Reformed Theology (#567): Rev. Augustus Toplady’s “Doctrinal Calvinism in the Church of England”
Calvinist Doctrine and Election Teachings Augustus Toplady deals with English theologians on Calvinist doctrine, focusing on the concepts of election, predestination, and the nature of Christ's sheep. He emphasized that true believers are those chosen by God and cannot be snatched away, while those who fall away were never truly part of Christ's flock. He also highlighted the views of Bucerer, who was described as a Calvinist, and discussed the limited nature of Christ's redemption, arguing that the Messiah's sacrifice was specifically for the elect. Religious Figures' Deaths and Persecution The transcript describes the death and funeral of a learned man named Bucer at Cambridge in 1551, attended by King Edward and thousands of mourners. It also details the final moments of Bucer, a saintly figure who died at age 61, attended by his friend John Bradford, and mentions the deaths of other religious figures, including Paul Fagius and Edward Tremelius. The transcript concludes with an account of the persecution of Protestants during the reign of Queen Mary, when the remains of Bucer and Fagius were exhumed and burned. Peter Martyr's English Reformation Role Peter Martyr, a renowned divine, was invited to England in 1547 by Edward VI, the Duke of Somerset, and Archbishop Cranmer to assist in the reformation of the English Church. He was appointed canon of Christ Church and prebendary of Canterbury for his efforts in teaching sound doctrine to Oxford students. Despite being offered preferment by Queen Mary, he chose to remain in Zurich, fearing a resurgence of Popery and the potential risk to his safety. Fate and Divine Providence Augustus Toplady explored the concept of fate and its connection to divine will, distinguishing between a fatalistic view of an unalterable destiny and a perspective that regards fate as the manifestation of God's providence. He cited ancient Stoic philosophers and Christian texts to argue that true faith and religious belief are compatible with acknowledging a divine plan, though he advocated for careful use of the term "fate" to avoid misunderstanding. He also referenced Peter Martyr's writings and Seneca's translations to support his interpretation of fate as aligned with Christian teachings, emphasizing the importance of submission to divine will.
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