Calybute Downing facts for kids

Dr. Calybute Downing (1605–1643) was an English clergyman and a civil lawyer. He is known for his changing political ideas. At first, he supported the king's absolute power. But by 1640, he believed people had the right to resist unfair authority. He was also a member of the Westminster Assembly, a group of religious leaders.

Early Life and Education

Calybute Downing was born in 1605. His father was also named Calybute Downing. His mother was Elizabeth Morrison. His family had connections to important people like Lord Burghley.

He started his studies at Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 1623. Later that year, he moved to Oriel College, Oxford. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1626. After leaving Oxford, he worked as a curate in Quainton, Buckinghamshire. In 1627, he married Margaret Brett, the daughter of the local rector.

Becoming a Clergyman

Downing continued his education at Peterhouse, Cambridge, earning his M.A. in 1630. By 1632, he became a rector in Ickford, Buckinghamshire, and also in West Ilsley, Berkshire. Around this time, he published his first book. It was called A Discourse of the State Ecclesiastical of this Kingdom in relation to the Civil. This book discussed the relationship between the church and the government.

In 1636, he moved to Hackney, Middlesex, where he became a vicar. He also earned a special law degree in 1637. At first, he seemed to support the traditional church structure.

Changing Political Views

Calybute Downing's ideas began to change. In 1640, he gave a famous sermon in London. In this sermon, he said that people could take up arms against the king. This was if it was to defend their religion and reform the church. This was a very bold statement at the time.

Some people believed he was testing public opinion for Puritan leaders. After this sermon, he continued to express his new views. In 1641, he published several works explaining his beliefs.

Role in the English Civil War

As the English Civil War began, Downing supported the Parliamentarian side. He became a chaplain for a regiment in the Earl of Essex's army. In 1642, he preached a special sermon to the House of Commons.

The Battle of Edgehill was fought near his father's home in October 1642. In 1643, he joined the Solemn League and Covenant. This was an agreement to support the Parliamentarian cause. He was also chosen to be part of the Westminster Assembly. This was a group of religious leaders who met to reform the Church of England. He sided with the Independents within this group.

Downing died suddenly in 1643. He was replaced in the Westminster Assembly in November 1643.

Family Life

Calybute Downing and his wife Margaret Brett had several children. These included:

• Calybute (born 1628, died young)
• Elizabeth (born 1630)
• Ann (born 1631/32)
• Margaret (born 1633/34)
• Jane (born 1636)
• Henry (born 1640)

Works and Publications

Calybute Downing wrote several important books and sermons. These works show how his political and religious ideas developed over time.

• A Discourse of the State Ecclesiastical of this Kingdom in relation to the Civil, Oxford 1632.
• A sermon preached to the renowned company of the artillery, 1 September 1640, London 1641.
• A Discoverie of the False Grounds the Bavarian party have layd..., 1641.
• A Discoursive Coniecture upon the Reasons that Produce a Desired Event of the Present Troubles of Great Britaine, London 1641.
• Considerations towards a Peaceable Reformation in Matters Ecclesiastical, 1641.
• An appeale to every impartiall, iudicious, and godly reader..., London 1641.
• The Cleere Antithesis, or Diametrall Opposition betweene Presbytery and Prelacy..., 1644. (This was a new title for his 1641 'Appeale'.)