Originally published in 1967, this book is a history of church puritanism as a movement and as a political and ecclesiastical organism; of its membership structure and internal contradictions; of the quest for ‘a further reformation’. It tells the fascinating story of the rise of a revolutionary moment and its ultimate destruction.
Part 1: Puritanism and the Elizabethan Church 1. The Church of England and the English Churches 2. ‘But Halfly Reformed.’ 3. The Beginnings of a Party Part 2: The Breach Opens 1. So Many Learned and Religious Bishops 2. That Comical Dress 3. London’s Protestant Underworld 4. The People and the Pope’s Attire Part 3: The First Presbyterians 1. A New Dogma 2. The Circumstances of its Assertion 3. The Universities and the New Men 4. The Early Presbyterian Movement 5. An Inquisition and a Witch-Hunt Part 4: Moderate Courses 1. Grindal 2. The Prophesyings 3. Pastores Pastorum: The Promise of Grindal’s Church 4. Reaction 5. Exercises, Conferences and Fasts 6. The Dedham Conference Part 5: 1584 1. Whitgift 2. The First Round 3. The Second Round 4. The Parliament of 1584-5 Part 6: The Grand Design 1. The Book of Discipline 2. The Bill and Book 3. A Mixed Reception Part 7: Presbytery in Episcopacy 1. The Congregation and its Ministers 2. Discipline and the Eldership 3. Worship 4. The Meetings of the Godly Part 8: Discovery, Prosecution and Dissolution 1. Partly Fearing, Partly Hoping 2. On Trial 3. The Star Chamber 4. Underground and Diverted 5. The End of a Movement
Biography
J. T. Cliffe is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
‘…a penetrating and profound study, a major contribution to historical studies in our time.’ Times Literary Supplement
‘A triumph of research, synthesis and clarity. It will be the standard account for some long time to come.’ Times Educational Supplement
‘…pulls together and makes sense of the work of a generation of historians. For religious and political history his book is an event of great significance… it will be the starting point for our thought about Puritanism for many years to come. Christopher Hill, Economic History Review
‘…his erudition is unrivalled, his industry indefatigable…’ Hugh Trevor-Roper, Sunday Times
