The Puritan path of piety
In mapping the path of piety (that is to say, godliness), the Puritans focused on four particular areas:-
- the first steps – conviction and conversion, leading to assurance;
- the fight – against the world, the flesh, and the devil;
- the fellowship – communion with God through prayer, and with other Christians through ‘conference’ (talking and sharing);
- the finish – dying well, in faith and hope, with all preparations made and a clear and quiet conscience as one prepares for the final momentous meeting with the Father and the Son.
See J.I. Packer, Among God’s Giants, p437.