by John Witherspoon
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
John Witherspoon's Ecclesiastical Characteristics is a satirical yet piercing critique of the "moderate" faction within the 18th-century Church of Scotland. Through the use of biting humor and incisive wit, Witherspoon unpacks the characteristics of the "moderate" ministers who prioritized rationalism and moral virtue at the expense of doctrinal orthodoxy and spiritual fervor. The book is structured as a series of maxims, each followed by explanations and examples that showcase the hypocrisy and self-interest of the moderates.
At the heart of the book is Witherspoon’s concern for the purity of the gospel and a lament over the encroaching secularization of the clergy. He does not mince words in exposing how many in the Church have abandoned their commitment to the truth of Scripture in favor of popularity, philosophical trends, or personal advancement. The text systematically critiques several aspects of moderation, including the abandonment of confessional integrity, the tendency to minimize doctrinal differences, and the acceptance of heresy under the guise of tolerance.
Witherspoon’s genius lies in his ability to make readers laugh while simultaneously convicting them of the dangerous trajectory he saw within the Church. His humor sharpens the edge of his arguments, making the book not only an enjoyable read but also a powerful theological statement. For any reader interested in the intersection of theology, church history, and social critique, Ecclesiastical Characteristics remains highly relevant as it tackles the perennial issue of balancing truth and charity in the life of the Church.
About the Author
John Witherspoon (1723–1794) was a prominent Scottish-American Presbyterian minister, theologian, and educator. As a key figure in both religious and political spheres, Witherspoon served as the President of Princeton University (then the College of New Jersey) and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. His theological writings and sermons played an influential role in shaping American religious thought during the Revolutionary era. His work, Ecclesiastical Characteristics, is a testament to his enduring commitment to Reformed theology and his deep concern for the integrity of the Church.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I. Ecclesiastical Characteristics
1. CHAP. I. Introduction.
2. CHAP. II. Maxim I.
3. CHAP. III. Maxim II.
4. CHAP. IV. Maxim III.
5. CHAP. V. Maxim IV.
6. CHAP. VI. Maxim V.
7. CHAP. VII. Maxim VI.
8. CHAP. VIII. Maxim VII.
9. CHAP. IX. Maxim VIII.
10. CHAP. X. Maxim IX.
11. CHAP. XI. Maxim X.
12. CHAP. XII. Maxim XI.
13. CHAP. XIII. Maxim XII.
14. CHAP. XIV. Maxim XIII.
15. CHAP. XV. Conclusion.
Part II. A Serious Apology for the Ecclesiastical Characteristics
16. CHAP. I. Introduction.
17. CHAP. II. A Serious Apology for the Characteristics.
18. CHAP. III. The Subject of it in General.
19. CHAP. IV. Why it was written in such a Way.
20. CHAP. V. What Occasion was Given for it.
21. CHAP. VI. The State of the Church.
22. CHAP. VII. Conclusion.