John Tombes facts for kids
John Tombes (born around 1603 – died 1676) was an English church leader. He held strong beliefs, especially about baptism. He was known for his Presbyterian and later Baptist views.
Early Life and Education
John Tombes was born in Bewdley, Worcestershire, around 1602 or 1603. When he was about 15, he started studying at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, in 1618. His teacher there was William Pemble. John Tombes earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, in 1621.
After his teacher passed away, John Tombes took over his role in 1623. He taught about the basic beliefs of Christianity. He became a very respected teacher. One of his students was John Wilkins, who later became a famous scholar. John Tombes earned his Master of Arts degree in 1624. He then became a priest and quickly became known as a great speaker.
Around 1627, John Tombes started to have questions about infant baptism. This is the practice of baptizing babies. In 1630, he left the university. He briefly preached in Worcester. Then, in November 1630, he became the vicar of Leominster, Herefordshire. People loved his sermons. Even a high-ranking church leader, John Scudamore, 1st Viscount Scudamore, admired him.
Years of Change and Debates
John Tombes left Leominster in 1643. He was appointed to lead the church of All Saints, Bristol. When Bristol was taken over by royalist forces, he moved to London in September. There, he became the rector of St. Gabriel, Fenchurch. At this time, he followed Presbyterian church rules.
He shared his concerns about infant baptism with the Westminster Assembly. This was a group of religious leaders. However, they did not agree with him. Because he refused to baptize babies, he was removed from St. Gabriel's in 1645. But soon after, he became the master of the Temple. This was a special church position. He agreed not to preach about baptism there.
John Tombes wrote books about baptism. One of his books caused a stir among church leaders. As a preacher at the Temple, he also spoke out against certain religious ideas. In 1646, he met Oliver Cromwell, a powerful leader, and gave him his books.
His hometown friends chose him to be the minister of Bewdley. This was a small church area. At Bewdley, John Tombes helped start a small Baptist church. This church trained three new Baptist preachers. He often attended lectures by Richard Baxter, another famous minister. John Tombes wanted to have a public discussion with Baxter about baptism.
Their big debate happened on January 1, 1650, in Bewdley chapel. Many people came to watch. The debate lasted from nine in the morning until five at night! It became quite noisy, and a local official had to step in. After this, John Tombes left Bewdley. He then became the master of St. Catherine's Hospital in Ledbury, Herefordshire.
After his debate with Baxter, John Tombes had many more discussions. In 1652, he went to Oxford to debate baptism. He also debated the topic in Abergavenny in 1653. He still claimed his old position as vicar of Leominster. He returned there in 1654. He also wrote against other religious groups, like the Quakers and Catholicism.
Later Life and Legacy
When the king returned to power in England in 1660, this was called the English Restoration. John Tombes moved to London. He wrote in support of the king's power over both church and government matters. A powerful friend, Lord Clarendon, helped him.
John Tombes chose to live as a regular church member, not as a minister. He gave up his church positions and turned down offers for new ones. After 1661, he mostly lived in Salisbury. His second wife owned property there. He attended the Anglican church.
Even though he strongly believed in his views on baptism, he was always a polite debater. He was known as a very capable and learned man.
John Tombes passed away in Salisbury on May 22, 1676. He was buried in St. Edmund's churchyard a few days later.
