MLJ on the Puritans

You have to love this:

The puritans put their emphasis upon a life of spiritual, personal religion, an intense realisation of the presence of God, and a devotion of the entire being to Him.

p460 vol 2 of bio

Philip Jakob Spener on Pietism

As a response to the dry orthodoxy of 17th Century Lutheranism, Spener penned these six points:

1. The Word of God must be more widely stuidied by the people. To this end he proposed discussions under the pastor's guidance.

2. The universal priesthood of all believers needs new emphasis. All Christians should exercise this privilege by testifying, instructing and exhorting each other.

3. Mere head knowledge is not Christianity, but such knowledge must be translated into action.

4. More love and gentleness between the Christain denominations is needed in polemics.

5. The schooling of the clergy must include training for personal piety as well as intellectual knowledge.

6. Sermons should be preparaed with less emphasis on rhetorical art and more on the edification of the hearers.

Carl Lundquist on Devotion

A Christian journey that is devotional is one which values and treasures a heart-felt warming of God's presence in our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit