volumes that are most useful for understanding British Reformed theology of the 17th century and especially that of the Westminster Assembly few are as valuable and therefore welcome in republication as Ussher's Body of Divinity." -R. Scott Clark, D.Phil., Associate Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology, Westminster Seminary California

"Archbishop Ussher remains a theological giant upon whose shoulders many Reformed believers have unkowingly stood. Ussher penned the Irish Articles published in 1615. The terms and theology of that confession are found in the Westminster family of confessions. Westminsterian Presbyterians, Congregationalists who look to the Savoy Declaration and confessional Reformed Baptists all owe their theological heritage to Ussher, humanly speaking. Publishing the The Body of Divinity will help many in our generation to recover or reaffirm the faith of the Reformation--the greatest revival of true religion ever." - Dr. Mike Renihan, Heritage Baptist Church, Worcester, MA

Archbishop James Ussher (1581-1656), author of the newly reprinted "Annals of the World," wrote his Body of Divinity in a way that would make it useful to the family. Long out of print, used copies regularly bring $400.00 and more on the used market. This edition is newly typeset and will be a smyth-sewn hardcover volume with a full color dusty jacket that will endure for generations. A new Introduction by Dr. Crawford Gribben and a complete Bibliography on Ussher make this the most valuable edition ever produced.

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click for details THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON
Thomas Manton

IMPORTANT CHANGE ANNOUNCED: Our plans to reprint Manton has been changed.

We are now planning to reprint the 22 Volumes in ONLY HARDCOVER volumes of approximately 500 pages each. The hardcover volumes will be done in a smyth-sewn binding and boxed and shipped in their own carton.

The print will be enlarged from the most recent editions for easier reading and will be found in volumes of 6 by 9 inches.

WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT THIS SET WILL BE AVAILABLE BY THE LATE SPRING OF 2008.

You can view the contents of the volumes by looking at the link on this page: Index for the Original 22 Volumes.

"The renowned Thomas Manton (1620-1677), whose writings have long been prized by thousands, was known first and foremost as a great preacher. In a day when good preaching is sorely lacking, we need the reprint of his Complete Works, in which twenty of his twenty-two volumes are sermons. These sermons are the legacy of a powerful preacher devoted to the systematic teaching and application of God's Word. Whether he is expounding the Lord's Prayer, Psalm 119, Isaiah 53, James, or Jude, Manton presents us with the best that English Puritans had to offer in careful, solid, warmhearted exposition of the Scriptures." - Dr. Joel R. Beeke, author of MEET THE PURITANS

"This valuable set of Puritan writings only becomes available once every few decades when an adventuresome publisher decides to invest a great deal of time and money to offer this gift to Christ's church. It has only been reprinted twice in the last 150 years, not counting the current edition. Do not fail to obtain a copy of this set, and think of giving one to your pastor as an act of gratitude for his faithfulness. And then be a reader of these wonderful books, not a collector only." - Dr. Don Kistler, The Northampton Press

"While less theological than Owen or Goodwin, and less thematic than Flavel or Watson, Manton excels in exposition. One never fails to find him dealing with the text. His homiletical divisions are both enlightening and entertaining. One finds himself saying, 'Of course, why didn't I think of that?' Among the Puritans he is the best confluence of sense and sententiousness. While not modern, his comments, unlike the moderns, are a happy mix of bones, muscles, and heart." - Pastor Tom Lyon, Providence Reformed Baptist Church, University Place, WA

"I have been blessed tremendously by Manton in electronic media. There have been many times, however, that I longed for the books. There is a tactile need to touch those things we admire: we hug our spouses, hold our children, shake hands with friends and read our books. I look forward to a deeper acquaintance with a friend and mentor, Mr. Thomas Manton. SGCB is commended for their forsight and follow-through." - Dr. Mike Renihan, pastor, Heritage Baptist Church, Worcester, MA

