Thomas Hooker
Thomas Hooker was one of the Founding Fathers of our country, and was instrumental in forming one of the first written constitutions in America. ... Thomas Hooker studied theology at Cambridge University in England. ... In 1630, Hooker left England and went to Holland where he preached in both Delft and Rotterdam. ... Rather, Hooker believed that all civil government should be based on voluntary submission to some kind of civil covenant, just as the Churchs were established on a covenant in Spiritual things. Hooker believed the foundation of government lay in the free choice of the people, who were to choose public officials according to Gods will and law. With these beliefs, Hooker left Massachusetts with many of his congregation and established the town of Hartford in Connecticut in 1636. ... However, even from the beginning Thomas Hooker faced many obstacles. ... Samuel Collins, an agent of Archbishop Laud, warned that Hooker had become to powerful and said, "I…have seen the people idolizing many new ministers and lecturers; but this man surpasses them all for learning… [And] gains more and far greater followers than all before him." When he was summoned to appear before the dreaded High Commission, Hooker fled to Holland. As stated before, Thomas Hooker traveled to America in 1633 with 3 other Puritan Priests. When he arrived at Massachusetts, Hooker began to question the form of government established by the Massachusetts Bay colony.