Nicholas Bownde facts for kids
Nicholas Bownde (died 1613) was an English clergyman. He is best known for his writings about how Christians should observe the Sabbath, which for them was Sunday. He believed Sunday should be a day of rest and worship.
Nicholas Bownde's Life
Nicholas Bownde was the son of Robert Bownde, a doctor who worked for the Duke of Norfolk. Nicholas studied at Peterhouse, Cambridge, a famous university. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1572 and became a fellow (a kind of academic staff member) later that year. He got his master's degree (M.A.) in 1575 and a higher degree (D.D.) in 1594.
In 1585, he became the rector (a type of priest) of a church in Norton, Suffolk. Later, in 1611, Bownde became a minister in Norwich. He passed away in 1613 and was buried there. He was married to the widow of John More, who was known as the 'apostle of Norwich'.
Nicholas Bownde's Writings
In 1595, Nicholas Bownde published his most important book about the Sabbath. In this book, he explained that Christians should dedicate the first day of the week (Sunday) to God, just as Jewish people observed their Sabbath.
He believed that Sunday should be a day of strict rest. He argued that activities like games, dancing, shooting, and bowling should not be done on this day. He also thought there should be no big feasts, though he made an exception for 'noblemen and great personages'.
His ideas about observing Sunday became a big discussion point between different groups in the church, especially between the high-church party and the Puritans. Even though some church leaders tried to stop these ideas, the strict way of observing Sunday became very popular.
Here are some of his notable works:
- Three godly and fruitfull Sermons (1594): This book included sermons by John More, with some additions by Bownde himself, including a sermon about comfort for those who are sad.
- The Doctrine of the Sabbath (1595): This was his main work about the Sabbath. It was later reprinted with more information in 1606.
- Medicines for the Plagve (1604): This book contained sermons related to the plague that was happening at the time.
- The Holy Exercise of Fasting (1604): This book explained the practice of fasting based on the Bible.
- The Vnbeliefe of St. Thomas the Apostle (1608): This work was written to offer comfort to people who wanted to believe.
