Nathaniel Vincent facts for kids
Nathaniel Vincent (born around 1639, died 1697) was an English minister who didn't agree with the official church rules of his time. Because of this, he was removed from his church job in 1662 and was even put in prison several times for his beliefs. He was known as a nonconformist minister.
Contents
Nathaniel Vincent's Life
Early Years and Education
Nathaniel was probably born in Cornwall around 1639. His father, John Vincent, was also a minister. Nathaniel started studying at Oxford University when he was just 10 years old in 1648. He later earned his degrees from Corpus Christi College and Christ Church, Oxford. He even became a chaplain at Corpus Christi College.
He was chosen by Oliver Cromwell, a very important leader in England at the time, to be one of the first members of a new university in Durham. However, Nathaniel never actually lived there.
Preaching and Challenges
When he was only 20, Nathaniel began preaching in a town called Pulborough, Sussex. By the time he was 21, he became the minister at Langley Marish, Buckinghamshire. But in 1662, a new law meant that ministers who didn't follow the Church of England's rules were "ejected" or removed from their positions. Nathaniel was one of them.
After being ejected, he worked for three years as a chaplain for Sir Henry and Lady Blount. Around 1666, Vincent moved to London. His preaching quickly became popular there. A special meeting place was built for him in Southwark, where many people came to hear him speak.
Even though he faced fines and was sometimes roughly treated by soldiers who tried to stop him, he kept on preaching. In July 1670, he was put in Marshalsea prison. He was later moved to the Gatehouse, Westminster prison and stayed there for six months.
In 1682, he was arrested again. He was told he would be imprisoned for three years and then sent out of the country. Luckily, there was a mistake in the charges, and he was released. However, this experience left him weak and ill. He was arrested one more time in February 1686, on a false charge related to a rebellion. Some of his books were even written while he was in prison.
Later Life and Legacy
Nathaniel Vincent died suddenly on June 22, 1697, when he was 58 years old. He was buried at Bunhill Fields, a famous burial ground in London. His funeral sermon was given by another minister, Nathaniel Taylor. He had a wife named Anna and six children who were alive in 1682.
What Nathaniel Vincent Wrote
Important Books and Sermons
Nathaniel Vincent wrote many books and sermons during his lifetime. These writings often shared his religious beliefs and advice. Some of his notable works include:
- 'The Conversion of a Sinner Explained and Applied' (1669)
- 'A Covert from the Storm' (1671) - This book was written while he was in prison.
- 'The Spirit of Prayer' (1674) - This was a very popular book, reprinted many times.
- 'A Heaven or Hell upon Earth' (1676)
- 'The Little Child's Catechism, whereunto is added several Short Histories' (1681) - A catechism is a book of questions and answers used for teaching religious lessons.
- 'The True Touchstone' (1681)
- 'The More Excellent Way' (1684)
- 'A Warning given to secure Sinners' (1688)
- 'The Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: a Catechism' (1691)
- 'A Present for such as have been Sick' (1693) - These were sermons he preached after he recovered from an illness.
He also wrote other works like 'The Cure of Distractions in attending upon God' and 'The Love of the World cured.'
Nathaniel Vincent was also a popular speaker for funeral sermons. He edited a collection of sermons called Morning Exercise against Popery (1675), which included talks given by other ministers at his meeting place in Southwark.
