New Theological Dictionary
DICTIONARY OF DOCTRINAL AND HISTORICAL THEOLOGY. By various writers. Edited by the Rev. John Henry Blunt, M.A., F.S.A. Editor of the Annotated Book of Common Prayer. Second Edition.
Complete in one volume of 833 pages, imperial 8vo (equal to six 8vo volumes of 400 pages each), and printed in large readable type, 42s. or half-bound in morocco, 52s. 6d.
1. Nature of the Work. This Dictionary consists of a series of original Essays (alphabetically arranged, and 575 in number) on all the principal subjects connected with the Doctrines of the Christian Church. Some idea of the subjects, and of the length of the articles, may be formed from the following titles of those which occupy the work from page 700 to page 720.
Sign.
Simony.
Sin.
Sinaitic Codex.
Socinianism.
Solifidianism.
Soul. Spinozism.
Spirit.
Spirit, The Holy.
Sponsors.
Subdeacons.
Sublapsarianism.
Substance. Suffragan.
Sunday.
Supererogation.
Supernatural.
Superstition.
Supralapsarianism.
Supremacy, Papal.
2. Object of the Work. The writers of all the Essays have endeavoured to make them sufficiently exhaustive to render it unnecessary for the majority of readers to go further for information, and, at the same time, sufficiently suggestive of more recondite sources of Theological study, to help the student in following up his subjects. By means of a Table prefixed to the Dictionary, a regular course of such study may be carried out in its pages.
3. Principles of the Work. The Editor and his coadjutors have carefully avoided any party bias, and consequently the work cannot be said to be either “High Church,” “Low Church,” or “Broad Church.” The only bias of the Dictionary is that given by Revelation, History, Logic, and the literary idiosyncrasy of each particular contributor. But the Editor has not attempted to assist the circulation of the book by making it colourless on the pretence of impartiality. Errors are freely condemned, and truths are expressed as if they were worth expressing; but he believes that no terms of condemnation which may be used ever transgress the bounds of Christian courtesy.
4. Part of a Series. The Dictionary of Theology is complete in itself, but it is also intended to form part of a Series, entitled, “A Summary of Theology,” of which the second volume, “A Dictionary of Sects, Heresies, and Schools of Thought,” is in the press.
“Taken as a whole the articles are the work of practised writers, and well informed and solid theologians.... We know no book of its size and bulk which supplies the information here given at all; far less which supplies it in an arrangement so accessible, with a completeness of information so thorough, and with an ability in the treatment of profound subjects so great. Dr. Hook’s most useful volume is a work of high calibre, but it is the work of a single mind. We have here a wider range of thought from a greater variety of sides. We have here also the work of men who evidently know what they write about and are somewhat more profound (to say the least), than the writers of the current Dictionaries of Sects and Heresies.”—Guardian.
“Mere antiquarianism, however interesting, has little place in it. But for all practical purposes its historical articles are excellent. They are of course, and of necessity, a good deal condensed, yet they are wonderfully complete; see for example such articles as ‘Atheism,’ ‘Cabbala,’ ‘Calvinism,’ ‘Canonization,’ ‘Convocations,’ ‘Evangelical,’ ‘Fathers,’ ‘Infant Baptism,’ &c., &c. But the strength of the book lies in the theology proper, and herein more particularly in what one may call the metaphysical side of doctrine:—see the articles on ‘Conceptualism,’ ‘Doubt,’ ‘Dualism,’ ‘Election,’ ‘Eternity,’ ‘Everlasting Punishment,’ ‘Fatalism,’ and the like. We mention these as characteristic of the book. At the same time other more practical matters are fully dealt with. There are excellent and elaborate papers on such words as ‘Eucharist,’ ‘Confession,’ ‘Blood,’ ‘Cross,’ ‘Antichrist,’ to say nothing of the host of minor matters on which it is most convenient to be able to turn to a book which gives you at a glance the pith of a whole library in a column or a page. Thus it will be obvious that it takes a very much wider range than any undertaking of the same kind in our language; and that to those of our clergy who have not the fortune to spend in books, and would not have the leisure to use them if they possessed them, it will be the most serviceable and reliable substitute for a large library we can think of. And in many cases, while keeping strictly within its province as a Dictionary, it contrives to be marvellously suggestive of thought and reflections, which a serious minded man will take with him and ponder over for his own elaboration and future use. As an example of this we may refer to the whole article on Doubt. It is treated of under the successive heads of,—(1) its nature; (2) its origin; (3) the history of the principal periods of Doubt; (4) the consciousness—or actual experience of Doubt, and how to deal with its different phases and kinds; (5) the relations of Doubt to action and to belief. To explain a little we will here quote a paragraph or two, which may not be unacceptable to our readers.... The variety of the references given in the course of this article, and at its conclusion, show how carefully the writer has thought out and studied his subject in its various manifestations in many various minds, and illustrate very forcibly how much reading goes to a very small amount of space in anything worth the name of ‘Dictionary of Theology.’ We trust most sincerely that the book may be largely used. For a present to a clergyman on his ordination, or from a parishioner to his pastor, it would be most appropriate. It may indeed be called ‘a box of tools for a working clergyman.’”—Literary Churchman.
“Seldom has an English work of equal magnitude been so permeated with Catholic instincts, and at the same time seldom has a work on theology been kept so free from the drift of rhetorical incrustation. Of course it is not meant that all these remarks apply in their full extent to every article. In a great Dictionary there are compositions, as in a great house there are vessels, of various kinds. Some of these at a future day may be replaced by others more substantial in their build, more proportionate in their outline, and more elaborate in their detail. But admitting all this, the whole remains a home to which the student will constantly recur, sure to find spacious chambers, substantial furniture, and (which is most important) no stinted light.”—Church Review.
“The second and final instalment of Mr. Blunt’s useful Dictionary, itself but a part of a more comprehensive plan, is now before the public, and fully sustains the mainly favourable impression created by the appearance of the first part. Within the sphere it has marked out for itself, no equally useful book of reference exists in English for the elucidation of theological problems.... Entries which display much care, research, and judgment in compilation, and which will make the task of the parish priest who is brought face to face with any of the practical questions which they involve far easier than has been hitherto. The very fact that the utterances are here and there somewhat more guarded and hesitating than quite accords with our judgment, is a gain in so far as it protects the work from the charge of inculcating extreme views, and will thus secure its admission in many places where moderation is accounted the crowning grace.”—Church Times.
“The writers who are at work on it are scholars and theologians, and earnest defenders of the Christian faith. They evidently hold fast the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, and have the religious instruction of the rising ministry at heart. Moreover, their scheme is a noble one; it does credit not only to their learning and zeal, but also to their tact and discretion.”—London Quarterly Review.
“Infinitely the best book of the kind in the language; and, if not the best conceivable, it is perhaps the best we are ever likely to see within its compass as to size and scope. Accurate and succinct in statement, it may safely be trusted as a handbook as regards facts, while in our judgment, this second part still maintains the character we gave the first, namely, of showing most ability in its way of treating the more abstract and metaphysical side of theological questions. The liturgical articles also in this part deserve especial mention. The book is sure to make its own way by sheer force of usefulness.”—Literary Churchman.
“It is not open to doubt that this work, of which the second and concluding part has just been issued, is in every sense a valuable and important one. Mr. Blunt’s Dictionary is a most acceptable addition to English theological literature. Its general style is terse and vigorous. Whilst its pages are free from wordiness, there is none of that undue condensation which, under the plea of judicious brevity, veils a mere empty jotting down of familiar statements (and mis-statements), at second or, it may be, third hand from existing works. Dean Hook’s well-known Dictionary makes the nearest approach to the one now before us, but Mr. Blunt’s is decidedly the better of the two.”—English Churchman.
“It will be found of admirable service to all students of theology, as advancing and maintaining the Church’s views of all subjects as fall within the range of fair argument and inquiry. It is not often that a work of so comprehensive and so profound a nature is marked to the very end by so many signs of wide and careful research, sound criticism, and well-founded and well-expressed belief.”—Standard.
