The Creed Of Presbyterians

by Egbert Watson Smith

The Creed of Presbyterians is a book written by Egbert Watson Smith in 1901. It is a comprehensive overview of the beliefs and practices of the Presbyterian Church, one of the oldest and most influential Protestant denominations in the world. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the history of the Presbyterian Church, its theological foundations, its form of government, and its approach to worship and sacraments. It also explores the role of the church in society, including its views on social justice, education, and evangelism. The Creed of Presbyterians is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the beliefs and practices of this important Christian denomination.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, History

226 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2006

Reviews

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much. It is a bit too rah-rah in places, and I read an early version of it (1901), written before the author was bedazzled by Barth. At the same time, it was heartening to be reminded yet again how much good Calvinists have introduced into the world.

[Chad · Rating 1 out of 5]

From the title, I expected an explanation of, or commentary on, the Westminster Standards. I was disappointed to find that not only does it not talk much of them, it hardly discusses doctrine or beliefs at all. It's almost completely about the history of Presbyterianism in Europe and the US. The author fawns over Calvinism; the book is packed with glowing quotes by Christian and secular historians about the positive impact of Calvinism on society and government in in England, Holland (Netherlands), France, New England (American colonies), Scotland, and the US. There's not much substance.

The author says that,

We have endeavored to try Calvinism by Christ's own test of fruitfulness, of practical results. We have examined its workings in many countries and amid conditions the most diverse and adverse. … That conclusion is, that as a character builder, as a purifying, energizing, uplifting force in the life of men and nations, Calvinism stands supreme among the religious systems of the world.

Notes
Covenanters in Scotland and Huguenots in France were equivalent of Puritans in England: sincere Calvinists who truly lived their faith and were willing to die for it.

At time of American Revolution, 2/3 of America was Calvinist (Scotch, Scotch-Irish, Puritan English, Dutch, German Reformed, Huguenot).

"The makers, therefore, of free Holland, free England, free Scotland, were earlier pupils in the same school [Calvinism] that moulded the makers of free America."

[American] common-school system is indebted or its existence to that stream of influence which flowed from the Geneva of Clavin, through Scotland and Holland, to America, and how for the first two hundred years of our history almost every college and seminary of learning, and almost every academy and common school was built and sustained by Calvinists.

Biblical examples of God's sovereign foreordination and human free agency together
Jacob's preference for Joseph
Joseph's brothers hating and selling him (Gen 37, 45:5, 7)
Potiphar's wife's actions
Royal butler's actions
Pharaoh's actions
Joseph's actions in Egypt (Gen 42, 46, 15:13-14)
Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27
Trial and crucifixion of Jesus (Acts 2:23, 4:27-28)

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Were more prebys as secure and sunny as Smith!