Francis Johnson (Brownist)
Encyclopedia
Francis Johnson was an English presbyterian separatist minister, pastor to an English exile congregation in the Netherlands.
, North Riding of Yorkshire
, born at Richmond and baptised there on 27 March 1562. George Johnson was his brother. He matriculated at Christ's College, Cambridge
, graduated B.A. 1581, M.A. 1585, and was elected fellow before Lady day 1584.
He was a popular preacher in the university, and a follower of the independent presbyterianism advocated by Thomas Cartwright. On 6 January 1589 he expounded this view in a sermon at Great St. Mary's, Cambridge, claiming that church government by elders is jure divino. With Cuthbert Bainbrigg, also a fellow of Christ's, accused of factious preaching, he on 23 January came up before Thomas Nevile
, the vice-chancellor.
Refusing to answer on oath to the articles of accusation, Johnson and Bainbrigg were committed to prison. Johnson gave in written answers which set out his views, but again on 13 March and 18 April declined the oath. Bail was offered by Sir Henry Knevett and Sir William Bowes, but was rejected by the authorities. On 22 May Johnson and Bainbrigg addressed a letter to Lord Burghley, the chancellor; but the vice-chancellor laid the case before the court of high commission
, which directed the vice-chancellor and heads to proceed at discretion. A form of recantation was given to Johnson on 19 October and he was required to read it in the pulpit of Great St. Mary's. He made an unconvincing retractation and on 30 October he was expelled from the university. He claimed a right of appeal, and refusing to leave; he was in December again in custody and vainly petitioning Burghley, backed by fellows of colleges.
in Zealand, where he became preacher to the English merchants in the Gasthuis Kerk, with a stipend of £200. In 1591 'A Plaine Refutation' of the claims of the establishment, by Henry Barrow and John Greenwood came Johnson’s way. It was an answer to George Gifford
, and had been sent privately in 1591 to Middelburg to be printed. The edition was burned by Johnson on the magistrate's authority for suppressing it.
. Greenwood was shortly afterwards transferred to the house of Roger Rippon, and formed, in conjunction with Johnson, a separatist church, independent of other churches, but presbyterian in its internal order, At a meeting in the house of Fox, in Nicholas Lane, Lombard Street, Johnson was chosen pastor, marking his change from stringent reformer to separatist.
Discipline was practised, and the sacraments administered. This conventicle being discovered, Johnson was committed for a time to the Wood Street Counter
. To avoid detection the place of assembly was constantly changed. On 5 December 1592 Johnson and Greenwood were arrested in the house of Edward Boyes, a haberdasher on Ludgate Hill
; Johnson was imprisoned and was twice examined.
He was a third time arrested at Islington
(on Sunday, 4 March 1593) with his father and brother George, and with John Penry
. Penry was executed on 29 May. Johnson was detained in the Clink
prison, Southwark. While in prison he married in 1594 Thomasine, widow of Boyes, who brought him £300. Attempts made by puritan churchmen through Henry Jacob
failed to win him back to the national church.
, off Newfoundland. They successfully petitioned for leave to transport four from the separatist church there; the four chosen were Johnson and his brother George, with Daniel Studley and John Clarke. It is suggested that Leigh was a cousin of Thomasine. Johnson left Gravesend
in the Hopewell on 8 April, with Studley, the other two sailing in the Chancewell. After the expedition, during which the Chancewell was wrecked, Leigh brought them back to England. In the end the group made their way to Amsterdam
.
Johnson resumed his pastorate among the exiled separatists, with Henry Ainsworth
as doctor (teacher). In 1598 he was concerned in a Latin version (for transmission to continental and Scottish universities) of a confession of faith, drawn up by Ainsworth (1596), and repudiating the common name of Brownist
for separatists. Dissensions arose in the community. Thomasine's taste in dress scandalised a section of the church, and Johnson's brother was among them. Ainsworth tried to prevent a breach, but ultimately those who objected were excommunicated as slanderers. Between 1604 and 1606 John Smyth, who had been a member of the London separatist church, came to Amsterdam, bringing a contingent from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire
. Smyth soon developed individual views both of church government and public worship, and after 1607 seceded with his adherents. Johnson's Amsterdam church at this point had its own meeting-house and three hundred communicants.
