Francis Woodcock

Francis Woodcock, A. B.—This pious divine was born in the city of Chester, in the year 16'14, and educated in Brazen-nose college, Oxford, where he took one degree in arts. He entered into holy orders while at the university, and was episcopally ordained, soon after which he removed from that seat of learning, and had a cure of souls bestowed upon him. Wood says, " he was always puritanically affected;" therefore, upon the commencement of the differences between the king and parliament, he espoused the cause of the latter, and was afterwards chosen one of the assembly of divines, when he assiduously attended during the whole session. Being brought up to London, he was chosen lecturer of St. Lawrence Jewry, and frequently preached at St. Olave's in Southwark, to which he was afterwards appointed minister by an ordinance of parliament, dated July 10, 1646. J He took the covenant with the rest of his brethren, and was chosen proctor to the university of Cambridge.") He died in the year 1649, aged thirty-five years, and his remains were interred in St. Olave's church.* He was esteemed a good scholar and an excellent preacher.

* Clark's Lives annexed to his Martyrologie, p. 906—214. + HUt. of Cambridge, p. 147. X Wbitlocke's Mem. p. 2So. S Neol's Puritans, vol. iii. p. 54.

His Works.—1. The Two Witnesses, in several Lectures at St. Lawrence Jewry, on Rev. xi., with the great Question discussed, Whether the two Witnesses were slain or no? 1643.—This work was made public by an order from the committee of the house of commons, dated April 27,1643.—2. Christ's Warning-piece, giving Notice to every one to watch and keep their Garments, delivered in a Sermon at Margaret's, Westminster, before the House of Commons, at their solemn Fast, October 30, 1644—1644.—3. Lex Talionis; or, God paying every Man in his own Coin, a Fast Sermon before the House of Commons, July 30,1645, on 1 Sam.ii. 30., 104.').—4. Joseph Paralleled by the present Parliament, in bis Su lie rings and Advancement, a Sermon preached before the House of Commons on their solemn Day of Thanksgiving, Feb. 19, 1645, on Gen. xlix. 23, 24., 1646.