Calvinists in History

by BOB L. ROSS

C. H. Spurgeon: "There is a tendency in this age to throw doctrinal truth into the shade. Too many preachers are offended with that stern truth which the Covenanters held, and to which the Puritans testified in the midst of a licentious age. We are told that the times have changed; that we are to modify these old (so-called) Calvinistic doctrines, and bring them down to the tone of the times; that, in fact, they need dilution, than men have become so intelligent that we must pare off the angles of our religion, and make the square into a circle by rounding off the most prominent edges. Any man who doth this, so far as my judgment goes, does not declare the whole counsel of God. The faithful minister must be plain, simple, pointed, with regard to these doctrines. There must be no dispute about whether he believes them or not. He must so preach them that his hearers will know whether he preaches a scheme of freewill, or a covenant of grace — whether he teaches salvation by works, or salvation by the power and grace of God."

— Excerpted from C. H. Spurgeon's sermon #289 "THE MINISTER'S FAREWELL"

Published in NPSP Vol 6, Year 1860, pg. 25, Acts 20:26-27

**********

The holiest and most God-blessed men who ever lived held to the doctrines which are usually classified "CALVINISTIC," oftentimes called the "DOCTRINES OF GRACE." Truly, Calvinists have been so influential for the cause of the Christian faith that it may be said with perfect candor, as it was said of men of old; they have "turned the world upside down." Seemingly, with God in sovereign control, they have transformed nations, shaken empires, founded colonies, prayed down God-sent revivals, and have been literal SAMSONS in the earth! Their works are testimony to the truthfulness of that passage which says, "He that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Calvinist men (and women) have counted themselves and their righteousnesses as dung, being totally depraved sinners, void of any good thing; yet through them God has showered blessings upon the world.

Indeed it would take many volumes to make mention of the great hosts of those who, in doctrinal principles, were Calvinistic. In all phases of life they have exerted a mighty and moving testimony for God. Though I could not begin to know or name all the Calvinists in history, I do want to acknowledge a few.

Poets and Hymn-writers

Christian poetry & hymnology have been well salted by those of Calvinistic principles: John Milton (1608-1674), author of "Paradise Lost" & "Paradise Restored"; William Cowper (1731-1800), author of the immortal "There Is A Fountain," and other great hymns; John Newton (1722-1807) — who among us hasn't sung with illustrious voice and thrilling heart his famous "Amazing Grace!" And "Rock of Ages," that glorious hymn, was from the pen of a great lover and defender of Calvinistic truth, Augustus Toplady (1740-1778). What joy the saint has felt in singing "O Happy Day," by Phillip Doddridge (1702-1751), a great exponent of grace. And of course, there are others who have given blessings to us through their poems and hymns, including such men as Horatious Bonar (1808-1889), and Isaac Watts (1674-1748).

Reformers

Before the days of the Reformation, the doctrines of grace could not be so freely expounded, though undoubtedly they were certainly there. Roman Catholicism, with its "beggarly elements" kept the masses in the bondage of darkness. But with the Reformation came a greater interest in grace; yea, a love for grace sparked the Reformation.

Reformers such as Martin Luther (1483-1546), John Calvin (1509-1564), and John Knox (1505-1572), all who believed in absolute Sovereignty, followed after the strong believer in divine Predestination, John Wycliffe (1320-1384), the father of the Reformation. With these men at the forefront, along with others such as Jerome Zanchius (1516-1590), Theodore Beza (1519-1605), John Bradford (1510-1555), Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556), William Tyndale (1492-1536), Hugh Latimer (1485-1555), Nicholas Ridley (1500-1555), and Martin Bucer (1491-1551), the Reformation advanced rapidly in Europe and Great Britain. The Reformers, almost EVERYONE of them, were strong believers in the doctrines of grace. These we have named are some outstanding ones, and did so believe. Of course, here and there, there was an Erasmus, but very few.

