Ralph Venning facts for kids
Ralph Venning (born around 1621 – died March 10, 1674) was an English Christian leader. He was known as a Nonconformist, which meant he did not follow the official Church of England. Instead, he chose to practice his faith in a different way.
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Early Life and Education
Ralph Venning was born in Devon, England, possibly in a town called Kingsteignton, around the year 1621. His parents were Francis and Joan Venning.
As a young man, Ralph became a follower of George Hughes. Hughes was a Puritan vicar, a type of church leader, in Tavistock. Ralph Venning went on to study at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, a famous university. He started there in 1643 as a "sizar," which meant he received financial help for his studies. He earned his first degree in 1646 and a master's degree in 1650.
Serving as a Preacher
After his studies, Ralph Venning became a "lecturer" at St Olave's Church in Southwark, London. This meant he gave sermons and taught people about the Bible. He was especially known for his "charity sermons," which were talks given to encourage people to donate money to help those in need.
In Southwark, he worked with another religious leader named William Cooper. By 1654, Venning was leading a "gathered church" there. This was a group of Christians who chose to meet and worship together outside the official church system.
Facing Challenges and Later Life
In 1662, a new law called the Uniformity Act 1662 was passed in England. This law required all church leaders to follow the rules and practices of the Church of England. Because Ralph Venning was a Nonconformist, he was "ejected," or forced to leave, his position at St Olave's Church.
After being ejected, Venning continued his work. He joined Robert Bragge, another independent Christian leader, at a place called Pewterers' Hall in London. Here, he helped lead an "independent congregation," which was another type of church group that was not part of the official Church of England. He continued in this role until he passed away.
Ralph Venning died on March 10, 1674, when he was about 53 years old. He was buried in Bunhill Fields, a famous burial ground in London. After his death, a poem called An Elegy was printed to honor him. He was married to Hannah and had a son and a daughter, also named Hannah.
One writer, John Edwards, once described Venning's writing style. He said that Venning liked to arrange his sentences in interesting ways, using words that sounded similar or rhymed.
Images for kids
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A 1674 engraving of Ralph Venning by Wenceslas Hollar
