The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 7

by Thomas Goodwin

Publisher:

James Nichol

, 1863

Overview

Volume Seven contains numerous theological treatises on the doctrine of creation and the relationship between God’s creation and Adam’s fall. Goodwin’s exposition on the doctrine of creation is littered with commentary on the book of Genesis. From the context of his discussion of the doctrine of creation and his exposition of Genesis, he also writes at length about the contrast between the holiness of God and the depravity of humanity.

This volume concludes with treatises on the intermediate state—the period of time between our death and final judgment—and two works on grace and repentance.

Contents

Top Highlights

“I would rather call it the creation law, jus creationis, or of what was equitable between God considered merely as a Creator on one part, and his intelligent creatures that were endued with understanding and will on the other, simply considered as such creatures, whether angels or men,—the measure of which law, in general, lay in an equitable transaction between God and them, a congruity, dueness, meetness on either part.” (Page 23)

“All earthly bellows would themselves have been burnt, at least not been able to have made the furnace hot enough” (Page 194)

“that bond and obligation which God’s having created him in his image” (Page 22)

“Faith is indeed the only principle by which we deal with God and Christ for justification and communion with them; but love is that which incites us to holiness and obedience.” (Page 133)

“as rightly as our divines do call the covenant we were by creation brought into fœdus, naturæ, the covenant of nature” (Page 22)

Praise for the Print Edition

He speaks the intimacies of things from an inward sense and feeling of them in his own heart, to the particular cases and experiences of others.

—James Barron

Product Details

• Title: The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 7
• Author: Thomas Goodwin
• Publisher: James Nichol
• Publication Date: 1863
• Pages: 576

About Thomas Goodwin

Thomas Goodwin (October 5, 1600–February 23, 1680) was an English Puritan theologian and preacher. He was born in Norfolk in England as the oldest son of Richard and Catherine Goodwin. At the age of six, Goodwin, in his own words, “began to have some slighter workings of the Holy Spirit.” He attended Christ’s College in Cambridge, and was ordained as a preacher in 1625 and as a lecturer at Trinity Church in 1633.

In 1634, he resigned and in 1639 was forced to flee to the Netherlands to escape persecution.

After Goodwin returned to England, he became a member of the Westminster Assembly, and frequently preached in Parliament. In 1656, he also became chaplain to Oliver Cromwell. Along with John Owen, Thomas Goodwin was instrumental in writing the Westminster Confession of 1658.

In 1660, Goodwin returned to London and served as pastor of Fetter Lane Independent Church, where he remained until his death.