To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.
THomas Cartwright was born in Hertfordshire, about the year 1535. and being by his Parents kept at School till he was fit for the University,* 1.1 He went to Cambridge and was admitted into Saint Johns Col∣ledge, Anno 1550. He there followed his Studies exceeding hard, and being a man of excellent na∣tural parts, he profited in learning more then ordi∣nary; He never used to sleep above five houres in a night,* 1.2 which cu∣stom he continued to his dying day.
Three years after, at the death of King Edward the sixt, he left the University, and betook himself to the service of a Counsellor, yet followed his studies very hard, as taking more pleasures therein, then in the study of the Law;* 1.3 Thus he continued till the beginning of Queen Elizabeths Reign, at which time his Master meeting with Doctor Pil∣kinton, Master of Saint Johns Colledge in Cambridge, he told him of his mans learning and studious disposition; the Doctor desired to speak with him, and thereby perceiving his great abilities, and hopefulnesse, with his Masters consent, he took him again to Saint Johns Colledge,* 1.4 where his proficiency and Progresse both in the Arts and Tongues, was so eminent, that Anno 1560. he was chosen Fellow in that Colledge, and about three years after he was removed to a fellowship in Trinity-Colledge, where for his great worth, he was ere-long made one of the eight Senior-fellows.
Anno 1564. Queen Elizabeth coming to Cambridge, great Preparati∣on was made for her entertainment,* 1.5 and four of the eminentest men in the University, being chosen to keep a Philosophy act before her, he was one of them, who performed it with extraordinary abilities, to the great content and satisfaction both of the Queen and his other au∣ditors. Anno 1567. He commenced Batchelor of Divinity, and three years after he was chosen to be the Lady Margarets Divinity-Reader. He read upon the first and second Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles,* 1.6 and performed it with such acutenesse of wit, and solidity of judgment, as caused admiration in his hearers: and even at that time he was so fa∣mous for his Ministry, that when his turn came to preach at Saint Maries, the Sextone was fain to take down the windows,* 1.7 by reason of the mul∣titudes that came to hear him.
In his Lectures he was occasioned to discover his judgment about Church-discipline, which the Doctors and Heads in the University
took very hainously, as being dangerous and destructive to the present Hierarchy, whereupon he was convented before the Vice-Chancel∣lour, Doctor May, and other Doctors, and examined upon sundry Articles, or Propositions of Doctrine delivered by him publickly in his Lectures,* 1.8 and elsewhere, which they affirmed to be contrary to Religion received, and allowed by publick authority in this Realm, and thereupon they de∣manded whether he would stand to, or revoke the said Opinions and Do∣ctrines delivered by him.
Master Cartwright upon deliberation, desired that he might have leave to set down in writing what his judgment in those things was, and what he would stand to; which being granted, he drew up in six Propositions what his judgment was; and setting his hand to it, de∣livered it to the Vice-Chancellor, who thereupon admonished him to revoke the same, and upon his refusal, punished him by the substracti∣on of his stipend, and so he continued in his Lecture that year. But the year after, Doctor Whitgift being chosen Vice-Chancellour, he a∣gain convented him before him, requiring his absolute answer whether he did mind to teach his Auditors otherwise, revoking that he had be∣fore taught, or whether he would abide in the maintenance of the same? Unto this Master Cartwright answered, that for the Propositions deli∣vered by him under his hand to Doctor May, and now shewed to him, they were his own hand writing, such as he had openly taught, and still continued fully determined to maintain and defend as Truths. Hereupon after Master Cartwright had a while withdrawn, and the Vice-Chan∣cllor had conferred with the other Doctors, Master Cartwright was a∣gain called for, and this definitive sentence was pronounced against him by the Vice-Chancellour, Doctor Whitgift, that perceiving that no admonition would help, but that he still persisted in the same mind, he did therefore pronounce him, the said Master Cartwright, to be re∣moved from his said Lecture, and by his finall decree or sentence did then and there remove him, and declare the said Lecture to be void; and that he minded, according to the foundation thereof, to proceed to the Election of a new Reader.* 1.9 And further he did then and there by vertue of his Office, inhibit the said Master Cartwright from preaching within the University and the Jurisdiction of the same.
