Abstract
In 1615, Robert Sanderson, then an Oxford college tutor of logic, was the author of a very popular textbook representative of the contemporary university teaching in this instrumental art of philosophy. However, he was not a philosopher by career, but an influential cleric in the Church of England. Sanderson spent much of his life as the rector of Bouthby Pagnell, Lincolnshire, and received the bishopric of Lincoln in his later years. He was a convinced anti-Puritan, but also a convinced anti-Arminian. A famous preacher, his sermons, though influenced by the Calvinist doctrine of predestination, gained him nonetheless William Laud’s favor and Charles I’s protection. In the second half of the 1640s, as the Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford, he proposed original argumentation on the topics of natural law, obligation, and conscience. His correspondence in the 1650s on problems of decision-making in cases of conscience, published posthumously, also constitutes a crucial milestone in the history of Anglican moral theology and casuistry.
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References
Primary Literature
Logicae Artis Compendium. In quo Universae artis Synopsis, methodo ac forma ad Scholarum usum, quam fieri potuit, accommodatissima breviter proponitur. In privatam nonnullorum gratiam & utilitatem tantisper editum, dum ad pleniora maturuerint. Oxford 1615. [Anonymous publication].
Logicae Artis Compendium. Secunda Hac Editione recognitum, duplici Appendice auctum, & publici juris factum a Rob. Sanderson Collegii Lincolniensis in alma Oxoniensi Socio. Oxford 1618. [The two final Appendices were actually already included in 1615 copies. Other lifetime editions:1631, 1640, 1657].
Tvvo Sermons: Preached at Tvvo Severall Visitations, at Boston, in the Diocesse and County of Lincolne. By Robert Sanderson, Bachelour of Diuinitie, and late fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. London 1622. [Ad Clerum 17 April 1619, 24 April 1621. Dedicated to George Montaigne on 20 November 1621].
Ten Sermons preached I. Ad Clerum. 3. II. Ad Magistratum. 3. III. Ad Populum. 4. By Robert Saunderson Bachellor in Diuinitie, sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. London 1627. [Ad Clerum 17 April 1619, 24 April 1621, 13 March 1624, dedicated to Montaigne; Ad Magistratum 11 June 1623, 7 March 1624, 4 August 1625, dedicated to Sir Nicholas Sanderson on 1 March 1626; Ad Populum 27 February 1620, 3 October 1620, 19 June 1621, 4 November 1621, dedicated to Lady Margaret Sanderson on 9 April 1627].
Two Sermons Preached at Paules-Crosse London. Being the Fifth and sixth ad Populum. By Robert Saunderson, Bachelour in Divinitie, and sometimes Fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. London 1628. [Ad Populum 21 November 1624, 15 April 1627. Dedicated to Thomas Harrington on 1 July 1628].
Tvvelve Sermons preached 1. Ad Clerum. III. 2. Ad Magistratum. III. 3. Ad Populum. VI. By Robert Saunderson Batchellor in Divinity, sometimes Fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. London 1632. [The 1627 and 1628 editions together].
Two Sermons: The Former, concerning the right use of Christian Liberty, preached at S. Pauls Crosse London. May 6. The Later, concerning the perswasion of Conscience, preached at a Metropoliticall visitation at Grantham Lincoln: Aug. 22. 1634. By Robert Saunderson. Chaplaine to his Maiestie. London 1635. [Ad Populum 6 May 1632; Ad Clerum 22 August 1634. Dedicated to William Laud on 4 February 1634].
A Soveraigne Antidote against Sabbatarian Errours. Or, A Decision of the chiefe Doubts and Difficulties touching the Sabbath. Wherein these three Questions (beside others coincident) are clearly and succinctly determined, viz. I. Which is the fittest Name whereby to call the Day of Christian Weekly Rest, whether Sabbath day, Lords-day, or Sunday? II. What is the meaning of that Prayer, appointed to be used by our Church: Lord have mercy upon us, and encline, &c. as it is repeated and applyed to the words of the fourth Commandment. III. Whether it be lawfull to use any Bodily Recreation on the Lords-day? and if so, what kinde of Recreation? By a Reverend, Religious, and judicious Divine. London 1636.
