Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY.
Adam Clarke
ADVERTISEMENT
TO
CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY.
For some years before the lamented death of Dr. Clarke, he was
repeatedly solicited to collect his rich and ample materials, and give to the
world a Biblical Dictionary; and Theological Institutes, or a System of
Christian Theology, in one or two portable and cheap volumes. He
acknowledged that each of these was a great desideratum. He felt strongly
inclined to prepare them, and even made a beginning. In one of his letters
he writes:—"I have laid the foundation of a Biblical Dictionary." In
another he says:—"I may possibly write some Institutes; but I shall put
my Homer into a nutshell." On another occasion he observed: "If you
were stationed in the south, and would assist me, I could do many things,
but my eyes will not now bear any intense application." Such an
appointment never took place; and before the worthy doctor had
proceeded far, he was called hence. Had he accomplished his object, he
would doubtless have produced a volume deserving a place in every
Christian library. If it be inquired what induced me to attempt to supply
his lack; I answer, my strong affection for the man; my high admiration
of his writings; my deep conviction that such a volume would probably
prove a blessing to many; and I may perhaps, in proof of the doctor's
confidence and affection, be allowed to refer to the following passage in
one of his letters, which to me is sufficiently affecting: "O that my
strength were as in days that are past! While writing, it seems as if
whispered to me, 'Your time is at hand—Samuel Dunn shall be your
proxy in my work.' This is enough!" Though painfully conscious of great
inability, I have "done what I could." Others will judge of the manner in
which the part of selecting and systematizing has been executed.