The main textbook for English Puritan Theology is J.I. Packer's own A Quest for Holiness. Much of the material in class is expounded from the observations in this classic. Above all things in which the many Puritans over many decades sought was a profoundly deep and intimate walk with God in all areas of life.

As it is so difficult to accurately assess history, particularly history which spans many years, so Packer attempts to bring together the unifying themes which connected the Puritans. Not all were 5-point Calvinists. Not all were supralapsarian. Not all defined faith in the same way. Yet there were some principles which governed the thoughts of these particular men.

The Practicality of their Material- Unlike the canyon that often is found today in theological material between theology and real life, the Puritans sought to expound the deepest of doctrines and finest matters of theology to the point, and only to the point, where it's application is clearly evident. The Scriptures are not simply used for doctrine, but for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. Their material is overwhelmingly spiritually enriching and stimulating. They preached doctrine with an eye on the practical.

The Rejection of Extra-biblical Notions- Whether the topic was baptism, work, or marriage, the Puritans sought to model their lives by Scripture. They endeavored to take both their principles and their methodology from Scripture. As the Reformers, they rejected all traditions from the church (Anglican in their time) and chose to follow the simple example of the early church.

The Centrality of God in all Areas of Life- I have yet to encounter a more God-centered group of men than the Puritans. Though at times they did exceed the bounds of practicality in their assessment of godliness, they arduously sought to make God the very pinnacle of every minute of life. They talked, wrote, spoke, and dreamed much of God. The Puritans understood that there was no higher end to which they could devote their lives.

Packer's classic bridges the gap for modern readers to the lives of the Puritans that was severed by countless late 19th and early 20th century authors who painted these men as radical, illogical, and unscriptural. These men, though certainly far from perfect in life and in doctrine, should be allowed to model for us 21st century believers the qualities that should be commended of them. We need the Puritans. We need their zeal for God.