2008: Year of the Puritans

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 12-13-2007 07:55 AM

Help make 2008 the 'Year of the Puritans' (HT: Chris Ross at The Conventicle).

As C.S. Lewis said (Introduction to Athanasius' On The Incarnation):

There is a strange idea abroad that in every subject the ancient books should be read only by the professionals, and that the amateur should content himself with the modern books. Thus I have found as a tutor in English Literature that if the average student wants to find out something about Platonism, the very last thing he thinks of doing is to take a translation of Plato off the library shelf and read the Symposium. He would rather read some dreary modern book ten times as long, all about "isms" and influences and only once in twelve pages telling him what Plato actually said. The error is rather an amiable one, for it springs from humility. The student is half afraid to meet one of the great philosophers face to face. He feels himself inadequate and thinks he will not understand him. But if he only knew, the great man, just because of his greatness, is much more intelligible than his modern commentator. The simplest student will be able to understand, if not all, yet a very great deal of what Plato said; but hardly anyone can understand some modern books on Platonism. It has always therefore been one of my main endeavours as a teacher to persuade the young that firsthand knowledge is not only more worth acquiring than secondhand knowledge, but is usually much easier and more delightful to acquire.

This mistaken preference for the modern books and this shyness of the old ones is nowhere more rampant than in theology. Wherever you find a little study circle of Christian laity you can be almost certain that they are studying not St. Luke or St. Paul or St. Augustine or Thomas Aquinas or Hooker or Butler, but M. Berdyaev or M. Maritain or M. Niebuhr or Miss Sayers or even myself.

Now this seems to me topsy-turvy. Naturally, since I myself am a writer, I do not wish the ordinary reader to read no modern books. But if he must read only the new or only the old, I would advise him to read the old. And I would give him this advice precisely because he is an amateur and therefore much less protected than the expert against the dangers of an exclusive contemporary diet. A new book is still on its trial and the amateur is not in a position to judge it. It has to be tested against the great body of Christian thought down the ages, and all its hidden implications (often unsuspected by the author himself) have to be brought to light. Often it cannot be fully understood without the knowledge of a good many other modern books. If you join at eleven o'clock a conversation which began at eight you will often not see the real bearing of what is said. Remarks which seem to you very ordinary will produce laughter or irritation and you will not see why - the reason, of course, being that the earlier stages of the conversation have given them a special point. In the same way sentences in a modern book which look quite ordinary may be directed at some other book; in this way you may be led to accept what you would have indignantly rejected if you knew its real significance. The only safety is to have a standard of plain, central Christianity ("mere Christianity" as Baxter called it) which puts the controversies of the moment in their proper perspective. Such a standard can be acquired only from the old books. It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between. If that is too much for you, you should at least read one old one to every three new ones.

Every age has its own outlook. It is specially good at seeing certain truths and specially liable to make certain mistakes. We all, therefore, need the books that will correct the characteristic mistakes of our own period. And that means the old books. All contemporary writers share to some extent the contemporary outlook - even those, like myself, who seem most opposed to it. Nothing strikes me more when I read the controversies of past ages than the fact that both sides were usually assuming without question a good deal which we should now absolutely deny. They thought that they were as completely opposed as two sides could be, but in fact they were all the time secretly united - united with each other and against earlier and later ages - by a great mass of common assumptions. We may be sure that the characteristic blindness of the twentieth century - the blindness about which posterity will ask, "But how could they have thought that?" - lies where we have never suspected it, and concerns something about which there is untroubled agreement between Hitler and President Roosevelt or between Mr. H. G. Wells and Karl Barth. None of us can fully escape this blindness, but we shall certainly increase it, and weaken our guard against it, if we read only modern books. Where they are true they will give us truths which we half knew already. Where they are false they will aggravate the error with which we are already dangerously ill. The only palliative is to keep the clean sea breeze of the centuries blowing through our minds, and this can be done only by reading old books. Not, of course, that there is any magic about the past. People were no cleverer then than they are now; they made as many mistakes as we. But not the same mistakes. They will not flatter us in the errors we are already committing; and their own errors, being now open and palpable, will not endanger us. Two heads are better than one, not because either is infallible, but because they are unlikely to go wrong in the same direction. To be sure, the books of the future would be just as good a corrective as the books of the past, but unfortunately we cannot get at them.

**bookslover** · 12-13-2007 11:03 PM

This is a great and justly famous quote. The first paragraph is very important. Why read some dreary tome about Plato (or whoever) when you can read the man for himself? I like Lewis's contention that a person with average intelligence will be able to pick up most of what Plato (or whoever) has to say.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 12-18-2007 04:32 PM

More reasons to read the Puritans.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 01-04-2008 06:38 PM

Reformation Heritage Books is doing its part to help make 2008 the Year of the Puritans: The Puritan Challenge 2008: 12 Banner of Truth Puritan Paperbacks.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 01-06-2008 09:26 AM

Here are some blog posts by our very own Steve Burlew:

Are You Up For "The Timmy Brister Challenge"? (December 14, 2007)
Why Read the Puritans? (December 18, 2007)
This Is Going To Change Some Lives! (December 20, 2007)
Meet Richard Sibbes and the Puritan Paperback, "The Bruised Reed" (January 3, 2008)

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 01-17-2008 03:18 PM

Steve Burlew: The "Puritan Reading Challenge" is GROWING! (January 16, 2008)

**MrMerlin777** · 01-17-2008 03:24 PM

Love the Lewis quote.

