1. Term

The terms “Puritan” and “Puritanism” were originally terms of abuse but were defined in 1646 by the Presbyterian John Geree (1601–49) as a moderate and middle way in religion: “The Old English Puritan was such an one that honoured God above all, and under God gave everyone his due. His first care was to serve God … making the word of God his rule in worship. He highly esteemed order in the house of God: but would not under colour of that sub…