Richard Fairclough (divine) facts for kids

Richard Fairclough (1621–1682) was an English religious leader who did not follow the official church rules of his time. He was known for his strong beliefs and his clear way of thinking.

Who Was Richard Fairclough?

Richard Fairclough was born in 1621. He was the oldest son of Samuel Fairclough, who was also a religious leader. Richard became an important figure in England during a time when many people had different ideas about religion.

Early Life and Education

Richard Fairclough studied at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, a famous university. He earned a Master's degree there. This education helped him become a respected scholar and preacher.

A Religious Leader in London

Fairclough lived in Thames Street, London. In 1672, he received permission to become a teacher for the Presbyterians. This was a Christian group that had different beliefs from the main Church of England. He taught and preached to his community.

Richard Fairclough passed away in London on July 4, 1682. He was buried in Bunhill Fields, a well-known burial ground. His friend, John Howe, said that Fairclough was very smart. Howe noted that Fairclough could quickly understand difficult problems and find the truth.

His Ideas and Writings

Richard Fairclough wrote a sermon called "The nature, possibility, and duty of a true believer attaining to a certain knowledge of his effectual vocation, eternal election, and final perseverance to glory." This long title means it was about how people can be sure of their faith and their path to heaven.

This sermon was printed in a collection called The Morning-Exercise against Popery in 1675. It also appeared in a later collection by Samuel Annesley. Another writer, Edmund Calamy, mentioned that Fairclough also created a shorter version of some of his later sermons for the people he taught in a town called Mells.