As has been said it is justly famous.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 01-17-2008 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by bookslover

This is a great and justly famous quote. The first paragraph is very important. Why read some dreary tome about Plato (or whoever) when you can read the man for himself? I like Lewis's contention that a person with average intelligence will be able to pick up most of what Plato (or whoever) has to say.

Originally Posted by MrMerlin777

Love the Lewis quote.

As has been said it is justly famous.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 01-17-2008 08:38 PM

Here are the suggested books for 2008. Although anyone can choose their Puritan curriculum.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 01-17-2008 08:42 PM

For those reading January's selection, or thinking about getting started, here is review of The Bruised Reed by Derek Brown.

More on Richard Sibbes here, including links to online editions of all of his works.

**Narnian** · 01-17-2008 09:29 PM

I think the Lewis quote can also apptly apply to myself in a slightly different fashion - how often do I read books about the Bible instead of reading the Bible? Too often.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 01-17-2008 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by Narnian

I think the Lewis quote can also apptly apply to myself in a slightly different fashion - how often do I read books about the Bible instead of reading the Bible? Too often.

It is a good question for all of us to ask ourselves; none of us, I dare say, can say that we read the Bible too much. But, as the Puritans, who fought tooth and nail for the principle of sola Scriptura, point us to the Scriptures above all, it is nevertheless good and profitable to read them (Puritan authors), especially in our age, not in place of the Word, but as those who were well-grounded in it, and who direct us thereto.

It is worth, imho, reading also the words of Thomas Murphy wrt Bible study and wrt the use of commentaries. Though his remarks are directed to pastors, they are applicable, I think, to all. He puts both in their proper place.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 01-22-2008 09:00 PM

Timmy Brister interviews Mark Dever on Richard Sibbes here.

**Blueridge Believer** · 01-23-2008 08:36 AM

I got my books yesterday. Read about a third of the way through "the bruised reed" last night. Very uplifting.

**Daniel Ritchie** · 01-23-2008 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by Blueridge Baptist

I got my books yesterday. Read about a third of the way through "the bruised reed" last night. Very uplifting.

That is a lot of reading for one night.

**Barnpreacher** · 01-23-2008 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by Blueridge Baptist

Read about a third of the way through "the bruised reed" last night. Very uplifting.

I got a late start as well, so I'm just through chapter 8. But I must say chapters 7 and 8 were two of the most extraordinary, profitable chapters I've ever read! There was so much spiritual meat to digest in those two chapters that I had to go back and re-read.

**Blueridge Believer** · 01-23-2008 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

Originally Posted by Blueridge Baptist

I got my books yesterday. Read about a third of the way through "the bruised reed" last night. Very uplifting.

That is a lot of reading for one night.

A little over 40 pages thats all brother. Big print.

**Daniel Ritchie** · 01-23-2008 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by Blueridge Baptist

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

Originally Posted by Blueridge Baptist

I got my books yesterday. Read about a third of the way through "the bruised reed" last night. Very uplifting.

That is a lot of reading for one night.

A little over 40 pages thats all brother. Big print.

How modest of you.

**Blueridge Believer** · 01-23-2008 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

Originally Posted by Blueridge Baptist

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

That is a lot of reading for one night.

A little over 40 pages thats all brother. Big print.

How modest of you.

**DMcFadden** · 01-23-2008 12:03 PM

My books come today or tomorrow. I want to get January read before February comes.

**Augusta** · 01-23-2008 05:56 PM

I don't know if I will get mine until next week.

I think I can do two in one month though. Maybe.

**Quickened** · 01-23-2008 07:12 PM

I wasnt able to find the bruised reed at my church (it must have sold) so i bought some alternates to hold me over

**Daniel Ritchie** · 01-23-2008 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by DMcFadden

My books come today or tomorrow. I want to get January read before February comes.

Surely your meant to read the books not the calender.

**DMcFadden** · 01-23-2008 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

Originally Posted by DMcFadden

My books come today or tomorrow. I want to get January read before February comes.

Surely your meant to read the books not the calender.

A bit fussy today, Daniel?

"I want to get January['s selection of The Bruised Reed] read before February['s choice of Mystery of Providence] comes due to be read.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 01-23-2008 09:54 PM

I am encouraged by those who are taking up the Puritan challenge to tolle lege! Especially those who are catching up / keeping up. Way to go, Supergirl!

