Following God Fully: An Introduction to the Puritans

by Joel R. Beeke, Michael Reeves

Who are the Puritans? Why are they important for me today? If you have asked questions like these and still await adequate answers, this book is for you. Following God Fully provides a basic introduction to the Puritans that reveals a people intent on pursuing God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Joel R. Beeke and Michael Reeves introduce us to nine Puritan stalwarts that we all should be familiar with. Then they show us the practical contribution the Puritans made in discussing doctrines related to God, salvation, church, and daily life. Read this book and be moved to following God fully like the Puritans.  

Genres: Theology, History, Church History, Biography, Audiobook, Christian Living, Christian

176 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2019

About the author

Dr. Joel R. Beeke serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has been in the ministry since 1978 and has served as a pastor of his current church, Heritage Reformed Congregation, since 1986. He is also editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited fifty books and contributed over fifteen hundred articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. (1988) from Westminster Theological Seminary is in Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology. He is frequently called upon to lecture at Reformed seminaries and to speak at conferences around the world. He and his wife, Mary, have three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia.

Reviews

[Heather Gorsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect start on your journey with Puritanism and will wet your whistle indeed.

Instead of launching into a Puritan work, it’s nice to know a little bit about who they are and what they believe for there is much variety in the term Puritan.

I recommend reading this alongside Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken for it truly gives a grand overall picture of a people who are often misunderstood by the world and sometimes idolized by Christians.

I absolutely love the organization of the book. It flows perfectly from a few distinguishing definitions of what a Puritan is to some short bios of the most common Puritan names to some of the Puritans defining doctrines to Puritan distinctives on public, private, and family worship to how to begin your journey with Puritan works.

In true Heather fashion, I was able to construct a scope and sequence for how to add Puritan works, biographies, and lifestyle books to each of my children’s grades to give them a full picture and a great head start.

Loved this book!

[Tyler C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Puritans might be the most misunderstood and mischaracterized group in American history

Joel Beeke provides an exceptional and accessible guide to the rich spiritual heritage of the Puritans. Beeke masterfully brings to life their passionate pursuit of holiness and deep devotion to God, making their timeless wisdom relevant for today. The book is both informative and inspiring, filled with practical applications that encourage readers to live out their faith more fully. If you’re looking for a well-rounded introduction to the Puritans, this is an excellent place to start. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual walk!

[Kofi Opoku · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Puritan mind is much different from our mind today, hence the extent of their zeal, the length of their sermons, and their intolerance of differing opinions. Yet, the Puritan life should perhaps be considered more fully than ever in our age because it offers a robust understanding of faithful living and Christ-centered thinking. We are very much a shallow generation with regards to theology. The book also doubles as a directory of sorts for Puritan literature. I outlined several works that I hope to read later.

[Carlton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a helpful and brief introduction to the Puritans, though literarily lackluster.

I listened on audiobook, and the narration was dry and unemphatic, marring my experience. J.C. Ryle’s introduction may have overplayed my expectations, although I stand by the argument that the Puritans do not hold the more prominent place they deserve in church and world history. The book did stir my admiration for Puritan theology, ecclesiology, commitment to preaching, and sold-out-for-Christ lifestyles, particularly in their deep, immovable convictions and invincibility toward cultural dissent (things we present Christians might glean from them). However, the writing also lacked any humor or narrative substance, and bordered on encyclopedia-like entries, systematically (slowly) outlining each aspect of their beliefs and practices.

Sections I found encouraging:
Biographies — by far the most enthralling section, outlining the lives of prominent Puritans. Really what I came for.
Prayer
Preaching — I deeply admire the Puritan prioritization of pure Scriptural exegesis. Multiple one-to-two hour sermons expositing a single verse? Sounds reformed enough to me.
Marriage — ‘nuff said.
Child-Rearing — specifically Puritan concepts of daily family worship. Time to break out those hymnals.

The book accomplishes its goals — I do desire to study Puritan writings further, and feel motivated toward the practical prayerfulness and theological precision the Puritans present in the past and to our present.

