Among the new titles being added to the CBC Library this Sunday are three that should be of particular interest to devotees of the Puritans and Puritan-style writings. Although J.I. Packer, while 89 years old, is too young to actually be a Puritan, he has long been noted for his devotion to, and promotion of, the Puritan writers. Among his books in the CBC library is A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life, which is a wonderful book. But this week we are adding a new biography by Leland Ryken on Packer’s life.
In addition, the new book by Puritan expert Mark Jones features a Foreword by J.I. Packer, who says the book is in the Reformed and Puritan tradition.
Lastly, we are adding a new title in the Puritan Paperbacks series, by noted Puritan Richard Sibbes (1577-1635).
These should make for some very rich and rewarding reading.
Ron Maness, CBC Library
Knowing Christ, by Mark Jones. Foreword by J.I. Packer, who says: “ Jones, an established expert on many aspects of Puritan thought, also loves the Bible and its Christ, and the Puritans as the expositors of both. And out of this triune love, he has written a memorable unpacking of the truth about the Saviour according to the classic Reformed tradition, and the Puritans supremely”. Rosaria Butterfield calls it “a majestic gem that will be passed down from generation to generation as a beloved devotional”.
J.I. Packer: An Evangelical Life, by Leland Ryken, with an Afterword by J.I. Packer. A portrait of one of Evangelicalism’s most important figures. Packer who is now 89 years ago, is known for scores of writings, including Knowing God and Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. A devotee of the English Puritans, he wrote a wonderful book entitled A Quest of Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life.
A Heavenly Conference, by Richard Sibbes (Puritan Paperbacks). Sibbes was one of the greatest of the Puritan writers, who had a real gift for lengthy titles. The full title of this book was originally A Heavenly Conference Between Christ and Mary After His Resurrection, Wherein the Intimate Familiarity and Near Relation Between Christ and a Believer is Discovered. This is a very original treatment of the doctrine of the believer’s union with Christ.