Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Scrivener, Matthew
SCRIVENER, MATTHEW (fl. 1660), divine, was probably descended of the family of Scrivener of Sibtoft (Metcalfe, Visitation of Suffolk, p. 163), and was educated at Catharine Hall, Cambridge, being a contemporary there with Henry Hickman [q. v.] before 1647 (Wood, Athenæ Oxon. iv. 370). He became vicar of Haslingfield in Cambridge, and died shortly before 1688. He wrote: 1. ‘Apologia pro S. Ecclesiæ Patribus adversus Joannem Dalleum de Usu Patrum; accedit Apologia pro Ecclesia Anglicana adversus nuperum Schisma,’ 1672, 4to, replied to by Hickman in ‘The Nonconformists' Vindication,’ 1679. 2. ‘A Course of Divinity, or an Introduction to the Knowledge of the true Catholic Religion, especially as professed by the Church of England,’ 1674, fol. 3. ‘A Treatise against Drunkennesse described in its Nature, Kindes, Effectes, and Causes, especially that of drinking healths, to which are added two short Sermons of St. Augustine,’ London, 1685. 4. ‘The Method and Means to a true Spiritual Life, consisting of three parts agreeable to the ancient way’ (posthumous), 1688, 8vo.
[Authorities as in text; Scrivener's Works.]