Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Godwin, Morgan
GODWIN, MORGAN (fl. 1685), minister in Virginia, baptised at Bicknor, Gloucestershire, on 2 Dec. 1640, was the second son of Morgan Godwin, LL.D., rector of that place and canon of Hereford (d. 1645), by his wife Elizabeth, and the grandson of Francis Godwin, D.D., bishop of Hereford [q. v.] He became a commoner of Brasenose College, Oxford, in Midsummer term 1661, but proceeded B.A. on 16 March 1664 as a student of Christ Church (Wood, Fasti Oxon. ed. Bliss, ii. 277). Then, taking orders, he became a minister in Virginia, under the government of Sir William Berkeley [q. v.], and continued there ‘in good liking’ for several years. On his return home he became beneficed, says Wood, ‘near London, where he finished his course’ (Athenæ Oxon. ed. Bliss, iv. 180–1). He is author of: 1. ‘The Negro's and Indian's Advocate suing for their Admission into the Church; or a Persuasive to the instructing and baptising of the Negros and Indians in our Plantations; shewing that as the Compliance therewith can prejudice no Mans just Interest, so the wilful neglecting and opposing of it is no less than a manifest Apostacy from the Christian Faith. To which is added, A brief Account of Religion in Virginia,’ 4to, London, 1680. 2. ‘A Supplement to the Negro's and Indian's Advocate; or Some further Considerations and Proposals for the effectual and speedy carrying on of the Negro's Christianity in our Plantations … without any prejudice to their owners. By M. G., a Presbyter of the Church of England,’ 4to, London, 1681. 3. ‘Trade preferr'd before Religion, and Christ made to give place to Mammon; represented in a Sermon relating to the Plantations,’ 4to, London, 1685. It was first preached, according to Wood, at Westminster Abbey, and afterwards ‘in divers churches in London.’
[Authorities as above.]