Customer Reviews

Existence and Attributes of God, The

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Words really fail to describe how breathtaking this book is. Not mainly because of the author, but because of the subject - God himself. I can't think of any book I've read that has left me more stunned and awed by God and his majesty. Charnock was a Puritan, so this book may be cumbersome to those unaccustomed to Elizabethan English. But if you can handle the KJV, you can handle this. It is also a comprehensive book - long, despite the fact that the chapters are really just lengthy meditations put in a sermonic form. Characteristically Puritan, Charnock begins each chapter with the exposition of a text, then develops its "doctrine," bridging into a lengthy theological study on one of God's attributes, finally ending on the "use" or application. The application sections are especially helpful and heart-searching, but really all of it is good. Though, I must confess I've not read it all (this book must be 1200 pages long!), I've benefited from the hours I've spent in these pages. No human author will ever write an exhaustive study on the character of God, but I can't imagine anyone coming closer to it than Charnock. This is a powerful, powerful book!

I have never in all of my life read a more excellent book other than the Bible explaining in intimate detail of God's attributes. Since this preacher was known in his day for his outstanding detail to his writings, this is a must read. It must be read slowly as someone else said, a bit at a time. I have been moved to tears at times as I've read this book and it has blessed me tremendously.

This is a rare privilege. To own a Puritan from the 17th Century's work, is really an honor. The author of this book knew nothing of computers, lexicons, cd-roms, - all the modern gadgetry we have at our disposal. Yet he still exceeds in literary excellence, theological consistency and God-honoring exegesis compared to publications that are available from modern wisdom and prudence. He was chaplain to Oliver Cromwell.

'But what if the foreknowledge of God, and the liberty of the will, cannot be fully reconciled by man? Shall we therefore deny a perfection in God to support a liberty in ourselves? Shall we rather fasten ignorance upon God, and accuse Him of blindness, to maintain our liberty?' p 450

The chapter on 'The Goodness of God' is so beautiful. It inspired and reinvigorated me. The Puritans held to a high view of God. Everything they did and said was theocentric. The fruits of their labor was produced under great trials, and yet this only seemed to spur them on to greater holiness. And so their legacy reaches our day and their spiritual vigor inflames our hearts anew.

A huge book and colossal work.

'God hath His eye upon them that honor His nature; He would not 'seek such to worship Him', if He did not intend to accept such a worship from them.' p 256

I have been looking for an excellent book to help me understand and get some insight into the attributes and nature of our God. This book definitely does the trick and make me really satisfactory. I do give it a 5.0 rating because of its excellency and in depth. One thing you should know of is the dated English style of the author. It was written in the 17th century, so it is somewhat difficult for me, especially as a foreigner, to read and understand his writing. From what I have read, the author had done an excellent work. I highly recommend this book for everyone who want to know God better and better.

Stephen Charnock's classic work is THE most thorough work on the subject. If you could only own one book on the existence and attributes of God, this is the one to own. Be forewarned: this is not a book that you can casually read like you would most other books. This book is for the serious-minded individual who has set his mind to intense study mode; but, then again, every Christian could stand to give his brain the kind of workout that is the mental equivalent of going through Navy SEAL training.

Charnock thoroughly and carefully presents his arguments supporting the existence of God and explaining who God is through His attributes. While there are certainly books on the subject that are easier to read, none come close to the depth and quality of this one. However, if you must find something simpler, try A. W. Pink's The Attributes of God and A. W. Tozer's two-volume work by the same title; though Pink and Tozer are theological heavyweights in their own right.

Mr. Charnok's logic is impeccable, his prose beautiful, his inspiration Godly and the value of his contribution beyond measure. My only regret is that the publisher decided to single space the small type of this large corpus. This generated eye fatigue for my aging optical organs. However, as testamony to the works greatness I found the discomforts were far outweighed by the spiritual rewards. I plan to purchase a copy for my pastor. It will enrich the lives of the layman and set fire to the words from the pulpit.

The grace of God has produced in this book over 1000 pages of hearty food for the soul.....but whatever the price, it is well worth it...one of the best books the great providence of God has gracefully led me to......

Other than the Scriptures,this is the most comprehensive work on the character of God that I know of.I'm on my second trip through this book and reckon that if I were to read it several more times i would continue to discover new things wonderful and edifying.
This is certainly serious reading to be done in your quiet time,no distractions,and well worth every minute.
If you would truly like an in depth examination of the great and wonderful God ( and already own a Bible ),buy this book,read it slow and enjoy every word.

NEXT TO BIBLE THIS IS THE MOST TREASURED BOOK IN MY LIBRARY. EVERY SENTENCE IN THE 1146 PAGES SPEAKS TO THE GLORY OF GOD.

I received this used book in good condition and in a timely manner. As per the content, it is a 16th century classic, what could I add?