Samuel Petto (c. 1624–1711) was an English Calvinist, a Cambridge graduate, and an Independent Puritan clergyman who primarily ministered in Sudbury, Suffolk.
He was enrolled in St Catharine's College, Cambridge as a "sizar" (a student granted a ration of food and lodging for free due to financial need).
[4] Petto would have studied under Ralph Brownrigg (1592-1659) and William Spurstowe (1605–66), both of whom were delegates at the Westminster Assembly and Calvinistic in their theology.
In 1657, he was appointed as an assistant to the Suffolk commission of Triers and Objectors, which examined ministers, candidates, and their qualifications.
[10] Later in life Petto seemed to have shifted in his view and like Owen began to see that sealing and indwelling were more closely related, and that both were given to believers upon their initial salvation.
This close association with this group did not seem to damage Petto's relationship with John Owen, who was one of the leading Independent opponents of the movement.
[13] In this work Petto skillfully navigated and addressed the many contemporary debates concerning covenant theology showing an exceptional, detailed understanding of the subject.
His careful work won him the praise of many contemporary theologians including the eminent John Owen, who wrote the book's foreword.
One reason for his lack of long-term influence may have been his Independent church convictions as well as his more radical political associations with the Fifth Monarchy movement.
Nevertheless, Petto's combination of vigorous pastoral ministry and sophisticated theological acumen is typical of many Puritan and Reformed ministers.