More serious differences arose in 1609 out of the differing views of Johnson and Ainsworth as to the function of the eldership. Johnson made the eldership the seat of authority; Ainsworth vested all authority in the congregation itself, of which the elders were an executive. After much discussion Johnson proposed that the 'congregationalists' should move to Leyden, joining the exile church there (a group that included at some points Robert Parker
, Henry Jacob, William Ames
and John Robinson
). But the compromise fell through, and Ainsworth with his congregation obtained a place for worship two doors away from the meeting-house, and moved there in December 1610. The 'Ainsworthian Brownists' as they were popularly termed, were excommunicated by the 'Franciscan Brownists.' Ainsworth began a lawsuit for the recovery of the meeting-house.
Johnson and his presbyterians moved on to Emden
in East Friesland, at some stage; how long the Emden settlement lasted is unknown. Johnson died at Amsterdam, and was buried there on 10 January 1618.
He contributed a running commentary to A Treatise on the Ministry (1595) by Arthur Hildersam.
Early life
He was the elder son of John Johnson, mayor of RichmondRichmond, North Yorkshire
Richmond is a market town and civil parish on the River Swale in North Yorkshire, England and is the administrative centre of the district of Richmondshire. It is situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and serves as the Park's main tourist centre...
, North Riding of Yorkshire
North Riding of Yorkshire
The North Riding of Yorkshire was one of the three historic subdivisions of the English county of Yorkshire, alongside the East and West Ridings. From the Restoration it was used as a Lieutenancy area. The three ridings were treated as three counties for many purposes, such as having separate...
, born at Richmond and baptised there on 27 March 1562. George Johnson was his brother. He matriculated at Christ's College, Cambridge
Christ's College, Cambridge
Christ's College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge.With a reputation for high academic standards, Christ's College averaged top place in the Tompkins Table from 1980-2000 . In 2011, Christ's was placed sixth.-College history:...
, graduated B.A. 1581, M.A. 1585, and was elected fellow before Lady day 1584.
He was a popular preacher in the university, and a follower of the independent presbyterianism advocated by Thomas Cartwright. On 6 January 1589 he expounded this view in a sermon at Great St. Mary's, Cambridge, claiming that church government by elders is jure divino. With Cuthbert Bainbrigg, also a fellow of Christ's, accused of factious preaching, he on 23 January came up before Thomas Nevile
Thomas Nevile
Thomas Nevile was an English clergyman and academic who was Dean of Peterborough and Dean of Canterbury , Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge , and Master of Trinity College, Cambridge ....
, the vice-chancellor.
Refusing to answer on oath to the articles of accusation, Johnson and Bainbrigg were committed to prison. Johnson gave in written answers which set out his views, but again on 13 March and 18 April declined the oath. Bail was offered by Sir Henry Knevett and Sir William Bowes, but was rejected by the authorities. On 22 May Johnson and Bainbrigg addressed a letter to Lord Burghley, the chancellor; but the vice-chancellor laid the case before the court of high commission
Court of High Commission
The Court of High Commission was the supreme ecclesiastic court in England. It was instituted by the crown during the Reformation and finally dissolved by parliament in 1641...
, which directed the vice-chancellor and heads to proceed at discretion. A form of recantation was given to Johnson on 19 October and he was required to read it in the pulpit of Great St. Mary's. He made an unconvincing retractation and on 30 October he was expelled from the university. He claimed a right of appeal, and refusing to leave; he was in December again in custody and vainly petitioning Burghley, backed by fellows of colleges.
First period in the Netherlands
Johnson went to MiddelburgMiddelburg
Middelburg is a municipality and a city in the south-western Netherlands and the capital of the province of Zeeland. It is situated in the Midden-Zeeland region. It has a population of about 48,000.- History of Middelburg :...
in Zealand, where he became preacher to the English merchants in the Gasthuis Kerk, with a stipend of £200. In 1591 'A Plaine Refutation' of the claims of the establishment, by Henry Barrow and John Greenwood came Johnson’s way. It was an answer to George Gifford
George Gifford
George Gifford was a Puritan preacher at Maldon, Essex.-Life:Gifford was born in Dry Drayton, near Cambridge and attended Christ's College, Cambridge, graduating BA in 1570 and MA in 1573. He afterwards lived at Maldon, but was discharged from the priesthood for refusing to subscribe to Archbishop...
