Smectymnuus

religious historian
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Smectymnuus
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites

Smectymnuus, acronym under which was published (1641) in England a book upholding the Presbyterian theory of the ministry in answer to the Anglican bishop Joseph Hall’s A Humble Remonstrance (1640–41). Hall replied to the Presbyterian attack. John Milton defended the Smectymnuus position in three tracts in 1641 and 1642. The Solemn League and Covenant in 1643 rendered the controversy moot. The name was derived from the initials of the book’s real authors, Stephen Marshall, Edmund Calamy, Thomas Young, Matthew Newcomen, and William Spurstowe. The adjective form “Smectymnuan” was later applied to the authors and to persons who accepted their views.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica