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Glory of Grace: An Intro to the Puritans
Who were the Puritans? What did they seek to achieve? What were their successes and failures? Are they of any importance to Christians today?
We firmly believe that all Christians need to discover the important story of how these men and women sought to follow Jesus Christ. Their convictions resulted in a brave and joyful faith, and the writing they have left us on the Christian life continues to be a rich resource for our own discipleship. Meeting the Puritans by listening to them has enriched both of us more than we can express. And so, in The Glory of Grace, we want to introduce you to people who had a deep love for Jesus Christ and a great vision for the Christian life. We all have much to learn…
Each chapter contains a concise introduction followed by carefully selected excerpts from key Puritan works, together with suggestions for further reading.
We firmly believe that all Christians need to discover the important story of how these men and women sought to follow Jesus Christ. Their convictions resulted in a brave and joyful faith, and the writing they have left us on the Christian life continues to be a rich resource for our own discipleship. Meeting the Puritans by listening to them has enriched both of us more than we can express. And so, in The Glory of Grace, we want to introduce you to people who had a deep love for Jesus Christ and a great vision for the Christian life. We all have much to learn…
Each chapter contains a concise introduction followed by carefully selected excerpts from key Puritan works, together with suggestions for further reading.
184 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2018
10 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Lewis Allen
4 books4 followersLewis Allen pastored Gunnersbury Baptist Church in London for over twelve years, and in 2010 was called to plant what is now Hope Church in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, where he is now Senior Pastor. Lewis has degrees in Classics and Theology and Historical Theology from Cambridge University and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, and is pursuing a doctoral degree through Oxford University, researching Henry Venn of Huddersfield and Eighteenth Century Yorkshire Evangelicalism. He has published with Crossway Books as well as with the Banner of Truth. In his spare time Lewis loves fly-fishing and running.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 22, 2020
I don't hesitate to give this book five stars for many reasons. First, it gives a clear, historical picture of the lives of many men who were called by God to faithfully proclaim the truth of His word and we can all learn a great deal from the disciplines and thoughts and devotions of men of the past. Second, it gives a wonderful sampling of various attributes of God's character and the Christian faith which are edifying to the soul! Third, it gives references to further readings/works that I am excited to pursue in reading in the future. This book opened a whole new realm of history and rich Biblical exposition to me that I did not truly experience until I read it. I am thankful for God's faithfulness to the Puritans and His people through all of history to preserve His word and preach with a central focus on the gospel of Christ. Amazing work!
September 5, 2025
In the introduction to this book, the editors acknowledge that most people see the Puritans as “self – righteous killjoys.” Instead, they believe that “their convictions resulted in a brave and joyful faith.“ This book features writings from 11 prominent Puritans, one female and 10 males.
One of my favorite books is a book of Puritan Prayers. In reading this book, I discovered that the Puritans had a great love for God and a desire to have God’s heart. This prayer book has greatly ministered to me. So I was curious as to what they had to say about faith and living. I was rewarded with many jewels of Christian thought.
Each section is proceeded by a short biography, and then a synopsis of the significance of that writer’s contribution to the Puritan theology.
I particularly liked the writings of John Owen. For example, in the introduction to his section on communion with God, the editor writes, “Owen explores how we can enjoy a living relationship with God. The key, he argues, is to relate to each distinct member of the Trinity. The book then explores how the father, son and spirit each relate to us and how we are to respond.”
To quote John Owens: “The outcomes and fruits of God‘s love are made out to us through Christ alone. No light comes to us except through beams of light. Yet through those beams, we see the sun which is the fountain of light. Though all our refreshment lies in streams of water, yet by them, we are led up to the fountain. Jesus Christ, in respect of the love of the Father, is but the beam and the stream. In Him are all our light and our refreshment.”
Other sections feature Anne Bradford, the first American female poet; Samuel Rutherford whose letters written in exile have inspired many; and Richard Baxter, whose segment on everyday discipleship I found most interesting.
One of my favorite books is a book of Puritan Prayers. In reading this book, I discovered that the Puritans had a great love for God and a desire to have God’s heart. This prayer book has greatly ministered to me. So I was curious as to what they had to say about faith and living. I was rewarded with many jewels of Christian thought.
Each section is proceeded by a short biography, and then a synopsis of the significance of that writer’s contribution to the Puritan theology.
