On the Character of the True Divine

An Inaugural Oration

Of the minor writings of Witsius, with the exception, perhaps, of his “Dissertation on the Efficacy of Baptism in the case of Infants,” none have been more highly valued, or more frequently commended to the attention of theological students, than his “Inaugural Oration on the Character of the True Divine.” Translations of a few of its more pregnant paragraphs, or rather sentences, have been given by the Rev. Charles Bridges, in his excellent work on the Christian Ministry, and by the late Rev. Edward Bickersteth, in his modest but most useful work, “The Christian Student;” but it is believed no complete English version of it has hitherto been published.

The translator of the following pages was led to engage in the task, partly from his admiration of the discourse itself, partly from the necessity of finding some employment which would occupy, without fatiguing the mind, during a period of enfeebled health. The translation, when finished, was laid aside for several years, until it was suggested by an esteemed co-presbyter, to whom its existence was incidentally mentioned, that it would form an appropriate Presbyterial exercise. This suggestion was acted on, and the version, very nearly as it now stands, was read in presence of the Reverend the Free Presbytery of Cupar. The members of Presbytery received it with kind indulgence, and entertaining a strong conviction of the desirableness of having the views which Witsius expresses, brought before the minds of those who are either preparing for, or already engaged in the work of the ministry, they unanimously requested that the translation should be published; and in order to secure that attention should be drawn to it, they instructed their clerk to request the Rev. Principal Cunningham to prefix to it a recommendatory note.

With his usual courtesy and kindness, Dr. Cunningham complied with the request so made, and the little work is now accordingly sent forth.