Thomas Allen (nonconformist) facts for kids
Thomas Allen (born 1608 in Norwich, England – died September 21, 1673) was a religious leader from East Anglia. He was a minister who did not agree with all the rules of the official Church of England. He preached in Charlestown, Massachusetts in the 1640s. Later, he returned to England. After the king came back to power (the Restoration), he was removed from his church because of his beliefs. Thomas Allen also wrote several books.
Contents
Thomas Allen's Early Life and Education
Thomas Allen was the son of John Allen, a dyer from Norwich. He grew up and went to school in Norwich. Later, he studied at Caius College, Cambridge, starting in 1625. He earned his first degree in 1628 and a master's degree in 1631.
In 1634, he became a minister at St. Edmund's Church in Norwich. However, he was very open about his strong religious views. In 1636, the local bishop, Matthew Wren, stopped him from preaching. This happened because Allen, along with others, refused to read a book called The Book of Sports. This book allowed certain sports on Sundays, which many strict religious people disagreed with.
Moving to New England
In 1638, Thomas Allen had to leave England because of his religious beliefs. He traveled to New England (now part of the United States). He joined the church in Boston in January 1639.
Soon after, he moved to Charlestown, Massachusetts. He became a "Teacher" at the church there in December 1639. In this role, he worked alongside Zechariah Symmes, the pastor. Thomas Allen took over from John Harvard, who had passed away in 1638. It is believed that Allen married Harvard's widow, Anne. He also helped manage Harvard's property and made sure his wishes were carried out.
Thomas Allen and Anne had several children: Mary (born 1640), Sarah (1641), Elizabeth (1643), Mercy (1646), and a son named Thomas. Only Mary lived past childhood. In 1639, Allen received a large piece of land (500 acres) from the government. This was given "in regard to Mr. Harvard's gift," meaning it was connected to John Harvard's generous donation to what would become Harvard University.
Preaching in Charlestown
Cotton Mather, a famous writer of that time, said that Thomas Allen was a "pious and painful minister." This meant he was a very religious and hardworking preacher in Charlestown. He stayed there until 1651. During his time in New England, he saw the founding of the town of Woburn.
His sermons often focused on the idea of "Justification by Faith." This is a Christian belief about how people become right with God. He also started working on his most famous book, A Chaine of Scripture Chronologie. This book created a timeline of world history, from creation up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The book was not published until 1659 in London. However, a friend named William Greenhill wrote in the book's introduction that Allen had been working on it for seven years. Greenhill said that Allen was encouraged by another minister, John Cotton, to publish his work. Allen himself said he learned a lot from other scholars, but he did not name them in his book.
Returning to England
Thomas Allen's wife, Anne, died around 1651. In that same year, he moved back to Norwich, England. There, he became a "preacher of the city" in St. George's parish. After returning, he wrote a letter in 1651. In it, he praised the missionary work of John Eliot and Thomas Mayhew, Jr.. These men were preaching the Christian message to Native Americans. Allen said he admired their work but did not feel strong enough to do it himself.
In England, Allen married again, this time to the widow of Robert Sedgwick. From 1657, he was the pastor of a church in Norwich. However, he was removed from his position in 1662. This happened because of a new law called the Act of Uniformity 1662. This law required ministers to follow strict rules of the Church of England, which Allen could not do.
After being removed, he continued to preach whenever he could. Martin Fynch, who knew Allen, wrote about him in 1674. Fynch called Allen a "burning and shining light." He described Allen as an excellent preacher who spoke clearly and powerfully. Even though Allen was very learned, he did not try to show off. He used simple words so everyone could understand God's truths.
Fynch also mentioned Allen's great humility. He said Allen was very kind to younger ministers who knew less than him. Allen would listen to their ideas with respect, as if they were his teachers. His humility was truly special and a great example to everyone who knew him.
Fynch added that Allen was very knowledgeable about religious teachings and church rules. He learned a lot from living in New England and knowing famous ministers like Mr. Bulkley, Mr. Hooker, Mr. Cotton, and Mr. Shepard. Allen remembered these friends fondly even after they passed away.
Thomas Allen died on September 21, 1673. Martin Fynch later published some of Allen's sermons in 1676 and more in 1683.
Thomas Allen's Published Works
Thomas Allen was involved in publishing several religious books.
As an Editor
- A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace (1659): This book contained sermons by John Cotton. Thomas Allen prepared it for printing and wrote an introduction for the readers.
As an Author
- A Chain of Scripture Chronology from the Creation of the World to the Death of Jesus Christ (1659): This was Allen's most famous work. It presented a timeline of history based on the Bible. The book's title page was designed by Wenceslaus Hollar.
- The Way of the Spirit in bringing Souls to Christ (1676): This book contained ten sermons by Thomas Allen. It was published after his death, with an introduction by Martin Fynch.
- The Call of Christ unto Thirsty Sinners (1676): This book contained three sermons. It was first published as part of The Way of the Spirit. Later, it was published separately in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1678.
- The Glory of Christ Set Forth (1683): This book also contained several sermons by Allen. It was published after his death, with an introduction by Martin Fynch.
- Three sermons on John III vs 33: These sermons are kept in a small handwritten book at the American Antiquarian Society.
Images for kids
-
Hollar's title-page for Allen's Chain of Scripture Chronology (1659)
