Log college - Alexander - I - Dedication, Chapters 1 & 2

Required reading
The log college by Archibald Alexander (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read the Dedication, Chapter 1 (The log college) and Chapter 2 (Memoir of the Rev William Tennent, Sen.).

My summary
This week we begin a new book about the first American Presbyterian theological seminary known as the Log College.

After a brief dedication, we read in Chapter 1 about the interest people have in this Log College and a brief description of its location and size.

Then in Chapter 2 we are given a sketch of the life of William Tennent, one of the founders of the college.  We hear of:
(i) his family history and arrival in America;
(ii) his break from the Anglican church;
(iii) the state of the Presbyterian church in America during his time;
(iv) his relationship with George Whitefield;
(v) a complaint made against him to the Synod;
(vi) his health and retirement.

What grabbed me
Always interesting to read the reasons why someone moves from one evangelical denomination to another:

'" The reasons of Mr. William Tennent for his dissenting from the Established Church in Ireland, delivered by him to the Reverend Synod, held in Philadelphia, the 17th day of September, 1718.

"Imprimis. Their government by Bishops, Arch-Bishops, Deacons, Arch-Deacons, Canons, Chapters, Chancellors, Vicars, wholly anti-scriptural.

"2. Their discipline by Surrogates, and Chancellors in their Courts Ecclesiastic, without a foundation in the word of God.

" 3. Their abuse of that supposed discipline by commutation.

"4. A Diocesan Bishop cannot be founded jure divino upon these Epistles to Timothy or Titus, nor any where else in the word of God, and so is a mere human invention.

" 5. The usurped power of the Bishops at their yearly visitations, acting all of themselves, without the consent of the brethren.

" 6. Pluralities of benefices.

" Lastly. The Churches conniving at the practice of Arminian doctrines inconsistent with the eternal purpose of God, and an encouragement of vice. Besides, I could not be satisfied with their ceremonial way of worship. These, &c, have so afffected my conscience, that I could no longer abide in a church where the same are practised. Signed by ' William Tennent." '

As a Baptist I agree with a number of them, but was surprised at the last one about Arminianism in the Episcopal church.  I'm not sure that is a good reason to leave a denomination.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 3 (Memoir of the Rev. Gilbert Tennent).

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