Book Reviews
Suggested Reading
By Dr. C. Matthew McMahon
Keep in mind that you should invest in a complete library. See the Initial and Advance library that are listed on the previous section.
“I am still in the thrall of one insatiable desire, which hitherto I have been neither able nor willing to check…I cannot get enough books. It may be that I have already more than I need. But it is with books as it is with other things: success in acquisition spurs the desire to get still more. Books indeed have a special charm. Gold, silver, gems, purple rainment, a house of marble, a well-tilled field, paintings, a steed with splendid trappings – things such as these give but a silent and superficial pleasure. Books delight us through and through; they talk with us, then give us good counsel, then enter into a living and intimate companionship with us. What is more, not only does a book win the reader’s affection for itself, but it mentions the names of other books so that one stirs the desire for another.”
Francesca Betrarra c. 1346
Below is a very small portion of the republished material from the Puritan era. What is listed on this page can be obtained easily (unless out of print which not usually the case). I have read all of the books in these sections, and am able to personally recommend them to you for specific spiritual needs. That which makes Puritan reading so rich and spiritually helpful is that they are excellent expositions of the Word of God. It is not the Puritan that we desire, but what the Puritan says about the Word of God which is so helpful. Spending money wisely would certainly include obtaining books written by the Puritans in order to assist the Christian with his sanctification. I would encourage you to set aside some money for what I would call “a Kingdom investment”. Our relationship with Christ is the most important aspect of our lives while here as pilgrims. This life is an ever increasing fellowship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Why then would we want to waste out time with books which we have to sift through to find the little bits of “meat” when the Puritans readily feed us with feasts upon every page? If one were to take a small investment of $500-$1000 and buy some of the books below, you would be investing in something far more valuable than a “money market account” or an “IRA”. In buying these Puritan works you would be investing in the Kingdom of God. For in the richness of these books lies the Word of God opened up. And what type of price tag would we put upon a closer relationship with Christ as a result of understanding His Word? Its worth the investment. The best deals on books is to be found at Reformation Heritage Books and Cumberland Valley Bible Book Service. Do not forget to check out Puritan Publications.
Instead of listing an exhaustive amount of books to overwhelm you, I have listed certain Puritan titles in two main groups called Initial Reading and Advanced Reading. There are 20-25 books in each. These would be core, important works to gain a basic insight into Puritan writing. Below these 2 groups I have listed some of the major works which have been reprinted by publishers today by the Puritans (that list is not exhaustive).
Initial Reading
A Body of Divinity, by Thomas Watson
A Sure Guide to Heaven, by Joseph Alliene
A Treatise of Earthlimindedness, by Jeremiah Burroughs
A Treatise on Effectual Calling and Election, by Christopher Love
Heaven Taken by Storm, by Thomas Watson
Michael and the Dragon, by Daniel Dyke
Pilgrim’s Progress, Parts I-II, by John Bunyan
Pilgrim’s Progress Part III, by John Bunyan
Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices, by Thomas Brooks
Remedies for Wandering Thoughts in Worship, by Richard Steele
The Almost Christian Discovered, by Matthew Mead
The Bible and the Closet, by Thomas Watson
The Doctrine of Repentance, by Thomas Watson
The Evil of Evils, by Jeremiah Burroughs
The Mortified Christian, by Christopher Love
The Practice of Piety, by Lewis Bayly
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, by Jeremiah Burroughs
The Ten Commandments, by Thomas Watson
The True Christian’s Love for the Unseen Christ, by Thomas Vincent
Advanced Reading
A Beam of Divine Glory, by Edward Pearse
A Christian Directory, by Richard Baxter
A Narrative of Surprising Conversions, by Jonathan Edwards
A Body of Divinity, by Dr. James Ussher
Biblical Theology, by John Owen
Charity and Its Fruit, by Jonathan Edwards
Disputations on Holy Scripture, by William Whitaker
Gospel Fear, by Jeremiah Burroughs
Gospel Worship, by Jeremiah Burroughs
Humans Nature in It’s Fourfold State, by Thomas Boston
Logic: the Right Use of Reason after the Inquiry of Truth, by Isaac Watts
Logic: Continuing Discourse by Isaac Watts
Solitude Improved By Divine Meditation, by Nathaniel Ranew
The Art of Prophesying, by William Perkins
The Case and Cure of a Deserted Soul, by Joseph Symonds
The Christian in Complete Armour, by William Gurnall
The Marrow of Theology, by William Ames
The Mind on Fire, Blaise Pascal, edited by Os Guiness
The Parable of the Ten Virgins, by Thomas Shepherd
The Reformed Pastor, by Richard Baxter
The Westminster Confession of Faith, w/ Directory of Publick Worship
The Works of John Owen, (16 Volumes)
The Works of Jonathan Edwards, (2 Volumes)
The Works of Augustus Toplady (1 Volume)
The Works of Christopher Love Volume 1
The Works of Thomas Manton (6 Volumes)
Theses Sabbaticae, by Thomas Shepherd
Treatise on the Lord’s Supper, by Thomas Doolittle
Post Puritan Writings
A Body of Practical Divinity, John Gill.
A Guide for Young Disciples, J.G. Pike
Consolation, J.W. Alexander
Earnest Ministry, John Angell James
Family Worship, J.W. Alexander
Fasting, Samuel Miller
God-Centered Evangelism, A.B. Kuiper
Interpretation of Prophecy, Patrick Fairbain
Primitive Theology, John Gerstner
Persuasions to Early Piety, J.G. Pike
Repent or Perish, John Gerstner
Sermons of William Cunningham
Select Sermons of George Whitefield
Spiritual Depression, Martin Lloyd Jones
The Christian Ministry, Charles Bridges
The Doctrine of Endless Punishment, W.G.T. Shedd
The Everlasting Righteousness, Andrew Bonar
The Last Things, Herman Bavinck
The Life of M’Cheyne, Andrew Bonar
The Ruling Elder, Samuel Miller
Thoughts on Preaching, J.W. Alexander
Warnings to the Churches, J.C. Ryle
Some books about or on the Puritans:
A Puritan Golden Treasury, I.E.D. Thomas
A Quest for Godliness, J.I. Packer
Lives of the Puritans, Benjamin Brook
John Owen on the Christian Life, Sinclair Fergusen
Jonathan Edwards Evangelist, John Gerstner
Jonathan Edwards a New Biography, Iain Murray
Jonathan Edwards on Heaven and Hell, by John Gerstner
Puritan Papers, Volume 1, edited by D. Martin Lloyd Jones
Puritan Papers, Volume 2, edited by J.I. Packer
Puritan Profiles, William Baker
Revival and Revivalism, Ian Murray
Spurgeon v. Hyper-Calvinism, Iain Murray
The Genius of Puritanism, Peter Lewis
The Grace of Law, Earnest Kevan
The Puritans, Martin Lloyd Jones
The Puritan Hope, Iain Murray
The Protector, J.H. Merle D’Aubigne
The Rational Biblical Theology of Jonathan Edwards, John Gerstner 3 Volumes
The Valley of Vision, Puritan Devotional
The Worship of the English Puritans, Horton Davies
The Worship of the American Puritans, Horton Davies
