Pierce, Thomas, Dd

Pierce, Thomas, D.D.

an Elnglish divine of riite, flourished near the middle of the 17th Cedturv. He was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, and after graduation was presented with a fellowship. In 1648 he was ejected for nonconformity, but was restored under the Protectorate, and became prebend of Canterbury and Lincoln; in 1661 president of Magdalen College; in 1671 dean of Salisbury. He died in 1691. Dean Pierce was a man of more than ordinary talent and acquisition. In theology he was decidedly Arminialn, and published a number of occasional sermolns. theolot ical treatises, and controversial tracts. Among these we mention, The Sinner Impleaded in his own Court, wherein are represented the Great Discouragements from Sinning which the Sinner receiveth from Sin itself (Lond. 1656, 8vo): — The Divine Philanthropie defended against the Declamatory Attempts of certain late printed Papers, entitled, A Correptory Correction. In Vindication of some Notes concerning God's Decrees, especially of Reprobation [against Barlee] (Lond. 1657, 4to): — A Collection of Sermons upon Several Occasions (Oxf. 1671, 4to): — A Correct Copy of some Notes concerning God's Decrees, especially of Reprobation (Oxf. 1671, 4to): — Pacificatorium Orthodoxae Theologiae Corpusculum. Secundae huic editioni accesserunt, De perfectissimo Dei cultu ad normam divinam exigendo [Anon.] (Lond. 1685, sm. 8vo). Dean Pierce also greatly assisted bishop Walton in the publication of the Polyglot Bible. He was the decided antagonist of Baxter, and, according to Watson, "compelled that great controversialist to quail before him" (Works, 1:469). See Wood, Athenae Oxonienses; Lowndes, Brit. Librarian, p. 1080; Watts, Bibl. Brit. s.v. (J.H.W.)