"Thomas Manton led his family in Bible reading, memorization and explanation. If we learn anything from Manton's preaching it is that he preached with clarity. Certainly this was his approach to family worship as well. For Manton and the Puritans the important thing was to be clear concerning the gospel of our Lord. Manton was a "Pastor-Theologian" who demonstrated courage of life, precision in preaching and faithfulness in ministry. From a godly home, to the University, to prison, to a lifetime of ministry and devotion to family--Manton was a giant whose light still shines through his writings. Solid Ground Christian Books is bringing to Pastors, churches, and families a theological feast that will be a family treasure to be passed on to future generations. I encourage your strong consideration of the "Works of Thomas Manton". - Ray Rhodes, Jr. is President of Nourished in the Word Ministries and Author of "Family Worship for the Christmas Season"

C.H. Spurgeon wrote, "While commenting upon the One Hundred and Nineteenth Psalm, I was brought into most intimate communion with Thomas Manton, who has discoursed upon that marvellous portion of Scripture with great fulness and power. I have come to know him so well that I could choose him out from among a thousand divines if he were again to put on his portly form, and display among modern men that countenance wherein was a 'great mixture of majesty and meekness.' His works occupy twenty-two volumes in the modern reprint: a mighty mountain of sound theology. They mostly consist of sermons; but what sermons! For solid, sensible instruction forcibly delivered, they cannot be surpassed. Manton is not brilliant, but he is always clear; he is not oratorical, but he is powerful; he is not striking, but he is deep. There is not a poor discourse in the whole collection: he is evenly good, constantly excellent. Ministers who do not know Manton need not wonder if they are themselves unknown."

J.C. Ryle wrote a lengthy Introduction to the edition printed in the 19th century. He concluded with these words:

"It only remains for me to express my earnest hope that this new edition of Manton's works may prove acceptable to the public, and meet with many purchasers and readers. If any one wants to buy a good specimen of a Puritan divine, my advice unhesitatingly is, ' Let him buy Manton.' We have fallen upon evil days both for thinking and reading. Sermons which contain thought and matter are increasingly rare. The inexpressible shallownesss, thinness, and superficiality of many popular sermons in this day is something lamentable and appalling. Readers of real books appear to become fewer and fewer every year. Newspapers, and magazines, and periodicals seem to absorb the whole reading powers of the rising generation. What it will all end in God only knows. The prospect before us is sorrowful and humiliating.

In days like these, I am thankful that the publishers of Manton's Works have boldly come forward to offer some real literary gold to the reading public. I earnestly trust that they will meet with the success which they deserve. If any recommendation of mine can help them in bringing out the writings of this admirable Puritan in a new form, I give it cheerfully and with all my heart."

**Payment will be due as soon as we go to print these sets.

**PUBLICATION DATE IN THE LATE SPRING 2008, LORD WILLING!

This Price is Valid Until Midnight May 31st
SGCB Price: $399.95 (list price $1,000.00)
60% Discount on 22 Volume Hardcover Set
TRAPP'S CLASSIC COMMENTARY ON THE NEW TESTAMENT
John Trapp

In his opening lecture to "Commenting & Commentaries" Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote the following about this set of Commentaries:

"Would it be possible to eulogise too much the incomparably sententious and suggestive folios of JOHN TRAPP? Trapp will be most valuable to men of discernment, to thoughtful men, to men who only want a start in a line of thought, and are then able to run alone. Trapp excels in witty stories on the one hand, and learned allusions on the other. You will not thoroughly enjoy him unless you can turn to the original, and yet a mere dunce at classics will prize him. His writings remind me of himself: he was a pastor, hence his holy practical remarks; he was the head of a public school, and everywhere we see his profound scholarship; he was for some time amid the guns and drums of a parliamentary garrison, and he gossips and tells queer anecdotes like a man used to a soldier's life; yet withal, he comments as if he had been nothing else but a commentator all his days. Trapp is my especial companion and treasure; I can read him when I am too weary for anything else. Trapp is salt, pepper, mustard, vinegar, and all the other condiments. Put him on the table when you study, and when you have your dish ready, use him by way of spicing the whole thing. Yes, gentlemen, read Trapp certainly, and if you catch the infection of his consecrated humour, so much the better for your hearers."

