Tulip Publishing has produced a wonderful abridged and slightly modernized version of William Perkins’ “A Golden Chain”. This edition is edited by Mark Smith and Matthew Payne.
This work was originally written by Perkins in Latin. It was translated into English by Robert Hill, and then edited by Smith and Payne.
What I found most surprising about this book was its contents. I had always assumed that this work was merely an exposition of Romans 8 and the “Golden Chain”. Surely, that is indeed covered in this book, but it is so much more comprehensive than that! Perkins essentially wrote a systematic theology while weaving the theme of God’s electing grace through it all. He begins with chapters on God and His nature. This then flows into God’s decree where he deals with creation, the fall, original sin, and more. Then, beginning in chapter 15, he focuses on election and Christ as its foundation. I love that he includes a chapter on the hypostatic union! How often do people consider Christ’s two natures when thinking about election? Then, to my pleasant surprise, Perkins takes 16 chapters to discuss the outward means of executing the decree of election. Here he works through the Ten Commandments, touches on the covenant of grace, and then covers the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The remainder of the book deals with what theologians call the ordo salutis, or the “order of salvation”. He lastly dives into the difficult topic of reprobation in chapters 52-58.
The reader must make sure to look often to page 18, the famous “Ocular Catechism” that Perkins developed.
The content of Perkins' work is fantastic, and the church would do well today to spend time thinking through such glorious doctrines. The modernization is absolutely wonderful, and it allows this classic work to be accessible to so many people today. I personally enjoyed reading this version. This is certainly not a book that you’ll read quickly, but it ought to be slowly digested in order for it to be truly beneficial. I gladly commend this book to you! Smith and Payne have done a great job with it.
Disclaimer: My thanks to Tulip Publishing for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
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