Why Read the Puritans Today?, Don Kistler
Worldly Saints, Leland Ryken
Puritan Works Published by Soli Deo Gloria
Addresses to Young Men, by John Angell James
The Almost Christian Discovered, by Matthew Mead
A Plea for the Godly and other sermons, by Thomas Watson
Altogether Lovely, by Jonathan Edwards
Annotations on the Pentateuch and Psalms, by Henry Ainsworth, 2 volumes
The Arraignment of Error, by Samuel Bolton
The Art of Divine Contentment, by Thomas Watson
A Beam of Divine Glory, by Edward Pearse
The Best Match, by Edward Pearse
Bible Thoughts, by Joseph Caryl
Biblical Theology, by John Owen
Call to the Unconverted (volume 2 of Practical Works), by Richard Baxter
The Carnal Professor & Christ Set Forth, by Robert Bolton & Thomas Goodwin
The Case and Cure of a Deserted Soul, by Joseph Symonds
Character of a Pastor According to God’s Heart Considered, by John Shaw
Christ: the Way, the Truth, and the Life, by John Brown
A Christian Directory, by Richard Baxter
The Christian Father’s Present to His Children, by John Angell James
The Christian Warrior, by Isaac Ambrose
The Christian’s Freedom: the Doctrine of Christian Liberty, by George Downame
Christ’s Counsel to His Languishing Church, by Obadiah Sedgwick
Christ’s Last Disclosure of Himself, by William Greenhill
Christ’s Sudden and Certain Appearances to Judgment, by Thomas Vincent
Commentary on Ecclesiastes: Volume 4 of the Works, by Edward Reynolds
The Dejected Soul’s Cure, Christopher Love
A Discourse Concerning Love, by Nathaniel Vincent
Disputations on Holy Scripture, by William Whitaker
Divine and Moral Songs for Children, by Isaac Watts
The Doubting Believer, by Obadiah Sedgwick
The Duty of Self-Denial and Ten Other Sermons, by Thomas Watson
The Evil of Evils, by Jeremiah Burroughs
The Exaltation of Christ: Volume 2 of the Works, by Edward Reynolds
The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit, by Jeremiah Burroughs
The Family Altar: Volume Four of the Works, by Oliver Heywood
The Fear of God, by John Bunyan
Female Piety (revised edition), by John Angell James
The Fight of Faith Crowned, by Thomas Watson
Fire and Brimstone, by Thomas Vincent
The Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Hell, Heaven, by Robert Bolton
General Directions for a Comfortable Walking with God, by Robert Bolton
Gleanings from Thomas Watson
Gleanings from William Gurnall, selected by Hamilton Smith
The Godly Family: Essays on the Duties of Parents and Children, compilation
God’s Terrible Voice in the City, by Thomas Vincent
The Good Work Begun, by Thomas Vincent
Gospel Conversation, by Jeremiah Burroughs
Gospel Fear, by Jeremiah Burroughs
Gospel Incense: A Practical Treatise on Prayer, by Thomas Cobbet
Gospel Reconciliation, by Jeremiah Burroughs
Gospel Remission, by Jeremiah Burroughs
Gospel Worship, by Jeremiah Burroughs
Grace: The Truth, Growth, and Different Degrees, by Christopher Love
A Guide to Christ, by Solomon Stoddard
A Guide for Young Disciples, by J.G. Pike
Heart Treasure: Volume Two of the Works, by Oliver Heywood
Heaven Opened: The Riches of God’s Covenant, by Richard Alleine
Heaven Taken by Storm, by Thomas Watson
A Help to Domestic Happiness, by John Angell James
The Improvement of the Mind, by Isaac Watts
The Instructed Christian, by William Lyford
Irenicum: Healing the Divisions Among God’s People, by Jeremiah Burroughs
Keeping the Heart, by John Flavel
Life in Jesus, by Octavius Winslow
Lives of the Puritans, by Benjamin Brooks, 3 volumes
Logic, or the Right Use of Reason, by Isaac Watts
Love to Christ Necessary to Escape the Curse at His Coming, by Thomas Doolittle
Meditations on the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Last Supper (Volume 3 of the Works) by Reynolds, Edward
