PART I.

OF GOD.

§ 14. Division of the Subject.

The chief design of the creation of man, and that of revelation also, is, that God may be known. [1] Theology, therefore, must begin with the doctrine concerning God. [2]

The doctrine concerning God may be divided into (1) The doctrine of the existence, the nature, and the attributes of God. (2) The doctrine of the particular manner in which God subsists, i.e., the doctrine of God as triune. (3) The doctrine of the works of God, i.e., of Creation. (4) The doctrine of the manner in which God preserves His works and cares for them, i.e., the doctrine of Providence. (5) The doctrine of the angels, as the ministering beings among the works of God.