This book describes the worship of the American Puritans in their first creative century, defines its theological justification, analyzes its preaching, prayer, praise, sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper, its services for marriage and burial, and architecture. It also compares American with English Puritan worship of the same time frame.
"His scholarly publication, which began with 'The Worship of the English Puritans' (Dacre Press 1948) and reached its culmination with his five-volume 'History of Theology and Worship in England' (Princeton University Press 1961-1975), reaches full circle with this book. People interested in worship should read this volume for the same reasons that Davies wrote it. Puritanism was the distinctively English form of the Reformation, and it reached its full flowering in New England during the century treated by Davies. ... This book blends description, theological interpretation, and social analysis..." (Keith Watkins, Worship)
"...Davies' book is... the most comprehensive on the subject. After reading Davies' book, one will be much better informed about this worship tradition and be able to form a more balanced judgment." (Harry Boonstra, Calvin Theological Journal)
"...Davies' book is... the most comprehensive on the subject. After reading Davies' book, one will be much better informed about this worship tradition and be able to form a more balanced judgment." (Harry Boonstra, Calvin Theological Journal)