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Puritan Bios

Puritan Biographies and Works on the Best Puritans
Today, many Christians are turning back to the puritans to, “walk in the old paths,” of God’s word, and to continue to proclaim old truth that glorifies Jesus Christ. There is no new theology. In our electronic age, more and more people are looking to add electronic books (ePubs, mobi and PDF formats) to their library – books from the Reformers and Puritans – in order to become a “digital puritan” themselves. Take a moment to visit Puritan Publications (click the banner below) to find the biggest selection of rare puritan works updated in modern English in both print form and in multiple electronic forms. There are new books published every month. All proceeds go to support A Puritan’s Mind.

(At the bottom of this page, you will find a current list of all the biographies, portraits and works of the puritan divines on this site by name.)

The Puritans have no doubt profoundly affected me and my walk with Christ. They have drawn me closer to Christ, and as a result, I have an affinity to them and their work. One study of the 1647 Westminster Confession will have any thoughtful Christian hooked on the greatness of Puritan Theology.

If you click on the links in the margin, each puritan has a respective page (there are hundreds of pages). Each page will list their works, a biography of them, and if any good works are available in reprints today. I hope they will be as helpful for you as they have been for me.

Check out this podcast on The Puritans as Precisionists that I spoke on during the Iron Sharpens Iron Radio Program. (2 Hours).

One of the greatest books I have ever read besides the Bible is Francis Turretin’s (1623-1687) “Institutes of Elenctic Theology.” This is where Turretin came after, but stood upon the shoulders of the previous reformers, in his theological views. Consequently, the Puritans did the same. The Puritans are a deep well of theology and biblical exposition. They knew how to align theology and practice together like no other time in the post-reformation church.

Another classic that continues to be profoundly influential to me is John Bunyan’s (1628-1688) “Pilgrim’s Progress.” I have read it more times than I can count. Bunyan’s treatment and exposition of the practical life of the Christian is exemplary for meditation and holy living before Jesus Christ. It is regarded as one of the most significant works of religious English Literature, has been translated into more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print. Amazing.

Jeremiah Burroughs’ (1599-1646) work, “Gospel Worship,” was key in transforming my views of worship from mundane to sacred. Burroughs masterfully applied the implications of Leviticus 10:3 to the life of the church and the directives God gives for worship in a way few others have ever done. It is a gem. And many of his other sermons have been greatly helpful to me as well, such as his works, “Gospel Peace,” and “Jacob’s Seed and David’s Delight“.

Christopher Love’s (1618-1651) work, “The Hearer’s Duty” contains rules for buying and selling. It may be one of the greatest, if not the greatest piece of expository writing on commodities in lieu of the Christian life in print. Every Christian ought to devour that work who lives in our commercial civilization. Referenced below in discussing Jonathan Edwards is another one of Love’s works on hell that is astounding, and deeply penetrating. His book A Treatise on Hell’s Terror may be the best work I ever read on the doctrine of endless punishment.

Nathaniel Ranew’s (1602-1678) book, “Solitude Improved by Divine Meditation; or a Treatise on Divine Meditation,” is a classic work on Biblical meditation – one of my all time favorites (right up there with Thomas White’s work and Edmund Calamy’s work). He expounds the proper and improper attitudes and directives to meditating on God’s Word from God’s Word. I do not know what I would have done as a young Christian without the help of that particular work in my daily devotional life.

Blaise Pascal’s (1623-1662) “PENSÉES” are phenomenal. He covers so many topics with deep insight that you are bound to ponder just a sentence or two for hours.

William Perkins (1558-1602) and his writings are some of the most excellent pieces of theological literature in existence. Puritan Publications has published a number of his works. In working to publish these excellent works, it has been an edifying time in updating each of these treatises for my own spiritual benefit. Even his, “Discourse on the Damned Art of Witchcraft” is possibly the best book on witchcraft I’ve ever read. And no doubt, the contents of that work is little known in our day, or even contemplated.

John Brinsley (1600-1665), the younger, was a Presbyterian puritan divine who was a powerful Reformed Gospel preacher and writer. He is by far one of the best puritans I’ve ever read. And…he wrote one of the greatest books in Puritan Theology called, The Christian’s Union, Communion and Conformity to Jesus Christ In His Death and Resurrection. It is staggering in its depth and will draw the Christian into a deeper walk with Jesus.

Francis Whiddon (d. 1656), who is relatively unknown, wrote a wonderful work called, A Golden Topaz, or Heart-Jewel, Namely, a Conscience Purified and Pacified by the Blood and Spirit of Christ. If a minister could only write one book, on one topic, what would it be? The topic Whiddon chose was the blood of Jesus Christ. This is an amazing work.

