Puritan Heroes

Who were the Puritans, and why do they still matter today?

The Puritan movement began in sixteenth-century England and continued into the early eighteenth century. Even though the Church of England had been formed during the Reformation, the Puritans believed it still needed further reform. Puritan Heroes is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces readers to what the Puritan movement was all about and gives a window into the lives of more than twenty of its most influential figures—including William Perkins, Richard Sibbes, Thomas Goodwin, Anne Bradstreet, and Jonathan Edwards.

The book wraps up with ten key lessons we can learn from the Puritans, along with study questions to help readers reflect on and apply what they’ve read. It also includes a helpful bibliography for deeper study, plus a glossary and timeline to make the history easier to follow. Written for children and young people—but enjoyable for adults too—Puritan Heroes is a wonderful introduction to these remarkable men and women of faith.

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

“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

Contents

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

About the Authors

Glenda Faye Mathes is a graduate of the University of Iowa and an author of several nonfiction books, including two published by Reformed Fellowship: Little One Lost: Living with Early Infant Loss and Finding Faithfulness: A Year of Reading & Reflecting on God's Word. Glenda has also authored the Matthew in the Middle fiction series for middle grade readers. She and her husband, David, have no greater joy than seeing their children and grandchildren walking in the Lord. She lives near Pella, Iowa, and blogs at glendafayemathes.com.  

Joel R. Beeke is chancellor 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.