Francis Cheynell facts for kids

Francis Cheynell (1608–1665) was an important English religious leader. He was a Presbyterian, which was a type of Protestant Christian. He was in charge of St John's College, Oxford from 1648 to 1650, a role given to him by the Parliament at the time.

His book Aulicus from 1644 is special. It's thought to be one of the first stories ever written that imagined a future event. In this case, it was about the return of King Charles I of England.

Life of Francis Cheynell

Francis Cheynell became a fellow (a senior member) at Merton College, Oxford in 1629. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1633. He worked as a vicar (a church leader) in Hertfordshire and then in Marston St Lawrence, Northamptonshire, starting in 1637.

He lost his job at Oxford in 1638 because he was against William Laud, a powerful church leader. During the English Civil War, he supported Parliament. He became a chaplain (a religious advisor) for the New Model Army, which was Parliament's army. He was also a member of the Westminster Assembly, a group that discussed religious rules.

In 1643, Parliament appointed him as the Rector of Petworth, Sussex. He was like the main church leader in that area until the king returned to power. From 1647, he also acted as a Visitor to the University of Oxford, which meant he helped oversee the university. He was also a professor of religious studies at Oxford University until he was removed from his position when the king's rule was restored.

Arguments About Beliefs

Francis Cheynell was known for strongly disagreeing with religious ideas he believed were incorrect. He was called one of the main "heresy hunters" of the 1640s. He especially argued against early thinkers who had different views about God, sometimes called Unitarianism. He often sounded very worried about these different ideas.

He argued with many people, including Lucius Cary, 2nd Viscount Falkland, William Chillingworth, Henry Hammond, John Webberley, William Erbery, Gilbert Sheldon, Jasper Mayne, John Bidle, and John Fry.

Writings of Francis Cheynell

Francis Cheynell wrote several books and papers. Here are some of his works:

• Sions Memento and Gods Alarum (1643)
• The Rise, Growth, and Danger of Socinianisme (1643)
• Aulicus his Dream, of the King's Sudden Coming to London (1644) - This book is famous for being an early example of a story set in the future.
• Chillingworthi Novissima (1644)
• The Man of Honor described. Sermon to the House of Lords (1645)
• Truth triumphing over errour and heresie. Or, A relation of a publike disputation at Oxford in S. Maries Church on Munday last, Jan. 11. 1646: between Master Cheynell, a member of the Assembly and Master Erbury, the Seeker and Socinian (1646)
• An account given to the Parliament by the ministers sent by them to Oxford (1647)
• The sworne confederacy between the convocation at Oxford, and the tower of London (1647)
• The Divine Trinunity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (1650)
• A Plot for the good of Posterity.
• Divers Letters to Dr. Jasp. Mayne, concerning false Prophets.
• A copy of some Letters which passed at Oxford between him and Dr. Hammond
• A Discussion of Mr. Fry's Tenets lately condemned in Parliament, and Socinianism proved to be an Unchristian Doctrine.