other form； later； there had to e the 〃exodus from Houndsditch；〃 with how much conflict and misery！ Such； however； was the price of the soul's health； we must accept the fact； and be content to see its better meaning。 Health； of course； in speaking of mankind； is always a relative term。 From the point of view of a conceivable civilization； Puritan England was lamentably ailing； but we must always ask； not how much better off a people might be； but how much worse。 Of all theological systems； the most convincing is Manicheism； which； of course； under another name； was held by the Puritans themselves。 What we call Restoration morality……the morality； that is to say； of a king and court……might well have bee that of the nation at large under a Stuart dynasty safe from religious revolution。
The political services of Puritanism were inestimable； they will be more feelingly remembered when England has once more to face the danger of political tyranny。 I am thinking now of its effects upon social life。 To it we owe the characteristic which； in some other countries； is expressed by the term English prudery； the accusation implied being part of the general charge of hypocrisy。 It is said by observers among ourselves that the prudish habit of mind is dying out； and this is looked upon as a satisfactory thing； as a sign of healthy emancipation。 If by prude be meant a secretly vicious person who affects an excessive decorum； by all means let the prude disappear； even at the cost of some shamelessness。 If； on the other hand； a prude is one who； living a decent life； cultivates； either by bent or principle； a somewhat extreme delicacy of thought and speech with regard to elementary facts of human nature； then I say that this is most emphatically a fault in the right direction； an