Richard Adams

Here is a detailed, SEO-style biographical article on Richard Adams (c. 1626 – 1698), the English nonconforming clergyman and religious writer.

Learn about Richard Adams (c. 1626–1698), his life as an English Presbyterian divine, his writings, his ejection for nonconformity, and his legacy in dissenting theology.

Richard Adams – Life, Ministry, and Religious Writings

Introduction

Richard Adams (circa 1626 – 7 February 1698) was a significant English nonconformist clergyman and theological writer. He became known for his sermons, contributions to biblical exegesis (especially in Matthew Poole’s Annotations), and for his steadfast Presbyterian convictions in a period of religious upheaval.

Adams belongs to the generation of clergy who were ejected from their positions after the Restoration of Charles II and who continued to minister privately or dissentingly. His life reflects the tensions between conformity and conscience in 17th-century England.

Early Life and Family

Richard Adams descended from a lineage of clergymen. His grandfather had been rector of Woodchurch in Cheshire, and his father, Charles Adams, (with his brother Randall) also became clergy.

He was born around 1626 (some sources suggest 1626/7) in or near Woodchurch, Cheshire.

He had several brothers—Peter, Thomas, Charles—who also entered pastoral or clerical service.

Education and Formation

Adams matriculated at Brasenose College, Oxford on 24 March 1646.
He earned his B.A. in 1648 and his M.A. in 1651.

During his time at Brasenose, he became a fellow and also served as bursar.

He also became associated with John Howe (another Puritan minister) during his Oxford years.

In 1657, Adams is recorded donating £6 toward the cost of a new chapel at Brasenose College, demonstrating his commitment to his academic and religious community.

Ministry, Nonconformity & Ejection

In 1655, Adams accepted the rectory of St. Mildred, Bread Street, London, where he served as a preacher.

However, with the Restoration of Charles II (1660) and the reimposition of Anglican uniformity, Adams found himself unable to comply with the new terms of clerical conformity (e.g. the Act of Uniformity 1662).

In 1662, he was ejected from his living.

After his ejection, Adams remained in London and ministered to a small nonconformist congregation in Southwark (in the Borough).

When circumstances allowed, he led public nonconforming services in Parish Street, Borough.

He also was licensed as a Presbyterian in 1672 to preach in a house in Cheapside (a brother’s house).

Adams remained in that pastoral role until his death in 1698.

Writings and Theological Contributions

Biblical Expositions & Annotations

One of Adams’s most enduring contributions is his exposition of the Epistles to the Philippians and Colossians, included in the Supplement to Matthew Poole’s Annotations upon the Holy Bible.

Poole’s Annotations was a well-known biblical reference work in the late 17th century. Adams’s involvement through his expositions shows his solid grounding in scripture and his theological reputation.

Sermons and Other Works

Adams published various sermons, some of which appeared in collections such as Morning Exercises at Cripplegate (1660–1690).

He also delivered a funeral sermon for Henry Hurst (died 1690), which was printed.

Adams is known to have written prefaces to treatises by Stephen Charnock, collaborating with Edward Veal in editing some of Charnock’s works posthumously.

He also published works of his brother Thomas Adams, including Protestant Union and The Main Principles of the Christian Religion.

Legacy of his Library

At his death, Adams left a substantial library and collection of papers. The value was over £120, a significant sum for that time.

In his will, he stipulated that his elder son John should receive all books and papers provided he paid his brother Peter £60 upon coming of age, reflecting both care and fairness in inheritance.

He also gifted books to his native Woodchurch: 344 books and a portable writing desk in 1676, and additional volumes later.

Personality, Beliefs & Influence

Adams’s convictions were firmly Presbyterian and aligned with nonconformist principles.

He was regarded as a “practical preacher, devout and quiet” — a man of deep piety rather than flamboyant rhetoric.

He accepted the cost of dissenting from the state church yet remained committed to pastoral care and theological work.

His cooperation in editing and preserving works by Stephen Charnock and his own published sermons contributed to the religious literature of dissenting Protestantism in late 17th-century England.

Death and Aftermath

Richard Adams died on 7 February 1698.

After his passing, a funeral sermon was preached by John Howe, reflecting the esteem in which he was held among dissenting ministers.

At his death, his library was assessed highly, and his papers were passed on under the terms he laid out.

Legacy & Significance

• Preservation of nonconformist literature: Through his sermons, expositions, and editorial work, Adams helped maintain a theological tradition outside the established church.

• Biblical insight in annotations: His contributions to Poole’s Annotations extended the reach of exegetical resources for English Protestant readers.

• Model for dissenting ministry: His posture—resigning when conscience demanded, yet continuing pastoral work among nonconformist communities—provides a paradigmatic example of principled ministry in a troubled era.

• Cultural continuity: His bequest of books to his home parish and to his family illustrates the value he placed on knowledge, learning, and legacy.

Though less famous than some leading Puritan or dissenting figures, Adams’s steadiness, scholarship, and devotion mark him as a respected voice in 17th-century English nonconformity.