A Dictionary of All Religions and Religious Denominations/Remonstrants

REMONSTRANTS; Arminians; so called from a remonstrance they addressed to the states general in 1610, in which they state their grievances, and pray for relief. In the last century, disputes ran very high in Holland between Calvinists and Arminians. Episcopius and Grotius were at the head of the party of the latter.

In order to terminate this controversy, the famous synod of Dort was held, 1618. The most eminent divines of the united provinces, both of the Arminian and Genevan school; and deputies from many of the reformed churches in Europe were assembled on this occasion. This synod was succeeded by a severe persecution of the Arminians; their doctrines were condemned; and they driven from their churches and country into exile and poverty. The learned Grotins, who was condemned to perpetual imprisonment, escaped form his confinement, and took refuge in France. An account of the proceedings of the synod may be seen in a series of letters, written by John Hales, who was present on the occasion. The reader is also referred to an abridgment of Gerard Brandt's History of the Reformation in the low countries, 2 vols. 8vo.