<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: A Puritan Primer on Preaching
Review: Perkins was one of the fathers of Puritanism and his practical and pastoral wisdom is captured well in this modernized edition of his two books "The Art of Prophesying" and "The Callling of the Ministry." Part One, "The Art of Prophesying," is really a handbook on hermeneutics and homiletics from the Puritan perspective. Perkins explicates the several principles for interpreting and expounding the Scriptures and then gives detailed instruction on how to apply the same. The chapter on "Use and Application" will give readers the background behind the familiar Puritan sermon structure of "Doctrine and Use." Parts Two and Three deal with "The Calling of the Ministry." They are really nothing more than the exposition of two Old Testament passages of Scripture, Job 33 and Isaiah 6. Many interesting and practical issues are handled here including how a minister might know his calling and what his responsibilities are to God's people. Perkins had a high view of the dignity and authority of the ministerial gift which is sadly lacking among evangelicals today. While some of his ideas will seem foreign and perhaps a little extreme to many, it is certain that his emphasis will help balance our opposite extremes. Perkins is not the best Puritan author that I have read, nor is this book the most helpful book on preaching I have encountered. But it was worth while. Incidentally - for those who are checking out this title hoping to get a Puritan perspective on the charismatic understanding of the gift of prophesy, the following quote well summarizes Perkins' view: "I am not here making any allowance for the claims people make that they have received 'revelations'. These have no substance; they are either dreams of their own, or illusions of the devil. They despise both human learning and the study of the Scriptures, and trust exclusively in 'revelations of the Spirit'. But God's Spirit does not work except on the foundation of the Word." Such was the Puritan understanding of those who claimed extra-Biblical revelation. By "prophesy" Perkins understood "preaching." And that is what this book is about.
Rating:
Summary: A Puritan Primer on Preaching
Review: Perkins was one of the fathers of Puritanism and his practical and pastoral wisdom is captured well in this modernized edition of his two books "The Art of Prophesying" and "The Callling of the Ministry." Part One, "The Art of Prophesying," is really a handbook on hermeneutics and homiletics from the Puritan perspective. Perkins explicates the several principles for interpreting and expounding the Scriptures and then gives detailed instruction on how to apply the same. The chapter on "Use and Application" will give readers the background behind the familiar Puritan sermon structure of "Doctrine and Use." Parts Two and Three deal with "The Calling of the Ministry." They are really nothing more than the exposition of two Old Testament passages of Scripture, Job 33 and Isaiah 6. Many interesting and practical issues are handled here including how a minister might know his calling and what his responsibilities are to God's people. Perkins had a high view of the dignity and authority of the ministerial gift which is sadly lacking among evangelicals today. While some of his ideas will seem foreign and perhaps a little extreme to many, it is certain that his emphasis will help balance our opposite extremes. Perkins is not the best Puritan author that I have read, nor is this book the most helpful book on preaching I have encountered. But it was worth while. Incidentally - for those who are checking out this title hoping to get a Puritan perspective on the charismatic understanding of the gift of prophesy, the following quote well summarizes Perkins' view: "I am not here making any allowance for the claims people make that they have received 'revelations'. These have no substance; they are either dreams of their own, or illusions of the devil. They despise both human learning and the study of the Scriptures, and trust exclusively in 'revelations of the Spirit'. But God's Spirit does not work except on the foundation of the Word." Such was the Puritan understanding of those who claimed extra-Biblical revelation. By "prophesy" Perkins understood "preaching." And that is what this book is about.
Rating: 
Summary: A Puritan Jewel: Suberbly Revised for Modern Readers
Review: William Perkins is arguably the giant of Puritanism and understanding him is crucial to understanding that enormously influential movement. This very readable book is typical Perkins: practical, devout, and Biblical. It has been excellently revised for a modern readership. I might have preferred a bit more of that early seventeenth century flavor to be retained but I'm a doctoral student in Puritanism. Even the lay reader will find it easy going. Perkins (1560-1602) wrote this book about the ministry. It contains insights about what the church is to do and be drawn especially from Job and a few other unlikely places. I especially focuses on the need for Biblical practice in all of the Church's life. This book should be required reading in all seminaries and Bible colleges. It makes a great gift to any pastor or missionary. And its good for any serious Christian. Highly recommended
<< 1 >>
| 
