Timeless Christians

Ken, Thomas

You might expect a prominent Christian who rebuked kings to appear on a list of martyrs or among political names. Thomas Ken rebuked three kings but always remained a godly and respected churchman.

A biographer described Ken as "one of the gentlest, truest, and grandest men of his age." He was born in Berkhampstead, England, in 1637. After completing his education at major schools, he served as a priest in the Church of England. During an exile to the continent he rebuked William III of Orange who became William III of England.

Back in England, Ken served as a court chaplain to Charles II, who once remarked wryly "I must go hear little Ken tell me my faults." Ken refused to house Charles' mistress Nell Gwyn. Charles respected him for it and appointed him Bishop of Bath and Wells.

Later, in connection with six other bishops, Ken refused to publish the "Declaration of Indulgence" issued by James II in 1688, for which the king imprisoned him in the Tower of London.

After the revolution brought William III to the throne, Ken refused to take an oath of allegiance to the new king, for he had sworn such an oath to the deposed James II. His position was given to another and he spent the rest of his life in retirement. He died March 19, 1711, at the residence of his friend, Lord Weymouth.

These events hardly seem sufficient reason to remember Ken. Noble Christians have suffered torture and death for less. However, in 1695 Ken published A Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Scholars of Winchester College and All Other Devout Christians, to Which Is Added Three Hymns for Morning, Evening, and Midnight. From this we get one of the most beloved hymns of the Christian church--the Doxology: "Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow."

Ken stood for right and praised God; along the way he acquired a lasting name.

by Dan Graves