Obadiah Sedgwick facts for kids

Sedgwick in a 19th-century watercolour

Obadiah Sedgwick (born around 1600, died 1658) was an English church leader. He was a clergyman with Presbyterian beliefs. He also played an important role in the Westminster Assembly. This was a group that helped shape the church in England.

The Early Life of Obadiah Sedgwick

Obadiah Sedgwick was born in Marlborough, Wiltshire, England. His father, Joseph Sedgwick, was also a church leader. Obadiah started studying at Queen's College, Oxford, in 1619. He was about 19 years old then. Later, he moved to Magdalen Hall at Oxford. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1620. He then completed his master's degree (M.A.) in 1623.

Becoming a Preacher and Chaplain

In 1626, Obadiah Sedgwick became a tutor for Sir Matthew Hale. Sir Matthew Hale later became a famous judge. After becoming a minister, Sedgwick worked as a chaplain. He served Lord Vere of Tilbury. He even traveled with Lord Vere to the Low Countries. This area is now parts of Belgium and the Netherlands.

Challenges as a Puritan Preacher

When he returned to Oxford, he earned another degree in 1630. His first church job was in London. He became a lecturer at St Mildred's, Bread Street. Sedgwick was a Puritan. Puritans wanted to make the Church of England simpler. Because of his Puritan views, he sometimes faced difficulties. In 1639, he became the vicar of Coggeshall, Essex.

Involvement in English Politics and Church Reform

When the Long Parliament began, Sedgwick became a lecturer again. He was known for speaking strongly against episcopacy. This was a church system led by bishops. In May 1642, he was invited to speak to the House of Commons. This was a big honor for a preacher.

Serving During the English Civil War

In late 1642, Sedgwick became a chaplain. He served a military group led by Denzil Holles. The next year, in 1643, he joined the Westminster Assembly. This group of church leaders and politicians worked to reform the Church of England. He also helped decide which books could be printed.

Speaking Out for Change

In October 1643, Sedgwick gave a speech at the Guildhall. He supported an alliance with Scotland. This alliance aimed to continue the war. His speech was later published. In a sermon in 1644, he spoke about punishing those who opposed the Parliament. For a short time, he was in charge of St Andrew's, Holborn. Later, he became the rector of St. Paul's, Covent Garden. He then left his position in Coggeshall.

Sedgwick in an engraving from 1792

Later Years and Retirement

Sedgwick was part of the Presbyterian church system in London. In 1654, he was chosen by Oliver Cromwell to be a 'trier'. These 'triers' helped decide who could be a minister. His health began to fail, so he left St Paul's in 1656. Thomas Manton took over his role. Obadiah Sedgwick owned a lot of land. He was even the lord of the manor of Ashmansworth, Hampshire. He retired to Marlborough and passed away there in January 1658. He was buried near his father. He had a son named Robert, who also became a preacher.

Published Works and Sermons

Obadiah Sedgwick wrote and published many sermons. These were religious speeches. He also wrote a catechism, which is a book of religious teachings. Here are some of his other published works:

• Christ's Counsell to ... Sardis (1640)
• The Doubting Believer (1641)
• England's Preservation (1642)
• Haman’s Vanity, Displaying the birthlesse Issues of Church-destroying Adversaries (1643)
• An Arke against a Deluge: or Safety in Dangerous Times (1644)
• A Thanksgiving-Sermon (1644)
• The Nature and Danger of Heresies (1647)
• Elisha His Lamentation (1654)
• The Humbled Sinner (1656)
• The Fountain Opened (1657)
• The Riches of Grace (1657)

Some of his books were published after he died:

• The Shepherd of Israel (1658)
• The Parable of the Prodigal (1660)
• The Anatomy of Secret Sins (1660)
• The Bowels of Tender Mercy (1661)