Puritans including Sibbes and Owen.^95 This is all the more convincing since Williams
began her research with the strong bias “that Puritanism is not supposed to be
characterized by mysticism.”^96 Further, and central to her conclusion is that Puritan
mysticism while conscious of the medieval roots is not directly derived from Roman
Catholic mysticism but rather is an indigenous expression fashioned within the
uniqueness of Puritan theology and instead of being a rare occurrence was common
throughout Puritanism.^97 This also corrects Brauer’s perception that Rous was the
first Puritan mystic.
On the one hand, Williams is aware of McGinn’s broader definition of
mysticism^98 and her thesis is divided into the four categories of theology, vocabulary,
devotion, and enactment or records of spiritual experience. Nonetheless, she
continues to employ the terminology of Puritan mysticism rather than McGinn’s
broader language of the mystical element of Puritanism.^99 She does not indicate her
reason for this choice, though perhaps her motivation is dependent upon her desire to
recover the legitimacy of Puritan mysticism. It still appears problematic, however,
due to the confusion of many regarding the nature and heritage of Christian
mysticism. In fact, Williams herself, rejects the similarity of Puritan mysticism with
“classic Christian mysticism” since many associate the latter with the absorption of
humanity into the Godhead.^100 Another significant feature of her research is that
while she recognizes the necessity for the specific theological character of
(^95) Williams, “Puritan Enjoyment of God,” 11, 21. (^)
(^96) Williams, “Puritan Enjoyment of God,” ix.
(^97) Williams, “Puritan Enjoyment of God,” 15, 102n267, 226, 392.
(^98) Williams, “Puritan Enjoyment of God,” 17n62, 18n64.
(^99) Williams, “Puritan Enjoyment of God,” 25-26, 140, 394-9, etc. These references
are merely illustrative of her almost universal practice throughout 100 her thesis.
Piety of Joy,” 8. Compare Williams, “Puritan Enjoyment of God,” ix with Williams, “Puritanism: