This book explores the authorities of Puritan Massachusetts balanced concern for the stability of the colony and the integrity of its Puritan mission with the hopes of reconciling dissidents back into the colonial community.

Timothy L. Wood holds a PhD from Marquette University, and is assistant professor of history at Southwest Baptist University. He began his teaching career at Alice Lloyd College, where he was an assistant professor of history from 2002-04. He holds a B.A. from Indiana University Southeast, and an M.A. from the University of Louisville. He has published articles in such publications as TheNew England Quarterly, Rhode Island History, Fides etHistoria, Historical Journal of Massachusetts, TheJournal of the Illinois State Historical Society, Methodist History, and the Wesleyan Theological Journal.

IntroductionI. Reflections on Authority and DissentII. Toward a Religious IdentityIII. Toward A Civil IdentityIV. Channels of AuthorityV. Avenues of DissentConclusionBibliography