William Lyford facts for kids

William Lyford (1598–1653) was an English clergyman who had different religious views from the main church at the time. He was chosen to be part of an important meeting called the Westminster Assembly, but he did not attend.

William Lyford's Life

William Lyford was born in 1598 in a small town called Peasemore in Berkshire, England. His father, also named William Lyford, was a rector, which is a type of church leader.

Young William went to Magdalen Hall, Oxford university in 1615. He studied hard and earned his first degree in 1618. He continued his studies and got more degrees in 1621 and 1631.

In 1631, William Lyford became the vicar of Sherborne, a town in Dorset. A vicar is a priest who leads a local church.

During the English Civil War, William Lyford held strong religious beliefs that were a bit different from the official church. These beliefs, called Calvinism, meant he was not bothered during the war. He was even chosen to join the Westminster Assembly, a group of religious leaders, but he did not take his seat.

In 1653, he was given money from a nobleman's estate. William Lyford passed away in Sherborne on October 3, 1653. He was buried under the communion table in the church there. He had children with his wife, Elizabeth.

William Lyford's Writings

William Lyford wrote several books during his lifetime and some were published after he died.

Books Published While He Was Alive

• Principles of Faith and Good Conscience digested into a Catechistical Form, London, 1642. This book was like a question-and-answer guide to faith.
• An Apology for our Public Ministry and Infant Baptism, London, 1653. This book defended the way ministers served and the practice of baptizing babies.

Books Published After He Died

• The Plain Man's Senses exercised to discern both Good and Evil, London, 1655. This book helped people understand right from wrong.
• William Lyford his Legacy, or a Help for Young People to prepare them for the Sacrament, London, 1656. This was a guide for young people getting ready for a special church ceremony.
• Cases of Conscience propounded in the Time of Rebellion resolved, London, 1661. This book answered difficult moral questions that came up during the time of rebellion.

Lyford also helped edit the second edition of a book by William Pinke called Tryall of a Christians syncere Love unto Christ in 1634.