Free reading guide
Where to Begin with the Puritans
The Puritans can feel intimidating: old language, long books, and hundreds of names. This guide is a path through books we've actually read and reviewed, from short and practical to deep and demanding. Start at the top, take your time, and read devotionally.
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Step 1
Get your bearings
Short orientation before you open a Puritan book.
Why You Should Read the Puritans Petra Publications
Our case for why these old pastors are worth your time today. Start here.
Reading Theological Books Devotionally Petra Publications
How to read for your soul and not only for information.
Meet the Puritans Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson
A reference guide to the Puritans and their writings. Keep it nearby as you read.
Step 2
Short and practical
Brief books on one subject each, in modern editions. Any of these makes a good first Puritan book.
The Cure of Unjust Anger John Downame
On anger and how to fight it.
Triumphing over Sinful Fear John Flavel
On fear and trusting God.
The Vanity of Thoughts Thomas Goodwin
On the inner life of the mind.
Stop Loving the World William Greenhill
On worldliness.
Contentment, Prosperity, and God's Glory Jeremiah Burroughs
On contentment.
Faith Seeking Assurance Anthony Burgess
On assurance of salvation.
Freedom from Sin's Dominion John Owen
A short way into Owen.
Step 3
Holiness and the Christian life
Classic and modern books on growing in godliness.
Holiness J. C. Ryle
Ryle drew deeply on the Puritans, and this is his best-known book.
The Doctrine and Practice of Holiness Erroll Hulse
A modern treatment of the same theme.
The Pursuit of Holiness Jerry Bridges
A modern classic on the subject.
Step 4
Go deeper
Longer books and reference works for when you're ready.
A Puritan Theology Joel Beeke and Mark Jones
Puritan teaching gathered by topic.
Ore From the Puritans' Mine compiled by Dale W. Smith
A collection of Puritan quotations, good for browsing between longer books.
The Existence and Attributes of God Stephen Charnock
A classic on who God is. Reviewed in two parts.
Step 5
History and lives
Biography and church history from the Puritans' heirs.
Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography Iain Murray
The life of the great American heir of the Puritans.
The Great Awakening Joseph Tracy
A history of the 18th-century revival.
Revival Michael Haykin
A short study of revival.
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