William Perkins (1558–1602)
- Known for: Leading theologian at Cambridge; author of The Art of Prophesying.
- Contribution: Helped systematize Puritan theology; emphasized predestination and practical piety.
William Ames (1576–1633)
- Known for: Theologian; author of The Marrow of Theology.
- Contribution: Bridged English and Dutch Puritan thought; shaped Reformed theology in New England.
John Robinson (1576–1625)
- Known for: Pastor of the Pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower.
- Contribution: Spiritual leader of the Separatist movement; remained in Leiden while his congregation sailed to Plymouth.
Richard Sibbes (1577–1635)
- Known for: Preacher and author of The Bruised Reed.
- Contribution: Known for warm, comforting theology; helped shape Puritan spirituality.
Peter Bulkley (1583–1659)
- Known for: Founder of Concord, MA.
- Importance: His book The Gospel-Covenant was influential in shaping Puritan covenant theology.
John Cotton (1585–1652)
- Known for: Minister of the First Church of Boston.
- Contribution: Key architect of New England Puritanism; emphasized congregational autonomy.
Thomas Hooker (1586–1647)
- Known for: Founder of Connecticut.
- Contribution: Advocated for broader suffrage than Massachusetts allowed; influential in early democratic ideas.
John Preston (1587–1628)
- Known for: Preaching and his role at Emmanuel College, Cambridge.
- Importance: Mentored many Puritan preachers; influential in court and academia.
John Winthrop (1588–1649)
- Known for: Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
- Contribution: Gave the famous “City upon a Hill” sermon; helped shape Puritan political theory in America.
John Davenport (1597–1670)
- Known for: Co-founder of New Haven Colony.
- Importance: Advocated for a strict church-state integration and a godly commonwealth.
Jeremiah Burroughs (c. 1599–1646)
- Known for: Independent preacher; author of The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.
- Contribution: Promoted peaceful Puritanism and tolerance among dissenters.
Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658)
- Known for: Leader of the English Civil War; Lord Protector.
- Importance: Not a theologian, but a devout Puritan who tried to build a godly commonwealth.
Thomas Goodwin (1600–1680)
- Known for: Member of the Westminster Assembly.
- Contribution: Influential Puritan theologian; emphasized the work of Christ and Christian assurance.
Thomas Shepard (1605–1649)
- Known for: Minister in Cambridge, MA; a major figure in New England Puritanism.
- Importance: His sermons and spiritual diaries influenced the theology of conversion and the Half-Way Covenant debates.
Thomas Brooks (1608–1680)
- Known for: Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.
- Importance: Wrote in a vivid, comforting style that was widely read among laypeople.
Richard Baxter (1615–1691)
- Known for: Author of The Reformed Pastor.
- Contribution: Advocated practical piety and unity among Protestants; opposed rigid Calvinism.
John Owen (1616–1683)
- Known for: Theologian and chaplain to Oliver Cromwell.
- Contribution: Wrote extensively on sanctification, the Holy Spirit, and church government.
Thomas Watson (c. 1620–1686)
- Known for: A Body of Divinity; accessible devotional theology.
- Importance: Combined rich doctrine with warm, practical application.
John Flavel (1627–1691)
- Known for: Pastoral writings like Keeping the Heart.
- Importance: Emphasized heart religion and assurance of salvation.
Stephen Charnock (1628–1680)
- Known for: The Existence and Attributes of God (posthumously published).
- Importance: Deeply intellectual; explored theology proper (God’s nature) in a Puritan context.
Michael Wigglesworth (1631–1705)
- Known for: Author of The Day of Doom, a hugely popular Puritan poem about the Last Judgment.
- Importance: Reflected the apocalyptic and moral anxieties of early New England.
Increase Mather (1639–1723)
- Known for: Boston minister and president of Harvard College.
- Contribution: Blended science and religion; key figure during the Salem witch trials and their aftermath.
Samuel Willard (1640–1707)
- Known for: Acting president of Harvard; preacher in Boston.
- Importance: Helped stabilize Puritan orthodoxy in late 17th-century New England.
Cotton Mather (1663–1728)
- Known for: Historian and prolific writer; grandson of John Cotton.
- Contribution: Wrote Magnalia Christi Americana; supported inoculation during smallpox outbreak.
Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758)
- Known for: Revivalist preacher and theologian; leader of the First Great Awakening.
- Contribution: Preached Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God; synthesized Puritan theology with Enlightenment thought; emphasized religious experience and conversion.
“The Puritans were not gloomy, sour, or ascetic. They were men of deep joy, fierce conviction, and burning love for Christ.” – R.C. Sproul
