On the Nature and Kingdom of God w/ Harrison Perkins
James Usher, an Irish Anglican archbishop and theologian of the 17th century, is being rediscovered as a foundational figure in Reformed theology—despite being largely overlooked for centuries. Harrison Perkins, a Westminster Seminary scholar, reveals that Usher’s influence runs deep in the Westminster Standards, not through direct attendance at the Assembly, but through his theological legacy, particularly in shaping the Irish Articles, which directly informed the Westminster Confession. Perkins’ new bilingual edition, *On the Nature and Kingdom of God*, brings three previously unpublished manuscripts to light—ranging from a catechism for beginners to a rough draft of the Irish Articles and lectures delivered during the English Civil War. These documents show Usher’s unwavering commitment to doctrinal clarity and pastoral fidelity, even amid national collapse. What emerges is not just a historical recovery, but a timely model: in times of chaos, the church’s greatest duty is not to react to culture, but to preach the unchanging truth with precision, consistency, and pastoral care. Perkins argues that Usher’s work challenges modern preaching culture, which often prioritizes creativity and emotional appeal over doctrinal depth. His repetitive, carefully crafted formulations—like his 52-week doctrinal preaching plan—offer a counter-cultural blueprint for pastors.
James Usher was the foundational author of the Irish Articles, which directly influenced the Westminster Confession, despite never attending the Assembly.
Usher’s theological legacy is preserved in three previously unpublished manuscripts, now translated and published in a bilingual edition by Westminster Seminary Press.
His 52-week doctrinal preaching plan demonstrates a commitment to systematic, catechetical preaching—still relevant for modern pastors.
Usher’s sermons were not just doctrinal but deeply pastoral, always moving from doctrine to application, ensuring truth served the people.
In the midst of the English Civil War, Usher continued teaching Reformed theology, proving that truth must be preached even when the nation is falling apart.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introducing Harrison Perkins and the Westminster Podcast
Nate Shannon introduces the episode and guest, Reverend Dr. Harrison Perkins, a Westminster California graduate and scholar of church history, setting the stage for a deep dive into James Usher’s theological legacy.
Harrison’s Journey into Faith and Seminary
Perkins recounts his conversion in a PCA church in Birmingham, Alabama, and how his deep engagement with Scripture led to seminary, where he was encouraged to pursue formal theological training after being overwhelmed by his peers’ knowledge.
Pulpit Supply and the Formative Years in Mexico Border Church
Perkins shares his experience as a pulpit supply pastor for a CRC congregation near the Mexican border, where he learned to communicate theology clearly to non-theological audiences, a formative experience in pastoral communication.
The Accidental Discovery of James Usher
While researching covenant theology for his seminary paper, Perkins realized there was no substantial scholarship on James Usher, despite his central role in shaping the Westminster Standards—leading him to make Usher the focus of his PhD.
From Dissertation to Book: Usher’s Covenant of Works
Perkins’ research on Usher’s covenant theology expanded beyond the original scope, culminating in a dissertation focused on the covenant of works, which he later published as *Catholicity and the Covenant Works*.
“So there's a couple of things. One, it doesn't matter what's going on in terms of the pressures. Truth is truth. And God's truth will help God's people no matter the context.”
“But he gives us some perspective on, look, he found ways that he thought really helped God's people understand the truth. And he just digested that phrasing and he stuck with it.”
“The only reason that Protestantism is going is because it had state support and was imposed from the top down.”
Host
Guest
James Usher
person
Harrison Perkins
person
Westminster Seminary Press
organization
Todd Rester
person
Westminster Assembly
organization
Irish Articles
other
Council of Trent
organization
English Civil War
other
Trinity College Dublin
organization
Post-Reformation Digital Library
organization
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