John Ball (Puritan)

John Ball (c. 1585 – 1640) was an English Puritan clergyman and author known for his practical and accessible theological writings. He was born in Shropshire, England, and educated at Brasenose College, Oxford, where he received his B.A. in 1608.

Ball served as a minister in various parishes, including Whitmore, Staffordshire, where he remained for a significant portion of his ministry. He was a nonconformist within the Church of England, holding strong Calvinistic views and advocating for a more thorough reformation of the church along Puritan lines. While he didn't outwardly defy the established church, his theological convictions and pastoral practices aligned with the Puritan movement.

His most famous work is A Short Treatise Containing All the Principal Grounds of Christian Religion (often referred to as Ball's Catechism). This work, along with others such as A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace, proved immensely popular due to its clear, concise, and practical explanations of complex theological concepts. Ball's writings were widely used for catechetical instruction, both in England and in the American colonies, and served as a valuable resource for families and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of their faith. He emphasized the importance of personal piety, practical application of scripture, and the experiential knowledge of God's grace.

John Ball died in 1640, leaving behind a significant legacy as a popular and influential Puritan writer who helped shape the spiritual lives of many during a time of religious and social upheaval. His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their clarity and enduring relevance to Christian theology and practice.