Thomas Horton (Gresham College) facts for kids

Thomas Horton was an important English clergyman who lived in the 1600s. He was a professor of religion at Gresham College in London. He also served as the leader, called the President, of Queens' College at Cambridge University. He passed away in 1673.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Horton was born in London. His father, Laurence Horton, was a merchant and a member of the Mercers' Company, a group of important London merchants.

Thomas started his studies at Emmanuel College, Cambridge on July 8, 1623. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1626. Later, he became a Fellow (a senior member) of his college and completed his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1630.

Early Career in London

From 1638 to 1640, Thomas Horton worked as a minister at St. Mary Colechurch in London. This church was connected to the Mercers' Company. In 1641, he was chosen to be a professor of divinity (the study of religion) at Gresham College in London.

Public Service and Leadership

In 1644, during a time of change in England, Parliament chose Horton to be part of a group of religious leaders. Their job was to officially appoint new ministers in and around London. The next year, he supported a petition from ministers in London. They asked Parliament to quickly set up a Presbyterian church system.

Horton was also a member of Gray's Inn, which is a famous place for lawyers. He served as a preacher there from 1647 to 1657.

Leading Queens' College

In 1647, Thomas Horton became the President of Queens' College, Cambridge. In 1649, he earned his Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree from Cambridge University. That same year, he was chosen as the Vice-Chancellor of the university. This meant he helped manage the university's printing presses and printers.

Around 1651, he got married. At the time, professors at Gresham College were not supposed to be married. Horton got special permission from Parliament to keep his job. However, the Gresham committee, following the college's rules, said his position was empty. They didn't choose a new professor until 1656. But Horton got another special permission from Oliver Cromwell, who was then the leader of England. This allowed him to stay in his role until the king returned to power.

When King Charles II came back in 1660, Horton was allowed to stay for a short time. But in 1661, George Gifford took over his position at Gresham College.

Later Years and Ministry

In 1652, Horton also received his Doctor of Divinity degree from Oxford University. In 1658, he was named one of the "triers" or commissioners. These officials were responsible for approving young ministers.

In 1654, Oliver Cromwell appointed him as one of the visitors for Cambridge University. On November 5, 1654, he gave a sermon at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. This sermon was later printed.

After the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Thomas Horton was removed from his role as President of Queens' College. This was to make way for Edward Martin, who had been removed from the position earlier. Horton accepted this change gracefully.

He was also nominated to help with the Savoy Conference, a meeting to discuss religious differences. However, he did not actively participate in the discussions. In 1662, he was one of the religious leaders silenced by the Bartholomew Act. This act required ministers to agree to certain rules or lose their jobs. Horton soon agreed to the new rules.

On June 13, 1666, he became the rector (head minister) of Great St. Helen's church in London. He held this position until he died. He was buried in that church on March 29, 1673. He had a wife but no children.

His biographer, John Wallis, who was one of his students, described him as "a pious and learned man." Wallis also said Horton was a hard worker, a good religious scholar, and very skilled in ancient languages. He was well-prepared for his ministry work and very dedicated to it.

Published Works

Thomas Horton published eight individual sermons during his lifetime. He also had many other sermons ready to be printed. After he passed away, several of his works were published:

• Forty-six Sermons upon the whole Eighth Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, published in London in 1674. This collection was edited by Dr. William Dillingham.
• A Choice and Practical Exposition upon the 4, 47, 51, and 63 Psalms, published in London in 1675.
• One Hundred Select Sermons upon Several Texts: Fifty upon the Old Testament, And Fifty on the New, published in London in 1679. This book included a biography of Horton written by John Wallis.

Horton and Dillingham also prepared a book by Dr. John Arrowsmith for printing. It was called Armilla Catechetica and was published in Cambridge in 1659.