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The Right Reverend Edward Reynolds
Bishop of Norwich
Church Church of England
See Norwich
In Office 1660–1676
Personal details
Born November 1599
Southampton
Died 28 July 1676
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Edward Reynolds (born November 1599 – died July 28, 1676) was an important leader in the Church of England. He became the Bishop of Norwich. He was also a writer. Edward was born in Southampton. His father, Augustine Reynolds, was a city official.

Lincoln's inn chapel 1 (14136012311)
Arms of Edward Reynolds, Bishop of Norwich. These are seen at Lincoln's Inn Chapel, where he was a preacher.

Edward Reynolds' Early Career

Edward Reynolds started his studies at Merton College in 1615. He became a fellow there in 1620. In 1622, he became a preacher at Lincoln's Inn in London. He also served as a vicar in Northampton and a rector in Braunston.

Reynolds and the English Civil War

When the English Civil War began in 1642, Edward Reynolds supported the Presbyterians. This was a group within the Church of England. They wanted to change how the church was run.

In 1643, he joined the Westminster Assembly. This was a group of religious leaders. They met to discuss how to reform the Church of England. Reynolds also took an oath called the "covenant" in 1644.

In 1648, he became the dean of Christ Church, Oxford. He also became the vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford. However, he refused to sign a loyalty oath called the "Engagement" in 1651. Because of this, he lost his position as vice-chancellor. He was also removed from his role as dean in 1651.

Return to Public Life

After a few years, Reynolds started preaching again. He spoke before Parliament in 1657. The same year, he became a vicar in London. He was given back his dean position at Christ Church in 1659.

After Oliver Cromwell died, Reynolds worked with other Presbyterians. They tried to find a way to work with Richard Cromwell. Reynolds spoke to the new leader in 1658. In 1659 and 1660, his sermons often spoke about the need for peace. He also talked about bringing back the king. He wanted a moderate form of church leadership.

After the Monarchy Returned

When the monarchy was brought back in 1660, King Charles II made Edward Reynolds his chaplain. In the same year, he became the warden of Merton College, Oxford. He was also made the Bishop of Norwich.

He was officially chosen as bishop in November 1660. He became a consecrated bishop in January 1661. Edward Reynolds helped write a special prayer. It is called "The General Thanksgiving." This prayer is still used in the Book of Common Prayer today.

His writings were collected and published in 1658. They were published again in 1679. A new collection of his works came out in 1826. It included a story about his life.

Later Life and Death

In his later years, Edward Reynolds suffered from a painful illness. He died on July 28, 1676. He was buried in a chapel he had built in Norwich. His wife, Mary, survived him. Their daughter Elizabeth married John Conant.

Edward Reynolds' Writings

Edward Reynolds was a well-known author. His works often explained religious ideas. Here are some of his published books:

  • An explication of the hundred and tenth Psalm (1837 printing)
  • A treatise of the passions and faculties of the soule of man (1640)
  • The Whole Works of the Right Rev. Edward Reynolds, Lord Bishop of Norwich (published in several volumes)
  • An humble exhortation to the ... House of commons (1711)
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