DICK'S THEOLOGY.

EDWARD C. BIDDLE has published LECTURES ON THEOLOGY by the Rev. John Dick, D.D., of Glasgow; with a Memoir of the Author, and a copious Index of Subjects and Texts illustrated. 2 vols. royal octavo.

"The late Dr. Dick's Lectures on Theology are, in my apprehension, eminently fitted to attach permanently to his memory the high reputation in which he was held during his life. They form a system of Scriptural divinity very complete and of great general excellence. The arrangement (though every principle of classification has its peculiar recommendations and drawbacks) is natural and comprehensive. Composed with his customary care, the lectures bear all the characteristics of their enlightened author's mind. They are distinguished throughout, by clear conception and transparently lucid expression; by a chaste and graceful simplicity of style, rising occasionally, on subjects that stirred the natural calm within, to loftiness and eloquence; and by a ratiocination, luminous, candid, and forcible. What by some may be regarded as a defect, I am disposed to esteem an excellence, namely, that they are far from being entirely abstract, didactic, and critical; but by various degrees of amplification on the devotional and practical uses of the doctrines discussed, are calculated to imbue with the spirit, and impress with the importance of personal godliness, the students under his care, the rising ministry of the Church, and to exemplify that connexion of truth with its influence, which it would form so essential a part of their future pastoral duty to inculcate. By this feature of their character, moreover, the lectures are rendered happily available for more extensive popular use. Differing as I am known to do, in some points, from the sentiments of the excellent and lamented author, I rejoice in this opportunity of expressing my high satisfaction with the great general views of evangelical truth exhibited in these volumes, with the manner in which they are treated, and the reasonings by which they are defended. I reckon them a valuable acquisition to our theological literature.

"RALPH WARDLAW, D.D."

"The lectures of the late Rev. Dr. Dick I consider to be a valuable accession to our theological literature. They present the results of long continued and extensive research, and of a close and attentive study of the Holy Scriptures; and are distinguished for clearness of conception, simplicity of language, precision and definiteness of statement, logical arrangement, variety of illustration, and comprehensiveness of range. They cannot fail to be read with interest and profit. E. HENDERSON."

"We consider these volumes as among the most important of the additions that have recently been made to sound theological literature. We conceive we can scarcely do a more essential service to the interests of religion generally, and of the established Church in particular, than to commend to the perusal of all, and especially the ministers of the gospel, such works as thisworks which remind us, for extensive research, sound and deep views of divine truth, solid reasoning, sober and judicious criticism, and acute discrimination, of the writers of the bright and palmy days of theological study."-Dublin Christian Examiner and Church of Ireland Magazine.

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"From this brief analysis, our readers will perceive that the author has taken a comprehensive range, and when we add, that there are few opinions or topics, either more immediately or more remotely connected with these various subjects, to which he does not less or more advert, it must be admitted, that in point of extent, the lectures are not exceeded by any in the English language. Most of the points are fully discussed, while a due proportion is carefully allotted to each. For simplicity, precision, and perspicuity, the language is pre-eminently distinguished. The author was evidently a man of refined taste, a well regulated imagination, deep penetration, and a sound and enlightened judgment. What he conceived clearly and forcibly, he has expressed with elegance, ease, and energy. We cannot conclude this notice of so valuable a work without cordially recommending it to our readers."-Congregational Magazine.

"As far as published works (on systematic theology) are concerned, Dr. Dick's Lectures, now before us, are entitled to an undisputed pre-eminence.' -Evangelical Magazine.

"The late Dr. Dick has long been known and esteemed as an able theological writer, and this posthumous publication will serve still more to elevate his reputation. It contains one hundred and five lectures, which were originally addressed to students in divinity, and revised by the author at different times, with great care. They constitute a body of theology, upon strictly Calvinistic principles; but at the same time embrace a large portion of divine truth, in which all orthodox Christians are agreed, clearly proposed and powerfully defended."-Wesleyan Methodist Magazine.

"The Lectures, throughout, display an extensive and a most accurate knowledge of the great variety of important topics which come before him. His system has all the advantages of fair proportion; there is nothing neglected, and nothing overloaded. His taste is correct and pure, even to severity; nothing is admitted, either in language or matter, that cannot establish the most indisputable right to be so; hence, he is alike lucid in his arrangement, and perspicuous in style.

"On the whole, it is refreshing to meet with such a work. Among modern systems of theology, it is entitled to occupy a high place. To young divines— and to some who are young no longer-we could cordially recommend it as a rich store-house of valuable information. There are few topics upon which they will not here find the justest views correctly stated, clearly illustrated, and ably established."-Christian Instructor.

"We consider these Lectures as no small accession to our theological literature, and would cordially recommend them to the perusal not merely of the professional divine, but also of the general reader. They are characterized throughout by a clear and perspicuous style, by tasteful illustration, by fervent and manly piety, by candour and perfect fairness in stating the opinions of all from whom he differs, and by a modest and firm defence of the truth as it is in Jesus.' The most intricate doctrines are unfolded with admirable tact."Pres. Review.

"We conclude by recommending this work in the very strongest terms to the biblical student. It is, as a whole, superior to any other system of theology in our language. As an elementary book, especially fitted for those who are commencing the study of divinity, it is unrivalled. On every subject which he discusses, Dr. Dick may safely be trusted as a Scriptural guide. He always thinks for himself, displaying a mind of much acuteness, enriched with extensive information, imbued with the deepest reverence for the authority of Scripture. His taste is pure, and his style obviously formed upon the finest models." -Christian Journal.

"Few men of the present day appear to have united more requisites for the office of theological lecturer. As a theologian, we are told, he was distinguished by the strictness with which he adhered to the great Protestant rule of making the Bible, in its plain meaning, the source of his religious creed, and the basis of his theological system. The intellectual excellence for which he was chiefly remarkable, was that of conceiving clearly; which, when united, as in him, with acuteness and a sound judgment, must be peculiarly useful in theological investigations.' To these high requisites, he added a very correct taste, dignified manners, gentleness of heart, and fervent piety, such as rendered him an object of affectionate veneration to his pupils, and of no ordinary attachment to his friends."-Eclectic Review.

From Rev. A. Alexander, D.D., Professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology in the Theological Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey.

"The lectures of the late Rev. Dr. John Dick are a valuable accession to our theological literature. A complete system of divinity, in English, sound in doctrine, perspicuous in language, and judiciously arranged, has been a desideratum; which is now ably supplied by these theological lectures.

"We do not look for much originality in systems of theology; and every one well acquainted with the subject will perceive, that the author has made a free use of the labours of distinguished theologians, especially of some who wrote in the Latin language: but this should rather be a recommendation than a disparagement of the work; for, in theology, we do not want novelties, but a clear exhibition of the truths believed from the beginning."