Isaac Chauncy facts for kids

Isaac Chauncy (born 1632, died 1712) was an English minister who didn't agree with the main church at the time. People like him were called "dissenters." He was also a doctor and a teacher.

Isaac Chauncy's Life

Isaac Chauncy was born in England on August 23, 1632. When he was a child, he moved to New England with his father. There, he went to Harvard University in 1651. He studied both religion and medicine. Later, he returned to England to finish his education at Oxford University.

Before 1660, Isaac became a minister in a town called Woodborough, Wiltshire. However, in 1662, a new law called the Act of Uniformity was passed. This law made it difficult for ministers who didn't follow the official Church of England rules. Because of this law, Isaac Chauncy was not allowed to continue his job there.

After leaving Woodborough, he moved to Andover, Hampshire. There, he took charge of a church that followed the Congregational style of worship. He also became a licensed doctor in 1669, meaning he could practice medicine.

Later, Isaac Chauncy moved to London. He planned to work mainly as a doctor. However, in 1687, he became the leader of an independent church in Bury Street. He led this church for fourteen years.

Isaac Chauncy was a very smart person, but his sermons often focused a lot on church rules. This made some people in his congregation leave. So, he decided to step down from his role on April 15, 1701. A famous hymn writer named Isaac Watts took over from him. Isaac Watts had been his helper for two years before that. Even while he was a minister, Isaac Chauncy continued to practice medicine.

After leaving his church, he became a teacher of religious studies. He taught at a new school in London called the Dissenting Academy. He held this teaching job until he passed away. Isaac Chauncy died at his home on February 28, 1712. He had a wife named Jane, and they had three sons and one daughter.