Thomas Allen (scholar) facts for kids

Thomas Allen (1681–1755) was an English clergyman and a religious writer. He was known for his devotion and his various books on Christian life and theology.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Allen was born in Oxford, England, on December 25, 1681. He received his education at New College School and then attended Wadham College, Oxford. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree on July 2, 1705.

Becoming a Clergyman

After his studies, Allen worked for a short time as a clerk in Lincoln's Inn. He then became a schoolmaster, teaching students. In 1705, he was ordained as a clergyman. This meant he became a priest in the Church of England.

In February 1706, Allen became the vicar of Irchester, a town in Northamptonshire. A vicar is a type of priest who leads a local church. He stayed there until 1715.

Moving to Kettering

In 1715, Thomas Allen decided to leave Irchester. He became the rector of Kettering, another town in Northamptonshire. A rector is also a priest, but the position at Kettering was less financially rewarding.

Thomas Allen passed away on May 31, 1755. He died while he was reading prayers.

Thomas Allen's Writings

Thomas Allen wrote many religious books and sermons during his lifetime. His works often focused on Christian living and the teachings of the Church.

Major Works and Themes

His most important work is ‘The Practice of a Holy Life, or the Christian's Daily Exercise,’ published in 1716. This book was a collection of prayers and meditations designed to help people live a devout Christian life.

In 1725, Allen wrote an ‘Apology for the Church of England, and Vindication of her Learned Clergy.’ This book was his response to a critical pamphlet written by Thomas Woolston. Allen defended the Church of England and its clergy in his writing.

He also gave a sermon at Newgate Prison in 1744. This sermon was preached to people who were facing serious legal consequences. It was later published because the people who heard it asked for copies.

Other Publications

Around 1753, Allen published a work called ‘The Way to grow Rich.’ This book included a sermon and an essay. In it, he encouraged people to pay their tithes, which are payments to the Church. He also spoke against the enclosure of common lands.

Another interesting work was ‘The New Birth; or Christian Regeneration.’ This book was written in a poetic style, similar to the famous poet John Milton. Allen hoped these verses would help "regenerate the whole British nation." He even suggested that people who enjoyed Milton's Paradise Regained would like his book because it "completes" Milton's ideas.

Lost Works

According to an advertisement from 1725, Thomas Allen had also planned or published several other books. These included:

• A Greek grammar called ‘English and Greek Institutions.’
• A ‘Greek and English Dictionary.’
• A book on Christian duties titled ‘Practical Christianity.’
• An ‘Explanation of the Seven Words of the Lord Jesus to the Seven Churches of Asia.’

Unfortunately, it seems that none of these books have survived to the present day.