Puritan Heroes by Glenda Mathes and Joel R. Beeke

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.

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