Jonathan Edwards

Who was Jonathan Edwards?

Jonathan Edwards was a theologian and Principal of Jesus College, Oxford from 1686 to 1712.

Born in Wrexham, Wales, Edwards studied at Christ Church, Oxford from 1655 to 1659. He became a Fellow of Jesus College in 1662, Vice-Principal in 1668 and Principal on 2 November 1686. He was also Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University from 1689 to 1691, the first Principal of the college to do so. He was rector of Kiddington, Hinton Ampner and Llandysul and vicar of Clynnog Fawr. He was also appointed Treasurer of Llandaff Cathedral.

He was involved in theological debates with Socinians and Antinomians, publishing A Preservative against Socinianism and A Vindication of the Doctrine of Original Sin from the exceptions of Dr. Daniel Whitby. He died in 1712, bequeathing his library to Jesus College and money for the restoration of the chapel, in which he was buried.