Phillipps, George

Phillipps, George a Congregational minister, was born at Rondham, in the county of Norfolk, England, near the opening of the 17th century. Having given early indications of a remarkably vigorous mind, a strong love of knowledge, and a deep sense of religion, he was sent to the University of Cambridge, where he received his education, and distinguished himself as a scholar. Theology was his favorite study; and, while yet a young man, he had made himself familiar with the most celebrated of the fathers of the Christian Church. Not long after his ordination he began to entertain scruples with regard to certain requirements of the Established Church. This dissatisfaction became so strong that at last he determined to emigrate to this country with a company of Puritans, among whom was John Winthrop. He arrived at Salem in 1630. Having founded with a number of others the settlement of Watertown, Massachusetts, Phillipps became the first pastor of the Church, and as such he continued his labors till near the time of his death, which occurred July 1, 1644. Phillipps possessed no small degree of intellectual acumen, and was an able controversial writer. He was a man of great independence of mind, and adhered with unyielding tenacity to his conscientious convictions. ie seems to have been in advance of nearly all his contemporaries in regard to the principles of strict Congregationalism; insomuch that his views were, for a time, regarded as novel and extreme. His ministry was marked by great diligence and fervor, and attended with rich blessings. His publications are, Reply to the Confutation of some Grounds of Infant Baptism; as also Concerning the Form of a Church, put forth against me by one Thomas Lamb (Lond. 1645, 4to). See Mather, Magnalia, 3:82-84, 162; Winthrop, Journal; Sprague, Annals of the Amer. Pulpit, 1:15-17. (J.H.W.)