The Piety of John Witherspoon

by Tait, L. Gordon

• ISBN13: 9780664501334
• ISBN10: 0664501338
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-12-01
• Publisher: Geneva Pr

Summary

Presbyterian minister John Witherspoon was a key figure, politically and religiously, in the formative years of the United States. In this fresh account of Witherspoon's thought, L. Gordon Tait focuses on Witherspoon's piety--the way Witherspoon believed that the Christian faith should take visible and practical form in ministry, politics, and everyday obedience and devotion.The Piety of John Witherspoonis filled with photographs from Witherspoon's life, and Tait's comprehensive treatment of Witherspoon makes a significant contribution to the understanding of his impact on church, education, and society.

Author Biography

L. Gordon Tait is Mercer Professor of Religious Studies Emeritus at The College of Wooster in Ohio and is the first American to be made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Edinburgh.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Acknowledgments	xxi
Abbreviations	xxiii
Introduction	1	(30)
Part One Piety for Those in the Pew
Holy Dispositions	31	(41)
Pious and Useful Actions	72	(31)
Part Two Piety for Those in the Pulpit
Real Religion for a Minister	103	(16)
Piety and Learning / From Proof to Promise	119	(24)
Part Three Piety That Makes Politics Possible
Providence	143	(35)
Practical Improvement	178	(15)
Appendix A The Titles of John Witherspoon's Sermons Included in Practical Discourses on the Leading Truths of the Gospel (Edinburgh, 1768)	193	(2)
Appendix B A List of Books of Character as Collected	195	(8)
Dr. Witherspoon
Notes	203	(46)
Selected Bibliography	249	(4)
Index	253