Edward Bury (minister) facts for kids

Edward Bury (born 1616, died 1700) was an English minister who belonged to the Presbyterian church. He was one of many ministers who were ejected from their churches in 1662. This happened because they refused to follow new rules set by the government.

Edward Bury's Early Life

Edward Bury was born in Worcestershire, England, in 1616. He was baptized in a town called Rock, Worcestershire on December 8th of that year.

Some records suggest he might have first worked as a tailor. However, other accounts say he was a very learned person. He studied at Coventry Grammar School and also attended Oxford University. Before becoming a minister in Great Bolas, Shropshire, he worked as a chaplain for a wealthy family. He also helped an older minister. Edward Bury became a Presbyterian minister and started his work in Great Bolas before 1654.

His Time as a Minister

Edward Bury worked as a minister in Great Bolas for many years. In church records, he signed his name as "minister and register" until 1661. After a new law was passed, he then signed as "rector." His notes sometimes showed an interest in astrology, which was a common belief at the time.

In 1662, Edward Bury was ejected from his church. This meant he lost his job as a minister. This happened because he refused to sign the Act of Uniformity. This law required ministers to agree to certain religious practices and beliefs that many Presbyterians did not support.

After being ejected, Bury continued to live in Great Bolas in a house he had built. However, he faced many difficulties and hardships. For example, in 1681, some of his belongings were taken away because he attended a private religious meeting. To avoid being caught by authorities, he often had to move from place to place.

Later in his life, his situation improved thanks to money left to him by others. Some years before he died, Edward Bury became blind. He passed away on May 5, 1700, due to an infection in his leg.

Edward Bury's Family

Edward Bury was married to a woman named Mary. Together, they had at least five children:

• Edward, born in 1654
• Margarit, born on February 12, 1655
• John, born on March 14, 1657
• Mary, born on August 13, 1660
• Samuel

Edward Bury's Writings

Edward Bury wrote several books and pamphlets during his lifetime. These works often shared his religious views and advice. Some of his notable writings include:

• The Soul's Looking-glass, or a Spiritual Touchstone, published in 1660.
• A Short Catechism, containing the Fundamental Points of Religion, also from 1660. A catechism is a book of questions and answers used for teaching religious beliefs.
• Relative Duties.
• Death Improv'd, and Immoderate Sorrow for Deceased Friends and Relatives Reprov'd, published in 1675. This book helped people deal with sadness after someone they knew died.
• The Husbandman's Companion, containing an 100 occasional meditations, &c., suited to men of that employment, published in 1677. This book offered spiritual thoughts for farmers.
• England's Bane, or the Deadly Danger of Drunkenness. This book, from 1677, warned against the dangers of drinking too much alcohol.
• A Sovereign Antidote against the Fear of Death, published in 1681. An antidote is something that helps against a problem, so this book aimed to help people overcome the fear of dying.
• An Help to Holy Walking, or a Guide to Glory, published in 1705, after his death.

Images for kids

• 

  A first edition of Bury's 'Husbandmans Companion' held in Cambridge's University Library