John Cotton was a prominent Puritan minister and theologian in the early 17th century. Born in England in 1584, he became known for his strong religious beliefs and his role in the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Cotton was a key figure in the Puritan movement, advocating for a strict interpretation of the Bible and the importance of a personal relationship with God. In 1633, Cotton emigrated to America, where he served as the minister of Boston's First Church. His sermons and writings significantly influenced the religious landscape of New England. Cotton's ideas contributed to the development of Congregationalism, a form of church governance that emphasized local control and autonomy.