Stephen Marshall (minister) facts for kids

Stephen Marshall (around 1594 – 1655) was an English religious leader. He was known for his powerful and passionate speeches, called sermons. One of his most famous sermons was given after the death of John Pym in 1643. Marshall also wrote a main book called A Defence of Infant Baptism in 1646. This book defended the practice of baptizing babies.

Early Life of Stephen Marshall

Stephen Marshall was born in a town called Godmanchester in Huntingdonshire, England. He went to college at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He earned his master's degree in 1622 and a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1629.

After finishing his studies, Marshall worked as a minister in Wethersfield, a town in Essex. Later, he became the main minister (vicar) in Finchingfield. In 1636, he faced some issues because he didn't always follow the official rules of the church.

Stephen Marshall During the Civil War

Stephen Marshall was a very strong and popular preacher. Some people even thought he was the best preacher in England at the time. He had a big influence on important elections in 1640. One important person, Edward Hyde, thought Marshall had more influence on the Parliament's side than William Laud had on the King's side.

In 1642, Marshall started giving talks at St Margaret's, Westminster. In these talks, he spoke about making changes to the church's leaders and its worship style. He also helped write a famous paper called Smectymnuus.

Marshall became a chaplain (a minister for soldiers) for the Earl of Essex's army in 1642. In 1643, he joined the Westminster Assembly. This was a group of religious leaders who met to discuss and reform the Church of England. He also represented the English Parliament in Scotland in 1643. Later, he attended important meetings called the Uxbridge Conference in 1645. He was even a chaplain to King Charles I at Holmby House and Carisbrooke Castle.

Later Life and Legacy

Stephen Marshall was a moderate Presbyterian. This means he followed a type of Protestant Christianity that had specific ideas about church organization. In 1647, he helped create the Westminster Shorter Catechism. This was a set of questions and answers used to teach Christian beliefs.

Marshall passed away in November 1655. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London. However, after the English Restoration (when the monarchy was brought back), his body was later moved from Westminster Abbey.

Stephen Marshall's Writings

Stephen Marshall contributed to several important religious works.

• Smectymnuus (contributor)
• Shorter Catechism (contributor)

His Sermons

Marshall published many of his sermons, which were his powerful speeches.

• A sermon Preached before the Honourable House of Commons, now assembled in Parliament, at their publike Fast, 17 November 1640. Upon 2 Chron. 15. 2 (1641)
• The Song of Moses, the Servant of God, and the Song of the Lamb (1643)
• A sacred panegyrick, or, A sermon of thanksgiving, preached to the two Houses of Parliament....18 January 1643 (1644)
• On the death of John Pym (1643)