Henry Scudder (priest) facts for kids
Henry Scudder (died around 1659) was an English minister. He followed Presbyterian beliefs, which were a type of Christian faith. He was also a well-known writer of religious books. Scudder was an important member of the Westminster Assembly, a famous meeting of religious leaders.
Life and Work
Henry Scudder studied at Christ's College, Cambridge, a university in England. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1606. From 1607 to 1619, he served as a minister in a town called Drayton in Oxfordshire. Later, in 1633, the king appointed him to be the minister in Collingbourne-Ducis, a village near Marlborough, Wiltshire.
In June 1643, Scudder was called to join the Westminster Assembly. This was a very important group of religious leaders. They met to discuss and reform the Church of England during a time of big changes in England. In 1645, he was one of four preachers chosen to lead prayers for the army in London. He also served as a minister at St Mildred Poultry, a church in London, from 1645 to 1646.
Scudder helped with important documents from the Westminster Assembly. In 1647, he reported on parts of the Westminster Confession of Faith. This was a statement of beliefs for the Church. In 1648, he joined a committee that worked on the scriptures.
He also gave a sermon (a religious speech) to the House of Commons in October 1644. This was during a special day of fasting. His sermon was so good that the House of Commons asked for it to be printed. Henry Scudder passed away before the English Restoration, which was when the king returned to power in 1660. He was buried in the church at Collingbourne-Ducis.
His Writings
Henry Scudder wrote a very popular religious book called The Christian's Daily Walke in Holy Securitie and Peace. This book was meant to help people in their daily Christian life. The sixth edition of his book, published in 1635, included a special letter from another minister named John Davenport. The book was so popular that it was printed many times. A German version was even published in 1636. Later editions of the book included praise from famous theologians like John Owen and Richard Baxter. The book was still being printed as late as 1813.
Scudder also published other works:
- 'A Key of Heaven: the Lord's Prayer opened and applied' (1682). This book explained the Lord's Prayer. It had a special introduction written by Richard Sibbes.
- 'Prototypes, or the Primarie Precedent Presidents out of the Booke of Genesis. With Mr. Whatelye's Life and Death' (1640 and 1647). This book included a biography of William Whately, who was a fellow student and friend of Scudder's.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Scudder, Henry". Dictionary of National Biography. (1885–1900). London: Smith, Elder & Co.
