Henry Denne facts for kids

Henry Denne (born around 1606, died 1660) was an important person in the Church of England who later became a leader among the General Baptists. He was known for discussing and debating religious ideas.

Henry Denne's Early Life

Henry Denne was born in Kent. His uncle, Thomas Denne, taught him in Latton, Essex. In 1621, he started studying at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree in 1625 and a master's degree in 1628. In 1630, he became a clergyman for the Church of England. For over ten years, he worked as a curate in Pirton, Hertfordshire, where he often preached.

A Change in Beliefs

In 1641, Henry Denne was chosen by a committee of the House of Commons for a special position. That same year, he gave a sermon in Baldock. In his sermon, he spoke against some of the bad habits of other clergy members. This sermon was later published as "The Doctrine and Conversation of John Baptist" in 1642.

Soon after the First English Civil War began, Denne started to believe that baptism of infants was not supported by the Bible. In 1643, he publicly declared himself a Baptist and was baptized by immersion. He joined a Baptist group in London at a meeting-house in Bell Alley. He helped lead this group with other General Baptists like Thomas Lambe and Samuel Oates. He often preached in London and other parts of the country.

Facing Challenges

Because of his new beliefs, Henry Denne faced difficulties. In 1644, he was arrested in Cambridgeshire for preaching against infant baptism. He was held in Cambridge prison for some time. With the help of friends, his case was brought to a committee in the House of Commons. He was then sent to London and held in Lord Petre's house in Aldersgate Street. After his case was looked into, the committee ordered his release.

While in prison, he learned about a book called The Dippers Dipt by Dr. Daniel Featley, who was against Baptists. As soon as Denne was free, he challenged Featley to a public debate. Featley refused, saying it was too risky to debate without permission. So, Denne wrote his own book called The Foundation of Children's Baptism discovered and rased; an answer to Dr Featley (1645). This book became very important for Baptists at the time.

Life as a Preacher and Soldier

After his release, Henry Denne became the minister of Eltisley in Cambridgeshire. Even though he disagreed strongly with both presbyterians and prelatists (people who supported bishops), he managed to keep his position for several years.

Local officials tried to stop him from preaching in St Ives. When he was interrupted, he left the building and preached to a large crowd from under a tree in a nearby churchyard. In June 1646, he was arrested in Spalding for baptizing people in the river, but he was later released. However, other ministers in the area continued to bother him. Because of this, he left his church position and joined the parliamentary army as a soldier. After the civil war ended, he returned to being a preacher.

In 1658, he had a public debate that lasted two days. He debated with Peter Gunning about infant baptism at St Clement Danes church.

Henry Denne's Writings

Henry Denne had balanced views, even though he was a strong supporter of his own beliefs. Some people called him an "antinomian," while others called him an "Arminian." Besides the books mentioned earlier, he also wrote:

• "The Man of Sin discovered, whom the Lord will destroy with the brightness of His Coming", 1645.
• "The Drag-Net of the Kingdom of Heaven; or Christ's drawing all Men", 1646.
• "The Levellers' Design discovered", 1649.
• "A Contention for Truth; in two several Disputations at St. Clement's Church, between Dr Gunning and Henry Denne, concerning Infant Baptism", 1658.
• "The Quaker no Papist, in answer to The Quaker Disarmed", 1659.
• "An Epistle recommended to all Prisons in this City and Nation. To such as chuse Restraint rather than the Violation of their Consciences, wherein is maintained: (1) The Lawfulness of an Oath; (2) The Antiquity of an Oath; (3) The Universality of it. With the most material Objections answered", 1660.
• "Grace, Mercy, and Truth"