Metrical History of Christianity (RLC.Ms.Bound.0026)

Biographical note

Rev. Edward Taylor (1642-1729) was born at Scetchley, Leicestershire, England, and was first educated at Cambridge University. After Taylor refused to sign the Act of Uniformity of 1662, an oath required of all dissenters after the restoration of King Charles II (1630-1685), he immigrated to Boston. He kept a detailed journal from the time he departed England, which has been published as The Diary of Edward Taylor, edited by Francis Murphy (Springfield, Mass., 1964). Taylor attended Harvard College and then became the pastor and physician of Westfield, Massachusetts, where he remained until his death. He was a vocal supporter of the Halfway Covenant of 1662, along with Increase and Cotton Mather. He is best known for his spiritual poetry and theological beliefs.