Matthew Kellison facts for kids

Matthew Kellison (born around 1560, died January 21, 1642) was an important English Roman Catholic scholar and writer. He was known for debating religious ideas and for leading the English College, Douai, a special school for English Catholic priests. He helped make many positive changes there.

Early Life and Education

Matthew Kellison was born in Harrowden, England, around 1560. His father worked for a noble family, the Vaux of Harrowden.

In 1581, Matthew began his studies at the English College of Douai. At that time, the college was temporarily located in a city called Rheims. A year later, in 1582, he was sent to the English College in Rome to continue his education.

He became a priest in 1589. After that, he returned to Rheims. There, he became a professor, teaching about religious ideas and philosophy. In 1593, he moved with the college back to Douai. He officially joined the university there in 1594.

Later, he went back to Rheims and earned a special degree called a D.D. In 1601, he became a royal professor. By 1606, he was chosen as the head, or chancellor, of the university. In 1611, when Arras College was started in Paris to help scholars write religious books, Kellison was one of the first five people to join. He often visited this college.

Leading the English College, Douai

The English College at Douai faced some problems. Its leader, Thomas Worthington, was thought to be too influenced by another religious group called the Jesuits. Because of this, a high-ranking church official called the cardinal-protector asked Worthington to go to Rome. Matthew Kellison was then chosen to take over as the temporary head.

Kellison arrived at Douai on June 10, 1613. By November, he was officially made the fourth president of the college. He gave up his important jobs in Rheims, even though he was encouraged to stay there.

As president, Kellison made many changes. He hired new professors and made sure the college's students were taught within the college itself, rather than in Jesuit schools. He also removed some people who strongly supported the Jesuits from the college.

His changes made some people unhappy, but church leaders in Brussels and Paris supported him. The English Catholic priests tried three times to have him made their bishop, in 1608, 1614, and 1622, but it did not happen. Matthew Kellison led Douai College for 27 years. He died there on January 21, 1642.

Published Works

Matthew Kellison wrote several important books about religious topics. Here are some of them:

• A Survey of the New Religion (1603): This book pointed out what Kellison saw as problems with new religious ideas. He updated it in 1605. Other writers, like Matthew Sutcliffe, wrote replies to it.
• Kellison's Reply to Sutcliffe's Answer (1608): In this book, Kellison responded to Sutcliffe. He explained and supported Catholic beliefs and argued against the new faith in England.
• Examen Reformationis novae praesertim Calvinianae (1616): This work looked closely at the new religious changes, especially those started by John Calvin. It tried to show problems with these new ideas.
• The Right and Jurisdiction of the Prelate and the Prince (1617 and 1621): This book discussed the power of church leaders and kings. Kellison argued that the Pope had the power to remove a ruler from their position. He explained these complex ideas in simple English.
• The Gagge of the Reformed Gospell (1623): This book aimed to show the errors of the time by using quotes from the English Bible itself. It was later republished under different names, like The Touchstone of the Reformed Gospel. While long thought to be by Kellison, it is now believed to be by the printer, John Heigham.
• A Treatise of the Hierarchie and divers Orders of the Church against the Anarchie of Calvin (1629): This book discussed the structure and different levels of the church. It caused some disagreements with other religious groups.
• A brief and necessary Instruction for the Catholicks of England, touching their Pastor (1631): This was a short guide for English Catholics about their religious leaders.