From Josh Etter’s interview with Tony Reinke on reading the Puritans:
The Puritans can be tough-sledding. If someone hasn’t yet read the Puritans, where would you suggest starting?
Caution is wise here. I would not recommend a first time reader jump headlong in a multi-volume series of collected works, especially any modern reader who appreciates a section break here or there. Edwards and Goodwin would also be rough.
I would suggest four initial options:
(1) Consider reading a book about the Puritans. Packer, The Quest for Godliness and Ryken, Worldly Saints are two great places to begin.
(2) Consider reading a compilation of the best Puritan prayers: The Valley of Vision.
(3) Consider picking up a very, very short “Pocket Puritan” booklet, especially the ones on faith, heaven, heart, speech, and anger.
(4) Finally, consider reading a title from the “Puritan Paperback” series. These books run about 150 pages in length and are modernized and often abridged. My favorites include:
- Goodwin, The Heart of Christ;
- Owen, The Glory of Christ;
- Owen, Communion with God;
- Owen, The Mortification of Sin; and
- Sibbes, The Bruised Reed.
