HUTCHINSON, JOHN (5674-1737), English theological writer, was born at Spennithorne, Yorkshire, in 1674. He served as steward in several families of position, latterly in that of the duke of Somerset, who ultimately obtained for him the post of riding purveyor to the master of the horse, a sinecure worth about £200. He taught that the Bible contained the elements not only of true religion but also of all rational philosophy. He held that the Hebrew must be read without points, and his interpretation rested largely on fanciful symbolism. His followers were called Hutchinsonians.
His Works were edited by Robert Spearman and Julius Bate (1748, 12 vols.). A Supplement, with Life by Spearman prefixed, appeared in 1765.