And I am presently prodded toward producing more prose peppered (or perhaps pummeled) with p’s.

[Rachel Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m still puritan-pilled

[Zachary Cowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book perfectly delivers what the title promises. Lists plenty of puritan titles to check out as well.

[Ethan Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative. Encouraging.


This book is exceptional at being what it is: an introduction to the Puritans.

The book goes through the biographies of a dozen or so of the most influential Puritans and gives recommended reading for each, then it goes through the Puritans ideas and thoughts on topics such as providence, meditation, childbearing, the Lord's Day, preaching, worship, the sacraments, the Trinity, and a lot of others.

If anyone wants to learn about the Puritans more and needs a place to start I would easily and heartily recommend this.

This book is great and it helps you fall in love with amazing men while also showing their flaws.

It's historically accurate, theologically enriching, soul-edifying, and simply encouraging. Joel Beeke and Michael Reeves did a great job.

[Leslie Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great intro to the Puritans! I’ve been reading it along with Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken and it has been fun to recall and connect information between the two books.

[Leigha Fairchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent introduction to the Puritans. The chapters were an encouragement to my own heart, speaking real gospel truths and clearly articulating ideas or thoughts I may not have considered. The author also closes by pointing out some of their flaws and then challenging the reader to read Puritan literature. I certainly am persuaded to do so.

[Alex Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that accomplishes its purpose from the outset. This is a succinct presentation of the Puritans, a group whose zeal for God led them to an understanding and teaching of rich Biblical doctrine and practical application for daily life. Great background for anyone interested in enriching their lives with the teachings of Perkins, Goodwin, Owen, Sibbes, Flavel, etc. When I think of these men I’m reminded of the verse in Hebrews, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who are the Puritans, what did they believe as Christians and what are lessons for Christians for us today from their lives and teaching? In this audiobook two capable authors present to us an introduction to the Puritans. I have benefited from previous books written by Joel Beeke and Michael Reeves, two Reformed authors who are pastors that write theologically and yet still practically and the content of this audiobook fits the bill of how they write. It was really edifying to listen to this. Please don’t think that because it is about a historical Christian movement that it is going to be dry! I was encouraged, worshipped God, thankful and challenged and in all things I was blessed as I read this book! It is fascinating to see that the audiobook is out before the hardcover copy is published (going to come out in 2022). This seems like it would be great to read as an actual book! But I'm glad this is also in audiobook form for my edification while I drive!
The work consists of seven parts. Part One was on who the Puritans’ were in history, part two gave us chapters with biographical surveys of some of the Puritans we should know followed by part three through five covers Puritan theological doctrines with part three on God, Christ and Predestination and Providence, part four on doctrines of salvation and part five on the Church. Part six then looks at Puritans putting their faith into practice and part seven discusses Puritan shortcoming and what we can learn from them as contemporary Christians today.
I really appreciate the biographical sketches of the various Puritans; it was also helpful to not only know about their life but also an intro and suggestions of what to read from their work. The book made a good point that the Puritan movement is one of the longest Christian movement in Church history; it is amazing and an act of God’s grace the fact that it lasted as long as it did. For general readers I imagine many have heard of myths and caricatures of Puritans and this work was great to clear away some of those attacks on the Puritans. Yet this wasn’t a work promoting worship of Puritans, where they noted the flaws and blindspots of some Puritans. The richest contribution the Puritans gave us is their theology and the exposition of their beliefs was edifying.
I recommend this work.

[Caleb Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction and overview to the Puritans! I appreciated several touch points the author gives for the reader to jump off into further study. I could see this even being used in a homeschool curriculum as a part of a survey course on the era of the Puritans.

It helped that the book is divided into many parts, but the overall parts being: the history of Puritanism, key figures of the Puritan movement, and their doctrines.

The book ends with a wonderful disclosure that the Puritans were far from perfect and the author isn’t afraid to address the legalistic and overzealous tendencies they possessed at times, but still comes back to assure the reader that much benefit would come from picking up any Puritan classic.

