Devoted to the Service of the Temple: Piety, Persecution, and Ministry in the Writings of Hercules Collins – Profiles in Reformed Spirituality

Description

While largely forgotten in modern times, Hercules Collins (1646/1702) was highly influential among the late 17th and early 18th century Calvinistic Baptists of London. Through a biographical sketch and 35 sample selections collected from Collin’s writings, Michael A.G. Haykin and Stee Weaver introduce us to the vibrant spirituality of this colossal figure.

Table of Contents:

1. An old gospel
2. Preaching from prison
3. The Christ-finding soul
4. Hold fast what thou hast
5. God is the gospel
6. The mercy of repentance
7. Prison comforts
8. Leaning on the promises
9. Spiritual liberty
10. Divine sovereignty and human responsibility
11. God’s eternal will
12. A sovereign and supreme will
13. God – “everything personally present”
14. Submitting to God’s will
15. Words of light
16. The sweetness of the Word in the school of affliction
17. The value of the ordinances in the school of affliction
18. Singing – “sweet incense”
19. “Grace sweetens the music”
20. Training elders within the Church
21. The essential necessity of the Holy Spirit
22. The art of preaching
23. The value of pastoral ministry
24. Some rules for interpreting Scripture
25. Plain preaching
26. Sermon preparation
27. Preaching “the whole counsel of God”
28. Some nuggets of advice about preaching
29. The use of notes in preaching
30. Calling a pastor
31. Praying for the outpouring of the Spirit
32. The laying on of hands
33. Peace
34. The believer’s ultimate comfort
35. “For thy blest Temple’s sake”  

About the Authors 

Michael A.G. Haykin is professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, and Research Professor of Irish Baptist College, Constituent College of Queen’s University Belfast, N. Ireland.

Steve Weaver is the pastor of West Broadway Baptist Church in Lenoir City, Tennessee

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