nspired by God. Their attitude was in complete submission; they felt that the Bible was Gods direct instruction for them to live by (Brow). They believed that by adherence to this basis would remove them from the chance of heresy. The Holy Scripture was their foundation. Upon this, they built their whole theology, society, and government. Puritan ideology consisted of a firm belief in Calvin's Institutes, covenant relationships, and theocracy. Theology is essential to every religion's belief. One of the most demanding religions, Puritan belief forced its followers to change their life in accordance to Gods Holy Word, only to guess that he could possibly be saved by Gods grace. The Puritan religion was based on five basic principles; supremacy of the divine will, the depravity of man, election, free grace, and predestination. Each having a distinct and overpowering effect on all whom followed. The Puritans, again following the teachings of John Calvin, adhered to the basic sinfulness (or depravity) of man, and the fact that some will be chosen through the righteousness of Christ despite their transgressions. No man can be sure in his life what his destiny will be. That statement summed up the basic elements of Calvinism. Within the basic points there are specialized points of Calvinism, which were strictly held by the Puritans. These are also reiterated in the Westminster Confession of Faith. The first point of Calvin deals with is the total depravity of man, which could also be referred to as basic sinfulness of man. The basic sinfulness of man is very evident throughout the Bible. The Westminster Confession states that, "from original corruption, by which man is completely averse, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and thoroughly inclined to all evil, and man does proceed all actual transgressions". That is total and complete depravity, which, in essence means that man is completely unable to work out his own salvation. Not only...
