1734 A Body of Divinity Wherein the Doctrines of the Christian Religion are Explained and Defended, By, Thomas Ridgley (2 Volumes Complete)

A Body of Divinity by the English Independent minister Thomas Ridgley (1667–1734) is historically significant as the very first comprehensive commentary written on the Westminster Larger Catechism. Originally published in London between 1731 and 1733, a complete 1734 two-volume set represents an exceptionally rare, early printing issued right around the time of the author's death.

• Volume 1: Focuses primarily on Questions 1 through 64 of the Larger Catechism. This includes the existence and attributes of God, the Trinity, divine decrees, creation, the fall of humanity, and the covenant of grace.

  
  

• Volume 2: Focuses on Questions 65 through 196. This covers communion with Christ, justification, sanctification, the Ten Commandments, the sacraments (Baptism and the Lord's Supper), and a highly detailed exposition of the Lord's Prayer.

A Body of Divinity (1731–1733) by Thomas Ridgley is a landmark theological work that serves as the very first comprehensive, question-by-question commentary on the Westminster Larger Catechism. Spanning two massive volumes, this text compiles an extensive series of lectures designed to systematically explain, clarify, and defend orthodox Reformed Christian doctrine against the 18th-century rise of Arianism and Arminianism. Volume One meticulously unpacks the foundation of faith, including the attributes of God, the Trinity, creation, and the fall of humanity, while Volume Two addresses Christian living, covering justification, the Ten Commandments, the sacraments, and the Lord's Prayer. Highly regarded for its depth and moderate Calvinist stance, Ridgley's work became a staple textbook that shaped the education of Presbyterian and Independent pastors, theologians, and families for generations.