Christian Cyclopedia

(ca. 1584–1652). “The Patriarch of New England.” Puritan*; b. Derby, Eng.; educ. Cambridge; dean Emmanuel Coll., Cambridge, 1606–12; ordained deacon and priest in Ch. of Eng. 1610; vicar St. Botolph's Ch., Boston, Lincolnshire, Eng., 1612–33; summoned to appear before Court of High Commission for changing liturgy of Ch. of Eng. to simpler Puritan form 1632; to Am. with T. Hooker* and S. Stone* 1633; teacher Puritan Ch., Boston, 1633–52; leader of Congregationalism in New Eng.; participated in banishment of A. Hutchinson* and R. Williams*; favored strong govt. by the few; held that magistrates should have authority over spiritual and secular affairs of citizens. Works include The Keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven; The Way of the Churches of Christ in New England; Milk for Babes.

L. Ziff, The Career of John Cotton: Puritanism and the American Experience (Princeton, New Jersey, 1962).