Martyrs

Augustus Toplady once challenged the Arminians of his time to produce evidence that an Arminian had ever gone to death in martyrdom. But Calvinists and martyrs are quite synonymous terms. The Waldenses, for instance, our Baptist progenitors, are well known for their Calvinistic faith and numerous martyrdoms. John Huss, (1369-1415), the proselyte of Wycliffe, and a believer of the tenents of grace, was burned to death. Jerome of Prague (1360-1416), was likewise burned. William Sautre, John Claydon, Thomas Bilvey, Tyndale, James Bainham, John Lambert, and Robert Barnes were all burned to death for the Christian faith. Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer (above), and John Hooper (1495-1554), also died in flames of fire.  John Foxe (1517-1587), not a martyr, but martyr-historian ["Foxe's Book of Martyrs"], was also a Calvinist. Outstanding in this field — the Baptists, whose blood marks a trail back hundreds of years [NOT the "Old Landmark Trail of Blood" claim], have with but scant exceptions, held to the doctrines of grace.

Revivalists

Next are some of those men whom God has used to stir revival fires. Calvinism and Revival are as synonymous as the Calvinists and the martyrs. In fact, C. H. Spurgeon says that he never heard of a revival apart from Calvinistic truth. Even the Wesleyan Revival had the flaming Calvinist George Whitefield (1714-1770), and a historian has said that Wesley's success was due to what Calvinism he had obtained and retained. As England was the chief field for Mr. Whitefield's labors, so was it for John Bunyan's (1628-1688), the author of "The Pilgrim's Progress," which, except for the Holy Bible, is the most popular book EVER written. Spurgeon admirers should note that his favorite author was Bunyan, claiming of John's greatest works, he had read this book more than 100 times, often having his wife read it to him. Another Bunyan monumental work "The Holy War," is the EQUAL of "The Pilgrim's Progress." Bunyan was totally devoted to God and His Sovereign will.

Also, Rowland Hill (1745-1833), preached to Englishmen the great truths of grace. Certainly, Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892), can be considered under this head; for in a very real way revival characterized his ministry. In Scotland, the preaching of Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1813-1842) was annointed with blessings, too. In America, the ardent Calvinist, Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), was used of God in a mighty way. So was the missionary to the Indians, David Brainerd (1718-1747). We might also mention that it was William Carey (1761-1834), a Calvinist, who labored long on the mission field in India, and became the most well-known missionary of recent years. And many might not know that the great American evangelist D. L. Moody (1837-1899) was indeed a Calvinist!

Scholars and Theologians

CALVINISTS have long dominated among these. From Luther & Calvin to the present day, a great host of scholars & theologians have adorned the Calvinistic train. We mention such men as Stephen Charnock (1628-1680), John Owen (1616-1683), Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847), John Howe (1630-1705), John Ryland, Abraham Booth (1734-1806), Andrew Fuller (1754-1815), Alexander Carson (1776-1874), Augustus H. Strong (1836-1921), Charles Hodge (1797-1878), A. A. Hodge (1823-1886), B. B. Warfield (1851-1921), William G. T. Shedd (1820-n/a), John A. Broadus (1827-1895), James Petigru Boyce (1827-1888), J. R. Graves (1820-1893), B. H. Carroll (1843-1914), J. M. Pendleton (1811-1891), and Alvah Hovey (1820-1903).

Commentators and Expositors

Matthew Henry (1662-1714), whose commentary is probably the most popular ever published, was a Calvinist. John Gill (1697-1771), who produced one of the greatest commentaries ever, was one of the ablest exponents of the doctrines of grace that ever lived. Thomas Goodwin (1600-1679), Thomas Manton (1620-1677), & John Brown (1784-1858), three Puritans, were great commentators and expositors. And lo! what could not be said in praise of Robert Haldane (1764-1842), who gave us the greatest commentary ever on the book of Romans [published in paperback by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids MI, and in clothbound by The Banner of Truth, Carlisle PA].  

