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PARSONS THROUGH THE AGES
by John Houghton
 Would you believe that a country cleric in the 17th century anticipated by about three centuries such 20th century wonders as space travel, moon landings, wireless and telegraphy? Its true and he wrote three books to explain them all!One country Vicar was murdered by his farmer-parishioners. Another managed to tame a frenzied dancing bear, was thrown into prison where he died, but was denied a Christian burial. A third talented priest, honoured by royalty, nevertheless met his death on the scaffold at Tyburn. A blasphemous, drunken Slave Trader survived to become an Anglican priest and gave over thirty years of devoted pastoral ministry.
How did it happen that another much appreciated village Rector gave nearly thirty years of devoted oral ministry only to be found after all that he wasn't a priest at all and never had been!
A Jew from Budapest turned Gentile. He came to England and became in turn a Presbyterian, and then an Anglican priest and Curate at Appledore in Kent. After a spell as Liberal MP for Darlington he disappeared to Romania, got involved in shady oil transactions, fled to America and was extradited back to England. There he was sent to prison for three years as a spy. He turned up next in China where he became a Buddhist and took the name of Abbot Chao Kung. He wrote letters to all the world leaders, including the Pope, inviting them all to meet with him to discuss the world's problems. Surprisingly, none of them answered! By the way, he was also a thief, specialising in stealing watches.
Hellfire preaching at Water Stratford reached its climax in weeks of frenzied hysteria because the Vicar said that Armageddon would be "next Ascension Day" and that only those then living in Water Stratford would be saved while all the rest of the world would perish.
But this collection of country clerics tells of less startling individuals and episodes as well. It tells of holy individuals quietly ministering in their parishes, some of them giving us in their Diaries pictures of life as it was two and three centuries ago.
There's wit and humour too, ranging from Geoffrey Chaucer and his lively Canterbury Pilgrims, up to the sardonic gems of that great Wit, Sydney Smith, not to mention P.G.Wodehouse!
The County of Buckinghamshire is the background for many of the individuals and events whose stories are recorded here. The all proceeds from this special sale of book will go to the Friends. All in all, this collection fully justifies the tag that it speaks of country clerics GOOD, BAD and SO SO.
Just complete the details below and send it with a cheque payable to Friends of Buckinghamshire Historic Churches to:
Mr D J Peck 20 Wykeham Gate, Haddenham, Aylesbury, Bucks HP17 8DF
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Number Ordered: @ £5 / copy (incl P&P)
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