Robert Adkins facts for kids

Robert Adkins (1626 – 28 March 1685) was an important English minister during a time of big changes in the church. He was one of about 2,000 ministers who lost their jobs in 1662 because they did not agree with new church rules. These ministers are often called the "ejected ministers."

Early Life and Education

Robert Adkins was born in a town called Chard in Somerset, England, in 1626. His father wanted him to go into business. However, Robert really wanted to become a preacher. Because of his strong wish, his father sent him to Oxford University.

At Oxford, Robert studied at Wadham College. He later became a fellow there, which means he was a senior member of the college. His teacher was a famous person named Bishop Wilkins.

A Young Preacher

When Robert Adkins first started preaching at St. Mary's, Oxford, he was quite young. He also looked even younger than he was because he was small. People in the audience sometimes looked down on him at first, thinking "such a boy" wouldn't have much to say. But his sermons quickly changed their minds. He was so good that their disrespect turned into admiration.

Later, Oliver Cromwell, who was a powerful leader in England at the time, asked Robert to be one of his chaplains (a minister who serves a leader or a group). But Robert found this job difficult. He felt it was not a good fit because of disagreements among different religious groups.

Ministry and Ejection

After leaving Cromwell's service, Robert Adkins moved to Theydon Garnon in England. He served as a minister there from about 1652 to 1657.

His health then started to get worse. So, he moved to Exeter, a city in the west of England. He first preached in a church called St. Sidwell. Later, he moved to the choir area of Exeter Cathedral, which was known as East Peter's Church. This part of the cathedral was made ready to hold many people. Robert Adkins became known as one of the best preachers in that part of England.

In 1660, a new law caused him to be removed from St. Peter's. But he was quickly chosen to preach at another church in Exeter called St. John's.

Then, in 1662, a very important law called the Act of Uniformity was passed. This law required all ministers to follow specific rules and ways of worship. Robert Adkins could not agree to these rules. Because of this, he was removed from his job at St. John's. This was the second time he had been "ejected" from a church.

Farewell and Legacy

On August 17, 1662, Robert Adkins gave his farewell sermon at St. John's. In this sermon, he spoke powerful words that many remembered. He said that true Christians should always respect God and honor the king. He asked his followers not to see their disagreement with the new church rules as being disloyal to the king. He explained that they would do anything for the king except sin. He said they would risk anything for him except their souls. He even said they would die for the king, but they would not do anything that would harm their souls. He believed that even if people on Earth judged them, they would be seen as loyal and obedient when they stood before God.

Robert Adkins stayed in Exeter after losing his job. He died there on March 28, 1685, when he was 59 years old. His funeral sermon was given by another minister named George Trosse. This sermon was later published in a book.