Fire and Ice: Puritan and Reformed Writings
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Fire and Ice: History & Biography


"The absolute essentials in experimental religion are described in his own words as 'that thorough change of heart, usually denominated regeneration; that distressing conviction of our undone condition by sin, and utter inability to relieve ourselves by virtue of that strength common to mankind in general; that humble acceptance of Christ as our only Saviour and Lord, by a faith of divine operation; that humbling sense of the corruption of human nature, and eager pursuit and practice of universal holiness'. These characteristics were certainly present in his life to a very high degree."


These are materials written by various authors about the Puritans or other Reformed subjects. There are separate listings for the sermons and extracts in the Table of Contents and for poetry.


New Thomas Goodwin: His Life, Times, and Quest for Assurance by Guy Davies. An excellent paper presented to the Congregational Studies Conference in Britain in 1994. Davies combines a short biography of Goodwin with insights into his writings, theology, and doctrine of Assurance. Many useful references and footnotes, a good introduction to an important Puritan. Word format (44K)   PDF format (97K)

New An Appreciation of Shepard by Alexander Whyte.Word format  PDF format

Ralph Erskine's Marvellous Ministry by Dr. G. Ella. The life and ministry of a great preacher and warm Christian. Reprinted from The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth. Word

Richard Baxter and His Gospel by Maurice Roberts. An address delivered on the 300th anniversary of Baxter's death, Roberts gives a summary of Baxter's significance to preachers today.

Thomas Goodwin by Alexander Whyte. A lecture in which Whyte said, "All I wish to do is for once to make full and heartfelt acknowledgement of my own deep debt" to Goodwin. Take a taste with someone who has drunk deeply from the well.

Samuel Rutherford and Some of his Correspondents by Alexander Whyte.
In 1894 Whyte gave a series of lectures which were later collected into a fascinating book. These are some of its chapters.

 Joshua RedivivusWord
 Samuel Rutherford and Some of His ExtremesWord
 Marion M'Naught Word
 Lady KenmureWord
 Lady CardonessWord
 Lady Culross Word

Samuel Rutherford by John Howie. A biographical essay from his "Scots Worthies." Word

Spiritual Characteristics of the First Christian Society in America by Iain Murray. An article from the Banner of Truth about the Pilgrims, their Christian society in Plymouth, and their legacy. (43K) Word

In Defence of the Puritans by Martin Brown. Written as an 'apologia' for his study of the Puritans, this is an essay intended for students and seminarians, but helpful to all. Word.

Christmas Evans by Robert Oliver. A biographical sketch of a Welsh Baptist, greatly used of the Lord in both difficulty and in revival. The author includes several pastoral insights into the life of this remarkable preacher. Word.

The Puritans and Revival Christianity by Iain Murray. A fine article from the Banner of Truth about the Puritan period, one of the greatest times of Biblical revival in history. (33K) Word

The Death of Thomas Bilney by J. H. Merle d'Aubigné. A short extract from his Reformation history, showing the Christian courage of an early English reformer.

The Life and Character of Stephen Charnock by William Symington. A valuable look at who Charnock was and his importance for all time. An abridged version of this often appears with editions of the Existence and Attributes of God—here is the original. (55K) Word

Extracts and Anecdotes on Unity Among Christians by Iain Murray. Several short, interesting extracts from various historical sources by the former editor of Banner of Truth magazine. Word

Samuel Davies: Apostle of Virginia and Samuel Davies: Characteristics of His Life and Message by T.T. Ellis. Articles reprinted from the Banner of Truth Magazine about a pioneer Presbyterian missionary, church planter, preacher, pastor, and God's man for Virginia. Part 1 is an inspiring biography, and Part 2 combines an examination of his ministry with questions and applications for ministers today. Word (Part1)    Word(Part2)

Charles Simeon: His Trials and Patience in the Ministry by John Piper. Would you consider being locked out of your church a reason to find another calling? How about 30 years of opposition? Here is the patience, and reward, of God's preacher. Word.

John Welsh of Ayr by Maurice Roberts. The moving story of John Knox's son-in law, first a robber, then minister, prisoner, and exile to France. A biography of a man faithful to his calling. Word.

Some Sidelights on Ralph Erskine Not as famous as his brother, nevertheless he has many features of interest for us today.

Is the Puritan Movement Dead-Ended? An article from Reformation Today Magazine from 1977 by Erroll Hulse. It contains a stirring quotation from J.I. Packer and some keen insights into our present situation.

A Memoir of Thomas Watson by Charles Spurgeon Originally prefaced to an edition of his Body of Divinity prepared for Spurgeon's Pastors' College.

The Example of the English Puritans by Erroll Hulse, editor of Reformation Today magazine. A valuable introduction to the Puritans and their significance today.

The Pilgrims and Puritans by Samuel T. Logan, Jr. A helpful article from Tabletalk magazine about the historical background of the English Puritans and the Pilgrims who came to New England.

A Letter Out of Grief by Samuel Danforth. Taken from Mather's Magnalia Christi Americana, here is a letter of grief, faith, and love for Christ.

The Conversion of a Cockfighter The story of an Irish rowdy who "just happened" to meet Charles Graham on a road in County Fermanagh, in 1801. An excerpt from a book recently republished in Ireland.

An Intruder Captured The exciting story of a ruffian who planned on trouble during a Bible class in Co. Clare, Ireland, in 1806. He found it, too. [From the same book as above.]

Adrift in the New Jerusalem The story of a disappointed new arrival to New England. Or did the Starship Enterprise transport him into today's evangelicalism?

Thomas Shepard's Account of His Preaching A moving story of the great preacher describing his homiletical methodology-- from his deathbed. Taken from Thomas Brook's "Lives of the Puritans."

A Brief Life and Times of Samuel Rutherford Some introductory material that might be helpful.

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" Rather than compromise their consciences they left. Historians regard the Puritan period as coming to an end in 1662. However it was after 1662 that the Puritans wrote some of their finest expositions. John Bunyan was imprisoned for twelve years after 1662. It was in prison that he wrote Pilgrim's Progress."


"It has a strength, an irony, and a tenderness in it that at once tell the reader that he is in the hands of a very remarkable writer. But it is not Lady Culross's literature that so much interests us and holds us, it is her religion; and it is its depth, its intensity, and the way it grows in winter.."


"He was a riotous youth who frequently played truant at school and, when a young man, he joined himself to a gang of border thieves who lived by robbing the people of both nations. These unhappy escapades brought him to extreme poverty and, in the overruling providence of God, had the effect of humbling him to true repentance."


"My desire is that no one may be overly dismayed at what has happened to us; and let no man by any means be offended. Who may say to the Lord, 'What are you doing?' I can say from my heart, though what is come upon us is very dreadful and amazing, nevertheless I consent unto the will of God that it is good."


"If he wishes to be distinguished by the evangelical strain of his discourses, and by the continual exhibition of Christ and him crucified, he will here find the characters of Christ, and the adaptation of the gospel to the circumstances and wants of man as a fallen creature, invariably kept in view. If he reads for his own advantage as a Christian, his mind will be delighted with the inexhaustible variety here provided for the employment of his enlightened faculties, and his improvement in every divine attainment "

Updated 14 July, 1998



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