The former President of the college, William Laud, in 1632 recommended Edwards for the head-mastership of Merchant Taylors' School.
In 1642, when the First English Civil War broke out, he was, with others, appointed by Convocation to provide accommodation for the troopers sent to Oxford, and procure arms to defend the university.
[1] In 1647 Edwards was summoned, as a delinquent, to appear before the committee of Lords and Commons for regulating the affairs of the university.
His answers were considered unsatisfactory, he was placed by the parliamentary visitors in 1648 for a time in custody of the provost marshal for "manifold misdemeanours".
His fellowship was taken from him, and he was superseded in the office of Sedleian reader by Joshua Crosse of Magdalen College.