This four volume set of collected writings by American preacher James Henley Thornwell (1812-1862) is divided accordingly: the first volume is entitled Theological, the second, Theological and Ethical, the third, Theological and Controversial, and the fourth, Ecclesiological. 2842 pages. Hardcover, from Banner of Truth Trust.
Volume 1: Theological
The first]volume contains sixteen lectures in theology. All these constitute Thornwell's discussion of theology which relates to God and to moral government, or to the same as modified by the Covenant of Works. To this volume, by way of appendix, are added his Inaugural Discourse, his Questions on the Lectures to his classes, his Analysis of Calvin's Institutes and his examination questions thereupon. These first two volumes consist of Thornwell's writings from lectures gathered together after his dead and systematically organized.
Volume 2: Theological and Ethical
The sixteen lectures may be reckoned his very latest productions. Upon some of the topics in the second volume, what we have to present the reader will be some of his earlier writings; there is not one of them, however, but bears the same impressive genius-not one of them but his instinct with the same unction of the Spirit of truth and love. Accompanying what the second volume will contain upon the Doctrines of Grace, there will be found a partial discussion of the morals which necessarily flow out of those doctrines.
Volume 3: Theological and Controversial
The third volume will contain an elaborate discussion of the canon, the authority of Scripture, papal infallibility, the mass, the validity of popish baptism, and the claims of the Romish church to be reckoned any church at all. In the discussion of popish baptism the author was led into a thorough consideration of the Christian doctrine of justification, and hence that whole argument might well be placed in the second volume. Connected as it was, however, by other ties with the Romish controversy, it was judged best, after mature reflection, to place it in the volume of the theological and polemic writings.
Volume 4: Ecclesiastical
In the fourth volume will be gathered whatever else Dr Thornwell has left behind him touching the question of the church.
