, elder brother of Christopher just mentioned, was born at Coventry
, elder brother of Christopher just
mentioned, was born at Coventry in 1597, and sent from
thence with his brother to Merton-college in 1613; but
while Christopher went to Doway, and became a catholic,
John went to London, and became a puritan. He was
minister of St. Stephen’s in Coleman-street, and esteemed
by his brethren a person of excellent gifts in preaching,
and in other qualities belonging to a divine. About 1630
he was appointed one of the feoffees for the buying in
impropriations, which involved him in a dispute with archbishop Laud; but that project miscarrying, he left his
pastoral charge about 1633, under pretence of opposition
from the bishops, and went to Amsterdam. Here, endeavouring to be a minister in the English congregation, and
to join with them in all duties, he was opposed by John
Paget, an elder, on account of some difference between
them about baptism; upon which he wrote, in his own defence, “A Letter to the Dutch Classis, containing a just
complaint against an unjust doer; wherein is declared the
miserable slavery and bondage that the English church at
Amsterdam is now in, by reason of the tyrannical government and corrupt doctrine of Mr. John Paget, their minister,
” Amst. 1634. Two or three more pieces relating to
this controversy were published by him afterwards; and
such were his parts and learning, that he drew away from
them many of their congregation, to whom he preached
and prayed in private houses.