[Luke Randolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. A great introduction to the Puritans with basic biographies of some of the more prominent ones, such as Henry, Owen, Flavel, Perkins, and Bunyan. The latter chapters show how these men attempted to take every thought captive for Christ, and I finished feeling deeply convicted and encouraged to be a better man by these men who have gone before me. Also, really appreciate how Beeke and Reeves made these giants of the faith seem more relatable, as they were only human just as we are. Though they were far from perfect, and had many flaws, as do I, they were good men who lived to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

[Ethan Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving it a 4 just because I think the experience of listening to it on audiobook really was not for me, might be closer to a 3 though. It was a good informational book. A lot of aspects I learned and was inspired by, however the voice over was very dry. Really enjoyed getting to hear the Puritan’s beliefs, history, and experiences but wish there was more here was why they believed this, rather than just stating they believed this. Author seemed knowledgeable of these matters though. Next time I’d read this though would be a physical copy not audiobook.

[Alex Dunkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3.5/5.

This serves as a great introduction to the Puritans. Their beliefs, strengths, quirks, and weaknesses are all covered, as well as recommendations as to their best works.

The Puritans are marked by a Christ-centered belief, lifestyle, and outlook in everything they did. They mix head knowledge with heart passion for the Triune God and for anyone struggling to warm their affections for Jesus, they are an incredible aid.

[Robert Cale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the Puritans. A good way to start on reading such great works.

[Luke Gorsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent intro. Primes the pump before diving into their writings and provides context and a pathway to the best books.

[Rick Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, short overview.

[Jordan Shirkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Puritan appetizer that is challenging, encouraging, and a great opportunity to start overloading your plate with primary sources at the Puritan buffet.

[Chrys Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful little book. Introduction to the Puritans, who were spiritual giants in their day and have a lot to say today. The chapters are short but jam-packed with good information. Beeke and Reeves do a great job of highlighting influential Puritans, some of their best works, their teaching and practices, and their foibles in life. All-in-all, I think this is a great introduction to the Puritans, and I highly recommend this book to whet your appetite for more of their great teaching and literature.

[Chris Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a component of the Media Gratiae / Reformation Heritage Books “Puritan - All of Life to the Glory of God” DVD Deluxe Edition.
This book is exceptionally laid out. Part One ‘Who Were the Puritans’ covers the myths and foundation of Puritanism, the historical account of the origins and evolution of Puritanism, and why Puritan teaching and their lifestyle is still important for the church today.
Part Two ‘Puritan Stalwarts’ is a fascinating primer on the biographies of nine Puritan ‘giants’ (Perkins, Sibbes, Goodwin, Eliot, Owen, Bunyan, Flavel, Henry, and Edwards). I found this to be one of the most gripping aspects of the book - to learn more about these men, what they believed and how those convictions played out practically in their lives at immense personal cost.
Part Three ‘The Triune God and His Saving Work’ is an excellent and concise treatise on Puritan doctrine. Their solidly biblical views on Predestination, Creation, Providence, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and Covenant Theology.
Part Four ‘A Saved and Holy People’ presents Puritan doctrine of Regeneration, Faith and Repentance, Union with Christ, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Assurance of Salvation and Perseverance.
Part Five ‘Christ’s Bride’ is an excellent overview of Puritan theology on the Church and Worship, the Lord’s Supper, Church Offices and Government, the Lord’s Day, Preaching, Listening to Sermons, Pastoral Counseling and Evangelism.
Part Six ‘Puritans in Daily Life’ is a fascinating, but all too brief, description of Puritan Orthopraxy - how their theology played itself out practically in everyday life. Here we see the Puritan focus on Meditation and Prayer, Conscience, Marriage, Child-Rearing and Work as a Calling.
In the final chapter, Part Seven, the authors do a service to the reader by discussing the Puritan faults and how Christians today can learn from the Puritans, in their affections, love, devotion to Christ, their desire to eschew sin and worldliness and be image bearers of Jesus. But also, how we can learn from their errors and the few doctrinal ditches that some Puritans fell into.
This book is excellent and I strongly recommend reading the book prior to watching the DVD series and it will lay the foundation for much deeper and richer understanding when viewing the DVD’s.
“The Puritans we’re burning and shining lights. When cast out by the black Bartholomew Act, and driven from their respective charges to preach in barns and fields, in the highways and the hedges, they in special manner wrote and preached as men having authority. Though dead, by their writings they yet speak: a peculiar unction attends them to this very hour; and for these thirty years past I have remarked, that the more true and vital religion hath revived either at home or abroad, the more the good old puritanical writings, or the authors of a like stamp who lived and died in communion with the Church of England, have been called....Their works still praise them in the gates; and without pretending to a spirit of prophecy, may we venture to affirm that they will live and flourish, when more modern performances of a contrary cast will languish and die’ George Whitfield.
As the author Joel Beeke so rightly exhorts us ‘Read the Puritans - carefully, meditatively, and prayerfully and then go out and follow them insofar as they followed Christ (1 Corinthians 4:16). You won’t be sorry. If you’re not saved, it may we’ll lead, by the Spirit’s grace, to your salvation. If you are a believer, it will lead to your spiritual growth, holiness, and maturity.
May Christ be glorified.

