A recent SI post got me thinking about this, and the effect of Puritan writers in my own devotional life. I am not an avid Puritan reader, but an occasional one. On the positive side, their quest and hunger for godliness inspires me. On the negative, they tend to “pound,” and I am the type of person who finds pounding counterproductive. But, despite the negative, I can appreciate the positive.
What about you? Have the Puritan greats (or unknowns) inspired or challenged you?
If I were to choose my favorite, it would probably be the less-known Thomas Watson.
Some would maintain that Spurgeon or John Gill were Puritans; that is a case for others to argue. One definiton of the term is, “a member of a group of English Protestants of the late 16th and 17th centuries who regarded the Reformation of the Church of England under Elizabeth as incomplete and sought to simplify and regulate forms of worship”
Hard to define the terrn. I use the term loosely to refer to a movement mostly in the 1600 and 1700’s, based upon Calvinism. I might even include non-conformist Calvinists in this lot. But we will stretch the term and allow you to use your definition.
What about you?
Poll Results
Do you (at least sometimes) read Puritan writers?
No, I rarely or never consult or read the Puritan writers/preachers. Votes: 6
Yes, I sometimes read them here or there. Votes: 11
Yes, I read them fairly frequently. Votes: 3
Yes, I read them often OR they have have had a great impact on my approach to ministry or the Christian life. Votes: 3
Other Votes: 0
Discussion
NewThere was a coupe of years
NewI just starting reading
Thomas Watson’s A Body of Divinity. The prologue is on the need for catechism, or what I would call the need to teach theology on purpose to our church.
I have read Owen quite a bit, as well as Baxter’s Reformed Pastor. I’m not sure he is technically a Puritan, since he is from the early 19th century, but Bridges Psalm 119 book is excellent.