WESLEYAN BOOK DEPOT, LONSDALE STREET EAST. LONDON: HAMILTON, ADAMS AND CO., PATERNOSTER ROW. 101. f. INTRODUCTION. THE present work owes its existence to the following circumstances. The writer, under the pressure of physical weakness, was laid aside from the work of the itinerancy, in which for twenty years he had enjoyed many blessings, and, as he would humbly hope, had led many a soul to the enjoyment of the great salvation. On arriving in Australia, in search of health, it was suggested to him by the Rev. J. C. Symons that a pleasing and profitable occupation of his leisure hours would be the preparation of a work especially designed to benefit young students, whether Sunday-school teachers, local preachers, or candidates for the ministry, who have few books and little time for reading, but who yet are anxiously desirous to understand "those things which are most surely believed among us," and to see the Scriptural proofs by which they are sustained. On the subject being mentioned to other ministerial brethren, it was agreed by them all that such a work was greatly needed, nothing having yet appeared that seemed exactly to meet the requirements of the class above indicated. To this task, therefore, the writer has devoted himself. His aim has been to give, in the simplest language, a summary of those grand and essential verities which are comprised in the Theology of the Wesleyan Methodists. All our standard authors have been consulted, and their definitions and arguments quoted, or their teachings summarised, as seemed desirable for the elucidation of the subjects in hand. And as no one can fully appreciate the proofs upon which our Theology is based, unless he has an acquaintance with the heresies that have sprung up in the Church, a brief account of those heresies and their advocates has been presented in connection with the doctrines which they have aimed to subvert. The form of question and answer has been adopted for the purpose of simplifying and bringing into prominence each particular point that is deserving of attention. Some who peruse the book may, perhaps, regret that the passages of Scripture referred to are not given at length. It is conceded that in that case the book could have been read much more quickly, but whether with greater benefit is very doubtful. It is an indescribable advantage to one who is beginning the study of Theology to have his own Bible at hand, to search out every passage for himself, and to ponder its bearing upon the doctrine for the confirmation of which it is quoted. The time lost by this method is far more than compensated by the deep impression which the truth has made upon the mind; besides which, the memory soon becomes a Scripture "concordance," furnishing in an instant the chapter and verse of any particular passage that may be discussed. The writer would earnestly advise every young student to try this method for himself, and he ventures to predict that in less than twelve months he will be surprised at the amount of Biblical truth that is indelibly written upon his mind. It is probable that some of the readers of this book may be looking forward with anxiety to an examination before a Church Court, preparatory to their being admitted into the ranks of local preachers or ministers of the Wesleyan Church, and the writer would gladly afford them a brother's helping hand. What is to be done that such an examination may be passed creditably and with success? Most earnestly would he recommend that no pains be spared in order that every subject be thoroughly understood. It is humiliating to see the memory "crammed," while the understanding is dormant. Employ the memory to its utmost extent for the correct quotation of God's Holy Word; but rest not satisfied without the clearest apprehension of every doctrine discussed, and of every definition given. He would also advise that the present work should be regarded as but introductory to the perusal of our great standard authors. As time and opportunity allow, read with all possible diligence the works of Wesley, Fletcher, Watson, Bishop Pearson, &c., and thus lay up a good foundation against the time to come. Every superintendent of a circuit and chairman of a district has his own particular mode of presenting the questions for the examination of young men. But there is little variety as to the subjects introduced. And if the candidate be prepared to give prompt, brief, intelligent answers to the following questions, supporting them with appropriate Scripture proofs, all things being equal, the result need not be feared : 1. Define Inspiration. 2. Quote those passages in which the Bible declares itself to be inspired. 3. What are the direct evidences in authentication of the Bible as a Divine revelation ? 4. What are the presumptive evidences? 5. What are the collateral evidences? 6. Define the doctrine of the Trinity in Unity. How does this differ from Tritheism? How does it differ from Sabellianism? Who was Arius ? 7. Quote a few passages which clearly teach the doctrine of the Trinity in Unity. 8. What is the outline of evidence to prove the Divinity of Christ? 9. Quote a few of the most striking passages that teach this doctrine. 10. What is meant by the Divine Sonship of Christ? 11. How is this doctrine proved from Scripture? 12. What is the meaning of the word "Person?" 13. What is the outline of evidence to prove the personality of the Holy Spirit? 14. Quote a few of the most striking passages that teach this doctrine. 15. What is the outline of evidence to prove the Divinity of the Spirit? 16. Quote a few of the passages that teach this doctrine. 17. What was the image of God in man? 18. What do you understand by "Original Sin ?" 19. What do you understand by hereditary guilt? 20. Prove from Scripture that guilt is transmitted from Adam to his posterity. 21. Prove from Scripture that man has a depraved nature. 22. Prove that this depravity is universal. 23. Prove that this depravity is total. 24. Prove that it is transmitted from Adam. 25. What is redemption? 26. Prove that the death of Christ was strictly a sacrifice for sin. 27. Prove that the death of Christ was universal in its provisions. 28. What is repentance? 29. How is your definition supported by Scripture? 30. Is repentance the gift of God? Is it the act and duty of man? 31. What is saving faith? How does Mr. Wesley define it? What is Dr. Bunting's definition? 32. Prove that faith is the gift of God and the act of man. 33. What is justification? How does Mr. Wesley define it? 34. Prove from Scripture that it is substantially the same as pardon. 35. Does it not signify more than pardon? |