Abraham Woodhead

son of Joh. Woodh. of Thornhill in Yorks. was born at Maltham in the Parish of Albonsbury alias Ambury in the said County, entred a Student in Univ. Coll. under the tuition of Jonas Radcliff an. 1624, aged 16 years or thereabouts, and soon after was made Scholar. Afterwards going thro the several classes of Logick and Philosophy with very great industry, he took the degrees in Arts, became Fellow in 1633, entred into holy Orders, passed a course in Divinity, and in 1641 was elected one of the Proctors of the University; which office being quitted, (not without trouble, occasion’d by the denying of the Grace of Franc. Cheynell, of which he complained to the Long Parliament) he travelled into France with a Gent. Com. of his House called Thomas Radcliff son of Sir Geor. Radcl. and afterwards with Thom. Culpeper and Thom. Strode both of the same House. At length setling for a time in Rome he was entertained by George Duke of Buckingham, whom he instructed in Mathematicks, and was much respected by him. After his return into England, (being depriv’d of his Fellowship by the Visitors appointed by Parliam. for absence and non-appearance, an. 1648.) he lived for some time in York house in the Strand near London, by the appointment of the said Duke; but Arthur Lord Capell being informed of the great merits of the person, he entertained, and learned of him, the Mathematical Sciences. In 1660 he was restored to his Fellowship by his Maj. Commissioners, and remained in his Coll. for a time: But his opinion, as to Religion, being then alter’d (as it had been since he was at Rome, which he always very warily conceal’d) got leave of the Master and Society to be absent, as intending again to travel, with the allowance of 20 l. per an. So that retiring to London, he afterwards setled at Hoxton alias Hogsden, near to that City, where he lived very obscurely and retiredly, upon that allowance that the College made to him as a Traveller, all therein, except one, knowing not to the contrary, but that he was beyond the seas. There, I say, being setled, he not only caused Youths to be trained up in the R. Cath. Religion (of which certain members of Parliament did openly make mention in the House, after the Popish Plot was discovered) but also wrot and published divers books in vindication of the Church of Rome, and thereby gained the character by the men of that party of the prime Champion of England to stand up for their Cause. A noted ((*))((*)) Dan. Whitby in his Epist. before his Appendix following The absurdity and idolatry of Host-worship. Author of the English Church saith that the author of the Guide in Controversies (Ab. Woodhead) is a person most highly famed among the Roman Catholicks, and that he is, in his opinion, the most ingenious and solid writer of the whole Rom. Party. His Works plainly shew him to have been a person of sound and solid judgment, well read in the Fathers, and in the polemical Writings of the most eminent and renowned Defenders of the Church of England, who have quite down from the Reformation successfully managed the Protestant Cause against Rome. He was so wholly devoted to retirement, and the prosecutions of his several studies, that no worldly concerns shared any of his affections, only satisfying himself with bare necessaries; and so far from coveting applause or preferment (tho perhaps the compleatness of his learning and great worth might have given him as just and fair a claim to both as any others of his perswasion) that he used all endeavours to secure his beloved privacy, and conceal his name: And altho he obtained these his desires in great part, yet his calm, temperate, and rational discussion of some of the most weighty and momentous Controversies under debate between the Protestants and Romanists, rendred him an Author much fam’d, and very considerable in the esteem of both. He hath written very many things, some of which were published in his life time, and some after his death, all without his own name or initial letters of it, set to them. The Catalogue of most of them follow.

A brief account of ancient Church Government, with a reflection on several moderne Writings of the Presbyterians [The Assembly of Divines their Jus divinum Ministerii Anglicani, published 1654, and Dr. Blondel’s Apologia pro sententia Hieronymi, and others] touching this subject. Lond. 1662 and 85 in four parts in a thin quart. This book was generally reported to have been written by him, yet a certain R. Catholick, who was originally of Univ. Coll, and much pretended to know all the Works that Mr. VVoodhead had written, (which he had with great zeal bought and collected for the honour he had to the author) hath several times told me that he was not the author of that book, but Obad. VValker.