THE HAPPINESS OF THE BLESSED CONSIDERED as to the Particulars of their State: their Recognition of each other in that State: and its Differences of Degrees. To which are added Musings on the Church and her Services. By Richard Mant, D.D., sometime Lord Bishop of Down and Connor. New Edition. Small 8vo. 3s. 6d.
“A welcome republication of a treatise once highly valued, and which can never lose its value. Many of our readers already know the fulness and discrimination with which the author treats his subject, which must be one of the most delightful topics of meditation to all whose heart is where the only true treasure is, and particularly to those who are entering upon the evening of life.”—Church Review.
“The value of this book needs not to be referred to, its standard character having been for many years past established. The edition in which it reappears has evidently been carefully prepared, and will be the means of making it more generally known.”—Bell’s Messenger.
“All recognise the authority of the command to set the affections on things above, and such works as the one now before us will be found helpful towards this good end. We are, therefore, sincerely glad that Messrs. Rivington have brought out a new edition of Bishop Mant’s valuable treatise.”—Record.
“This beautiful and devotional treatise, which it is impossible to read without feeling a more deepened interest in the eternal blessedness which awaits the true servants of our God, concludes very appropriately with ‘Musings on the Church and her Services,’ which we cordially recommend to our readers.”—Rock.
AIDS TO PRAYER; OR, THOUGHTS ON THE PRACTICE OF DEVOTION. With Forms of Prayer for Private Use. By Daniel Moore, M.A., Chaplain in Ordinary to the Queen, and Vicar of Holy Trinity, Paddington, Author of “Sermons on Special Occasions,” Hulsean Lectures on “The Age and the Gospel,” &c. Second Edition. Square 32mo. 2s. 6d.
“The valuable characteristic of this work will be recognised by every serious, thoughtful Christian, in a word, by all who perceive and lament the growing tendency to prefer the claims of external service, ecclesiastical controversy, or multiplied activities to the practice of private devotion. ‘Aids to Prayer’ offers both encouragement and help to those who aspire to higher attainments in the Divine Life. Every page bears the impress of a matured judgment, and of an experimental acquaintance with a subject confessedly difficult, and of supreme importance.”—Record.
“Eloquently, ably, and practically written.”—English Churchman.
“‘Aids to Prayer’ has deservedly reached a second edition. The sermon method of treatment has been wisely discontinued.”—John Bull.
THE REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND: its History, Principles, and Results, A.D. 1514–1547. By John Henry Blunt, M.A., Vicar of Kennington, Oxford. Second Edition. 8vo. 16s.
HERBERT TRESHAM. A Tale of the Great Rebellion. By the late Rev. J. M. Neale, D.D. New Edition. Small 8vo. 3s. 6d.
“We cordially welcome a new edition of Dr. Neale’s ‘Herbert Tresham.’ The scene is laid in the time of the great civil war, and vivid pictures are drawn of some of the startling events that then disgraced the history of this country. The martyrdom of Archbishop Laud is described in a manner few besides its author could equal, while the narration of the disastrous battle of Naseby, and the disgraceful surrender of Bristol by Prince Rupert, afford proof of the versatility of his genius.”—Church Times.
“A pleasant Christmas present is Dr. Neale’s ‘Herbert Tresham.’ Such a book is well calculated to correct current views of 17th century history.”—Church Review.
“Nothing could be more admirable as a Christmas present.”—Church News.
THE MANOR FARM: A TALE. By M. C. Phillpotts, Author of “The Hillford Confirmation.” With Illustrations. Small 8vo. 3s. 6d.
“The Manor Farm, by Miss Phillpotts, author of the ‘Hillford Confirmation,’ is a pious story, which amongst other things shows the dawning of light in superstitious minds.”—Morning Post.
“‘The Manor Farm’ relates how, under good influence, a selfish girl became a useful and gentle daughter. The story is a capital illustration of the value of perseverance, and it is a book that will be very useful in parochial reading libraries.”—John Bull.
“A prettily got-up and prettily written little book above the average of the class it belongs to.”—Edinburgh Courant.