Dr. A
A Hodge
Preface To First Edition
In introducing this book to the reader, I have only a single word to
say upon two points:first as to the uses which I regard this form of
exhibiting theological truth as being specially qualified to
subserve;
and, secondly as to the sources from which I have drawn the
materials
composing these “Outlines.”
As to the first point, I have to say, that the conception and
execution
of this work originated in the experience of the need for some such
manual of theological definitions and argumentation, in the
immediate
work of instructing the members of my own pastoral charge. The
several
chapters were in the first instance prepared and used in the same
form
in which they are now printed, as the basis of a lecture delivered
otherwise extemporaneously to my congregation every Sabbath night.
In
this use of them, I found these preparations successful beyond my
hopes. The congregation, as a whole, were induced to enter with
interest upon the study even of the most abstruse questions. Having
put this work thus to this practical test, I now offer it to
my
brethren in the ministry, that they may use it, if they will, as a
repertory of digested material for the doctrinal instruction of
their
people, either in Bible classes, or by means of a congregational
lecture. I offer it also as an attempt to supply an acknowledged
public
want, as a syllabus of theological study for the use of theological
students generally, and for the use of those many laborious
preachers
of the gospel who cannot command the time, or who have not the
opportunity, or other essential means, to study the more expensive
and
elaborate works from which the materials of this compend have been
gathered.
The questions have been retained in form, not for the purpose of
adapting the book in any degree for catechetical instruction, but as
the most convenient and perspicuous method of presenting an “outline
of
theology” so condensed. This same necessity of condensation I would
also respectfully plead as in some degree an excuse for some of the
instances of obscurity in definition and meagerness of illustration,
which the reader will observe.
In the second place, as to the sources from which I have drawn the
materials of this book, I may for the most part refer the reader to
the
several passages, where the acknowledgment is made as the debt is
incurred.
In general, however, it is proper to say that I have, with his
permission, used the list of questions given by my father to his
classes of forty–five and six. I have added two or three chapters
which
his course did not embrace, and have in general adapted his
questions
to my new purpose, by omissions, additions, or a different
distribution. To such a degree, however, have they directed and
assisted me, that I feel a confidence in offering the result to the
public which otherwise would have been unwarrantable. In the
frequent
instances in which I have possessed his published articles upon the
subjects of the following chapters, the reader will find that I have
drawn largely from them. It is due to myself, however, to say, that
except in two instances, “The Scriptures the only Rule of Faith and
Judge of Controversies” and the “Second Advent,” I have never heard
delivered nor read the manuscript of that course of theological
lectures which he has prepared for the use of his classes
subsequently
to my graduation. In the instances I have above excepted, I have
attempted little more, in the preparation of the respective chapters
of
this book bearing those titles, than to abridge my father’s
lectures.
In every instance I have endeavored to acknowledge the full extent
of
the assistance I have derived from others, in which I have, I
believe,
uniformly succeeded, except so far as I am now unable to trace to
their
original sources some of the materials collected by me in my
class manuscripts, prepared fourteen years ago, while a student of
theology. This last reference relates to a large element in this
book,
as I wrote copiously, and after frequent oral communication with my
father, both in public and private.
A. A. HODGE.
FREDERICKSBURG, MAY, 1860.
Preface To Revised And Enlarged Edition
The Preface to the original edition gives a perfectly accurate and
somewhat circumstantial account of the origin of this work. Since
its
first publication the evidences of the fact that it met a public
need
have been multiplying. Its sale in America and Great Britain has
continued. It has been translated into Welsh and Modern Greek, and
used
in several theological training schools.
The author, in the meantime, has been for fourteen years engaged in
the
practical work of a theological instructor. His increased knowledge
and
experience as a teacher have been embodied in this new and enlarged
edition, which has grown to its present form through several years
in
connection with his actual class instructions.
The new edition contains nearly fifty per cent more matter than the
former one. Two chapters have been dropped, and five new ones have
been
added. Extracts from the principal Confessions, Creeds, and
classical
theological writers of the great historical churches have been
appended
to the discussions of the doctrines concerning which the Church is
divided. Several chapters have been entirely rewritten, and many
others
have been materially recast, and enlarged. And the Appendix contains
a
translation of the Consensus Tigurinus of Calvin, and of the FORMULA
CONSENSUS HELVETICA of Heidegger and Turretin, two Confessions of
first
class historical and doctrinal interest to the student of
Reformed theology, but not easily accessible.
The work is again offered to the Christian Church, not as a complete
treatise of Systematic Theology, for the use of the proficient, but
as
a simple Text Book, adapted to the needs of students taking their
first
lessons in this great science, and to the convenience of many
earnest
workers who wish to refresh their memories by means of a summary
review
of the ground gone over by them in their earlier studies.
A. A. HODGE.
PRINCETON, N. J., AUGUST 6TH, 1878.