Here are some more blog posts of interest for those focused right now on Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed:

Who Is Richard Sibbes? (January 10, 2008)
Puritan Challenge - Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes (January 18, 2008)
It's not too late to join the 2008 Puritan Reading Challenge! (January 23, 2008)
About Those Bruised Reeds - Discussion 1 (January 16, 2008)
About Those Smoking Flax -- Discussion 2
Blogspotting the Puritan Challenge 2 (January 22, 2008)
The Bruised Reed on Calling for Truth - LIVE Next Week (January 23, 2008)

**Barnpreacher** · 01-30-2008 01:09 PM

Just finished up The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes. Without a doubt it is a MUST READ for every believer at some point in their life. It has to be one of the top ten books of all time (outside of the Bible).

What a gracious God we serve, and how it was so eloquently explained by Sibbes!

Worthy is the Lamb, seated on the throne! Crown you now with many crowns, you reign victorious. High and lifted up, Jesus, Son of God. The Darling of heaven crucified, WORTHY IS THE LAMB!!!

**BobVigneault** · 01-30-2008 01:46 PM

I'm only a third done with The Bruised Reed. So far, my favorite passage as it applies to the Puritan Board is this: (It regards the subject of dealing with those who are new to the faith.)

Again we should not rack their wits with curious or `doubtful disputations' (Rom. 14:1), for so we shall distract and tire them, and give occasion to make them cast off the care of all. That age of the church which was most fertile in subtle questions was most barren in religion; for it makes people think religion to be only a matter of cleverness, in tying and untying of knots. The brains of men inclining that way are hotter usually than their hearts.

**Blueridge Believer** · 01-30-2008 01:47 PM

Finished the bruised reed and getting ready to start "the mystery of providence".

**Augusta** · 01-30-2008 06:02 PM

I got my books Monday.

I am only about 1/4 through bruised reed. I gotta do a marathon read and get going. I am only just beginning it, really, but it is already so good. I don't want to rush it too much.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 02-01-2008 05:46 PM

Richard Sibbes in Review (January 31, 2008)

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 02-02-2008 11:06 AM

Today's devotional reading (February 2) in I.D.E. Thomas, Puritan Daily Devotional Chronicles was a sweet extract from Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed.

For those who are commencing John Flavel's The Mystery of Providence, thanks to Casey Bessette (StaunchPresbyterian), it is available in part online here.

Joel Beeke & Randall Pederson have a nice review of The Mystery of Providence in their chapter on Flavel in Meet the Puritans. Elsewhere (A Reader's Guide to Reformed Literature: An Annotated Bibliography of Reformed Theology, pp. 28-29), Beeke says this is the best and standard work on the subject of divine providence.

A brief biography of Flavel may be found here.

**Daniel Ritchie** · 02-02-2008 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by Blueridge Baptist

Finished the bruised reed and getting ready to start "the mystery of providence".

It sounds like your launching a rocket.

**Blueridge Believer** · 02-02-2008 06:16 PM

I am 5 chapters in on "the mystery of providence". This book is so good that it is FREAKING ME OUT! Man, the things that I fail to thank God for everyday and the times I have murmered and complained about my lot in life. This book is on my top ten for sure. What a blessing.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 02-02-2008 10:17 PM

I thought I'd also mention something from Timmy Brister's blog about Meet the Puritans:

Secondly, RHB is offering a special discounted price for an excellent Puritan resource, Meet the Puritans by Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson. The book retails for $35.00, and on their website it sells for $25.00. But RHB is now offering a special price of only $20.00. To get this great deal, you must order either via phone or email, letting them know that you heard about the 2008 Puritan Reading Special for Meet the Puritans for only $20.00. The number to call and place your order is (616) 977-0599, or you can email them at orders@heritagebooks.org. These specials are a fantastic way for you to get you copies of Puritan literature at the most affordable price anywhere, and I am grateful to the good people at RHB for joining in this exciting project.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 02-02-2008 10:20 PM

Those who have read The Bruised Reed may wish to share their thoughts about it here.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 02-04-2008 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by VirginiaHuguenot

Joel Beeke & Randall Pederson have a nice review of The Mystery of Providence in their chapter on Flavel in Meet the Puritans. Elsewhere (A Reader's Guide to Reformed Literature: An Annotated Bibliography of Reformed Theology, pp. 28-29), Beeke says this is the best and standard work on the subject of divine providence.

It's been posted online here.

**Blueridge Believer** · 02-04-2008 07:21 PM

I want to thank you brother Andrew for getting me started in this little adventure. It has been uplifting to my soul. You are a blessing brother.

**Barnpreacher** · 02-04-2008 07:46 PM

**DMcFadden** · 02-04-2008 08:57 PM

Originally Posted by Blueridge Baptist

I want to thank you brother Andrew for getting me started in this little adventure. It has been uplifting to my soul. You are a blessing brother.

My wife and I are both experiencing a wonderful time with this challenge.

**VirginiaHuguenot** · 02-04-2008 09:17 PM

From a fellow-pilgrim, Soli Deo Gloria!

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