Robert Bolton facts for kids
Robert Bolton (born 1572 – died 16 December 1631) was an English clergyman and a scholar. He was especially known for his powerful sermons and speeches.
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Early Life and Education
Robert Bolton was born on Whit Sunday in 1572 in Blackburn, a town in Lancashire, England. He was the sixth son of Adam Bolton. Robert went to Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, which his father helped to start. He was known as the 'best scholar' in the school.
In 1592, when he was 18, Robert started studying at Lincoln College, Oxford. He was a very talented student. However, his father passed away the next year, which caused him financial problems. A kind person named Richard Brett helped him out. Robert then moved to Brasenose College because there was a special scholarship for students from Lancashire. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1596. In 1602, he became a fellow (a senior member) of the college and earned his master's degree (M.A.).
At first, Robert was not very religious. He even thought a famous preacher named William Perkins was "a barren empty fellow."
Becoming a Preacher
In 1605, King James I visited Oxford University. Robert Bolton was chosen to give a speech about natural philosophy in front of the King. The King was very impressed and praised Robert a lot! Robert also became a teacher of logic and philosophy at the university.
Later, a school friend tried to convince Robert to travel to a Catholic seminary (a school for priests) in Flanders, but Robert decided not to go. Instead, a teacher named Thomas Peacock helped him decide to become a clergyman in the Church of England. In 1609, he earned his B.D. degree.
In 1610, when he was 37, Robert became the rector (the main priest) of the church in Broughton, Northamptonshire. He was given this job by Sir Augustine Nicolls, a judge who sometimes preached.
Later Life and Death
Robert Bolton passed away on 17 December 1631, after being sick for a long time with a fever. He was almost 60 years old. He was buried on 19 December in the main part of his church, St. Andrew's, in Broughton. There is a special monument there to remember him. A well-known preacher named Nicholas Estwick gave the speech at his funeral, and it was later published. Edward Bagshawe wrote a book about Robert Bolton's life.
His Writings and Ideas
Many people thought Robert Bolton was an amazing scholar. Some even said he was the best classical scholar of his time, meaning he was excellent at ancient Greek and Latin. He could write and debate in Greek just as easily as in English or Latin.
James Darling, who started a big library in London in 1840, described Robert Bolton this way: "He was one of the best scholars of his time, a zealous and successful preacher, and particularly skilled in resolving the doubts of timid Christians. His style is florid and often truly magnificent."
Robert Bolton wrote several important books. In his famous book, General directions for a Comfortable Walking with God, he talked about everyday topics like being lazy, controlling your words, fun activities, visiting others, sleeping, and marriage.
In another book, The Saints Sure and Perpetual Guide, he wrote about why Christians should stay together and not separate into different groups.
Selected Books by Robert Bolton
- The Saints Sure and Perpetual Guide, 1634
- The Carnal Professor: Discovering the Woeful Slavery of a Man Guided By the Flesh – Sermons & Christ Set Forth, originally published 1634
- General Directions for a Comfortable Walking with God, 1991
- A Discourse About the State of True Happinesse. Delivered in Certaine Sermons in Oxford, and at Pauls Crosse., 1636
- The Saints Self-Enriching Examination
- The Foure Last Things: Death, Judgment, Hell, Heaven, 1633
- A Treatise on Comforting Afflicted Consciences, 1991
- A cordial for Christians in the time of affliction, 1640
- Heart Surgery
Family Life
Robert Bolton married a woman named Anne Boyse. They had five children together: one son named Samuel Bolton and four daughters.
