John Burges facts for kids

John Burges (1563–1635) was an English clergyman (a church leader) and a physician (a doctor). He lived during a time when there were many disagreements about how the church should be run, especially concerning what priests should wear and how church services should be done. John Burges had his own ideas about these things. Early in the reign of James I of England, his sermons upset the King. Because of this, Burges left England to study medicine. He spent many years working as a doctor before he started to follow the rules of the Church of England again in the 1620s.

Life

Early Life

John Burges went to St. John's College, Cambridge, a famous university. He finished his studies there in 1586. By 1590, he was a rector (a type of priest) at a small church called St. Peter Hungate in Norwich. People think he might have been from Norfolk.

Views on Church Rules

When there were discussions about Thomas Cartwright and his followers, Burges joined the Puritan group. Puritans wanted to "purify" the Church of England and change some of its practices. Burges agreed with them on certain things, like the surplice (a white robe worn by priests) and the use of the cross during baptism. He believed these things were not wrong, but they were not always helpful.

He asked his church members what they thought. If wearing the surplice would not bother them, he would do it. But if it would upset their beliefs, he would not. His congregation told him that if he wore the surplice, they would not feel connected to his sermons. So, he respected their wishes and left his position.

Conflict with the King

After this, Burges moved to the diocese of Lincoln. The bishop there, William Chadderton, seemed to leave him alone for a while. However, when King James I became king, many nonconformists (people who did not fully agree with the Church of England's rules) continued to challenge him.

On July 16, 1604, the King issued a rule saying all ministers had to follow new church laws by November. John Burges was seen as a leader among those who disagreed. He was asked to explain his views and to preach in front of the King at Greenwich on June 19, 1604.

Burges chose a Bible verse from Psalm 122. He compared the church ceremonies to something not worth losing your life or job over. For this and other things he said, the King sent him to the Tower of London.

Release and Apology

Burges did not stay in prison for long. He sent a written copy of his sermon and a letter saying he was sorry to the King and his advisors. After this, he was released. He then wrote an "Apology" (a defense of his views) for Bishop Chadderton. Another copy was given to the King by a friend. This writing was shared, and someone else was asked to write an answer to it.

When the deadline came, Burges refused to sign the new church laws. He gave up his church job and was no longer allowed to preach.

Medical Career Abroad

After being silenced, John Burges left England. He went to Leyden (in the Netherlands), where he spent the next six or seven years studying medicine. He earned a degree as a doctor of physic (a medical doctor).

Return to England

Burges came back to England around 1612 or 1613. In 1613, King James I wrote to the University of Cambridge. He complained that Burges had been allowed to get his medical degree without agreeing to certain church rules. Because of the King's letter, the university made a new rule. From then on, no one could get a doctorate degree without first agreeing to those rules.

Burges settled in London. However, because he had been a priest, the King used his special power to stop Burges from practicing medicine in London. So, Burges moved to Isleworth. There, he quickly built a large and successful medical practice. Even important people, like Lucy Russell, Countess of Bedford, became his patients.

A court doctor named Theodore Mayerne defended Burges. In June 1616, Francis Bacon wrote to George Villiers, suggesting he talk to the King for Burges. Bacon said that Burges was now ready to agree to the church rules and wanted to become a minister again.

Later Years and Legacy

Burges was chosen to preach at Bishopsgate. Six months later, he accepted a church position at Sutton Coldfield in Warwickshire. This job became available when Edward Chetwynd moved to a different church role in July 1617. On July 5 of that year, Burges preached at Paul's Cross, a famous outdoor preaching spot in London. Even though he was preaching again, he never fully regained the King's favor.

In 1620, when Sir Horatio Vere went to fight in a war in Germany, Burges went with him as his chaplain (a priest for the army). He did not stay long and was replaced by William Ames, who would later become his son-in-law. In January 1625, Bishop Thomas Morton gave him a special position at Lichfield Cathedral.

John Burges continued to live in Sutton Coldfield until he died. He was "held in much respect among the godly," meaning he was highly respected by religious people. On July 10, 1627, Burges was one of many Cambridge men who joined Oxford University. At this time, he was seen as someone who followed the Church of England's rules.

Four years later, he published his last book. John Burges died on August 31, 1635. He was buried in the church at Sutton Coldfield, where there is a monument to remember him. He likely continued his medical work, as he was admitted as a special doctor by the College of Physicians as late as August 1634.

Family

John Burges married Dorothy, the daughter of Thomas Wilcox. Burges later edited and published Wilcox's writings in 1624. John and Dorothy had at least three daughters. One of their daughters married William Ames.