We have every reason to believe, that the transac tions which took place at Dort, and the strong measures by which they were succeeded, did more good than harm to the cause of Arminianism. The injustice and cruelty with which the Arminians were treated, awa kened compassion, and produced a powerful bias in their favour. The synod was of such a public and solemn character, and continued its deliberations so long, that many were induced to examine for themselves the me rits of the controversy ; and of- course, not a few would discover something in the obnoxious tenets that was agreeable to their theological taste. The Arminian doctors, too, many of whom were able and learned men, were compelled to employ all their talents, and to make every exertion in defence of their system and conduct; which zeal had, doubtless, no inconsiderable effect in gaining proselytes. And above all, being forced into various and distant parts of the country, their opinions got a much wider range ; and, recommended by their novelty, by their merciful and liberal complexion, and especially by the sufferings of those who had been per secuted tor holding them, they obtained the respect and belief of many, to whom they might otherwise have re mained unknown, or, at least, subjects of indifference.
The death of Maurice, which happened in 1625, was a happy event for the Arminians. His brother Frede ric Henry, who succeeded him, recalled them from the exile into which they had been driven ; and afforded them so much toleration and countenance in their na tive country, that they erected churches in various places, and even founded a college at Amsterdam, for instructing candidates for the ministry in the necessary branches of literature and science. Their first professor of theology was Episcopius, who had succeeded Arini nius at Leyden, and who was a man of uncommon learn ing and ability. This seminary of theological educa tion can also boast of Limborch, Le Clem, Wetsein, and many others, eminent for their attainments in sacred erudition. From the very commencement of the dis pute, a great body throughout the United Provinces seem to have been favourable to the Arminians. The Dutch were very far from universally acknowledging the authority of the synod of Dort. Holland, Utrecht, and Overyssel, protested against its meeting. After it was concluded, Friesland, Utrecht, Guelderland, Zea land, and Groningen, refused to submit to its decisions, and persevered in their refusal till the year 1651. And so much did the doctrine of absolute decrees lose its credit and influence among the people, that those who had patronised it, were under the necessity of holding communion with its decided foes. Arminianism conti
nues to be a very prevalent system of doctrine in that country ; but the Arminian church, as a distinct and se parate society of Christians, has been long in a declining state.
After the synod of Dort, Arminianism made great progress among the reformed in various parts of the continent, as well as in the United Provinces. Many of the protestants in France imbibed it, from conviction of its truth ; and more were constrained to pay respect to it, from a seasonable complaisance to the catholics, who were extremely indignant at the synod ; which complai sance, however, gave way in process of time to better motives. In Bremen, Brandenberg, and other churches of Germany, it soon acquired an extensive and perma nent footing. And even in Geneva, where Calvinism had flourished so long and so exclusively, it took up its residence, and in the course of a few years prevailed so much, that the Genevese might almost be denominated an Arminian church.
Into England too, Arminianism was imported at an early period ; and, being taken under the protection of sovereign power, and made the condition of civil and ecclesiastical preferment, it was embraced more spee dily, and more generally, than it would probably have been, had it enjoyed no such advantages. James I. who had sent deputies to the synod of Dort, to assist in con demning them, became at length, for political reasons, their most zealous friend and supporter. Under his suc cessor, Charles I. every method was employed, and every effort made, by the celebrated archbishop Laud, (see Laud,) to strengthen and promote their cause. And in spite of all the strenuous opposition they met with from the Puritans ; in spite of the opprobrious epithets with which their system was loaded ; in spite of the speeches made against it in parliament, and the pamphlets written against it throughout the nation ; in spite of the igno minious death which Laud and his sovereign suffered,— the exertions of that able and tyrannical prelate, in be half of Arminianism, were in a great measure success ful. It languished during the usurpation of Cromwell; but revived again with fresh vigour at the restoration, when every thing hostile to Calvinistic or Puritanical principles became fashionable and gainful. Ever since that period, it has continued to flourish. In its progress it has kindled a great deal of strife ; and lately, during a debate in which it was involved, and the noise of which is still sounding in our ears, some writers, confident in the prevalence and sanctity of Arminianism, have so far insulted our theological judgment, as to assert, that the 39 articles of the church of England are exclusively Arminian.