Most of the works below can also be easily read, or read to your children, on hand-held devices through the various formats offered through Google Books and Internet Archive.

Many more quality, older, religious and non-religious children’s books can be found through searching the Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature at the University of Florida.

Modern reprints of most of these works can be purchased through Solid Ground Christian Books. To buy more quality, godly children’s books, we recommend perusing Reformation Heritage Books.

General Works for Children

Books for Children

1800’s

Ryle, J.C. – Boys & Girls Playing & Other Addresses to Children n.d. 160 pp.

Alexander, Archibald – The Way of Salvation Familiarly Explained in a Conversation Between a Father and his Children 1800 78 pp.

Einstein said what takes brilliance is making complex truths simple to understand. Alexander was brilliant. Here is help for you talking to your children about the Lord.

Wagner, George

Children’s Thoughts: Lessons on Bad Thoughts and Good Thoughts 1846 165 pp.

Children’s Wishes 1854 160 pp.

Children’s Temptations 1859 170 pp.

Sherwood, Mrs. – The Little Woodman and his Dog Caesar 1827 35 pp.

Hammond, Edward Payson – Jesus the Way: or, the Child’s Guide to Heaven (1869) 110 pp. For ages 6-12.

“Edward Payson Hammond spent much of his life and ministry traveling the world to preach the Gospel, with a special emphasis upon children. His labors were honored by men like C.H. Spurgeon, Andrew Bonar, W.S. Plumer and multitudes of others.” – Michael Gaydosh

Havergal, Frances

Morning Bells, or Waking Thoughts for the Little Ones 189? 205 pp.

Little Pillows, or Good-Night Thoughts for the Little Ones 1875 105 pp.

Morning Stars: Names of Christ for his Little Ones 40 pp.

Hopkins, Louisa – The Pastor’s Daughter, or the Way of Salvation Explained to a Young Enquirer from Reminiscences of the Conversations of her late Father, Doctor [Edward] Payson 1850 235 pp.

“A unique glimpse into the home and heart of the remarkable Payson family of Portland, Maine, as Edward Payson lovingly leads his oldest daughter, Louisa, to genuine faith in Christ. It traces the struggles of a brilliant girl from the age of 4 to 14 as she seeks to come to Christ on her own terms, and not the Lord’s.” – Michael Gaydosh

Abbott, John S.C.

The Child at Home, or the Principles of Filial Duty Familiarly Illustrated 1871 320 pp.

“In a moving, illustrative way, Abbott’s The Child at Home powerfully cultivates within children’s consciences the need to honor God and their parents by promoting the need for heartfelt obedience, religious truth, genuine piety, biblical character traits, a sense of responsibility, and a dread of deception. The dozens of stories included make this book understandable for even very young children, while simultaneously retaining the interest of teenagers. Buy this book for every one of your children; better yet, read it aloud to them and discuss its contents together as a family.” – Joel Beeke

“John Abbott (1805-1877) was the brother of Jacob Abbott and the author of numerous works especially for children and young people. He… was ordained to the ministry in the Congregational church in 1830… His first published work, “The Mother at Home,” appeared in 1833, and was followed later that year by “The Child at Home.” In 1844 he relinquished the pastorate, and devoted himself exclusively to literature…” – Michael Gaydosh

The School-Boy, or a Guide for Youth to Truth & Duty 1839 190 pp.

Newton, Richard

Bible Wonders 1870 335 pp.

The Great Pilot and his Lessons 1868 325 pp.

Rays from the Sun of Righteousness 1876 370 pp.

“Newton felt that this was perhaps his most important book because it was all about the Lord Jesus Christ from beginning to end.” – Michael Gaydosh

Bible Promises: Sermons to Children 1884 365 pp.

“Newton, D.D. (1813-1887) Though he was born in Liverpool, England in 1813, Newton was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and then served as an Episcopal rector in Philadelphia for many years. In addition to thirty volumes of children’s sermons, he wrote Illustrated Rambles in Bible Lands, Five-Minute Talks for the Young, Heroes of the Early Church, Heroes of the Reformation, and The Life of Jesus Christ. He also served as Editor of Periodicals from 1867-1877.” – Michael Gaydosh

“Write on, good Dr. Newton, our children will never grow tired of your emblems and stories. Every teacher should read this book and then repeat it to his class.” – C.H. Spurgeon

Bible Warnings, Addresses to Children 1887 378 pp.

