Leonard Wright


Leonard Wright, was a controversialist who wrote many essays on religious and moral subjects which abound in scriptural references. He came into prominence as a champion of the cause of the bishops in the Martin Marprelate controversy, and was denounced by those who attacked episcopacy. The anti-episcopal author of ‘Theses Martinianæ’ anathematised him and six other ‘haggling and profane’ writers, and described them as ‘serving the established church if for no other use but to worke its ruine, and to bewray their owne shame and miserable ignorance’ .

Works

Wright published:
  1. A Summons for Sleepers. Wherein most grieuous and notorious offenders are cited to bring forth true frutes of repentance, before the day of the Lord now at hand. Hereunto is annexed, A Patterne for Pastors, deciphering briefly the dueties pertaining to that function, by Leonard Wright. This was licensed for the press to John Wolfe on 4 March 1588–9, and was first published early in 1589. An edition ‘newly reprinted, corrected and amended’ bears the same date. A copy is in the British Museum. Neither place nor printer's name is given. Other editions are dated 1596, 1615, and 1617.
  2. A Display of Dutie, dect with sage sayings, pythie sentences, and proper similies: Pleasant to read, delightful to heare, and profitable to practise, by L. Wright, London. This work, which was licensed on 13 Oct. 1589, was dedicated ‘to the Right worshipfull, most valiant, and famous Thomas Candish, Esquier.’ Other editions are dated 1602 and 1614. The volume contains a poem of some merit.
  3. The Hunting of Antichrist, With a caueat to the contentious. By Leonard Wright, London. There is a sub-title at beginning of text, running ‘A briefe description of the Church of Rome from the time of Antichrist our present age’. Reference is made in the preface to Wright's ‘Summons to Sleepers.’ The work advocates the cause of prelacy.
  4. A friendly admonition to Martine Marprelate and his Mates, by Leonard Wright, London, 1590, 4to.
  5. The Pilgrimage to Paradise, by Leonard Wright, 1591, 4to. No copy of either 4 or 5 is in the British Museum.