The Worship of the American Puritans

by Horton Davies

This is the companion volume to The Worship of the English Puritans, and was first published in 1990 by Peter Lang Publishing. Dr. Davies looks at the unique element of Puritan worship in New England. Topics covered include the theology of worship, sermons, music in worship, prayers, the sacraments, and several others. Quotes from many scarce Puritan works are given as part of the text.

Genres: Theology

338 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1991

Reviews

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dense work on the American Puritans, and a companion to Davies' Worship of the English Puritans. Packed with information and anecdotes, but it was a hard slog.

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall good, but he repeats quotes and other parts frequently and is quite longwinded. One could read the last chapter where he summarized most of the book and be better off if one is looking to get the gist of the book; the details, however, would then have to be sacrificed. I also thinks he misunderstood the theology of the puritans at many points. For example, he argues that they believed that repentance and faith were necessary conditions to be regenerated. No, rather, as good Calvinists, they believed that regeneration logically preceded repentance and faith (even if not temporally) and that repentance and faith proved that one was genuinely converted by God. Other comments could be mentioned. I did learn some neat historical details and that was worth the read. For example, the first eulogy at a funeral was in 1701 and the first prayer in 1685; before that the burials were silent.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear evaluation of American Puritan worship. Davies is sympathetic, yet critical at times.