Richard Byfield facts for kids

Richard Byfield (born around 1598, died 1664) was an important English clergyman. He was known for his strong beliefs about the Sabbath day (a day of rest and worship). He was also a member of the Westminster Assembly, a group of religious leaders who helped shape the Church of England. Later in his life, he was removed from his church position, becoming an "ejected minister."

Richard Byfield's Life Story

Richard Byfield was likely born in 1598. He was 16 years old in 1615 and passed away in December 1664 at the age of 67. His father was also named Richard Byfield. He had an older half-brother named Nicholas Byfield, who was also a well-known clergyman.

His Education and Early Career

In 1615, Richard started studying at The Queen's College, Oxford, a famous university. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1619 and a master's degree (M.A.) in 1622.

After his studies, he worked as a curate or lecturer in a town called Isleworth. This was probably while his brother Nicholas was in charge there. In 1627, he became the rector (head priest) of a church in Long Ditton, Surrey.

Role in the Westminster Assembly

Richard Byfield was chosen to be part of the Westminster Assembly. This was a very important meeting of religious leaders and scholars in the 1640s. They worked to reform the Church of England. Richard wasn't one of the first members chosen in 1643. However, he joined later in 1645, possibly because his nephew, Adoniram Byfield, had some influence.

In 1654, he also became an assistant commissioner for Surrey. This role involved helping to remove ministers and schoolmasters who were seen as "scandalous" or unfit.

Later Life and Ejection

Richard Byfield kept his position as rector until 1662. That year, a new law called the Uniformity Act 1662 was passed. This law required all ministers to follow certain rules and use a specific prayer book. Because Richard Byfield could not agree to these new rules, he was "ejected" or removed from his church.

After being ejected, he moved to Mortlake. He continued to preach to his own family twice every Sunday. He passed away suddenly in December 1664 and was buried in Mortlake church.

Richard Byfield's Writings

Richard Byfield was also a writer. Some of his brother Nicholas's works were sometimes thought to be Richard's, but Richard mainly edited a few of them. Here are some of his own books and writings:

• The Light of Faith and Way of Holiness (1630): This book was about faith and living a holy life.
• The Doctrine of the Sabbath Vindicated (1631): In this book, Byfield defended the importance of the Sabbath day. He disagreed with another writer, Edward Brerewood, about how to understand and spell the word "Sabbath."
• A Brief Answer to a late Treatise of the Sabbath Day (1636?): This was another work where he responded to arguments about the Sabbath, this time against Francis White.
• The Power of the Christ of God (1641): This writing focused on the power of Jesus Christ.
• Zion's Answer to the Nation's Ambassadors (1645): This was a special sermon he gave to the House of Commons (part of the English Parliament).
• Temple Defilers defiled (1645): This book contained two sermons he gave. It was later reissued with a new title, A short Treatise describing the true Church of Christ (1653). In this work, he wrote against different religious groups he disagreed with, such as those who caused divisions or had different ideas about baptism.
• A message sent from . . . Scotland to . . . the Prince of Wales (1648): This was a letter written by Byfield.
• The Gospel's Glory without prejudice to the Law (1659): This book explained parts of the Bible, specifically from the Book of Romans.
• The real Way to good Works: a Treatise of Charity: This writing was about the importance of charity and doing good deeds.