John Smyth (c. 1554 – c. 28 August 1612) was an English Anglican, Baptist, then Mennonite minister and a defender of the principle of religious liberty.

[1] He was educated locally, most likely under Rev Quipp at Sturton though at the grammar school in Gainsborough has also been suggested.

[3] During his time as Lecturer, he held somewhat moderate Puritan views, accepting the set forms of prayer as well as both vocal and instrumental music in church.

He was concerned with the influence of recusants throughout the parish, and wrote in support of the Crown's authority to govern the church and appoint ecclesiastical magistrates.

[4] In 1607, he broke with the Church of England and left for Holland where he, Thomas Helwys and his small congregation began to study the Bible ardently.

[12] John Clifford as cited in the General Baptist Magazine, London, July 1879, vol.

Elder Brewster prayed, Mister Smith made a good confession; walked to Epworth in his cold clothes, but received no harm.

[14] In February 1610, Smyth and other church members wrote a letter to a Mennonite community in Waterland to join their movement.