PREFACE.

The object sought in the pages following is to present in brief outline the leading topics in a course of theological study. It is substantially that which the writer has pursued with his classes successively during the last eighteen or twenty years. The ultimate authority, as also the source of material, is that of inspired Scripture. For full statement and investigation of many of the subjects discussed, his pupils will recognize the text-book used — Knapp’s ” Theology” — as also others referred to — those of Dr. Hodge, of Hill, of Dorner, of Martensen, of Lindsay Alexander, and of Von Oosterzee. To these may be added, of more recent date, those of Dr. Buel, of Dr. Shedd, of Dr. Strong, and of Dr. Hodge, the younger. To the earnest student there is, in these works and others easily accessible, abundant material for full and thorough investigation of every issue and topic in Christian theology.
But while thus with the advanced student, the object here is to take hold of and to help the beginner, to indicate the substance and natural order of the problems with which he is called to deal, as also their grounds of evidence and verification. At the same time it is to be noted that the interest in these topics is not confined
vi PREFACE.
to this class — the theological student or candidate for the ministry. It extends to a much larger class — intelligent Christian readers, theologians to a certain degree of all classes. These have their rational interest in all the topics here presented. As mere technicalities, so far as possible, have been avoided, the objection in this respect to the ordinary reader has been removed. In all cases, moreover, of quotations of the original Greek and Hebrew, the English equivalent is annexed, so as to avoid all difficulty and obscurity. With the earnest prayer that it may do its work in the service of Him to whom it is offered, it is commended to its readers.

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