James Fordyce facts for kids
James Fordyce (born 1720, died 1796) was a Scottish minister and a poet. He was also known as a DD, which is a high religious degree. He is most famous for his book of sermons called Sermons for Young Women, published in 1766. People often called it Fordyce's Sermons.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Fordyce was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in late 1720. He was the third son of George Fordyce, a merchant and a leader in Aberdeen. James came from a large family; his father had twenty children! His brothers included David Fordyce, Alexander Fordyce, and Sir William Fordyce. His nephew was George Fordyce, a doctor.
James went to Aberdeen High School. After that, he studied to become a minister at Marischal College. He officially became a minister on February 23, 1743.
Early Ministry in Scotland
In September 1744, Fordyce was chosen to work at a church in Brechin, Forfarshire. However, the local people wanted to choose their own minister, so his start was delayed. He finally began his work there on August 28, 1745. He didn't get along well with his fellow minister at Brechin.
In 1753, he earned his Master of Arts degree from Marischal College. That same year, he was asked to serve at a church in Alloa, Clackmannanshire. Again, the people there wanted someone else. But Fordyce was officially called to Alloa on June 5. He left his job in Brechin on August 29 and started in Alloa on October 12, 1753.
At Alloa, he got along much better with his church members. He became known as a very good preacher. He published several of his sermons. In 1760, he gave a sermon about the dangers of "unlawful pleasures" that made a big impact. The University of Glasgow then gave him the special title of Doctor of Divinity.
Preaching in London
Many of Fordyce's family members lived in London. In 1760, he was invited to become a minister at a Presbyterian church in Monkwell Street, London. He left his church in Alloa on May 30 and moved to London. The main minister there, Samuel Lawrence, passed away on October 1, so Fordyce became the only pastor. He usually preached on Sunday afternoons.
Rise to Popularity
Fordyce was known for his careful way of speaking and his gestures while preaching. Many people came to Monkwell Street to hear him. His sermons taught important lessons about life and good behavior. Even famous people like the actor David Garrick were impressed by him. Fordyce also knew important figures like Samuel Johnson.
His popularity lasted for about twelve years. He even wrote a book called Addresses to the Deity in 1785, where he spoke about Johnson's religious character.
Challenges and Decline
Fordyce's popularity began to fade for a few reasons. In 1772, his brother Alexander's banking business failed. This caused financial problems for some of Fordyce's supporters and he lost many friends.
In 1775, there was a disagreement within the church between Fordyce and another minister, Thomas Toller. Fordyce had Toller removed from his position on February 28, 1775. Because of this, a large part of the church members left with Toller to start a new church.
Later Life and Legacy
With fewer people attending his church, and due to health advice, Fordyce decided to retire at the end of 1782. He gave a respected speech at the ordination of his successor, James Lindsay, on May 21, 1783.
After retiring, he moved to a country home near Christchurch, Hampshire. His neighbor there was Lord Bute, who let him use his large library.
When his brother, Sir William Fordyce, died in 1792, James moved to Bath, Somerset. He suffered from asthma. He died suddenly on October 1, 1796, at the age of 75. He was buried in one of the churches in Bath.
In 1771, James Fordyce married Henrietta Cumming, who was a governess. She passed away in Bath in 1823 at 89 years old. They did not have any children. One of his nieces was Elizabeth Isabelle Spence.
Published Works
James Fordyce wrote and published many sermons and books during his life. Some of his notable works include:
- The Eloquence of the Pulpit (1752)
- The Temple of Virtue (1757) - This book was originally by his brother David, but James added more to this edition.
- The Folly... of Unlawful Pleasures (1760)
- Sermons to Young Women (1765, 2 volumes) - This was his most famous work and was reprinted many times.
- The Character and Conduct of the Female Sex (1776)
- Addresses to Young Men (1777, 2 volumes)
- Addresses to the Deity (1785)
- Poems (1786)
- A Discourse on Pain (1791)
He also published other sermons, including one about popery (1754) and a funeral sermon for Samuel Lawrence (1760). His Sermons for Young Women was also published in America in 1796.
