SGCB | THEOLOGY AS A LIFE: Theological Discourses from the Heart of J.H. Thornwell

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THEOLOGY AS A LIFE: Theological Discourses from the Heart of J.H. Thornwell
James H. Thornwell

This volume contains 13 Discourses covering a great variety of theological subjects from the heart of a leading Southern Presbyterian Theologian from the 19th century. Thornwell lived from 1812-1862 and was an American Presbyterian preacher and religious writer.

Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, in a letter to his wife dated August 15, 1859, wrote the following about hearing Thornwell preach: "Last night I enjoyed what I have long desired -- listening to a sermon from the Rev. Dr. Thornwell, of South Carolina. He opened with introduction, setting forth the encouragements and discouragements under which he spoke. Among the encouragements, he stated that the good effected here would be widely disseminated, as there were visitors from every Southern State. Following the example of the apostle Paul, he observed that whilst he felt an interest in all, yet he felt a special interest in those from his own State. He spoke of the educated and accomplished audience it was his privilege to address. After concluding his introductory remarks, he took his text from Genesis, seventeenth chapter, seventh verse, which he presented in a bold, profound, and to me original manner. I felt what a privilege it was to listen to such an exposition of God's truth. He showed that in Adam's fall we have raised from the position of servants to that of children of God. He gave a brief account of his own difficulties when a college student, in comprehending his relation to God. He represented man as a redeemed being at the day of judgment, standing nearest to the throne, the angels being farther removed. And why? Because his Brother is sitting upon the throne he is a nearer relation to Christ than the angels. And his being the righteousness of God himself. I don't recollect having ever before felt such love to God. I was rather surprised at seeing so much grace and gesture in Dr. Thornwell. I hope and pray much good will result from this great exposition of Bible truth."

Joseph Addison Alexander, himself a wonderful example of pulpit eloquence, heard the sermon "The Sacrifice of Christ, the Type and Model of Missionary Effort" delivered, and pronounced it 'as fine a specimen of Demosthenian eloquence as he had ever heard from the pulpit, and that it realized his idea of what preaching should be."

J.W. Alexander once wrote the following of one of Thornwell's sermons, "His sermon was a model of what is rare, viz.: burning hot argument, logic in ignition, and glowing more and more to the end."

Henry Ward Beecher, the famous Northern liberal minister, wrote after Thornwell's death, "By common fame, Dr. Thornwell was the most brilliant minister in the Old School Presbyterian Church, and the most brilliant debater in the General Assembly. This reputation he early gained and never lost. Whenever he was present in the Assembly, he was always the first person pointed out to a stranger."

Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said of him, ""Thornwell (1812-1862) was one of the greatest preachers that America has ever produced. Here, I think, we have the perfect combination of brilliance of intellect and profound theological and philosophical knowledge, together with pulpit eloquence of the highest order."

Discourse 1 - Outline of the Covenant of Grace

Discourse 2 - Theology as a Life in Individuals and in the Church

Discourse 3 - The Necessity and Nature of Christianity: Acts 17:16-34

Discourse 4 - Election and Reprobation: Defined and Defended from Scripture

Discourse 5 - The Necessity of the Atonement: Romans 1:16

Discourse 6 - The Priesthood of Christ: Hebrews 5:5,6

Discourse 7 - Christ Tempted as the Second Adam: Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4

Discourse 8 - The Gospel, God's Power and Wisdom: 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

Discourse 9 - The Personality of the Holy Ghost: Acts 19:2

Discourse 10 - The Nature of Salvation: John 3:17

Discourse 11 - Antinomianism: Defined and Explained

Discourse 12 - Christian Effort: Philippians 1:27

Discourse 13 - The Sacrifice of Christ, the Type and Model of Missionary Effort: John 10:17,18

Born in Marlboro District, South Carolina, on December 9, 1812; Thornwell graduated from South Carolina College at nineteen, studied briefly at Harvard, then entered the Presbyterian ministry. He became prominent in the Old School Presbyterian denomination in the south, preaching and writing on theological and social issues. He taught at South Carolina College, eventually served as its president, and went on to teach at Columbia Theological Seminary. He was a contemporary of Charles Hodge and represented the southern branch of the Presbyterian church in debates on ecclesiology with Hodge.

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