John Sprint facts for kids

John Sprint (who died in 1623) was an English church leader and thinker. He wrote about following the rules of the church, even though he used to have different ideas as a Puritan. His earlier views sometimes caused problems with the people in charge.

Life Story

John Sprint's grandfather, also named John Sprint, was a pharmacist in Gloucestershire. His father, also John Sprint (who died in 1590), held important church jobs. These included being the dean of Bristol starting in 1571, and later an archdeacon and treasurer at Salisbury Cathedral.

John Sprint the younger was born near Bristol. In 1592, he became a student at Christ Church, Oxford University. He earned his first degree in 1596 and his master's degree in 1599.

After becoming a priest, he joined the Puritan group. Puritans wanted to make the Church of England simpler. Sprint often spoke out against the rules and ceremonies of the English church. This caused trouble with the university's leader, John Howson. Sprint was even sent to prison for a short time. The queen and her advisors got involved. Sprint had to publicly say he was sorry for what he had done.

In 1610, Sprint became the vicar of Thornbury in Gloucestershire. He still held some Puritan ideas there for a while. However, a church leader named Samuel Burton convinced him to follow the official rules of the church.

John Sprint died in 1623. He was buried in St. Anne's, Blackfriars church. He had two sons, John (who died in 1692) and Samuel. Both of his sons also became priests. They were among the ministers who were removed from their jobs in 1662 because they did not fully agree with the Church of England's rules.

His Writings

John Sprint wrote several books and papers. One of his most important works was Cassander Anglicanus. It was published in London in 1618. This book explained why church leaders should follow the rules and ceremonies of the church. It had a big impact on Puritan priests.

His book argued that church ceremonies were not the most important things. He believed that no priest should stop serving the church just because they had to follow certain rules. Another writer disagreed with Sprint's book. Sprint then wrote another paper to explain his ideas further.

Sprint also wrote other books, including:

• Propositions tending to prove the necessary Use of the Christian Sabbath or Lord's Day (1607). This book supported very strict rules for observing Sunday as a holy day.
• The Summe of Christian Religion by way of Question and Answer (1613). This was a book explaining Christian beliefs in a question-and-answer format.
• The Christian's Sword and Buckler (1638). This book was a letter written to someone who was very worried and troubled in their mind.

Some people also believe Sprint wrote A true, modest, and just Defence of the Petition for Reformation. This paper was a defense of a request made to the king to change some church practices. He also wrote some early poems that appeared in a book about Thomas Wolsey in 1599.

Sources

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "Sprint, John". Dictionary of National Biography. (1885–1900). London: Smith, Elder & Co.