The Mischief of Sin, by Thomas Watson
The Mortified Christian, by Christopher Love
The Mystery of Godliness, by John Calvin
A Name in Heaven the Truest Ground of Joy, by Matthew Mead
The Nature of Saving Conversion, by Solomon Stoddard
Parable of the Ten Virgins, by Thomas Shepard
Persuasives to Early Piety, by J.G. Pike
The Plain Man’s Pathway to Heaven, by Arthur Dent
The Pleasantness of a Religious Life, by Matthew Henry
The Poor Doubting Christian Drawn to Christ, by Thomas Hooker
The Practice of Piety, by Lewis Bayly
Preacher of God’s Word: Sermons by Christopher Love, by Christopher Love
Preaching Christ (Volume 5 of the Works of Edward Reynolds), by Edward Reynolds
The Precious Things of God, by Octavius Winslow
Pressing into the Kingdom, by Jonathan Edwards
The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
Puritans on Conversion, compilation
Puritans on the Lord’s Supper, compilation
Puritans on Loving One Another, compilation
Puritans on Prayer, compilation
Quaint Sermons, by Samuel Rutherford
The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit, by Matthew Henry
The Reformed Pastor (volume 4 of Practical Works), by Richard Baxter,
A Sacramental Catechism, by John Willison
Safety of Appearing on the Day of Judgment in the Righteousness of Christ, by Solomon Stoddard
The Saint’s Encouragement to Diligence in Christ’s Service, by James Janeway
Saints’ Everlasting Rest (volume 3 of Practical Works), by Richard Baxter
The Saint’s Happiness, by Jeremiah Burroughs
Satan’s Temptations (A Treatise on), by Richard Gilpin
The Select Works of Thomas Case
Sermons of the Log College, compiled by Archibald Alexander
Sermons of Matthew Mead
Sermons of Samuel Davies, 3 volumes
Sermons of Thomas Watson
The Sincere Convert and The Sound Believer (Volume 1 of the Works), by Thomas Shepard
Sinfulness of Sin: Volume 1 of the Works, by Edward Reynolds
Smooth Stones from Ancient Brooks: the Sayings of Thomas Brooks, compiled by Charles Spurgeon
Solitude Improved by Divine Meditation, by Nathanael Ranew
A Spectacle Unto God: The Life and Death of Christopher Love, by Don Kistler
Spiritual Comfort, by John Colquhoun
A Token for Children, by James Janeway and Cotton Mather
A Treatise Concerning the Lord’s Supper, by Thomas Doolittle
A Treatise on Earthly-Mindedness, by Jeremiah Burroughs
A Treatise of Effectual Calling and Election, by Christopher Love
A Treatise on the Law and the Gospel, by John Colquhoun
A Treatise on the Soul: Volume 6 of the Works, by Edward Reynolds
The True Christian’s Love to the Unseen Christ, by Thomas Vincent
The Way to True Happiness, by Robert Harris
The Widow Directed to the Widow’s God, by John Angell James
A Woman’s Mission, by John Angell James
The Works of Andrew Gray
The Works of Christopher Love: Volume 1
The Works of Edward Polhill
The Works of Edward Reynolds, 6 volumes
The Works of Ezekiel Hopkins, 3 volumes
The Works of John Boys
The Works of Thomas Shepard, 3 volumes
The World Conquered by the Faithful Christian, by Richard Alleine
The Wrath of Almighty God, by Jonathan Edwards
Puritan Paperback Series Published by Banner of Truth Trust
All Loves Excelling, by John Bunyan
Apostasy from the Gospel, by John Owen
All Things for Good, by Thomas Watson
Art of Prophesying, by William Perkins
Christian’s Great Interest, William Guthrie
Doctrine of Repentance, by Thomas Watson
Glory of Christ , by John Owen
Heaven on Earth, by Thomas Brooks
Learning in Christ’s School, Ralph Venning
Lifting Up for the Downcast, William Bridge
Prayer, John Bunyan
Puritan Golden Treasury, IDE Thomas
Reformed Pastor, by Richard Baxter
