Martin Fynch facts for kids

Martin Fynch (born around 1628, died 1698) was an English minister who faced challenges because of his religious beliefs. He was known as an "ejected minister" because he was forced to leave his church position due to a new law.

Martin Fynch's Life

Early Years and Education

Martin Fynch was born in Norfolk, England, around 1628. He went to Trinity College, Cambridge in 1646. There, he earned his first degree in 1647. He became a minister around 1648.

Ministry and Challenges

Fynch served as a minister in Tetney, Lincolnshire, starting in 1653. During this time, he published several books, including Milk for Babes (1653) and Animadversions (1656).

However, in 1662, a new law called the Act of Uniformity 1662 was passed. This law required all ministers to follow specific rules and beliefs of the Church of England. Because Martin Fynch did not agree with all these rules, he was "ejected" or forced to leave his church position in Tetney.

Moving to Norwich

By 1668, Fynch had moved to Norwich. Here, he became one of the leaders of a group of about 300 "independents." These were people who preferred to worship in their own way, separate from the official Church of England. They met secretly in people's homes.

In 1672, a special permission called the "indulgence" was given, allowing some non-Church of England groups to worship more openly. Fynch got a license to preach in a house in St. Clement's parish. He later became the main pastor for this independent group.

They moved their meeting place several times. First, they used a large storage building, then a brewhouse that Fynch helped turn into a church. After the Toleration Act was passed in 1689, which gave more freedom to different religious groups, Fynch found a permanent spot. He helped build a new church, finished in 1693. It was first called the "New Meeting" but is now known as the "Old Meeting."

Working with Others

Martin Fynch worked closely with John Collinges, a Presbyterian minister in Norwich. They decided to put aside their small differences and work together as "dissenters," meaning they disagreed with the official church. Fynch even gave the sermon at Collinges's funeral. He also defended Collinges's memory against criticism from another writer, Thomas Grantham.

Later Life and Legacy

As he grew older, Martin Fynch's eyesight began to fail. He also suffered from a painful medical condition called calculus (kidney stones). He passed away on February 13, 1698. He was buried in the graveyard next to his meeting-house.

People remembered him as a very serious, kind, and patient person. Even with his health problems, he was very dedicated to helping people with their faith. His calm nature helped keep his large church community peaceful. After he died, however, his congregation faced some disagreements for about twenty years.

Martin Fynch's Writings

Martin Fynch wrote several books about religious topics. These books shared his ideas and teachings with others.

• Milk for Babes in Christ (1653): This book offered meditations and advice for new Christians.
• Animadversions upon Sir Henry Vane's book (1656): In this book, Fynch discussed and disagreed with some ideas from another writer, Sir Henry Vane.
• A Manuall of Practicall Divinity (1658): This manual aimed to help Christians understand their faith better and guide their daily lives.
• Of the Conversion of Sinners to God in Christ (1680): This work explored how people can turn to God.
• An answer to Mr. Thomas Grantham's book (1691): This book was Fynch's response to Thomas Grantham's criticisms.
• A sermon preach'd upon the death of that pious and learned divine, John Collinges, D.D. (1695): This was the sermon Fynch gave at John Collinges's funeral.

Fynch also helped publish the works of another minister, Thomas Allen, after Allen's death in 1673. He wrote introductions for these books:

• The Way of the Spirit in bringing Souls to Christ (1676)
• The Glory of Christ Set Forth (1683)