Nathanael Carpenter facts for kids

Nathanael Carpenter (born February 7, 1589 – died around 1628) was an English writer, thinker, and expert in geography. He was known for his strong opinions and his studies at Oxford University.

Early Life and Education

Nathanael Carpenter was the son of John Carpenter, who was a rector (a type of church leader) in Northleigh, Devon, England.

He started his studies at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford on June 7, 1605. Later, in 1607, he became a "fellow" at Exeter College, Oxford. A fellow is like a senior member or teacher at a college. He was chosen for this role with a special letter from King James I.

Carpenter earned several important degrees from Oxford University:

• He became a Bachelor of Arts on July 5, 1610.
• He earned his Master of Arts in 1618.
• He became a Bachelor of Divinity on May 11, 1620.
• Finally, he received his highest degree, Doctor of Divinity, in 1626.

While studying at Oxford, Nathanael Carpenter became very well-known. He was recognized as a talented philosopher, poet, mathematician, and geographer. One of his students at the university was Sir William Morice. Morice later became a powerful government official, and he shared similar religious beliefs with Carpenter.

Later Life and Work

Nathanael Carpenter was invited to join Chelsea College by Matthew Sutcliffe. Later, Archbishop James Ussher brought him to Ireland. In Ireland, Carpenter became a schoolmaster in Dublin. He taught young people who were under the care of the king, especially those whose parents were Roman Catholics.

Nathanael Carpenter passed away in Dublin around the beginning of 1628. A special speech was given at his funeral by Robert Ussher.

His Writings and Ideas

Nathanael Carpenter wrote several important books and sermons.

Philosophical Writings

His first major book was called Philosophia libera triplici exercitationum decade proposita. This book was published in Frankfurt in 1621. In it, Carpenter challenged some of the traditional ideas of Aristotelianism, which were based on the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. He first published it using a pen name, "N. C. Cosmopolitanus." Later, it was re-released under his real name in 1622, 1636, and 1675.

Geography and Sermons

In 1625, Carpenter published his book on geography, titled Geography Delineated Forth in Two Books. This book was also republished later in 1685.

He also wrote several sermons, which are speeches given in church. Three of his sermons were titled Achitophel, or the Picture of a Wicked Politician. He gave these speeches at the University of Oxford. They were dedicated to James Ussher. These sermons were published in 1627, 1628, 1629, 1638, and 1642. The very first edition of these sermons was later taken back, and parts that spoke against Arminianism (a different set of religious ideas) were removed.

After he died, another one of his sermons was published in 1633 and 1640. This sermon was called Chorazin and Bethsaida's Woe, and he had preached it at St. Mary's, Oxford. A note in the book mentioned that some of Carpenter's other writings, like his works on optics (the study of light), were unfortunately lost at sea.