“All Dr. Newton’s books are scriptural, logical, systematic, earnestly evangelical, and full of striking incidents and illustrations. They are models of this very important kind of literature, and will prove instructive to preachers as well as to children.” – Pittsburgh Christian Advance

The Safe Compass and How it Points 1877 260 pp.

This volume contains ten sermons illustrating the fact that “God has given us the BIBLE to be the Safe Compass that is always pointing towards heaven. And as it points in the right direction, it is always saying to us, ‘This is the way, walk ye in it.'”

The Lesson of Diligence and Other Stories 1874 80 pp.

The Beauty of the King 1878 260 pp.

Rills from the Fountain of Life, or Sermons to Children 1859 230 pp.

This was Newton’s first book.

“Every page is adapted to rivet attention, both by freshness of its matter, and the simple, yet graphic character of the illustrative anecdotes. Christian mothers will find ample material here for a dozen pleasant Sunday afternoons with their children, and teachers a store of instructive and interesting matter.” – the book flap

Pebbles from the Brook, Sermons to Children 1831 170 pp.

“We all have giants to fight. Every form of sin is such a giant. We can only succeed in this warfare by following David’s example. The brook, to which we must go for our pebbles, is the word of God. Every portion of truth from this word is a pebble for our use in this warfare. When Jesus, the Captain of our salvation, went forth into the wilderness, to be tempted of Satan, he was fighting the great father of all the giants. He fought and conquered him with pebbles from this brook. And if we seek the help of God, to enable us to use these pebbles, as our blessed master did, we shall be successful as He was.” – Preface

Leaves from the Tree of Life 1874 335 pp.

“This book has much to say about healing. And to souls diseased by sin, as ours are, this is a matter of the greatest importance. We see its importance when we remember that one of the sweet names by which our blessed Savior is spoken of in the Old Testament is JEHOVAH-ROPHI, or ‘The Lord who healeth.’ The chief means that He makes use of in healing souls is the truth about Jesus, of which the Bible tells us. ‘He sent His word, and healed them,’ says David.” – Preface

Bible Blessings 1868 325 pp.

“In preparing this little volume I feel as if I had been doing very much the same thing that was done by the spies that Moses sent into the promised land. I have been walking, as it were, through the pleasant fields of the Bible, and gathering specimens of its blessings. The Bible is a book of blessings. It is intended to make people happy in this life, as well as in the life to come. It would take, not one book merely, but a library of books, to tell all the blessings spoken of in the Bible. If the few samples of them here presented shall lead any one who reads this book to love the Bible more, and to seek a larger share in its rich blessings, I shall feel abundantly rewarded for the labor bestowed upon it.” – Author’s Preface

Contemporary

Sproul, R.C.

The Donkey who Carried a King Buy
The Knight’s Map Buy
The Priest with Dirty Clothes Buy
The Barber who Wanted to Pray Buy
The Prince’s Poison Cup Buy
The Lightlings Buy
The King without a Shadow Buy

Stories About Children & Youth

Children

Puritan

Janeway, James & Cotton Mather – A Token for Children: being an exact account of the Conversion, Holy and Exemplary Lives and Joyful Deaths of Several Young Children… to which is added, A Token for the Children of New England… preserved and published for the Encouragement in Piety of other Children Buy †1674 185 pp.

1800’s

Abbott, Gorham – Early Piety Illustrated: Memoir of Nathan W. Dickerman, the Little Sufferer, Whose Testimony Touched Hearts the World Over 1830 140 pp.

American Sunday School Union – The Cottage Girl, or an Account of Ann Edwards 1831 35 pp.

Anonymous – The Faithful Mother’s Reward: a Narrative of the Conversion and Happy Death of J.B., who Died in the Tenth Year of His Age 1853 9 pp. with an Introduction by Charles Hodge

Witherspoon, Thomas – Children of the Covenant 1873 280 pp.

Youth

Myers, Andrew – ‘Youth & Glory: Short Lives of Some of the Saints’ 25 snippets of Christians in Church history that died young

The Letters & Advice of Parents to their Children

1500’s

Penry, John – ‘Letter to Deliverance, Comfort, Safety & Sure-Hope’ 16 paragraphs with an introduction by Andrew Myers

John Penry (1559-1593) is Wales’ most famous Christian martyr. He wrote letters to his daughters (Deliverance, Comfort, Safety & Sure-Hope) from his prison cell before he died.