The Guide in Controversies: or a rational account of the doctrine of the Romane Catholicks concerning the ecclesiastical Guides in Controversies of Religion: reflecting on the later Writings of Protestants; particularly of Archb. Laud and Dr. Stillingfleet on this subject.—This book is divided into four discourses; the two first of which were printed at London 1666. in qu. But before they could appear in publick they were burnt in the grand conflagration at London, except a very few copies that were saved, and vended abroad. The other two discourses were published at London 1667, qu. and there again, altogether, with additions and some alterations, an. 1673. qu. In the composition of this book (The Guide) I have been credibly informed by several R. Catholicks, that one Perkins a learned man of that perswasion did assist the author. Part of the third discourse is refuted in a book intit. A second discourse in vindication of the protestant grounds of faith against the pretence of infallibility in the Rom. Church, in answer to [The Guide in Controversies, by R. H.] and against [Protestancy without Principles] and [Reason and Religion, &c] both written by E. W. I say refuted by Dr. Edw. Stillingfleet Chaplain in ord. to his Majesty.—Lond. 1673. oct.

Exercitations concerning the Resolution of Faith, against some exceptions—Printed 1674. qu. These Exercitations are in vindication of some part of the third discourse from what was said against it by Dr. Edw. Stillingfleet in the Second discourse, just before named.

An appendix to the four discourses concerning The Guide in Controversies: Further shewing the necessity and infallibility thereof, against some contrary Protestant Principles—Printed 1675. qu. Some copies of this book have this title, A discourse of the necessity of Church Guides for directing [•] Christians in necessary faith, &c. The second part of the Appendix (printed with the former) containeth.

Annotations on Dr. Stillingfleet’s answer to N. O’s considerations of his Principles—These two parts contain an Answer to what Dr. Stillingfleet in a piece of his called An answer to several late Treatises occasion’d by a book intit. [A discourse concerning Idolatry practised in the Church of Rome &c.] hath said against our author (Woodhead) his book named Dr. Stillingfleets Principles &c. considered, which I am now about to set down.

Dr. Stillingfleets principles giving an account of the faith of Protestants, considered. Paris 1671. oct. This is answer’d in Dr. Stillingfleets first part named An answer to several late treatises, &c. before mention’d.

Considerations on the Councill of Trent: being the fifth discourse concerning The Guide in controversies.—Printed 1671. qu. ’Tis said that there is a sixth part which is concerning the alienation of Church lands, but Quaere.

The Roman Churches devotions vindicated from Dr. Stillingfleets misrepresentations—Printed 1672. oct.

The Rom. doctrine of repentance and indulgence, vindicated from Dr. Stillingfleets mis-representations—Printed 1672. oct. These three last books were published under the initial Letters of N. O. or O. N: And the two last are briefly replyed upon by Dr. Stillingfleet in the general preface to his first above named; wherein having only touched on Seren. Cressy’s piece entit. Fanaticisme fanatically imputed, &c. wrot against him, saith these things of our author N. O. (Woodhead) compared with Ser. Cressy (whose book he affirms to be rayling and the author mad) is a meer pattern of meekness, and that he writes pertinently without the others bitterness and passion: And elsewhere in the same Preface he stiles him a moderate man.

An historical narration of the life and death of our Saviour Jes. Christ, in two parts. Oxon. 1685 qu. Published by Obad. Walker, and then said. not to be of his composition, but of his Tutor Ab. Woodhead. Before it went to the press it was viewed by Dr. Will. Jane the Kings Professor of Divinity, who made some deletions and corrections in it; yet afterwards they were put in again by Mr. Walker, when it was in the Press. Several exceptions were made against divers passages therein, and great clammoring there was in the University against the book, particularly by Dr. George Reynell of C. C. Coll; yet on the 13 of Oct. the same year when Mr. Nath. Boys of Univ. Coll. was introduced into his late Majesties (K. Jam. 2.) presence, he, his Majesty was not then only pleased to commend him for his Sermon as being an ingenious and well pen’d discourse, (I mean that Sermon which he had preached in S. Maries Church on 26. Jul. going before, being then a Thanksgiving day, for which he was forced to make his palinody on the first of Aug. following in the Apodyterian, for several things therein savouring of Popery) but also the said Historical narration lately published, as he said, by the Head of Univ. Coll, for a very good book and wondred why any one should find fault with it, &c.

