Works by John Flavel
- Christ Altogether Lovely
Description: Flavel introduces his text with these words from the Song of Solomon: “Yes, He is
altogether lovely.” Within these few pages, Flavel meditates on all the ways in which
Christ reveals his beauty, majesty, righteousness, love, and total perfection. The style of
his prose reflects the worshipful content of his meditations. Even today these words move
readers to wonder and awe at God’s glory. In describing their reaction to reading the
book, some have used such words as “soaring,” “marvelous,” and “precious.”
Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff
- Fountain of Life Opened Up
Description: Theologian John Flavel was a 15th century
Puritan living in England. He was a prolific writer, and
produced at least 10 major works. Fountain of Life Opened Up is
a
collection of 42 of his sermons, most of which focus on the life, work,
and importance of Christ. Flavel's writing is often grandiose, giving
his words a sense of great importance. He follows the typical Puritan
style of prose, so his sermons will surely take a lot of thought on the
part of the reader, but they ultimately exhibit a mastery of the subject
of Christ and will be useful for those looking for deep theology on the
subject. This edition also includes an index of scripture and
commentaries cited, which is helpful for the student of Flavel.
Abby Zwart
CCEL Staff Writer
- Life of the late Rev. Mr. John Flavel
- Method of Grace in the Gospel Redemption
Description: Flavel’s book explores salvation’s transformative effects on the heart. In the first two of the book’s five sections, Flavel describes how Christ and the Holy Spirit prepare a person to receive God’s saving grace. Following this, he describes how truly convicting the effects of the preparation can be, and how this conviction leads people to emerge stronger after struggling through despair and guilt. Overall, The Method of Grace is a wakeup call. Flavel challenges Christians to examine themselves and, instead of hiding them, let their wrongdoings horrify them so that they may truly appreciate God’s mercy, grace, and love.
Kathleen O'Bannon
CCEL Staff
- Pneumatologia: A Treatise of the Soul of Man
Description: In this 17th century treatise, Flavel lays out an extensive biblical and theological account of the human soul. He touches on problems concerning the soul’s immortality, how the soul and the body connect with each other, and the ethical questions that flow out of these problems. Following St. Augustine, he argues that the temporality of the body and the eternality of the soul should naturally press Christians to chase after the eternal only, and forsake carnal pleasure in excess. In general, Flavel’s arguments follow a reinterpretation of Christian tradition through the lens of the then scandalous English Reformed faith.
Kathleen O'Bannon
CCEL Staff
- Saint Indeed or the Great Work of a Christian in Keeping the Heart in the Several Conditions of Life
