John Flavel

John Flavel was an English Puritan pastor of the seventeenth century, writing from a Reformed and nonconformist tradition with strong pastoral tenderness.

He is remembered for faithful guidance in suffering, providence, and the care of the soul. Flavel helps believers interpret hardship under the Father’s hand, and he gives steady counsel that aims at endurance, repentance, and fresh trust in Christ.

He is still read because he joins doctrinal seriousness to real help for wounded hearts, making his work useful both privately and in pastoral ministry. Recommended titles include The Mystery of Providence, Preparations for Suffering, and Keeping the Heart.

Theological Perspective: Reformed

John Flavel

John Flavel was an English Puritan pastor of the seventeenth century, writing from a Reformed and nonconformist tradition with strong pastoral tenderness.

He is remembered for faithful guidance in suffering, providence, and the care of the soul. Flavel helps believers interpret hardship under the Father’s hand, and he gives steady counsel that aims at endurance, repentance, and fresh trust in Christ.

He is still read because he joins doctrinal seriousness to real help for wounded hearts, making his work useful both privately and in pastoral ministry. Recommended titles include The Mystery of Providence, Preparations for Suffering, and Keeping the Heart.

Theological Perspective: Reformed

John Flavel

John Flavel

John Flavel was an English Puritan pastor of the seventeenth century, writing from a Reformed and nonconformist tradition with strong pastoral tenderness.

He is remembered for faithful guidance in suffering, providence, and the care of the soul. Flavel helps believers interpret hardship under the Father’s hand, and he gives steady counsel that aims at endurance, repentance, and fresh trust in Christ.

He is still read because he joins doctrinal seriousness to real help for wounded hearts, making his work useful both privately and in pastoral ministry. Recommended titles include The Mystery of Providence, Preparations for Suffering, and Keeping the Heart.

Theological Perspective: Reformed

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Facing Grief

Mid-levelBusy pastorsStrong recommendation
8.2
Author: John Flavel
Series: Puritan Paperbacks
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Theological Perspective: Reformed
Resource Type: Puritans

Summary

We read this as pastoral help for believers who are learning, often painfully, how to suffer as Christians.

John Flavel speaks with spiritual realism, and he labours to bring the heart under God’s wise providence without turning grief into a moral performance.

Why Should We Read This Resource?

We are helped because Flavel does not deny the weight of loss. He acknowledges sorrow, tears, and the confusion that can follow, and he still insists that the Lord is good and purposeful.

We also gain a Scripture led way of thinking about providence. Flavel aims to steady the mind and quiet the heart by bringing God’s character, promises, and fatherly rule into view.

For pastors, this can assist the tone of our ministry. We are reminded that comfort is not rushed, and that counsel should be both tender and truthful, helping people to grieve honestly and to hope steadily.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a thoughtful companion for grief, especially for pastoral use and personal strengthening.

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All Things Made New

Mid-levelAdvanced students / scholars, Busy pastors, General readers, Lay readers / small groups, Pastors-in-trainingTop choice
8.6
Author: John Flavel
Series: Puritan Paperbacks
Type: Devotional
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Theological Perspective: Reformed
Resource Type: Puritans

Summary

We are prone to shrink the Christian life to coping strategies, yet the Puritans speak of real renewal.

In John Flavel’s hands, regeneration and sanctification are not abstractions, they are the Spirit’s work bringing new desires, new aims, and new obedience.

Why Should We Read This Resource?

Flavel is clear that grace does not merely patch the old nature, it creates a new bent of heart toward God. That insistence both comforts struggling believers and confronts empty profession.

The argument keeps returning to Scripture, showing the marks of spiritual life, the means God uses to deepen it, and the dangers of self deception.

For preaching, there is rich help here in how to apply doctrine to conscience, urging assurance where the Spirit has truly begun His work, and urging repentance where religion is only external.

Closing Recommendation

We gladly recommend this as a steadying book for discipleship, pastoral counselling, and personal examination under the Word.

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Preparations For Suffering

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readersStrong recommendation
8.4
Author: John Flavel
Series: Puritan Paperbacks
Type: Devotional
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Theological Perspective: Reformed
Resource Type: Puritans

Summary

We are not given easy answers here, but we are given a faithful guide for dark seasons.

We find Flavel tender with the bruised, and steady with the fearful. He helps us interpret hardship under the wise, fatherly providence of God.

Why Should We Read This Resource?

We are helped by the way Scripture, experience, and doctrine are gathered into counsel that can actually be used, in the hospital room as much as in the study.

We also learn how to prepare before the trial arrives, so that suffering does not become a season of spiritual improvisation.

We should read it slowly, marking prayers, promises, and wise cautions for future pastoral care.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend it as a companion for difficult months. It teaches us to lament honestly, and to hope stubbornly in Christ.

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