Two discourses concerning the adoration of our B. Saviour in the Eucharist. The first contains, Animadversions upon the alterations of the Rubrick in the Common Service in the Common prayer book of the Church of England. The second, The Catholicks defence for their adoration of our Lord, as believed really and substantially present in the holy Sacrament of the Eucharist Oxon. 1687. qu. Published in an. 1686. by Mr. Walker without licensing by the Vicech, by vertue of the Kings license granted to him to print certain books (laying by him) at Oxon. But A.C. of Trin. Coll. obtaining, by another hand, the said book (while twas in printing) sheet by sheet, from L. Lichfield the Printer, came out an answer to it about a month after entit. A discourse of the holy Eucharist in the great points of the real presence and adoration of the Host. In answer to the two discourses lately printed at Oxon on this subject. To which is prefix’d a larg historical Preface relating to the same argument. Lond. 1687. qu. Published in Feb. 1686, and written, as twas then reported, by Will. Wake of Ch. Ch. Another book also was published against it entit. A reply to two discourses lately printed at Oxford concerning the adoration of our blessed Saviour in the Eucharist. Oxon. 1687. qu. Published in the latter end of May that year, and written, as twas then commonly reported, by Doctor Hen. Aldrich Can. of Ch. Ch. In the introduction to this book ’tis said that a scandalous report was industriously spread about the nation, as if Oxford Converts came in by whole shoales, and all the University were just ready to declare. Upon the comming out of the first answer, Mr. Walker perceiving that he had been falsly dealt with by the Printer in permitting his book to go away sheet by sheet, as ’twas printed, he set up Cases of Letters and a Press in the back part of his Lodgings belonging to him as Master of Univ. Coll. where he caused to be printed another book of Mr. Woodheed entit.

Church government, part V. A relation of the English reformation, and the lawfulness thereof, examined by the Theses delivered in the four former parts. Oxon. 1687. qu. with K. Alfreds picture in the title, cut in a wooden bordure. This was published in the beginning of Apr. the same year; but the zealous men of the Church of England, then in the University, perceiving that Mr. Walker would cut their own throats at home, (as they said,) were resolved to answer whatsoever he published. So that about the 13. of June following were published Animadversions on the eight Theses laid down, and the inferences deduced from them, in a discourse entit. Church government, part V. lately printed at Oxon. Oxon. at the Theater 1687. qu.

Two discourses. The first concerning the spirit of Martin Luther, and the original of reformation. The second concerning the celebracy of the Clergy. Oxon. (in Mr. Walkers lodgings) 1687. qu. This was published in a very short time after Church Government. To the said two discourses came out An answer to some considerations on the Spirit of Mart. Luther, and the original of the reformation, lately printed at Oxon. Oxon at the Theater 1687. qu. Published on the 10. of Aug. the same year, and written by Mr. Franc. Atterbury of Ch. Ch.

Pietas Romana & Parisiensis: or a faithful relation of the several sorts of charitable and pious works eminent in the Cities of Rome and Paris. The one taken out of a book written by Theodor. Amydenus, the other out of that by Mr. Carr. Oxon (in Mr. Walkers Lodgings) 1687. oct. Answered in a book entit. Some reflections upon a treatise called Pietas Romana & Par. lately printed at Oxon; To which are added, &c. Ox. 1688. qu. Written by James Harrington B. A. of Ch. Ch. since a Barrester of the Inner Temple. The Pietas Parisiensis before mentioned was written by Tho. Carre Confessor of Sion.—Printed at Paris 1666. in tw.

Motives to holy living: or, heads for meditation, divided into considerations, counsels and duties. Together with some forms of devotion in Letanies, Collects, Doxologies, &c. Oxon. (in Mr. Walkers Lodg.) 1688. qu. Published by him about the 12 of July the same year.

Succession of the Clergy.

Antient Church Government.

Apocalyps paraphrased.

A larger discourse concerning Antichrist.

