Morning Exercises facts for kids
The Morning Exercises were special religious gatherings held by a group called the Puritans in London. These meetings began when the English Civil War started. They were a way for people to come together for prayer and religious talks during a difficult time.
How the Morning Exercises Started
During the English Civil War, many people in London had family or friends fighting in the army led by the Earl of Essex. Because of this, many people asked their church leaders to pray for the soldiers during Sunday services.
To help with all these requests, a group of church leaders decided to start special daily meetings. They agreed to meet every morning at 7 AM for one hour. For the first half-hour, they would pray. For the second half-hour, they would give a talk to encourage and guide the people.
These meetings first began with Thomas Case, a Presbyterian minister, at a church called St. Mary Magdalen, Milk Street. After about a month, other churches across the City of London also started holding these "Morning Exercises."
Soon after, Westminster Abbey, a very famous church, also began hosting similar religious talks. These talks happened between 6 AM and 8 AM. They were not just for people living nearby but also for Members of Parliament, who are like elected representatives who make laws. Important religious leaders like Edmund Staunton, Philip Nye, Stephen Marshall, Herbert Palmer, Charles Herle, Jeremiah Whitaker, and Thomas Hill were some of the people who gave these talks.
Continuing After the War
Even after the English Civil War ended, the Morning Exercises continued. A man named Samuel Annesley collected many of the talks given during these exercises. He later published them in six large books, so people could continue to read and learn from them.