Now that the Reader may be better satisfied what the Arricles were which Master Cartwright drew up, and signed with his hand, and for which this sentence was passed upon him, I shall here set them down in his own words, as I have them transcribed out of the Origi∣nal, standing upon Record in the Registry of the University of Cam∣bridge.
* 2.11. Archiepiscoporum, & Archidiaconorum nomina simul cum muneri∣bus, & officiis sunt abolenda.
2. Legitimorum in Ecclesia ministrorum nomina, qualia sunt Episcopo∣rum, & Diaconorum separata à suis muneribus in verbo Dei descriptis, sim∣pliciter sunt improbanda, & ad institutionem Apostolicam revocanda: ut E∣piscopus
in verbo, & precibus, Diaconus in pauperibus curandis ver∣setur. 3. Episcoporum Cancellariis, aut Archidiaconorum Officialibus, &c. regimen Ecclesiae non est committendum, sed ad idoneum ministrum, & Pres∣byterum ejusdem Ecclesiae deferendum.
4. Non oportet ministrum esse vagum, & liberum, sed quisque debet cer∣to cuidam gregi addici.
5. Nemo debet ministerium tanquam candidatus petere.
6. Episcoporum tantum autoritate, & potestate, ministri non sunt cre∣andi: multo minus in Musaeo, aut loco quopiam clanculario: sed ab Ecclesia electio fieri debet.
Hisce reformandis, quisque pro sua vocatione studere debet (vocationem autem intelligo) ut magistratus authoritate, minister verbo, omnes precibus promoveant.
Per me Thomam Cartwright.
Master Cartwright being thus driven from the University, not long after, finding the way for the exercise of his Ministry in England obstructed, he went beyond the Seas to visit other reformed Churches,* 2.2 where he grew acquainted with the famousest men for Piety and Learn∣ing in Christendome, with whom he kept correspondence all his life after. He was also highly prized by them, insomuch as Beza writing about that time into England to a Friend of his, hath this expression;* 2.3 Est quidam Anglus nobiscum, nomine Thomas Cartwright, &c. Here is now with us your Countreyman Thomas Cartwright, then whom I think the Sun doth not see a more learned man, &c.
He was also chosen Preacher to the English Merchants at Antwerp,* 2.4 and afterwards at Middleburrough, where he did very much good by his Mi∣nistry, the Lord blessing his labours exceedingly in those parts; and when he understood that the Merchants, by whom he was maintained, through their great losses decayed in their estates, he returned his salary to them again.
Not long after he came over into England, being earnestly sollici∣ted thereunto by Letters from Master Dearing, Master Fulk, Master Wiburne, Master Leaver, and Master Fox; about which time the Non-conformists having drawn up an admonition to the Parliament for the Reformation of the Church, Doctor Whitgift, who was then preferred to the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury, answered the same in Print; whereupon the Ministers which wrote the Admonition, consul∣ting,* 2.5 but not agreeing upon the choice of one to reply to Doctor Whit∣gift, Master Cartwright was at last chosen by lot to undertake it, and performed it so well, that his very Adversaries were heard to advance and commend him for it.
Yet was he with divers other of the Non-conformists brought into the High Commission Court, where, for refusal of the Oath ex Offiicio, they were clapt up in prison,* 2.6 and afterwards proceeded against in the Star-chamber; but it pleased God so to order it by his Providence that
those very witnesses which were brought to accuse them, did so clear them, that they were dismissed, and sent home much more honoured and beloved then they were before.
Whilst Master Cartwright was Prisoner in the Fleet, he had thirty pounds sent him from a noble friend,* 2.7 of which he took but ten shillings, returning the rest with many thanks to the Donor; and when the Earl of Leicester offered him the Provostship of Eeaton-Colledge, saying, that it was a hundred pounds a year more then enough,* 2.8 besides the conveni∣ency of the place; Master Cartwright answered, That the hundred pounds more then enough was enough for him.
