A System or Body of Divinity (eBook)

by Edward Leigh

in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats

Consisting of Ten Books - 1905 pages

Edward Leigh’s A System or Body of Divinity is one of the most comprehensive and rigorously structured expositions of Reformed theology from the Puritan era. Consisting of ten books, it methodically covers the full scope of Christian doctrine, including the authority of Scripture, the nature of God, the fall of man, Christ’s work of redemption, the church, sanctification, and the final judgment. Leigh’s approach is deeply scholastic yet pastoral, combining exegetical rigor with practical application. His work stands out among Puritan systematic theologies for its extensive biblical proofs, logical organization, and engagement with historical and contemporary theological debates.

Originally published in 1654, this systematic work closely aligns with the structure and doctrinal emphases of the Westminster Confession of Faith. Leigh presents theology in a catechetical format, reinforcing doctrine through well-ordered theological discourse that is both precise and practical. Like other Puritan divines, he sought to make theology accessible without sacrificing depth, offering a work that is both scholarly and spiritually enriching.

Leigh frequently interacts with various theological perspectives, citing classical and Reformed sources to clarify and defend orthodox Puritan beliefs. His Body of Divinity is particularly valuable for its structured presentation of doctrine and its emphasis on doctrinal clarity, making it an indispensable resource for ministers, students, and lay Christians seeking a deep understanding of Reformed theology.

Though highly respected in its time, this work has remained largely inaccessible to modern readers—until now. This newly revised and reformatted edition by Monergism Books presents Leigh’s masterful theological system in a more readable and shareable format, making it widely available for the first time in many years. It remains a significant contribution to 17th-century Puritan literature. For those exploring Puritan systematic theology in a clear and biblically grounded way, Leigh’s work offers a rich and rewarding study.

His commitment to doctrinal precision is evident throughout, particularly in his treatment of predestination, justification, and the moral law. This Body of Divinity serves as both a theological reference and a devotional guide, equipping readers with a strong foundation in biblical truth. Whether for scholars, pastors, or serious students of theology, Leigh’s work remains a valuable resource for understanding and defending the Reformed faith.

