De Moor I:27: Definition of Revealed Theology

The Definition of Revealed Theology follows.  Our AUTHOR says he leaves to his authorities the Definition of Theology, in accordance with which it is called the Speech of the Theologian; an explanation of which, he writes, is again added through certain obscurer phrases:  these things have regard unto those which out of the Most Illustrious COCCEIUS I have already related at the end of § 1.  Now, our AUTHOR rightly observes that this Definition is truly paronymic, and thus a definition, not of the thing, but of the name only, a definition which explains the signification of the name, which among other things is wont to be done with an etymologically related word.  Now, as is known, Theology Logically is a primitive term, which denotes the matter simply as regarded in itself, or in the abstract; but Theologian is a term paronymic or derivative, which denotes a thing in the concrete:  but these two terms are said to be Etymologically related, that is, of related significance, derived from the same principium.  On the other hand, our AUTHOR sets forth the Real Definition, saying that Theology is the Doctrine that relates true Religion to fallen man from the Revelation of God, for the salvation of man and the glory of God:  in which the Genus is Doctrine; and the Difference of Species is sought, α.  from the Principium whence it is drawn, which is the Revelation of God; β.  from the Object, which it treats, which is true Religion; γ.  from the Subject, who is instructed, namely, man as sinner; δ.  from the End that is intended, subordinate, which is the salvation of man; and supreme, which is the glory of God.