(c.1613–August 25, 1649), was an English Metaphysical poet, known for using striking figures of speech. He associated with John Donne, and was a contemporary of both John Bunyan and John Milton. At first an Anglican in the High Church, he converted to Catholicism and died as canon of the Santa Casa Cathedral at Loreto. Many … Continue reading “CRASHAW,
RICHARD”
HALE, SIR MATTHEW
(November 1, 1609–December 25, 1676), was Lord Chief-Justice of the King’s Bench, a position of high influence in England. He testified: There is no book like the Bible for excellent wisdom and use.259 Every morning read seriously and reverently a portion of the Holy Scriptures, and acquaint yourselves with the history and doctrine thereof; it … Continue reading “HALE,
SIR MATTHEW”
VIRGINIA, SECOND CHARTER OF
(May 23, 1609), granted by King James I, stated: Because the principal Effect which we can expect or desire of this Action is the Conversion and reduction of the people in those parts unto the true worship of God and the Christian Religion.257 And forasmuch, as it shall be necessary for all such our loving … Continue reading “VIRGINIA,
SECOND CHARTER OF”
MILTON, JOHN
(December 9, 1608–November 8, 1674), was an English poet and political writer. His blank-verse epic, Paradise Lost, 1667, considered a masterpiece of English literature, detailed Lucifer’s revolt against God and the fall in the garden of Adam and Eve. Milton aggressively defended the Puritan cause, writing: Pro Populo Anglicano, 1651; The Tenure of Kings and … Continue reading “MILTON,
JOHN”
HARVARD, JOHN
(November 1607–September 14, 1638), was the first benefactor of Harvard College. Born in London, he emigrated to Massachusetts, 1637, and served as Charlestown’s minister. He bequeathed his library and half of his estate for the founding of the first college in America, which was subsequently named in his honor, 1639, as recorded in the Old … Continue reading “HARVARD,
JOHN”
VIRGINIA, COLONY OF
(May 14, 1607), the first permanent settlement in North America, was founded by settlers who embarked from England in December of 1606. Their initial act after landing at Cape Henry, April 26, 1607, was to erect a wooden cross and commence a prayer meeting, led by the Reverend Robert Hunt.241 Later that year, after Reverend … Continue reading “VIRGINIA,
COLONY OF”
VIRGINIA, FIRST CHARTER OF
(April 10, 1606), was granted by King James I to the settlers of the “Jamestown Colony” in Virginia. The Colony was named for the “Virgin Queen” Elizabeth I by Sir Walter Raleigh, who had explored the area and attempted to found a settlement on Roanoke Island, April 9, 1585. On August 13, 1587, the members … Continue reading “VIRGINIA,
FIRST CHARTER OF”
ELIOT, JOHN
(1604–May 21, 1690), was a Puritan clergyman who was known as “The Apostle to the Indians,” as he was the first to teach Christianity to the Indians of New England. Born in England, he graduated from Cambridge and traveled to Boston, 1631, to serve as a teacher and pastor. A young Indian who had converted … Continue reading “ELIOT,
JOHN”
TASMAN, ABEL JANSZOON
(1603–c.1659) was the greatest of Dutch navigators and explorers. He discovered Tasmania, New Zealand, Tonga, and the Fiji Islands. He set sail from Batavia on August 14, 1642 with the instructions: Destined for the discovery and exploration of the unknown Southland. … What numberless multitudes of blind heathen have by the same been introduced to … Continue reading “TASMAN,
ABEL JANSZOON”
WILLIAMS, ROGER
(1603–1683), was a British-born clergyman who founded the Providence Plantation in Rhode Island.229 A graduate from Pembroke, 1624, he was ordained in the Church of England, 1628. An enthusiastic Puritan minister, his sermons in favor of religious liberty caused him to be persecuted. In 1630, he fled to the Massachusetts Bay Colony where he pastored … Continue reading “WILLIAMS,
ROGER”