The Systematic Theology of John Brown of Haddington [Hardcover]

Brown John (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2002

John Brown (1722-1787) of Haddington was the leading minister in the Associate Synod during the formative years of eighteenth-century Scotland. He was a devout Christian, a gifted preacher, and a prolific writer of theology. He began life in obscure poverty, without advantage of wealth, position, title, or education. Yet God favored him with unusal gifts and an enormous capacity for hard work.

Brown taught himself Greek while working in the fields; he became a man of deep spiritual experience with sill in preaching the doctrines of free grace and peity. His last words, "my Christ," summarize his life and thought.

A new twenty-page introduction on the life and writings of John Brown is provided by Joel R. Beeke and Randall J. Pederson.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Contains over 26,000 proof texts, for endless study. I highly recommend it! -- Book Talk

Product Details

• Hardcover: 612 pages
• Publisher: Christian Focus (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892777665
• ISBN-13: 978-1892777669
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,317,220 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Covenantal System of Theology, June 26, 2002

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Systematic Theology of John Brown of Haddington (Hardcover)

Brown's Systematic Theology is organized around the doctrine of the covenant, which few (if any) modern systematics emulate. Brown surpasses, in my estimation, the work of Reymond, Berkhof, and Hoeksema, though (may it be said) he lived in a different era with different conflicts. Still, Brown's systematics, based on his seminary lectures, should be read and re-read by modern theologians and laymen; after all, how many systematics end each section with words such as: "Now, O my soul, think what astonishing displays of Jehovah's perfections appear in this covenant!" Buy it, read it, live it.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Systematic Theology, May 4, 2009

By 

Robert Mattes "Linux Rules!" (N. Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Systematic Theology of John Brown of Haddington (Hardcover)

John Brown of Haddington's Systematic presents the timeless Christian truths in an unusual organization. Unlike most systematics, Brown organizes his around the covenants. Some modern errors try to hijack the covenants and attempt to drive an artificial wedge between the fields of Biblical and Systematic Theology. Brown reaches out from the 19th century to expose such errors in the bright light of Scripture.

Using a covenantal formulation, Brown lays out classic Reformed Theology with copious Scriptural support at every point. For example, Brown masterfully ties Union with Christ directly to Effectual Calling within the context of the Covenant of Grace in a way that directly refutes some modern theological errors at their heart. A man devoted to his Savior, Brown ends many chapters with devotional reflections appropriate to the chapter's material.

There are a number of good Reformed Systematics in my library, but I consistently find myself turning to John Brown's Systematic first. You will, too.

4.0 out of 5 stars It's hard to improve on a classic!, December 18, 2010

By 

Christopher "Chris Cole" (Huntersville, NC, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Systematic Theology of John Brown of Haddington (Hardcover)

Brown was the professor of theology of the Associate Synod of Scotland (often referred to by the nickname "Seceders") in the mid-Eighteenth Century. This book arose from years of classroom notes. One thing that I found particularly interesting was that Brown was brought to trial for allegedly teaching universal atonement, while he clearly teaches particular atonement in this book. No doubt that was why the synod ruled that the accusations against him were groundless.

Brown's approach was classic Reformed and covenantal, consistent with the Westminster Standards. He makes short statements, each followed by a series of scripture proofs. In fact, the Scripture references come to almost 30 thousand in the course of the book. The format doesn't lend itself to armchair reading; the short, jerky statements separated by scripture references make it impossible to have smooth reading experience. This and the occasional anachronistic and Latinate theological terms definitely limit its readability. On the other hand, the format is perfect for quick glances with supporting scripture references for polemical use.

In addition to the lack of readability, the book's usefulness is limited by its lack of an index, and especially a lack of a scripture index. In contrast, it does have a a very detailed table of contents.

Some of Brown's Seceder compatriots wrote theological manuals more oriented toward the average man in the pews. Ebenezer Erskine, his brother Ralph Erskine, and E.'s son-in-law James Fisher wrote The Assembly's Shorter Catechism Explained: By Way of Question and Answer ... in Two Parts: I. of What Man Is to Believe Concerning God. Ii. of the Duty Which God Requires of Man, and Thomas Boston used the same format for An Illustration of the Doctrines of the Christian Religion: With Respect to Faith and Practice, Upon the Plan of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism. Comprehending ... the Manuscripts of ... Thomas Boston, ...

Best when paired with Brown's Dictionary of Bible Characters.