I would say it will come at the cost of other apparent blessings; the seed that sprouted up quickly looked like good seed until it withered. Other seeds that Jesus speaks of pop up and stay up, the ones nourished by deep roots. As you say, these are the ones that come from God’s grace.

But we deal with the living God who is is perfectly capable of restoring the lost generations should he so desire. I agree it is unlikely, God does often make us face the consequences of our stupid decisions (like listening to Horace Mann in the first place). However, if we take the lesson to heart and ask for forgiveness, if we seek his face and do all we can to correct our error he is gracious and may grant our prayer.

Other than that caveat I think you wrote this well and it is a thought provoking article. Now if we can only think through the rest of the issues as well, perhaps we can work out what we should be praying for that will bring God the greater glory. Then set about doing what he shows us is necessary to achieve his ends.

I do not think that the framers of the Declaration were invariably Presbyterian - at least one of the northern states was Congregational, PA was, under the influence of Penn, tolerant of many of the non-Presbyterian groups and there at least some Episcopalians in the mix as well. What made them choose a system of check and balances was not Presbyterian polity, therefore, but an awareness of the influences of sin and a determination to limit its effects in Government. (at least that’s how I read the Southern Presbyterian writers I am acquainted with - I have not read much in Hodge or Warfield on this matter, I must admit).

I agree if you mean in the French Revolutionary sense of overthrowing those who rule over us. But I think it was Walpole who said of the American Revolution that cousin America has run off with the a Presbyterian parson, referring to Witherspoon. Another name for that revolution was the Presbyterian revolt, a Calvinist stand against tyranny if there ever was one.

I think Calvinism breeds representational government because of its biblicism (e.g. Jethro’s advice in Ex. 18). Of course, I wouldn’t argue monarchy is necessarily inferior, it’s all about the accountability, checks and balances, and fidelity required. Modern US Presidents enjoy a near fiat power greater most kings in history, and British monarchy is a museum piece. So we have to talk about the principles of the governmental structure and not certain corrupt examples of those forms. I was just reading about Abraham Kuyper this morning and his disdain for the state church and spineless clergymen.

Wouldn’t you agree that Calvinism lends itself to limit the power of men, make them chosen based on merit and held accountable? American (formerly limited!) was founded by people with these Presbyterian convictions.