Clergyman; born in
Martha's Vineyard,
Mass., Oct. 8, 1720; graduated at Harvard in 1744, and ordained minister of the West Church,
Boston, in 1747, which post he held until his death, July 9, 1766.
He was a zealous republican in politics, and his preaching and writing were remarkable for their controversial character.
He warmly opposed the operations of the British Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, for he regarded it as an instrument for the spread of Episcopacy.
He became involved in a controversy with
Dr. Seeker,
Archbishop of
Canterbury, because the latter proposed the introduction of bishops into the colonies; co-operated with
Otis and others in their resistance to measures of the British Parliament concerning the
Americans; and was among the boldest of the
Whigs.
His death deprived the cause of a stanch champion.