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SYSTEM OF THEOLOGY.

BY

THE REV. JOHN LOCKE,

WESLEYAN MINISTER.

SECOND EDITION.

NINTH THOUSAND.

PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR;

AND SOLD AT 66, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON.

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LONDON:

PRINTED BY WILLIAM NICHOLS,

46, HOXTON SQUARE.

PREFACE.

THE importance of theological knowledge to man, both in his individual and social character, cannot be too highly estimated. He has duties to perform in time, and the manner in which he discharges those duties will affect his happiness and usefulness in the present state, and influence him in the future for ever. No man, therefore, is educated for the high designs of his existence unless his education include the science of theology. No secular knowledge can satisfy the human soul, nor qualify any man for the discharge of his duties in this world, or for happiness in the world to come. No uninspired system of ethics can authoritatively teach us our duty either to God or man; and nothing but the atonement made by the death of Christ, as taught in the sacred Scriptures, can form a basis for human happiness in this world, or give the soul peace in the hour of death, or assurance of eternal life. The word of God is the only rule for our faith and actions, it is the sure guide to holiness and happiness, and by it all mankind will be judged at the last day. All religious teaching, therefore, must be drawn from the Bible.

As sacred knowledge is of such importance to the human race, both for time and eternity, it is the duty of every man to ascertain whether he is acquiring and promoting it in accordance with his ability and position in life. Every domestic circle should be a theological seminary, in which all should be students of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. That such was the intention of God is evident from the directions given by Moses: " And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." (Deut. vi. 6, 7.)

All who teach religion ought to possess at least an elementary acquaintance with it as revealed in the Scriptures. This must commend itself to every man's understanding. In this age of conflict and effort to extend the knowledge of God and the kingdom of Christ, it is of great importance that those who are engaged in this conflict possess as much information as they can obtain of the doctrines and duties of Christianity. Local preachers, class leaders, Sabbath and day school teachers, tract distributors, and others usefully employed, as well as ministers of the Gospel, must be thoroughly furnished with the sacred page, to intelligently instruct others, and know how to use the sword

of the Spirit against the unbeliever and profane. The hearer of the Gospel should know the truth as it is in Jesus, that he might detect error if presented in any form from the pulpit, especially when so many subtle arts are used to adulterate the Scriptures, and so many who profess to be ministers of Christ handle the word of God deceitfully. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." (Isai. viii. 20.)

In the acquisition of divine science, as methodical a study of its principles is requisite as in the acquisition of any other science. No man can expect to attain to any considerable eminence in theological knowledge, unless he pursue such a course as he might legitimately conclude will be crowned with success. Each branch must be studied and understood; then its relations to all the other branches must be ascertained. By such a process the mind becomes disciplined, and acquires a capability to discover truth, to detect error, and to arrange its materials for powerful and successful operation. One reason why so few excel in any branch of knowledge, is, not the want of time or opportunity to study it, but the want of a systematic pursuit of their subject to the end.

This book has been written for the purpose of furnishing the English reader with a methodized arrangement of the first principles of the oracles of God. Many have written more learnedly, critically, and elaborately upon theological topics, and their contributions are of incalculable value. But to many in the middle classes, and to almost all the labouring classes, these are sealed books. They are hard to be understood. They require more time to study than those who are engaged in secular pursuits during the great part of the day can command: consequently, their treasures are unknown and unappreciated by those classes, which, so far as the author's knowledge extends, are the immense majority in the Christian community. This work is designed to make the chief topics of revelation easily comprehended by those who have but few books to read, and but little time to read them.

This book is nothing more than several short treatises upon the most important doctrines of the Christian religion, each one complete in itself, and all arranged in order, so as to form a complete whole. It has been written throughout in the fear of God, and its only design is to do good to men. The word of God has been the rule and standard of thought all the way through. Nothing has been either written or omitted for party purposes, and the author alone is responsible for all it contains. His only object has been to assist his fellow men to attain a knowledge of the doctrines of the word of life, for their own happiness and usefulness, and for the glory of God.

Salisbury, June 24th, 1862.

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

SINCE the first appearance of this work in 1862, truth and error have been brought into constant and, probably, unprecedented antagonism. Theories, both in science and religion, akin to former errors, have been promulgated; and others of a more moderate character have contained such concessions and accommodations as are inconsistent with unswerving faithfulness to the truth. The foundations of Christianity have been attacked by undisguised enemies, even by men of vigorous intellectual powers and extensive acquirements; and some professing the religion of Christ have yielded so much to the spirit of the age as to relinquish the vital elements of the Gospel. Science and Sadduceeism have brought their respective influences against the records and religion of the sacred page. "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure." Sadduceeism is an irreconcilable foe, which must perish; but Science is a friend, which, when perfected, will bring her every trophy, and place it at the feet of Him who upholdeth all things by the word of His power. In many instances writers, when treating of Christ, have either omitted or perverted the grand doctrine of the redemption of the world by the shedding of His blood. These circumstances convince the author of the necessity of again bringing before the public the religion of the Bible in its own language and spirit, or as nearly so as human composition can express things which are heavenly and divine.

Seven thousand copies of the original edition were sold in eighteen months from the day it was issued, and the demand has been continuous from that period. The author has received numerous expressions of thanks from ministers and laymen of different denominations, many of whom are personally unknown to him. Some have earnestly requested a republication of the work from the conviction of its utility; and others have been disappointed at the apparent delay. These will please to recollect that the full work of a Wesleyan minister is quite sufficient for the exercise of all his powers; and literary labour can be accomplished only by levying an extra tax both upon the body and mind, which tax has frequently to be paid when others are refreshing themselves with their nightly rest. This second edition has been carefully revised; and the author has no hesitation in thinking that in its size and other respects it will be more approved than the first production.

Lowestoft, March 31st, 1866.

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