Lexham Press is the publisher of an outstanding series called “Studies in Historical & Systematic Theology”. A new volume in this series that has recently been published is titled The Gloss and the Text: William Perkins on Interpreting Scripture with Scripture. This volume is authored by Andrew S. Ballitch.
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The Gloss and the Text: William Perkins on Interpreting Scripture with Scripture
Ballitch’s book is very well written, and one that I hope many will take time to read. It’s simply fascinating! William Perkins was a tremendous gift to the church, and we ought to take time to learn from him today.
In seven chapters and in just over 200 pages, Ballitch walks through the father of Puritanism’s hermeneutical principles, explaining how Perkins interpreted Scripture with Scripture via these three tools: context, collation, and the analogy of faith.
I enjoyed both Ballitch’s writing style as well as the content of the book. Ballitch did a wonderful job sticking to his thesis. I love that he included chapters on Perkins’ exegesis of practical works (chapter 4) and his exegesis in theological works (chapter 5). Chapter five not only included a discussion on Perkins’ exegesis of his catechism works, but also an excellent section on God’s sovereignty in election. I also want to point out that a brief biography of Perkins was also nicely included in chapter 2.
I highly recommend this series, but I want to take time to specifically recommend Ballitch’s work on William Perkins. May more and more folks learn from this “ideal Puritan clergyman” and the third in “the trinity of the orthodox”.
Tolle lege, take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to Lexham Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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