Puritan influence pertains to the simplifying of doctrines and worship within the Church of England. The group of Puritans were known to have extremely strict religious discipline whereas it was known to have led to abuse. Thus, it is in this phrase that Puritan influence is evident:
"he pulled off a crucifix from his own neck, and bade me kiss it; but I refused once and again; he told me he would dash out my brains with his hatchet if I refused"
