How to Start Reading the Puritans?

[omniavanitas]

Most of my theological reading outside of the Bible has been patristics and I was wondering what some of the "staple" Puritan works are? To help narrow it down, I'm particularly interested in the sacraments (read an article I found on here called Understanding Infant Baptism by and I'm ordering Infant Baptism God's Ordinance by Michael Harrison, so any recommendations on the reformed view of the Eucharist would be appreciated), spiritual warfare (I've read part of Satan Cast Out by Frederick Leahy, but I'm looking for more stuff like that) and pneumatology (I have Anselm of Canterbury's On the Procession of the Holy Spirit, mainly trying to understand the Western view of the filioque better).

Any recommendations that you think are must-reads for reformed theology are also welcome, those are just specific topics I could think of. Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Stuff on reformed liturgics would also be welcome. Thanks again!

 

[CasualWestminsterEnjoyer]

​

Richard Vines, A Treatise of the Institution, Right administration and receiving of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

On infant baptism, see Thomas Blake. On baptism in general see Matthew Henry, Treatise on Baptism.

On the Holy Spirit, read John Owen, Pneumatologia.

On worship, read John Owen and George Gillespie.

 

[Jake]

Generally I advise people start with Pilgrim's Progress by Bunyan. You seem to be a more advanced reader, but I still don't think it is bad advice.

You could look at A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life by Packer for a good introduction to Puritan theology.

 

[TheInquirer]

Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks for spiritual warfare.

 

[paranymph]

Gospel Worship by Burroughs

 

[chicagophil]

I would start with something early in the era, perhaps William Perkins _Golden Chain_ or _Reformed Catholic_.

 

[davejonescue]

If you have downtime, or go on walks, or workout, etc. Here is John Downames "The Christian Warfare" in Audio-book.

The Christian Warfare - John Downame - Audiobook

Hello all, this is "The Christian Warfare" by John Downame. This book was converted from text to audio using Piper. A little about the book: "Downame stands ...

www.youtube.com

"With the possible exception of Gurnall's 'Christian Armour,' this book is the finest Puritan work on the theme of the Christian warfare. It is also Downame's best work." - Joel Beeke

 

[gkterry]

Something easier to read like Thomas Watson's Heaven Taken By Storm (AKA The Christian Soldier). That was the first Puritan book I read and with much profit.

 

[JRW11B]

Thomas Goodwin - The Heart of Christ

 

[WithinThePale]

Thomas Goodwin - The Heart of Christ

I second this!

 

[omniavanitas]

Huge thanks to everyone that replied. I have all of your recommendations on my list, but I got three to start. I got The Heart of Christ since it was recommended by two of you, and I also got Heaven Taken By Storm since it was recommended as an easier read, and Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.

 

[sgemmen9]

Meet the Puritans is a good one in my opinion, if that hasn't been said already.

 

[omniavanitas]

Meet the Puritans is a good one in my opinion, if that hasn't been said already.

It hasn't, but it's on the list now!

 

[DanSSwing]

Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks for spiritual warfare.

My pastor just gave me that one a few days ago!
[automerge]1749229998[/automerge]

Meet the Puritans is a good one in my opinion, if that hasn't been said already.

I found Ben Stiller's movie adaptation of this one very confusing.