Positive theology: being a series of dissertations on the fundamental doctrines of the Bible : the object of which is to communicate truth affirmatively, in a style direct and practical

Preface

For several years I have been impressed, that among the desiderata of this age is a work that might be appropriately styled Positive Theology, It is especially demanded for the laity and those young men who are entering our rapidly-increasing ministry.

Our laity have not the time, or, what is the same, practically, they think they have not time, to store their minds with truth, by perusing voluminous works on systematic divinity. They complain, also, that these productions are generally heavy and uninteresting, on account of the copious admixture of controversy with their didactics. The same may be said of our youthful ministry, and with increasing pertinence and force.

A large proportion of our ministers enter the traveling connection with but limited scientific culture and literary acquisitions. They are expected immediately to preach more than the ministers of any other Church, meet classes, catechise the Sabbath schools, hold protracted meetings one half the year, and make countless pastoral visits. Under these circumstances, it is obvious, a young man needs theology during his novitiate, at least, in a small compass.

He needs to arrive at the truth without any circumlocution. He wants to get hold of the central ideas of the Christian system before he ranges over the immeasurable area of controversy. I speak from experience. When I

PREFACE .

entered the ministry, though possessed of some scholastic advantages, I had almost every thing to learn respecting theology and Biblical literature. To these departments and treasures I felt the need of a direct introduction.

I did not wish to know what errors heathens had embraced, but what doctrines and precepts the Bible inculcates. I had no use for, and no time to read the Atheism and infidelity of Democritus, Spinoza, Hume, Voltaire, and others.

I had no time, and felt no necessity to store my mind with the theory of Arius and the criticisms of Socinus and Priestley. 1 could gather no materials for edification from the elaborate and acrid controversies on the Five Points, or the theory of Augustine, Calvin, and others of that school. If, indeed, I conformed my ministrations, in any case, to the disputes on the Five Points, I found myself in danger, as Dr. Bond once remarked, of “ coming to no point at alV^ that would pierce the heart of a sinner or stir the lukewarm. I wanted the sword, not the scabbard — the lightning of heaven, not the clouds.

I concede and advocate that it is proper and important for a minister to study every thing that is even remotely connected with his high vocation, as soon as it may be practicable ; but I regard it as highly inexpedient to begin with polemics. With such a beginning many become inextricably involved in the quagmire of controversy. With a cast of disputation stamped upon their style, they llounder in the meshes of debate through life. How much better to commence by dealing in and dealing om the unmixed positive truths of the Bible !

I have a deep conviction that if a minister would be permanently useful, the great staple of his discourses, according to the excellent theory of President Edwards, must be unalloyed doctrine, preached practically, and practice preached doctrinalUj . According to this rule 1

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have endeavored to construct each dissertation in this work. Should this production fail to supply an obvious chasm in our literature — which, to some extent, it certainly must on account of its brevity — I trust it will at least prove suggestive, and summon to the task of theological explication affirmatively a more competent pen.

I am indebted to all the authors within my reach, who have written upon the subjects discussed in these pages — Pearson, Watson, Dwight, Edwards, Drew, and others. But as my object was not to make a book merely, and as none of the works consulted were adapted to my plan, I have not quoted paragraphs from any author, but availed myself, where I could, of facts, ideas, criticisms, and the advantages of method. Then I have digested, thought, and constructed for myself. I have not attempted to say all that might be said, even pertinently, on every subject, being impressed that we may as effectually darken counsel by a superabundance of words and detailed argumentation, as by ‘‘words without knowledge.^'

It has been my steady endeavor to employ the best evidences and illustrations within my command, and to close the argument when enough had been produced to sustain my position. In style, it has been my aim to avoid bombast and excessive floridity, and yet to clothe my thoughts in a popular and pleasing dress.

Convinced that the competent critic will discover defects in this production, and the incompetent will affect to find many more, yet, having a single eye^^ in the undertaking, I here dedicate it to the Cause of Truth, and to God, the Great Author of Truth.

A. Lowrey.

Cincinnati^ 0., January 1, 1853.

Contents

Page

INTRODUCTIOK 9

DISSERTATION I.