The Sovereignty of God

In this book we shall attempt to reconsider in the light of the Word of God some of the most important questions which the human mind has attempted to answer. Thinkers of past ages have already dealt with these serious problems, and we shall profit by their labors. Without attempting to be original, the author has nevertheless sought to approach the subject from a completely independent point of view. We have diligently studied the works of Augustine (430) and Thomas Aquinas (1274), of John Calvin (1564) and Philip Melanchthon (1555), of Jonathan Edwards (1758) and Ralph Erskine (1752), of Andrew Fuller (1). It is a pity that these illustrious names are almost unknown to the present generation. While we do not, of course, agree with all their conclusions, we readily acknowledge their influence upon our work. We have deliberately refrained from quoting these theologians extensively, because we desire that our readers' faith be based not on human wisdom but on the power of God. Therefore, we have quoted Scripture liberally and have endeavored to support each of our statements with references to it.