he, (Calvin,) contending, that God had no other ground for his electing some persons from all eternity to everlasting life, and appointing others to everlasting punishments, except his own pleasure, or his most free and sovereign will.' * The doctrines of Calvin soon became established in many countries. In the year 1560, they were introduced in the Palitinate of Frederic III. and became the established religion. In the republic of Bremen, Calvinism was likewise introduced A. D. 1556. In France, the Calvinistic doctrines were received, about this time, by the Lutherans and other sects, who were termed by way of reproach, Hugenots. This people were much persecuted-they enjoyed but little peace until the publication of the edict of Nantes in 1598, which gave them 'full liberty to worship God in their own way.' † The Calvinistic faith, as we have seen, was receiv ed into Scotland through the labors of John Knox and this faith it has retained amidst all the changes of its national affairs; resisting even unto blood all innovations upon the popular creed. Not so in England. Here Calvinism has experienced various fortunes. During the reign of Edward VI. it became the established religion with some slight modification -the king inclining somewhat toward episcopacy. About this time, and for this cause, arose the sect termed Puritans, or Nonconformists. They contended for the old form of worship, and opposed the new, or the form instituted by government. On the ascension of Mary to the throne, this people were obliged to flee their country, to escape death; but during the reign of Elizabeth they returned from their exile, and again the controversy was renewed. The queen was pleased to reform the prevailing re * Mosheim. † Vide note on p. 195, Mosheim's Ecl. Hist., Vol. III. ligion; and for this purpose published the act of Uniformity, which established that form of worship now practised by the English Church. The Puritans dissenting, Elizabeth used many efforts to put them down, resorting even to acts of cruelty. In 1628, the Calvinistic Church in France was nearly or quite overthrown. It had gone on from the publication of the edict of Nantes increasing in numbers and influence, and obtaining many important grants and privileges from government. But on the accession of Lewis XIII. to the throne, measures were taken for its destruction.* The work, however, was not completed, until about the year 1685, under the reign of Lewis XIV.; who repealed the edict of Nantes, and thus compelled the Calvinist community to seek safety in flight. Hundreds of thousands are said to have left their country, many of whom came to the United States.† Previous to this, or in the year 1620, a sect of the Puritans set sail from Holland, to which place they had been driven by the intolerant spirit of the times -for America, where they arrived in December of the same year. They settled down near where they landed, forming a colony known as the Plymouth Colony. The Pilgrims, as they have been termed, were soon after their settlement joined by others from England and Holland, and settlements were formed in the now State of Massachusetts. Among those who came over, were Messrs. Endicott, Wilson, Phillips, and Maverick, eminent as preachers among the Puritans. The colonies endured many hardships and privations-were afflicted by many evils-but they had freedom to worship God. And they were prospered. By the year 1650, says Goodrich, only thirty years from the time the Pilgrims landed on * Vide Mosheim, p. 452. 'forefather's rock,' at Plymouth, about forty churches had been planted in New England, over which had been settled eighty ministers, and which had embosomed seven thousand, seven hundred and fifty communicants.' 'This sect is known as Congregationalists; they agree in doctrine with the Presbyterians-differing from them only in their form of church government. They have in the United States about one thousand three hundred churches, and several theological schools. Soon after the settlement of the Puritans in New England, many members of the Presbyterian Church from Scotland and Ireland, driven by persecution, came and settled in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. In 1716 their first synod was formed, embracing four Presbyteries, viz: Philadelphia, Newcastle, Snowhill, and Long Island. About the year 1729, they adopted the Westminster Confession of Faith. It was far from proving satisfactory, however, to all parties. The Presbyterian Church at the present day is somewhat popular and influential, but sadly marred by contention and disunion. As in the past century, it is divided into 'old' and new school; and in their discussions the utmost rancor and hatred are displayed. A late decision in the civil courts, pronounces the new school party to be the Presbyterian Church, and consequently entitled to its vast funds. The Presbyterians number in the United States over two hundred thousand, of which nearly two thousand are clergymen. They have several theological institutions.* Soon after the commencement of the seventeenth century, arose what has been termed the Arminian Schism. James Arminius, eminent as a theologian, * For a more extended account of these sects, see Goodrich's Ch. Hist., Period VIII. becoming disgusted with a doctrine which excluded a large portion of mankind from heaven, openly and boldly declared in favor of Lutheranism, which limited not absolutely the grace of God. The doctrine of Arminius being laid before a council held at Dort, A. D. 1618, was condemned as heretical. But it continued to gain ground in despite of the efforts used for its suppression; and many believers were found in several countries, especially in England, soon after its condemnation was pronounced. From the Arminians many other sects originated, some of which still exist. CHAPTER III. CHURCH OF ENGLAND. AT the death of Elizabeth-during whose reign the Church of England, as it now is, was established -James I. ascended the throne. This individual did but little for the cause of true religion. At the instigation of the bishops, he was very intolerant toward the Puritans, and excessive in his zeal for the furtherance of the established religion. It was during the reign of this monarch, and by his order, that the translation of the Bible was made. James I., dying, the Church of England received a friend, in the person of his son, Charles I., for a season. After a time, listening to the advice of his queen who was a papist, and to that of Dr. Laud who was also a papist, he lent his aid to the Romish religion; and many severe laws were enacted against all those who would not conform to its worship. It was for this reason that many of the Puritans removed to America. A change, however, in a little time, took place. A wronged and injured people demanded redress-in obtaining it, both Laud and the king were brought to the scaffold.* Episcopacy was likewise abolished, and a new form of government and worship introduced by the Westminster Assembly. Through the influence of Cromwell, Lord Protector, Presbyterianism became the established religion; and continued as such until the restoration of Charles II. This monarch at once re-established episcopacy, and commanded uniformity of worship. On the accession of James II. to the English throne, A. D. 1685, many and powerful efforts were used * Charles I. was beheaded Jan. 30, 1649. |