THE TRUE PROFESSION OF THE GOSPEL
Augustus Toplady and reclaiming our Reformed foundations
By Lee Gatiss. Latimer Trust. 142 pages. £7.50
ISBN 978-0-946307-74-6
If compromise lies at the heart of Englishness, then it helps to explain the Englishman’s religion as expressed in the Church of England. Despite its formularies, in practice the Anglican church has never been more than a combination of discordant notes.
Those of Reformed conviction, such as the author of this learned work, have always contended that the true character of the English church is found in the doctrines of the Reformation. Others, such as Eamon Duffy, have convincingly argued that these have never been more than an unwelcome imposition. To follow the argument is rather like watching the ball in a tennis match. This book seeks to land an unplayable return in favour of the Reformed Calvinistic basis of the Church of England. Gatiss wisely turns to Augustus Toplady’s great work of 1774, The Historic Proof of the Doctrinal Calvinism of the Church of England to strengthen his service.
Woe betide any who attempt to get the better of Toplady in a debate. He has provided the ammunition and Lee Gatiss eagerly fires it. His first projectile in defence of the Church of England is taken from the coronation oath which affirms that its doctrine is ‘the true profession of the gospel, and Protestant Reformed religion as established by law’. Contrary to D.W. Bebbington’s position, he argues that this true profession is Calvinism and not some hybrid evangelicalism. Moreover he maintains that Calvinism is at the foundation of the Church of England as expressed in its Articles, Homilies, Book of Common Prayer and the Canons. ‘Such formularies must be believed and obeyed (as they point to Christ) not just tenaciously held onto like prize exhibits in a museum.’
Throughout this book there is little reference to the Nonconformist view of the church as a gathering of true believers meeting under the preaching of the Word of God. Instead the church is conceived of in terms of its formularies, irrespective of the people. On this basis the church would exist whether or not anyone attended its services.
Lee Gatiss partially succeeds in his purpose of proving that Calvinism is not an alien irritant disturbing the harmony of the Church of England, but is an essential element in its structure. The feeling he leaves with us, however, is that it is no more than what Lloyd-Jones chose to call ‘a paper church’.
