This fifth volume begins the doctrinal treatises of Perkins with three contributions of catechetical theology. The first treatise is An Exposition of the Symbol or Apostles' Creed . Examining the contours of Christian faith, Perkins handles each article of the Creed according to its basic meaning, the duties it calls us to, and the consolation it brings. He closes the entire work by explaining how the Creed is a 'storehouse of remedies against all troubles and temptations whatsoever.' The second treatise is An Exposition of the Lord's Prayer . Detailing the chief Christian desires, Perkins explains the meaning of the petitions of the Lord's Prayer and the 'manifold uses' for each. Perkins closes his exposition with the proper uses of the Lord's Prayer in general, the circumstances related to the way we pray, and a word on God hearing our prayers. This treatise also includes a collection of prayers (with short expositions) from the Bible and a poetic song 'gathered out of the Psalms, containing the sobs and sighs of all repentant sinners.' The third treatise is The Foundation of Christian Religion Gathered into Six Principles , which sets down the principle points of Christian religion in order to establish readers in true knowledge, unfeigned faith, and sound repentance. Providing a rudimentary understanding of the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord s Prayer, and the two sacraments, Perkins's Foundation sets a framework for people to profit more from sermons and to receive the Lord's Supper with comfort. On the broad shoulders of William Perkins, epoch-making pioneer, stood the entire school of seventeenth-century Puritan pastors and divines, yet the Puritan reprint industry has steadily bypassed him. Now, however, he begins to reappear, admirably edited, and at last this yawning gap is being filled. Profound thanks to the publisher and heartfelt praise to God have become due. --J. I. Packer, Board of Governors Professor of Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia William Perkins was a most remarkable Christian. In his relatively short life he was a great preacher, pastor, and theologian. His prolific writings were foundational to the whole English Puritan enterprise and a profound influence beyond his own time and borders. His works have become rare, and their republication must be a source of real joy and blessing to all serious Christians. Perkins is the first Puritan we should read. --W. Robert Godfrey, president, Westminster Seminary California The father of Elizabethan Puritanism, Perkins presided over a dynasty of faith. The scope of his work is wide, yet on every topic he treats one discovers erudition and deep reflection. He was the first in an amazing line of ministers at Cambridge University's main church. A pastor to pastors, he wrote a bestseller on counseling, was a formative figure in the development of Reformed orthodoxy, and a judicious reformer within the Church of England. I am delighted to see Perkins's works made available again for a wide audience. --Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor, Westminster Seminary California William Perkins (1558-1602) earned a bachelor's degree in 1581 and a master's degree in 1584 from Christ's College in Cambridge. During those student years he joined up with Laurence Chaderton, who became his personal tutor and lifelong friend. Perkins and Chaderton met with Richard Greenham, Richard Rogers, and others in a spiritual brotherhood at Cambridge that espoused Puritan convictions. From 1584 until his death, Perkins served as lecturer, or preacher, at Great St. Andrew s Church, Cambridge, a most influential pulpit across the street from Christ's College. He also served as a teaching fellow at Christ's College, catechized students at Corpus Christi College on Thursday afternoons, and worked as a spiritual counselor on Sunday afternoons. In these roles Perkins influenced a generation of young students, including Richard Sibbes, John Cotton, John Preston, and William Ames. Thomas Goodwin wrote that when he entered Cambridge, six of his instructors who had sat under Perkins were still passing on his teaching. Ten years after Perkins's death, Cambridge was still 'filled with the discourse of the power of Mr. William Perkins' ministry,' Goodwin said. Perkins's influence as a theologian continued unabated after his death. This was due in large part to the widespread popularity of his writings. His writings were translated into several European languages and greatly influenced British and American Reformed theology, the Dutch Further Reformation, and European Pietism.