William Erbery facts for kids

William Erbery (born 1604 – died April 1654) was a Welsh clergyman and a very independent religious thinker. He was the father of Dorcas Erbery, who became a Quaker preacher.

Early Life and Challenges

William Erbery was born in Roath, a part of Cardiff, Wales. He went to Brasenose College, Oxford in England and finished his studies in 1623.

In 1638, Erbery faced trouble because of his religious beliefs. He was forced to leave his church in Cardiff, called St Mary's. The local bishop said he was causing a split in the church. Erbery, along with other religious leaders like Walter Craddock and William Wroth, refused to read from a book called the Book of Sports. This book allowed certain sports and games on Sundays, which many strict religious people at the time disagreed with.

Role in the English Civil War

When the English Civil War began in 1642, William Erbery became a chaplain (a religious leader for soldiers). He served in the Parliamentary Army, which was fighting against the King. He was part of the regiment led by Philip Skippon.

During this time, Erbery believed that the Parliamentary Army, especially the New Model Army, was doing God's work. He saw them as representing all people.

After his time with the army, he moved to the Isle of Ely. Here, he joined a group called the Seekers. These were people who felt that traditional churches were not following God's true path and were "seeking" a new way. Erbery helped this group grow in the 1640s.

Religious Ideas and Beliefs

William Erbery had strong ideas about how society and religion should be. He hoped that a government led by "saints" (very religious people) would carry out God's plans in England. He looked to the army and its leader, Oliver Cromwell, to make changes. These changes included getting rid of tithes (church taxes) and separating the church from the government.

In 1646, he had a public debate with Francis Cheynell, a well-known Presbyterian who was very strict about religious rules.

Erbery believed in wide religious tolerance, meaning people should be free to practice their own faith. He thought that many churches had strayed from early Christian teachings. He also questioned some common beliefs, like whether the idea of the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) was fully supported by the Bible. He believed in "free grace," meaning God's forgiveness is given freely, and that everyone could be saved.

He disagreed with some other religious groups, like the Baptists, and even wrote a pamphlet in 1653 called A Mad Man's Plea to express his views.

Family Life

William Erbery was married to Mary, who outlived him. They had children, including their daughter Dorcas Erbery, who became a Quaker preacher. After William's death, Mary and Dorcas were involved in an event in Bristol with Martha Simmonds and Hannah Stranger. This event led to James Naylor, another religious figure, being put on trial for blasphemy (speaking disrespectfully about God).