There are many, many others which I could mention, (Thomas Valentine, Hannibal Gammon, William Strong, etc.). Some of these men have had much tribute on the internet (like Thomas Watson and John Owen). Here, at A Puritan’s Mind, I’ve dedicated a huge amount of resources to posting many of their writings, or posting a bibliography of their writings under their respective names. Part of this dedication is re-publishing many of the old Westminsterian works which have been, 1) out of print for hundreds of years, or 2) never been publish except in the day they were originally written. I am working continuously to republish these work in gently updating them to modern English without losing any intention from the author. Currently, we have over 60 works republished in modern print by these Westminster giants. (Check them out here.)

One of our most crowning achievements in publishing the Westminster Puritans is the new 1647 Westminster Confession and Standards, with all their subordinate documents, containing complete-cited proofs from the KJV bible. It has been carefully reproduced and is now in its 3rd printing. It is by far the best translation of the Westminster Confession in print since its first printing in the 17th century, and is worth the reader’s time being the best confession of Christian Theology ever penned.

But among the Puritan expositors of God’s Word (which narrows this focus), all these men stand out. They not only profoundly affected the way I think about the Bible, but they have brought me into a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. They have helped me climb many, “hills of difficulties,” through their sermons, treatises, and writings.

These Puritans preachers have had relatively little exposure to the 21st century church, much less the internet. Hopefully that will change (currently there are about a dozen sites trying to really get the word out on the puritans and the reformation – that’s far too little). They are a wealth of knowledge. They speak to me as a pastor would through their expositions of the Word even though they have gone to be with Jesus Christ physically.

Many of the puritans listed have book covers on their respective pages. Puritan Publications is working to take many rare works of the Westminster Puritans (and other puritans) and place them into print. So there are a number of eBooks, paperback books and hardback volumes that are available for sale by these great lights of the Christian and Reformed Faith. For a fraction of the cost of going to the movies, of which William Perkins condemns the use of stage-plays, them being, for the most part, “representations of men’s villainy and wickedness, to provoke the spectators to joy and laughter, and therefore are unlawful, and not to be used,” you can instead spend just a few dollars on some of the greatest treatises ever written. Such works as William Spurstowe’s classic on the promises of God as an eBook, “The Wells of Salvation Opened.” Works by William PerkinsMichael HarrisonJohn BrinsleySimeon Ashe, and hundreds more. It is almost as if there are “too many” of these great works to read. So many books, so little time.

Don’t Forget Jonathan Edwards

Also visit the Jonathan Edwards section of this website. Though Edwards was not a puritan (which is a basic misconception), he was profoundly influenced by the Puritans and read much of  their theology, as well as the writings of the Reformation. Edwards, for example, thought Christopher Love’s sermons on Hell were the best exposition of the doctrine overall. Edwards definitely is one of the greatest theological minds to come after the puritan movement. On this site are all his works found in most of the recent double volume books of his works.

 

What About Ramean Logic?

If you are interested in Ramist Logic and the logical thought of the puritans, then you need to read this work: Peter Ramus and the Educational Reformation of the 16th Century by Frank Graves. Ramist thought was a way the Puritans were taught logical principles and how those principles aided them in being precisionists – astounding expositors of the Word of God. This work on Ramean Logic by Frank Graves is an excellent history of Peter Ramus who changed the world as a result of his writings on logic. An excellent work both in hardback and ebook.

Today, many Christians are turning back to the puritans to, “walk in the old paths,” of God’s word, and to continue to proclaim old truth that glorifies Jesus Christ. There is no new theology. In our electronic age, more and more people are looking to add electronic books (ePubs, mobi and PDF formats) to their library – books from the Reformers and Puritans – in order to become a “digital puritan” themselves. Take a moment to visit Puritan Publications to find the biggest selection of rare puritan works updated in modern English in both print form and in multiple electronic forms. There are new books published every month. All proceeds go to support A Puritan’s Mind.

In Christ and His grace,
Rev. C. Matthew McMahon, Ph.D., Th.D.

