The logic of the order.
The logic of the order.
§ 1. Because Holy Scripture is the only and proper principle of theology, therefore we deservedly begin with it. Some people think we should begin our explanation of the theological commonplaces with the article on God because He is the principle of being and the author of Holy Scripture itself. In the treatment of disciplines, however, one has respect not so much for the principle of being as for the principle of knowing, not so much for the dignity of the subject as for the ease in explaining and understanding it. Some of the Papists begin with the article on the Church. If one should consider their hypotheses, this is quite appropriate, for they assert that the nonsolid authority of Scripture depends on the Church. This is not correct, however, if you look to the truth itself. We must learn and seek only from Scripture what we debate with great effort over either the marks or privileges of the Church. We shall apply ourselves with the usual method: that we may begin with an explanation of the word, and then go on to an explanation of the factual material through causes.