Abbot, Robert (2)

Abbot, Robert a noted English Puritan divine, but not a Nonconformist, was born about 1589. He was educated at Cambridge, where he proceeded A.M., and was afterwards incorporated at Oxford. In 1616 he was presented to the vicarage of Cranbrook, Kent, by archbishop George Abbot. His ministry at this place was very effective; "his parishioners were as his own sons and daughters to him; and by day and by night he thought and felt, wept and prayed, for them and with them." In 1643 he was transferred to the living of Southwick, Hants; and subsequently he became pastor of St. Augustine. London, where he continued to a good old age. He disappears from history some time previous to 1662. He wrote several works, which are distinguished for their terseness and variety. The principal of these are, A Hand of Fellowship to Helpe Keepe Out Sinne and Antichrist (1623): — Bee Thankfull London and her Sisters (1626): — Triall of our Church- forsakers (1639). See Brook, Puritans, 3, 182, 183; Wood (Bliss's), Athenoe Oxonienses.