Wilhelmus a Brakel was a Dutch 2nd Reformation preacher–that is, essentially, a Dutch Puritan.  He wrote a great 4 volume systematic theology called The Christian’s Reasonable Service, which has been made available in an indexed form online.  Unlike the large majority of systematic theologies, The Christian’s Reasonable Service makes extensive application of Biblical doctrines, instead of just expounding them without making application.  Brakel’s Calvinism is unbiblical, and the Reformed had serious problems on both baptism and the Lord’s Supper, but if one watches out for standard problems with Reformed theology–including the very dangerous denial that everyone must be personally and consciously converted, even from Reformed homes— his systematic theology can be very helpful and beneficial.  Wilhelmus a Brakel did not just set out to explain a theological system–he extensively applied the doctrines that he expounded. Thus, for example, his discussion of soteriology does not merely discuss the doctrinal aspects of that great subject, but also includes the following chapters about the life that adorns genuine salvation:

A consideration of such subjects is fantastic, and systematic theology should not be expounded apart from the practice of life that accompanies it.

In addition to Brakel’s The Christian’s Reasonable Service making such applications in general, he has a very helpful discussion of the believer’s preparation for the Lord’s Supper.  Lord willing, we will be examining that material in future posts.