The life and thought of the Very Reverend Dr Isaac Milner and his contribution to the Evangelical Revival in England

• Main Author: Melaas-Swanson, Barbara Jane
• Published: Durham University 1993
• Subjects: 100
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.531248

This thesis is a study of the life and thought of the Very Reverend Or Isaac Milner (1750- 1820) and his contribution to the Evangelical Revival in England. Milner is not unknown to students of Evangelical history, but his figure is a shadowy one. This work describes his life, considers the ways in which he contributed to the Evangelical Revival, particularly within the Church of England, and assesses his thought and influence. Chapter One analyzes Milner's relationship to the Clapham Sect. He was regarded as one of the advisers to 'the Saints' and the nature of his influence is evaluated. Chapter Two centres on Milner as a scholar, College President and Vice-Chancellor in Cambridge University. An account of Milner's commitment to learning is important to a movement later accused of anti-intellectualism. Chapter Three examines Milner's position as the Dean of Carlisle Cathedral. Milner held this office for twenty years before another Evangelical succeeded to a like position in the Anglican hierarchy, and his leadership in this capacity is assessed. Chapter Four is a study of Milner's primary work, The History of the Church of Christ. Co-authored with Joseph Milner, the work made a notable contribution to ecclesiastical historiographyand remains an important source for Evangelical history. Of special interest is Milner's detailed study of Martin Luther. Chapter Five discusses Milner's contributions to nineteenth-century theological debate concerning the sacrament of baptism and the British and Foreign Bible Society. These controversies influenced the development of Evangelical theology and mission, and are important to an overview of the period. One scholar of Evangelical history, Charles Smyth, asserted that biography presents a primary medium by which to study the history of the Evangelical Revival. This biographical study of Milner is a further contribution toward the picture of the Evangelical movement that has emerged from the pages of history since Smyth's statement over forty years ago. Milner's engagement with the social, ecclesiastical, intellectual and theological spheres of his time allows for the study of a unique cross-section of Evangelical concerns and involvements that helped shape nineteenth-century Britain.