William Asplin facts for kids
William Asplin (born around 1686 or 1687, died in 1758) was a British writer, a religious scholar, and a church leader. He wrote about important religious ideas of his time.
William Asplin's Life
William Asplin studied at Trinity College, Oxford, a famous university. After he earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1707, he moved to another part of Oxford called St. Alban's Hall. There, he became a vice-principal, which is like a deputy head.
In 1709, he became a priest. He also worked as a chaplain for a military regiment. A chaplain is a priest who serves in a special place, like the military. Later, in 1717, he became the vicar of Banbury. A vicar is a priest in charge of a church and its local area.
He then became the vicar of Horley in 1721 and Burthorpe, Gloucestershire, in 1733. William Asplin married Mary, the daughter of John Myster. Asplin was a very learned person. He often wrote letters to Dr. John Ward, a professor who taught about public speaking. They discussed old historical facts and nature.
William Asplin's Writings
William Asplin wrote several books and pamphlets. These works often explored religious practices and historical debates.
- Alkibla: Worshiping Towards the East
His most famous work was Alkibla. A Disquisition upon Worshiping towards the East. It was published in London in 1728. This book looked into the ancient practice of people worshiping facing the East. He explored how this tradition started in old cultures and how it was adopted early by the Christian Church. He also examined why ancient religious leaders thought this practice was important.
- Further Thoughts on Eastward Worship
In 1735, he published another work that continued to discuss worshiping towards the East. This book looked at the reasons modern religious thinkers gave for this practice. Asplin wanted to help people avoid superstition in their public prayers. He also aimed to reduce disagreements and support the ideas of the Reformation, which was a big change in the Christian Church. He believed church ceremonies should follow the Church's main rules.
- Debate on Ancient Landmarks
Asplin is also thought to have written a pamphlet called The Impertinences of Modern Antiquaries display'd. This writing was a response to a letter about the "White Horse," which is a famous ancient chalk figure on a hillside in England. This pamphlet was part of a debate among historians and scholars about old landmarks. Another writer, George North, later wrote an answer to Asplin's pamphlet.
