Cotton, John

Cotton, John

December 4, 1584

Derby, Derbyshire, England

December 23, 1652

Boston, Massachusetts

Puritan clergyman

"Democracy I do not conceyve that ever God did ordene as a fitt government eyther for church or commonwealth."

John Cotton.

John Cotton was a prominent clergyman in the Massachusetts Bay Colony during the seventeenth century. After introducing Puritanism (a religious philosophy that stresses strict moral and spiritual codes) to a church in England, he emigrated (moved from one country to another) to the New World (the European term for North America and South America) and continued his religious activities. He arrived in Massachusetts in 1633 and quickly became an influential leader of the colony. As a preacher he was interested in both religion and politics, arguing against those who believed the two should remain separate. He participated in many of the major political and religious conflicts that took place in the colony, including the trial of religious heretic (one who violates the laws of the church) Anne Hutchinson (see entry).

Becomes a Preacher in England

John Cotton was born at Derby, Derbyshire, England, on December 4, 1584, to devoutly Christian parents. His father, Roland Cotton, was a wealthy lawyer. Little is known about Cotton's childhood, except that he attended DerbyGrammar School from 1593 to 1597.

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