John Flavel - by Brian H Cosby (Hardcover)

About the Book

In the first full-length biography of one of the most prominent and influential English Puritans, John Flavel (c.1630-1691), Dr. Brian H. Cosby explores the salient elements of his life and thought in comparison with the turbulent political, religious, and historical backgroun...

Book Synopsis

A nonconformist, unifier, husband of three deceased wives, victim of religious persecution, and author of what has been collected into six volumes of reprinted Works, John Flavel (c.1630-1691) of Dartmouth, England not only had an immense following during his own lifetime, but deeply influenced those who would set the course as shapers of religion and culture in the generations to follow: Matthew Henry, Increase Mather, John Newton, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, William Wilberforce, Archibald Alexander, and Charles Spurgeon. Flavel's influence remained strong until the end of the nineteenth century, when--for various reasons presented in this study seek to show--historiographical, philosophical, and Christian literature ceased to recognize his life or thought. It has only been within the last decade that scholarly work has begun to uncover this 'lost' Puritan and see him as a significant resource for understanding life and thought in Stuart England as well as the religious life of the early American colonies. The first book of its kind, John Flavel: Puritan Life and Thought in Stuart England aims to reveal Flavel as both a significant and influential English Puritan as well as present the salient elements of his life and thought.

Review Quotes

"It is only recently that interest in Flavel has re-emerged. Brian Cosby's book is one such contribution. What Cosby presents is a short and readable introduction to Flavel's life and thought . . . Cosby believes Flavel to be an especially important thinker. . . .[The book is] a useful introduction to Flavel's life and thought." --Journal of the United Reformed Church History Society

"Cosby writes at a popular level, and this is beneficial for those who lack even an initial acquaintance with Flavel. . . .[Cosby] helpfully contributes to what is a deplorably short list of Flavel studies." --Puritan Reformed Journal

"This biography of John Flavel would be a good read for those interested in Reformed theology or church history in general. If one is interested in the Puritans, I think this biography on Flavel is a must read for them. This book sets the life of John Flavel in his historical context; showing where he lived, how he ministered, what he preached, how he lived and what others thought of him. As I read this book I was deeply blessed and encouraged by the resurgence on Puritan literature in our day. Added to that list of encouragement is this biography on John Flavel which I pray would have a wide reading. John Flavel was one of the most influential men of his time and one of the leading lights of the Puritan movement. The recovery of his life and thought impacted the church of his day and well afterword's. The recovery of his thought is a blessing to the church because his was a life lived in commitment to God's Word, to His Gospel, to Christ's Church and to serving and ministering the people of God. In our day we desperately need men like this which is why I hope you will join me in praying that God may use the influence of men of the caliber of Flavel to awaken a passion in men today to love Jesus, His Church, their families and the people of God. Such a recovery would bless the church and strengthen the family in its mission to make much of Jesus. It is for this and many other reasons that I heartedly recommend my friend's book to you." --Servants of Grace

"John Flavel is an important Puritan divine whose work has been unjustly neglected in recent times, although once he was very influential. Brian Cosby has made a fine contribution to the theological world in this book, setting Flavel in his historical context, carefully expounding his theology and pastoral interests, and demonstrating why we should read his works for today." --Robert Letham, Wales Evangelical School of Theology

"Brian Cosby's biography of John Flavel is a triumph of scholarship. Anyone who knows John Flavel only as a name will find this book to be the perfect avenue toward getting to know him fully." --Leland Ryken, Wheaton College

"In this much needed biography, Brian Cosby is the first to recover the life and legacy of John Flavel. This seminal work is sure to fill a lacuna of research that reveals Flavel's widespread influence in his own time and also his enduring impact today." --Christian George, Oklahoma Baptist University

"One honored as an authoritative exponent of puritan practical theology, Flavel has in recent years being overshadowed. But this solid survey of his life and teaching should put him back on the map where he belongs. Though he neither soars like Baxter nor sparkles like Watson and is not a stately steamroller like Owen, he comes across as a lucid luminous pastoral theologian with a very cool head and a very warm heart. Brian Cosby's account of him merits thanks from all who value the Puritans at their true worth." --James I. Packer, Regent College

Brian Cosby's biography of John Flavel is a triumph of scholarship. Anyone who knows John Flavel only as a name will find this book to be the perfect avenue toward getting to know him fully.

Cosby writes at a popular level, and this is beneficial for those who lack even an initial acquaintance with Flavel. . . .[Cosby] helpfully contributes to what is a deplorably short list of Flavel studies.

In this much needed biography, Brian Cosby is the first to recover the life and legacy of John Flavel. This seminal work is sure to fill a lacuna of research that reveals Flavel's widespread influence in his own time and also his enduring impact today.

It is only recently that interest in Flavel has re-emerged. Brian Cosby's book is one such contribution. What Cosby presents is a short and readable introduction to Flavel's life and thought . . . Cosby believes Flavel to be an especially important thinker. . . .[The book is] a useful introduction to Flavel's life and thought.

John Flavel is an important Puritan divine whose work has been unjustly neglected in recent times, although once he was very influential. Brian Cosby has made a fine contribution to the theological world in this book, setting Flavel in his historical context, carefully expounding his theology and pastoral interests, and demonstrating why we should read his works for today.

One honored as an authoritative exponent of puritan practical theology, Flavel has in recent years being overshadowed. But this solid survey of his life and teaching should put him back on the map where he belongs. Though he neither soars like Baxter nor sparkles like Watson and is not a stately steamroller like Owen, he comes across as a lucid luminous pastoral theologian with a very cool head and a very warm heart. Brian Cosby's account of him merits thanks from all who value the Puritans at their true worth.

This biography of John Flavel would be a good read for those interested in Reformed theology or church history in general. If one is interested in the Puritans, I think this biography on Flavel is a must read for them. This book sets the life of John Flavel in his historical context; showing where he lived, how he ministered, what he preached, how he lived and what others thought of him. As I read this book I was deeply blessed and encouraged by the resurgence on Puritan literature in our day. Added to that list of encouragement is this biography on John Flavel which I pray would have a wide reading. John Flavel was one of the most influential men of his time and one of the leading lights of the Puritan movement. The recovery of his life and thought impacted the church of his day and well afterword's. The recovery of his thought is a blessing to the church because his was a life lived in commitment to God's Word, to His Gospel, to Christ's Church and to serving and ministering the people of God. In our day we desperately need men like this which is why I hope you will join me in praying that God may use the influence of men of the caliber of Flavel to awaken a passion in men today to love Jesus, His Church, their families and the people of God. Such a recovery would bless the church and strengthen the family in its mission to make much of Jesus. It is for this and many other reasons that I heartedly recommend my friend's book to you.

About the Author

Brian H. Cosby is pastor of Wayside Presbyterian Church on Signal Mountain, Tennessee.
He is the author of a number of books including Suffering and Sovereignty: John Flavel and the Puritans on Afflictive Providence, and Rebels Rescued: A Student's Guide to Reformed Theology.