John Cotton Biography

John Cotton, a highly respected and knowledgeable clergyman of the early 17th century, was an outstanding scholar who advocated for bringing about reforms in the manner the Anglican Church operated. An eminent theologian of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, he was a Puritan who established the first church in Boston along with John Wilson. He served as a teacher in the church and played an important role in the establishment of America’s first public school - The Boston Latin School. He was an excellent preacher and an eloquent speaker whose views and opinions were greatly respected. He was often consulted for advice in settling issues both in the political and church matters. The son of a lawyer, he was exposed to religious studies from an early age. He studied rhetoric, philosophy, Greek, astronomy and logic in colleges and was regarded highly educated in his time. He also developed his preaching and oratory skills for which he would become famous later on. He was especially influenced by the teachings of the Cambridge theologian, William Perkins who was one of the foremost leaders of the Puritan movement. He was a notable speaker who spoke with such authority and clarity that listening to him was like listening to the speeches of none other than Jesus Christ.