By John Calvin
Calvin’s Calvinism.
Treatises:
On the eternal predestination of God
and
A defence of the secret providence of God.
By John Calvin
Translated by Henri Cole.
Book Introduction:
- Calvin’s Calvinism is a compilation of two significant treatises by John Calvin, translated by Henri Cole.
- The lesser-known works focus on the eternal predestination of God and a defense of the secret providence of God.
Historical Significance:
- Originally published in England by Henry Cole, the book gained prominence when reprinted by the Sovereign Grace Union in 1927.
- Reverend Herman Hoeksema’s visit to London in 1929 marked a turning point, making Calvin’s Calvinism known among Reformed circles in the United States.
Unique Republishing History:
- Absent from the Calvin Translation Society’s classic set in the United States until 1929, it was separately translated by Henry Cole.
- Reverend Atherton’s presentation of an inscribed copy to Reverend Hoeksema in 1929 led to increased recognition in Reformed communities.
Contribution to Reformed Theology:
- The volume, included in the 1950 republication of Calvin’s works by Mr. William B. Eerdmans, Sr., highlights Calvin’s teachings on the sovereignty of God.
- The focus on predestination and providence underscores Calvin’s theological significance and contribution to Reformed thought.
Out-of-Print and Republishing:
- Despite being out of print for a significant period, the republication in 1950 aims to reintroduce Calvin’s Calvinism to a new readership.
- The clarity with which it presents John Calvin’s teachings on divine sovereignty makes it a valuable addition to theological literature.
Appeal to Readership:
- The republishing of this work seeks to reach a broad readership, emphasizing its relevance and the importance of understanding Calvin’s views on predestination and providence.
- A must-read for those interested in deepening their knowledge of Reformed theology and the theological legacy of John Calvin.
Foreword of this book,
This volume contains two of the lesser known, but nevertheless very significant, treatises of
John Calvin. Any publication of the works of the great reformer and teacher is its own best justification, and needs no explanation or apology.
The reprinting of this little volume, however, has an interesting history. Until 1929 Calvin’s Calvinism was virtually unknown in the United States. It had not been included in the Calvin Translation Society’s classic set of the works of John Calvin, but had been separately translated by Henry Cole and published in England, but not in the United States.
In 1927 it was reprinted in England by the Sovereign Grace Union, of which the Reverend Henry Atherton was General Secretary. In 1929 the late Reverend Herman Hoeksema visited Mr. Atherton in London and preached for him in Grove Chapel, Camberwell, London, on July 21. In remembrance of that occasion the Reverend Atherton presented the Reverend Hoeksema an inscribed copy of the book Calvin’s Calvinism.
That event became the occasion of this work of Calvin becoming better known among Reformed people in this country, partly through Herman Hoeksema writing about and referring to it.
Later, upon the suggestion of a Protestant Reformed minister, the late Reverend Gerrit Vos, the late Mr. William B. Eerdmans, Sr. included this volume in 1950 in the republication of Calvin’s works at that time.
Since then it has long been out of print. Because it sets forth so clearly John Calvin’s teaching and defense of the sovereignty of God in predestination and providence, it is now republished. We hope it will reach a broadreadership.
Looking for Hardcover or Paperback?
For those who want to have a hardcover or a paperback of this book, I want to suggest you to look here (hardcover) or here (papercover and hardcover)