Who were the Puritans? While I am no expert, I think this sums things up in essence:
“Puritan” is a word that is notoriously difficult to nail down in terms of whom it applies to and to whom it does not. In general, though, to be a Puritan meant to be part of that body of English believers and ministers (on both sides of the pond) who sought to “purify” the Church in the period of about 1560-1700, to bring it into greater conformity to the mind of Christ as revealed in Scripture. But this was more than merely an attempt at institutional reform. The Puritans were concerned that true Gospel holiness pervaded all spheres of life: church life, family life, community life and, of course, personal life. So great was their concern for holiness that they have come to us as having the reputation of being somewhat gloomy- killjoys we might say. But the truth is something different: the Puritans, for all of their “precision” in both doctrine and conduct, are examples of Gospel-centered joy and devotion, as anyone who has read their works can testify. Yes, they are rigorous and disciplined, but that cannot be confused with being rough and depressed. Rather, the Puritans should be considered as models of spiritual depth and maturity. In fact, spiritual maturity may be their greatest legacy. Hear J.I. Packer:
“What could these zealots [i.e. the Puritans] give us that we need, it is asked.
The answer, in one word, is maturity. Maturity is a compound of wisdom, goodwill, resilience, and creativity. The Puritans exemplified maturity; we don’t. We are spiritual dwarfs.”
There you have it: spiritual maturity displayed. That is the legacy of the Puritans to those who have eyes to see, and their great gift to us today.
Let me, therefore, encourage you: Would you grow strong in Gospel-faith and deep in the true Christian religion? Read the Puritans. Insofar as mere men, with all their imperfections, may help us, these will do so.
Reading with you,
aaron
