Prolegomena, Theology Proper & Anthropology

With a decidedly Puritan flavor, it represents Reformed and Scholastic experiential Christianity at its best. Wilhelmus à Brakel systematically moves through the main doctrines of the Bible with the intention of seeing the minds of God's people renewed for the purpose of promoting piety. This first volume contains a historical and theological introduction, as well as a specialized treatment of Theology Proper (Doctrine of God), as well as Anthropology (Doctrine of Man).

The Christian's Reasonable Service represents, perhaps more than any other work, the Puritan heartbeat and balance of the Dutch Second Reformation. Here systematic theology and vital, experimental Christianity are interwoven in a biblical and practical way with a covenantal structure. Its entirety bears the mark of a pastor and theologian deeply taught by the Spirit. With broad coverage, almost every topic treasured by Christians is treated in an unusually helpful way, always with the aim of promoting piety. In my opinion, this set of pastoral books is an essential tool for every pastor and is extremely valuable for laypeople as well. If I were about to be exiled to a desert island and could only take one publication besides the Bible, it would be these volumes by à Brakel! Fortunately, you can now read it newly translated into contemporary Spanish. —Joel R. Beeke, President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

Wilhelmus à Brakel's The Christian's Reasonable Service is a tremendously insightful work that displays the marriage between scholastic precision and warm pastoral piety. À Brakel not only challenges the mind as he delves into the teachings of Scripture, but he also challenges the heart as readers must grapple with the truth and its implications for their growth in grace. Not only can historians read à Brakel to learn about historical Reformed theology, but scholars, pastors, and laypeople can benefit from a careful reading of these wonderful volumes. —J. V. Fesko, Academic Dean and Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Seminary California