Edward Sclater facts for kids

Edward Sclater (born November 3, 1623 – died 1688 or 1689) was a priest in the Church of England. He is remembered for a short time when he changed his religion to Roman Catholicism.

Edward Sclater's Life Story

Edward Sclater went to Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood and then to St John's College, Oxford. He earned his first degree in 1644. During the English Civil War, he supported the King's side in Oxford. In 1648, the Parliamentarian government removed him from his college. He then became a curate (a type of assistant priest) in Berkshire. He refused to support the new government in 1649.

After King Charles II of England returned to power, Sclater wrote to him. He explained how he felt he had been treated unfairly. Because of this, he was given two important church jobs. He became the permanent curate of St Mary's Church, Putney and also got a church position in Esher, Surrey.

When King Charles's brother, James II of England, became king, Sclater decided to become a Roman Catholic. This was a big change for a Church of England priest. In 1686, he published two books to explain his decision: Nubes Testium, or a Collection of the Primitive Fathers and Consensus Veterum, or the Reasons of Edw. Sclater, Minister of Putney, for his Conversion to the Catholic Faith and Communion.

King James II, who was also Catholic, gave Sclater special permission that same year. Sclater was allowed to keep both his church jobs in Putney and Esher. He could also hire another priest to help him. On top of that, he was allowed to run at least one school and take in students who lived with him.

Challenges and Return to the Church of England

Other writers disagreed with Sclater's books. A priest named Edward Gee wrote books like Veteres Vindicati (1687) and An Answer to the Compiler of the Nubes Testium (1688) to argue against Sclater.

In 1689, a big change happened in England called the Glorious Revolution. After this, Edward Sclater publicly announced that he was returning to the Church of England. This happened at the Savoy Chapel. Another priest, Anthony Horneck, wrote about Sclater's return.

After this, Sclater left his school and his church jobs. He lived as a private person near a place called 'Exeter Change' in London.

Edward Sclater's Family

Edward Sclater had two sons:

• Edward (1655–1710): He was a fellow (a senior member) and bursar (in charge of money) at Merton College, Oxford. He was also a rector (head priest) in Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire, from 1685 to 1710.
• George: He became a rector in Hayes in 1688 and in Westerham, Kent, in 1696.

Edward Sclater's Published Works

Edward Sclater wrote several books, mainly to explain his religious beliefs.

• Nubes Testium, or a Collection of the Primitive Fathers (1686): This book collected writings from early Christian leaders.
• Consensus Veterum, or the Reasons of Edw. Sclater, Minister of Putney, for his Conversion to the Catholic Faith and Communion (1686): In this book, Sclater explained why he decided to become a Catholic.
• Grammar: This book was about grammar, but it was never published.
• Vocabulary: This book was a list of words, but it was also never published.

Sources

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "Sclater, Edward". Dictionary of National Biography. (1885–1900). London: Smith, Elder & Co.