The Outlaw Expositor

The Puritans were a group of protestant reformers in the 16th and 17th centuries that sought to “purify” the Church of England. Although they lived hundreds of years ago, their writings still stir up controversy and challenge us today. Few groups from church history have blessed, inspired, and captivated the modern church more than the Puritans. These theological giants of the past should be in your personal libraries today, you simply cannot read them and not be changed. This article will provide a few reasons why you should read them and some recommendations on where to get started. My hope is that you will be inspired to seek their writings out and be encouraged and challenged by them like many others have, including myself.

Reasons to read the Puritans

Charles Spurgeon once said of the Puritan, John Bunyan, “Prick him anywhere—his blood is Bibline, the very essence of the Bible flows from him.” You should read the Puritans because they have a deep understanding of the Bible. The Puritans were devoted students and scholars of the Holy Scriptures and their writings reflect it. Most of them had large portions of the Scripture memorized and could read the original languages of Greek and Hebrew masterfully. Their writings can help you better understand your Bible and in many ways inspire you to improve your study habits.

As a student of theology myself, I understand the temptation of getting caught up in the clouds of abstract theological concepts. You should read the Puritans because they excelled in applying Biblical truths to everyday life. They applied the doctrines to their daily walk. In fact, the typical Puritan sermon followed a 3-part structure: Exposition (explaining the text), Doctrinal (teaching the theological principles), and Application (showing how these previously mentioned principles impact your daily life).

In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul explains his purpose in his ministry work, “Him [Christ] we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” (Col 1:28-29, ESV) The Puritans desired to emulate Paul in this way. You should read the Puritans because they will help mature you in Christ. I can attest personally of being challenged by their writings. Many times I have reflected on how after reading the Puritans I am left with an overwhelming sensation of my laziness in comparison. The late, J.I. Packer described the Puritans as, “great souls serving a great God.” Packer also went on to say, “The Puritans exemplified maturity; we don’t. We are spiritual dwarfs.” If you wish to grow and mature in your walk with Christ, may I encourage you to look and learn from these giants of the past.

Recommendations and where to get started

There is no doubt that reading the Puritans can be challenging at times. You will immediately be faced with their towering intellect if you dive-in head first into some of their works. However, thanks to many modern renditions, their old English is much more approachable now to the modern reader. Here are a few recommendations on where to start:

• John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress – One of the most influential books ever written. An allegorical novel about the Christian life.
• The Valley of Vision – A collection of Puritan prayers that will be a wonderful resource for you. Divided into topics, this little book can be used devotionally.
• John Owen’s Overcoming Sin and Temptation (edited by Kelly Kapic and Justin Taylor) – This modernized version makes it easy for today’s readers to dive into the powerful work of John Owen. Kapic and Taylor provide updated English, footnotes/outlines, and modernized formatting to help readers. This book is actually 3 works of Owen in one volume, Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers, Of Temptation: The Nature and Power of It, and Indwelling Sin.
• Thomas Watson’s A Body of Divinity – This classic is a comprehensive overview of the doctrines found in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Watson is clear and concise. He uses vivid illustrations to help explain complex theological ideas. Additionally he provides practical application.
• Jonathan Edwards’ Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God & Other Great Sermons – I strongly recommend reading Edwards, but I would start with his sermons. They are powerful and inspiring even today, but much more approachable than his other works.
• Thomas Brooks’ Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices – In my personal copy of this book, entire pages are highlighted. Brooks emphasizes knowing the tactics of Satan, relying on the power of God, filling your heart and mind with Scripture, and staying alert against temptation and sin. A powerful and very approachable work.

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