Thomas Edwards (divine) facts for kids

Thomas Edwards (born 1729, died 1785) was an important Anglican clergyman and scholar. He was known for his writings on theology and his work as a teacher.

Thomas Edwards' Life

Thomas Edwards was born in August 1729 in Coventry, England. His father was also named Thomas Edwards. Young Thomas went to the Free Grammar School in Coventry.

In 1746, he started studying at St John's College, Cambridge, a famous university. The next year, he moved to Clare Hall. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1750 and a master's degree (M.A.) in 1754. He also became a fellow at Clare Hall, which means he was a senior member of the college.

Edwards became a deacon in 1751 and a priest in 1753. These are steps in becoming an Anglican clergyman. He was ordained by Frederick Cornwallis, who was the bishop of Lichfield and Coventry at the time.

In 1755, he published a new English translation of the Psalms, which are religious songs from the Bible. In 1758, he shared a sermon he had given at St. Michaels church. That same year, he became the headmaster of the free grammar school in Coventry. He also became the rector (the main priest) of St. John the Baptist Church in Coventry. He married Ann Barrott in 1758.

In 1759, Edwards published a book called The Doctrine of Irresistible Grace proved to have no foundation in the Writings of the N. T. This book was important in a big discussion among Christians about how God's grace works. This discussion was between two groups: the Calvinists and the Arminians. Edwards was an Arminian, meaning he believed people have free will to choose to follow God.

In 1762, he published another book, Prolegomena in Libros Veteris Testamenti Poeticos. In this book, he disagreed with some ideas from another scholar named Robert Lowth. This led to a long debate between them.

Edwards earned his D.D. degree (Doctor of Divinity) in 1766. In 1770, he moved to Nuneaton in Warwickshire, where he lived for the rest of his life. He left his work in Coventry in 1779. Sadly, his wife passed away in 1784. Thomas Edwards died in June 1785 and was buried in Foleshill.

People described him as a kind and gentle person who liked quiet time. His closest friend was Edmund Law, who was a bishop.

Thomas Edwards' Writings

Thomas Edwards wrote several important books and essays during his life. Here are some of them:

• The Doctrine of Irresistible Grace proved to have no foundation in the Writings of the N. T., published in 1759.
• Prolegomena in Libros Veteris Testamenti Poeticos, published in 1762.
• Epistola ad doctissimum R. Lowthium, published in 1765.
• Two Dissertationes, published in 1767.
• Due Dissertationes, published in 1768.
• The Indispensable Duty of Contending for the Faith, published in 1773.
• Selecta quædam Theocriti Idyllia (This book included parts of ancient Greek poetry by Theocritus, along with many notes from Edwards), published in 1779.