Nathaniel Stephens (priest) facts for kids

Nathaniel Stephens (born around 1606, died 1678) was an English church leader. He is best known for his early interactions with George Fox, who founded the Quakers. Stephens was a Presbyterian minister, which was a type of Protestant Christian group. He also debated with other religious groups like the Baptists. People thought he was fair and reasonable in his discussions, even with those he disagreed with.

Early Life and Education

Nathaniel Stephens was born in Wiltshire, England, around 1606. His father, Richard Stephens, was a vicar (a type of church minister) in a town called Stanton St Bernard.

When he was 16, in 1623, Nathaniel started studying at Magdalen Hall, Oxford University. He worked hard and earned his first degree in 1626. He then completed his master's degree in 1628.

Ministry and Challenges

After finishing university, Stephens became a curate (an assistant minister) in Fenny Drayton, Leicestershire. He likely took full charge of the church there around 1638.

In 1642, a big war started in England, forcing him to leave Drayton. He went to Coventry and became a morning preacher at St. Michael's Church. While there, he signed the Solemn League and Covenant. This was an agreement to support the Parliament's side in the war and change the church in England.

Stephens returned to Drayton in 1645. It was here that he met George Fox, who would later start the Quaker movement.

Meetings with George Fox

Nathaniel Stephens thought George Fox was very interesting. They often talked about religion. Stephens even preached about the ideas they discussed. However, Fox didn't like this, feeling that Stephens was using his ideas.

In 1649, while Stephens was giving a lecture, Fox interrupted him. Stephens called Fox "mad." Fox was then chased out of town by a crowd. He later described Stephens as his "great persecutor."

They had another discussion in Drayton in 1654. Stephens famously said, "George Fox is come to the light of the sun, and now he thinks to put out my starlight." This showed their different views on religious understanding.

Later Ministry and Retirement

In 1659, Stephens became the official rector of Drayton. He held this position until 1662. That year, a new law called the Uniformity Act 1662 was passed. This law required ministers to follow certain church rules. Because Stephens was a Nonconformist (meaning he didn't agree with all the rules of the official Church of England), he had to leave his church.

Even after being forced out, he continued to preach privately. However, his services were often stopped. After being driven from Drayton seven times, he moved to Stoke Golding, a nearby town. He preached there until he became too lame to move from his chair.

Nathaniel Stephens was known for being very focused on his studies. He was buried in the churchyard of Stoke Golding on February 24, 1678.

Writings

Nathaniel Stephens wrote several books about religious topics. His most important work was published in 1656. It was about the Apocalypse, which is a part of the Bible. His book was praised for not making wild guesses about the future.

Some of his other published works include:

• A Precept for the Baptisme of Infants (1651): This book defended the practice of baptizing babies.
• A Plain and Easie Calculation of the Name ... of the Beast (1656): Another book related to the Apocalypse.
• Vindiciae Fundamenti, or a threefold defence of the Doctrine of Original Sin (1658): This book argued against certain ideas about "original sin."