Adoniram Byfield (1602-1660)
Alexander Gill (1565–1635)
Alexander Henderson (1583–1646)
Alexander Hume (1560-1609)
Andrew Gray (1634-1656)
Andrew Kingsmill (1538-1569)
Andrew Perne (1596–1654)
Anthony Burgess (1600-1663)
Anthony Tuckney (1599–1670)
Archibald Campbell (1598-1661)
Archibald Johnston (1611–1663)
Arthur Dent (d.1607)
Arthur Hesilrige (1601–1661)
Bartholomew Ashwood (1622–1680)
Benjamin Pickering (n.d.)
Benjamin Rudyerd (1572–1658)
Benjamin Woodbridge (1622-1684)
Bernard Gilpin (1517-1583)
Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
Brocket (or Peter) Smith (1586–1653)
Calybute Downing (1606–1644)
Christopher Elderfield (1607-1652)
Christopher Love (1618-1651)
Christopher Ness (1621-1705)
Cornelius Burges (1589–1665)
Cuthbert Sydenham (1622–1654)
Daniel Burgess (1645-1713)
Daniel Cawdrey (Cawdry) (1588–1664)
Daniel Featley (1582-1645)
David Dickson (1583–1663)
Edmund Calamy (1600-1666)
Edmund Staunton (1600-1671)
Edward Corbet (d. 1658)
Edward Dering (1540-1576)
Edward Montagu (1602-1671)
Edward Pierce (1633-1694)
Edward Reynolds (1599-1676)
Ephraim Pagitt (1575-1647)
Ezekiel Culverwell (1553-1631)
Ezekiel Hopkins (1633-1690)
Francis Cheynell (1608-1665)
Francis Rous (1579–1659)
Francis Taylor (1589–1656)
Francis Turretin (1623-1687)
Francis Whiddon (d. 1658)
Francis Woodcock, (1614-1649)
Franciscus Gomarus (1563-1641)
Francis Roberts (1609-1675)
Gaspar Hickes (d. 1677)
George Gifford (1547-1620)
George Gillespie (1613-1648)
George Morley (1598–1684)
George Swinnock (1627-1673)
George Walker (1581-1651)
Hannibal Gammon (1585-1674)
Henry Ainsworth (1571–1622 or 1623)
Henry Burton (1606-1654)
Henry Greenwood (d. 1634?)
Henry Hall (n.d.)
Henry Hammond (1605-1660)
Henry Newcome (1627-1695)
Henry Pendlebury (1626-1695)
Henry Roborough (d. 1650)
Henry Scougal (1650-1678)
Henry Scudder (d. 1659)
Henry Smith (1560-1601?)
Henry Tozer (1602-1650)
Henry Vane Jr. (1613-1662)
Henry Wilkinson (1610-1675) (Sr.)
Herbert Palmer (1601–1647)
Hugh Binning (1627-1653)
Humphrey Chambers (d. 1662)
Humphrey Hardwicke (n.d.)
Isaac Ambrose (1604–1663)
James Durham (1622–1658)
James Janeway (1636-1674)
James Nalton (1600-1662)
James Ussher (1581–1656)
Jeremiah Burroughs (1599-1646)
Jeremiah Whittaker (1599–1654)
John Arrowsmith (1602-1659)
John Ball (1585-1640)
John Beart (1673-1716)
John Bond (1612-1676)
John Brinsley (1600-1665)
John Bunyan (1628-1688)
Nicholas Lockyer (1611-1685)
John Campbell (n.d.)
John Carter (d. 1655)
John Clotworthy (d. 1665)
John Conant (1608-1694)
John Cook (1608–1660)
John Cotton (1585-1662)
John Dod (1549-1645)
John Downame (1571-1652)
John Dury (1596-1680)
John Earle (1601–1665)
John Eedes (1609-1667)
John Flavel (1630–1691)
John Forbes (1568–1634)
John Foxcroft (n.d.)
John Gibbon (b.c.1587)
John Glynne (1602–1666)
John Greene (d. 1660)
John Hacket (1592-1670)
John Harris (n.d.)
John Howe (1630-1705)
John Jackson (1600-1648)
John Kettlewell (1653-1695)
John Langley (n.d.)
John Ley (1583-1662)
John Lightfoot (1602-1675)
John Maitland (n.d.)
John Maynard (1600–1665)
John Owen (1616-1683)
John Philips (Phillips) (1585-1663)
John Preston, D.D. (1587–1628)
John Strickland (1601-1670)
John Trapp (1601-1669)
John Udall (1560–1592)
John Wallis (1616–1703)
John Ward (n.d.)
John White (1575-1648)
John Wilde (n.d.)
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
Joseph Alleine (1634-1668)
Joseph Caryl (1602-1673)
Joseph Symonds (d.1652)
Joshua Hoyle (d. 1654)
Josias Shute (1588–1643)
Lazarus Seaman (1607–1675)
Lewis Bayly (1575-1631)
Matthew Henry (1662-1714)
Matthew Mead (1629-1699)
Matthew Newcomen (1610-1669)
Matthew Sylvester (1636–1708)
Michael Harrison (1640-1729)
Nathaniel Fiennes (1608–1669)
Nathaniel Hardy (1618–1670)
Nathaniel Holmes (or Homes) (1599–1678)
Nathaniel Ranew (1602–1678)
Nathaniel Vincent (1639-1697)
Nicholas Bound, D.D. (d. 1613)
Nicholas Byfield (1579-1622)
Nicholas Chewney (1610-1685)
Nicholas Proffet (n.d.)
Obadiah Grew (1607-1689)
Obadiah Sedgwick (1600-1658)
Oliver Bowles (1574-1644)
Oliver Heywood (1630-1702)
Oliver St. John (1598–1673)
Paul Bayne (1573-1617)
Peter Du Moulin (1601-1684)
Peter Ramus (Petrus Ramus) (1515-1572)
Peter Sterry (1613-1672)
Philip Delme (n.d.)
Philip Henry (1631-1696)
Philip Nye (1595-1672)
Ralph Brownrig (1592–1659)
Ralph Venning (1622-1674)
Richard Allestree (1619-1681)
Richard Byfield (1598–1664)
Richard Capel (1586–1656)
Richard Gilpin (1625-1700)
Richard Heyrick (1600–1667)
Richard Holdsworth (1590–1649)
Richard Love (1596-1661)
Richard Rawlin (1687-1757)
Richard Sibbes (1577-1635)
Richard Steele (1629-1692)
Richard Vines (1600–1656)
Robert Baillie (1602–1662)
Robert Bolton (1572-1631)
Robert Cleaver (d. 1613)
Robert Crosse (1606–1683)
Richard Greenham (1531?-1594)
Robert Harris (1581-1658)
Robert Rich (1587–1658)
Robert Sanderson (1587–1663)
John Durant (1620-1686)
Nicholas Clagett (1610-1663)
Robert Trail (1642-1716)
Samuel Bolton (1606-1654)
Samuel Clarke (1599-1682)
Samuel Crossman (1623-1683)
Samuel de la Place (1580-1637)

