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

Abstract

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.