The Works of William Perkins, Volume 10

by William Perkins, Joseph A. Pipa Jr. (Editor), J. Stephen Yuille (Editor)

This tenth volume brings together seven treatises that demonstrate Perkins's core conviction that the gospel touches all of life by bringing it under the rule of Scripture. Treatise on How to Live Well in All Estates opens the volume with a description of the reign of faith in Christians' hearts so that they avoid sin and pursue the will of God in all they do. Treatise on Vocations explains how God calls Christians to live out their faith in whatever responsibilities they hold within society. Right Manner of Erecting and Ordering a Family applies the concept of vocation to life in the home. Calling of the Ministry applies vocation to the church, describing the duties and dignities of the ministers of Christ. Art of Prophesying equips those called to the ministry with the proper manner and method of preaching God's Word. Christian Equity exhorts Christians to maintain justice and preserve peace, whether in families, church, or the greater commonwealth. Having finished with principles of living by faith, the volume ends with Treatise on Dying Well , which discusses the importance of faith at the end of life. Table of Contents:
Treatise on How to Live Well in All Estates
Treatise on Vocations
Right Manner of Erecting and Ordering a Family
Calling of the Ministry
Manner and Method of Preaching
Christian Equity
Treatise on Dying Well
Series Description The Works of William Perkins fills a major gap in Reformed and Puritan theology. Though Perkins is best known today for his writings on predestination, he also wrote prolifically on many subjects. His works filled over two thousand large pages of small print in three folio volumes and were reprinted several times in the decades after his death. His complete works, however, have not been in print since the mid-seventeenth century. This modern typeset edition of the Works includes four volumes of Perkins's expositions of Scripture, three volumes of his doctrinal and polemical treatises, and three volumes of his practical writings.

Genres: Theology

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

William Perkins (1558–1602) was an influential English cleric and Cambridge theologian, receiving both a B.A. and M.A. from the university in 1581 and 1584 respectively, and also one of the foremost leaders of the Puritan movement in the Church of England during the Elizabethan era. Although not entirely accepting of the Church of England's ecclesiastical practices, Perkins conformed to many of the policies and procedures imposed by the Elizabethan Settlement. He did remain, however, sympathetic to the non-conformist puritans and even faced disciplinary action for his support.

Perkins was a prolific author who penned over forty works, many of which were published posthumously. In addition to writing, he also served as a fellow at Christ's College and as a lecturer at St Andrew's Church in Cambridge. He was a firm proponent of Reformed theology, particularly the supralapsarian theology of Theodore Beza and John Calvin. In addition, he was a staunch defender of Protestant ideals, specifically the five solae with a particular emphasis on solus Christus and sola Scriptura.

Reviews

[Vincent Lemieux · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to practical theology, William Perkins is becoming one of my favorite author. Volume 10 of his Works contain many good treatises and books on a variety of topics :

- Treatise on How to Live Well in All Estates
Short treatise on the life of faith. 4 ⭐️.

- A Treatise on the Vocations.
Amazingly good and practical. Give wisdom in a lot of different aspects of choosing and keeping vocations. 5 ⭐️.

- Christian Oeconomie.
Typical puritan treatment concerning family. Not as good as William Gouge. 3 ⭐️.

- The Calling of the Ministry.
Two treatises concerning the duties and dignities of the ministry. The word amazing is not enough to describe it. Every pastor and aspiring one should read it. 5 ⭐️.

- The Art of Prophesying.
Not as good as I was expecting. Still, there is rubies here and there. 3 ⭐️.

- Epieikia.
A treatise on what Perkins called Christian Moderation (or Equity). Really interesting. Again, his practical wisdom on how Christians should obey and apply civil laws (sometimes "in extremity", and other times "with moderation") is phenomenal and enlightening. 4.5 ⭐️.

- A Salve for a Sick Man.
A treatise on the topic of death. Full of wisdom and it help to see not only the blessings of death for the christian, but also how can we prepare for it wisely and in faith. Lots of good citations. 5 ⭐️.

[Josh Kannard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a rich fount of practical wisdom for every season of life. These treatises are a guide to living, working, and dying faithfully. I will cherish Perkins always and especially in the ministry, if the Lord confirms that calling.

[Ben Vanderhoff]

Read:
Treatise on How to Live Well in All Estates

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Calling of the Ministry ***
February 2024

The Art of Prophesying ***
February 2024