Christ All in All: The Right Temper for a Theologian

by William Swan Plumer

What should be the primary emphasis of a theological education? How should the student of theology approach such a transcendent topic? William Swan Plumer answers both questions with eloquence and wisdom in the two inaugural addresses contained in this book: Christ All in All, his 1854 inaugural address at Western theological seminary in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and The Right Temper for a Theologian, his 1867 inaugural address at Columbia theological seminary in Columbia, South Carolina. These discourses display Plumer's Christ-centered and experiential piety that impacted generations of God's people during his own lifetime and continues to be needed by Jesus' church today.

©2017 Log College Press (P)2019 Log College Press

Genres: Theology

Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

William Swan Plumer (July 26, 1802 – October 22, 1880) was an American clergyman, theologian and author who was recognized as an intellectual leader of the Presbyterian Church in the 1800s.

Reviews

[Travis Robnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s amazing how much Christ pervades Plumer’s thought, which is a wonderful thing to be able to say about someone. The second lecture is a great read in the likes of Warfield’s “The Religious Life of Theological Students,” and I will likely return to it.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I was reading the book, I thought it would fall under a 3-star rating. However, the second lecture was far superior to the first, which bumped it up to a 4-star rating.

The first lecture, "Christ All in All," was a lecture to the faculty to keep their eyes on Christ in their studies and teachings. If you are not new to Reformed works, then this will add little to your growth, but it will show you the warmness and Christ-centeredness of William S. Plumer, and that should be emulated in all of us.

The second lecture, "The Right Temper for a Theologian," takes the cake as far as providing value for the reader. His descriptions of godly character for theologians (careful of the power of prejudice, modesty, independence of thought and freedom of inquiry, profound reverence, a love of truth, patience, a spirit of diligence, genuine lively faith, just moderation, the duty of prayer, practice, an evangelical temper) are much needed for the theologians and leaders in the Church today.

[Mark Loughridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short book featuring 2 addresses.

5 stars for the first - a beautiful soul-filling meditation on Christ.
3 stars for the second (in comparison) - important reminders for the qualities of ministers (and also all Christians)

[Miles Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another well-done volume from Log College Press. This combines two short addresses from William Swan Plumer. Both are very good and give an example of why Plumer was known in his time as a great preacher as well as a great intellectual.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Christ All in All" is one of the best sermons, if not the best sermon, I have ever read or heard. You can read the sermon in one sitting and that time spent will be a spiritual feast. You will worship your Saviour from the depths of your heart as you meditate on Jesus's person and work.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful messages from a brilliant, Christ-centered theologian. Many quotable lines, and many painfully convicting challenges. A quick read, but a powerful spiritual feast!

[Joshua Sunderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pithy yet rich read! I definitely want to read more of Old Princeton because of shorter writings like this. The title explains everything: Christ, for the theologian, ought and is all in all.