About the year 1580. His fame was so spread through the Reform∣ed Churches,* 2.9 that King James, then King of Scotland, sent for him, profering to make him Professor in the University of Saint Andrews: whereof twenty years after, upon King James his coming into Eng∣land, Master Cartwright makes mention in his Epistle before his Com∣mentary upon Ecclesiastes, which he dedicated to King James, return∣ing humble thanks for that Royal favour. The Arch-Bishop of Dublin also sent for him into Ireland, proffering him preferment in that King∣dom.
* 2.10He was sent to from divers eminent Divines beyond the Seas, wherein they craved his advice for the direction of young men in the method of their studies, as also in the behalf of the Churches in ge∣neral, for his counsell in regulating their proceeding in the waightiest affairs.
* 2.11Also about the same time the Earl of Leicester preferred him to be Master of his Hospital at Warwick, which place was worth to him a∣bout one hundred pounds per annum: His imployment was to pray with the poor men twice a day, to catechise twice a week, and to preach once on the Lords day at the Parish Church: This place he willingly and thankfully accepted of, because he was therein exempted from the Ju∣risdiction of the Prelates.
His carriage and deportment was such, that there was not a Noble∣man or Gentleman of quality in all the Country that looked Heaven∣ward,* 2.12 or was of any account for Religion and Learning, but they sought to enjoy his company, and found much pleasure and content therein; for his conversation was such, that scarce a word came from his mouth that was not of some good use and concernment.
He was of a very laborious and indefatigable spirit; it was his meat and drink to be doing the Will of his heavenly Father; so that be∣sides all his paines in Writing, and in the Hospital, he preached every Sabbath-day in the morning about seven a clock in the lower Parish of Warwick,* 2.13 and, when he could be suffered, in the upper Parish in the af∣ternoon; Besides which, he preached a Lecture on Satturdayes in the afternoon in the upper Church, in which he went over a great part of the Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes with singular judgment and profit; and this he did of his own free Will, without demanding or recei∣ving one penny for his paines. And whereas he was sometimes suspen∣ded
by the Bishops from preaching in the Churches, his manner was at those times to preach in the Hospital, whither many resorted to hear him, though they were sure to be brought into the Bishops Courts for the same.
Presently after his coming to Warwick, the English Seminary at Rhemes published their Version of the New Testament, and Annotati∣ons upon it in English, which coming over into England, it was looked upon by all as a Book of dangerous concernment, and therefore fit to be answered by the ablest pen that could be found;* 2.14 Hereupon (as I have heard) Queen Elizabeth sent to Beza to request him to undertake the answer; but he modestly excused it, and returned answer that she had one in her own Kingdom, far abler then himself to undertake such a task, and upon further enquiry declared that it was Master Thomas Cart∣wright.
Then Sir Francis Walsingham, a man of eminent place and power,* 2.15 who herein, as in other affairs, was accounted the mouth and hand of the Queen and State, wrote to Master Cartwright, earnestly requesting him to undertake the work, assuring him also of such aid as should further him in the finishing thereof; for which end he sent him one hundred pounds towards the charges of buying Books, and procuring Writers which were to be employed by him therein; This was An∣no 1583.
