George Hughes (priest) facts for kids
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George Hughes (1603–1667) was an English Puritan priest and writer. Puritans were a group of Christians who wanted to make the Church of England simpler.
Early Life and Ministry
George Hughes was born in Southwark, England, in 1603. He started studying at Corpus Christi College, Oxford in 1619. He earned his first degree in 1623 and a master's degree in 1625 from Pembroke College.
Around 1628, he became a priest. After working in and around Oxford, he became a lecturer in London in 1631. He was very popular as a preacher there.
Challenges and Changes
George Hughes sometimes disagreed with the official rules of the church. Because of this, a powerful church leader named William Laud suspended him from his duties. Hughes thought about moving to America, but a friend convinced him to stay.
Instead, he became a chaplain (a priest who serves a specific person or family) for Robert Greville, 2nd Baron Brooke at Warwick Castle. While living there, he got married. Later, he became the vicar (a type of church leader) of St Eustachius' Church, Tavistock in Devon.
When the English Civil War began, Hughes had to move to Exeter. His wife passed away there. He later moved to Coventry. In 1643, the city of Plymouth chose him to be the vicar of St. Andrew's Church. He wrote a book for the people of Plymouth, which was highly praised.
In 1647, he was asked to preach to the House of Commons (part of the English government). The following year, he signed an important agreement called the Solemn League and Covenant with many other ministers.
Later Years and Imprisonment
In 1662, new laws meant George Hughes was removed from his church position. However, he continued to live in Plymouth. He held church services in secret.
In 1665, he was arrested for these secret meetings. He was imprisoned on St. Nicholas Island for about nine months. His health became very poor during this time. Friends helped him get released, but he was not allowed to live within twenty miles of Plymouth.
He moved to Kingsbridge, Devon, where he died on July 4, 1667. He was buried in the church there. A memorial was put up for him around 1670. His son-in-law, John Howe, wrote a special message for it.
His Writings
While he was imprisoned on the island, George Hughes wrote a book called 'Sure-footing in Christianity examined.' It was published after his death in 1668.
He also wrote other books and sermons (speeches given in church), including:
- 'Aphorisms, or Select Propositions of the Scripture, shortly determining the Doctrine of the Sabbath' (published in 1670).
- 'An Analytical Exposition of … Genesis and of xxiii. chap. of Exodus' (published in 1672).
He also helped edit another book called 'Threefold Cord to unite Soules for ever unto God' in 1647.
