One of my favorite books as a child was The Pilgrim’s Progress (children’s version). I was fascinated by the story of ‘Christian’s’ journey from ‘The City of Destruction’ to the ‘Celestial City. His journey took him through places like the ‘Bog of Despond,’ ‘Beelzebub’s Castle,’ and the ‘Interpreter’s House’ before coming to the ‘ Place of Deliverance’ where he lost his ‘burden’ at the Cross of Christ. Though I enjoyed the story, along with all of the interesting characters Christian met during his journey, I didn’t understand my own need for salvation until I was an adult. It was then that Christian’s ‘journey’ made sense.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was reading a ‘Puritan Classic,’ written by John Bunyan (1628 – 1688). One of the people who helped me make my own journey from atheism to Christianity introduced me to many Puritan writers as a young Christian. I’m so glad he did because those books have enriched my understanding of God’s Word and personal walk with Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

Voices From The Past

Puritanism is usually thought to have flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries. It gave us John Bunyan, Richard Baxter, Thomas Watson, John Milton, Cotton Mather, Thomas Brooks, Richard Sibbes, Stephen Charnock, John Owen, and many others. When I became ill many years ago, a good friend loaned me a copy of The Valley of Vision, which is a collection of Puritan prayers and devotions. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased my own copy. I found it helpful to read at least one Puritan prayer or devotional each day.

That’s why I want to recommend Voices From The Past to you. It is a daily devotional that includes one page every day of some of the best of Puritan writers. Voices From The Past is published by The Banner of Truth Trust and is available in two Volumes (Volume I – Volume II). I wanted to recommend one or both of the books to you now because each book begins with January 1st. One or both would make wonderful Christmas gifts.

I’m currently reading Volume II and will read through that again next year. If you love Puritan writings, you will love these devotional readings. If you are not familiar with Puritan authors, this is an excellent way to introduce yourself to them. As you can probably tell – I highly recommend Voices From The Past!

Volume I Description

Over the past fifty years there has been a great resurgence of interest in the writings of the Puritans. The reading of their works has brought great benefit to the people of God in many lands. Christians from many different backgrounds and cultures owe a great debt of gratitude to those faithful pastors and preachers who continue to speak through their writings even though they have long since entered into their heavenly reward. The Puritans really knew how to teach and apply God’s Word in the Spirit’s power!

Richard Rushing has compiled this book of daily devotional readings from his favorite Puritan authors because of the great help he has gained from their Works. ‘How thrilling it has been for me to read the Puritans on the glory and attributes of God, divine providence, fellowship with God, holiness of life and the mortification of indwelling sin, heavenly mindedness, prayer, evangelistic zeal, and trust in the Lord during times of affliction. At every turn these truths are eloquently taught, faithfully applied, and kindly offered as the subject of sweet spiritual meditation.’

This book is sent forth with the prayer that it will open a door to the vast stores of treasure to be found in the writings of the Puritans and that it will stimulate further exploration of this rich spiritual inheritance. The Banner Truth Trust

Volume II Description

Richard Rushing has compiled a further 365 daily devotional readings to take you through the year with the Puritans. Building on Voices from the Past (volume 1), Voices From the Past 2 is an additional treasury of wisdom from such authors as Stephen Charnock, Thomas Manton, David Clarkson, Thomas Brooks, John Bunyan, and Jonathan Edwards, and others.

The editor has painstakingly selected these readings from their sources, some of which are still widely available in print, others of which are more scarce. Readers will find these choice extracts to be excellent ‘thoughts for the day’, and will frequently find themselves wanting to explore more of the writings of these authors of the past. The Banner Truth Trust

Video – Voices from the Past

In Christ’s Love and Grace,

Mark McGee

© Faith & Self Defense, 2024