On August 3, 1667, Jeremy Taylor fell ill. A week prior, he had visited a sick church member. That sickness now threatened his own life.

Taylor was a respected religious writer. Archbishop Laud supported his career. Laud harshly treated Puritans. Later, Puritans beheaded him when they gained power. Sometimes known as the “Shakespeare of Divines, “Taylor’s early writings were very learned. Between 1649 and 1653, he published easier works. These included a long study on Christ‘s life. He also published two popular sermon books. His study mixed Bible facts with Christ’s life stories and prayers. One prayer asked for new life by imitating Christ’s grace. Today, Taylor is best known for his spiritual advice. His books on holy living and dying became instant classics. They are still in print today.

Taylor was a Royalist in the English Civil War. Parliament forces captured and jailed him. After his release, he taught and wrote to support his family. He served as chaplain to the Earl of Carbery. This gave him time for good deeds and quiet thought. He wrote his best works then. His time with Carbery ended before the monarchy returned in 1660. He then secretly advised Royalist supporters. He was arrested several times.

Taylor made many friends during these hard years. After the king returned, Charles II honored Taylor. He named him bishop of Down and Connor. He also made him a member of the Irish Privy Council. He became vice-chancellor of Dublin University. This university was in chaos. Taylor did not want the bishop job. Presbyterians were strong in that area. He expected problems and asked to move. The king, however, chose Taylor. He was well-liked. He had also written for religious freedom.

Taylor stood firm against Presbyterians. They even threatened his life. His peace efforts failed. He told them to obey or leave. He then removed thirty-six men. He also forced Irish Catholics to attend Church of England services. This offended them. They spoke Gaelic. The services were in English, a language they did not know.

Adding to Taylor’s troubles, all his children died. His friends in England stopped contact. Problems in his church area continued. He lost the will to live. Ten days after taking to his bed, Jeremy Taylor died.

Also on this Day

1785 – Samuel Seabury, who obtained ordination in Scotland, was publicly recognized as Bishop of Connecticut in a convocation at Middletown, Connecticut. He became the United States’ first Anglican bishop (soon reorganized as the Episcopal Church).

1872 – Lord Shaftesbury, a combatant of white slavery, laid the foundation stone of a large housing complex named after him at Battersea.

1900 – Lizzie Atwater, a missionary, was among the one hundred and eighty-nine Protestant missionaries, including 53 children (and many Roman Catholic priests and nuns), who were killed by Boxers and Chinese soldiers in northern China. An estimated 2,000 Protestant Chinese Christians also were killed. The China Inland Mission lost more members than any other organization: 58 adults and 20 children.

1902 – The Filipino Church freed itself. Filipinos declared their churches independent, founding the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Gregorio Aglipay became their first bishop; consequently, the denomination is sometimes called the Aglipayan Church.

Also see The Boxer Uprising.