The Providential Order of the World: The Gifford Lectures, 1897

Alexander Balmain Bruce

Mar 2004 · Wipf and Stock Publishers

About this ebook

A.B. Bruce's first series of Gifford Lectures, delivered in Glasgow (1897), has in view several thoughts: that God cares for humans individually and collectively; that His nature is such, and that He sustains such a relation to man, as makes that care natural and credible; that His care covers all human interests, but especially the higher, ethical interests of righteousness and goodness in the individual and society; that He is a moral Governor and benignant Father, a Power bringing forth righteousness and overcoming evil with good; and that He rules over all things with a view to bringing about a kingdom of the good. For Professor Bruce, the great matter is not 'that' God is, but 'what' God is. The 'Providential Order' lectures explore this question in light of "Providence." Bruce's line of proof, in keeping with the Gifford trust, is "through man to God."

About the author

Alexander Balmain Bruce (1831-1899) was educated at the University of Edinburgh and the Divinity Hall of the Free Church of Scotland. Bruce served as minister in various congregations until 1875 when he was appointed Professor of Apologetics and New Testament Exegesis in the Free Church Hall, Glasgow, a position he held until his death.