The same year also he was earnestly sollicited by the most learned men of the University of Cambridge by a solemn Epistle,* 2.16 with joynt consent written to him to undertake the answer, wherein amongst o∣ther passages they have these expressions; With you we are earnest (most Reverend Cartwright) that you would set your self against the unhallowed endeavours of these mischievous men, either by refuting the whole Book, or at least some part thereof. It is not for every man Work-man-like to frame Gods Tabernacle, but for Bazaleel and Aholiab; neither is every one rashly to be thrust forth into the Lords battels; but such Captains are to be chosen from amongst Davids Worthies; Of which, as we acknowledge you to be one, by the former battels undergone for the wals of our City, the Church * 2.17; we doubt not if you will enter this War (which truly you ought to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 according to the Zeal and Piety you bear to your Countrey and Religi∣on) but that you fighting for Conscience and Countrey (yea even for the very inmost holy place of the Temple) will be able to tread under∣foot the forces of the Jebusites, which set themselves to assault the Tower of David. Moreover, (which may marvellously sharpen the edge of your courage) you are not now to fight with a Brother, or fellow of the same Re∣ligion (which maketh the Conflict more faint) but with the most inveterate enemies of Jesus Christ, &c. Then they thus conclude: You see to what an honourable fight we invite you. Christs business shall be under∣taken against Satans Champions. We stir you up to fight the battels of our Lord; where the Victory is certain, which the triumph and applause of the An∣gels will ensue. Our Prayers shall never be wanting unto you. Christ without doubt, whose cause is defended, will be preset with you. The Lord Jesus much
increase your courage and strength, and keep you very long in safety for his Churches good. Vale. This was subscribed by Roger Goad, William Whit∣taker, Thomas Crook, John Ireton, William Fulk, John Field, Nicholas Crane, Giles Seintler, Richard Gardener, William Charke, &c.
* 2.18But besides these, the Reverend Ministers of London, and Suffolk did by their several letters earnestly exhort him to this work; and Master Cartwright, was at last by these importunities drawn to undertake it, and neither diligence nor constancy was wanting in him to have carri∣ed it on to perfection; but he met with such great discouragements and hinderances from Potent Adversaries, that he was forced often to lay pen aside;* 2.19 yea Arch-Bishop Whitgift sent him a positive command that he should deal no further in it; yet afterwards by an Earl and privy Counsellor of great note, and some other noble Personages, he was at last drawn to take pen in hand again; But receiving new discourage∣ments,* 2.20 and having such continual employment in the Ministry, he lived not to perfect that work.
* 2.21Whilst he was at Warwick, being silenced by the Bishops, he was re∣quested by the Lord Zouch, Governour of Gernsey, to go with him in∣to that Island, with whom he continued some time, and in the mean space he substituted one Master Lord, a godly and holy Minister, then living at Woolstone, in his room at the Hospital in Warwick, allowing him the greatest part of the profits of the place during his abode there; and the rest he caused to be distributed amongst the poor.
* 2.22He was far from seeking after great places or great things in the world, and for riches he sought them not, yea he rejected many op∣portunities whereby he might have enriched himself; His usual man∣ner was, when he had good summes of gold sent him, to take only one piece, lest he should seem to slight his Friends kindnesse, and to send back the rest with a thankfull acknowledgement of their love, and his acceptance of it, professing, that for that condition wherein God had set him, he was as well furnished as they for their high and great places.
His manner was not to keep any more money in his purse, but what might serve for charitable uses; He was very bountifull to poor Schol∣lers;* 2.23 He distributed money every Sabbath-day amongst the poor of the Town of Warwick, besides what he gave to the Prisoners, and upon o∣ther occasions both at home and abroad.
For his Houshold affairs, he never troubled himself with them, but wholly left them to be ordered and managed by the Prudence of his Wife.
He was very carefull to regulate and order the businesses of the Hos∣pital for the best advantage of the poor Brethren.* 2.24 He continued his dili∣gence and assiduity in his studies even in his old age,* 2.25 and his usual manner was to rise at two, three, and four a clock in the morning at the latest, both summer and winter, notwithstanding that his bodily infirmities were such, that he was forced to study continually kneeling upon his knees.
He was of a very meek and quiet spirit, as appears in those conflicts which he had with Doctor Whitgift, and Doctor Sutcliffe,* 2.26 wherein he used soft words and hard arguments; he could not endure, so much as in private, to hear his adversaries reproached, and if any in his pre∣sence used disgracefull speeches of them, he would sharply reprove them for it, saying, That it's a Christians duty to pray for, and not to reproach his adversaries; and when Martin Mar-Prelates Book came forth, he shewed much dislike of the Satyrical and tart language used therein.
He was also very humble,* 2.27 not enduring to hear any thing spoken in his own commendation, or any titles given him, which in the least measure savoured of ambition; He affected not popularity, but avoid∣ed it as much as possibly he could.
