Thomas Edwards (heresiographer) facts for kids

Thomas Edwards (1599–1647) was an English Puritan minister. He was a very important preacher in London during the 1640s. He also wrote many strong arguments from a conservative Presbyterian point of view. He often disagreed with a group called the Independents.

The Life of Thomas Edwards

Early Life and Studies

Thomas Edwards finished his studies at Queens' College, Cambridge in 1625. He became a well-known preacher. He stayed in Cambridge and was appointed a university preacher. People sometimes called him 'Young Luther'.

In 1627, he gave a sermon where he advised people not to seek worldly advice when they had doubts. He said he would teach only this doctrine, even if the world was ending. Because of this, he was put in prison. He had to promise to appear before the church courts.

After many court appearances, he was told to publicly take back his teachings. He did this on April 6, 1628, at St. Andrew's Church. Soon after, Edwards left Cambridge. In 1629, he was allowed to preach in St. Botolph's, Aldgate. His career was stopped for a time by William Laud, a powerful church leader.

Preaching in London

Later, Thomas Edwards was able to preach again. He spoke out against "popish innovations" (changes that seemed too much like Catholic practices) and Arminian ideas. He preached in various churches in London, including Aldermanbury and Coleman Street.

In July 1640, he gave a sermon at Mercers' Chapel that showed he did not agree with the official church rules. He was then taken to the high commission court. Edwards preached where he felt he was most needed. This included places like Christchurch in London, Hertford, Dunmow, and Godalming. He sometimes traveled to Godalming three or four times a week from London.

From 1644, his main church in London was Christ Church, Newgate. This was a key center for Presbyterians. He was especially worried about different religious groups forming in the army. He opposed ideas that were starting to appear, which later became known as the Levellers.

Exile and Final Days

In July 1647, Edwards took a strong stand against the military. He and other ministers in London encouraged people to take over Parliament. They wanted to reverse decisions that had removed eleven Presbyterian leaders. For about a week, starting July 26, the Presbyterian side seemed to be in charge in London, with support from the City of London.

However, the Army then moved in and took back control by August 4. Edwards had to leave England and went to the Netherlands. He died there from a fever before the end of that year.

Gangraena: A Major Work

His most important book was Gangraena, published in 1646. This book listed many different Protestant views that Edwards considered wrong or even heresies. He wrote it from a very strong opposing viewpoint. He hoped that by listing these views, he could silence or harm his opponents. However, they responded by criticizing Presbyterianism in return.

In Gangraena, Edwards was one of the first to describe the ideas of the Levellers. He summarized their views and strongly criticized their radical idea that everyone should be completely equal in politics. He felt this showed no respect for the existing government. The main people he targeted in the third part of his book were those who would later be known as the leaders of the Leveller party.

Other Writings by Thomas Edwards

His first book was Reasons Against the Independent Government of Particular Congregations, published in 1641. This book attacked the idea of religious tolerance and the Independent group, which was becoming more important. He wrote it for Parliament. This book started many arguments. Some people who responded to his book included Katherine Chidley and William Walwyn. Walwyn wrote A Whisper In The Eare of Mr Thomas Edwards in 1646, using gentle humor to make his points.

Another important work was Antapologia from 1644. This book was an attack on five members of the Westminster Assembly who belonged to the Independents. These five were William Bridge, Jeremiah Burroughs, Thomas Goodwin, Philip Nye, and Sidrach Simpson. They were often called the Five Dissenting Brethren. This book has been described as "the most detailed and least polite" of the Presbyterian writings against the Independents.

Family Life

Thomas Edwards had a son named John Edwards. His son also became a well-known theologian, someone who studies religion and God.