, and had been sent privately in 1591 to Middelburg to be printed. The edition was burned by Johnson on the magistrate's authority for suppressing it.
Return to London
In 1592 Johnson came to London to confer with Barrow and Greenwood, who were then in the Fleet PrisonFleet Prison
Fleet Prison was a notorious London prison by the side of the Fleet River in London. The prison was built in 1197 and was in use until 1844. It was demolished in 1846.- History :...
. Greenwood was shortly afterwards transferred to the house of Roger Rippon, and formed, in conjunction with Johnson, a separatist church, independent of other churches, but presbyterian in its internal order, At a meeting in the house of Fox, in Nicholas Lane, Lombard Street, Johnson was chosen pastor, marking his change from stringent reformer to separatist.
Discipline was practised, and the sacraments administered. This conventicle being discovered, Johnson was committed for a time to the Wood Street Counter
Wood Street Counter
The Wood Street Counter, or Wood Street Compter, was a small prison within the City of London in England. It was primarily a debtors prison, and also held people accused of such misdemeanors as public drunkness, although some wealthier prisoners were able to obtain alcohol through bribery...
. To avoid detection the place of assembly was constantly changed. On 5 December 1592 Johnson and Greenwood were arrested in the house of Edward Boyes, a haberdasher on Ludgate Hill
Ludgate Hill
Ludgate Hill is a hill in the City of London, near the old Ludgate, a gate to the City that was taken down, with its attached gaol, in 1780. Ludgate Hill is the site of St Paul's Cathedral, traditionally said to have been the site of a Roman temple of the goddess Diana. It is one of the three...
; Johnson was imprisoned and was twice examined.
He was a third time arrested at Islington
Islington
Islington is a neighbourhood in Greater London, England and forms the central district of the London Borough of Islington. It is a district of Inner London, spanning from Islington High Street to Highbury Fields, encompassing the area around the busy Upper Street...
(on Sunday, 4 March 1593) with his father and brother George, and with John Penry
John Penry
John Penry is Wales's most famous Protestant martyr.-Early life:He was born in Brecknockshire, Wales; Cefn Brith, a farm near Llangammarch, is traditionally recognised as his birthplace. He matriculated at Peterhouse, Cambridge, in December 1580, being then probably a Roman Catholic; but soon...
. Penry was executed on 29 May. Johnson was detained in the Clink
The Clink
The Clink was a notorious prison in Southwark, England which functioned from the 12th century until 1780 either deriving its name from, or bestowing it on, the local manor, the Clink Liberty . The manor and prison were owned by the Bishop of Winchester and situated next to his residence at...
prison, Southwark. While in prison he married in 1594 Thomasine, widow of Boyes, who brought him £300. Attempts made by puritan churchmen through Henry Jacob
Henry Jacob
Henry Jacob was an English clergyman of Calvinist views, who founded a separatist congregation associated with the Brownists.-Life:...
failed to win him back to the national church.
Second period in the Netherlands
In 1597 the merchants Abraham and Stephen Van Hardwick, and Charles Leigh of London, projected a settlement in the island of RameaRamea, Newfoundland and Labrador
Ramea, Newfoundland and Labrador is a small village located on Northwest Island, one of a group of five major islands located off the south coast of the island of Newfoundland, Canada. The Island is approximately 3.1 km long by 1 km wide...
, off Newfoundland. They successfully petitioned for leave to transport four from the separatist church there; the four chosen were Johnson and his brother George, with Daniel Studley and John Clarke. It is suggested that Leigh was a cousin of Thomasine. Johnson left Gravesend
Gravesend, Kent
Gravesend is a town in northwest Kent, England, on the south bank of the Thames, opposite Tilbury in Essex. It is the administrative town of the Borough of Gravesham and, because of its geographical position, has always had an important role to play in the history and communications of this part of...
in the Hopewell on 8 April, with Studley, the other two sailing in the Chancewell. After the expedition, during which the Chancewell was wrecked, Leigh brought them back to England. In the end the group made their way to Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
.
