Thomas Blake (minister) facts for kids

Thomas Blake (born around 1597, died 1657) was an English Puritan clergyman. A Puritan was someone who wanted to make the Church of England simpler and more "pure." Blake was known for his strong opinions and for debating others. He worked in Tamworth, Staffordshire and later in Shrewsbury. He had to leave Shrewsbury because of a disagreement about a loyalty oath. He also wrote books and argued with another famous clergyman, Richard Baxter, about who should be allowed to receive baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Blake was born in Staffordshire. He started studying at Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university, on October 25, 1616. He was about 19 years old at the time. He earned his first degree (Bachelor of Arts) in 1620 and his master's degree (Master of Arts) in 1623.

Working in Tamworth

St Editha's church, Tamworth

After finishing his studies and becoming a priest, Blake began working in the Tamworth area. He was ordained as a priest on Christmas Eve, 1620, by Bishop Thomas Morton. Bishop Morton was friendly towards Puritans like Blake.

By 1639, Blake was the curate (a church official) of Tamworth, which included the areas of Glascote and Hopwas. The Church of St Editha, Tamworth was a very old and important church. In 1629, Thomas Blake became the Vicar of Tamworth. This meant he was in charge of the main church and also helped with two other smaller churches in the large parish. He lived in the old college house.

However, there was a legal problem over who owned the church property. In 1642, a man named William Comberford tried to take Blake to court. This case didn't go anywhere because a bigger conflict, the English Civil War, was about to begin.

The Civil War and Commonwealth Period

Moving to Shrewsbury

St Alkmund's, Shrewsbury. The tower and spire were retained from the medieval building when the church was largely rebuilt in the late 18th century.

During the English Civil War, Parliament's army took control of Shrewsbury in 1645. Thomas Blake then moved to work at St Alkmund's church in Shrewsbury. The town council agreed to pay him extra money for his work there.

At this time, Parliament was working with the Scottish Covenanters. They wanted to set up a Presbyterian polity (a way of organizing the church with local leaders and councils) across England. This was part of an agreement called the Solemn League and Covenant. Shropshire was one of the few counties that tried to do this. Thomas Blake was listed as one of the main ministers in Shrewsbury's Presbyterian system.

Title page of the Solemn League and Covenant.

In 1648, Blake signed a document called A Testimony of the Ministers in the Province of Salop. This document showed support for the Solemn League and Covenant. It also spoke out against other religious groups, especially those who wanted churches to be completely independent. This was a difficult time for Presbyterians because their political power was weakening.

The Loyalty Oath Dispute

After King Charles I was executed in 1649, Parliament introduced a new loyalty oath in March 1650. It was called the Oath of Engagement. People had to promise to be "true and faithful to the Commonwealth of England, as it is now established, without a King or House of Lords." This oath went against the earlier Solemn League and Covenant, which had supported a Presbyterian church with the king as its head.

In Shrewsbury, Thomas Blake and another minister, Samuel Fisher, preached against this new oath. Meanwhile, a different minister, Thomas Paget, preached in favor of it. As this argument grew, a serious outbreak of bubonic plague hit Shrewsbury. It started in June and spread quickly.

Some historians believe the plague was why Blake and Fisher left Shrewsbury. Others think they were forced out because of their strong opinions against the oath. On August 16, 1650, the English Council of State ordered the governor of Shrewsbury to remove anyone who was stirring up trouble with their words. A week later, they specifically named Blake and Fisher and ordered their arrest.

Blake and Fisher found safety for a while in a village called Myddle. They stayed with the local minister, Joshua Richardson, and were allowed to preach there. Later, they stayed for several months in West Felton. Blake later thanked the people who helped him during this difficult time in one of his books.

Back in Tamworth

After leaving Shrewsbury, Thomas Blake returned to his work in Tamworth. It's not entirely clear how he managed to get his old job back. However, the person who had replaced him was also working in another church at the same time. This might have made it easier for Blake to return.

From Tamworth, Blake continued to write theological books and argue about religious ideas. He focused on who should be allowed to take the Lord's Supper. He believed in a very open approach, allowing almost everyone. This led to more debates with Richard Baxter, another important Puritan writer. Their arguments continued until Blake's death, but they generally treated each other with respect.

Death

Thomas Blake was healthy when he wrote his will in January 1656. However, he died in Tamworth and was buried in his church on June 11, 1657. A sermon was given at his funeral by Anthony Burgess. Blake left behind his wife, Jane, but they did not have any children. His property was divided between Jane and his brother, John.

Works

Thomas Blake wrote many books and pamphlets about his religious beliefs. Here are some of his most important works:

• Birth Privilege, or the Right of Infants to Baptism, 1644. (About whether babies should be baptized)
• Infant's Baptism freed from Antichristianisme, 1645. (More on baby baptism)
• A Moderate Answer to the Two Questions, 1645. (About baptism and receiving communion in mixed groups)
• Vindiciae Foederis, a Treatise of the Covenant of God with Mankind, 1653. (About God's agreement with people)
• Infant Baptism maintain'd in its Latitude, 1653. (Another book defending baby baptism)
• The Covenant Sealed, or a Treatise of the Sacrament of both Covenants, 1655. (About the meaning of sacraments)