Edward Boughen facts for kids

Edward Boughen (born 1587, died around 1660) was an English clergyman who strongly supported the King during a time of big changes in England. He was known for his firm beliefs and his writings about the Church of England.

Life Story

Edward Boughen grew up in Buckinghamshire, England. He went to a famous school called Westminster School. After that, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford university. He earned his first degree in 1609 and a master's degree in 1612.

After his studies, Edward became a chaplain, which is like a personal priest, for the Bishop of Oxford. He also worked as a rector, a type of church leader, in a town called Bray. Later, in 1633, he became the rector of Woodchurch in Kent.

During the 1640s, England was going through a difficult time with political and religious disagreements. People in Woodchurch who followed a different religious group called Presbyterians complained about him. Because of these complaints, Edward lost both of his church jobs.

He then went back to Oxford. In 1646, he earned a special degree called a D.D. (Doctor of Divinity). Later, he lived in Chartham in Kent. A historian named Anthony Wood wrote that Edward Boughen lived long enough to see King Charles II return to the throne. He also got back what he had lost. Edward Boughen likely died around 1660, when he was about 74 years old.

His Beliefs

Edward Boughen was a strong supporter of the Church of England. He also defended a set of religious ideas known as Arminianism through his writings.

His Writings

Edward Boughen was a very learned man. He wrote many books and sermons defending the Church of England. Here are some of his notable works:

• Unanimity in Judgment and Affection: This was a sermon he gave in 1635 in Canterbury. It talked about how important it was for people to agree in their beliefs and feelings for the church to be united.
• An Account of the Church Catholick: Published in 1653, this book discussed where the Christian church was before the Reformation. It also explored whether Rome was, or still is, the main Christian church.
• Principles of Religion: This book, first published in 1646, was a simple explanation of the Catechism of the Church of England. The Catechism is a set of questions and answers that teach the basic beliefs of the church. Later editions of his book were also published in Latin for students. Some of the prayers included in the book were quite unique. For example, a prayer for the king asked that he be "strengthened with the faith of Abraham" and "beautified with the wisdom of Solomon."
• Mr. Geree's Case of Conscience sifted: In this book from 1648, Edward Boughen asked if the King, who swore an oath to protect the clergy, could agree to remove bishops from the church.

He also wrote poems that appeared in university collections. These included poems for King James's visit to Christ Church in 1605 and for the marriage of Princess Elizabeth in 1613.