Twelve Sermons preached 1. Ad clerum. III. 2. Ad magistratum. III. 3. Ad populum. VI. Whereunto are now added Two Sermons more, the one preached at St. Pauls Crosse, the other at a visitation, concerning the perswasion of Conscience. By Robert Saunderson, Dr. in Divinity, and chaplaine in ordinary to his Maiesty. London 1637. [The 1632 and 1635 editions together]
De Juramenti Promissorii Obligatione Praelectiones Septem. Habitae in Schola Theologicâ Oxon. Termino Michaëlis Ann. Dom. MDCXLVI. A Roberto Sandersono. S. Theologiae in Academia Oxoniensi Professore Regio. Praemissa Oratione ab eodem habita cum publicam professionem auspicaretur 26. Octob. 1646. London 1647a.
Reasons of the present judgement of the University of Oxford, concerning The Solemne League and Covenant, The Negative Oath, The Ordinances concerning Discipline and Worship.Approved by generall consent in a full Convocation, 1, Jun. 1647. And presented to Consideration. London 1647b.
Judicium Universitatis Oxoniensis, de 1. Solenni Liga & Foedere. 2. Iuramento Negativo. 3. Ordinationibus Parlamenti circa Disciplina[m], & Cultum. In plena convocatione 1. Junii 1647. Communibus Suffragiis (nemine contradicente) promulgatum. London 1648.
A Resolution of Conscience (by a Learned Divine) in Answer to a Letter sent with Mr Ascham’s book, Treating, How farre it may bee Lawful to Submit to an Usurped ower. Out of which men may satisfie their scruples concerning the present Subscription and Engagement. London 1649.
A Sermon Preached at Newport in the Isle of Wight, October 1648. In the time of the Treaty. By Robert Sanderson, D.D. Chaplain to the late King, and Regius-Professor of Divinity in the University of Oxon. London 1653.
De Juramento. Seven Lectures Concerning the Obligation of Promissory Oathes. Read publickly in the Divinity School at Oxford. By Robert Senderson D.D. His Majesties Publick Professor there. Translated into English by His late Majesties speciall Command, and afterwards Revised and approved under His Majesties own hand. London 1655.
Twenty Sermons Formerly Preached. XVI. Ad Aulam. III. Ad Magistratum. I. Ad Populum. And now first published by Robert Sanderson D.D. Professor Regius in the University of Oxford, and Chaplain in Ordinary to the late Kings Majesty. London 1656. [Ad Aulam: November 1631 and 1632 Whitehall; 1633 Newark; July 1636 Belvoir; July 1637 Greenwich; July 1637 Oatlands; July 1638 Greenwich; July 1638 Theobalds; July 1639 Barwick; 5 July and 8 July 1640 Whitehall; 26 July 1640 Hampton Court; July 1641 Whitehall; August 1647 Woburn; 1647 Stoke Pogeys; December 1647 Newport, Isle of Wight. Ad Magistratum: 1630 Lincoln, 1632 Lincoln, 1634 Nottingham. Ad Populum n.d, n.l.. Preface dated 31 December 1655. In a second edition revised by the author published in 1660, the Sermon XVI before the King at Newport on Hebrews 12.3 is dated November 1648].
Fourteen Sermons Heretofore Preached. IIII. Ad clerum. III. Ad magistratum. VII. Ad populum. By Robert Sanderson D.D. Sometimes Fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford and Rector of Botheby Paynel Linc. The Fourth Impression. London 1657. [A new publication of the 1637 edition, with a Preface to the Reader dated 13 July 1657].
XXXIIII Sermons. XVI. Ad Aulam, IIII. Ad Clerum, VI. Ad Magistratum, VIII. Ad Populum. By Robert Sanderson D.D. Sometimes Fellow of Lincoln-Colledge in Oxford, and Rector of Botheby-Paynel Lincoln. To which is prefixed a large Preface by the said Author. London 1657. [The content does not correspond to the title. The sermons Ad Aulam from November 1631 to December 1647 and the eighth sermon Ad Populum should be added to the 1637/1657 edition of Fourteen Sermons, but they are lacking. Reprinted in 1661].
De Obligatione Conscientiae Praelectiones Decem: Oxonii in Schola Theologica habitae anno. Dom. MDCXLVII. A Roberto Sandersono, S. Theologiae ibidem Professore Regio, et ab eodem exprofesore, nunc primum editae. London 1660a.
