Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Martin, John (1619-1693)
MARTIN, JOHN (1619–1693), divine, son of John Martin, a schoolmaster, was born at Mere, Wiltshire, 12 Dec. 1619. He became a batler at Trinity College, Oxford, in Lent term 1637, but, failing to obtain a scholarship, migrated to Oriel, where, being 'put under a careful tutor' (Wood), he graduated B.A. 25 Feb. 1640. He is styled M.A. in the registers at Melcombe Horsey, Dorset. On the outbreak of the civil war Martin seems to have joined the royalist army, and was noticed by Sir John Penruddocke [q.v.] , who promised him a living. He was ordained by Bishop Skinner in Trinity College chapel, 21 Dec. 1645, and two days later was presented to the living of Compton Chamberlayne, Wiltshire, the family seat of the Penruddockes. Here Martin lived in much repute among his neighbours and congregation, until ejected by the parliament on his refusal to subscribe to the covenant, but he seems to have been soon reinstated in the living. He rented in the meantime a small grazing farm at Tisbury, Wiltshire. When the royalists rose in rebellion at Salisbury, December 1654, under the leadership of Colonel John Penruddocke [q. v.], Martin was suspected of participation and was arrested, but the evidence was insufficient and he was released. Penruddocke was executed, and buried at night by Martin at Compton Chamberlayne, 19 May 1658. Martin was a trustee of his friend's estate, and preserved it from sequestration. He also offered an asylum in his house to the wife and family of the cavalier. On the Restoration Martin's loyalty and gifts were rewarded by the living of Melcombe Horsey, Dorset, but he continued to hold Compton Chamberlayne. On 22 Nov. 1668 Bishop Ward appointed him to the prebend of Yatesbury, and on 5 Oct. 1677 to that of Preston in the church of Salisbury. He was also rural dean of Chalk, in the same diocese, but refused, from modesty, the appointment of canon residentiary of Salisbury. In October 1675 he was made chaplain to the Earl of Nottingham. Martin was one of the nonjurors, although he did not actively join in the schism (Burnet). In February 1690 he lost the Melcombe Horsey living, but Bishop Burnet says he ‘continued him in his living [of Compton Chamberlayne] until his death.’ He also records that he continued to pay him the lectureship there, value 30l. per annum, out of his private purse.
A sermon by Martin entitled ‘Hosanna, a Thanksgiving,’ 28 June 1660, is dedicated to ‘William, Marquis of Hertford, and Lady A. P.,’ i.e. Lady Arundella Penruddocke, mother of Colonel Penruddocke. Another sermon, ‘Lex Pacifica,’ printed London, 1664, was preached at the Dorchester assizes, 5 Aug., and is dedicated to Sir Matthew Hale [q. v.], the high sheriff, and the justices. Martin also published ‘Go in Peace, brief Directions for Young Ministers in their Visitation of the Sick, useful for … both Health and Sickness,’ London, 1674; and ‘Mary Magdalen's Tears wiped off, or the Voice of Peace to an Unquiet Conscience,’ &c., ‘written by way of Letter to a Person of Quality, and published for the comfort of those that mourn in Zion,’ London, 1676. He left other works in manuscript, which have not been published (Wood).
Martin was pious, amiable, and learned. During times of great vicissitude his principles remained unchanged. He died at Compton Chamberlayne, 3 Nov. 1693, and is buried in the chancel there. He had been minister for fifty years.
[Wood's Athenæ Oxon. ed. Bliss, iv. 388–90; Hutchins's Hist. of Dorset, iv. 381; Hoare's Wiltshire, iv. 86; Kettlewell's Life and Works, London, 1719, App. xi. for list of nonjurors in Salisbury; Bishop of Sarum's Vindication, London, 1696, p. 62; Le Neve's Fasti Eccles. Angl. ii. 659–60; registers of Mere per Rev. J. A. Lloyd, and of Compton Chamberlayne per Rev. D. Digges.]