J. M. Pendleton (1811–1891)

Christian Doctrine was recommended to me by the late Dr. J. E. King in 1987, He taught it regularly to his midweek Bible class. It is concise, insightful, well written, and will give one a taste for the giants of theological thought. I refer to it often in my studies and especially appreciate the chapter "Man needs a Saviour". On the Atonement he borrows too much from Robert Hall by trying to steer clear of particular atonement and yet defend substitution. If it is substitutionary then it is particular, you can only substitute for particular persons or lose the effect of the substitution. An atonement that only puts the world in a salvable state is an illusion dreamed up by Arminian theologians to avoid the doctrine of limited atonement. Nevertheless this book has stood the test of time, and has contributed immensely to the theological understanding of laymen and ministers alike.
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