John Phillips (fl. 1570–1591) facts for kids
John Phillips was an English writer and poet who lived a long time ago, from about 1570 to 1591. He wrote many different kinds of works, including poems, religious texts, and historical stories.
Early Life and Beliefs
John Phillips went to Queens' College, Cambridge, but he didn't finish his degree. He spent a lot of time studying old Greek and Roman writings. He also studied religion, sometimes calling himself a "student in divinity". He even described himself as a "preacher of the Word of God."
Phillips was a Puritan, which meant he followed a strict form of Protestant Christianity. Important noblewomen who were also Puritans supported his writing. It's not clear if he was a church minister, but his writings often had religious themes.
His Writings
Phillips wrote many books and poems. Some of his works were published with other authors' books. For example, he added a piece called An Answere to the Slanders of the Papistes against Christe's Syllie Flock to a sermon by John Calvin. He also added a letter about dealing with sadness after death to a book by George Gascoigne.
Lost Works
Some of Phillips's books are known from old records but can't be found today. These include:
- Precious Pearles of perfecte Godlines (1577): This book was started by Lady Frances Abergavenny and finished by Phillips.
- The Rudimentes of Reason (1578): This book shared ideas from the philosopher Periander.
- He also wrote about a big earthquake that happened in London in 1580, but that book is also lost.
Poems of Remembrance
Phillips was known for writing "elegiac verse." These are poems written to honor or remember people who have died. He published several of these poems on single sheets of paper.
He wrote poems for important people like:
- The wife of Alexander Avenet, who was the lord mayor of London (1570).
- Alderman Sir William Garrard (1571).
- Margaret Douglas, the Countess of Lennox (1578).
- Henry Wriothesley, 2nd Earl of Southampton (1571).
Main Works
Here are some of the works John Phillips wrote:
- A Friendly Larum or Faythfull Warnynge (around 1570): This was a warning to English people about strict Catholics.
- A Balad intituled “A cold Pye for the Papistes.” (no date): Another poem against strict Catholics.
- A Fruitfull Exhortation (no date): A religious encouragement dedicated to Lettice, Countess of Leicester.
- A rare and strange Historicall Nouell of Cleomenes and Sophonisba surnamed Juliet (1577): This was a historical novel, a type of story, dedicated to George Fiennes, Lord Dacre.
- A Commemoration of Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox (1578): A poem remembering the Countess of Lennox.
- The Wonderfull Worke of God shewed upon a Chylde, whose Name is William Withers (1581): This book told the story of an 11-year-old boy named William Withers who fell into a trance for ten days. It was dedicated to Edward Denny.
- The Life and Death of Sir Phillip Sidney (1587): This work honored the life and funeral of Sir Philip Sidney, a famous soldier and poet. It was dedicated to the Earl of Essex.
- The Perfect Path to Paradice (1590): This book contained prayers and meditations for people who were worried or sad. It was also dedicated to the Earl of Essex.
- A Commemoration of the Life and Death of Sir Christopher Hatton (1591): A poem remembering Sir Christopher Hatton, who was the Lord Chancellor of England.
