Isaac Colfe facts for kids

Isaac Colfe (born around 1560, died 1597) was an English priest. He was known for his religious writings and for serving in different churches in Kent. He came from a family of strong Protestants.

Isaac Colfe's Life

Isaac Colfe was born in Canterbury, England, around 1560. He was the fourth son of Amandus and Catherine Colfe. His parents were very dedicated Protestants. They owned a large estate in Guisnes, but they lost it in 1558. This happened when the French took back the city of Calais. After losing their land, his family moved to England. They lived in a house near the West-gate of Canterbury. Isaac's parents were both buried in Westgate Church.

Isaac went to Broadgates Hall at Oxford University in 1576. He earned his first degree (Bachelor of Arts) in 1580. He then got his master's degree (Master of Arts) in 1582.

After finishing his studies, Isaac became a priest. He was given the job of vicar at Stone, Kent in 1585. He worked there until 1587. Then, he became the vicar of Brookland, which is also in Kent. In 1596, he was made the master of Kingsbridge Hospital in Canterbury. Isaac Colfe passed away on June 15, 1597. He was buried in the chapter-house of Canterbury Cathedral.

Isaac Colfe's Writings

Isaac Colfe published two main works during his lifetime:

• A Sermon preached on the Queene's Day: This was a sermon he gave on November 17, 1587, in the town of Lidd, Kent. It was printed in London in 1588. A sermon is a talk given by a priest, usually about a religious topic. A copy of this sermon can be found in the Bodleian Library.
• A Comfortable Treatise on the Temptation of Christ: This book was published in London in 1596. A treatise is a written work that discusses a subject in detail.

Isaac Colfe's Family

Isaac Colfe was married, but his wife's name is not known. He had two sons. One son, also named Isaac, went to Christ Church, Oxford. His other son, Jacob, went to All Souls' College, Oxford. Isaac Colfe was also the uncle of Abraham Colfe, who became a well-known priest and founder of a school.