John Brinsley the Younger facts for kids

John Brinsley the Younger (born 1600, died 1665) was an English clergyman. He was known as a Nonconformist. This meant he didn't agree with all the rules of the official Church of England. In 1662, he was one of many ministers who were "ejected." This means they were forced to leave their church jobs because they wouldn't follow new church laws.

John Brinsley's Early Life

John Brinsley was born in 1600 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England. His father was John Brinsley the Elder. John learned a lot from his father. When he was about thirteen and a half years old, he went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge.

He also helped his mother's uncle, Joseph Hall. Joseph Hall was a church leader. John worked as his assistant (amanuensis) at an important meeting called the synod of Dort. This meeting happened in 1618–19. After this, John returned to Cambridge. He earned his degrees in 1619 and 1623.

Ministry and Challenges

After becoming a minister, John Brinsley first preached near Chelmsford. In 1625, the town of Great Yarmouth chose him as their minister. However, church leaders in Norwich disagreed. They believed they had the right to choose the minister.

This disagreement led to a legal challenge. In 1627, John Brinsley was told he could no longer preach in Yarmouth's main church. This decision came from Archbishop William Laud. But John continued to preach in the town. He used what was then called the Dutch chapel.

The town leaders of Yarmouth kept supporting him. They argued with the church and the court. But in 1632, the king himself stepped in. He said John Brinsley could not preach in Yarmouth at all. Four people, including Miles Corbet, were even sent to prison for helping him.

Later Ministry and Changes

After leaving Yarmouth, Brinsley became a pastor in Lothingland. He then got a new position in the parish of Somerleyton. This happened with the help of Sir John Wentworth.

In 1642, John Brinsley was again chosen to preach in Yarmouth. He was also involved in investigations related to witchcraft in the town in 1645. By 1650, the main church in Yarmouth was divided. Brinsley and the Presbyterians used one part. William Bridge and the Congregationalists used another. A third part was left for ministers who followed the traditional prayer book. All these services happened at the same time.

Final Years and Legacy

When the king returned to power in England (the English Restoration), new church laws were made. John Brinsley refused to follow these new rules. Because of this, he was "ejected" from his ministry in 1662. This meant he lost his official church position.

John Brinsley the Younger passed away on January 22, 1665. He was buried in St. Nicholas's Church in Yarmouth. Other members of his family were also buried there.

Published Works

John Brinsley wrote and published many books and sermons. Here are some of them:

• The Healing of Israels breaches, London, 1642.
• Church Reformation tenderly handled in four sermons, London, 1643.
• The doctrine and practice of Pædo-baptisme asserted and vindicated, London, 1645.
• Stand Still; or, a Bridle for the Times, London, 1647 and 1652.
• Two Treatises: the One handling the Doctrine of Christ's Mediatorship. The other of Mystical Implantation, 2 parts, London, 1651–2.
• The Mystical Brasen Serpent, with the Magnetical Vertue thereof; or, Christ exalted upon the Cross, 2 parts, London, 1653.
• Two Treatises: I. The Saints Communion with Jesus Christ. II. Acquaintance with God, London, 1654.
• Two Treatises: I. A Groan for Israel; or, the Churches Salvation (temporall, spirituall), the desire and joy of Saints'; II. Περιφέρεια. The Spirituall Vertigo, or Turning Sickness of Soul-Unsettlednesse in matters of Religious Concernment, 2 parts, London, 1655.
• Gospel Marrow, the great God giving himself for the sons of men; or, the sacred Mystery of Redemption by Jesus Christ, with two of the ends thereof, justification and sanctification, doctrinally opened, and practically applied, 2 parts, London, 1659.