"For now Nonconformity [Puritanism] in the days of Edward was conceived, which afterwards in the reign of Mary (but beyond sea at Frankfort) was born; which in the days of Queen Elizabeth was nursed and weaned; which under King James grew up a youth or tall stripling; and towards the end of King Charles's reign shot up to the full strength and stature of a man, able not only to cope with, but conquer the hierarchy, its adversary" (Fuller's Church History of Britain, Book VII., Cent. xvi. 23). OF PURITANISM A HANDBOOK FOR GUILDS AND BIBLE CLASSES BY JAMES HERON, D.D. PROFESSOR OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY, BELFAST EDINBURGH T. & T. CLARK, 38 GEORGE STREET Printed by MORRISON & GIBB LIMITED, FOR T. & T. CLARK, EDINBURGH. LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT, AND CO. LIMITED. NEW YORK: CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS. 5.3608410 (!,, PREFACE THE preparation of this Handbook was undertaken So far as the writer is aware there is in existence no short history of Puritanism, nor anything that would serve as a handy or easily accessible text-book on the subject. It was for that reason, and because some knowledge of the history of that great movement is essential to a proper appreciation of both the civil and religious history of these kingdoms, and of some of the most vital elements in our national, social, and family life, that the present work was written. The period covered by this record embraces some of the most momentous, interesting, and stirring passages in English history. The one source of regret to the author is that the necessity of condensing within text-book bounds the account of a struggle extending over so wide a field and comprising events fraught with such vast and far-reaching issues, compelled him 200373 |
