On the Use and Abuse of Systematic Theology [pp. 171-190]

Systems of Theology.
ART. III.-ON THE USE AND ABUSE OF SYSTEMATIC
THEOLOGY.
A SYSTEM of theology is a methodical disposition of scriptural doctrines, with due connexion and arrangement, so far
as they are susceptible of a scientific form. Such a work may
contain either a simple enunciation of truths under appropriate
topics, or the body of proof by which these are sustained.
But within the latitude of our definition are comprised, not
only the volumes of professed theologians, but even confessions, catechisms, and other symbolical books of churches.
The origin of systems is to be sought in the laws of the human mind. The Scriptures present us with divine truth, not in
logical orscientific order,but dispersed irregularly under the various forms of history, precepts, promises, threatenings, exhortations, and prophecies. It is scarcely left to the option of the
reader whether he will classify these truths in his own mind;
for this classification begins and is pursued, spontaneously, with
regard'to all departments of human knowledge. Every man,
whose reasoning faculty rises above that of the idiot, is conscious of an attempt to refer each successive acquisition of
knowledge to its proper place in the general fund of his recollections, and to connect it with its like among that which
is already known.
It is very evident that the order of truths as they are presented
in the Scripture is not intended to be the only order in which
they shall be entertained in the mind. If this were the case, all
meditation would be useless, since this exercise does not reveal new doctrines, but, by giving rise to comparison of those
already known, in various connexions, discovers the relations
and dependencies of all. The illustration of Lord Bacon is
well known: the water of life as contained in the fountain of
the Scriptures, is thence drawn and set before us, very much
in the same manner as natural water is taken from wells.
For when the latter is drawn, it is either first received into a
reservoir, whence, by divers pipes it may conveniently be
conducted abroad for general use; or it is at once poured into
vessels for immediate service. The former methodical way,
adds this philosopher, gives origin to systems of theology, by
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