Also, John Trapp (1611-1669), John Collinges (1623-1690), Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667), Robert Leighton (1611-1684), Christopher Ness (1621-1705), Charles Simeon (1759-1836), Charles Hodge (1797-1878), James Buchanan (1804-70), J. C. Ryle (1816-1900), Arthur Pink (1886-1952), and the host of others? What would the Christian world be like without the inspiring literature of these giants? Many great sovereign grace books are published by The Banner of Truth, as well as Soli Deo Gloria Ministries [specializing in Puritan books].

Preachers

These are simply too numerous to mention. To the names that have already been referred to, however, we will add the names of these outstanding Calvinists: John Flavel (1630-1691), Benjamin Keach (1640-1704), John Rippon (1751-1836), Christmas Evans (1766-1838), John Clifford, Archibald Brown, J. B. Moody, H. B. Taylor (1870-1932), I. M. Haldeman (1845-n/a), Jeremiah Burroughs, George S. Bishop, T. T. Eaton (1845-n.a), and Martin Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981).

I know that in this article many noble sovereign grace believers have slipped my memory. But these that are mentioned are certainly representative of the great company of those whose cry was and shall ever be —

"Salvation is of the Lord!"

May God in His Grace once again give us men who shall exalt our Lord in salvation! We have had enough of Pelagius, Arminius, and Erasmus; let us, oh Lord, again hear the sweet message of Grace from a Whitefield, a Spurgeon, or a Bunyan!

Author: Bob L. Ross

—————————————————

Why the term "CALVINIST?"

The word "CALVINISM", is frequently used here as the short word which embraces that part of divine truth which teaches that salvation is by grace alone, but it is not hence to be imagined that we attach any authority to the opinion of John Calvin, other than that which is due to every holy man who is ordained of God to proclaim His Truth.

We use the word simply for shortness of expression, and because the enemies of free grace will then be quite sure of what we mean. It is our firm belief, that what is commonly called Calvinism, is neither more nor less than the good old Gospel of the Puritans, the Martyrs, the Apostles, and of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here, the proud legalist, the conceited believer in the unaided strength of man, and the self-exalting moralist, will discover very little suitable to their corrupt palate and much to excite their enmity; but the humbled sinner may possibly find words of comfort, and the self-loathing believer will perhaps obtain a glimpse of his Lord.

Our hope is, that inferior matters in dispute will not so much be regarded, as "the things which we have spoken touching the King." JESUS IS THE TRUTH. We believe in Him, — not merely in His Words. He himself is Doctor and Doctrine, Revealer and Revelation, the Illuminator and the Light of Men. He is exalted in every word of truth, because He is its sum and substance.  He sits above the gospel, like a prince on His own throne. Doctrine is most precious when we see it distilling from His lips and embodied in His person. Sermons are valuable in proportion as they speak of Him and point to Him.

A Christless gospel is no gospel and a Christless discourse is the cause of Merriment to devils. The Holy Ghost who has ever been our sole instructor, will we trust, teach us more of Jesus, until we comprehend with all saints, what are the heights, and depths, and know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, only have we laboured to extol; may the Lord himself succeed our endeavours.

C. H. Spurgeon on the "Doctrines of Grace"

SALVATION IS OF THE LORD. That is just an epitome of Calvinism; it is the sum and substance of it. If anyone should ask me what I mean by a Calvinist, I should reply, "He is one who says, 'Salvation is of the Lord.'" I cannot find in Scripture any other doctrine than this. It is the essence of the Bible, "He only is my rock and my salvation." Tell my anything contrary to this truth, and it will be a heresy; tell me a heresy, and I shall find its essence here, that it has departed from this great, this fundamental, this rock-truth, "God is my rock and my salvation..." I have my own private opinion that there is no such thing as preaching Christ and Him crucified, unless we preach what nowadays is called Calvinism.

