Ephraim Pagit facts for kids

Ephraim Pagit (born around 1575 – died April 1647) was an English church leader and writer. He is known for his book Heresiography, published in 1645. This book described and listed many different religious groups in England at the time. The word "Heresiography" was new, meaning a list or study of "heretics" (people with beliefs different from the main church).

Pagit was a strong supporter of the King during the English Civil War. He also preferred the Presbyterian way of organizing the church. He did not agree with other religious groups called "Independents."

Life Story of Ephraim Pagit

Early Life and Education

Ephraim Pagit was the son of another church leader, Eusebius Pagit. He was born in Northamptonshire, England, likely in a place called Lamport, around 1575.

When he was about 18, in 1593, he started studying at Christ Church, Oxford University. Even though we don't know if he officially graduated, people said he was very smart. He was known for being able to speak or write in fifteen or sixteen different languages! In 1601, he became the leader of a church called St. Edmund the King, Lombard Street in London.

Writing and Religious Views

In 1638, Pagit wrote several letters to important leaders of the Greek Orthodox Church, like the Patriarch of Constantinople. In these letters, he talked about his own book, Christianographie. This book described different types of Christians around the world. He also mentioned a Greek translation of the English prayer book and a discussion by William Laud, another important church figure.

During the English Civil War

When the First English Civil War began, Ephraim Pagit was not allowed to preach anymore. He moved to Deptford, Kent. He always supported the King and liked the traditional English prayer book.

However, he also signed something called the Solemn League and Covenant. In 1645, he joined others in asking Parliament to set up the Presbyterian church system. He probably saw this as a better choice than the "Independent" religious groups he disagreed with. He believed in the teachings of the Church of England.

Ephraim Pagit passed away in Deptford in April 1647. He was buried in the churchyard there. He had married the widow of Sir Stephen Bord.

Books and Writings

Ephraim Pagit was careful to list his sources when he wrote about different religious groups. He considered any belief that differed from Calvinism (a type of Protestantism) as a "heresy." He also saw any move towards "Independency" as a problem.

Here are some of his published works:

• Christianographie; or, a Description of the sundrie Sorts of Christians in the World (1635). This book was reprinted many times.
• Heresiography; or a description of the Hereticks and Sectaries of these latter times (1645). This book had six editions, with the last one in 1662.
• The Mystical Wolf (1645). This was a sermon that was later re-released with a new title, The Tryall of Trueth.

He also wrote nine letters to various church leaders and princes. These letters were written in Greek and Latin. Some were also in English, and one was in Syriac.