John Owen: Prince of Puritans

by Andrew Thomson

John Owen (1616-1683) was one of the defining theologians in the Christian era. His books have been continually in print and are still influential today. Educated at Queen's College, Oxford, he was a moderate Presbyterian who became a Congregationalist after reading a book by John Cotton. He later helped draw up the Savoy Declaration, the Congregational Basis of Faith.

During the English Civil War Owen was wholly on the side of the Parliamentarians, accompanying Cromwell on expeditions to Scotland and Ireland as Chaplain. Owen was influential in national life and was made Vice-Chancellor of Christ Church Oxford. After the Restoration of the Monarchy he was ejected from this position and devoted his energies to developing 'godly and learned men', in writing commentaries and devotional books, and in defending nonconformists from state persecution.

Andrew Thomson uses various sources for this biography including Owen's adversaries 'who could not be silent on so great a name or withhold reluctant praise.'

Genres: Biography, Church History, Nonfiction, Christian Living, 17th Century, History, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2004

About the author

Rev Dr Andrew Thomson DD FRSE (1814–1901) was a 19th-century Scottish minister of the Church of Scotland and (from 1847) of the United Presbyterian Church. He was a noted biographer and lecturer, well known for his books on the lives of pre-eminent ministers, and for his book on his travels in the Holy Land and noted for his preface to the Scottish poet, Robert Pollok's "Tales of the Covenanters".

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book by or about a Puritan: Anytime I read a book by or about a Puritan, I come away edified. This book is no different. For example: I found encouragement in the fact that, like Spurgeon, the one who preached the sermon that led Owen to Christ is lost to history. The gospel saves, not people. I was moved reading some of Owen's last words: "I am going to him whom my soul has loved, or rather who has loved me with an everlasting love" (125). I am thankful that the Lord gives great theologians like John Owen to the Church. With all that said, this biography is, at times, very difficult to read. Case in point: "The 'sequestered incumbent' whose place he occupied died, and the right of presenting to the living having in this way reverted to the patron, it was given to another" (32). Sentences like that are laced throughout this book. If you are willing to wade through some of the clunky writing, read on. But if you are looking for a biography that is smoothly written, look elsewhere.

[Mark Watts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish we knew more of John Owen. What we do know, I thank God for. As far as this book goes, it's a tough read for those as dumb as me.

[Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully comprehensive yet brief biography of Owen. Though originally penned and published in the 19th century, Thomson touches on the major areas and hallmarks of Owen’s life and work while giving excellent insight on the more gray areas of Owen’s personal thoughts that had been lost to history. Thomson is also excellent at summarizing historical events that are important for the exposition of Owen’s life. His final chapter on his reasoning for the subtitle, “Prince of Puritans”, is also a balanced view that does not hold Owen up blindly as if he had no faults, but does compare and contrast him to the other Puritans of his day. I can say I was very thankful to have read this biography and will recommend it to anyone who would like to read about the life of Owen.

[Chien-Wei Kung · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Christian biographies, but this book was a bit hard to work through. It took me about 4 months to finish. Ironically in the early chapter, the author notes no well-composed biography has been written of Owen, and this work itself is somewhat lacking. Perhaps it's because it was written in a different era, but it can be hard to discern what exactly is going on in certain parts of the book. There are controversies discussed that Owen combated that a general Christian may be unfamiliar with.
That being said, one can get an appreciation of Owen from reading this book, and see how prolific his writing was, how brilliant his mind was, and how strong his convictions were.

[Tyler Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad biography; hits the major points of Owen's life. I appreciated its quick pace and brevity. However, it was very poorly written; but if you want to review your SAT vocabulary, this is a treat! Thomson could have avoided his verboseness and had time to really evaluate the life and times of Owen which could have given us a better picture of the man. Thomson does come off as an Owen fanboy and multiple places (and a Cromwell fanboy at others), which makes it less helpful.

[Aron · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book provides an historical overview of Owen's life and Thomson did a decent job at that. However, that is all there is to say about it. The fact that there is practically no engagement with Owen's theology makes one wonder whether it lives up to the title of the series.

[Alan Bright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was initially attracted by the cover (I can be superficial)
I agree with another reviewer that my reading was hindered by the verbose style of the 19th century author. Still, we can be thankful for what the Lord did through Owen.

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly written. I've heard good things about Truman's biography of Owen. Oh well.

[Michael LeDuc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love reading about John Owen, but the author did a poor job presenting his life. Did not flow very well and the author seemed more interested in fancy vocabulary than actually presenting Owens life.

[Keller Hackbusch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short biography on Owen. It’s well worth the read.

[Dr. Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great life, but not much of a biography. Seemed not to be much material to work with.

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 1 out of 5]

Written in the 18th century, the writing style isn’t friendly. I’d suggest reading a different biography on Owen.

[Todd Miles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Without a doubt, this is the worst written biography I have ever read. Andrew Thompson’s work is hagiography at its worst. Given that Owen lived in such a vital time in both British and Christian history, the lack of detail in Owen’s life and the lack of helpful summary of his fantastic writings is absolutely unconscionable. This was a dripping tribute that was unhelpful in explaining Owen or his time. I really do not feel like I know that much more about a Puritan whom I knew little about, but have been blessed by his writing and ministry than before I read the book. It has motivated me to someday write a book on Owen’s life and work that will be helpful to people.

[Stephen Mccollum · Rating 2 out of 5]

This biography was ok but nothing special. I would be interested to read a better book about Owen.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dry reading.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, short read. The book is great for what it is. It is not a summary of his writings, aside form the appendix on his letters, you will not see anything that is not in any other biograpy on John Owen. What is here though, is a succint order of events. This book is not devotional. It is really not theological. It is a historical biography plain and simple.