Updated to modern English
Or, A well-organized collection of Sayings and Discussions, Wherein The primary aspects of Christian Religion are affirmed and enhanced.
ECCLESIASTES 12. 9, 10, 11. Because the Preacher was wise, he continued to teach the people Knowledge. Yes; he gave careful attention and sought out and arranged many Proverbs.
The Preacher sought to find acceptable words, and what was written was upright, even words of Truth.
The words of the Wise are like goads and like nails firmly fixed by the Masters of the Assemblies, and given by one Shepherd.
"A Chain of Theological Principles" by John Arrowsmith is a compelling exploration of Christian doctrine, presented with clarity and depth in a format that caters to both theological scholars and devout believers seeking a deeper understanding of their faith. Updated to modern English, this work bridges the gap between the 17th-century theological discourse and contemporary readers, making Arrowsmith's profound insights more accessible than ever.
The treatise unfolds in a series of aphorisms—concise statements designed to convey complex theological truths in a digestible form. Each aphorism is accompanied by a set of exercitations, or detailed discussions, where Arrowsmith explores the nuances of Christian doctrine, ranging from the nature of human blessedness and the authority of Scripture to the essence of God and the dynamics of His grace and decrees.
Central to Arrowsmith's discourse is the assertion that true human blessedness does not reside in worldly comforts but in experiencing God in Christ. Through a methodical examination of Psalms and key scriptural passages, Arrowsmith articulates the inadequacy of material wealth and intellectual achievements in fulfilling the soul's yearning for a deeper connection with the Divine.
Another cornerstone of Arrowsmith's work is the affirmation of the Christian Religion as revealed in the divine Scriptures as the pathway to experiencing God in Christ. Arrowsmith argues that it is through the guidance of Scripture that believers navigate the their faith, led by the counsel of God Himself towards the ultimate destination of glory and eternal happiness.
Arrowsmith's treatment of the attributes of God—goodness and greatness—underscores the comprehensive nature of divine perfections. He presents a rich tapestry of theological reflections on the decrees of Election and Preterition, as well as the works of Creation and Providence, showcasing the depth and breadth of God's sovereignty and mercy.
"A Chain of Theological Principles" is not just a theological treatise but a spiritual guide that beckons the reader towards a profound appreciation of the foundational truths of the Christian faith. Arrowsmith's work stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of theological inquiry in fostering a vibrant and informed religious life, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of God's nature, His relation to humanity, and the path to true blessedness in Him.
To the Reader
APHORISM I. Human blessedness does not consist in an abundance of worldly comforts, which are all meaningless; but in experiencing God in Christ
-- EXERCITATION 1. Psalm 144, concluding verses explained
-- EXERCITATION 2: A commentary on Psalm 36:8.
-- EXERCITATION 3. Two conclusions from Psalm 73. 25, 26.
-- EXCERCITATION 4. The first conclusion based on Isaiah 55:1-2
APHORISM II. We are led to the experience of God in Christ through the Christian Religion, as revealed in the divine Scriptures.
-- EXERCITATION 1: The guidance and safe passage of the Saints
-- EXERCITATION 2: The inadequacy of other religions
-- EXERCITATION 3: Vocal oracles of God, or written. Books of Scripture
-- EXERCITATION 4: How Scripture Oracles far surpass those of the pagans in terms of clarity, piety, truthfulness, endurance, and authority.
APHORISM III: Scripture-Oracles, assuming that the existence of God is sufficiently clear through the light of Nature, provide further revelation about His essence, existence, and attributes.
--EXERCITATION 1: 1 Corinthians 15:34 explained.
-- EXERCITATION 2: The existence of God, the primary insight of natural light
-- EXERCITATION 3: There are three ways in which reason falls short of fully revealing what God is.
-- EXERCITATION 4: Divine Attributes demanding utmost reverence.
APHORISM IV: Goodness and Greatness are attributes so comprehensive as to encompass a multitude of divine perfections.
-- EXERCITATION 1: God described through goodness and greatness both within and outside the Church.
-- EXERCITATION 2: The Nature of Grace.
-- EXERCITATION 3: The Generosity of God
-- EXERCITATION 4: Keeping mercy for thousands explained.
-- EXERCITATION 5: The latter clauses of Exod. 34:7, translated and explained to encompass an eighth aspect of divine goodness
-- EXERCITATION 6: Job 11:7-9 explained in terms of divine Greatness.
-- EXERCITATION 7: The depth of divine omniscience is revealed in discerning the profound things of mankind, even of Satan, and even of God.
-- EXERCITATION 8. Divine Immensity illustrated by the expanse of the Sea.
APHORISM V: The goodness and greatness of God are abundantly demonstrated through His decrees of Election and Preterition, as well as His works of Creation and Providence.
-- EXERCITATION 1: The discussion of predestination in this context is necessary.
-- EXERCITATION 2: Preterition Described
-- EXERCITATION 3: An Introduction to Romans 9
-- EXERCITATION 4: Creation - What it means.
-- EXERCITATION 5: The same and other attributes of God declared from his providential dispensations
APHORISM VI: Providence extends itself not only to all created beings, but also to all human affairs, especially those concerning the Church, and even to the sins of angels and men.
-- EXERCITATION 1: Providence over all created beings.
-- EXERCITATION 2: Deuteronomy 11:12 opened.
-- EXERCITATION 3. Hard-heartedness is composed of being unteachable in the understanding
-- EXERCITATION 4. Objections against and Corollaries from the previous propositions.