1600’s

Hale, Matthew †1676

The Counsels of a Father in Four Letters of Sir Matthew Hale to his Children 89 pp.

Hale was an Anglican. His early works reflect his early Puritan and Reformed background. After ca. 1660 his thought becomes more Arminian.

A Letter of Advice to his Grandchildren 206 pp.

1700’s Scottish Covenanters

Trail, Robert – ‘A Letter from a Father to his Children written by Him in his Time of Banishment’ †1716 13 pp.

Brown of Haddington, John – ‘The Author’s Dying Advice to his Younger Children’ †1787 4 pp.

1800’s

Angell James, John – The Christian Father’s Present to his Children 2 vols. in 1 1827 195 pp. The work is intended for those 14 years old and above.

Miller, Samuel – Letters of a Grandfather, to the Surviving Children of Mrs. Margaret Breckinridge 1839 98 pp.

Grandfathers, teach your grandchildren practical godliness! Write letters to them!

Witherspoon, Thomas – ‘An Appeal to the Baptized Children of the Church’ 1873 53 pp. in Children of the Covenant

Learning How to Read

The New England Primer Text 1777 ed.

American Tract Society – The Tract Primer: the First Lessons in Sound Doctrine for Young Children 110 pp.

A Child’s Devotional

Bible Year-Book for Children: a Text for Every Day in the Year 1897 104 pp.

This work has a well-selected Bible verse (in the KJV) for every day of the year, which can either be good for a parent to read to the child to learn and think about each day, or for the child learning to read to read for himself or herself.

Songs for Children

Watts, Isaac – Moral Songs for Children 25 pp.

The Bible

Children’s Bibles

Recommended

Reformation Heritage Books – The Children’s King James Bible Buy 2012

“The Children’s King James Bible brings the majesty and faithfulness of the King James Version to the level of children. The wording of the unsurpassed King James Version has been adjusted to suit a fourth grader s comprehension. Because it follows the King James Version so closely, The Children’s King James Bible should allow a child to transition easily to the King James Version within a few years.

The Children’s King James Bible is faithful to the Received Text of the Holy Scriptures in the original languages. It is a formal, word-for-word translation, using both paragraphs and versification, with no paraphrased material or rewritten sentences. We pray that this reprint will help children understand God’s Word better.” – The back-cover

This Bible has no images of God the Son.

Vos, Catherine – The Child’s Story Bible Buy (1935; Eerdmans, 1972)

Catherine was the wife of Geerhardus Vos. The Banner of Truth printings do not contain images of God the Son. Recommended for 9-12 years of age.

ed. Sherman & Kent – The Children’s Bible: Selections from the Old & New Testaments 1922 420 pp.

“The text is that of the Bible itself, but in the language of the child, so that it may easily be read to the younger children and by those who are older…” – Preface

ed. Johnson, Clifton – Bible Stories my Children Love Best of All 1917 445 pp.

“The main purpose of this edition is to condense the narrative portions of the Old Testament into a volume of moderate length… The Bible words and the Bible’s impressive phraseology are retained almost exclusively; and such changes as have been made are of a minor nature… The verbal form is as a rule that of the King James Version… Great care has been taken to have the narrative as connected as that in the Bible itself, or even more so; for continuity makes the impression stronger…” – Introduction

Pierson, Helen – The Bible Story in Easy Words for Children 1892 220 pp.

“The liberties taken with other histories cannot be taken with the Bible. In places where the exact words could be used, they have been used. Where they were difficult, they have been put in a simpler form, but it is hoped that the dignity and beauty of the words of Holy Writ have not be sacrificed.” – Preface

There are a few images of God in the work. The many illustrations are not always to our taste.

Bible Stories

American Sunday School Union – Notable Women of Olden Time 1852 300 pp.

Newton, Richard

Bible Models 1884 525 pp.

“The author of this book has endeavored to place before young readers, in a clear and forcible manner, the admirable traits of character possessed by some of the great men of the Bible. The advantages to be gained by following these BIBLE MODELS are plainly shown by many interesting stories drawn from actual life. It is hoped that not only young, but older persons also will find pleasure as well as profit in the pages of this volume…” – Author’s Preface

Bradford, Mary – The Bible Opened for Children 1866 280 pp.