Several Cases of Conscience Discussed in Ten Lectures in the Divinity School At Oxford.By that most Learned and Reverend Father in God, Doctor Robert Sanderson, now Lord Bishop of Lincoln. London 1660b.
Other title: Ten Lectures on the Obligation of Humane Conscience. Read in the Divinity School at Oxford, in the year, 1647. By that most Learned and Reverend Father in God, Doctor Robert Sanderson, Bishop of Lincoln. &c. Translated by Robert Codrington, Master of Arts. London 1660c.
The Power Communicated by God to the Prince, and the Obedience Required of the Subject: briefly laid down and confirmed out of the Holy Scriptures, Testimony of the Primitive Church, Dictates of Right Reason, and Opinion of the Wisest among the Heathen Writers. By the Most Reverend Father in God, James late Lord Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland; Faithfully published out of the original copy, written with his own hand, by the Reverend Father in God, Robert Lord Bishop of Lincoln, with his Lordships Preface thereunto. London 1661a. [Preface dated 31 December 1660. Dedicated to Charles II by James Tyrrell, Ussher’s grandson].
Episcopacy (As established by Law in England) not prejudicial to Regal Power. A Treatise written in the time of the Long Parliament, by the special Command of the late King. And now published by the Right Reverend Father in God Robert Sanderson Lord Bishop of Lincoln. London 1661b.
Articles of Visitation and Enquiry concerning Matters Ecclesiastical: Exhibited to the Ministers, Church-Wardens, and Side-Men of every Parish within the Diocess of Lincoln, in the first Episcopal Visitation of the Right Reverend Father in God, Robert Lord Bishop of Lincoln. London 1662.
Reason and judgement, or, Special Remarques of the Life of the Renowned Dr. Sanderson, late Lord Bishop of Lincoln, in a Letter to the Reverend J.W. D.D.P.L.: together with his Judgement for Setling the Church, in Exact Resolutions of Sundry Grand Cases very seasonable at this time. London 1663.
Five Cases of Conscience Occasionally Determined by a late learned hand. London 1666.
Two Cases of Conscience resolved by the Right Reverend Father in God Robert Sanderson Late Lord Bishop of Lincoln. London 1668.
Ad Clerum. A Sermon Preached at a Visitation holden at Grantham in the County and Diocess of Lincolne, 8. Octob. 1641. By a late Learned Prelate. Now published by his own copy. Oxford 1670.
Physicae Scientiae Compendium. A Roberto Sanderson Coll. Lincoln. in alma Oxoniensi olim Socio; & in eadem Academia S. Theologiae postea Professore Regio, & nupero Lincoln. Episc.: ante multos annos lucis usurae destinatum nunc vero ex authentico manuscripto primo impressum. Oxford 1671.
Eight Cases of Conscience: Occasionally Determined by the late Reverend Father in God, Robert Sanderson, Lord Bishop of Lincoln. London 1674.
The Life of Dr. Sanderson, late Bishop of Lincoln written by Izaak Walton; to which is added, some Short Tracts or Cases of Conscience written by the said Bishop. London 1678a [includes Bishop Sanderson’s Judgment Concerning Submission to Usurpers and Pax Ecclesiae].
Nine Cases of Conscience: Occasionally Determined by the late Reverend Father in God, Robert Sanderson, Lord Bishop of Lincoln. London 1678b.
A Preservative Against Schism and Rebellion, In the most Trying Times. Or, A Resolution of the most Important Cases of Conscience, relating to Government both in Church and State; In a Course of Lectures read in the Divinity School at Oxford, in the Time of the great Rebellion. By Robert Sanderson, D.D. Regius Professor, and afterwards Lord Bishop of Lincoln. In Three Volumes. The First Volume concerning the Obligation of Promissory Oaths..., To which is added, The Judgment of the University of Oxford, concerning The Solemn League and Covenant. The Second and Third Volumes explaining the most difficult Cases of Conscience relating to Government, Ecclesiastical and Civil. Translated by Mr. Lewis. With the Life of the Author. London 1722. [Volumes II-III contain The Nature and Obligation of Conscience Explained, in Ten Prelections read in the Divinity School at Oxon].
