Calvin, the man

[Rippon]

The Reformers and the Theology of the Reformation by William Cunningham.(First published in 1862).

He was not free from error,and is not to be implicitly followed in his interpretation of Scripture,or in his exposition of doctrine. But whether we look to the powers and capacities with which God endowed him, the manner in which he employed them, and the results by which his labours have been followed, -- or to the Christian wisdom,magnanimity,and devotedness,which marked his character,and generally regulated his conduct,there is probably not one among the sons of men,beyond the range of those whom God miraculously inspired by His Spirit,who has stronger claims upon our veneration and gratitude. (p.299)

 

[David Lamb]

That Arminian lay-preacher in the barn on that snowy winter's day was instrumental in Spurgeon's conversion.

A minor point, I know, but that took place, not in a barn, but in a Primitive Methodist chapel in Artillery Street, Colchester, Essex, England (the town where I was born and grew up). Fullerton, in his biography of Spurgeon, wrote:

The storm prevented him reaching the place of worship to which he was going, and instead he turned into the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Artillery Street, Colchester.
​

You can find that at http://www.spurgeon.org/misc/bio2.htm

 

[Rippon]

A minor point, I know, but that took place, not in a barn, but in a Primitive Methodist chapel in Artillery Street, Colchester, Essex, England (the town where I was born and grew up). Fullerton, in his biography of Spurgeon, wrote:

The storm prevented him reaching the place of worship to which he was going, and instead he turned into the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Artillery Street, Colchester.
​

You can find that at http://www.spurgeon.org/misc/bio2.htm

You're right David. I was mistaken. It was A.M.Toplady at nearly the same age and circumstance who was saved in a barn in the century preceding Spurgeon.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

What doctrinal error? He taught/preached many Biblical doctrines a number of which are not associated with what many non-Cals identify with dreaded Calvinism.

What I suggested on another thread is what I recommend again to you:The Golden Booklet Of The True Christian Life. Or get a book of his sermons or even a book of his letters. Instead of going into a reflex-mode --actually read what he wrote for yourself. You'll be surprised how much you will agree with him.And you might even benefit spiritually.

This thread is about Calvin. But I want to emphasize that Calvinism isn't about knowing all the doctrines Calvin taught. The Bible is the respository for that --God's Holy,inspired Word. Yet,Calvin,Owen,Gill,Pink,M-L-J, and Boice (among many others) are men who were deeply taught from the Scriptures.We can use their help and guidance to understand the Bible better.

rippon,

I have the Golden Book & read it every night, along with other books & scripture. Very straight away, clear & concise. Calvin was a very Christ Centered Man.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

A minor point, I know, but that took place, not in a barn, but in a Primitive Methodist chapel in Artillery Street, Colchester, Essex, England (the town where I was born and grew up). Fullerton, in his biography of Spurgeon, wrote:

The storm prevented him reaching the place of worship to which he was going, and instead he turned into the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Artillery Street, Colchester.
​

You can find that at http://www.spurgeon.org/misc/bio2.htm

Out of Curiosity....was it an Arminian Church? I ask because there were Calvinistic Methodist Churches.

Please note the following:
The movement (Methodism) did not form a separate denomination in England until after John Wesley's death in 1791. Although Wesley and most of his followers were decidedly Arminian in their theological outlook, George Whitefield, Howell Harris,[9] and Selina Hastings (the Countess of Huntingdon) were notable for being Calvinistic Methodists.

 

[rsr]

This topic really is not about Baptist theology and Bible study, so it is being closed (at it should have been a year ago.)