born Jan. 1, 1705, Boston, Mass.
died Feb. 10, 1787, Boston, Mass., U.S.
American clergyman.
He served as minister of the First Church of Boston from 1727 until his death. He opposed the establishment of an Anglican bishopric in the American colonies. He is best known as a leading critic of the Great Awakening . He also wrote books, pamphlets, and sermons espousing the cause of the American Revolution .