"John Trapp's (1601-1669) New Testament commentary is an old Puritan classic, often reprinted, and packed with colorful paraphrases and captivating illustrations. It is soundly Reformed and always worth consulting in conjunction with other commentaries." - Joel R. Beeke, Puritan Refomred Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

PUBLICATION DATE IS LATE JANUARY 2008

This is an 800 Page Hardcover Volume
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A SHORT EXPLANATION OF THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS
David Dickson

"We need say no more than get it, and you will find abundance of suggestions for profitable trains of thought. Dickson is a writer after our own heart. For preachers he is a great ally. There is nothing brilliant or profound; but everything is clear and well arranged, and the unction runs down like the oil from Aaron's head." - C.H. Spurgeon

"I have taken all my good deeds, and all my bad deeds, and cast them through each other in a heap before the Lord, and fled from both, and betaken myself to the Lord Jesus Christ, and in him I have sweet peace." In these words David Dickson expressed his faith as he was on his death-bed. It is with such words of grace that Dickson expounds the Epistle to the Hebrews.

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Order with Gouge on Hebrews (2 vols. - hardcover)
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click for details A COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS
Exegetical and Expository
William Gouge

William Gouge (1575-1653) was born in Stratford-Bow Middlesex County, England. He was Educated in Paul's School, London, Felstad in Essex, and at Eton School and graduated from King's College, Cambridge, followed by a brilliant teaching career there.

Following his ordination at 32 years of age, he ministered at Blackfriars Church, London for 45 years. In addition to his great success as a pastor, his mid-week expository lectures at Blackfriars drew increasingly larger crowds. Spirituality and scholarship made his career at Cambridge, his pastoral work and his writings unique. He was renowned as "the father of the London Divines and the oracle of his time." In 1643 he was made a member of the Westminster Assembly of Divines by vote of Parliament. His primary works include his Commentary on Hebrews, The Whole Armour of God, and Domestic Duties.

"We greatly prize Gouge. Upon any topic which he touches he gives outlines which may supply sermons for months." -C.H. Spurgeon

"There can be no doubt whatsoever that the crowning commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews, as far as preachers are concerned, is the great classic, 'Gouge on the Epistle to the Hebrews,' from the pen of Dr. William Gouge. The exegetical value of this commentary is enormous: every vital word in Hebrews is explained in a manner far superior to that which suffices for modern word studies. The expository value of the commentary is equally rich: every doctrine, theme and argument which is found in the Epistle being given its own heading and section. May the Lord greatly bless this magnificent help to many preachers of the Word in these needy times." - Dr. Peter Masters

"We are so grateful to Solid Ground Christian Books for reprinting Gouge's magnum opus, A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. This massive book, originally published in three volumes, contains the notes of more than a thousand sermons given over a thirty year period at Blackfriars. The first volume was published in 1655; Gouge was still working on the last half of the last chapter of Hebrews when he died. His son, Thomas, completed it, using his fatherÆs notes. It is a golden exposition of the fullness of Christ." - Dr. Joel Beeke

This is an unabridged reprint taken from the 1866 edition. It will be in two large Hardcover or Paperback volumes. Volume One covers Hebrews 1-7, and Volume Two covers Hebrews 8-13. Over 1120 pages of Puritan exposition and application, with a 20 page topical index added.

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click for details AN EXPOSITION UPON THE EPISTLE OF JUDE
William Jenkyn

Spurgeon said of this classic Puritan commentary: "A TREASURE-HOUSE OF GOOD THINGS."

Thomas Manton first gave up the idea of printing his work on Jude when he read this masterpiece by William Jenkyn, but later changed his mind when urged by friends. Yet he tell us, "I consulted with my reverend brother's book, and when I found at any point at large discussed by him, I either omitted it or mentioned it very briefly; so that his labours will be necessary to supply the weakness of mine."

Cyril Barber said, "William Jenkyn was a diligent student of the Word, an able expositor, and known throughout England for his piety. We welcome the republication of this outstanding commentary. It is a tribute to the foresight of the publishers that they are making it available to a new generation of Bible students and teachers."

Joel Beeke has added, "Jenkyn's Exposition of the Epistle of Jude remains unsurpassed today. It powerfully exhibits Jenkyn's piety and learning."

Malcolm Watts said, "The Exposition upon Jude by Jenkyn is beyond praise. In my opinion it ranks as one of the best in the old Nichols series."

