In this way, Puritanism encompasses those in England and North America who, from the reign of Elizabeth I until the beginning of the eighteenth century, worked to reform and purify the church and to lead people toward godly living consistent with the Reformed doctrines of grace. As will be seen in the subsequent lessons, it was by no means a monolithic movement. Yet, for the most part, there was a remarkable unity of thought, conviction, and experience among the Puritans.