"The present work is simplified and revised from a Ph. D. dissertation completed for Westminster Theological Seminary in 1988, titled 'Personal assurance of faith : English Puritanism and the Dutch "Nadere Reformatie" from Westminster to Alexander Comrie (1640-1760)' and from Assurance of faith : Calvin, English Puritanism and the Dutch Second Reformation (New York : Peter Lang, 1991)." (Preface, p. vii.).

Includes bibliographical references (pages 311-379) and indexes.

Introduction. pt. 1. Assurance prior to the Westminster Assembly. The early and medieval church -- The Reformation from Luther to Bullinger -- Reformed development in Calvin and Beza -- The fathers of English Puritanism and the Dutch Second Reformation -- pt. 2. Assurance from the Westminster Assembly to Alexander Comrie. English Puritanism and the Westminster Confession, chapter 18 -- John Owen -- Alexander Comrie -- pt. 3. Comparison of English Puritanism and the Dutch Second Reformation on assurance. Thomas Goodwin : the merging of English-Dutch thinking of assurance -- Conclusion --Appendix: The Dutch Second Reformation (De Nadere Reformatie).