Works by John Gill
- Body of Practical Divinity
Description: In his book A Body of Practical
Divinity, John Gill presents his beliefs on the worship of God. The
first section of his text features advice to Christians participating in
internal worship. According to Gill, the worshippers should experience
thankfulness, humility, and self-denial as they commune with God. Next,
Gill discusses the nature of public worship in the church and the
special worship duties that belong to pastors, deacons, and
church-members. Finally, Gill reviews the duties shared by individuals
who participate in private worship. He warns us that the Triune God must
remain the sole object of human worship. Gill's practical wisdom is
useful for all Christians who aim to ensure that the act of worship is
always glorifying to God.
Emmalon Davis
CCEL Staff Writer
- Doctrinal Divinity
Description: In Doctrinal
Divinity, 18th century Baptist apologist John Gill
presents a robustly Calvinist system of theology. Gill
aims to develop a way of understanding and speaking about
God, namely, a way to make sense of God's nature and
works. To set the foundation for this project, Gill first
discusses the evidence for God's existence and then moves
on to establish the Divine authority of Scripture. Gill
then explores God's characteristics in light of God's
covenant with the chosen elect. Gill provides a Reformed
perspective on the three-person Godhead, ultimately
arguing for "the plurality of the Trinity in the unity of
the Divine." Several sections of Doctrinal Divinity are
devoted to the purpose of Christ and the role of God's
grace. The book concludes with a discussion of the final
predicament of man. Gill relies heavily on Biblical
passages but also cites relevant literature from ancient
poets and Greek philosophers. Since Gill's style is both
narrative and exegetical, Doctrinal Divinity offers an
engaging read for all audiences.
Emmalon Davis
CCEL Staff
Writer
- Exposition of the Book of Solomon's Song
Description: If we assume that Gill preached one sermon every Sunday, his series of 122 sermons on the Song of Solomon would have lasted over two years. A scholar of biblical languages, Gill believed that deep understanding of Scripture was absolutely essential even for the laypeople of the church. The interpretation of Scripture he taught, however, often made him a scandalous figure, as he endorsed the controversial view of hyper-Calvinism. This collection of sermons goes through the Song of Solomon verse by verse.
Kathleen O'Bannon
CCEL Staff
