William Perkins (theologian)

William Perkins (* 1558 in Marston - Jabbet Parish in Bulkington, Warwickshire, England; † October 22, 1602 in Cambridge ) was an English clergyman and Puritan theologian.

Life

Perkins studied at Christ's College (Cambridge) in 1581 and obtained the Bachelor's, Master's degree in 1584. In the same year he became a Fellow at Christ 's College and preacher at the Great St. Andrew 's Church. The Office as a Fellow in 1595, he gave up after his marriage. The ministry he held until his death. Although he repeatedly came into conflict with High Church set ecclesiastical superiors because of his Puritan attitude, he remained a faithful member of the Anglican Church and opposed all tendencies towards separatism.

Work and significance

Perkins worked through his personal students (including William Ames, John Robinson), but especially by his extensive theological writings. Many of his writings, which were written partly in English and partly in Latin, were translated into Dutch and German mainly. Because Perkins after Petrus Ramus defined theology as a "science, blessed for evermore to live ," his professional theological publications are mostly geared practical- pastoral. Published posthumously To a large extent, they unfolded their long -lasting effect throughout the 17th century.

In his influential writing Armilla aurea, id est, Miranda series causarum et salutis & damnationis iuxta verbum Dei (1590, 1591 translated as A golden chaine, or the description of theology: Containing the order of the Causes of saluation and damnation, accor ding to Gods woord. A view of the order wherof, is to be seene in the table Annexed ) Perkins defended the supralapsarische predestination in its sharpest form, as represented Theodore Beza, following John Calvin. However, his special interest was the assurance of salvation. Therefore, he renewed the Reformed doctrine of the " double covenant" that he and foedus gratiae designated for the first time with the terms foedus operum ( Werkbund ): The Werkbund has God made with the whole of humanity, but because no one can keep the moral law completely, he adds the covenant of grace added, in which the salvific work of Christ is applied to the believer. In this context, Perkins asked for the path of Christian life on a four-level scheme: The appeal of the sinner goes hand in hand with the union with Christ, what the justification follows. The third stage is followed by sanctification, in which the faithful are to prove themselves in the struggle against challenges and bring forth the fruits of faith. The fourth stage is the glorification after life. The stage model had a great influence on the Puritan theology and still stands in the background of John Bunyan's pilgrimage to the blessed eternity.

In his A salve for a man sicke, or, A treatise Containing the nature, differences, and child of death: also as the right manner of dying well. And it june Serue for spirituall instruction to first Mariners whenthey goe to sea. 2 Souldiers whenthey goe to Battell. 3 Women whenthey trauell of child ( 1595 ) suggests Perkins death as punishment and redemption at the same time and gives tips on proper preparation for death. Recommendations for the practical conduct of life is also A case of conscience: the greatest did your thing; how a man june know Whether he be the child of God or no ( 1592), the next contains a theological treatise on the conscience. The book has been conducting for the Puritan ethic.

The sermon was teaching his writing propheticus, sive, De sacra et ratione vnica concionandi tractatus ( 1592, 1607 translated as The arte of prophecying, or, A treatise Concerning the sacred and onely true manner and method of preaching ) dedicated. Here he urged an edifying sermon with a focus on the application of what is heard in the Christian life.

Many of the main themes of pietism Perkins dive in again, so that the earlier research ( Heinrich Heppe, August Lang) has referred to him as the "Father of Pietism ". However, the impact is probably very indirect. Perkins even be classified as an orthodox Calvinist, but who cared especially about the right life.

Writings (selection )

• The Works of William Perkins, Volume 1, London 1625 (pdf file).
• The Works of William Perkins, Volume 2, London 1631 ( pdf file).
• The Works of William Perkins, Volume 3, London 1631 ( pdf file).
• The Works of William Perkins. Edited and Introduced by Ian Breward. Sutton Courtenay Press, 1970.
• The ability of prophetic speech. Übers: William Schneider. 3L -Verlag, Waldems 2011, ISBN 978-3-935188-97-5.