Lee Gatiss

The author wrote this book to argue for a return in the Church of England (Anglican) to its Reformed and Evangelical roots. As such, it is a bit specialized and even technical at times. Still, he sketches the 18th century Evangelical revival (highlighting the contributions of George Whitefield and John Wesley), before focusing on Augustus Toplady, who, for a time, became John Wesley's chief antagonist, writing powerfully about Reformed doctrine (such as election, predestination, and perseverance of the saints) and against Wesley's Arminianism. Wesley does not appear in a very favorable light, whereas Toplady, despite some rhetorical excesses, emerges as a champion worth celebrating by those like-minded. Enjoyable book, although a trifle dry in spots.… (mehr)

This slim volume is the text of the 2014 St. Antholin Charity Lecture. It is a splendidly lucid presentation of the dark side of John Wesley -- his hatred of Calvinism, most especially of the doctrine of predestination, and the vitriolic pamphlet war he waged against the doctrine, which brought him into conflict with his friend George Whitefield (a breach somewhat patched up) and Augustus Toplady. The back-and-forth between Wesley and Toplady was particularly nasty...and continued after Toplady's premature death (of consumption) in 1778. Dr. Gatiss clearly aligns himself with the Calvinistic argument and goes to some length to resuscitate Toplady's reputation(although he suggests that that worthy gentleman would have done better to "wrestle" more with 2 Timothy 2.23-26 before taking up his pen). -- The introduction of Charles Simeon toward the end of the lecture seemed a bit underdeveloped. -- On the whole, most satisfying and enlightening!… (mehr)