Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Harsnett, Adam

by Gordon Goodwin

HARSNETT, ADAM (d. 1639), divine, was the son of Adam and Mercy Harsnett. When making his will on 24 Oct. 1612, his father described himself as ‘Adam Halsnoth of Colchester, joyner, and now one of the Serjants att the Mace in the town of Colchester’ (registered in the archdeaconry court of Colchester). Adam was matriculated at Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, as a sizar in 1597, and took the degree of B.A. there in 1600–1. He afterwards removed to St. John's College, as a member of which he proceeded M.A. in 1604 and B.D. in 1612 (Cambridge Matriculation Register). In 1609 he became vicar of Hutton, Essex, on the resignation of his relative, Samuel Harsnett [q. v.] He was also rector of Cranham, Essex, to which he was instituted on the presentation of John, lord Petre, 8 Sept. 1612. He held both livings until his death at Cranham in 1639. His will, bearing date 30 Nov. 1638, was proved at London by his brother, Samuel Harsnett, grocer, on 16 Sept. 1639 (registered in P. C. C. 148, Harvey). He was twice married: first, to Mary, widow of William Jenkin, the puritan minister of Sudbury, Suffolk, and daughter of Richard Rogers, preacher at Wethersfield, Essex, by whom he had issue; and, secondly, to Mary, widow of John Dawson, who survived him.

Harsnett, who was a moderate puritan, wrote:

1. ‘A Tovch-Stone of Grace. Discovering the differences betweene true and counterfeit grace: Laying downe infallible Evidences and markes of true Grace. Serving for the tryall of a mans spirituall estate,’ 12mo, London, 1630 (reissued in 1632 and 1635).
2. ‘A Cordiall for the Afflicted. Touching the Necessitie and Utilitie of Afflictions. Proving unto us the happinesse of those that thankfully receive them: and the misery of all that want them, or profit not by them,’ the second edition enlarged, 12mo, London, 1638.
3. ‘Gods Summons to a General Repentance,’ 12mo, London, 1640 (reprinted, 8vo, London, 1794).

[Trans. of Essex Archæol. Soc. (new ser.), ii. 256; Waters's Genealogical Gleanings in England, vol. i. pt. ii. pp. 210, 214, 224; Watt's Bibl. Brit.]

G. G.