Upon Mr. Perkins His Printed Sermons

As we wait for the republication of the Works of William Perkins by Reformation Heritage Books, here for consideration is a poetic tribute by 17th century English poet Phineas Fletcher.

Phineas Fletcher, The Poems of Phineas Fletcher, pp. 263-264:

Upon Mr. Perkins His Printed Sermons

Perkins -- our wonder -- living, though long dead,
In this white paper, as a winding-sheet,
this velome lies enveloped:
Yet still he lives, guiding the erring feet,
Speaking now to our eyes, though buried.
If once so well, much better now he teacheth.
Who will not heare, when a live-dead man preacheth?