The Devoted Life: An Invitation to the Puritan Classics

by Kelly M. Kapic (Editor)

The Puritans are frequently maligned but seldom understood. Far from the dour malcontents they are often portrayed to be, most Puritans were wholesomely engaged in life. This book is designed to introduce you to a wide range of influential Puritan writers and a representative work for each that pushes through stereotypes to the heart and soul of these Christian pastors and theologians. With a clear grasp of the historical contexts in which these Puritan works were written, these twenty essays presented by editors Kelly M. Kapic and Randall C. Gleason illuminate the vibrant spirituality of the Puritans that transcend their sometimes surprising political, ecclesiastical and religious differences. In these pages notable scholars, such as J. I. Packer, John Coffey, Mark Noll, Leland Ryken, Richard Lovelace and Sinclair Ferguson, invite you to sit at the feet of Puritan writers, ranging from William Ames, William Perkins and Richard Sibbes to Thomas Goodwin, John Milton, Richard Baxter, John Bunyan and Jonathan Edwards. What comes through is a living, three-dimensional portrait of the devoted life that emphasizes the Christian experience of communion with God, corporate revival, biblical preaching and the sanctifying working of God's Holy Spirit.

Genres: Theology, Church History, Christian, Religion, Classics

318 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2004

Reviews

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the read for sure. This was a helpful introduction to the Puritans and their works. Some of the essays are mediocre but most of them are excellent. It's certainly worth the buy for the essays on Milton, the poetry of Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor. J.I. Packer on Pilgrims Progress was also very good. The afterward by Richard Lovelace was helpful for understanding the Puritans' spirituality as those who took spirituality out of the monestary and into every day life.

Highly recommended.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to dig into the Puritan literature can be daunting. This book provides a wonderful introduction to some of the most influential and important works and authors. There are numerous references that can help the seeker hone in on bodies of work that they are interested in exploring further. I found all the essays to be readable and interesting, summarizing the work being highlighted while providing important historical and personal context. I also found the essays to be full of good devotional and contemplative material and I found myself encouraged in my faith often. You can tell that the essayists are more than experts on the material; they are personally invested which gives much of it a warm and almost conversational tone. Very enjoyable read!

[Dwain Minor · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are considering digging into great Puritan works this would be a great place to start. This is an overview of great Puritan works and their authors that will get you headed into the right direction. It will also help you in reading these great works by giving you an introduction to them and even some helpful hints as to how to read the book.

[Jeff Bys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great overview of some of the greatest works of the Puritans. If you are just beginning to read the Puritans, this is a great primer. If you have been reading them for years, this is a helpful reminder and analysis of your studies. I would think any Christian would be blessed by the time they spend reading these essays.

[Stephen Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Devoted Life: An Invitation to the Puritan Classics" is truly what the title claims.

A wonderful introduction to the Puritan Classics, my only complaint is that I have multiple new books in my "want-to-read" pile thanks to it!

Truly, a great introduction to the Puritans and their books that changed the world.

[Brice Bigham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding introduction to “must-read” Puritan classics. The book itself is tremendously edifying. It ultimately points beyond itself and to the riches of the books which it summarizes, stirring in the reader a desire to take up and read.

[Luke Schmeltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding introduction to the lives and works of a few key Puritans! I'd recommend this for anyone with any academic or pastoral interest in the Puritans.

[Stephanie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Great short essays on different Puritans.