The Lives of Twenty-Two Eminent English Divines, Biography 5
Mr. THO: CARTWRIGHT.
The Life of Master Thomas Cartwright, who died, Anno Christi, 1603.
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,His Birth. He went to Cambridge and was admitted into Saint Johns Colledge, Anno 1550. He there followed his Studies exceeding hard, and being a man of excellent natural parts, he profited in learning more then ordinary; He never used to sleep above five houres in a night,His studiousnesse. which custom 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;He is a Lawyers Clarke. Thus he continued till the beginning of Queen Elizabeths Reign, at which time his Master meeting with Doctor Pilkinton, 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,His return to Cambridge. 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 Preparation was made for her entertainment,His Disputation before the Queen. 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 auditors. 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, He is chosen Professor.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 famous for his Ministry, that when his turn came to preach at Saint Maries, the Sextone was fain to take down the windows,His multitude of hearers. by reason of the multitudes 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-Chancellour, Doctor May, and other Doctors, and examined upon sundry Articles, or Propositions of Doctrine delivered by him publickly in his Lectures,He is questioned before the Vice-Chancellor. and elsewhere, which they affirmed to be contrary to Religion received, and allowed by publick authority in this Realm, and thereupon they demanded whether he would stand to, or revoke the said Opinions and Doctrines 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, delivered it to the Vice-Chancellor, who thereupon admonished him to revoke the same, and upon his refusal, punished him by the substraction of his stipend, and so he continued in his Lecture that year. But the year after, Doctor Whitgift being chosen Vice-Chancellour, he again convented him before him, requiring his absolute answer whether he did mind to teach his Auditors otherwise, revoking that he had before taught, or whether he would abide in the maintenance of the same? Unto this Master Cartwright answered, that for the Propositions delivered 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-Chancllor had conferred with the other Doctors, Master Cartwright was again 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 removed 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.He is expelled the University. 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 Original, standing upon Record in the Registry of the University of Cambridge.
The Articles for which he was expelled.1. Archiepiscoporum, & Archidiaconorum nomina simul cum muneribus, & officiis sunt abolenda.
2. Legitimorum in Ecclesia ministrorum nomina, qualia sunt Episcoporum, & Diaconorum separata à suis muneribus in verbo Dei descriptis, simpliciter sunt improbanda, & ad institutionem Apostolicam revocanda: ut Episcopus in verbo, & precibus, Diaconus in pauperibus curandis versetur.
3. Episcoporum Cancellariis, aut Archidiaconorum Officialibus, &c. regimen Ecclesiae non est committendum, sed ad idoneum ministrum, & Presbyterum ejusdem Ecclesiae deferendum.
4. Non oportet ministrum esse vagum, & liberum, sed quisque debet certo cuidam gregi addici.
5. Nemo debet ministerium tanquam candidatus petere.
6. Episcoporum tantum autoritate, & potestate, ministri non sunt creandi: 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,His travels beyond-sea. where he grew acquainted with the famousest men for Piety and Learning 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;Beza's testimony of him. 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, He is Preacher to the English Merchants.and afterwards at Middleburrough, where he did very much good by his Ministry, 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 sollicited 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, consulting,He is chosen to answer Dr. Whitgift. but not agreeing upon the choice of one to reply to Doctor Whitgift, 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,His imprisonment. 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,His contempt of the world. 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,His favour with the Earl of Leicester. besides the conveniency 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 Reformed Churches,King James sends for him into Scotland. 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 England, Master Cartwright makes mention in his Epistle before his Commentary upon Ecclesiastes, which he dedicated to King James, returning humble thanks for that Royal favour. The Arch-Bishop of Dublin also sent for him into Ireland, proffering him preferment in that Kingdom.
He is sent to for counsell.He 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 general, for his counsell in regulating their proceeding in the waightiest affairs.
He is made Master of the Hospital at Warwick.Also about the same time the Earl of Leicester preferred him to be Master of his Hospital at Warwick, which place was worth to him about 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 Jurisdiction of the Prelates.
His carriage and deportment was such, that there was not a Nobleman or Gentleman of quality in all the Country that looked Heavenward,His esteem in the Countrey. 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 besides 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, His diligence in the Ministry.and, when he could be suffered, in the upper Parish in the afternoon; 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 receiving one penny for his paines. And whereas he was sometimes suspended 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 Annotations 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;He is importuned to answer the Rhemist Testament. 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 Cartwright.
Then Sir Francis Walsingham, a man of eminent place and power,Encouraged by Sir Francis Walsingham. 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 Anno 1583.
The same year also he was earnestly sollicited by the most learned men of the University of Cambridge by a solemn Epistle,He is sollicited thereto by the Doctors of Cambridge. with joynt consent written to him to undertake the answer, wherein amongst other 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 *Church-Discipline.; 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 Religion) but that you fighting for Conscience and Countrey (yea even for the very inmost holy place of the Temple) will be able to tread underfoot 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 Religion (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 undertaken 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 Angels 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 Whittaker, Thomas Crook, John Ireton, William Fulk, John Field, Nicholas Crane, Giles Seintler, Richard Gardener, William Charke, &c.
And by the Ministers of London and Suffolke.But 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 carried 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;His discouragements in the work. 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 discouragements,The work left imperfect. and having such continual employment in the Ministry, he lived not to perfect that work.
His going into Gernsey.Whilst he was at Warwick, being silenced by the Bishops, he was requested by the Lord Zouch, Governour of Gernsey, to go with him into 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.
His contempt of the world.He was far from seeking after great places or great things in the world, and for riches he sought them not, yea he rejected many opportunities whereby he might have enriched himself; His usual manner 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 Schollers;His charity. He distributed money every Sabbath-day amongst the poor of the Town of Warwick, besides what he gave to the Prisoners, and upon other 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 Hospital for the best advantage of the poor Brethren.His Prudence. He continued his diligence and assiduity in his studies even in his old age,His studiousnesse. 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, His meekness.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 presence 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,His humility. 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 avoided 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.His sympathy with the Church. 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 prayed; 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,His frequency in Prayer. 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 conversion and confirmation of many,The successe of his Ministry. and for terrour and restraint unto others.
There was one Master Chaplin, a woollen Draper, in Warwick, who made a Profession of Religion, but many times brake out into scandalous practices; Master Cartwright on a time walking with him in his Garden, dealt plainly and faithfully with him,A remarkable judgment upon a loose Professer. 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 presently 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,His last Sermon. December the 25. he preached upon 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 private Prayer: In which (as he told his Wife) he found wonderfull and unutterable joy and comfort, God giving him a glimpse of heaven before he came to it,Joy unspeakable. and within a few houres after he quietly resigned up his spirit unto God,His death. December the 27. Anno Christi, 1603. And of his age sixty eight. Master Dod preached his Funeral Sermon.
During his abode in the University, he was of great power, and credit in the Regent-house, so that the Doctors feared lest the Precisians (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.