Peeking through Perkins

Last week I was privileged to receive a PDF copy of The Works of William Perkins (Vol.1) who is often referred to as "the father of Puritanism." Although Perkins is relatively unknown today (especially since his completed works have not been in print since the early 17th century), his writings used to be very popular, outselling even Calvin. Like most Puritans, Perkins plain and practical remarks in this volume are very impressive.

This first of the expected ten volume set to be published by Reformation Heritage Books has three major parts: "A Digest or Harmony of the Books of the Old Testament and New Testament," "Combat between Christ and the Devil," and "The Sermon on the Mount." In all three, Perkins clearly expounds Scripture and then warmly applies it to the believer's heart and life. The truth, grace, and glory of Christ are evident throughout. This book would be a precious acquisition for any Christian, and is planned for release December 2014. You may preorder it now. The RHB information website is below and includes a video:

www.worksofperkins.com

Here is what others are saying about it:

"Without a doubt, the Puritans were theological titans. The Puritan theological tradition did not emerge out of a vacuum. It was shaped by leaders and theologians who set the trajectory of the movement and shaped its commitments. William Perkins was one of those men. Perkins's contribution to Puritan theology is inestimable, and this new reprint of his collected works is a much-awaited addition to all who are still shaped and influenced by the Puritans and their commitment to the centrality of the grace of God found only in Jesus Christ. Even now, every true gospel minister stands in debt to Perkins, and in his shadow."

--R. Albert Mohler Jr., president, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"The list of those influenced by the ministry of William Perkins reads like a veritable Who's Who of the Puritan Brotherhood and far beyond. This reprinting of his works, so long unobtainable except by a few is therefore a publishing event of the first magnitude."

--Sinclair B. Ferguson, professor of systematic theology, Redeemer Theological Seminary, Dallas 

"The father of Elizabethan Puritanism, Perkins presided over a dynasty of faith. The scope of his work is wide, yet on every topic he treats one discovers erudition and deep reflection. He was the first in an amazing line of ministers at Cambridge University's main church. A pastor to pastors, he wrote a bestseller on counseling, was a formative figure in the development of Reformed orthodoxy, and a judicious reformer within the Church of England. I am delighted to see Perkins's works made available again for a wide audience."

--Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California

"The republishing of William Perkins's writings in an accessible format is a major event for those interested in Puritan and Reformed theology. Looking through these pages, I am astonished to discover how widely, creatively, and wisely Perkins thought and wrote."

--Paul Helm, teaching fellow, Regent College, Vancouver 

"Sixty years ago, hardly any Puritan books remained in print. Now, in the kindness of God and through the diligent labors of Christian scholars, we have a veritable feast of Puritan reprints to consume and enjoy. Unfortunately, the complete works of William Perkins, a foundational leader in early English Reformed orthodoxy, have not been reprinted in 379 years. Thanks to Joel Beeke, Reformation Heritage Books, and several fine editors, this is no longer the case. They have produced a new standard edition of Perkins's Works, which I trust will be profitably used and enjoyed until the return of Christ."

--Justin Taylor, senior vice president and publisher, Crossway