The Nature and Obligation of Oaths Explained: or, A Preservative Against Perjury, Popery, Treason, and Rebellion. Being, a course of Lectures read in the Divinity-School, at Oxford, in the Year 1646, by Dr. Robert Sanderson, then Regius-Professor of Divinity in that University, and afterwards Lord Bishop of Lincoln. Wherein, Various Difficult and Important Cases of Conscience, not only with Regard to Religion, but Civil Government, are Fairly Stated, Learnedly Discussed, and Judiciously Resolved. Translated into English from the Original Latin, and illustrated with Notes, from Grotius, Puffendorf, Barbeyrac, Le Placette, Burlamaqui, and other Learned Writers. By the Revd. Thomas Dawson, L.L.D. Translator of The Orations of Eschines and Demosthenes, concerning The Crown. Dublin 1755.
Sermons, by the Right Reverend Father in God, Robert Sanderson, Late Lord Bishop of Lincoln: With a Life of the Author by Isaac Walton, and an Introductory Essay. By the Rev. Robert Montgomery, M.A, Linc. Coll. Oxon., incumbent of St Jude’s Episcopal Church, Glasgow, author of “The Omnipresence of the Deity”, “The Messiah”, “Satan”, Etc. Etc. London 1841.
De Obligatione Conscientiae Praelectiones Decem Oxonii in Schola Theologica Habitae Anno Domini M.DC.XLVII a Roberto Sandersono S. Theologiae Ibidem Professore Regio Postea Episcopo Lincolniensi. With English Notes, Including an Abridged Translation. By William Whewell, D.D., Master of Trinity College, and Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Cambridge. Cambridge 1851.
The Works of Robert Sanderson, D.D., sometime Bishop of Lincoln, now first collected by William Jacobson, Regius Professor of Divinity and Canon of Christ Church. In six volumes. Oxford 1854.
Fragmentary Illustrations of the History of the Book of Common Prayer, from Manuscript Sources, [Bishop Sanderson and Bishop Wren], edited by William Jacobson, D.D., Bishop of Chester. London 1874.
Bishop Sanderson's Lectures on Conscience and Human Law, delivered in the Divinity School at Oxford. Edited, in an English Translation, with a Preface by Chr. Wordsworth, D.D., Bishop of Lincoln. Lincoln 1877.
Secondary Literature
Ashworth, E. Jennifer. 1985. Introduction to Robert Sanderson, Logicae Artis Compendium, ed. E.J. Ashworth. Editrice CLUEB Bologna, pp. xi-lv.
Dixon, Leif. 2014. Practical Predestinarians in England, c. 1590–1640. Aldershot: Ashgate.
Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae: or A Calendar of The Principal Ecclesiastical Dignitaries in England and Wales, and of The Chief Officers in the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, from the Earliest Time to Year M.DCC.XV. Compiled by John Le Neve, corrected and continued from M.DCC.XV to the present time, by T. Duffus Hardy, Assistant Keeper of the Public Records. In three volumes. Vol. III. Oxford: The University Press. 1854b.
Lake, Peter G. 1988. Serving God and the Times: The Calvinist Conformity of Robert Sanderson. Journal of British Studies 27: 81–116.
McGee, James Sears. 2004. Sanderson, Robert (1587-1663). In Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford: Oxford University Press www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/24627.
Slights, Camille. 1970. Ingenious piety: Anglican Casuistry of the Seventeenth Century. The Harvard Theological Review 63 (3): 409–432.
Stanton, Timothy. 2013. Freedom of Conscience, Political Liberty and the Foundations of Liberalism. In Freedom and the Construction of Europe, vol. I, Religious Freedom and Civil Liberty, ed. Quentin Skinner and Martin Van Gelderen, 134–153. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Vallance, Edward. 2001. Oaths, Casuistry, and Equivocation: Anglican Responses to the Engagement Controversy. The Historical Journal 44 (1): 59–77.
Vallance, Edward. 2009. The dangers of prudence: Salus populi suprema lex, Robert Sanderson, and the Case of the Liturgy. Renaissance Studies 23 (4): 534–551.
CCEd (Clergy of the Church of England database): ‘Saunderson, Robertus’.
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Pécharman, M. (2018). Sanderson, Robert. In: Sgarbi, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Renaissance Philosophy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02848-4_536-1
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