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't able to find an outline of this book till after I'd finished it. That might have helped me navigate when it switched gears rather abruptly. It was also rather confusing that the title appears to have changed. The cover reads, "Puritan: All of Life to the Glory of God."

The book started out with a general overview and some short biographical sketches of various Puritans. I enjoyed these parts most. They best fit the old subtitle, "All of Life to the Glory of God," which of course reminds me of my church's motto, "All of Christ for All of Life." And the content reminded me of my church, too, so warm fuzzy points for that.

When it switched to a sort of synthesized and harmonized topical exploration of Puritan teaching, I enjoyed a little less. Part of it was the abrupt change from bios to theology — my brain took too long to switch tracks. Also, I love the beauty of Puritan prose, and while the doctrine doesn't lose any truthfulness without it, it just doesn't have the same punch.

Reader was OK, but not exceptional. I know I've heard him on other stuff.

[Pig Rieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I only listened to this one on Hoopla.

In Joel Beeke and Michale Reeves’ book, the authors conspire together to introduce their readers to the Puritans. The work provides historical background, small biographies of the key Puritans and works they authored, and theological distinctives of the movement. Thus, the work operates very much as reference book and introduction to these giants of the faith once and for all delivered to the saints.

My only slight against the book is that one needs to understand what they are getting into when reading (or listening to it). The work is not a page turner; rather, it is an introduction and reference book for the Puritans. With that understood, the work accomplishes the authors authors’ aim.

[Courtney Shevchenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this book so much, and now have a list of puritan authors that I want to explore! I appreciated that along with the highlights of these different puritans, they included a lot of the weaknesses and things they did/understood incorrectly towards the end of the book. It helped to provide a well-rounded understanding of these various people and what their beliefs were.

I plan on getting a copy of this for my home library for sure.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a good introduction to the Puritans and their thinking, with the focus on some of the leading men pictured on the front. Beeke certainly knows their works, and does a good job summarizing. I liked the chapters on the doctrine of God the best. But the reminder of many other things was also edifying.

Liked it.

[David King · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written overview of the Puritans, their teachings, and their desire to glorify God. With the added book recommendations, it's possible to continue delving into the more profound concepts that this book so ably summarises. It is clear that the purpose of this writing is to imitate the style of the Puritans. As it devotes a great deal of attention to teaching the puritans' applicatory practices, as opposed to merely teaching who they were.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful and much to learn from the Puritans and their messages of Christ-centered truth that we so desperately need today. A great book that reminds us once again to not throw the baby out with the bathwater

[Elijah Sabbagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough and insightful. Puritans are very based.

[Matthew Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource. Would recommend as an entry to Puritan thought

[Peter Redington · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this a surprisingly unmotivating read. usually keen on short chapters, the chapters were so short there was not much really to get stuck into!