The work is very good for young children, though has an occasional image of the Son of God.

Gallaudet, Thomas

The Child’s Book of Bible Stories, with Practical Illustrations and Remarks, no. 1, on the Fall 1836 90 pp. For ages 6-12.

“Thomas Galluadet’s book explains humanity’s fall into sin in simple, clear language. It is designed for children but will help anyone think more carefully about what really happened when Adam and Eve turned away from God and plunged the human race into sin. I highly recommend it.” -Tom Ascol

‘Old Testament Stories’ 1830 20 pp. in The Child’s Picture, Defining and Reading Book

The History of Joseph for Children & Youth 220 pp.

Moses, pt. II, Mt. Sinai to Pisgah; Scripture Biography for the Young

Joshua, Scripture Biography for the Young

David, including the Life of Saul: Scripture Biography for the Young, with… Practical Remarks 290 pp.

The History of Josiah, the Young King of Judah 125 pp.

The History of Jonah for Children & Youth 1833 180 pp.

Jones, M. – Bible Stories for Little Children 1871 68 pp.

The work is very good, though it contains numerous images of the Son of God in the N.T.

Cohen, Mrs. Philip – Bible Readings with My Children, Part II (the historical books of the O.T.)

The stories are very good, though the author may be Jewish.

Bible Stories for the Use of Children, Illustrated 1833 185 pp.

Good stories, though stay in the O.T. as the N.T. has constant distasteful images of the Son of God.

ed. Hastings, James – The Children’s Great Texts of the Bible, vol. 1 (Gen-Josh), 2 (Jud-Job), 3 (Ps-Isa), 4 (Jer-Mt), 5 (Mk-Jn), 6 (Acts-Rev)

This work expounds a verse from many of the chapters of the Bible in a way suitable for kids. The teachings and applications are rather middle of the road.

Bible Stories in Poetry

Elliott, Sarah – Bible Rhymes for Children 1888 70 pp.

There is an image of the Son of God on the first page, otherwise no others. Only 5 pages is devoted to the New Testament.

Caulkins, Francis – The Children of the Bible, as Examples & as Warnings n.d. 70 pp.

This work relates the stories of the children of the Bible in poetry. There are two images of the Son of God in the N.T.

Books for Bible Study

Gaussen, Louis – The World’s Birthday: a Book for the Young 1880 306 pp.

Gaussen was a Swiss reformed pastor. This is a book about the days of Creation.

Eadie, John – Lectures on the Bible to the Young: for their Instruction & Excitement 1848 165 pp.

Alexander, James W. – The Scripture Guide: A Familiar Introduction to the Study of the Bible 1838 265 pp.

“The great end of all religious teaching would be attained, if men could be brought to read the Bible aright. No books, therefore, are unimportant, which point to the Holy Scriptures. Such is the present attempt, which is expressly dedicated to the YOUNG. It is intended for excitement as well as instruction; not only to communicate information and explain difficulties, but to offer inducements for the study of the Bible.” – Author’s Preface

“This fascinating book by a superb theologian and pastor provides a wealth of information about the Bible and serves as an able introductory guide to Bible study as well as an effective evangelistic tool. The directions given in the last chapters on how to read the Bible are themselves worth the price of the book.” – Dr. Joel R. Beeke

Bridges, Charles – An Exposition of Proverbs, chs. 1-9 1850 560 pp.

“In his own words, in 1859 he published the first nine chapters of his exposition [of Proverbs] with the title A Manual for the Young, ‘in accordance with suggestions repeatedly made to me.'” – Michael Gaydosh

Newton, Richard

The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young, vol. 1, 2

Contains images of God and the Son of God.

Bible Jewels 1867 335 pp.

“Natural jewels are so valuable that many of us can never afford to buy them. Nor is this necessary, for we can be happy without them. But these BIBLE JEWELS are a thousand times more valuable, and without them we cannot be happy. Yet valuable as they are, the poorest person who reads this book, whether young or old, may become the owner of all the Bible jewels of which it speaks.” – Preface

Bible Animals and the Lessons Taught by Them 1889 350 pp.

“For clearness, simplicity, and vigor of style, together with wealth of apt illustration, there are no books for the young that ‘hold the field’ with greater tenacity than those of Rev. Richard Newton. They are packed full of entertainment, always mingled with spiritual instruction of the best sort; and the interest is kept up by the breadth of the field from which the author gleans his anecdotes.” – The Christian Leader

Illustrated Rambles in Bible Lands 1879 295 pp.

Theology & Church History

Systematic Theologies for Children

1800’s

Todd, John

Truth Made Simple: being the First Volume of a System of Theology for Children: Character of God 1839 435 pp.

Todd (1800-1873) was a graduate of Yale College and Andover Theological Seminary. His theology was molded by the writings of Jonathan Edwards.

“This volume also includes an ‘Address to Mothers’ which is one of the finest brief essays we have ever read on the powerful influence of mothers on their children. It alone is worth the price of the book.” – Michael Gaydosh

“In preaching to the young, Dr. Todd has attained the first rank in this department of work. The American mind has such a proclivity to sharp, terse forms of expression, clever analogies and illustrations, keen analysis of feelings, vivid description and warm coloring, that we do not wonder that it should excel in addresses to which such qualities contribute so largely.” – William G. Blaikie

Lectures to Children, Familiarly Illustrating Important Truth 1844 230 pp.

Richard Newton: “When I was a young man I happened to read a volume of “Lectures for Children” which had been written and published by Dr. John Todd. I felt then as if I had found a gold mine. That volume lasted me all through college, and taught me how to talk to children.”

Lectures to Children, Familiarly Illustrating Important Truth, 1st & 2nd Series The 1st Series is the same as the work above, the 2nd Series is different.

Plumer, William – Short Sermons to Little Children Buy 1848

This is laid out to cover most of the Christian faith for little hearts.

Fletcher, Alexander

The Child’s Preacher: a Series of Sermons on Systematic Theology for the Young Buy 1857 465 pp.

Alexander Fletcher (1787-1860) was known as ‘the Children’s Friend’ and the man chosen to perform the marriage of Charles Haddon Spurgeon and Susannah Thompson.

“Every family should have a copy of this marvelous volume… intended for the instruction of the heart and mind of children within the household and the church.” – Reformation Heritage Books

Addresses to the Young. Immanuel: Christ’s Names, Titles & Excellencies 1851 210 pp.

Of the aged Dr. Fletcher, Spurgeon said the following:

“I think if I needed an illustration of one who as often as I saw him, always seemed to be fruit fully ripe, and whose recent death thoroughly well justifies my belief, I might refer to that venerable and excellent servant of God, Dr. Alexander Fletcher. He had in his youth sharp and severe trials and troubles, but they helped to ripen him. He had to bear up continually with arduous labor, always sweetened with unusual success. My acquaintance with him was only in the declining years of his life. He was always as I knew him, an example of a ripe Christian.

He had always a kind word ready upon his tongue, and never wanted a generous thought bubbling up in his heart. If an enemy spoke against you, he would say, “Never mind them, let them write until they wear the nibs from their pens, and do not answer them.” Ah! I dare say many of you have seen him during this last year or two. That noble countenance, that fatherly expression, that overflowing love, were all signs that he was getting ready for the hand of the blessed Master to take him to himself. God forbid we should have wished him to be here longer! Was he not ripe? Let him then be taken home, God forbid we should have desired that he had gone earlier; he would not have been ripe, but when fully ripe the Master removed him.”

Contemporary

Beeke, James W.

Bible Doctrine for Younger Children Buy

Bible Doctrine for Older Children Buy

Bible Doctrine for Teens and Young Adults Buy

Theology for Children

Walker, Charles – Faith Explained to the Understanding of Children 1833 95 pp.

Gallaudet, Thomas

The Child’s Book on the Soul 1850 220 pp.

Gallaudet (1787-1851) was a pioneering teacher to the deaf in the United States.

“These volumes exerted in their day an influence it would be difficult to estimate. Hundreds of thousands of copies were circulated – they were translated into many languages, besides being reprinted and largely sold in England. They were read as English reading books in the schools of the Foreign Missionary Societies…” – The Life of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, pp. 230-31

The Child’s Book on Repentance

Hooker, Horace – The Child’s Book on the Sabbath 1835 200 pp.

