Puritan Portraits: J. I. Packer on Selected Classic Pastors and Pastoral Classics

Here one of the leading authorities on the Puritans, J. I. Packer introduces us to their rich theology and deep spirituality. Packer gives us profiles of John Flavel, Thomas Boston, John Bunyan, Matthew Henry, Henry Scougal, John Owen and Stephen Charnock and two closer portraits of William Perkins and Richard Baxter. The writings of the Puritans continue to profoundly reward readers and here J. I. Packer brings them alive in an inspiring way to encourage a new generation to experience their delights.

About the Author

J. I. Packer (1926 – 2020) was named by Time Magazine as one of the 25 most influential evangelicals alive. He was the Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Endorsements

“When I’ve been asked to recommend a book on the Puritans, J. I. Packer’s A Quest for Godliness typically came first to mind. With the release of Puritan Portraits, a fresh and spiritually invigorating survey of several key Puritan pastors and theologians, I can now point to a second volume that is must reading. “Puritan Christianity,” says Packer, “was serious business.” So, too, must ours be, and there is simply no better tour guide for exploring Puritan faith and spirituality than J. I. Packer. Highly recommended!”

Sam Storms, Lead Pastor, Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

“Like many, I first met the Puritans through the writings of Dr Packer and thus owe him a debt of gratitude. In this volume he has once again excelled: here are thoughtful introductions to some key Puritan thinkers and their works, along with a Puritan manifesto for today’s pastors. This is vintage Packer. In an age of trendy fluff, here is solid food for the church and for the soul.”

Carl R. Trueman, Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, Grove City College, Pennsylvania

“With characteristic ease of style, clarity of thought, and theological insight, Dr Packer introduces us to the life and thought of seven of the all-time masters of what one of them called ‘the life of God in the soul of man.’ Puritan Guides to Glory is a treat for anyone with healthy spiritual taste buds.”

Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi

“The best way to meet great men is through a personal introduction by someone who knows them well. That’s precisely what J. I. Packer does in this book, introducing us to several Puritan-minded men of the sixteenth through eighteenth centuries. But this is more than biography. As Packer does so well, in this book the Puritans become mirrors in which we see heavenly truths about the gospel, evangelism, spiritual growth, and suffering. I thank God for the gathering of this previously scattered material into one volume, and anticipate that it will bless many.”

Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

J.I. Packer has a skill unparalleled in today’s church: he brings the Puritans back to life and makes them sing, as the biographical expositions in this book attest. Indeed, Jim Packer is a Puritan of the most winsome, persuasive, and catholic sort. When young ministers ask me what they should study to strengthen their spiritual life, I often say, ‘Read the Puritans with Packer!’ That is good counsel for all Christians.

Timothy George, Founding Dean of Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

“Over the years, J. I. Packer has convinced many of us that, if we would be more than spiritual pygmies, we need to spend time with the Puritans. Now, in this elegant and engaging book, he has given us the most accessible and inspiring way in to them. Thank you, Dr Packer, thank you!”

Michael Reeves, President and Professor of Theology, Union School of Theology, Bridgend, Wales