Considering the Puritans
January 15, 2008 by cavman
This has been brought up by other bloggers, but Pantings & Provocations has an encouragement to read the Puritans.
This is a great idea, and most of the books are not very long. Here are some additional thoughts. I just read The Bruised Reed, and heartily recommend it. Flavel’s The Mystery of Providence is on my list to read, though I read part of it earlier for some sermon preparation. I have not read the Godly Man’s Picture by Thomas Watson, but I would strongly recommend his book The Doctrine of Repentance, a much neglected but needed topic in the American Church. Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks is a bit long, but a great read which should prove beneficial.
I have not read that particular Bunyan volume, but Pilgrim’s Progress is one of the best allegories of the Christian life ever. If you can find it in a modern translation with notes (mine is by Warren Wiersbe) read it. The Mortification of Sin by John Owen is a must-read, and so is his book On Temptation (as Tim Keller reminded folks). They are found in his Works Volume 6, and in a few other compilations.
I have begun reading A Lifting Up for the Downcast which is a great book for those struggling with trials. The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment is one of my favorite books which continually points us to the “sweetness and excellency of Christ”. Any Piper enthusiast will find much to rejoice in here. I’ve been meaning to read Bolton’s The True Bounds of Christian Freedom for some time, but just haven’t gotten there yet. Neither have I read the Christian’s Great Interest or A Sure Guide to Heaven. I know Baxter’s The Reformed Pastor is a classic, but I didn’t find it as helpful as many other people have. I found it antiquated in ministry style- at least where I have served. If I regularly visited & catechized my congregants I would soon find their doors unanswered. There is a level of maturity needed for congregations to embrace that concept which I have found lacking in western Christianity.
In addition to these books, I would recommend A Treatise of Earthly-Mindedness by Jeremiah Burroughs
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