[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

This is no vain and empty eulogy of Calvinism. With the above facts and observations every enlightened and impartial reader of history will agree. Furthermore, the author would say of this book what Dr. E. W. Smith in his book, "The Creed of Presbyterians," said at the close of the chapter on, "The Creed Tested By Its Fruits," — namely that these facts and observations are "set forth, not to stimulate denominational vanity, but to fill us with gratitude to God for that past history and that present eminence which should be to every one of us 'A vantage-ground for nobleness'; and above all to kindle in our hearts a holy enthusiasm for that Divine system of truth, which, under God, has been the foremost factor in the making of America and the modern world."

In conclusion we would say that in this book the reader has found some very old-fashioned divinity — divinity as old as the Bible, as old and older than the world itself, since this plan of redemption was hidden in the eternal counsels of God. No attempt has been made to cloak the fact that the doctrines advocated and defended in these pages are really wonderful and startling. They are enough to electrify the sleepy sinner who has taken it for granted all his life long that he can square matters with God any time he pleases, and they are sufficient to horrify the sleepy "saint" who has been deluding himself in the deadening repose of a carnal religion. But why should they not cause astonishment ? Does not nature teem with wonders ? Why should not revelation ? One needs to read but little to become aware that Science brings to light many astonishing truths which an uneducated man finds it hard, if not impossible, to believe; and why should it not be so with the truths of Revelation and the spiritually uneducated ? If the Gospel does not startle and terrify and amaze a man when presented to him, it is not the true Gospel. But who was ever amazed at Arminianism with its doctrine that every man carves out his own destiny? It will not suffice merely to ignore or ridicule these doctrines as many are inclined to do. The question is, Are these doctrines true? If they are true, why ridicule them? If they are not true, disprove them.

We close with the statement that this great system of religious thought which bears Calvin's name is nothing more or less than the hope of the world.
(Boettner, ibid.)

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

As promised, my latest Church History thread.

RN, could I trouble you to generally flag this to our friends on the Calvinist list?
I expect it will be well-received by many of our compadres.

[the_doc]

Here's a Baptist bump for you!

[RnMomof7]

A bump to the church

[JenB]

Very interesting! I've been fascinated by the early struggles of the Celtic church against Rome for some time now, so this article was right up my alley... I suppose it's a little odd to claim that there were Calvinists a thousand years before Calvin was born, but hey, the Baptists claim an honorable pre-Reformation pedigreed! Why shouldn't Presbyterians have the same privilege?

I don't really have anything to add, but I'll be watching the conversation... bump!

[ppaul]

Click on the banner for the Daily Controversy:

:

[CCWoody]

Founding on the silence of foe, as well as on the testimony of friend, we conclude that there were disciples of the Gospel in Britain certainly by the middle of the second century, and probably before the end of the first…

BTW, there is a "legend" of sorts from my own Episcopal background which says that Mary traveled with Joseph of Arimathea to Briton where she established the Episcopal church and planted a staff somewhere there (my parent have been to the spot) that blooms to this day.

[RnMomof7]

We do but repeat the very clear testimony of history when we say that Calvinism has been the creed of saints and heroes. "Whatever the cause," says Froude, "the Calvinists were the only fighting Protestants. It was they whose faith gave them courage to stand up for the Reformation, and but for them the Reformation would have been lost.

Excellent post OP..I am going to have to read it a couple more times to absorb it I thnk!

Politically, Calvinism has been the chief source of modern republican government. Calvinism and republicanism are related to each other as cause and effect; and where a people are possessed of the former, the latter will soon be developed. Calvin himself held that the Church, under God, was a spiritual republic; and certainly he was a republican in theory.

The president today gave ALL the credit for our Republic to the Greeks and their Philosophy . I do understand the historical componant to that belief but I would credit the founding principle on a belief in God..

I am reading a book suggested by Jean..it says that Geveva was a place that flourished under Calvin..that is was a thriving place with social and human needs met..

It would be interesting to read the impact of Geneva on our governement

[A.J.Armitage]

Wow. Thanks.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

Hey, Dan...

I posted a cool Church History thread which I think you will like a lot.

Read and Enjoy.

Best,
OP

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

Bump. Cool post which you will enjoy.

Best, OP

[Diamond]

This is Divine Providence. My dear Roman Catholic wife, bless her heart, and I were watching Alan Keyes last night and she was making comments about the One True Church (by which she meant the church at Rome) and she about threw a conniption fit when I informed her with my big mouth something to the effect that there were Christians from the beginning who never asked the church at Rome what they should believe or how they should govern themselves. I asked her if she wanted me to prove it (I don't think she does) but now this morning I think I have the background that I need. Fear not, I tread very carefully!:^)

Cordially,

[restornu]

I hope you pay Jim a triple portion for all this bandwidth that most could have been link!

As Christian you are so vain and lack application of another kindness to allow us to post, if you had to maintain this on your own you could not afford it.

[Oberon]

Ping for later.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

bump

[AlbionGirl]

Bump for placemark.

[AlbionGirl]

Bump for placemark.