The common misconception that Puritans were against anything fun is, well, just that: a misconception. Puritans actually held this as their main slogan: "Moderation in all things, including moderation itself." Today, the word "Puritan" has taken a different meaning. We all know that words' meanings change over time, and it's been a couple hundred years of language changing going on, even by the time the authoritative 1913 edition of Webster's was written. So, if you really want to know about ideas and concepts from the 1700's, don't be satisfied to read a 1913 account... view the source.