The reader may now be pleased to know that when Mr. Walker left Oxon, which was on the 9. of Nov. 1688 to prevent the insults of the rabble, upon the comming into England of the Pr. of Aurange, he caus’d to be lodged in the house of a certain Boatman near Oxford Wharff many printed copies of certain books, written by our author Woodhead, that had not then been sold, and the copies of these four last books that were then about half finished, to the end that they might be conveyed by water to London, there to be disposed of as he should think fit; but the waters being then too high for their passage, the said books, remained in the Boatmans hands till the 23. of Dec. following: At which time some of Col. Mordants Soldiers, then in Oxon. searching the house of the said Boatman a reputed Fanatick, under pretence for the finding out a P. Priest which he was suspected to harbour, they discovered the said books, and finding, upon examination, that they belonged to Mr. Walker, they seized on, and convey’d, them away to the Colonels quarters, with intentions to have them publicly burnt; but upon farther consideration, they, at length, after they had detained them several weeks, did, as I have heard, restore them to the person, whom Mr. Walker had appointed to look after them. But to return: It was also reported very frequently that he (Woodhead) wrote Gods benefits to mankind. Oxon. 1680. qu. Published by Mr. Walker as his own; nay and many stick not to say (which is a wonder to me) that he was the author of The whole duty of man, and of all that goes under the name of that author. He the said Abr. Woodhead did also translate from Lat. into English S. Augustine’s Confessions: with the continuation of his life to the end thereof, extracted out of Possidius, and the Fathers own unquestion’d works. Printed 1679 in a large oct. And from Spanish into English. (1) The life of the holy mother S. Teresa; foundress of the reformation of the discalced Carmelites, according to the primitive rule. Printed 1669. &c. qu. Written originally by her self. (2) The history of her foundations. (3) Her death and burial and the miraculous incorruption and fragrancy of her body. This S. Teresa was born 28. Mar. 1515, died 4. Oct. 1582 and was buried first at Alva, and afterwards in the Monastery of S. Joseph of Avila, in Spain. (4) Her Treatise of the manner of visiting the Monasteries of discalced Nunns. These three last were printed with her Life. (5) The second part of the works of S. Teresa of Jesus, containing 1 The way of perfection. 2. The Castle interior or the seven mansions, &c. Printed 1669. qu. (6) The holy life of Gregory Lopez, a Spanish Hermit in the West Indies. Printed 1675. in oct. 2d. edit. This Greg. Lopez was born at Madrid 4. Jul. 1542, died at Sancto [•] fe near Mexico, 20. Jul. 1596, and had his life afterwards written by Franc. Loza and translated into several Langages. Mr. Woodhead also changed the stile of a book called The Scale (or Ladder) of perfection, written by Walt. Hilton a Carthusian in the time of K. Hen. 6. Which book having been printed an. 1494, he, I say, changed many antiquated words therein, and rendred them more intelligible for ordinary capacities—Lond. 1679. oct. He also changed the stile of another treatise of the same author, written to a devout man of secular Estate, teaching him how to lead a spiritual life therein—Printed with The Scale, &c. At length after this most pious, learned and retired person Mr. Woodhead had lived to the age of man, surrendred up his most devout soul to God in his little Cell at Hogsden before mentioned, in sixteen hundred seventy and eight:1678. whereupon his body was conveyed to S. Pancras Church near Holbourn in Middlesex (distant about half a mile from the back part of Greys Inn) and was buried in the yard there, about 22 paces distant from the Chancel of that Church, on the south side. Afterwards was a raised altar-monument built of brick, covered with a thick planke of blew Marble, put over his grave; and on the said planke, was this ingraven. A. W. obiit Maii 4. A.D. 1678 aetatis suae LXX. Elegi abjectus esse in domo Dei; & mansi in solitudine, non quaerens quod mihi utilis est, sed quod multis. This monument being built 2 or 3 years after his death, those that put it up, caus’d his grave to be opened to view the coffin and body, that they might be sure that it was the person for whom the said monument was erected: And had K. Jam. 2. continued in his throne two years longer, his body would have been removed to the Chappel in Univ. Coll. and there had a monument erected over him equal to his great merits and worth.