“Horace Hooker was born in Berlin, Connecticut, in 1793; and died in Hartford, Connecticut, 17 December, 1864. He was graduated at Yale in 1815, and also studied at Andover theological seminary. Many years before his death, in connection with Rev. Thomas H. Gallaudet, he labored in the preparation of religious books for the young. He was for more than twenty years secretary of the Connecticut missionary society, and was for several years chaplain of the insane retreat at Hartford. As a writer he was distinguished for the elegance and purity of his style.” – Michael Gaydosh

Newton, Richard – The King’s Highway, or Illustrations of the [Ten] Commandments 1863

“Though intended for children, ministers will find it useful, for it teems with illustration, and brings up little points of conduct worth touching upon. DR. NEWTON IS THE PRINCE OF PREACHERS TO CHILDREN.” – C.H. Spurgeon, Commenting and Commentators

Natural Theology

Gallaudet, Thomas – The Youth’s Book on Natural Theology, Illustrated in Familiar Dialogues 1835 215 pp.

“This book is written as a sequel to the Child’s Book on the Soul and uses the same form of dialogues between Mrs. Stanhope and her son Robert, who is a few years older in this book than in the former.” – Michael Gaydosh

Newton, Richard – Nature’s Mighty Wonders 1877 255 pp.

“These bright sermons, studded with anecdote, will gain a loving hearing from the little people.” – British Messenger

Biographies & Stories from Church History

For Children

Newton, Richard – Heroes of the Early Church 1888 290 pp. in 19 chapters

“The sketches are in many respects the best work of the gifted man. As he ripened in saintship for heaven, his literary style became even more rich with the aroma of the gospel, and so more forcible, simple, and crisp, than in his earlier writings.” – Edwin W. Rice, from the Preface

Mayhew, Henry – The Boyhood of Martin Luther, or the Sufferings of the Heroic Little Beggar-Boy who Afterwards Became the Great German Reformer 1863 400 pp.

Johns, B.G. – Stories from the History of the Reformation in Germany and England, with a Child’s Life of Luther Buy 1850 240 pp.

Newton, Richard – The Reformation and its Heroes 1886 157 pp. in 34 chapters

“The records of the Reformation translated into fascinating language for young people, by one who knows how to enthrall youthful ears and hearts. A book which should be read by every boy and girl throughout the empire.” – C.H. Spurgeon

Miller, Mary – Mr. Arnold’s Stories: Talks about the Reformation in Germany 1884 355 pp.

Seebach, Julius & Margaret – The Singing Weaver and other Stories and Hero Tales of the Reformation 1917 300 pp.

Wright, Julia McNair

A Children’s Lives of the Reformers Buy 1870 450 pp.

Wright (1840-1903) was a well-educated woman, a clergyman’s wife, a mother, and a prolific writer. She published two sets of short children’s biographies known as the True Story Library.

The chapters include lives of: George Wishart, John Knox, William Tyndale, Richard Baxter, John Huss, Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, John Calvin, Margaret of Navarre, Renee of Ferrara, William Farel, and Admiral Gaspard Coligni. Most of these are free, online below (except Melancthon and Farel).

Twelve Noble Men 1879 270 pp.

The chapters are of: Martin Booz, George Whitefield, John & Charles Wesley, William Wilberforce, John Howard, Girolamo Savonarola, Luigi de Sanctis, Frederick W. Krummacher, John Newton, Roger Miller, Henry Lyman, Jonas King.

John Huss
William Tyndale
Martin Luther
George Wishart
John Calvin
John Knox
Coligni
Queen Margaret
Renee
Richard Baxter

For Youth

Hardy, Janet – The Story of a Noble Life, or Zurich and its Reformer, Ulric Zwingle 1877 320 pp.

Foxe, John – Book of Martyrs: Condensed from the Larger Editions, with Original Illustrations Printed in Colors 1887 252 pp. For youth.

Anon. – Blanche Gamond: A Heroine of the Faith 1869 96 pp. with a Preface by Merle D’Aubigne

Gamond was a French protestant during the 1600’s. The work is not for children, but can be read by youth.

Various – Stories of the Huguenots in France & Italy Buy 1800’s 300 pp.

Pollock, Robert – Tales of the Covenanters 1895 320 pp.

The book is addressed to ‘the young reader’.

Pilgrim’s Progress

Bunyan, John

The Pilgrim’s Progress, with Illustrations in Color 190 pp.

The Pilgrim’s Progress, Part II 280 pp. The main characters of this story are Pilgrim’s wife, Christiana and their children.

