Thomas Vincent (minister) facts for kids

Thomas Vincent (born May 1634 – died October 15, 1678) was an English minister and writer. He was a Puritan, which meant he followed a strict form of Protestant Christianity. He is best known for his brave actions during the terrible Great Plague of London in 1665.

Thomas Vincent's Early Life and Work

Thomas Vincent was born in Hertford in May 1634. He was the second son of John Vincent, who was also a minister. His younger brother, Nathaniel Vincent, also became a well-known minister.

Thomas went to Westminster School and then Felsted grammar school in Essex. In 1648, when he was about 14, he started studying at Christ Church, Oxford University. He earned his first degree in 1652 and a master's degree in 1654. After finishing university, he worked as a chaplain for Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester.

Around 1656, Thomas became the minister at a church in London called St. Mary Magdalene, Milk Street. He stayed there until 1662. That year, a new law called the Uniformity Act of 1662 was passed. This law made many ministers, including Thomas, leave their churches because they did not agree with all the new rules.

Life During the Great Plague

After losing his church, Thomas Vincent moved to Hoxton. There, he preached to people in private meetings. He also helped Thomas Doolittle teach at his school in Bunhill Fields.

The year 1665 was very difficult for London. This was the year of the Great Plague of London. Many people were dying from the disease. Even though it was dangerous, Thomas Vincent bravely stayed in London. He continued to preach in churches to comfort people.

He wrote a powerful book about his experiences during the plague and the Great Fire of London that followed. The book was called God's Terrible Voice in the City by Plague and Fire, published in 1667. In this book, he described how scary the fire was:

And if Monday night was dreadful, Tuesday night was more dreadful, when far the greatest part of the city was consumed: many thousands who on Saturday had houses convenient in the city, both for themselves, and to entertain others, now have not where to lay their head; and the fields are the only receptacle which they can find for themselves and their goods; most of the late inhabitants of London lie all night in the open air, with no other canopy over them but that of the heavens: the fire is still making towards them, and threateneth the suburbs; it was amazing to see how it had spread itself several times in compass; and, amongst other things that night, the sight of Guildhall was a fearful spectacle, which stood the whole body of it together in view, for several hours together, after the fire had taken it, without flames, (I suppose because the timber was such solid oak,) in a bright shining coal as if it had been a palace of gold, or a great building of burnished brass.

Sadly, seven people in his own home died from the plague.

After the plague and fire, Thomas gathered a large group of people to worship in Hoxton. He faced some difficulties because of his beliefs, and was even put in prison for a short time.

Thomas Vincent passed away on October 15, 1678. He was buried in the churchyard of St Giles-without-Cripplegate. His friend, Samuel Slater, gave the speech at his funeral.

Thomas Vincent is also a character in a play called "The Living" by Anthony Clarvoe. This play is about London during the 1665 plague.

Published Works

Thomas Vincent wrote several books and sermons. Here are some of his published works:

• A Spiritual Antidote for a Dying Soul (1665)
• God's Terrible Voice in the City (1667) – This book describes his experiences during the Great Plague and Fire of London.
• Of Christ's Certain and Sudden Appearance to Judgment
• The Foundation of God standeth Sure (1668) – This was written against William Penn.
• Defence of the Trinity, Satisfaction by Christ, and Justification of Sinners
• Wells of Salvation Opened (1669)
• The Only Deliverer from the Wrath to Come! Fire and Brimstone in Hell, to Burn the Wicked (1670)
• An Explanation of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism (1675) – This book explained a well-known set of religious questions and answers.
• The True Christians Love to the Unseen Christ
• A Sermon on Isa. Ivii. 1, 2.
• Holy and Profitable Sayings (1680) – This was published after he died.