About the Author

Edward Leigh (1602–1671) was a respected Puritan theologian, scholar, and member of the Westminster Assembly, known for his deep commitment to Reformed doctrine and biblical scholarship. A learned man with expertise in theology, philology, and history, Leigh was influential in the Puritan movement, though he is not as widely recognized as contemporaries like John Owen or Thomas Goodwin. His most significant theological contribution is his Body of Divinity, a systematic exposition of Reformed theology, which remains an insightful resource for understanding Puritan doctrinal thought.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREF. I. Editor’s Note.
PREF. II. To the Orthodox and Godly Magistrates, Ministers, and People of England.
PREF. III. To the Christian and Candid Reader.
PROLEGOMENA.
    1. INTRO. I. Prolegomena.
BOOK. I. Of the Scriptures.
    2. CHAP. I. Of Divinity in General.
    3. CHAP. II. Of the Divine Authority of the Scriptures.
    4. CHAP. III. The Books of Scripture.
    5. CHAP. IV. Of the New Testament.
    6. CHAP. V. Of the Books called Apocrypha.
    7. CHAP. VI. Of the Authentical Edition of the Scripture.
    8. CHAP. VII. Of the Seventy and Vulgar Translation.
    9. CHAP. VIII. Of the Properties of the Scripture.
    10. CHAP. IX. Of the Interpretation of Scripture.
BOOK. II. Of God.
    11. CHAP. I. That there is a God.
    12. CHAP. II. What God is.
    13. CHAP. III. That God is a Spirit, Simple, Living, Immortal.
    14. CHAP. IV. That God is Infinite, Omnipresent, Eternal.
    15. CHAP. V. That God is Immutable.
    16. CHAP. VI. That God is Great in his Nature, Works, Authority, a necessary Essence, Independent, wholly One.
    17. CHAP. VII. Of God’s Understanding that he is Omniscient, and of his Will.
    18. CHAP. VIII. Of God’s Affections, his Love, Hatred.
    19. CHAP. IX. Of the Affections of Anger and Clemency, given to God Metaphorically.
    20. CHAP. X. Of God’s Virtues, Particularly of his Goodness.
    21. CHAP. XI. Of God’s Grace and Mercy.
    22. CHAP. XII. Of God’s Justice, Truth, Faithfulness.
    23. CHAP. XIII. Of God’s Patience, Longsuffering, Holiness, Kindness.
    24. CHAP. XIV. Of God’s Power.
    25. CHAP. XV. Of God’s Glory and Blessedness.
    26. CHAP. XVI. Of the Trinity or Distinction of Persons in the Divine Essence.
BOOK. III. Of God’s Works.
    27. CHAP. I. Of God’s Decree, and especially of Predestination, and the Parts thereof, Election and Reprobation.
    28. CHAP. II. The Execution of God’s Decree.
    29. CHAP. III. Of the Creation of the Heavens, the Angels, the Elements, Light, Day and Night.
    30. CHAP. IV. Of some of the Meteors, but especially of the Clouds, the Rain, and the Sea, the Rivers, Grass, Herbs, and Trees.
    31. CHAP. V. Of the Sun, Moon and Stars.
    32. CHAP. VI. Of the Fishes, Fowls, Beasts.
    33. CHAP. VII. Of the Angels good and bad.
    34. CHAP. VIII. Of Man.
    35. CHAP. IX. Of God’s Providence.
BOOK. IV. Of the Fall of Man, Of Sin, Original and Actual.
    36. CHAP. I. Of the Fall of Man.
    37. CHAP. II. What Original Corruption is.
    38. CHAP. III. Of the Propagation of Original sin, and Conclusions from it.
    39. CHAP. IV. Of Actual Sin.
    40. CHAP. V. Of the Evil of Sin.
    41. CHAP. VI. Of the Degrees of Sin.
    42. CHAP. VII. That all Sins are Mortal.
    43. CHAP. VIII. Of the Cause of Sin.
    44. CHAP. IX. Of communicating with other Men’s sins.
    45. CHAP. X. Of the Punishment of sin.
    46. CHAP. XI. Signs of a Christian in regard of sin, and that great corruptions may be found in true Christians.
    47. CHAP. XII. Two Questions resolved about Sin.
    48. CHAP. XIII. Of the Saints care to preserve themselves from sin, and especially their own iniquities.
    49. CHAP. XIV. Of the cause of forbearing Sin, of abhorring it, and of small Sins.
    50. CHAP. XV. Of some particular sins, and specially of Ambition, Apostasy, Backsliding, Blasphemy, Boasting, Bribery.
    51. CHAP. XVI. Of Carnal Confidence, Covetousness, Cruelty, Cursing.
    52. CHAP. XVII. Of Deceit, Distrust, Divination, Division, Drunkenness.
    53. CHAP. XVIII. Of Envy, Error, Flattery, Gluttony.
    54. CHAP. XIX. Of Heresy, Hypocrisy, Idleness, Impenitence, Injustice, Intemperance.
    55. CHAP. XX. Of Lying, Malice, Murmuring, Oppression.
    56. CHAP. XXI. Of Perjury, Polygamy, Pride.
    57. CHAP. XXII. Of Railing, Rebellion, Revenge, Scandal, Schism.
    58. CHAP. XXIII. Of Sedition, Self-love, Self-seeking, Slander.
    59. CHAP. XXIV. Of Tale-bearing, Vain-glory, Violence, Unbelief, Unkindness, Unsettledness, Unthankfulness, Usury.
    60. CHAP. XXV. Of Witchcraft.
BOOK. V. Of Mans Recovery by Christ; Wherein are handled, His Names, Titles, Natures, Offices, and twofold Estate of Humiliation and Exaltation.
    61. CHAP. I. Of Mans Recovery.
    62. CHAP. II. Of Christ - His Person.
