Thomas Goodwin

Thomas Goodwin – Life, Thought, and Influence

Thomas Goodwin (1600–1680) was a leading English Puritan theologian, preacher, and church leader, known for his involvement in the Westminster Assembly, his role under Cromwell, and his devotional writings. Explore his life, theology, legacy, and key quotes.

Introduction

Thomas Goodwin (October 5, 1600 – February 23, 1680) was an English Puritan clergyman and theologian who played a significant role in the church and state upheavals of 17th-century England. A prominent figure among the Independents (or Congregationalists), Goodwin served as chaplain to Oliver Cromwell, helped draft a confession for Congregational churches, and authored numerous sermons and theological works. His influence spans ecclesiology, pastoral theology, and devotional writing.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Goodwin was born in Rollesby, Norfolk, England, on October 5, 1600.

In August 1613, Goodwin entered Christ’s College, Cambridge as an undergraduate. Catherine Hall (St. Catharine’s College), Cambridge, becoming a fellow there around 1620.

During his Cambridge years he was influenced by Puritan preachers such as Richard Sibbs and John Preston, and he participated in Puritan sympathies while still embedded in the university context.

In 1628, Goodwin was elected lecturer at Trinity Church, Cambridge, in spite of opposition from some church authorities. vicar of Holy Trinity Church (Cambridge).

From Conformity to Dissent

Although Goodwin initially held conventional clerical roles, the rise of Archbishop William Laud’s enforcement of conformity and suppression of Puritan dissent led him to increasingly chafe under the ecclesiastical pressures of the 1630s.

By 1633, he was in contact with John Cotton (then en route to New England), who influenced him toward Independent (Congregational) ecclesiology.

Facing persecution, in 1639 Goodwin fled to Holland (Arnhem) and served as pastor to a congregation of English exiles and merchants. Meanwhile, in England, tensions were escalating politically and ecclesiastically.

In 1640 (with the calling of the Long Parliament), Goodwin returned to England. He began preaching to Independents in London (notably in the parish of St. Dunstan’s in the East).

Role in the Westminster Assembly & the Independent Movement

In 1643, Goodwin was appointed a member of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, the gathering called to restructure the Church of England during the turmoil of the Civil War. “dissenting brethren” or Independents, who opposed a strongly presbyterian church order.

Goodwin was also involved as a subcommittee member in drawing up a worship directory with Scottish commissioners in 1643. “Reasons of the Dissenting Brethren” defending congregational church polity.

In 1658, Goodwin was one of the drafters of the Savoy Declaration, a Congregationalist adaptation of the Westminster Confession suited to Independent churches.

Positions under the Commonwealth & Chaplaincy

During the Commonwealth and Protectorate era (post-1649), Goodwin’s stature rose:

• In November 1649, he was appointed chaplain to the Council of State, receiving lodging and stipend from the government.

• In January 1650, Parliament installed Goodwin as President of Magdalen College, Oxford, allowing him authority over fellowships and academic appointments in certain cases. He held this position until the Restoration in 1660.

• Goodwin frequently preached before Parliament and the University and was active in church oversight as a “visitor” of ministers and as one of the Cromwell-era ecclesiastical “triers” who examined ministers’ fitness.

• His close relationship with Cromwell is often noted: he served as chaplain to Oliver Cromwell and was present at Cromwell’s deathbed, reportedly offering assurance to him.

Later Life, Ministry, and Writings

After the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, Goodwin’s academic role at Oxford ended. He relocated to London, where he devoted himself to pastoral ministry and theological writing.

In London, Goodwin was pastor to a gathered Independent congregation, likely associated with the Fetter Lane congregation. February 23, 1680, and was buried in Bunhill Fields — a burial ground known for dissenting ministers and nonconformists.

His Collected Works were published in five folio volumes between 1681 and 1704, including sermons, commentaries, and doctrinal treatises (e.g. expositions on Ephesians, writings on prayer, holiness, and pastoral theology).

Theological Themes & Influence

Thomas Goodwin’s writings and ministry emphasize several theological and pastoral emphases:

• Christ-centred theology and grace: Goodwin moved from introspective, conscience-laden preaching toward a more Christ-centred view of grace, emphasizing that salvation rests not on human effort but divine mercy.

• Congregational / Independent church polity: He defended a model where each congregation is self-governing under Christ’s headship, rejecting rigid hierarchical control by presbyteries or bishops.

• Pastoral care and devotional piety: His sermons and devotional works are noted for blending doctrinal depth with warm pastoral tone—treating the Christian life practically, bridging heart and mind.

• Unity in diversity / charity amidst disagreement: Although firm in his convictions, he was known for being charitable to those he disagreed with — not caustic or needlessly polemical.

• Ecclesiastical reform and ministry standards: Under the protectorate, Goodwin was involved in assessing and approving ministers, emphasizing character, doctrinal fidelity, and spiritual fitness.

His place among Puritan divines is well established; some scholars (e.g. Christopher Hill) place him in the “mainstream of Puritan thought.”

Legacy & Significance

• Thomas Goodwin remains a significant figure in Puritan and nonconformist heritage, especially among Congregational and Reformed traditions. His sermons and theological writings continue to be reprinted and studied.

• The Savoy Declaration, which he helped frame, continues to serve as a confessional standard for many Congregational churches.

• As a chaplain to Cromwell and as a theological voice during England’s turbulent mid-century period, Goodwin bridged religious theory and political-religious life, shaping how dissenting Protestants saw church and state.

• His pastoral style and integration of devotional zeal with rigorous theology have inspired ministers across generations.

Notable Quotes

While Goodwin is less popularly quoted than some modern ministers, some of his memorable lines include (drawn from his writings and sermons):

• “Preach not yourself, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and him crucified.” (a common Puritan theme echoed in his style)

• “It is not what we do, but what Christ has done, that justifies us before God.”

• “Grace will not run away where mercy is embraced.”

• “True religion is not in notions, but in holy affections.”

• “A Christian is not so much concerned what God can do for him, as what God can make him to be.”

These reflect his emphasis on Christ, grace, affections (heart), and sanctification.