Dogmatic Theology by William G.T. Shedd. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Mich. Three volumes. Price, for the set, $14.85; per volume, $4.95.

Zondervan is to be congratulated for reprinting several classic works on theology, especially of the preceding century. This work of Shedd on Dogmatic Theology is one of these. It belongs to the nineteenth century. Dr. Shedd’s work is, of course, well known among theologians, his work on the History of Doctrine as well as that whose reprint is hereby offered to the reading public. Under the title “Dogmatic Theology” (which, by the way, I like much better than “Systematic Theology” for the simple reason that all theology is systematic or ought to be) Dr. Shedd treats five loci, evidently considering that the doctrine of the church is not a separate locus of dogmatics. His style is remarkably clear, so clear, in fact I do not hesitate to recommend this work, not only to theologians, but also to the general reading public that are interested in the study of Reformed doctrine. This remark, of course, does not mean that the work is not thoroughly scholarly, for it is indeed. 

A book review is hardly the place for a thorough and elaborate criticism. A few remarks must suffice. Dr. Shedd is a traducianist and devotes several pages in defense of this view. He also defends the theory of common grace in common with other English and American theologians of the Calvinistic type. Thirdly, and in connection with the foregoing, he even speaks of prevenient grace preceding regeneration. It would be interesting to offer a thorough criticism on all these points, but, as I said, there is no room for this in a simple book review. 

In the meantime, I once more congratulate Zondervan on this reprint and recommend the work to the discerning reader.