Thomas Pittis

son of a father of both his names, a Captain somtimes of the trained Bands in the Isle of Wight, was born at Knighton there, became a Commoner of Trin. Coll. in the latter end of 1652, took one degree in Arts, and then translated himself to Linc. Coll. where he was esteemed by his Contemporaries a tolerable Disputant. Afterwards he took the degree of Master, and was made one of the Terrae Filii, but his speech being much disliked by the Godly party of those times, he was expel’d the University, an. 1658. Afterwards he was prefer’d to the Rectory of Gatcombe in the Isle of Wight, took the degree of Bach. of Div. 1665, became Vicar of the Parish of Holy Rood in Southampton by the favour of Dr. Morley B. of Winchester, made Lecturer of Ch. Church in London, (being about that time one of his Maj. Chapl. in Ord.) proceeded in Div. in 1670, and had the Rectory of Lutterworth in Leicestersh. bestowed on him by the King, which he exchanged with the successor of Mr. Rob. Clarke (somtimes of Linc. Coll.) for the Rectory of S. Botolph without Bishopsgate, London. So that before his death he was Rector of Gatcombe, Chapl. in Ord. to his Majesty, Lecturer at Ch. Church, and Rector of S. Botolph before mention’d. His works are these.

A private Conference between a rich Alderman and a poor Country Vicar, made public. Wherein is discoursed the obligation of Oaths, which have been imposed on the Subjects of England. Lond. 1670. oct.

Several Sermons as (1) Serm. before the Artillery Company, on Luke 3.14. Lond. 1677. qu. (2) An old way of ending new Controversies, preached to the Comptroller and Gentlemen of the Society of the Inner Temple, 8. Jan. 1681, on 1. John. 2. former part of the 24. ver. Lond. 1682. qu. &c.

A discourse of Prayer: wherein this great duty is stated, so as to oppose some principles and practices of Papists and Fanaticks; as they are contrary to the publick Formes of the Church of England, established by her Ecclesiastical Canons, and confirmed by Acts of Parl. Lond. 1683. oct.

A discourse concerning the trial of Spirits: wherein enquiry is made into mens pretences to inspiration, for publishing doctrines in the name of God, beyond the rules of Sacred Scripture, in opposition to some Principles of Papists and Fanaticks, as they contradict the Doctrine of the Church of England, defined in her Articles of Religion, established by her Ecclesiastical Canons, and confirmed by Acts of Parliament. Lond. 1684 oct. Dedic. to Sir Edw. Worsley Kt, Deput. Gov. of the Isle of Wight. This Dr. Pittis died on the 28. of Decemb. (Innocents day) in sixteen hundred eighty and seven;1687. whereupon his body was conveyed from the Parish of S. Botolph before mentiond into the Isle of Wight. and there buried at Westcowes, as I have been informed.