Gabriel Powell facts for kids

Gabriel Powell was a Welsh priest who lived a long time ago, from 1576 to 1611. He was known for having very strong opinions against the Roman Catholic Church. He wrote many books and papers sharing his beliefs.

Gabriel Powell's Life

Early Life and Education

Gabriel Powell was born in a place called Ruabon in Wales. He was baptised in January 1576. His father, David Powel, was also a clergyman and a historian. Gabriel went to Jesus College, Oxford to study from 1592 to 1596. After his studies, he spent some time learning abroad.

His Work as a Priest

Later, Gabriel Powell became a rector, which is a type of priest in charge of a church. He was given a church in Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain, Wales. In 1605, a bishop named Richard Vaughan asked Powell to be his personal chaplain. A chaplain is like a religious assistant.

In 1606, Powell became the rector of Chellesworth in England. He stopped working at the church in Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain after 1607. In 1609, he was given another important role at St Paul's Cathedral, London. The next year, he became the vicar of Northolt. A vicar is another type of priest who leads a church.

What Gabriel Powell Believed

Gabriel Powell had very strong views against the Roman Catholic faith. He wrote several books and papers explaining why he disagreed with it.

His Writings

One of his books was called Consideration of the Papists, written in 1604. In this book, he warned about problems that could happen if Prince Henry married a Catholic person. Another important work was Disputationum... de Antichristo et eius ecclesia from 1605. In this writing, he described the Pope as the Antichrist and the Roman Catholic Church as the "synagogue of Antichrist."

Even though some of his language was later seen as too harsh, his views were considered normal for his time. Other people who lived then admired his writings. His book The Resolved Christian, which was about being a good Christian, was very popular. It was printed seven times by 1617.

Powell also wrote against other Protestant groups who did not agree with the main Church of England. He argued that all Protestants should work together. He believed that divisions among Protestants made it harder to stand strong against Catholics.