William Perkins (theologian) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Perkins
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Painting by an unknown artist inscribed 1602
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| Born | 1558 Marston Jabbet, Warwickshire
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| Died | 1602 (aged 43–44) |
| Alma mater | Christ's College, Cambridge |
| Occupation | Clergyman, Theologian |
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Notable work
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The Arte of Prophesying |
| Spouse(s) | Timothye Cradocke |
| Theological work | |
| Era | Elizabethan era |
| Tradition or movement | Puritanism, Calvinism |
| Notable ideas | Law and Gospel |
William Perkins (1558–1602) was an important English clergyman and Cambridge theologian. He was a leading figure in the Puritan movement within the Church of England during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
Perkins earned his Bachelor's degree in 1581 and his Master's degree in 1584 from Cambridge University. Even though he didn't fully agree with all the Church of England's rules, he followed most of them. However, he also supported other Puritans who didn't conform, which sometimes got him into trouble.
He wrote more than forty books and papers, many of which were published after his death. Besides writing, he was a fellow at Christ's College and a lecturer at St. Andrew's Church in Cambridge. Perkins strongly believed in Reformed theology, especially the ideas of Theodore Beza and John Calvin. He also defended Protestant beliefs, focusing on "Christ alone" and "Scripture alone."
Contents
Who Was William Perkins?
His Early Life and Education
William Perkins was born in 1558 in Marston Jabbett, Warwickshire, England. This was the same year that the Protestant Elizabeth I became Queen, taking over from her Catholic sister Mary. Perkins lived his whole life during Elizabeth I's reign.
Not much is known about his childhood. He became lame at some point, which meant he had to write with his left hand. His family had enough money to send him to college. In 1577, at age 19, he enrolled at Christ's College, Cambridge. He studied within the Reformed academic system.
Perkins received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1581 and his Master of Arts degree in 1584. During his time at Cambridge, he had a significant religious awakening. People said his sermons were clear enough for everyone to understand, but also deep enough for scholars to admire.
Becoming a Clergyman
After becoming a minister, Perkins began preaching to prisoners in the Cambridge jail. One famous story tells of a young man who was about to be executed. The man was terrified of going to hell. Perkins helped him understand that God could forgive his sins through Christ. Because of this, the young man faced his execution bravely.
In 1584, after getting his Master's degree, Perkins became a fellow at Christ's College. He held this position until 1594. In 1585, he also became a Lecturer at St Andrew the Great church in Cambridge, where he served until his death.
Perkins's Beliefs and Influence
His Views on the Church
Perkins was a "moderate Puritan." This meant he disagreed with Puritans who completely separated from the Church of England. However, he also opposed the Queen's efforts to make everyone follow the exact same church rules.
For example, when Archbishop of Canterbury John Whitgift put Francis Johnson in prison for supporting a presbyterian church structure, Perkins defended Johnson. This wasn't the only time he stood up for his beliefs; he appeared before church officials more than once.
In 1587, Perkins preached a sermon against kneeling to receive Communion. As a result, he was called before the Vice-Chancellor of the university. During trials against Puritan ministers in the early 1590s, Perkins admitted discussing the Book of Discipline with other Puritans. However, he claimed he couldn't remember who he talked to.
Perkins married Timothye Cradocke in 1595. He had to resign his fellowship at Christ's College because only unmarried men could be fellows. They had seven children together, though three died young. One child was born after Perkins passed away.
His Theological Ideas
Perkins supported the idea of "double predestination." He helped bring the ideas of Theodore Beza to England. He believed that the Reformed concept of the Covenant of Grace was very comforting. This idea is central to how Reformed Christians understand salvation and predestination. He even helped publish Beza's famous chart about double predestination in English.
Perkins also strongly believed in "Christ alone" and "Scripture alone." He saw these as the two main foundations for good, biblical preaching. He was a big supporter of interpreting the Bible literally, using the regula fidei (Rule of Faith). This rule suggests that unclear parts of the Bible should be understood by looking at the clear parts, rather than by tradition. However, he did allow for figurative language when the context required it.
How Perkins Influenced Others
Even though many people today don't know much about William Perkins, he had a huge impact on Christians worldwide. He was highly respected in the Church during Queen Elizabeth's time. His ideas on double predestination made him a target for Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch clergyman who disagreed with predestination.
Perkins also influenced American Puritan thinkers like Jonathan Edwards. Some people even think Perkins's way of interpreting the Bible is a good model to follow today. During his lifetime, Perkins was incredibly popular. His books sold more copies than those of many famous Reformers combined, including Calvin.
From his position at Cambridge, Perkins taught and influenced many English church leaders. Some of his notable students include:
- William Ames, a Puritan theologian whose book "Marrow of Theology" was very popular.
- John Robinson, who founded the Congregationalist movement in Leiden and was the pastor for the group that started the Plymouth Colony.
- Thomas Goodwin, a Congregationalist minister and Puritan theologian.
- Paul Baynes, who took over Perkins's lecturer position at St Andrew the Great.
- Samuel Ward, a Puritan preacher and master of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.
- John Cotton, an important Puritan minister in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
- Thomas Hooker, a Puritan minister who founded the Connecticut Colony.
- Thomas Shepard, another Puritan minister known for his leadership.
His Final Years
In 1602, William Perkins suffered from a medical condition called "the stone" (kidney stones). After several weeks of pain, he died on October 22, 1602, at the age of 44.
James Montagu gave his funeral sermon, using a verse from the Book of Joshua: "Moses my servant is dead." Perkins was buried in St. Andrew's Church, where he had served as a pastor for eighteen years.
Images for kids
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A Hungarian translation of a work by Perkins, 1648
