The Puritans, as a body, have done more to elevate the national character than any class of Englishmen that ever lived. Ardent lovers of civil liberty, and ready to die in its defense--mighty at the council board, and no less mighty in the battlefield--feared abroad throughout Europe, and invincible at home while united--great with their pens, and no less great with their swords--fearing God very much, and fearing men very little---they were a generation of men who have never received from their country the honor that they deserve. -- J. C. Ryle (introduction to Thomas Manton's 'Works', 2:xi