Arthur Jackson (minister) facts for kids

Arthur Jackson (born around 1593, died 1666) was an important English church leader. He was a strong supporter of the Presbyterian way of running the church and also loyal to the King. He faced challenges during a time of big changes in England. In 1651, he was put in prison because people thought he was involved in a plan with another church leader, Christopher Love. Later, in 1662, he lost his job as a minister because of a new law called the Act of Uniformity 1662.

Arthur Jackson's Early Life and Work

Arthur Jackson was born in a place called Little Waldingfield in Suffolk, England, around 1593. His father, who was a merchant from Spain, passed away when Arthur was young. His mother also died later in Ireland. His uncle, Joseph Jackson, helped him go to Trinity College, Cambridge. There, he studied and earned his first degree in 1614 and a master's degree in 1617.

In 1619, after finishing his studies, Arthur Jackson got married. He then became a lecturer and later the main minister at St. Michael's, Wood Street in London. He stayed with his community during a difficult time in 1624 when a serious illness, the plague, spread through the city. He also worked as a chaplain for the Clothworkers' Company, a group of merchants.

Standing Up for His Beliefs

Arthur Jackson was known for his strong beliefs. He refused to read a book called The Book of Sports during church services. This book allowed people to play sports on Sundays, which many strict Protestants, like Jackson, disagreed with. Even though William Laud, a powerful church leader at the time, spoke to him about it, Jackson didn't get into serious trouble for his refusal.

Around 1642, he took over as minister at St. Faith's under St. Paul's. This job became open after the previous minister, Jonathan Brown, had his position taken away. Under the Presbyterian church system, Jackson was an active member of a local church group called a classis. He also served on a committee for the London church assembly.

Supporting the King

Arthur Jackson was a strong supporter of the King during the English Civil War. In January 1649, he signed two statements that were against the trial of King Charles I. This showed his loyalty to the King.

In 1651, he faced trouble again. He refused to give evidence against Christopher Love, who was accused of being involved in a plan against the government. Because of this, a special court fined Jackson and sent him to prison for seventeen weeks. Some records say he was in Fleet Prison, while others suggest the Tower of London.

After the King Returned

When Charles II returned to England and became King again in 1660, Arthur Jackson was among the city's church leaders who welcomed him. They presented the King with a Bible as he passed through St. Paul's Churchyard.

However, Jackson continued to stand firm in his beliefs. He disagreed with some nonconformist groups who wanted to thank the King for a statement he made. Jackson believed that supporting a church system where bishops had a lot of power (called prelacy) went against a special agreement known as the Solemn League and Covenant. In 1661, he was part of the Presbyterian group at the Savoy conference, a meeting held to discuss church rules.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1662, Arthur Jackson lost his job as a minister during an event known as the Great Ejection. This happened after the Uniformity Act 1662 was passed, which required all ministers to follow certain church rules. Many, like Jackson, could not agree with these rules and were forced to leave their positions.

After losing his job, Jackson moved to Hadley, Middlesex, and later to his son's house in Edmonton. He then spent his time studying and explaining religious texts. Arthur Jackson passed away on August 5, 1666, when he was 73 years old.

His Family

Arthur Jackson was married to the oldest daughter of T. Bownert from Stonebury, Hertfordshire. She outlived him. Together, they had three sons, including John Jackson, and five daughters.