The Christian's Reasonable Service
Description
Publisher's Description: Wilhelmus à Brakel (1635-1711) demonstrates one of the strengthsof the Dutch Nadere Reformatie (Second or Further Reformation), namely, the balance between objective truth and the subjective experience of that truth. The Christian’s Reasonable Service is a systematic exposition of Christian doctrine, covering all of the intricacies and debated points of Reformation and post-Reformation dogmatics. This is done is scholastic fashion, with great precision and theological acumen. That being said, it was primarily written for the author’s congregation and is a tremendous work of piety and pastoral concern. Brakel labors to bring practical application to each doctrine he treats, showing the value and use of the truths of God’s Word. It is not enough to assent to right doctrine; one must also engage these truths with hearts of faith and repentance. Let this work be an encouragement to all who read it, and an example to today’s ministers in directing doctrine to its proper end.
Author
Wilhelmus à Brakel (2 January 1635, Leeuwarden – 30 October 1711, Rotterdam) was a Reformed minister in the Netherlands.
Endorsements
"The uniqueness of à Brakel work lies in the fact that it is more than a systematic theology... à Brakel's intent in writing is inescapable: He intensely wishes that the truths expounded may become an experiential reality in the hearts of those who read. In a masterful way he established the crucial relationship between objective truth and the subjective experience of that truth."
- Joel R. Beeke/Bartel Elshout
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Highly recommended!
Posted by A. W. Camp on 8th Jan 2010
This was recommended to my by Dr. Joel Beeke and I am very glad that I took his recommendation. This is the only Systematic Theology that I have ever felt compelled to read portions of to my family. I don't know that I have had anything so focused on the practical nature of the Christian life except perhaps Baxter's Christian Directory. Read his chapter on Self Denial with your family and you will never be the same! Doctrinally I found his views on the Visible/Invisible Church to be somewhat different and rather unhelpful. And I am convinced that he would have agreed with Kuyper on a form of presumptive regeneration (The editor's notes to the contrary notwithstanding). But overall I would not be without this wonderful set.
