Born at London, Dec. 14, 1678: died at Bath, April 4, 1743. An English historian. He was educated at the Merchant Taylors’ School and at the universities of Utrecht and Leyden. In 1706 he settled as an independent clergyman in London. He wrote a “History of New England” (1720), and (his chief work) the “History of the Puritans” (1732–38).

History of the Puritans, 1732–38

  Neal opposes a more elaborate history; where these “great and good men,” the puritans and the presbyterians, “are placed among the reformers;” while their fame is blanched into angelic purity. Neal and his party opined that the protestant had not sufficiently protested, and that the reformation itself needed to be reformed. They wearied the impatient Elizabeth, and her ardent churchmen; and disputed with the learned James, and his courtly bishops, about such ceremonial trifles, that the historian may blush or smile who has to record them. And when the puritan was thrown out of preferment, and seceded into separation, he turned into a presbyter. Nonconformity was their darling sin, and their sullen triumph.

  The most dishonest book in our language, Dodd’s “Roman Catholic Church History,” not excepted.

  Neals’ “History of the Puritans” is almost wholly compiled as far as this (Elizabeth’s reign) is concerned, from Strype, and from a manuscript written by some Puritan about the time. It was answered by Madox, afterwards bishop of Worcester, in a “Vindication of the Church of England,” published anonymously in 1733. Neal replied with tolerable success; but Madox’s book is still an useful corrective. Both, however, were, like most controversialists, prejudiced men, loving the interests of their respective factions better than truth, and not very scrupulous about misrepresenting an adversary. But Neal has got rid of the intolerant spirit of the Puritans; while Madox labours to justify every act of Whitgift and Parker.

  A valuable and instructive history, with a strong bias in favour of his subjects, but an upright mind.

  It contains numerous passages of that homely eloquence, which springs from simple earnestness of feeling, and finds its way directly to the heart. There is occasionally much felicity in the selection of words embodying homely fancies, and which convey the sense by suggesting an image.

  The whole work was warmly praised by Neal’s party, but his occasionally serious misrepresentation or suppression of facts did not pass unchallenged.