An economic climate of Protection, 'rationalization' and
monopoly capitalism was matched by a social climate of agnos-
ticism, increasing sexual licence, and a growing pre-occupation
with amusement. This economic and social climate, together
with the disintegrating influence of two world wars, combined
to erode and to destroy among the generality of Englishmen
those standards of behaviour and belief which Puritanism had
contributed to English life and by which Puritanism had helped
England to prosper and to become great.

Today it seems that Puritanism has no distinctive and vital
place in English life. But the story may not yet be over. There
may be another harrowing and Puritanism may once more seep
upwards through English society to colour another age with its
sober hue and to harden another generation of Englishmen
with its courage and its determination.

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