Book excerpt: Robert Harrison and Robert Browne were the initiators of the principles of English Separatism and Congregationalism. Unlike the Presbytero-Puritans, these nonconformists sought to establish local churches that were independent of the state. Although they encountered fierce opposition from the clergy, state officials and Anglican bishops, they persisted in their practices. As a result, the ideas of these two men profoundly influenced the Puritan movement both of England and America. In this volume, scarce and little known works, as well as new material derived from manuscripts and tracts are collected into one volume.