Profiles in Reformed Spirituality

‘The Sum and Substance of the Gospel' introduces readers to the life and writings of one of the greatest preachers of the modern era, Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892). Nathan A. Finn and Aaron Lumpkin's introduction traces the life and ministry of this great London pastor, focusing on Spurgeon's commitment to the gospel and the Lord Jesus Christ. Then, in forty-nine selections from Spurgeon's sermons, writings, and correspondence, readers can see for themselves the way Spurgeon reveled in the glories of Jesus Christ, His saving work, and its effects upon the believer.

“An Honest, Well-Experienced Heart” introduces us to the life and writings of Puritan preacher and author John Flavel (1627-1691). In his brief, introductory biography, Adam Embry discusses Flavel's background, ministry, and theology of keeping the heart, which, for Flavel, is the great business of a Christian's life. Centuries ago, Flavel wrote, Above all other studies in the world, study your own hearts. Embry guides us through forty-two short passages from Flavel's writings that acquaint us with this dedicated Puritan minister's piety and help us see the importance of this great business of keeping and managing our hearts.

“Sweetly Set on God” introduces readers to the life and journal writings of David Brainerd (1718-1747), best remembered for his missionary work among the American Indians. Dustin Benge begins by presenting the events of Brainerd's short life and the intense personal spiritual piety that undergirded his pioneering missionary work. Then, in fifty-one excerpts drawn from Brainerd's journal, readers will discover his evangelical humiliation, his understanding that God had altered his sinful human nature, his sensitivity to sin, and his holiness of life.

“A Sweet Flame” introduces readers to the piety of Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758). Dr. Haykin's biographical sketch of Edwards captures the importance the New England minister placed on Scripture, family piety, and the church s reliance upon God. The remainder of the book presents 26 selections from various letters written by Edwards, two written by family members at his death, and an appendix drawing upon Edwards's last will and the inventor of his estate.

“The Foundation of Communion with God” introduces readers to the Trinitarian piety of John Owen (1616-1683). Ryan McGraw's introduction to Owen sketches the major events of this important theologian s life and shows how his circumstances shaped his thought on the themes of the Trinity and public worship. The second part of the book presents forty-one brief selections from Owen's writings that trace his thoughts on knowing God as triune, on Scripture and worship, on heavenly-mindedness, and on covenant and the church. Appendixes provide readers with a chronological list of Owen's writings and a guide to them for those who wish to delve deeper into this great theologian's thoughts.

Through both the biographical essay and the selections from Lemuel Haynes's writings, readers are sure to perceive an Edwardsian sense of spirituality that ever lived in view of eternity. Well acquainted with difficulties, suffering, and death, Haynes's ministry was infused with the unfailing hope of heaven.

Many Christians are familiar with “The Pilgrim's Progress”, John Bunyan's (1628-1688) famous book written from a prison cell, which portrays the Christian life as one traveling from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. During Bunyan's life, however, he produced nearly sixty books and tracts. Roger Duke and Phil Newton, with Drew Harris, trace the significant events that shaped Bunyan's life and thought in a biographical introduction and, in thirty-one excerpts from a variety of this great man of faith's writings, give us a glimpse of his piety, which flowed from his desire to venture all for God.

“Love to Christ” introduces readers to one of the most beloved Scottish pastors of the nineteenth century, Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1813-1843). Following a biographical sketch that acquaints us with the life and ministry of M'Cheyne, Jordon Stone presents thirty-eight excerpts from M'Cheyne's writings that walk us through the nature, foundation, means, rewards, and ministry of holiness. M'Cheyne's life and ministry was marked by a pursuit of holiness.

An Infinite Treasury acquaints you with one of the most uplifting Puritan authors, William Bridge (1600-1670). Brian G. Hedges traces Bridge's life and ministry in a brief biography, emphasizing Bridge's theology of grace in the Christian life. Hedges then presents excerpts from Bridge's writings, which reveal Jesus as grace personified so that we can enjoy salvation in Him. Read and be encouraged by the grace, fullness, and sufficiency of Jesus Christ in William Bridge's writings. Brian G. Hedges is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Niles, Michigan. He has written several books, including Watchfulness and Thriving in Grace.

‘The Wholesome Doctrine of the Gospel' familiarizes readers with one of England's most influential theologians, William Perkins. In the opening biographical sketch, Andrew S. Ballitch and J. Stephen Yuille give an overview of Pekins's life, theology, and piety. Then, in thirty-two excerpts, readers learn about the relationship between faith and love from Perkins himself as he explains the foundational 'grounds of doctrine to be believed and grounds of doctrine to be practiced.' Rather than treating theology as a subject for mere academic debate, Perkins calls for true Christian devotion that moves beyond intellectual assent to heartfelt dedication to Christ.

Thomas Goodwin (1600—1680) was a faithful pastor, Westminster divine, advisor to Oliver Cromwell, and president of Magdalen College, Oxford. In this book, Joel R. Beeke and Mark Jones acquaint the reader with Goodwin through an informative biographical introduction. The remainder of the book, 35 selections from across the works of Goodwin, displays Goodwin's constant attention to Christ in his various theological engagements. You will learn much about the life and works of this influential Puritan, and perhaps, be strengthened with a habitual sight of Christ. Seeking, then, both to honor the past and yet not idolize it, we are issuing these books in the series “Profiles in Reformed Spirituality”. The design is to introduce the spirituality and piety of the “Reformed Profiles in Reformed Spirituality” tradition by presenting descriptions of the lives of notable Christians with select passages from their works. This combination of biographical sketches and collected portions from primary sources gives a taste of the subjects' contributions to our spiritual heritage and some direction as to how the reader can find further edification through their works. It is the hope of the publishers that this series will provide riches for those areas where we are poor and light of day where we are stumbling in the deepening twilight.

John Calvin is the most notable figure from the Reformed tradition. Unfortunately, he is often characterized as a stern and cerebral individual who had little concern for practical matters. However, Calvin was actually influential in promoting a profound sense of piety among early Protestantism. In “The Soul of Life”, Joel R. Beeke presents the life and ministry of Calvin with a special emphasis on Calvin's efforts for cultivating healthy spirituality among the churches. The selections from Calvin's own work will give readers a firsthand look at Calvin's emphasis on godliness, and by God's grace, will be a means for spurring on greater godliness in our day.