Unknown

The Pilgrim’s Progress, the Third Part, showing the several difficulties and dangers he met with, and the many victories he obtained over the world, the flesh and the Devil, together with his happy arrival at the Celestial City, and the glory and joy he found to his eternal comfort 75 pp.

Tender-Conscience, a native of the town of Vain Delights, goes on the pilgrimage of Christian and Christiana to the Celestial City. He stops at some of the same places as they, but he encounters new places not visited by either of them.

“There exists serious objections as to the authenticity of this little known section containing the alleged final dreams of John Bunyan… Amongst the characters of Good-will, Tender-conscience, Elder and Younger Matron, and Good-resolution, some familiar as well as new personalities will present themselves for the progress of the Pilgrim’s journey. If you treasure the allegories of Bunyan, you will discover the wealth of ‘Part Three’ despite the uncertainty of authorship.” – Ernest Springer

For more on the authenticity of this work, and for a summary of it, see Wiki.

The Travels of the Ungodly from this World to Hell, Part III: The Life & Death of Mr. Badman (Philadelphia, 1855) 140 pp.

Lectures on Pilgrim’s Progress

Whyte, Alexander – Bunyan Characters in the Pilgrim’s Progress, First Series, Second Series (1903)

Overton, Charles – Cottage Lectures: or, the Pilgrim’s Progress Practically Explained, designed for Cottage & Family Reading, pt. 1, 2 (1850)

Pilgrim’s Progress for Children in order of shortest to longest

The Pilgrims Progress for the Young n.d. 4 pp. with pictures

Papa’s Tales: Pilgrim’s Progress n.d. 8 pp. in a poem with pictures

‘The Little Pilgrim’ 1890 8 pp. a poem

Religious Tract Society – The Pilgrim Children n.d. 12 pp. in verse

The Pilgrim’s Progress Exhibited in a Metamorphosis, or a Transformation of Pictures, for the Entertainment and Instruction of Youth 1819 15 pp.

ed. Wesley, John – The Pilgrim’s Progress Abridged 1766 52 pp.

The Christian Pilgrim 1820 53 pp.

Burder, George – Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress Versified for the Entertainment and Instruction of Youth 1807 72 pp.

Day, Samuel – Pilgrim’s Progress in Words of One Syllable Another Edition 1895 100 pp.

Barnard, Frederick – Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, in Words of One Syllable 1895 170 pp.

The Pilgrim’s Progress Arranged for Young Readers, with 41 Illustrations n.d. 170 pp.

The Young Folks Pilgrim’s Progress 1899 180 pp.

Burnett, Frances – Two Little Pilgrims’ Progress, a Story of the City Beautiful 1895 205 pp.

Drayton, J.B. – A Free Poetic Version of the First Part of the Pilgrim’s Progress 182? 300 pp.

A.L.O.E. – The Young Pilgrim: a Tale Illustrative of the Pilgrim’s Progress 1864 320 pp.

Sherwood, Mrs. – The Infant’s Progress From the Valley of Destruction to Everlasting Glory (1851) 361 pp.

Sherwood has written an allegory of interest, though it lacks the poetic genius of Bunyan, and is harsh at times. ‘Infant’ in the title refers not to babies, but to young children.

Allegories

For more allegories, see the Baldwin Library

Bunyan, John – The Holy War, made by Shaddai upon Diabolus for the Regaining of the Metropolis of the World, or, the Losing and Taking Again of the Town of Mansoul 100 pp.

This is an allegory of God fighting to regain the hearts of men.

Keach, Benjamin

The Travels of True Godliness, from the Beginning of the World to this Present Day, in an Apt and Pleasing Allegory 140 pp.

Keach (1640-1704) was a Calvinistic baptist who wrote some interesting and helpful allegories, though lacked the poetic genius of Bunyan.

The Progress of Sin, or the Travels of Ungodliness, wherein the Pedigree, Rise (or Original) Antiquity, Subtilty, Evil Nature and Prevailing Power of Sin is Fully Discovered, in an apt and pleasant Allegory… 184 pp.

War with the Devil: or the Young Man’s Conflict with the Powers of Darkness, Displayed in a Poetical Dialogue between Youth and Conscience, wherein is set forth the Power of Corruption and the Nature of True Conversion, in all of its various Progressive Steps 1677 120 pp.

For Youth

Addresses to Youth

Brown of Haddington, John †1787

‘An Address to the Young Readers of this Catechism’ 6 pp. in An Essay Towards an Easy, Plain, Practical and Extensive Explication of the Assembly’s Shorter Catechism

Addresses to Children Concerning Salvation Free One may have to set up a Lulu account to download the PDF.

Fuller, Andrew – ‘A New Year’s Gift for Youth’ 1802 12 pp.

Alexander, Archibald – Thoughts for Young People from his Thoughts on Religious Experience, 1844, 19 paragraphs

Guyse, John

Youth Reminded of a Judgment to Come, in a Sermon on Eccl. 11:9 1728

Guyse (1680-1761) was an English Independent minister.

“Rejoice O young man in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will thee into judgment.” – Eccl. 11:9

Youth’s Obstructions in their Way to Christ & Eternal Life, considered in a Sermon on Mt. 19:22 1728

“But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” – Mt. 19:22

Books for Youth

1600’s

Williams, Daniel – The Vanity of Childhood and Youth, wherein the depraved nature of young people is represented and means for their reformation proposed, being some sermons preached… at the request of several young men, to which is added a catechism for youth 1691 136 pp.

1700’s

Witherspoon, John – The Youth’s Companion, or a Safe Guide to Eminence †1794 159 pp.

1800’s

Guthrie, Thomas – Early Piety 1868 134 pp.

Jay, William – Short Discourses to be Read in Families, vol. 1, 2 Buy

Wise, Daniel – Pleasant Pathways, or Persuasives to Early Piety, Containing Explanations and Illustrations of the Beauty, Safety and Pleasantness of a Religious Life, being an Earnest Attempt to Persuade Young People of Both Sexes to Seek Happiness in the Love and Service of Jesus Christ 1859 290 pp.

Waterbury, Jared – Advice to a Young Christian on the Importance of Aiming at an Elevated Standard of Piety 1843 170 pp. with an Introductory Essay by A.A. Alexander

Miller, J.R. – Young People’s Problems 1898 190 pp.

“If any 19th century American Christian writer warrants reprinting, it is J.R. Miller! His writing style is delightfully smooth, his insights are spiritual diamonds on every page, and his pastoral applications are delivered with the skill of a well-seasoned physician of souls.” – Pastor Bill Shishko, Franklin Square, NY

Sprague, William B. – Lectures to Young People 1835 360 pp. with an Introduction by Samuel Miller

Bridges, Charles – An Address to Young Persons After Confirmation 1862 90 pp.

For Adults

How to Engage Children

Editor’s Preface to The Child’s Preacher: a Series of Addresses to the Young 1857

“The great requisites, in order to interest children, are [1] plainness of speech and [2] fertility of illustration.

When these are employed, low and silly expressions are worse than useless, and trifling thoughts and foolish imaginations are a positive offense. It is perfectly practicable to adapt every essential, or strictly important religious topic, not only to the capacity, but even to the tastes of children; yea, to interest them deeply in such subjects, and at the same time to preserve dignity of expression and purity of thought.

How vastly important, therefore, is it for every minister to qualify himself for, and to habituate himself to, preaching the Gospel to children.”

L. Barrington, Preface to The Child’s Preacher, or the Gospel Taught to Children in Very Simple Language 1850

“To speak to them [the young] in language that requires a strained attention soon wearies; to excite attention, and give them an interest in what they already know, is not difficult, when we adapt our language to their capacity. To do this was the author’s object, that they might enter the house of God with joy and quit it with regret, rather than run from it as from a prison.

…the elementary truths of the Gospel are within the grasp of very young minds; the histories of the Bible are full of interest to them: why should we fail of arresting their attention?…”

How to Communicate the Gospel to Children

Witherspoon, Thomas – ‘A Word to Christian Parents’ 1873 47 pp.

Beeke, Joel – Bringing the Gospel to Covenant Children, in Dependency on the Spirit, n.d. 35 pp.

About Children

Henry, Matthew – Christ’s Favor to Little Children Displayed, in a Sermon (1713) in Works 1.929 ff.

“Thus saith the Lord of hosts… the streets of Jerusalem… shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof…”

Zech. 8:4-5

“My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life”

Prov. 6:20-21, 23

Related Pages

Experiential Religion

Biographies