Richard Eedes (divine) facts for kids

Richard Eedes (died 1686) was an English minister who followed the Presbyterian faith. He was also a writer.

Early Life and Education

Richard Eedes was born in a place called Feckenham, in Worcestershire, England. In 1626, he went to Corpus Christi College at Oxford University. He earned his first degree in February 1629. After that, in 1632, he became a church assistant, or curate, in Bishop's Cleeve, Gloucestershire. He continued his studies and earned his master's degree in 1634.

A Changing Time in England

Richard Eedes stayed at Bishop's Cleeve as a church leader who followed the rules of the time. But then, the English Civil War began. This was a big conflict in England between those who supported the King and those who supported Parliament. During this time, Eedes signed something called the Solemn League and Covenant. This was an agreement to support Parliament and the Presbyterian way of running the church.

Around 1647, he became the vicar (another type of church leader) of Beckford, a town near Bishop's Cleeve. He stayed there until 1658.

Life After the King's Return

Later, a parliamentary officer convinced Eedes to return to Bishop's Cleeve. Eedes hoped to become the main minister there. From his writings, it seems he was getting tired of the Presbyterian way and really wanted the King to return to power.

When King Charles II finally returned to England in what was called the English Restoration, Eedes gave a very loyal speech. He spoke to the mayor and leaders of Gloucester, saying how happy everyone was that the King was back. However, even with his efforts to show loyalty, he didn't get the main minister job he wanted.

He remained a minister at Bishop's Cleeve until 1662. That year, a new law called the Uniformity Act of 1662 was passed. This law made church services and beliefs very strict. Richard Eedes refused to follow these new strict rules. Because of this, he had to stop being a minister. Even so, he continued to attend church services.

Later Years and Passing

Some years before he passed away, Richard Eedes moved to Gretton, a village in the parish of Winchcomb, Gloucestershire. He died in early April 1686. He was buried on April 6th in the middle of the north side of Bishop's Cleeve Church. Many people came to his funeral.

His Writings

Richard Eedes was the author of several sermons and other religious writings. A sermon is a speech given in a church, usually about a religious topic. Here are some of his known works:

• Great Salvation by Jesus Christ (1656): This was a sermon he gave.
• Christ exalted and Wisdom justified (1659): This book talked about how much Christians value Jesus Christ. It was even recommended by another famous writer, Richard Baxter.
• Great Britain's Resurrection; or, England's Complacencie in her Royal Soveraign King Charles the Second (1660): This was a sermon he gave in Gloucester in June 1660, celebrating the return of King Charles II.
• Another sermon (on 1 Peter ii. 7).