STUDY OUTLINE OF THE LIFE AND
TIMES OF ROGER WILLIAMS
I
Roger Williams and His Times
1. Rise and Development of English Puritanism: Reformation in England, from Wyclif to Henry VIII. Reformation under Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Elizabeth. Influence of the Marian exiles. Rise of English Puritanism. Influence and mission of Thomas Cartwright and Robert Browne. Growth of Presbyterianism and independency. Origin of British Baptists (in Wales and England).
2. Contemporaneous Colonial Settlements: The Plymouth Pilgrims. The Dorchester Adventurers. Naumkeag settlers. Endicott Company at Salem. Winthrop Company at Boston. Connecticut settlers. Early Dutch and Virginia settlements. (Study idealism, origin, vitality of each.)
3. Indian Predecessors of Roger Williams and Puritans: Tribal settlements, their ideas, customs, and moral status. Ideas of soul-liberty among the Indians. Priority of Williams’ Indian missionary work. Labors of Eliot and others.
II
Roger Williams, His Life and Achievements
1. Life Prior to Exile from England, 1602-1629: His birth and education. Religious ferment in England. His love affairs, marriage, and exile.
2. In New England Prior to Settlement in Providence, 1629-1636: Experiences in Boston, Salem, Plymouth, the wilderness, and Seekonk.