Henry Smith
Henry Smith was a notable sixteenth-century English preacher and author, born in Leicestershire around 1560 to a wealthy landowner. He pursued higher education at Queen's College, Cambridge, and later at Lincoln College, Oxford, where he earned his degrees. Despite being set to inherit a substantial estate, Smith chose a life dedicated to the ministry, gaining fame as a "silver-tongued" preacher known for his engaging and accessible sermon style. His work at Saint Clement Danes parish in London allowed him to build a significant following, and his sermons are still studied for their eloquence and clarity.
In 1588, he faced controversy over his views on the Book of Common Prayer, resulting in a temporary suspension from preaching, but he was reinstated due to his parishioners’ support. Smith began transcribing his sermons, leading to the publication of several works, including "The Christian's Sacrifice" and notable discussions on marriage in "A Preparatiue to Mariage." His writings not only reflect the religious climate of the Elizabethan era but also provide insight into contemporary marital relationships. Smith passed away around 1591, with many of his sermons published posthumously, achieving significant popularity.
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Henry Smith
Writer
- Born: c. 1560
- Birthplace: Leicestershire, England
- Died: c. 1591
Biography
Henry Smith, a sixteenth century preacher and author, was born in Leicestershire, England, around 1560, the son of Erasmus Smith, a wealthy British landowner. In 1573, Smith entered Queen’s College in Cambridge, where he remained for three years before transferring to Lincoln College in Oxford. In 1579, he received his B.A. degree from Lincoln College, and in 1583 he earned his master’s degree from Saint John’s College in Cambridge.
Although Smith was in line to inherit his father’s estate, he declined his father’s wealth and dedicated his life to the ministry. Smith’s mother, Anne, died in 1584, and three years later his father married Margaret Cave, the widowed sister of Lord Burghley. With Burghley’s political influence, Smith was able to secure an appointment as lecturer at Saint Clement Danes parish in London. Here, Smith attained a large following and a reputation as a phenomenal speaker, known as the “silver-tongued” preacher. He delivered his sermons in a simple, yet eloquent style that could be understood by even the most uneducated members of his parish. His sermons continue to studied by scholars of Elizabethan prose.
In 1588, Smith was accused of speaking against the Book of Common Prayer and failing to subscribe to the Articles of Faith. He was suspended from preaching for a short time, but he regained his position after his parishioners appealed on his behalf, writing a letter in which they denied the allegations. The scandal prompted Smith to begin transcribing his sermons. His first published sermon, The Christian’s Sacrifice: Seene, and Allowed, appeared in 1589.
Smith continued preaching at Saint Clement Danes until ailing health forced him into an early retirement in 1590. He spent the next year preparing additional sermons for publication. He died around 1591.
Most of Smith’s sermons were collected and published posthumously and were popular with readers. A single volume, published in 1592, had been printed in more than eighty-five editions by 1610. One of his most noted works was A Preparatiue to Mariage: The Summe Whereof Was Spoken at a Contract, and Inlarged After, Whereunto Is Annexed a Treatise of the Lords Supper, and Another of Vsurie (1591). This work was Smith’s attempt to establish the nature of marriage and advocate the husband’s authority in the household. A Preparatiue to Mariage provided historians with an understanding of marital relationships in the Elizabethan era.