Existence and Attributes of God – I

By Stephen Charnock.

Discourses on the Existence and Attributes of God.

Volume 1

By Stehpen Charnock.

About the Author Stephen Charnock:

Stephen Charnock (1628-1680) was an English Puritan theologian and pastor who played an important role in the Puritan movement during the seventeenth century. He is best known for his influential writings on Christian theology, which continue to be read and studied to this day.

Charnock was born in London in 1628, and he was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1651. After graduation, he served as a tutor and lecturer in various capacities, including as a lecturer at the Church of St. Mary Woolnoth in London.

In 1656, Charnock was ordained as a Congregationalist minister, and he served as the pastor of a congregation in Southwark, London for several years. In 1660, he was forced to flee to Holland with many other Puritan ministers due to the restoration of the monarchy and the persecution of non-conformists in England.

While in Holland, Charnock continued to write and to preach, and he published several works on theology and biblical exegesis, including “A Discourse of the Existence and Attributes of God” and “The Divine Providence.” In 1670, he returned to England and became the pastor of Crosby Hall in Bishopsgate, London, where he served until his death in 1680.

Charnock’s writings were marked by his deep knowledge of Scripture and his commitment to the doctrines of the Reformed tradition. He was particularly interested in exploring the nature and attributes of God, and he wrote extensively on topics such as the Trinity, the sovereignty of God, and the nature of faith and salvation.

Today, Charnock is remembered as one of the most important theologians of the Puritan era, and his works continue to be read and studied by Christians of all denominations.


About his book: Discourses on the Existence and Attributes on God:

Stephen Charnock’s book “Discourses on the Existence and Attributes of God” is one of his most famous works, and it remains a classic of Christian theology. In this book, Charnock sets out to provide a comprehensive and systematic treatment of the nature and attributes of God, based on the teaching of Scripture and the writings of the church fathers.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the existence of God, and Charnock argues that the existence of God can be known through both reason and revelation. He explores various arguments for the existence of God, including the cosmological argument, the theological argument, and the moral argument.

The second part of the book focuses on the attributes of God, and Charnock examines each of the traditional divine attributes in turn, including God’s unity, eternity, immutability, omnipotence, omniscience, and goodness. He also discusses the Trinity, the nature of God’s providence, and the relationship between God and creation.

One of the most striking features of Charnock’s writing is his emphasis on the majesty and glory of God. He argues that God is infinitely above and beyond human understanding, and that our knowledge of him is necessarily limited. However, he also stresses that our knowledge of God is not merely theoretical or academic, but has practical implications for how we live our lives and relate to the world around us.

“Discourses on the Existence and Attributes of God” is a profound and challenging work that has had a profound influence on Christian theology and spirituality. It remains a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the nature and character of God.

Contents Volume 1:

DISCOURSE I – ON THE EXISTENCE OF GOD PSALM 14:1.—The fool hath said in his heart There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

DISCOURSE II – ON PRACTICAL ATHEISM PSALM 14:1. —The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

DISCOURSE III – ON GOD’S BEING A SPIRIT JOHN 4:24.— God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

DISCOURSE IV – ON SPIRITUAL WORSHIP JOHN 4:24.— God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

DISCOURSE V – ON THE ETERNITY OF GOD PSALM 90:2. —Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

DISCOURSE VI – ON THE IMMUTABILITY OF GOD PSALM 102:26, 27.—They shall perish but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old as a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.

DISCOURSE VII – ON GOD’S OMNIPRESENCE JEREMIAH 23:24.—Can any hide himself in secret places, that I shall not see him! saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.

DISCOURSE VIII – ON GOD’S KNOWLEDGE PSALM 147:5.—Great is our Lord, and of great power; his understanding is infinite.

DISCOURSE IX – ON THE WISDOM OF GOD ROM. 16:27. —To God only wise be glory, through Jesus Christ, for ever. Amen

Looking for a Hardcover or Paperback?

For those who want to have a hardcover or paperback of this book, I want to suggest you to look here. This is a complete and unabridged edition with the 2 volumes. (paperback and hardcover).