JOHN, an eminent non-conformist minister, was educated at University-college, in Oxford; and became minister first of Deptford, and afterwards of Dartmouth in Devonshire, where he resided the greatest part of his life, much respected and admired for his preaching; although he was persecuted on account of his principles, when in 1685, several of the aldermen of the town, attended by the rabble, carried about a ridiculous effigy of him, to which were affixed the Bill of Exclusion and the Covenant. Upon this occasion, he thought it prudent to withdraw from the town; not knowing what treatment he might meet with from a riotous mob, headed by magistrates who were themselves among the lowest of mankind. Part of his Diary, printed with his Remains, must give the reader a high idea of his piety. He died in 1691, aged 61; and after his death, his works, which consisted of many pieces of practical divinity, were printed in two volumes folio.

Among these, the most famous are his "Navigation Spiritualized, or a New Compass for seamen, consisting of 32 points of pleasant observations and serious reflections," of which there have been several editions in 8vo; and his "Husbandry Spiritualized," &c., with occasional meditations upon beasts, birds, trees, flowers, rivers and several other objects," of which also there have been many editions in 8vo.