Barrett’s Book Notes: Junius, Owen, Perkins, and the KJV

Franciscus Junius. A Treatise on True Theology. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2014.

If you are a theologian (or historian), you know that this is a very exciting volume to now have at your fingertips. Franciscus Junius (1545–1602), who taught theology at the Casimirianum Neustadt, the University of Heidelberg, and the University of Leiden, wrote this short volume as an introduction to the discipline of theology, unpacking the method, form, mode, and cause of theology (i.e., prolegomena) from a distinctively Reformed point of view. For example, Junius structures his book around topics like: Whether True Theology Exists, What Theology Is, How Many Parts Theology Contains, Archetypal Theology, What Ectypal Theology Is, The Theology of Union with Christ, etc.

RHB has added to the work a biographical introduction by Willen J. Van Aselt, as well as a foreword by Richard A. Muller. I hope RHB will publish more of Junius’ works moving forward. Here is Muller’s endorsement:

“The present volume is a significant effort on several counts. It presents an invaluable and highly influential work to contemporary students of Reformed thought. It offers the first English translation of Junius’s autobiography, a work published posthumously in the seventeenth–century edition of Junius’s complete works. It also offers,by way of the introduction, a perspective on the treatise and on Junius’s life and work in the context of the rise of Reformed scholasticism and orthodoxy.”
– Richard A. Muller, from the foreword

John Owen. Rules for Walking in Fellowship (Puritan Treasures for Today). Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2014.

I appreciate it when publishers labor to make John Owen’s works accessible to a lay audience. I tend to reference Owen a lot not only in my academic conversations, but also in my pastoral ones, but it is hard to recommend to a lay person Owen’s full works as lay people typically find them overwhelming. So, little volumes like this are very helpful, serving as an appetizer before the feast. This is a book I can confidently give to someone in my church in order to ignite their interest in this very important Puritan.

The Works of William Perkins, Volume 1. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2014.

This volume, and the ones to come, are long overdue! Edited and introduced by J. Stephen Yuille, volume 1 of the Works of William Perkins includes Digest or Harmony of the Old and New Testaments, Combat between Christ and the Devil: Matthew 4:1-11, and Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7. RHB projects 10 volumes total (Volume 6 will include his famous Golden Chain). Volume 2, which I imagine will release next, will consist of his Commentary on Galatians.

Westminster Bookstore is selling volume 1 of the new edition of The Works of William Perkins (Reformation Heritage Books) at a 44% discount! The sale is only for a limited time.

And here is a video describing these volumes:

The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2014.

In the twenty-first century, rarely are Christians familiar with the KJV anymore. We are incredibly blessed to have many excellent contemporary translations of the Bible. However, I hope the KJV is not forgotten, becoming an artifact of an ancient era. Certainly our Bible translations today owe a huge debt to the KJV, and the beauty of its language remains unsurpassed. RHB has produced a KJV study Bible, and it promises to be an important study aid. Besides typical study aids (e.g., Introductions to books, commentary notes), what really distinguishes this study Bible are the excerpts from the Reformed and Puritan heritage. For example, Genesis 1 is interrupted by a classic excerpt from Calvin’s Institutes on creation and the glory of God. Another feature that is especially commendable is the insertion throughout of “Thoughts for Personal/Family Worship.” This feature moves the study Bible from the desk to the family room. Perhaps I am ignorant, but why has this not been done before? What a great way to help lay moms and dads apply the Bible in their family devotions. Well done. Finally, at the back of the Bible are countless “Study Helps.” These include many articles on “How to Live as a Christian,” as well as a host of Reformed Creeds and Confessions.

Matthew Barrett (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at California Baptist University, as well as the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine. Barrett is also Senior Pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church. He is the author and editor of several books, including Salvation by Grace: The Case for Effectual Calling and Regeneration. Two forthcoming books include, Owen on the Christian Life and God’s Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture. You can read about Barrett’s other publications at matthewmbarrett.com.