Vavasor Powell facts for kids
Vavasor Powell (1617–1670) was a Welsh preacher with strong religious beliefs. He was known as a Puritan and a Fifth Monarchist. He spent time in prison because he was involved in a plan against King Charles II.
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Early Life and Beliefs
Vavasor Powell was born in a place called Knucklas in Radnorshire, Wales. He might have studied at Jesus College, Oxford. In 1638, he went back to Wales and worked as a school teacher.
During this time, he became a Puritan. Puritans were a group of Protestants who wanted to make the Church of England simpler. They wanted to follow the Bible very closely. Powell was inspired by other Puritan preachers and writers.
Becoming a Preacher
Around 1639, Powell started traveling around Wales to preach. He was arrested twice in 1640 for his preaching, but he was not punished. During the English Civil War, he preached in and around London.
In 1641, he was preaching in a church in Llanyre when armed men forced him out and put him in prison. Later, in 1646, after Parliament won the Civil War, Powell returned to Wales. He continued his traveling sermons, supported by Parliament.
Trouble with the King
In 1653, Powell went back to London to preach. He spoke out against Oliver Cromwell when Cromwell became the Lord Protector. Because of this, Powell was put in prison.
After King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660, things got difficult for Powell again. The King's council ordered his arrest. They called him a "dangerous minister."
Letters found with Powell and his friends suggested they were part of a plan against King Charles II. Powell was arrested in August 1660.
He stayed in prison for seven years. He was held in places like Southsea Castle. He was set free in 1667, but he was put back in prison the next year. Vavasor Powell remained in prison until he died on October 27, 1670. He was buried in Bunhill Fields cemetery in London.
His Work and Legacy
Vavasor Powell wrote eleven books and some hymns. However, he was best known for his powerful preaching. He preached to important people, including the Lord Mayor of London and Parliament. He was a strong supporter of Calvinism, another form of Protestant Christianity.
For a long time, Vavasor Powell was not widely known in history. But in recent years, historians have started to look at his importance again. A Welsh theologian named R. Tudur Jones said that Powell was one of the most interesting Welsh Puritans. Today, many studies are being done on Vavasor Powell and his role in the Puritan movement.
Writings and Hymns
Vavasor Powell wrote several books and hymns.
Written Works in English
- The Scriptures Concord, London, 1646
- God the Father glorified, London, 1649
- Christ and Moses Excellency, London, 1650
- Saving faith, London, 1651
- Christ exalted, 1651
- Three Hymns, London, 1650
- Common-Prayer Book on divine service, London, 1660
- The Bird in the cage, London, 1661
- The Sufferers-catechism, 1664
- A New and useful concordance, London, 1671
- Divine Love, London, 1677
- The golden sayings, sentences and experiences of Mr. Vavasor Powell [...], London, undated (circa 1675)
Notable Hymns in Welsh
- Crist, fy ngorffwysfa benaf yw
- Alldudion y'm tra yn y byd
- Duw yw ein gobaith yn ddiffael
- Mor weddaidd ar fynyddoedd yw
