Who Were the Puritans?
The Puritans were English Protestants who sought to “purify” the Church of England from remaining Roman Catholic practices during the Reformation. They believed in:
- The authority of Scripture alone
- The sovereignty of God in salvation
- The necessity of holiness in heart and life
- Family worship and godly living in every area of life
They were not cold or legalistic. In fact, their writings are full of Christ-centered devotion, love for God, and longing for heaven.
Why You Should Read the Puritans
1. They Take God Seriously
Puritan books are marked by a deep reverence for God’s majesty. Whether you read John Owen on sin, Richard Sibbes on Christ’s tenderness, or Thomas Watson on doctrine, you will come away with a bigger view of God.
“The end of preaching is not to fill the head, but to better the heart.” — Thomas Watson
2. They Are Deeply Biblical
Puritan writers were not philosophers; they were expositors of Scripture. Their books are saturated with the Word of God, and they apply it to every part of life with clarity and power.
You won’t find self-help fluff in their writings, just pure doctrine, gospel truth, and heart application.
3. They Balance Head and Heart
Modern readers often struggle with books that are either too academic or too emotional. The Puritans combine both. Their works stretch the mind and stir the soul.
Whether you're wrestling with assurance, struggling with sin, or seeking joy in Christ, the Puritans walk with you and lead you back to the gospel.
4. They Speak to Real-Life Struggles
The Puritans wrote as pastors and shepherds not distant scholars. They dealt with suffering, loss, temptation, marriage, prayer, and spiritual dryness. Their answers aren’t quick fixes but Christ-centered truths that lead to lasting joy and obedience.
Where to Start: Recommended Puritan Books in 2025
Here are some timeless Puritan books available now at ReformedBooks.org:
The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes
A comforting book for wounded believers. Shows the gentleness of Christ toward struggling saints.
The Mortification of Sin by John Owen
A powerful book on how to kill sin through the Spirit. Deep, convicting, and necessary for growth in holiness.
A Body of Divinity by Thomas Watson
A beautifully written, doctrinally rich summary of Christian theology based on the Westminster Shorter Catechism.
Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks
A practical guide to resisting temptation and standing firm in spiritual warfare.
Final Thoughts
The Puritans wrote for eternity. Their books lift our eyes from earth to heaven, from self to Christ, from sin to salvation. If you're hungry for truth, holiness, and deep joy in God, you need the Puritans on your shelf in 2025.
“A man may be theologically knowing and spiritually starving.” — John Owen
Read the Puritans not just for knowledge, but for worship, wisdom, and a heart set on things above.