I particularly liked the writings of John Owen. For example, in the introduction to his section on communion with God, the editor writes, “Owen explores how we can enjoy a living relationship with God. The key, he argues, is to relate to each distinct member of the Trinity. The book then explores how the father, son and spirit each relate to us and how we are to respond.”
To quote John Owens: “The outcomes and fruits of God‘s love are made out to us through Christ alone. No light comes to us except through beams of light. Yet through those beams, we see the sun which is the fountain of light. Though all our refreshment lies in streams of water, yet by them, we are led up to the fountain. Jesus Christ, in respect of the love of the Father, is but the beam and the stream. In Him are all our light and our refreshment.”
Other sections feature Anne Bradford, the first American female poet; Samuel Rutherford whose letters written in exile have inspired many; and Richard Baxter, whose segment on everyday discipleship I found most interesting.
October 16, 2023
Good introduction to the themes of the Puritans. Chapters just the right length to keep you engraved. My favourite was John Owen on communion with God. “Without the gospel we think of God as full of wrath against sin. But the great discovery of the gospel is that God is a Father who is full of love”
June 8, 2021
A good introduction to Puritan writing or a quick refresher of books you may have already read.
May 17, 2020
An excellent introduction to the Puritans. Unlike many books that simply introduce you to Puritan authors, this book gets you into the actual Puritan writings. Each chapter begins with a short 2-3 page intro on a Puritan followed by 10-15 pages from one of their more known works--examples: Richard Sibbes on Assurance, William Bridge on Suffering, Jeremiah Burroughs on Contentment, John Owen on Communion with God. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is intrigued by the Puritans, but doesn't know where to begin or is intimidated by the size and outdated language of their books.
February 7, 2019
A superb introduction to the Puritans- a great place to point people.
February 6, 2019
This was a great introduction to some of the writings of many of the well-known puritans. The chapter by William Bridge on suffering was exceptional and it alone is worth the price of the book.
I had to give this book just two stars however, because it included writings from Richard Baxter whom I believe in no way should ever be counted among the puritans. The editors themselves concede that Baxter's views on the atonement and justification "were well wide of the Reformed consensus of his day..." I would venture to say they are well wide of Reformed theology of any time. Adding his writings to this little book which is meant to be an introduction to puritan writings does nothing but encourage the unsuspecting and perhaps novice researcher to read him - something that should not be done in a book like this. There were plenty of others with more sound theology that the editors could have chosen from such as Benjamin Keach, William Gurnall, or even John Robinson under whose pastoral leadership the pilgrims on the Mayflower stemmed from. I for the life of me wonder why the Banner of Truth keeps promoting Baxter.
The other puritans featured are solid and their selected writings were edifying.
I had to give this book just two stars however, because it included writings from Richard Baxter whom I believe in no way should ever be counted among the puritans. The editors themselves concede that Baxter's views on the atonement and justification "were well wide of the Reformed consensus of his day..." I would venture to say they are well wide of Reformed theology of any time. Adding his writings to this little book which is meant to be an introduction to puritan writings does nothing but encourage the unsuspecting and perhaps novice researcher to read him - something that should not be done in a book like this. There were plenty of others with more sound theology that the editors could have chosen from such as Benjamin Keach, William Gurnall, or even John Robinson under whose pastoral leadership the pilgrims on the Mayflower stemmed from. I for the life of me wonder why the Banner of Truth keeps promoting Baxter.
The other puritans featured are solid and their selected writings were edifying.
May 16, 2021
Absolutely edifying.
Every word of this book is rich in inspiration.
Each chapter is devoted to the writings of an individual Puritan.
Who were the Puritans? They were a religious Christian sect living primarily in the 1500s and 1600s in England. They were wholeheartedly committed to the Holy Bible. Their story is an important one “of how these men and women sought to follow Jesus Christ. Their convictions resulted in a brave and joyful faith, and the writing they have left us on the Christian life continues to be a rich resource for our own discipleship.” (Intro, page viii)
In each of the eleven chapters of “The Glory of Grace,” a Puritan is given a short biographical analysis which is then followed by excerpts from his or her writings.
Some of the Puritans I had not heard of before reading their chapter but I discovered they were none the less inspiring. A few of those included are more widely known: Jeremiah Burroughs, Anne Bradstreet, John Owen and John Bunyan.
I have so much to learn. This book begs to be read and re-read. I highly recommend.
Every word of this book is rich in inspiration.
Each chapter is devoted to the writings of an individual Puritan.
