The English Connection : the Puritan Roots of Seventh-Day Adventist belief

One of the phenomena that has puzzled historians of the 17th century is the failure of Puritan ideas to have any significant influence in English church history after the Great Ejection in 1662. In The English Connection, Dr Bryan Ball provides an answer to many of the questions that arise as the result of this phenomenon. This book is a study of the Puritan movement in England, examining its influence on later religious movements and in particular on Seventh-Day Adventism. Dr Ball begins with a comprehensive history of Puritanism, emphasising its reliance on biblical exegesis and exposition - factors which contribute to the drawing together of many strands of 17th century religious thought. He displays his deep knowledge of the period in a detailed exploration of specific doctrinal tenets. Areas covered include: the believer's baptism and the necessity of regeneration, gospel obedience, the seventh-day Sabbath, the return of Christ, the world to come and the new earth. Dr Ball draws on sources as diverse as John Bunyan and John Owen to prove his thesis that strong common bonds united the 17th century Puritans, giving a firm historico-biblical background for the modern movement of Seventh-Day Adventism. He examines the 'Puritan Spirit' of the 17th century, demonstrating its invigorating effect on contemporary Christian thought and on those who benefit from that tradition today. Thus Dr Ball's work, as is shown in his title, is not only a historical study of Puritanism, but is concerned to prove the continuity and cohesion of Puritan ideas from their growth in 17th century England to the thriving community of present day Seventh-Day Adventists. This book, which substantiates the traditional roots of an expanding church, will be of interest both to historians of doctrine and of the 17th century, and to all practising Adventists. The chapters dealing with the basic tenets of historical Christianity will appeal to many from the wider Christian community, particularly those who are interested in comparing contemporary Christian thought with traditional Protestant doctrine.

Dr Bryan W Ball is a retired academic, a church administrator and the author of numerous books. He holds a PhD from the University of London and has contributed to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and the Enciclopaedia of World Faiths.