Scripture opens itself up by its own words and interpretation.
**
**William Perkins is the father of Puritanism, often remembered for his
preaching manual, The Art of Prophesying. Much attention has been
given to the Puritan movement, especially in its later forms, but
comparatively little has been given to Perkins.
In The Gloss and the Text, Andrew Ballitch provides a thorough
examination of the hermeneutical principles that governed Perkins's
approach to biblical interpretation. Perkins taught that the Bible was
God's word as well as the interpretation of God's word. Interpretation
is no private matter; it is a public gift of the Spirit of God for the
people of God. Ballitch's study sheds light on Perkins as a preacher,
theologian, and student of Scripture.