The Puritans have been described even by secular observers as 'physicians of the soul.' They understood that both body and soul need healing from time to time, and they wisely treated body problems with physical solutions, and soul problems with spiritual solutions. The spiritual malady of depression (melancholy or 'low spiritual frames') is wisely dealt with by the Puritans on both levels, as it can have both physical and spiritual causes. Timothy Rogers (1658-1728) himself suffered deep melancholy and was out of the pastoral ministry for eight years. That makes this book unique; Rogers was able to speak firsthand. Yet he does not allow his experience to become the standard for all others; rather, as a true Puritan, he makes the Word of God his unchanging standard. He skillfully provides guidance in regaining a sense of God's favor in the midst of adverse and trying circumstances. |
