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There is much that can be said about the Puritans, however I don't think I have the time or ability to write a historical treatise on these godly people and their beliefs. Historically, Puritanism began in England around the mid-1500s about the time Elisabeth I became queen. It lasted through the 1600s and probably died out as a way of life in America in the early 1700s. The Puritans sought to purify not only the church but also self. Holiness in daily life was extremely important and bringing glory to God was primary. Calvinistic doctrine and a sincere love for every jot and tittle found in God's Word characterized each Puritan. The writings of these great Christians are seen as gold mines to some who have set them apart as having unsurpassable worth amongst a myriad of Christian books that have been published. Amid all the qualities of the Puritan era, the preaching was probably the most glorious. Peter Lewis, in his book "The Genius of Puritanism" writes about this,
It's much-minimised and now almost forgotten popularity among the people is not difficult to explain for the Puritan preachers, more than any others, made true religion the possession of their people. They did not show them the 'Promised Land' from afar but led them into it, pressed upon them its fruits and bade them boldly claim all its territories. Their congregations 'possessed' the sermons: the colloquial style of these was winsome, abounding in similes and metaphors from every-day life and alive with anecdote and illustration, thus bringing home to the meanest capacity truths precious to the humblest soul. The Bible likewise was urged upon them as their rightful possession and was thoroughly 'opened' to the people and shown to provide an abundant sufficiency of divine direction and unfailing comfort for immortal souls in all-too-mortal situations. Finally, the whole power of godliness was pressed upon their flocks as theirs to appropriate and exercise in the life of faith. Under such ministries the Puritan congregations felt that they were 'kings and priests unto God' indeed - and strove to live as such! (p. 19)
By the way, I encourage you to get this book. It's published by Soli Deo Gloria.
There were a great number of wonderful Puritans, who wrote outstanding works, and I am positive that I will forget a lot. For that reason, this page will continually be under construction, as I will be adding more. So enjoy what's here for now.
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