Richard Bernard facts for kids
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Richard Bernard (1568–1641) was an English clergyman and writer. He was known as a Puritan, a group of Protestants who wanted to make the Church of England simpler. Bernard believed in a joyful approach to life. He wrote many books, including a popular one called The Isle of Man.
Contents
Richard Bernard's Early Life and Education
Richard Bernard was born in Epworth, England. He went to Christ's College, Cambridge for his education. He started college in 1592 and earned his degrees by 1598. His schooling was paid for by Frances and Isabel Darcy. They were people who supported Protestants who wanted big changes in the church. In 1601, he got married and later had six children. From 1612 until he died in 1641, he lived in Somerset and preached in Batcombe.
Bernard's Beliefs and Teachings
Bernard was a Calvinist Puritan. This means he followed the teachings of John Calvin and was part of the Puritan movement. However, he was a moderate Puritan. He thought people should enjoy life, not always be serious. Bernard wrote:
there is a kind of smiling and joyful laughter…which may stand…with the best man's piety.
He meant that being happy and joyful was okay for religious people.
Challenges and Conflicts
When Bernard first started preaching, he sometimes disagreed with the Anglican Church. This was called nonconformity. Because of his disagreements, he lost his job in Worksop in 1605.
In 1606, he started his own church with about 100 people. But then, in 1607, he went back to his old job in Worksop. He still refused to make the sign of the cross during baptisms. This led to him being called before church courts again in 1608 and 1611.
Friends and Family Connections
While in Worksop, Richard Bernard became friends with important Puritans. These included William Brewster (1567–1644), who sailed on the famous Mayflower ship. He also knew John Robinson (1575–1625), who helped organize the Mayflower voyage.
Bernard often wrote against "Separation." This was the idea that Puritans should completely separate from the Church of England. This put him in conflict with Robinson and the churches in New England.
His daughter Mary married Roger Williams in 1629. Roger Williams later helped start the state of Rhode Island in America. Roger and Mary Williams moved to the New World in 1631.
Bernard's Important Writings
Richard Bernard wrote many books. One important book for ministers was The Faithfull Shepheard and his practice. It was published in 1607 and again in 1621.
His most popular book was The Isle of Man (1627). This book was printed 16 times by 1683, showing how widely it was read. Bernard also spoke up for people who were in prison, the poor, and Jewish people. He wrote about helping Jewish people in an essay called "The Great Mysterie of God's Mercie yet to Come." This essay was part of his book, The Seaven Golden Candlestickes.
Bernard also translated works from the Latin poet Terence. His translation had at least six different editions.
Published Work
- The Faithfull Shepheard- The Shepheards Faithfulnesse, 1607
- The Isle Of Man, Or, The Legall Proceeding In Man-Shire Against Sinne, 1627 (and many later editions)
- A Guide to Grand-Jury Men, 1627
- The Seaven Golden Candlestickes, 1621
- Bernard's first publication was a translation of the Latin poet Terence.
See also
- A Guide to Grand-Jury Men
- King James I
- Witch-hunt
