John Balguy facts for kids

John Balguy (born August 12, 1686 – died September 21, 1748) was an English church leader and philosopher. He wrote many books and essays about morality and religion. He believed that being good was important for its own sake. He also thought that religious beliefs helped people live good lives.

Growing Up

John Balguy was born in Sheffield, England. His father, Thomas Balguy, was the headmaster at Sheffield Grammar School. John went to the same school. After that, he studied at St John's College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree in 1706.

In 1710, he became a priest. The next year, he got a small church job. This was in Lamesley and Tanfield in Durham. He got married in 1715. Around this time, a big debate started in the church. It was called the Bangorian controversy. John Balguy wrote about it. He used the pen name Silvius and supported Bishop Hoadley in the debate.

His Work in the Church

In 1726, John Balguy published an important letter. It was called A letter to a Deist concerning the Beauty and Excellency of Moral Virtue. In this letter, he explained that loving virtue for its own sake is the best way to live. But he also said that religious rewards and punishments are very helpful. They encourage people to act well.

In 1727, he became a special priest in Salisbury. This was thanks to his friend, Bishop Hoadley. That same year, he published the first part of a book. It was called The Foundation of Moral Goodness. He published the second part the next year. This book aimed to show that being good means acting according to reason. It means doing what is right because it fits with the way things should be.

In 1729, he became the vicar of Northallerton in York. His next book was about God's goodness. It was called Divine Rectitude. He tried to show that the same moral rules that guide human life also guide God's actions. He believed God's goodness was about order and harmony. These ideas were real and important for all thinking beings. Balguy wrote several other clear and easy-to-read books. He collected them all into one volume in 1734.

Later Life

In 1741, John Balguy published an essay about redemption. This essay shared some new ideas. He explained that redemption means being freed from sin's power and punishment. This happens through Jesus Christ's suffering. But he said it did not mean guilt was simply moved from one person to another. He believed that this idea, when understood correctly, helped people deeply. He also thought it made perfect sense.

His last publication was a book of sermons. These sermons were full of good sense and feeling. They were written in a clear and direct style. John Balguy died in Harrogate in 1748. Another book of his sermons came out in 1750.

His son, Thomas Balguy (1716–1785), also became an important church leader. He was an archdeacon in Winchester.

See also

• Charles Daubuz, an early teacher of John Balguy