Though committed to the Augustana and the historic Lutheran tradition as he understood it, Valentine was still largely influenced by the protestantizing tendency of his own church body. This should not, however, serve as grounds for dismissing Valentine as a theologian. He was a highly original and intelligent theologian, producing the best theological textbooks to arise from the General Synod. Valentine's treatment of the doctrine of God, apologetics, and Holy Scripture are especially beneficial. When speak of conversion and election, however, Valentine tends more in the Arminian than historic Lutheran direction. This is the first volume of Valentine's Systematic Theology that served as a textbook for many years at Gettysburg Seminary where Valentine served as president. This first volume covers prolegomena, the doctrine of God, and the doctrine of man.