Many today dismiss the Puritans as outdated and irrelevant, which is easier than reading them. They were in fact used by God to bring about a powerful reformation with a transformative effect on their society, driven by ardent love for Christ, devotion to the Word of God and personal experience of the Spirit's power.

They were passionate to see the church made beautiful for Christ and zealous for God to be glorified in every part of life, and the result was a rare harmony of biblical belief, experience and practice. Erroll Hulse gives the historical overview a newcomer needs before picking up the primary sources, and ministering as we do amid moral and spiritual confusion, there is a great deal here to be stirred by.