The Art of Prophesying: with The Calling of the Ministry

By William Perkins and William Perkins

Table of Contents Preface Introduction Chapter 1 - The Art of Prophecy Chapter 2 - The Word of God Chapter 3 - The Contents of Scripture Chapter 4 - The Interpretation of Scripture Chapter 5 - Principles for Expounding Scripture Chapter 6 - Rightly Handling the Word of God Chapter 7 - Use and Application Chapter 8 - Varieties of Application Chapter 9 - The Use of the Memory Chapter 10 - Preaching the Word Chapter 11 - Public Prayer Summary The pages which follow have been written for faithful ministers of the gospel and for all who are concerned about and pursue the knowledge of holy learning. The preparation of sermons is an everyday task in the church, but it is still a tremendous responsibility and by no means easy. In fact it is doubtful if there is a more difficult challenge in the theological disciplines than that of homiletics. Its subject matter is prophecy, which is a 'higher gift' indeed (cf. 1 Cor. 12:31), whether we think about its dignity or its usefulness. The dignity of the gift of preaching is like that of a lady helped into and carried along in a chariot, while other gifts of speech and learning stand by like maidservants, conscious of her superiority. In keeping with this dignity, preaching has a twofold value: (1) It is instrumental in gathering the church and bringing together all of the elect; (2) It drives away the wolves from the folds of the Lord. Preaching is the flexanima, the allurer of the soul, by which our self-willed minds are subdued and changed from an ungodly and pagan life-style to a life of Christian faith and repentance. It is also the weapon which has shaken the foundations of ancient heresies, and also, more recently cut to pieces the sinews of the Antichrist. So, if anyone asks which spiritual gift is the 'most excellent', undoubtedly the prize must be given to prophesying. The better something is, the more it deserves to be carefully presented with a wide variety of rich and wise counsel. But this everyday task is frequently described in a scarcely adequate and even impoverished manner by comparison with the attention other disciplines receive. I have, therefore, carefully studied the writings of the theologians, composed a series of rules and principles from their teaching, and tried to explain them in a way that will be both useful and easily remembered.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1508573166
• ISBN13: 9781508573166
• Release Date: February 2015
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 78 Pages
• Weight: 0.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.2" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

A Puritan Primer on Preaching

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.

A Puritan Jewel: Suberbly Revised for Modern Readers

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. Perkins 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

A Puritan Jewel: Suberbly Revised for Modern Readers

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