Who were the Puritans, and why are they important? What can we learn from them today? The Puritan movement began in England during the sixteenth century and continued all the way into the early eighteenth century. Although the Church of England was formed as a result of the Reformation, the Puritans believed it needed much more reform. Puritan Heroes is a beautifully illustrated book that gives the reader an idea of what the Puritan movement was about and offers a glimpse into the lives of more than twenty of its most well-known leaders (among them William Perkins, Richard Sibbes, Thomas Goodwin, Anne Bradstreet, and Jonathan Edwards). The book concludes with ten important lessons readers can learn from the Puritans and study questions to help them retain these fascinating stories and assist them in applying the lessons to their lives. It also features a bibliography to encourage further study in greater depth, as well as a glossary and timeline to help readers understand historical context. Written for children and young people, it will prove a suitable introduction to the Puritans for adults as well.

Table of Contents

Preface

Timeline

1.         Who Were the Puritans?

2.         Richard Greenham: Puritan Pioneer

3.         William Perkins: Father of Puritanism

4.         William Ames: Calvinist and Congregationalist

5.         Richard Sibbes: Warm Heart

6.         John Cotton: New England Leader

7.         Thomas Hooker: Connecticut Founder

8.         Jeremiah Burroughs: Gem of Contentment

9.         Thomas Goodwin: Swallowed by God’s Love

10.       John Eliot: Apostle to the Indians

11.       Thomas Shepard: God’s Story

12.       Thomas Brooks: Soul Servant

13.       Anne Bradstreet: Pilgrim Poet

14.       Richard Baxter: God’s Pen

15.       John Owen: God’s Navigator 

16.       Christopher Love: Presbyterian Martyr 

17.       John Bunyan: Traveler and Prisoner

18.       John Flavel: Providence’s Servant

19.       John Howe: Living Temple

20.       Joseph Alleine: God’s Arrow

21.       Matthew Henry: Bible Commentator

22.       Jonathan Edwards: In the Hands of a Loving God 

23.       Conclusion

Appendix A: Glossary

Appendix B: Timeline

Appendix C: Study Questions

Bibliography

About the Authors

Glenda Mathes is an author of several books, including A Month of Sundays: 31 Meditations on Resting in God and Discovering Delight: 31 Meditations on Loving God's Law. She and her husband live near Pella, Iowa, where they have no greater joy than seeing their children and grandchildren walking in the Lord. She blogs at ascribelog.com.

Joel R. Beeke  is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also serves as a pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, and as editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books.

Endorsements

“A masterful summary of the pick of the Puritans, introducing a new generation to a gospel-centered, life-embracing, family-oriented people, and—yes—people who enjoyed life instead of the dour, sour, and twisted folk that a hundred years of prejudicial narratives have made them out to be. I wish it every success in dispelling the myths that plague these godly men and women.”

—Derek W. H. Thomas, senior minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina

“How refreshing it is to step into the past. We need perspective and we need heroes. This book provides both. Richly illustrated, these brief but substantive biographies point us to faithful and fruitful servants. They remind us of our calling to be disciples. They encourage us to press on through trials and suffering. They remind us to be joyful and grateful for all that God has done. Above all, they remind us to keep our eyes fixed on the one Hero, our faithful Lord and Savior.”

—Stephen J. Nichols, president, Reformation Bible College, and chief academic officer, Ligonier Ministries