Many have used Barnes' notes on the Old and New Testaments. It is thought to have been and continue to be the most widely distributed commentary in the world . . . only being given a run by Matthew Henry. But many are not aware he was the subject of an intensive and bitterly divisive heresy trial at the hands of Old School Presbyterians in 1836.
Because of Nathaniel Taylor and the explosion of younger leaders aligning with the New School, more evangelical perspective on Presbyterianism, Old School Presbyterians felt desperate for a space to bring the discussion to a head. Barnes then issues his commentary volume on Romans. Because of its distribution and his prominence, they felt this was the moment and leveled formal charges of Pelagianism, etc.,
The trial and its rejoinder come in at over 420 pages total. A significant moment in 19th century American religious and social history.
Stansbury, Arthur J. Trial of the Albert Barnes, Before the Synod of Philadelphia, in Session at York, October 1835. On a Charge of Heresy, Preferred Against Him by the Rev. Geo. Junkin: With All the Pleadings and Debate. As Reported for the New York Observer. New York. Van Nostrand & Dwight. 1836. 296pp. + 120pp.
A good + copy, bound in cloth, generally solid, with moderate foxing, and toned throughout.
