WHITE, John, English lawyer, born in Pembroke-shire, Wales, in 1590; died in London, England, 29 January, 1645. He was educated at Jesus college, Oxford, actively engaged against the royalists, and in 1640 became member of parliament for Southwark. In that body he was chairman of the committee on religion, and, says Lord Clarendon, "was notoriously affected against the church." He drew up the first charter of the Massachusetts colony in 1628, which was confirmed by the crown with powers of government in 1629. He is buried in Temple Court, London, and on his tomb is inscribed: "Here lies a JOHN, a burning, shining light, Whose name and words and actions all were White." He owed his name of "Century White" to his book, "The First Century of Scandalous, Malignant Priests" (London, 1643). He also wrote "Speech concerning the Trial of Twelve Bishops " (1641); "Speech concerning Episcopacy" (1641); and "The Looking-Glass" (1643 or 1644).