The Genius of Puritanism

What can account for the revival of interest in the Puritans today? Perhaps it is that they were strongest where the church today is weakest. As Lewis observes, the Puritans employed themselves in the “great business of godliness,” so as to bring a God-exalting and gospel-saturated approach to all things. They were indeed “physicians of the soul” who were strongly characterized by personal piety, sound doctrine, and the pursuit of a well–ordered church life.

Endorsements 

“Lewis provides an excellent foretaste of the rich meal that readers of the works of the Puritans can enjoy. His arrangement of the matter—the brief biographical touches, the judicious selections threaded into a continuing theme, etc.—is brilliant."
—D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

"This is an excellent introduction to the Puritans, their writing, and their pastoral work. It examines their role as pastors, counselors, and theologians, as well as private people. the detailed section on spiritual depression is especially helpful." 
—Joel R. Beeke

Contents

Foreword
Preface
Introduction: The Character and Course of English Puritanism

Part I: Puritan in the Pulpit
The Puritan Preachers 
The Puritan Preaching 
1. The Dignity of Preaching 
2. The Necessity of Preaching 
3. The Demands of Preaching 
4. The Character of Preaching 
5. The Content of Preaching

Part II: The Puritan in the Pew
1. The preparation necessary for hearing the Word preached 
2. Behavior necessary when hearing the Word preached 
3. Duties after hearing the Word preached 
4. A typical Puritan service 
5. Fast Days 
6. The Puritan lecture 

Part III: The Puritan In Private
The Puritans as Pastors 

A. The Condition of Spiritual Desertions and Depressions
i. Lack of the sense of God’s presence
ii. Lack of the strength of present graces
iii. Unwillingness to apply present comforts 
iv. Lack of assurance and fears of the future

B. The Causes of Spiritual Desertions and Depressions
i. The Holy Spirit 
ii. Our Own Heart
iii. Satan 

C. The Cure of Spiritual Desertions and Depressions  
i. Fly to God 
ii. Trust in God 
iii. Put convictions of sin into perspective 
iv. Do your part in all this

Conclusion
References
Bibliography