Ellwood, Thomas

Ellwood, Thomas a Quaker writer of some reputation, was born at Crowell, near Thame, in Oxfordshire, in August, 1639, where he was educated. He united with the Friends in 1658; became a preacher, and died March 1, 1713. The following are some of his publications: Forgery no Christianity (1674, 12mo): — The Foundation of Tithes Shaken (1682, 1720, 8vo; Wickham, 1690, 4to): — Sacred History (1705-09). He was an intimate friend of Milton. After perusing the MS. of Paradise Lost, he returned it to the author with the remark, "Thou hast said much here of Paradise lost, but what hast thou to say of Paradise found." To this timely hint the world is indebted for Paradise Regained. See Chalmers, Biog. Dict. s.v.; Allibone, Dict. of Brit. and Amer. Authors, s.v.