John Collins (Independent minister) facts for kids
John Collins (born around 1632, died 1687) was an English minister. He was part of a religious group called the Independents. These were Protestants who believed each church should be self-governing. Collins spent some of his early life in America before returning to England to preach.
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A Life of Faith and Change
John Collins was born in England. But he grew up in New England, which is now part of the United States. His father, Edward Collins, was a church leader in Cambridge, Massachusetts. John went to Harvard College and finished his studies in 1649. He even became a teacher there for a while.
In 1653, John Collins moved back to Britain. He started working as a preacher in Scotland.
Working with General Monck
In 1659, Collins became a chaplain for General George Monck. A chaplain is a minister who serves in a special place, like the military. Collins traveled with General Monck from Scotland to London.
However, General Monck later changed his mind about his chaplains. In March 1660, he let go of his Independent chaplains, including Collins. Monck then chose ministers from a different group called the Presbyterians.
A Silenced Minister
John Collins did not have a public church position when a new law, the Uniformity Act 1662, was passed. This law made it difficult for ministers who were not part of the official Church of England to preach publicly. Because of this, Collins was listed among the "silenced ministers." This meant he could not preach in official churches.
Later, Collins became the pastor of a Congregational church in Lime Street, London. This church was for people who shared his Independent beliefs. He also gave lectures at a place called Pinners' Hall. John Collins passed away on December 3, 1687.
What John Collins Wrote
John Collins did not publish many books on his own. But he did contribute to several important religious works of his time:
- He wrote a sermon for a book called Farewell Sermons (1663). A sermon is a speech given by a minister, usually during a church service.
- He also wrote an anonymous sermon for the third volume of Morning Exercise at Cripplegate (1676). This was a collection of sermons edited by Samuel Annesley.
- With another person named James Baron, he wrote an introduction for Ralph Venning's book Remains, or Christ's School, etc. (1675). An introduction helps readers understand the book.
- He also wrote an introduction for a book by Jonathan Mitchel, a minister from New England. This book was called Discourse of the Glory to which God hath called Believers (1677).
His Family
John Collins had a son named Thomas. Thomas studied at a university in Utrecht. In 1697, he was chosen to be a co-pastor at the same Lime Street church where his father had preached.
