The Wholesome Doctrine of the Gospel: Faith and Love in the Writings of William Perkins

The Wholesome Doctrine of the Gospel familiarizes readers with one of England's most influential theologians, William Perkins. In the opening biographical sketch, Andrew S. Ballitch and J. Stephen Yuille give an overview of Perkins' life, theology, and piety. Then, in thirty-two excerpts, readers learn from the relationship between faith and love from Perkins himself as he explains the foundational "ground of doctrine to be believed" and "grounds of doctrine to be practice". Rather than treating theology as a subject  for mere academic debate, Perkins calls for true Christian devotion that moves beyond intellectual assent to heartfelt dedication to Christ.

184 pages

“In The Wholesome Doctrine of the Gospel, Andrew Ballitch and Stephen Yuille have given us a splendid combination of a mini biography of the great William Perkins followed by a series of expertly selected passages from his pen which instruct and delight as well as help us to appreciate and love the message he preached. Here is a little book to be read slowly, enjoyed frequently, and treasured permanently.”

- Sinclair B. Ferguson, teaching fellow for Ligonier Ministries and chancellor's professor of Systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary

Table of Contents:

The Piety of William Perkins (1558–1602)

Faith: Grounds of Doctrine to Be Believed

1. The Certainty of Scripture

2. The Sufficiency of Scripture

3. God’s Holiness

4. God’s Excellency

5. God Triune

6. God’s Sovereignty

7. God’s Mercy

8. The Supremacy of Christ

9. The Creation of Man

10. The Fall of Man

11. Law and Gospel

12. The Incarnation

13. Christ the Mediator

14. Faith

15. Justification

16. Regeneration

17. Christian Liberty

18. The Power of the Keys

19. The Church

20. The Resurrection

21. The Judgment

Love: Grounds of Doctrine to Be Practiced

22. Repentance

23. Self-Denial

24. Choosing God

25. Fleeing Idolatry

26. Worshiping God

27. Sanctifying God

28. Loving Our Neighbor

29. Honoring Our Parents

30. Cultivating Virtue

31. Pursuing Our Calling

32. Holding Faith