Abednego Seller facts for kids

Abednego Seller (born around 1646, died 1705) was an English writer and religious leader. He was known for being a "non-juror," which meant he refused to swear loyalty to the new King William III and Queen Mary II after the Glorious Revolution in 1688. This decision had big consequences for his career.

Early Life and Education

Abednego Seller was born in Plymouth, England, around 1646. His father was Richard Seller. When Abednego was about 16, in 1662, he started studying at Lincoln College, Oxford. He was a "servitor" there, which meant he worked to help pay for his education.

He left Oxford without getting a degree. Later, in 1665, he became a deacon, which is a step in becoming a priest in the Church of England. He became a full priest in 1672.

Career and Challenges

In 1682, Abednego Seller became the rector (a type of priest in charge of a parish) in Combe-in-Teignhead, a town in Devonshire. A few years later, in 1686, he moved to Charles Church, Plymouth, where he became the vicar (another type of priest).

However, a big change happened in England in 1688, known as the Glorious Revolution. The old king, James II, was replaced by William III and Mary II. Many people, including Abednego Seller, were asked to swear an oath of loyalty to the new king and queen. Seller refused to do this because he believed his loyalty was still to the previous king. Because he refused the oath, he lost his job as vicar in 1690.

After losing his position, Seller moved to London and lived in Red Lion Square. He had a very valuable collection of books, but sadly, a fire destroyed his library in 1700. He passed away in London in 1705.

What He Left Behind

Abednego Seller was a scholar and collector. He left behind many books, old handwritten documents (manuscripts), and coins.

He gave a special handwritten book from the late 1400s to the Bodleian Library at Oxford University. This book contained important historical writings. He also gave books by Byzantine historians (writers from the Eastern Roman Empire) to Lincoln College, where he had studied. The rest of his books were sold to help his grandchildren.

His Writings

Abednego Seller was a busy writer, often publishing his works without his name on them (anonymously). Many of his books were about religious topics or defended his views on the Church. Here are some of his notable works:

• An Infallible Way to Contentment (1679): This book was about finding peace and happiness even during difficult times. It was very popular and was reprinted many times, even translated into Welsh.
• The Devout Communicant (1686): This was a guide to help people prepare for and understand the religious service of communion. It was revised and republished several times.
• History of Passive Obedience since the Reformation (1689) and its continuation (1690): These books were very important because they explained his beliefs about "passive obedience." This idea meant that people should obey their ruler, even if they disagreed with them, and should not resist the king's authority. Seller wrote these books to argue why people like him should not take the new oath of loyalty to William and Mary.
• The Antiquities of Palmyra (1696): This was a different kind of book for Seller. It was about the ancient city of Palmyra (in modern-day Syria), describing its history, religion, government, and the inscriptions found there.

Seller also helped other writers, like William Cave, with their historical works.

Family Life

Abednego Seller was married to Marie Persons. They got married on December 2, 1668, in Abbotsham, near Bideford.