Johnson resumed his pastorate among the exiled separatists, with Henry Ainsworth
Henry Ainsworth
-Life:He was born of a farming family of Swanton Morley, Norfolk. He was educated at Caius College, Cambridge, and, after associating with the Puritan party in the Church, eventually joined the Separatists....
as doctor (teacher). In 1598 he was concerned in a Latin version (for transmission to continental and Scottish universities) of a confession of faith, drawn up by Ainsworth (1596), and repudiating the common name of Brownist
Brownist
The Brownists were English Dissenters and followers of Robert Browne who was born at Tolethorpe Hall in Rutland, England in about 1550.-Origins:...
for separatists. Dissensions arose in the community. Thomasine's taste in dress scandalised a section of the church, and Johnson's brother was among them. Ainsworth tried to prevent a breach, but ultimately those who objected were excommunicated as slanderers. Between 1604 and 1606 John Smyth, who had been a member of the London separatist church, came to Amsterdam, bringing a contingent from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire
Gainsborough, Lincolnshire
Gainsborough is a town 15 miles north-west of Lincoln on the River Trent within the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England. At one time it served as an important port with trade downstream to Hull, and was the most inland in England, being more than 55 miles from the North...
. Smyth soon developed individual views both of church government and public worship, and after 1607 seceded with his adherents. Johnson's Amsterdam church at this point had its own meeting-house and three hundred communicants.
More serious differences arose in 1609 out of the differing views of Johnson and Ainsworth as to the function of the eldership. Johnson made the eldership the seat of authority; Ainsworth vested all authority in the congregation itself, of which the elders were an executive. After much discussion Johnson proposed that the 'congregationalists' should move to Leyden, joining the exile church there (a group that included at some points Robert Parker
Robert Parker (minister)
Robert Parker English Puritan scholar and divine, who became minister of a separatist congregation in the Holland where he died while exiled for his heterodoxy. He was a descended from the Spencer family of Althorp, Northamptonshire...
, Henry Jacob, William Ames
William Ames
William Ames was an English Protestant divine, philosopher, and controversialist...
and John Robinson
John Robinson (pastor)
John Robinson was the pastor of the "Pilgrim Fathers" before they left on the Mayflower. He became one of the early leaders of the English Separatists, minister of the Pilgrims, and is regarded as one of the founders of the Congregational Church.-Early life:Robinson was born in Sturton le Steeple...
). But the compromise fell through, and Ainsworth with his congregation obtained a place for worship two doors away from the meeting-house, and moved there in December 1610. The 'Ainsworthian Brownists' as they were popularly termed, were excommunicated by the 'Franciscan Brownists.' Ainsworth began a lawsuit for the recovery of the meeting-house.
Johnson and his presbyterians moved on to Emden
Emden
Emden is a city and seaport in the northwest of Germany, on the river Ems. It is the main city of the region of East Frisia; in 2006, the city had a total population of 51,692.-History:...
in East Friesland, at some stage; how long the Emden settlement lasted is unknown. Johnson died at Amsterdam, and was buried there on 10 January 1618.
Works
He wrote generally for sale in London. He published:- Confessio Fidei Anglorum Quorundam in Belgio, &c., 1598 (anon.); 1607, with additions by Ainsworth.
- Answer to Maister H. Jacob his Defence of the Churches and Ministry of England, &c., 1600; appended is An Answer to ... his Treatise concerning the Priestes of the Church of England, &c., 1600.
- An Apologie or Defence of svch Trve Christians as are . . . called Brovvnists, &c., 1604 (translated into Dutch, 1612).
- An Inquirie and Answer of Thomas White, his Discouery of Brownism, &c., 1605.
- Certavne Reasons . . . prouing that it is not lawfull to . . . haue any Spiritual communion with the present Ministerie of the Church of England, &c., 1608 (answered by William Bradshaw, in The Vnreasonablenesse of the Separation, &c., Dort, 1614).
- A Brief Treatise containing . . . reasons against Two Errors of the Anabaptists, &c., [1610], reprinted 1645.
- A Short Treatise concerning the Exposition of . . "Tell the Church," &c.. 1611.
- A Christian Plea, conteyning three Treatises . . . touching the Anabaptists . . . Remonstrants. . .the Reformed Churches, &c., 1617.
He contributed a running commentary to A Treatise on the Ministry (1595) by Arthur Hildersam.