    63. CHAP. III. Of Christ’s being Man.
    64. CHAP. IV. Of Christ’s Offices.
    65. CHAP. V. Of Christ’s double state of Humiliation and Exaltation.
    66. CHAP. VI. Of Christ’s Exaltation.
BOOK. VI. Of the Church the Spouse of Christ, and Antichrist the Great Enemy of Christ.
    67. CHAP. I. Of the Church of Christ.
    68. CHAP. II. Of Pastors.
    69. CHAP. III. Of Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Government.
BOOK. VII. Of our Union and Communion with Christ, and our Spiritual Benefits by Him, and some Special Graces.
    70. CHAP. I. Of our Union with Christ.
    71. CHAP. II. Of Effectual Vocation.
    72. CHAP. III. Of Conversion and Free-will. - Of Conversion.
    73. CHAP. IV. Of Saving Faith.
    74. CHAP. V. Of the Communion and Fellowship Believers have with Christ, and their Benefits by him, and specially of Adoption.
    75. CHAP. VI. Of Justification.
    76. CHAP. VII. Of the Parts and Terms of Justification, Remission of sins, and Imputation of Christ’s Righteousness.
    77. CHAP. VIII. Imputation of Christ’s Righteousness.
    78. CHAP. IX. Whether one may be certain of his Justification.
    79. CHAP. X. Whether Faith alone doth justify.
    80. CHAP. XI. Of Sanctification.
    81. CHAP. XII. The Parts of Sanctification are two, Mortification and Vivification.
    82. CHAP. XIII. Of Vivification.
    83. CHAP. XIV. The Sanctification of the whole Man Soul and Body.
    84. CHAP. XV. Of the Sanctification of the Will.
    85. CHAP. XVI. Of the Sanctification of the Conscience.
    86. CHAP. XVII. Sanctification of the Memory.
    87. CHAP. XVIII. Sanctification of the Affections.
    88. CHAP. XIX. Of the Particular Affections.
    89. CHAP. XX. Of the Simple Affections.
    90. CHAP. XXI. Of Hatred.
    91. CHAP. XXII. Desire and Flight.
    92. CHAP. XXIII. Joy and Sorrow – Of Joy.
    93. CHAP. XXIV. Of Sorrow.
    94. CHAP. XXV. Hope and Fear. - Of Hope.
    95. CHAP. XXVI. Of Fear.
    96. CHAP. XXVII. Of the Sensitive Appetite.
    97. CHAP. XXVIII. Of the Sanctification of Mans Body, and all the External Actions.
    98. CHAP. XXIX. Some special Graces Deciphered. - Bounty.
BOOK. VIII. Of Ordinances, or Religious Duties.
    99. CHAP. I. Something general of the Ordinances.
    100. CHAP. II. Of Ordinary Religious Duties, and first of Hearing the Word.
    101. CHAP. III. Of Singing Psalms.
    102. CHAP. IV. Of Prayer.
    103. CHAP. V. The Sorts or Kinds of Prayer.
    104. CHAP. VI. Of the Lord’s Prayer.
    105. CHAP. VII. Of the Sacraments.
    106. CHAP. VIII. Of Baptism.
    107. CHAP. IX. The Lord’s Supper.
    108. CHAP. X. Of the Mass.
    109. CHAP. XI. Of Extraordinary Religious Duties, Fasting, Feasting and Vows. - Of Fasting.
    110. CHAP. XII. Holy Feasting or Religious Thanksgiving.
    111. CHAP. XIII. Of a Religious Vow.
BOOK. IX. Of the Moral Law.
    112. CHAP. I. Some things of the Commandments in general.
    113. CHAP. II. Of the First Commandment.
    114. CHAP. III. Of the Second Commandment.
    115. CHAP. IV. Of the Third Commandment.
    116. CHAP. V. Of the Fourth Commandment.
    117. CHAP. VI. Of the Fifth Commandment.
    118. CHAP. VII. Of the Sixth Commandment.
    119. CHAP. VIII. Of the Seventh Commandment.
    120. CHAP. IX. Of the Eighth Commandment.
    121. CHAP. X. Of the Ninth Commandment.
    122. CHAP. XI. Of the Tenth Commandment.
BOOK. X. Of Glorification, of the General Resurrection, the Last Judgement, and Everlasting Misery of the Wicked, and Happiness of the Godly.
    123. CHAP. I. Of the General Resurrection.
    124. CHAP. II. Of the Last Judgment.
    125. CHAP. III. Of Hell or Damnation.
    126. CHAP. IV. Of Everlasting Life.
ADDITIONS.
    127. SECT. I. Of Hells Torments.
    128. SECT. II. Of the Ceremonial Law.
    129. SECT. III. Of the Tabernacle.
    130. SECT. IV. Of the Temple.
    131. SECT. V. Of War, Pestilence, and Famine.
    132. SECT. VI. Of Admonition and Reproof.
    133. SECT. VII. Of Excuse.
    134. SECT. VIII. Of Impenitent Sinners.
    135. SECT. IX. Of Impudence in Sinning.
    136. SECT. X. Of Revenge.
    137. SECT. XI. Of the Differences of Saints, in Respect of the Diverse Degrees of Grace.
    138. SECT. XII. Of Prosperity.
    139. SECT. XIII. Of the word Behold.
    140. SECT. XIV. Of Outward Blessings and Benefits.
    141. SECT. XV. Of Imprisonment.
    142. SECT. XVI. Of Common Principles.
    143. SECT. XVII. Of Holy Purposes and Resolutions.
    144. SECT. XVIII. Of Courtesy.
    145. SECT. XIX. Of Rising Early in the Morning.
    146. SECT. XX. Of the Scripture.
    147. SECT. XXI. Of the Popish Vows of Poverty.
    148. SECT. XXII. Of a Lie.
    149. SECT. XXIII. Of Common Places.
    150. SECT. XXIV. Of the Fathers.
    151. SECT. XXV. Of Heretics.
APPENDIX.
    152. SECT. I. Errata.

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