Rev. James Sherman, editor of the 1863 edition, wrote the following: "The following Exposition is the most considerable of Jenkyn's works, and exhibits his piety, diligence and learning. It was delivered at Christ Church, Newgate Street, in the ordinary course of his ministry, and met with great acceptance; two editions having been published during the life of the author, both of which have been carefully collated for the present publication. The editor believes that, from the great pains taken to render the work perfect, few errors have escaped detection. He now commits it to the favor of God, who, judging from the testimonies received from many ministers, has crowned the Exposition previously published with a large share of his blessing."

COVER IMAGE IS OF NEWGATE PRISON WHERE JENKYN DIED AS A MARTYR.

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click for details THE CHRISTIAN WARFARE AGAINST THE DEVIL, WORLD & FLESH
John Downame

According to the author, he aimed to do three things with this book: "to relieve and comfort those who are poor in spirit and humbled in the sight of sin, to lead the Christian in an even course, unto the haven of eternal happiness, and to give solid and substantial consolations, which are firmly grounded upon God's undoubted truth."

J.I. Packer wrote, "Downame stands with Perkins, Greenham, and Richard Rogers as one of the architects of the Puritan theology of godliness."

Joel Beeke wrote, "With the possible exception of Gurnall's 'Christian Armour,' this book is the finest Puritan work on the theme of the Christian warfare. It is also Downame's best work."

As noted by the printer in the 1634 edition, the intent of 'The Christian's Warfare' was to "instruct in military discipline for the better enabling to stand in the day of battle as a valiant soldier."

Over 670 pages of practical and soul-searching matter on the enemies that threaten to undo us in our struggle heavenward.

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click for details HEAVEN UPON EARTH
Jesus, The Best Friend in the Worst Times
James Janeway

James Janeway (1636-1674) was born in Hertfordshire, the son of a minister, at the end of 1636. He was educated at Christ's College, Oxford, and spent time as a private tutor in a home, as is true of many of the Puritans. He is listed as one of the ejected ministers of 1662. In 1672 his admirers built a large meeting house for him near London, where it is said that "he had a very numerous auditory, and a great reformation was wrought amongst many." But Janeway's popularity so enraged the Church of England that several times they threatened to shoot him, which was actually attempted on at least two occasions. On one of these occasions, Janeway was shot at, and the bullet pierced his hat, but did not harm his body. Soldiers destroyed the building in which he preached, but his congregation simply built another, larger one to accomodate all those who came to hear him preach.

As was true of many Puritan ministers, Janeway was afflicted with melancholy (depression), contracted tuberculosis, and died in his 38th year. The book for which he is most known is A Token for Children, in which he collected personal accounts of the conversions of a number of children in his parish, and published it. It became an effective evangelistic tool, and was the most widely read book in nurseries in England next to the Bible and Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. The New England preacher Cotton Mather regarded that book so highly that he wrote his own version of it and called it A Token for the Children of New England.

The cover image is the painting of The Great Fire of London from 1666 which took place at the very time Janeway was delivering these addresses. The complete sub-title of this Puritan masterpiece is: Jesus, the Best Friend in the Worst Times, being an earnest exhortation to get acquainted with God, as the only way to real good and blessedness.

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click for details THE REDEEMER'S TEARS WEPT OVER LOST SOULS
John Howe

Although written in 1684 ands in the style of the day, this classic volume will be of interest to all who recognize the imperative of winning souls for Christ.

"The Redeemer's Tears Wept over Lost Souls, this moving book, first printed in 1683, contains Howe's essay on Luke 19:41-42, telling how Jesus wept over Jerusalem because the city didn't recognize what belonged to peace in its day. It begins with a long exposition on the great gospel truths that "belong to men's peace." It then focuses on the short "day" we have in this life, which will decide our eternal destiny. It admonishes readers to flee to the willing, yearning Savior. This is Howe's most searching and compelling book for wooing a sinner to Christ. He stresses the responsibility of man within the framework of divine sovereignty. It makes for a compelling read. We are grateful to Solid Ground Christian Books for bringing it back into print this century." - Joel Beeke

Here is a fine biblical exposition of Luke 19:41,42 (Jesus weeping over Jerusalem), with appropriate application that is as suitable today as when Howe wrote it. The first part portrays the Savior as He looked down upon Jerusalem - a stirring scene filled with divine pathos. Then follows a series of explanations and admonitions, all breathing a compassionate anxiety to win the lost for Christ.

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