Indeed, it is. Sadly, not much scholarship has been done on Charnock, particularly work that considers his historical context. Some chapter-length biographies were written in the 19th century, such as those by James McCosh and William Symington. You can find them at the beginning of the Banner of Truth and Crossway editions of his works respectively. However, they are rather hagiographical. There is a shorter treatment in Beeke and Pederson's 'Meet the Puritans'. I have written a new chapter-length account which is more critical and will hopefully make it into my thesis or something else in due course. For a flavour of what I have discovered, you might like to take a look at a few of my Substack pieces from last year called 'The man who lost his library', 'You can learn from anyone', and 'Bursting the bubble'. I hope they shed some more light on this fascinating figure from the 17th century!
What a delightful description of the difficulties of Charnock's life in 1600's and then the opposition that he and his congregation faced afterwards ... and the sub plot, "only possible through the encouragement and enabling of the Holy Spirit". I look forward to the topic of Resurrection, but not necessarily persecution ... but, if so, that will be with the help of God, who keeps His promises "to be with us wherever we go." Thanks be to God.
Charnock’s life sounds fascinating! Do you know of any good biographies written on him?
Hey Justin!
Indeed, it is. Sadly, not much scholarship has been done on Charnock, particularly work that considers his historical context. Some chapter-length biographies were written in the 19th century, such as those by James McCosh and William Symington. You can find them at the beginning of the Banner of Truth and Crossway editions of his works respectively. However, they are rather hagiographical. There is a shorter treatment in Beeke and Pederson's 'Meet the Puritans'. I have written a new chapter-length account which is more critical and will hopefully make it into my thesis or something else in due course. For a flavour of what I have discovered, you might like to take a look at a few of my Substack pieces from last year called 'The man who lost his library', 'You can learn from anyone', and 'Bursting the bubble'. I hope they shed some more light on this fascinating figure from the 17th century!
Thanks. I’ll give those pieces a look.
What a delightful description of the difficulties of Charnock's life in 1600's and then the opposition that he and his congregation faced afterwards ... and the sub plot, "only possible through the encouragement and enabling of the Holy Spirit". I look forward to the topic of Resurrection, but not necessarily persecution ... but, if so, that will be with the help of God, who keeps His promises "to be with us wherever we go." Thanks be to God.
Hey Danny, thanks for your message. It would be my pleasure!