Samuel Gibson (n.d.)

Samuel Lee (1625-1691)

Samuel Petto (1624–1711)
Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)
Samuel Ward (1577-1640)
Samuel Willard (1640-1707)
Simeon Ashe (d.1662)
Stanley Gower (1600–1660)
Stephen Charnock (1628-1680)
Stephen Marshall (1594–1655)
Sydrach Simpson (1600–1655)
Theodore Bathurst (1587–1652)
Thomas Adams (1583-1652)
Thomas Baylie (1582–1663)
Thomas Blake (1597-1657)
Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)
Thomas Carter (n.d.)
Thomas Cartwright (1535–1603)
Thomas Case (1598-1682)
Thomas Cawton (1605-1659)
Thomas Clendon (n.d.)
Thomas Cobbet (1608-1686)
Thomas Coleman (1598–1674)
Thomas Doolittle (1630-1707)
Thomas Ford (1598–1674)
Thomas Fuller (1608-1661)
Thomas Gattaker (1574–1654)
Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680)
Thomas Gouge (1605-1681)
Thomas Hill (d. 1653)
Thomas Hodges (1600-1672)
Thomas Hooker (1586-1647)
Thomas Jollie (1629-1703)
Thomas Manton (1620-1677)
Thomas Mockett (1602-1670)
Thomas Shepard (1605-1649)
Thomas Taylor (1576-1632)
Thomas Temple (1567–1637)
Thomas Thorowgood (n.d.)
Thomas Valentine B.D. (1586-1665)
Thomas Vincent (1634–1678)
Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
Thomas Westfield (1573-1644)
Thomas White (d. 1672)
Thomas Wilson (1563–1622)
Thomas Young (1587–1655)
Timothy Armitage (d. 1655)
Walter Cradock (Craddock or Cradoc) (1606–1659)
Walter Marshall (1628-1680)
Walter Yonge (1599–1649)
William Ames (1576-1633)
William Attersoll (d.1640)
William Bates (1625-1699)
William Bridge (1600-1670)
William Carter (1605–1658)
William Fiennes (1582–1662)
William Fulke (1538-1589)
William Gearing (1625–1690)
William Gouge (1575-1653)
William Greenhill (1591-1671)
William Gurnall (1617-1679)
William Lyford (1598-1653)
William Mew (1602–1669)
William Nicholson (1591–1672)
William Pemble (1592-1623)
William Perkins (1558-1602)
William Pierrepont (1607–1678)
William Pinke (1599–1629)
William Price (1597-1646)
William Rathband (n.d.)
William Sclater (1575-1626)
William Spurstowe (1605-1666)
William Strode (1598–1645)
William Strong (d. 1654)
William Twisse (1578–1646)
Zachary Crofton (1626-1672)

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