Dogmatic Theology. By William G. T. Shedd, D.D. 2 vols.
(T. and T. Clark.)—We do not intend to criticise these two volumes. They contain, we suppose, the lectures delivered by Dr_ Shedd, who professes Systematic Theology in the Union Theological Seminary, New York ; and they are intended, it may be pre- sumed, for an American public, though a British publisher's name appears on the title-page. Dr. Shedd is a divine of a school which, we venture to think, has had its day. His doctrine is Augustine- Calvinistic. Plenary inspiration, reprobation (" the logical con- sequence of election"), the "objective reconciliation of God to' the sinner," endless punishment, and all the doctrines that cohere with these, are stated in the most uncompromising way. What- ever we may think of the writer's theology, it is at least definite, intelligible, and thorough. Even the dogma of the damnation of infants is boldly stated. "Infants are righteously exposed to the punishment of sin, and have no claim on the Divine mercy." The New England divine who contemplated, without doubt of the Divine mercy, the idea of "infants a span long in endless fire," would be rejoiced to think that he has a spiritual descendant so absolutely free from degeneration in Dr. Shedd.
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