Movement in the late 16th and 17th century that sought to "purify" the Church of England , leading to civil war in England and to the founding of colonies in North America.
Many Puritans joined the Parliamentary party during the Restoration they were once again a dissenting minority. Believing themselves chosen by God to revolutionize history, some Puritans founded settlements in America (see Pilgrims ), notably the Massachusetts Bay Colony . The Puritans of Massachusetts emphasized the conversion experience, by which the elect experienced the descent of grace . In their theocracy only the elect were allowed to vote and rule, though the privileges of church membership were extended to all baptized and orthodox persons.