Author's History - Support for Religious and Political Freedoms in Sonnet XVJohn Milton, born December 9, 1608, is considered one of the greatest poets of England. But Milton was not only a poet, he was also a political figure. Milton supported the British Civil War and the Puritan government of Oliver Cromwell. Given this context, it is not surprising that many of Milton's writings contain his strong religious and political beliefs. Sonnet XV, an appeal to Lord Fairfax to help the new Commonwealth government succeed, shows Milton's concern for holy and virtuous ideals, his contempt for the rule of the English monarchy, and his pro-Puritan republican political beliefs. were influenced by his studies for the ministry at Christ's College, Cambridge. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1629 and a Master of Arts in 1632. During his time at Christ's College, his religious views became more radical, which caused him to further hate the hierarchy of the established church (Danielson 6). After graduating, he did not enter the ministry. He said he was so ...