Calvinism: Pure and Mixed, a Defence of the Westminster Standards
Overview
Shedd’s volume on Calvinism defines and defends the tenets of Calvinism against the rising influence of modernism and the increased fragmentation in American churches. In particular, Shedd addresses theological controversy in the Presbyterian Church, prompted by a proposed revision from the Westminster Standards. In this volume, he appeals to the history of Calvinism to prevent latitudinarian change in the Presbyterian Church, and justifies the theology of Calvin—and his intellectual and theological predecessor, Augustine—for the present day.
Top Highlights
“His desire that sinners would hear his universal call to repentance may be, and is unlimited; but his purpose to overcome their unwillingness and incline them to repentance may be, and is limited.” (Page 28)
“In an age of materialism in philosophy, and universalism in religion, when the Calvinistic type of doctrine is more violently opposed than any other of the evangelical creeds, because of its firm and uncompromising nature, the Presbyterian Church should not revise the creed from which it has derived its past solidarity and power, but should reaffirm it; and non-revision is reaffirmation.” (Pages vi–vii)
“But these cases are referred by the Form of Government to the church session, and power is given to it to receive into membership any person who trusts in the blood of Christ for the remission of sin, although his doctrinal knowledge and belief may be unsatisfactory on some points.” (Page 9)
“Had the ministry been as faithful as it should in years past in catechetical instruction, there would be little difficulty in understanding the Westminster creed. The remedy needed is in this direction, not in that of a revision.” (Page 5)
“To deny this option of God in either instance is to deny, 1st, the divine sovereignty in the exercise of mercy; and, 2d, the divine omnipotence in the control of creatures.” (Page 95)
- Title: Calvinism: Pure and Mixed, a Defence of the Westminster Standards
- Author: William G.T. Shedd
- Publisher: Charles Scribner & Co.
- Publication Date: 1893
- Pages: 164
William Shedd (1820–1894) is considered one of the greatest theologians of the American Presbyterian church. He studied at the University of Vermont under James Marsh, where he encountered the writings of Samuel Taylor. Shedd graduated from Andover Theological Seminary in 1843 and, soon after, became a minister for a congregational church in Vermont for two years.
Shedd taught at many universities, including University of Vermont, Auburn Theological Seminary, Andover Theological Seminary, and Union Theological Seminary. While at Union, Shedd defended the Reformed theology of Old School Presbyterian against the increasing influence of modernism and higher criticism.
One of Shedd’s better-known titles is Dogmatic Theology. Other titles include A History of Christian Doctrine and The Doctrine of Endless Punishment, which can be found in the William G. T. Shedd Collection.