Puritan Profiles: 54 Contemporaries of the Westminster Assembly

by William Barker

The history of seventeenth century England was tumultuous. During this period England underwent a civil war, a regicide, an experiment with republican government, a restoration of monarchy and constant upheavals in politics and religion. What a confusing period! As the century began Puritans were poised against Episcopalians, parliament against the forces of an absolutist monarchy and the question hung in the air - what kind of Christian expression would be the Church of England eventually reflect?

Genres: Biography, Church History, Christian, Theology

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 11, 2000

Reviews

[Douglas Domer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!! This will give you a look into the lives of the Westminster Reformers and the History of Great Britain during the production of the Westminster Confession of Faith. If you have the desire to learn from the past, this is a great place to start.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Westminster Confession has a lively reputation -- it is either loved or hated, depending on your theology. Everyone knows it is about the most influential work of its kind ever produced in the English language. But few people know anything about the men who composed it. This is the only book I know of that has composed biographical portraits of the Westminster Divines. What Dr. Barker so well illustrates is that these were a diverse group of churchmen, with different temperments and experiences. They were united by a common commitment to the Word and the threat of royal execution for their participation.

Dr. Barker is a gifted historian and writer. He really makes these heroic figures come to life.

This book will stir your heart and your head.

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise and valuable biographies of a bunch of Puritans. A good starting point and overview of the lives of some influential men of God from a pivotal time in Church History.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a general introduction to some of the leading Puritans in the 17th century, this book is well written and presents them with respect to their historical and religious context. The author tends to be a little too forgiving when he could have been more critical of poor decisions or duplicitous positions taken on certain issues or in regard to certain issues. John Cotton, for example, first chose to support Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams both because they were his friends, were members of his church, and had views with which he could tolerate. Cotton, as the author points out, switched sides. But the author doesn't really say why or risk exposing Cotton to charges of betrayal. Rather than act out of principle, Cotton chose to protect himself from the wrath of colonial leaders who were bringing a lot of pressure onto New England's most respected minister.

[Logan Almy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Profiles of the Puritan divines of Westminster Assembly. Reads like a phonebook in places as the reader wades through meticulous biographical details. Needs more theological and practical insights into the lives of these extraordinary men of God.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most informative.