A successful political leader must be able to deal effectively with any person who may threaten his authority. John Winthrop was a talented politician indeed in this respect. As Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, and Robert Child presented their own individual challenges to WinthropÕs authority, it is easy to see that Winthrop perceives each of these people as potential threats. Because Winthrop had become a man in his community who was recognized as a leader, and influential, he was able to successfully quash his opponents.
             Roger Williams was an intelligent and likeable man. At first Winthrop thought highly of Williams. As WilliamsÕ own Puritan ideals developed into a separatists point of view, Winthrop tried to dissuade Williams of such extremes. After repeated offenses of dissention on the part of Williams, it became clear that the man would not be silenced.
             Winthrop might have admired Williams for sticking to his beliefs but Winthrop knew the inherent dangers of separatism. Winthrop admonished Williams, and upheld the communityÕs desire to be rid of Williams and his dangerous beliefs. In the final analysis of the situation, however, Winthrop still kept his political authority in mind as he maneuvered Williams out of the picture. This situation only required mild interaction on the part of Winthrop, but at times much more aggressive interaction was required.
             Such aggressive interaction was called for in dealing with Ann Hutchinson. The nature of the Hutchinson problem was much more of a direct threat to all of the government of New England. Hutchinson would have people believe that the men who governed were not necessariily pure, and therefor it would be against GodÕs will for true Puritans to allow themselves to be governed by such deficient men. This was more than the average threat of separatism, this could lead to a revolution.
             Winthrop attempted to censure Hutchinson. Hutchinson claimed to be doing nothing wron
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