Indeed all his ambition was to advance the Kingdom and cause of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to promote Gods glory.* 2.28 It was the great joy and rejoycing of his heart to hear of the welfare and prosperity of the Churches at home and abroad; for this he earnestly and daily pray∣ed; and when he heard any ill tydings, with Nehemiah he sate down and mourned, and fasted, and prayed before the God of Heaven, so that all that conversed with him, might easily discern that nothing did affect him in any degree, like the good or ill tydings of the Churches state.
He was frequent in Prayer every day,* 2.29 and in his younger years hath risen many times in the night to seek our private places to pray in. And as his labours were very great in the work of the Ministry, so it pleased the Lord to make them very successefull for the conver∣sion and confirmation of many,* 2.30 and for terrour and restraint unto o∣thers.
There was one Master Chaplin, a woollen Draper, in Warwick, who made a Profession of Religion, but many times brake out into scan∣dalous practices; Master Cartwright on a time walking with him in his Garden, dealt plainly and faithfully with him,* 2.31 rebuking him for his miscarriages, and shewing him the dishonour that he brought to God, and the Gospel thereby; This so wrought upon Chaplin, that he pre∣sently sunk down, and being carried home, died within a few hours after.
In his old age, he was much troubled with the stone and gout, which much empaired his strength, yet would he not intermit his labours, but continued preaching when many times he could scarce creep up into the Pulpit. The Sabbath before his death, which was the last Sermon that he made,* 2.32 December the 25. he preached up∣on Eccles. 12.7. Then shall the dust return to the earth, and the spirit shall return to God who gave it. The morning before his death which was the Tuesday following, he was two hours on his knees in pri∣vate Prayer: In which (as he told his Wife) he found wonderfull and unutterable joy and comfort, God giving him a glimpse of heaven be∣fore he came to it,* 2.33 and within a few houres after he quietly resigned
up his spirit unto God,* 2.34 December the 27. Anno Christi, 1603. And of his age sixty eight. Master Dod preached his Funeral Ser∣mon.
During his abode in the University, he was of great power, and credit in the Regent-house, so that the Doctors feared lest the Preci∣sians (as they were then called) should choose him Vice-Chancellour, whereupon they procured the alteration of the Statute, whereby the choice was formerly in the Regent-house; and confined the Election of the Vice-Chancellour to one of those two whom the Heads should prick.
After long discontinuance Master Cartwright coming to Cambridge, was importuned to preach on a week day in Saint Maries, where there was a great confluence of all sorts to hear him; grave men ran like boys in the streets to get places in the Church. After Sermon he dined at Master Chaddertons, and many went to the house to see and hear him speak.
His Birth.
His studious∣nesse.
He is a Law∣yers Clarke.
His return to Cambridge.
His Disputati∣on before the Queen.
He is chosen Professor.
His multitude of hearers.
He is questio∣ned before the Vice-Chancel∣lor.
He is expelled the University.
The Articles for which he was expelled.
His travels beyond-sea.
Beza's testi∣mony of him.
He is Preacher to the English Merchants.
He is chosen to answer Dr. Whitgift.
His imprison∣ment.
His contempt of the world.
His favour with the Earl of Leicester.
King James sends for him into Scotland.
He is sent to for counsell.
He is made Master of the Hospital at Warwick.
His esteem in the Countrey.
His diligence in the Mini∣stry.
He is impor∣tuned to answer the Rhemist Te∣stament.
Encouraged by Sir Francis Walsingham.
He is sollicited thereto by the Doctors of Cambridge.
Church-Discipline.
And by the Ministers of London and Suffolke.
His discou∣ragements in the work.
The work left imperfect.
His going into Gernsey.
His contempt of the world.
His charity.
His Prudence.
His studious∣nesse.
His meekness.
His humility.
His sympathy with the Church.
His frequency in Prayer.
The successe of his Mini∣stry.
A remarkable judgment up∣on a loose Professer.
His last Ser∣mon.
Joy unspeak∣able.
His death.