Who were the Puritans? They were a religious Christian sect living primarily in the 1500s and 1600s in England. They were wholeheartedly committed to the Holy Bible. Their story is an important one “of how these men and women sought to follow Jesus Christ. Their convictions resulted in a brave and joyful faith, and the writing they have left us on the Christian life continues to be a rich resource for our own discipleship.” (Intro, page viii)
In each of the eleven chapters of “The Glory of Grace,” a Puritan is given a short biographical analysis which is then followed by excerpts from his or her writings.
Some of the Puritans I had not heard of before reading their chapter but I discovered they were none the less inspiring. A few of those included are more widely known: Jeremiah Burroughs, Anne Bradstreet, John Owen and John Bunyan.
I have so much to learn. This book begs to be read and re-read. I highly recommend.
July 2, 2025
The Glory of Grace is a short, easy-to-read introduction to the Puritans, perfect for Christians who don’t know much about them. The book shines by letting Puritans like Richard Sibbes, Anne Bradstreet, and John Flavel speak through their own words. I loved the chapters on Sibbes for his warm preaching, Bradstreet for her beautiful poetry, and Flavel for his practical faith. These godly figures are inspiring role models. The book’s brief excerpts make the Puritans feel relatable and show their deep love for God. It’s a great starting point for anyone wanting to learn about these spiritual heroes, though I wished it was a bit longer. Highly recommend!
Rating: 5/5
Rating: 5/5
January 5, 2021
The Glory of Grace is an excellent introduce to the Puritans. It has a brief overview, maybe an abridgment to the entries in Beeke’s Meet the Puritans. Then he selects a section of their writing. It is a great introduction minus my quibbles about the puritans he chose and even what works he chose. These men and woman have done a great work and if you’ve considered diving into this era, this is a great start.
April 9, 2023
Just ok. The introduction to the puritans was just snippets from their most popular works, with short 1-2 page introductions leading into their works. I can just read the puritans from my own library, and the introductions were so short that they could have been left out entirely. This might be helpful for someone who knows nothing about the puritans or who does not have access to the primary sources.
February 6, 2020
What a book! As someone who enjoys the puritans but still sometimes struggles with the weight they can bring (in a good way) - this was a helpful book. Not only do Lewis and Chester introduce you to some of the puritans and their writings, but they help to explain what can sometimes be lost in translation. I would buy one for yourself and some for your friends.
February 21, 2022
A decent survey of Puritan thought. I only recommend handing it to a newer Christian with the proviso that the "highlights" so to speak do not do the writers/ministers justice. The context and build-up to their main points is vital to understanding their full richness.
Nevertheless, it is a profitable, enjoyable, and light Sunday read. Patterns emerge that I otherwise would have missed.
Nevertheless, it is a profitable, enjoyable, and light Sunday read. Patterns emerge that I otherwise would have missed.
September 4, 2023
Really enjoyed reading this book for three reasons:
- it is a very good introduction to many puritans works
- I loved the depth of the reflections of these men
- I loved doing these readings as morning devotional (most of them work really well for this purpose)
So much that I plan to read it again and again!
I really recommend the read.
- it is a very good introduction to many puritans works
- I loved the depth of the reflections of these men
- I loved doing these readings as morning devotional (most of them work really well for this purpose)
So much that I plan to read it again and again!
I really recommend the read.
March 29, 2019
A good little introduction to the puritans. Will definitely be pointing people who have never read the puritans to this book. The chapters Willian Bridge and Owen on Communion with God are particularly good, I’m off to read the real thing now!
January 11, 2020
Barely a 5 star. Not that it is bad. But because If you have read some of the actual works of the Puritans, as well as introductions of them, this book is a bit skimpy.
But undoubtedly, it is a very good introductory book for the puritans, for new readers.
But undoubtedly, it is a very good introductory book for the puritans, for new readers.
May 20, 2021
I’ve always wanted to get into the Puritans but always found them really hard going and often impenetrable. This is a really helpful introduction and a way in to some of the key authors and writings. Looking forward to reading more. Thanks Lewis! (and Tim)
December 22, 2020
A good sampling of Puritan works—would be an especially good introduction book for those new to Puritan style.
October 5, 2023
A bit sycophantic in places for questionable Puritans; lacks nuance when analysing their character and outworking of their theology.
January 6, 2025
2.5
In total honesty, it is my great shame that I, a seminarian and Bible teacher, find the Puritan writings excessively dull.
In total honesty, it is my great shame that I, a seminarian and Bible teacher, find the Puritan writings excessively dull.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews