Reformed doctrine of predestination - Boettner - XX - Chapter 28 continued

Required reading
Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Loraine Boettner (Available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example).    Continue Chapter 28 (Calvinism in history) by reading points 7 to 9.

My summary
In point 7 we look at Calvinism in American history.  Boettner claims that Calvinism in the United States is 'one of the brightest pages of all Cavlinistic history'.  It is also claimed that Calvinism heavily influenced the Revolution and the American constitution.

In point 8 it is argued that 'Politically, Calvinism has been the chief source of modern republican government. Calvinism and republicanism are related to each other as cause and effect; and where a people are possessed of the former, the latter will soon be developed.'

In point 9 the link between Calvinism and education is explored: 'Wherever Calvinism has gone, there knowledge and learning have been encouraged and there a sturdy race of thinkers has been trained. Calvinists have not been the builders of great cathedrals, but they have been the builders of schools, colleges, and universities.'

What grabbed me
Interesting to see the connection between Calvinism and democracy: 'In striking contrast with these democratic and republican tendencies which are found to be inherent in the Reformed Faith we find that Arminianism has a very pronounced aristocratic tendency. In the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches the elder votes in Presbytery or Synod or General Assembly on full equality with his pastor; but in Arminian churches the power is largely in the hands of the clergy, and the laymen have very little real authority. Episcopacy stresses rule by the hierarchy. Arminianism and Roman Catholicism (which is practically Arminian) thrive under a monarchy, but there Calvinism finds its life cramped. On the other hand Romanism especially does not thrive in a republic, but there Calvinism finds itself most at home. An aristocratic form of church government tends toward monarchy in civil affairs, while a republican form of church government tends toward democracy in civil affairs.'

A couple of times now I've noticed a tendency of Boettner to exalt Presbyterianism over other Reformed denominations such as Congregationalists and Baptists. 

And at this very point where democracy is being discussed, Boettner is silent on those denominations that take democracy to the final level. 

If Calvinism brings democracy, why aren't our Presbyterian brethren completely democratic in church government?

Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 28 (Calvinism in history) by reading point 10 (John Calvin).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.