It is a nickname to call it "Calvinism" — Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else. I do not believe we can preach the gospel, if we do not preach justification by faith, without works; nor unless we preach the Sovereignty of God in His dispensation of grace; nor unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah; nor do I think we can preach the gospel, unless we base it upon the special and particular redemption of His elect and chosen people which Christ wrought out upon the cross; nor can I comprehend a gospel which lets saints "fall away" after they are called, and suffers the children of God to be burned in the fires of damnation after having once believed in Jesus — such a gospel I abhor.

When it (Calvinism) is preached there is a something in it which excites thought. A man may hear sermons upon the other theory which shall glance over him as the swallow's wing gently sweeps the brook, but these old doctrines either make a man so angry that he goes home and cannot sleep for very hatred, or else they bring him down into lowliness of thought, feeling the immensity of the things which he has heard. Either way it excites and stirs him up not temporarily, but in a most lasting manner. These doctrines haunt him, he kicks against the pricks, and full often the word forces a way into his soul. And I think this is no small thing for any doctrine to do, in an age given to slumber, and with human hearts so indifferent to the truth of God. I know that many men have gained more good by being made angry under a sermon than by being pleased by it, for being angry they have turned the truth over and over again, and at last the truth has burned its way right into their hearts. They have played with edge-tools, but they have cut themselves at last.

The fact that conversion and salvation are of God, is a humbling truth. It is because of its humbling character that men do not like it. To be told that God must save me if I am saved, and that I am in His hand, as clay is in the hands of the potter, "I do not like it" saith one. Well, I thought you would not; whoever dreamed you would?

"As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For He saith to Moses, I WILL have mercy on whom I WILL have mercy, and I WILL have compassion on whom I WILL have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth." — Romans 9:13-18

The doctrine of Grace makes a man look down upon himself. "Ah," saith he, "I am nothing, there is nothing in me to merit esteem. I have no goodness of my own. If saved, I cannot praise myself; I cannot in any way ascribe to myself honour; God has done it, God has done it." Nothing makes the man so humble; but nothing makes him so glad; nothing lays him so low at the mercy seat, but nothing makes him so brave to look his fellow man in the face. It is a grand truth: would God ye all knew its mighty power! — See SAFE IN CHRIST

C. H. Spurgeon: "How I Learned of Grace"

Born as all of us are by nature, an "Arminian," I still believed the old things I had heard continually from the pulpit, and did not see the Grace of God. When I was coming to Christ, I thought I was doing it all myself, and though I sought the Lord earnestly, I had no idea the Lord was seeking me. I do not think the young convert is at first aware of this.

I can recall the very day and hour when first I received these truths in my own soul — when they were, as John Bunyan says, burnt into my heart as with a hot iron:  I can recollect how I felt that I had grown all of a sudden from a babe into a man — that I had made progress in scriptural knowledge, through having found, once for all, the clue to the truth of God.

One week-night when I was sitting in the house of God, I was not thinking much about the preacher's sermon, for I did not believe it. The thought struck me, "how did you come to be a Christian?" (...I sought the Lord). But how did you come to seek the Lord? — (the truth flashed across my mind in a moment) — I should not have sought Him unless there had been some previous influence in my mind to make me seek Him.

I prayed, thought I, but then I asked myself, "How came I to pray?" — I was induced to pray by reading the Scriptures. I did read them; but what led me to do so? — Then, in a moment, I saw that God was at the bottom of it all, and that He was the Author of my faith; and as the whole doctrine of GRACE opened up to me, and from that doctrine I have not departed to this day, and I desire to make it my constant confession.

"I ascribe my change wholly to God."

. PILGRIM PUBLICATIONS INTERNET PILGRIM PUBLICATIONS MAGAZINE PILGRIM PUBLICATIONS HOME PAGE PILGRIM SPURGEON BIOGRAPHY PAGE   E-Mail:  CATALOG REQUEST or FEEDBACK

http://www.pilgrimpublications.com/calvhist.htm

http://members.aol.com/pilgrimpub/calvhist.htm

LAST MODIFIED  July 27 - 2004

TOP  OF  PAGE

.