{Book Review} Theoretical-Practical Theology, Vol. 2: Faith in the Triune God

Theoretical-Practical Theology Volume 2: Faith in the Triune God is written by Petrus Van Mastricht and translated by Todd M. Rested. This volume is edited by Joel Beeke with Michael Spangler as the assistant editor and translator. 

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Theoretical-Practical Theology, Vol. 2: Faith in the Triune God

If you read my review on the first volume of van Mastricht’s works, then you know that I’m a huge fan of this project. After reading volume 2, I’m even a bigger fan of this project! Before diving into the contents of volume 2, let me mention some general points about this project.

About the Author: Petrus van Mastricht

Van Mastricht (1630-1706) was a Dutch Reformed theologian and pastor who served the Lord and His church in the Netherlands. A student of Gisbertus Voetius, he is known as one who has produced one of the greatest systematic theologies for the church. Originally written in Latin and then translated into Dutch, this is the first time Mastricht’s work has been translated into English!

If one has any familiarity with other Dutch Reformed authors (i.e. a Brakel, Witsius, Vandergroe, Bavnick, etc.) Mastricht’s work will have some similar pleasing aromas to you. He definitely shares some similarity with Turretin due to his incorporation of elenctic theology in his approach. Mastricht has his own system of theology that flows from an exegesis of 1 Timothy 6:2-3. This four-part system will be applied to every topic that is discussed in his seven volumes. 

Mastricht’s Four-Part System of Theology

1. The Exegetical Part
2. The Dogmatic Part
3. The Elenctic Part 
4. The Practical Part 

Some may say that Mastricht isn’t quite as devotional as Brakel or as precise as Turretin, but it must be noted that Mastricht is extremely precise and wonderfully devotional, and he provides an exegetical part to very doctrine that certainly can be said to surpass Brakel and possibly at times surpass Turretin (that may be up for debate). Regardless, every author has their strengths and weaknesses.

I believe that where Mastricht’s weaknesses show up, his strengths overshadow them. The way in which he applies this four-part system (a theoretical and practical theology) seems to be done so well that it makes up for any deficiencies in one area or another. For this reason and many more, we can be extremely thankful for this gift to the church!

There is a reason that Jonathan Edwards said that Theoretical-Practical Theology is “much better than…any other book in the world, excepting the Bible, in my opinion.” That’s high praise! 

Layout and Content

On to the contents of this volume in particular. This book consists of 27 chapters and 650 pages. The topics covered in volume 2 are some of my personal favorite theological topics. Add to that the four-part system that is unique to van Mastricht and apply it to some amazing theological topics, and you’ve got a rich blessing in the form of written instruction.

Here is just a sample of those 27 chapters:

• Saving Faith
• The Existence and Knowledge of God
• The Attributes of God in General
• The Spirituality and Simplicity of God
• The Immutability of God
• The Unity of God
• The Will and Affections of God
• The Goodness of God
• The Righteousness of God
• The Majesty and Glory of God
• and much more

Just those chapters alone would be worth the price of this book, but there are so many packed into this volume. 

Mastricht is a phenomenal theologian. He is very precise and articulate. He attacks a theological point from many different directions in order to provide a very good understanding of a topic. Regardless of which of the four aspects of his system you are reading, you will undoubtedly be stirred up to worship the Lord! Sometimes I am confused by those who say that van Mastricht isn’t as devotional as, say, Brakel. Perhaps that is true, but I haven’t necessarily found that to be the case quite yet. 

Conclusion

This volume is much larger than the first volume on prolegomena, so it will certainly take you longer to read. However, it is entirely worth it! This volume is packed full of rich theology and soul-stirring teaching on the Word of God. Just like the first volume, I cannot recommend this work by van Mastricht highly enough! Tolle lege, take up and read! 

Disclaimer: My thanks to Reformation Heritage Books for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.