John Wise
John Wise was a prominent colonial political writer and minister, born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. The son of a former indentured servant, Wise graduated from Harvard College in 1673 and began his theological studies. He served various congregations, including as the first minister of Chebacco Parish in Ipswich, Massachusetts, where he became known for advocating for colonial rights and resisting British taxation imposed by Governor Sir Edmund Andros, resulting in his arrest and imprisonment. Wise also played a notable role during the Salem witch trials by defending John and Elizabeth Procter against unfounded accusations.
In the early 18th century, Wise expressed his opposition to a proposed ecclesiastical hierarchy that sought to centralize authority over New England churches, advocating instead for congregational autonomy. His writings, such as "The Churches Quarrel Espoused" and "A Vindication of the Government of New England Churches," highlighted the importance of individual rights and laid foundational ideas for civil governance. His thoughts were influential, resonating with the founding fathers and being quoted in the Declaration of Independence. Wise remained active in ministry and civic matters until his death in 1725, leaving a lasting impact on both religious and political landscapes.
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John Wise
Political Leader
- Born: August 1, 1652
- Birthplace: Roxbury, Massachusetts
- Died: April 8, 1725
Biography
John Wise, a colonial political writer, was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He was the son of Joseph Wise, a former indentured servant. John Wise received his early education in Roxbury public schools. In 1673, he graduated from Harvard College and began studying theology with a local minister. After completing his training, Wise served briefly as the minister of a congregation in Branford, Connecticut, as well as the chaplain to the troops in King Philip’s War. From 1677 to 1682, Wise served the congregation of Hatfield, Massachusetts. There he met and married Abigail Gardner. Together they had seven children.
Wise’s most noted work as a minister began in 1682 when he took the position as the first minister of Chebacco Parish in Ipswich, Massachusetts, where he served until his death. In Ipswich, Wise became known as the defender of the rights of the colonist. In 1687, he advised his congregants to resist British taxation, which was being imposed by Governor Sir Edmund Andros. After leading the town’s resistance, Wise was arrested. After a twenty-one-day imprisonment, he was fined and stripped of his ministry. Two years later, after the overthrow of Governor Andros, Wise was fully exonerated and reinstated as the minister of Ipswich. Subsequently, he was appointed as chaplain to the colony’s military campaign against Quebec. Although the campaign failed, Wise earned a reputation for his clear thinking and intelligent advice.
In 1690, Wise further demonstrated his character during the Salem witch trials when he defended John and Elizabeth Procter. Wise was opposed to the hasty and unfounded accusations that were prevalent throughout the trials. Although his defense of the Proctors was formable, Wise failed to protect John Procter from execution. Elizabeth Proctor escaped execution with a plea of pregnancy.
For the two decades following the witch trials, Wise worked quietly as the minister of the Ipswich parish. However, in 1713, he once again appeared at the center of a large controversy. At this time, religious leaders such as Cotton Mather proposed to place all New England’s churches under the jurisdiction of an association of ministers. This association, under the leadership of Mather, would have authority over individual congregations. Wise argued that the establishment of an association of ministers was the first step toward a hierarchy in the Church. He maintained that each congregation should have the individual authority to perform such tasks as choosing a minister.
Wise published his opposition in a pamphlet titled The Churches Quarrel Espoused (1713). He later expanded this pamphlet under the title A Vindication of the Government of New England Churches (1717). In these works, Wise presented his view of congregationalism in plain writing addressed to the common townspeople. He used simple metaphors, rough humor, and common images to demonstrate that an association of ministers was a threat to the liberties and freedom of the common New Englander.
These political writings became the model of the general principles of civil government. The fathers of the revolution quoted Wise’s writing and incorporated many of his statements in the Declaration of Independence. John Wise continued to minister and remain active in civic and church issues until his death in 1725.