Out From Hyper-Calvinism: -- By: James M. Renihan

Journal: Reformed Baptist Theological Review
Volume: RBTR 01:1 (Jan 2004)
Article: Out From Hyper-Calvinism:
Author: James M. Renihan


Out From Hyper-Calvinism:

Andrew Fuller and the Promotion of Missions

James M. Renihana

Imagine a tall and somewhat corpulent man, in gait and manners though heavy and unpolished, not without dignity, ascending the pulpit to address his fellow immortals on the great themes of life and salvation. His authoritative look and grave deportment claim your attention. You could not be careless if you would; and you would have no disposition to be so, even if you might. He commences his sermon, and presents to you a plan, combining in a singular manner the topical and textual methods of preaching, and proceeds to illustrate his subject, and enforce its claims on your regard. You are struck with the clearness of his statements; every text is held up before your view so as to become transparent; the preacher has clearly got the correct sense of the passage, and you wonder that you never saw it before as he now presents it; he proceeds and you are surprised at the power of his argument, which appears to you irresistible. You are melted by his pathos, and seem to have found a man in whom are united the clearness of Barrow, the scriptural theology of Owen, and the subduing tenderness of Baxter or Flavel.1

While the latter part of this description, written by the American editor of his Works in 1845, may have a hint of exaggeration, it is a good and helpful introduction to Andrew Fuller. Often forgotten or neglected, Fuller was a man of great influence and esteem in his own era. His untiring work in the support of missions, in defense of the Gospel against a variety of attacks, and his balanced catholicity brought to him unsolicited honor and fame. In 1798, the College of Princeton, New

Jersey, conferred on him the honorary degree of D.D. and in 1805, Yale College did the same. Writing to Fuller on that occasion, Timothy Dwight said:

Sir, The Corporation of Yale College at the last public commencement conferred on you the degree of Doctor of Divinity. The diploma, which is the evidence of this act, you will receive with this letter…

As this act is the result of the knowledge of your personal character and your published works only, and as such degrees are not inconsiderately given by this body, I flatter myself that it will be regarded by you in the light of a sincere testimony of respect to you.

Please to accept my best wishes for your personal welfare and your success in your ministerial labours, and be assured that I am, very respectfully, your affectionate friend and brother,

Timothy Dwight,

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