Where to Start
If you’re unsure where to begin your journey, you’re not alone.
Where should I start reading the Puritans?
To help answer that question, we have selected seven books that serve as an excellent introduction for new readers. Each book was chosen using the following SLIM criteria:
· Simplicity — easy to read and understand
· Length — shorter and approachable (roughly 100 pages)
· Impact — deeply practical and spiritually transformative
· Majority — widely recommended by pastors, scholars, and experienced readers
Whether you’re brand new to the Puritans or looking for a solid foundation, these books are designed to help you begin the journey with confidence. As a side note, the following books are written by Puritans. If you are unfamiliar with the historical context of the Puritans, we would highly recommend you read “Following God Fully: an Introduction to the Puritans” by Michael Reeves and Joel Beeke. We haven’t found a better resource to educate you on who the Puritans were, what they believed, and why you should read them.
The List
Heaven Taken by Storm
by Thomas Watson
Joel Beeke once said this should be a person’s first Puritan book. It was for that reason that we put it on this list and why we chose it as our first translation project.
The Vanity of Thoughts
by Thomas Goodwin
This book shows the wickedness and the vanity of the heart by nature, particularly the vanity of thoughts. In it, Goodwin argues that it is not what thoughts pass through your hearts but those which lodge or dwell in your hearts that shows your true repentance.
The Life of God in the Soul of Man
by Henry Scougal
Crossway says this book “cuts through false ideas about Christianity and demonstrates how to pursue true unity with God.”
This is also the book that was instrumental in drawing George Whitefield to Christ
We also recommend checking out these two resources from Desiring God:
The Heart of Christ For Sinners
by Thomas Goodwin
This is an abridged version of Goodwin’s book on the grace of Christ toward sinners on earth. This one has also been updated with modern language to make it easier to read.
Triumphing Over Sinful Fear
by John Flavel
This book shows how fear can become sinful and what to do about it.
Stop Loving the World
by William Greenhill
This book shows why we should not love the world and offers practical advice on how to pry our fallen natures away from loving the world.
This quote sums up how important this book is, ““You do not love the Father if your affections are chained to the world.”
Faith Seeking Assurance
by Anthony Burgess
If you’ve ever questioned your own salvation, this book is for you.