[alpha-8-25-02]

A.A. Hodge's Outlines of Theology is still regarded as a great introduction to classical Protestant theology.

[alpha-8-25-02]

have a blessed weekend saints!

[wideawake]

Interesting. Hodge treats the Catholic Church's teaching with far more accuracy, detail and with far less animus than is typical among his modern descendants - yet we think of his age as a much more rancorous one than the present.

Delighted to se that Hodge admits that Thomism is Augustinian.

[Kitty Mittens]

A.A. Hodge is Certainly an Exceptional Writer, and this was a Very Informative and Interesting Read. Thank you So Much for your Ministry to our Lord's Church!

[aruanan]

Their Arminianism, however as presented by their standard writer, Richard Watson, an incomparably more competent theologian than Wesley,

Probably means a more sysematic theologian, something Wesley eschewed because he knew that systematic theology says far more about the mind of man than the nature of God.

[bornacatholic]

"2nd. As to FREE WILL."

"Augustinianism. By Adam's transgression the Freedom of the human Will has been entirely lost. In his present corrupt state man can will and do only evil.

St. Augustine...On The Spirit and the Letter

Chapter 52 [XXX.]—Grace Establishes Free Will

Do we then by grace make void free will? God forbid! Nay, rather we establish free will. For even as the law by faith, so free will by grace, is not made void, but established. Romans 3:31 For neither is the law fulfilled except by free will; but by the law is the knowledge of sin, by faith the acquisition of grace against sin, by grace the healing of the soul from the disease of sin, by the health of the soul freedom of will, by free will the love of righteousness, by love of righteousness the accomplishment of the law. Accordingly, as the law is not made void, but is established through faith, since faith procures grace whereby the law is fulfilled; so free will is not made void through grace, but is established, since grace cures the will whereby righteousness is freely loved. Now all the stages which I have here connected together in their successive links, have severally their proper voices in the sacred Scriptures. The law says: "Thou shall not covet." Exodus 20:17 Faith says: "Heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee." Grace says: "Behold, you are made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." John 5:14 Health says: "O Lord my God, I cried unto Thee, and Thou hast healed me." Free will says: "I will freely sacrifice unto Thee." Love of righteousness says: "Transgressors told me pleasant tales, but not according to Thy law, O Lord." How is it then that miserable men dare to be proud, either of their free will, before they are freed, or of their own strength, if they have been freed? They do not observe that in the very mention of free will they pronounce the name of liberty. But "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 2 Corinthians 3:17 If, therefore, they are the slaves of sin, why do they boast of free will? For by what a man is overcome, to the same is he delivered as a slave. 2 Peter 2:19 But if they have been freed, why do they vaunt themselves as if it were by their own doing, and boast, as if they had not received? Or are they free in such sort that they do not choose to have Him for their Lord who says to them: "Without me you can do nothing;" John 15:5 and "If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed?" John 8:36

*If the author can't get this right, of what use is he as an authority?