What comes to mind when you hear the word Puritan? Do you think of old men in black robes, funny hats, and big collars? That picture is the most common caricature of the Puritans. There is also a misconception that a Puritan is someone who thinks that “somewhere in society, someone is having fun” and they want to stop it. This misnomer is common, but not accurate. This leads us to ask, who were the Puritans?
The Puritans, in reality, were people determined to follow Jesus no matter the cost. Technically speaking the Puritans were a subset of the Church of England in the seventeenth century who believed that the church had stepped away from its biblical roots. Their desire was to ‘purify’ the church through personal piety. Many of the movement’s adherents were persecuted, forcing them to seek refuge in the Netherlands and ultimately in the New World. We know that group as ‘The Pilgrims’. While there is no group or church today that would be considered Puritan in the official sense, their theological descendants abound. There is much that the modern church can learn from the Puritans, and we should be grateful that Banner of Truth has preserved their writings for future generations.
What follows is a short description of a sampling of books that are currently available in the series.
- The Mortification of Sin (John Owen) – This is probably one of the most well known volumes in the collection. In it Owen shares how to engage in the life-long battle against sin and temptation. Yet Owen is very clear that we do not fight against sin in our own strength, but through the work of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. This volume provides practical guidance to believers, even some 400 years later.
- The Bruised Reed (Richard Sibbes) – This volume is an exposition of the Gospel of Matthew’s application of Isaiah 42:3, “A bruised reed he will not crush and a smoldering wick he will not quench.” Sibbes shows the sensitivity of Jesus to those who humbly seek Him. It is an encouraging read to anyone who is struggling in their faith.
- Learning in Christ’s School (Ralph Venning) – In this volume, Venning describes how believers grow in the Lord from being ‘babes’, to ‘little children’, ‘young men’ (and women) and being ‘fathers’ (and mothers) in the faith. We are not to grow stagnant in the faith, but are to serve as an example for and teacher to others.
- The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment (Jeremiah Burroughs) – In this volume, Burroughs seeks to promote (1) peace among believers of various ‘persuasions’, or what we consider denominations today, and (2) peace and contentment in the hearts of individual believers during what he describes as ‘sad and sinking times’. It is a very timely book, even some 400 years on.
- The Glorious Feast of the Gospel (Richard Sibbes) – This volume, also by Sibbes, is an exposition of Isaiah 25:6-9. In it he seeks to show the gracious invitation of Jesus and the all satisfying contentment that comes through feasting on the gospel. A wonderful reminder that the gospel is not just for new converts, but for all believers at all times.
- Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices (Thomas Brooks) – Similar to Owen’s The Mortification of Sin, this volume from Thomas Brooks is a guide through the landmines of sin and temptation that come to all. It is only through the the gospel that we can resist temptation and flee from sin.
- The Fear of God (John Bunyan) – Most famously known for his Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan in this volume encourages believers to have a healthy fear of God. Not one that is gloomy, but one that shows delight in the Lord for who He is.
- The Reformed Pastor (Richard Baxter) – Too often today, the pastorate is viewed through the lens of a CEO approach. This volume serves as a guide to pastors on how to approach the ministry from a Biblical perspective. A must read for anyone currently serving in or considering pastoral ministry.
- Preparations for Sufferings (John Flavel) – Suffering is inevitable, and is promised for those to seek to faithfully follow Jesus. In this volume, John Flavel, shares how a believer can prepare to suffer trusting in Jesus and faithfully serving Him.
Another excellent Puritan resource, not included in the paperback series is the collection of Puritan Prayers entitled The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions by Arthur Bennett. This classic book is a treasure trove of prayers for all seasons from a variety of Puritan writers. It can be used personally on a daily basis (morning and evening) or corporately throughout the church calendar. Banner of Truth offers it in a beautiful genuine leather or goatskin leather editions.
The Puritan Paperback series from Banner of Truth is a treasure trove of gospel centered resources. Each title is excellent for personal study and reflection. This series is a must read for pastors and church leaders. The writings of our Puritan brothers from a few hundred years ago are a priceless resource for pastoral ministry. Each title in the series is adaptable and practical for contemporary application. The reader can buy the entire set or one book at a time, based on the need of the hour. The Puritan Paperbacks are always highly recommended!
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