(See also "Evangelical Awakening")
Most of the basic beliefs of evangelicals could be found in Puritanism: the sinfulness of man, the atoning death of Christ, the unmerited grace of God, the salvation of the true believer. The early evangelicals served as rectors in parishes scattered throughout England. One such was John Newton (1725-1807). The Clapham Sect provided many of the lay leaders in social reform from 1792 to 1813 un the leadership of John Venn. Evangelical influence was also exerted on government through the Exeter Hall group. The evangelicals were not so much interested in polity and doctrine as in the practical expression of Christianity in a redeemed life of piety that gained its inspiration from Bible study and prayer. The evangelicals were also the supporters of the powerful missionary movement of the century.
[tags]BlogRodent, church-history, ChurchRodent, Clapham-Sect, Evangelical, history, Puritanism[/tags]