Sinfulness of Sin , Edward Reynolds
Bruised Reed, Richard Sibbs
Communion With God, by John Owen
Glorious Freedom, Richard Sibbs
Godly Man’s Picture, by Thomas Watson
Holy Spirit, by John Owen
Letters of Samuel Rutherford
Mystery of Providence, by John Flavel
Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices, by Thomas Brooks
Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, by Jeremiah Burroughs
Shorter Catechism Explained From Scripture, by Samuel Rutherford
True Bounds of Christian Freedom, by Samuel Bolton
Puritan Books Published by Banner of Truth Trust
Advice For Seekers
Body Of Divinity, by Thomas Watson
Charity And Its Fruits, by Jonathan Edwards
Christian In Complete Armour, by William Gurnall
Christian’s Great Interest, The, by William Guthrie
Death Of Death In The Death Of Christ, by John Owen
Epistle To The Hebrews, (7 Volumes) by John Owen
Ezekiel, by William Greenhill
Four Gospels, by John Brown
Glory Of Christ, by John Owen
Great Works Of Christ In America, by Cotton Mather
Hebrews, by John Brown
Interpretation Of Prophecy, The Patrick Fairbaine
James, by Thomas Manton
Jonathan Edwards On Knowing Christ
Jonathan Edwards On Revival
Jude, by Thomas Manton
Letters Of Henry Venn
Letters Of John Newton
Letters Of Samuel Rutherford
Letters Of William Still
Life And Letters Of John Bunyan
Life And Sermons Of Edward Griffin
Lord’s Prayer, by Thomas Watson
Memoirs Of The Westminster Divines
Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan
Psalm 119, by Thomas Manton
Romans 8, by Thomas Jacomb
Samuel Rutherford And His Friends
Sermons Of Samuel Ward
Ten Commandments, by Thomas Watson
Vision For Missions, Puritan Prayers
Works Of David Clarkson
Works Of George Swinnock
Works Of John Bunyan
Works Of John Flavel
Works Of John Newton
Works Of John Owen
Works Of Jonathan Edwards
Works Of Richard Sibbes
Works Of Thomas Brooks
Works Of Thomas Manton
Writings Of John Bradford
Puritan (and other) Books Published by International Outreach
Spiritual Refining: The Anatomy of True and False Conversion, Volume 1, by Anthony Burgess
Spiritual Refining: The Anatomy of True and False Conversion, Volume 2, by Anthony Burgess
Sin, the Law, and the Glory of the Gospel, by Joseph Bellamy
Private Thoughts on Religion, by Thomas Adam
The Soul’s Humiliation, by Thomas Hooker
True Religion Delineated, by Joseph Bellamy
The Soul’s Preparation for Christ, by Thomas Hooker
The Christian’s Two Chief Lessons: Self-Denial & Self-Trial, by Thomas Hooker
Puritan (and other) Books Published by Sprinkle Publications
The Nonsuch Professor, by William Secker
The Grace of Christ, by William S. Plumer
The Law of God, by William S. Plumer
The Rock of Our Salvation, by William S. Plumer
The Sympathy of Christ, by Octavius Winslow
Vital Godliness: A Treatise on Experimental and Practical Piety, by William S. Plumer
Jehovah Jireh: A Treatise on Providence, by William S. Plumer
The Bible and the Closet, by Thomas Watson and Samuel Lee
The Christian, by William S. Plumer
Thoughts on Public Prayer, by Samuel Miller
The Complete Works of William Bates
The Complete Works of Edward Payson
The Complete Works of Augustus M. Toplady
The Complete Works of Andrew Fuller
Riches Increased by Giving, by William Gouge
The Religious Tradesman, by Richard Steele
The Life of God in the Soul of Man, by Henry Scougal
The Christian’s Daily Walk, by Henry Scudder
Looking Unto Jesus, by Isaac Ambrose
A Remedy for Wandering Thoughts in Worship, by Richard Steele
Aaron’s Rod Blossoming, by George Gillespie
Lex Rex, by Samuel Rutherford
Puritan Works by Don Kistler and Northampton Press
Sermons on the Lord’s Supper, by Jonathan Edwards
