This third collection of history manuscripts is harder to date. These biographical sketches could have been written while Earl Davis was a student at Harvard, or they could belong to the previous two series of manuscripts in this series on the history of the development of liberal religion in New England.
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Charles Chauncy
Earl Clement Davis
A brief introduction to Charles Chauncy (1705-1787) who took significant steps away from strict Calvinism and the Theocracy, towards a more liberal Arminian theology. He prepared the way for the Unitarian movement of the 19th century.
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Charles Chauncy, Continued
Earl Clement Davis
Concludes the biography of Charles Chauncy (1705-1787) by focusing his conflict with Episcopalianism and the theological controversy.
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Cotton Mather
Earl Clement Davis
A brief introduction to Cotton Mather (1663-1728), "the Last Pilgrim", including his efforts to sustain "the Theocracy" of New England and the Salem Witch trials.
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John Wise
Earl Clement Davis
A brief introduction to John Wise (1652-1725). Referred to as "the first clear-headed Democrat", Davis' coverage includes Wise's work to move New England beyond the Theocracy and no taxation without representation.
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Jonathan Edwards
Earl Clement Davis
A brief introduction to Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), who led the conservative resistance to Charles Chauncy's liberal movement. He believed in the absolute sovereignty of God and the importance of a direct spiritual and/or mystical interaction between individual men and God. He also held a high standard of ethics.
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Samuel Hopkins
Earl Clement Davis
A brief introduction to Samuel Hopkins (1721-1803). Hopkins continued Jonathan Edwards' resistance to the liberal movements of Charles Chauncy. His sermon skills were poor, but he held a deep unshakable faith in "regenerate disinterested benevolence." This led to a courageous stance against slavery, particularly notable given that his pulpit was in Newport, Rhode Island, a major slave importation port.