Benjamin Needler facts for kids

Benjamin Needler (born 1620, died 1682) was an English minister who lost his job because of new laws about religion. He was known for his strong beliefs and his writings.

Early Life and Education

Benjamin Needler was born on November 29, 1620, in Laleham, Middlesex. His father was Thomas Needler.

School Days

When he was 13, Benjamin started attending Merchant Taylors' School in London. He joined the school on September 11, 1634.

University Years

Later, in 1642, Benjamin was chosen to study at St John's College, Oxford. He officially joined the university on July 1. In 1645, he became a fellow of his college. This meant he was a senior member of the university.

A Time of Change

During Benjamin Needler's life, England was going through big changes. There were disagreements about how the church should be run.

Standing Up for Beliefs

Benjamin joined a group called the Presbyterians. They had different ideas about church leadership. In 1648, he was asked to help with a special inspection of Oxford University. This inspection was ordered by Parliament. During this time, he earned a law degree on April 14, 1648.

Soon after, on August 8, he became the minister at St. Margaret Moses, Friday Street church in London. In January 1649, he was one of many ministers who signed a special letter. This letter asked General Thomas Fairfax to protect King Charles I's life.

A Difficult Decision

In August 1662, a new law called the Act of Uniformity was passed. This law made all ministers follow specific religious rules. Because Benjamin Needler could not agree to these rules, he lost his job as a minister. He was one of many "ejected ministers" who were forced to leave their churches.

Later Life and Legacy

After losing his church job, Benjamin Needler moved to North Warnborough in Hampshire. There, he continued to preach privately to people until he passed away. He was buried in Odiham, near Winchfield, on October 20, 1682.

Published Works

Benjamin Needler also wrote several books and sermons. In 1655, he published Expository Notes with Practical Observations. This book helped explain the first five chapters of the Bible's Book of Genesis. He also wrote three sermons that were included in a popular collection called Morning Exercises. He even wrote some poems about the death of another minister, Jeremiah Whitaker.

His Family

In 1651, Benjamin Needler married Marie, who was the sister of Nathanael Culverwell. After getting married, he gave up his position as a fellow at St. John's College.

Children and Career

Benjamin and Marie had several children. Records show that six of their children were baptized between 1651 and 1662. Sadly, two of them passed away young.

One of their sons was named Culverwell Needler (born 1656). He had an important career in government. In 1679, he became a writing clerk for the House of Lords. Later, he worked as a clerk-assistant for the House of Commons. He kept this job until 1710, when he became ill. Culverwell also published a book called Debates of the House of Commons in January 1704.