A Golden Chain: Concerning the Order of the Causes of Salvation and Damnation

by William Perkins

In his classic work on God's predestination, A Golden Chain, Puritan theologian William Perkins (1558-1602) attempted to clearly set forth the logical connections of the two roads upon which all of mankind is the road to salvation and the road to condemnation. Included in his book are various charts that he drew to illustrate these "causes." The whole history of redemption and of God's covenants with man are traced out through Scripture. This rich theological volume is full of insight and instruction for readers even after four centuries have passed.

This Kindle edition has reformatted charts from Perkin's original work, as well as an active table of contents for ease of navigation by chapter.

Genres: Theology

375 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1600

About the author

William Perkins (1558–1602) was an influential English cleric and Cambridge theologian, receiving both a B.A. and M.A. from the university in 1581 and 1584 respectively, and also one of the foremost leaders of the Puritan movement in the Church of England during the Elizabethan era. Although not entirely accepting of the Church of England's ecclesiastical practices, Perkins conformed to many of the policies and procedures imposed by the Elizabethan Settlement. He did remain, however, sympathetic to the non-conformist puritans and even faced disciplinary action for his support.

Perkins was a prolific author who penned over forty works, many of which were published posthumously. In addition to writing, he also served as a fellow at Christ's College and as a lecturer at St Andrew's Church in Cambridge. He was a firm proponent of Reformed theology, particularly the supralapsarian theology of Theodore Beza and John Calvin. In addition, he was a staunch defender of Protestant ideals, specifically the five solae with a particular emphasis on solus Christus and sola Scriptura.

Reviews

[Matthew Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a co-editor of this edition.

Perkins' work is immensely readable and useful. It is of great importance to early-modern English Reformed theology, Tudor Anglicanism, and early Puritanism.

For more discussion and the accompanying charts:
http://stretchtheology.com/why-its-wo...

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perhaps one of the most misunderstood texts in the history of Reformed theology. While most secondary sources assume it is a rationalistic deduction of election from unbiblical premises, these assertions have no basis in fact. Instead, it is actually a succinct summary of the entire Christian faith, moving from the doctrine of God to the final judgment with an emphasis on the role all of theology plays in the life of the believer. Any Christian looking to find a robust biblical defense of Calvinism or gain a correct understanding of the Puritans would benefit from reading this work.

[wyclif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent moderate Puritan/Anglican reprint; smyth sewn in a cloth binding. Essential "high Calvinist" work on the ordo salutis and union with Christ for those interested in historical theology. Highly recommended.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic systematic theology from one of the greatest theologians to ever live. The objections and rebuttals at the end of the book to reformed soteriology are worth their weight in gold, but before you get there Mr.Perkins covers a thorough variety of subjects regarding the Christian faith and saturates the reader in biblical citations and exposition. This should be on the top shelf of every pastor's library, and since there are many copies of it available for free in e-format there is no excuse for it not to be. Get it! Read it! Live it!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A high quality reprint of an important Puritan work.

[Lu Tsun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very impressed by the clarity and simplicity of William Perkin's dogmatics. It seems to me a great companion for sermon development.