Customer Reviews

The Systematic Theology of John Brown of Haddington

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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.

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.

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.