Commentaries upon the Apostles Creed. Books 1-2 [and 3]. The Eternall Truth of Scriptures, and Christian Beleefe, thereon wholly depending, manifested by it owne Light. Delivered in two Bookes of Commentaries upon the Apostles Creede [...]

Bookseller Notes

The first three books of commentaries on the Apostles' Creed by Oxford Arminian Thomas Jackson (1579-1640). An association copy owned by Jackson's champion, the English regicide John Danvers (1584-1655). Although now most commonly found in collected editions, Jackson's twelve books of commentaries were published over several decades from 1613. This volume contains the first three, which are scarce to market. Jackson's religious ideology evolved from Calvinism to Arminianism, a doctrine propounded by Dutch Reformed theologian Jacobus Arminius. This provoked suspicion in the theologically febrile environment of 1620s Oxford, and when Jackson was attacked by Robert Harley, under the accusation that Arminianism was a gateway to popery, it was John Danvers who defended him. Speaking at a University committee in March 1628, Danvers declared that Jackson was 'both a very learned man and an honest man; but his style is so concise that, except [one] be a very able man and of a good capacity, I dare say [one] cannot at the first reading understand him' (History of Parliament). Danvers was a chameleon-like figure; he was the consummate courtier until January 1949, when 'he astounded contemporaries by not only attending almost every session of the trial of Charles but also then signing his death warrant. The cultivated courtier became a regicide' (Larminie). Despite this apparent disrespect for tradition, Danvers' connections to Oxford - and to theologians like Jackson - reveal his otherwise conservative nature. He was in a position of some influence; his elder brother Henry's largesse in founding the University's botanical garden in 1621 guaranteed John's repeated return as MP for Oxford University throughout the 1620s (and again in 1640), 'although it was unusual for Oxford University to elect a member more than once' (History of Parliament). In Oxford, Danvers 'used his influence to protect his old constituency and his old college [Brasenose], to thwart zealous Presbyterians intent on remoulding the University, and to support royalist clergy'. His Oxford activities, neatly reflected in this volume, serve as a reminder that the English regicides were complex figures, and not necessarily revolutionary by nature.See: 'Danvers Sir John (c.1585-1655)' in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1604-1629 (ed. Andrew Thrush and John P. Ferris, 2010 - Online); Vivienne Larminie, 'Exploring the roots of a regicide: Sir John Danvers, the University of Oxford and gardens', The History of Parliament, 2021 - Online).