Robert Nelson (nonjuror) facts for kids

Robert Nelson (born June 22, 1656, died January 16, 1715) was an English writer who focused on religious topics. He was known as a "nonjuror," which meant he refused to swear loyalty to the new king and queen after a big change in government.

Robert Nelson's Early Life and Education

Robert Nelson was born in London on June 22, 1656. He was the only son of John Nelson, a merchant who traded with Turkey. His father passed away when Robert was very young, leaving him a good amount of money.

Robert went to St Paul's School for a while. Later, his mother moved to Driffield, Gloucestershire. There, a local church leader named George Bull became Robert's teacher. In 1678, Robert joined Trinity College, Cambridge, but he did not live there.

Travels and Marriage

In 1680, Robert Nelson became friends with John Tillotson, who later became an important church leader. Robert also joined the Royal Society, a group for scientists, on April 1, 1680.

He then traveled to Paris with his friend Edmund Halley, who was a famous astronomer. After Paris, Robert went on a long trip around Europe, called the "grand tour." He returned to England in August 1682.

While traveling in Rome, he met Lady Theophila Lucy. She was a widow with a 12-year-old son and was two years older than Robert. They got married on November 23, 1682. It is believed that Lady Theophila had become a Catholic, but Robert might not have known this until after they were married.

Life as a Nonjuror

Robert Nelson took his wife to Aix-la-Chapelle in France because she was not well. He returned to England in 1688, but a big political event called the Glorious Revolution happened. This event changed who was king and queen of England.

Because of his beliefs, Robert Nelson became a "nonjuror." This meant he refused to swear an oath of loyalty to the new rulers, King William III and Queen Mary II. Many people who felt the previous king, James II, was still the rightful ruler became nonjurors.

After the revolution, Robert traveled with his wife and her children to Rome. He lived in Florence for a time before returning to England in 1691. He settled in Blackheath. His friend John Tillotson passed away in Robert's arms in 1694.

Charitable Work and Later Life

After 1691, Robert Nelson became very close with John Kettlewell, another nonjuror. Kettlewell encouraged Robert to start writing religious books. Robert also became friends with other nonjurors like George Hickes and Jeremy Collier.

Even though he was a nonjuror, Robert Nelson remained friends with many church leaders. He was very active in many charitable groups. He supported societies that aimed to improve people's behavior and help those in need.

He was a key member of groups like the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (founded 1698), which helped spread Christian teachings, and the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (founded 1701), which supported missionaries. He also helped start charity schools for children.

In 1710, he was part of a group chosen to build fifty new churches in London. Robert Nelson moved to Ormond Street in 1703. His mother passed away in 1703, and his wife died in 1706, leaving him her money.

Later, Robert Nelson and some friends decided to rejoin the main Church of England. This happened after the death of William Lloyd, one of the last nonjuring bishops. In 1710, Robert received a special church service from his friend John Sharp, who was the Archbishop of York.

Robert Nelson passed away in Kensington on January 16, 1715. He was buried in a new cemetery in Lamb's Conduit Fields.

Robert Nelson's Writings

Robert Nelson became well-known for his religious books during the time of Queen Anne. Some of his writings were shared by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

When his old teacher, George Bull, died in 1710, Robert Nelson wrote a book about Bull's life. This book was published in 1713.

Here are some of Robert Nelson's important works:

• Transubstantiation contrary to Scripture (1687): This book argued against a Catholic belief about the Holy Communion.
• The Practice of True Devotion (1698): This book was about how to be truly religious.
• Companion for the Festivals and Fasts of the Church of England (1704): This was a very popular book that explained the special days in the Church of England year. It was so popular that ten thousand copies were printed in just four and a half years! It was even translated into German and Welsh.
• The whole Duty of a Christian (1704): This book was written in a question-and-answer style, like a guide for Christians. It was used in charity schools around London.
• The great Duty of frequenting the Christian Sacrifice (1707): This book encouraged people to attend church services often.
• The Life of Dr. George Bull (1713): This book told the story of his former tutor, George Bull.
• An Address to Persons of Quality and Estate (1715): This book suggested many ideas for hospitals, religious colleges, and schools.

Robert Nelson also helped publish other religious books, including some by Thomas à Kempis and Fenelon.