Read App Now Available for Download

Do you have dozens (or hundreds) of EPUB, PDF, TXT, or DOCX files of Reformed reading material stashed away in various places on your computer? Have you ever wished you could have one app to control them all? We are pleased to present the Read app, which curates your digital library, keeping your files organized and in one place. Finally, a study tool you can use every day:

  • Highlight, stamp, and bookmark files non-destructively.
  • Create a separate “Notes” file for each book you’re studying, with the ability to copy and paste text from your files into your notes and export those notes for use in other apps.
  • Built-in study tools (Bible texts, Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Easton’s Bible Dictionary), plus the ability to create and disseminate Study Guides for any particular text.
  • Bible reading checklists with several different Bible reading plans. Don’t start on January 1st — start reading through the Bible any day you’d like; the Read app will keep track for you.
  • Add texts directly from digitalpuritan.net by searching for them online through the app itself — no need to browse the website to find what you’re looking for.  Or add titles from other websites (Monergism, CCEL, A Puritan’s Mind, Banner of Truth, Reformation Heritage, etc.) manually.
  • A powerful library feature to search for texts by author, keyword, Scripture text, subject, or tag, and to create “Reading Lists” (like playlists, but for books). Group texts by whatever topic you’d like (for example, “Upcoming Sermon Series,” “The Person and Work of Christ,” “Temptation,” etc.).
  • Look up Scripture references in the text by double-clicking on them (in most cases) or selecting and right-clicking them. Right-clicking a selected word can also be used to define the term, search the Bible dictionary for it, or look it up on Wikipedia.
  • Synchronize your highlights and notes to the cloud, enabling multiple installations on different computers and, in time, on other types of devices (cell phone, tablet, ChromeOS, and Apple devices).
  • Create your own library of quotations. Copy and paste quotes from what you’re reading, then tag them — the app will keep them organized (and it already knows the author and work they come from). Easily export your quotes file or individual quotations to other apps.
  • Ideal for missionaries or those with limited internet access, since most functions work offline. Runs self-contained from a thumb drive or memory card, or can be installed locally on a Windows PC or laptop. The entire app and library can be easily duplicated and reset, allowing dissemination of Reformed literature and study tools on the field.

And the best part is this: it’s free. Download the Read app today! Includes the Reading List “Great Places to Start,” which contains the full text of seven Puritan works, and more.

System requirements: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit only). Requires WebView2 Runtime (already installed on most Windows 10 and all Windows 11 machines). RAM: 4 GB minimum. Processor: dual-core or better recommended.

We hope to release the Read app for other platforms in time, including Android, iPhone, Mac, and ChromeBook — and stay tuned, as we’re working on other useful apps as well.

Site Security Update

Image courtesy Stockio.com.I’ve added a security certificate to the website, and I believe that I have now updated all of the download links throughout the website. If you find a link that won’t download, you may need to right-click the link and select “Save As…”. I’d encourage you to report any abnormal website behavior by e-mailing to info@digitalpuritan.net, or simply commenting on this post. Thank you!

Points of Entry for Reading the Puritans

Photo credit: Jean BeaufortFor beginners looking to ease into Puritan literature, here are some simpler works by Puritan authors that are accessible and provide a good starting point:

  1. “The Bruised Reed” by Richard Sibbes – A gentle and encouraging treatise on finding comfort and hope in Christ.
  2. “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment” by Jeremiah Burroughs – Offers practical guidance on cultivating contentment in all circumstances.
  3. “A Lifting Up for the Downcast” by William Bridge – Addresses the spiritual struggles of a discouraged soul and offers biblical remedies.
  4. “The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan – While longer, its allegorical style makes it relatively approachable, and it remains one of the most well-known and loved works.
  5. “All Things for Good” (original title: A Divine Cordial) by Thomas Watson – Explores the doctrine of God’s providence and how even trials can work for the good of believers.
  6. “The Godly Man’s Picture” by Thomas Watson – Describes the characteristics of a truly godly person, providing insights into Christian character.
  7. “The Art of Divine Contentment” by Thomas Watson – Similar to “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment,” this work delves into finding contentment in God.
  8. “The Mystery of Providence” by John Flavel – Examines the ways in which God’s providence is at work in the lives of believers.
  9. “A Sure Guide to Heaven” (original title: An Alarm to the Unconverted) by Joseph Alleine – A call to genuine conversion and seeking God, with clear guidance for those seeking salvation.
  10. “The Mortification of Sin” by John Owen – focusing on the practical aspects of overcoming sin.

These works provide a solid foundation for exploring Puritan thought and spirituality without overwhelming newcomers with complex theological discussions. As you become more comfortable with their style and content, you can gradually delve into more comprehensive writings by Puritan authors.

For those of us who have been reading the Puritans for years, what works do you suggest to those expressing an interest in drawing from abundant treasury?

The Great Concern – Now Available!

Edward Pearse (c.1633–1674) was a Puritan pastor in London during a period of immense political and social upheaval in England. He died at forty of tuberculosis, but during his final months, he wrote this book as a guide to his congregation, in order to direct them to life’s one ‘great concern,’ namely, “to have all things set right, well-ordered, and composed in the matters of the soul before leaving this world.” With wonderful clarity, the author shows how putting the spiritual concerns of the soul into the best posture possible for the hour of death is in actuality the key to living an abundant, God-honoring life. Or as Pearse explains:

“It is to fill up our time with duty, and our duties with grace; to use the time which is given to us in the pursuit of these ends—not to eat, drink, and please ourselves with creature comforts—but to serve and honor the Creator, to work out our salvation, to become acquainted with God and Christ, and to ensure ourselves of heaven and a blessed eternity.”

This edition includes a biographical preface and review questions designed to facilitate group discussion or personal reflection.

Paperback (Amazon) $14.99
eBook (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, AppleGoogle Play, Kobo, Lulu) $4.99