John Heigham facts for kids
John Heigham (born around 1568, died around 1634) was an English man who worked as a printer, writer, and translator. He was a Roman Catholic during a time when it was difficult to practice that faith in England. Because of this, he had to leave his home country.
Heigham moved to places like Douai and Saint-Omer in Europe. There, he started a family. One of his sons, also named John, later became a priest and went to Rome before returning to England in 1649 for religious work.
The Books He Made
John Heigham was known for creating many religious books. He printed, wrote, and translated these works.
One interesting book, thought to be his, was called The Gagge of the Reformed Gospell. It was published in 1623 under a different name, Matthew Kellison. This book was written to show the differences between various Christian groups in England at the time. It compared ideas from the Synod of Dort (a meeting of Protestant leaders) with parts of the King James Bible.
Heigham also worked on many other books, including:
- A Devout Exposition of the Holie Masse: This book explained the religious service called the Mass and its traditions. It was published in 1614 and again in 1622.
- A Mirrour to Confesse well: This guide helped people prepare for the sacrament of confession. It came out in 1618 and 1624.
- A Method of Meditation: Heigham translated this book from French in 1618. It taught people how to meditate or think deeply about religious topics.
- The Psalter of Jesus: This book contained many prayers and was a new version of an older work by Richard Whytford. It was printed in 1618 and 1624.
- Meditations on the Mysteries of our holie Faith: This was a translation from Spanish, published in 1619. It helped people reflect on their faith.
- The True Christian Catholique: Published in 1622, this book was translated from French and offered guidance on how to live a Christian life.
- Villegas's Lives of the Saints translated: In 1630, Heigham edited this book, which told the stories of many important saints.
- Via Vere Tuta; or the Truly Safe Way: This book, published in 1631, was Heigham's response to another writer, Sir Humphrey Lynde, about what he believed was the "safe way" in faith.
