Talk:Ralph Levett

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In line with verifiability, I like to see categories such as Category:Puritanism replaced by something more tangible. There is nothing I see here that would justify Category:English Caroline nonconforming clergy; but I suspect it would be more accurate. I'd be grateful for any information that could justify it. Charles Matthews (talk) 09:14, 6 July 2009 (UTC)

As Levett was not an author, we can only rely on his correspondence with his mentor, the Puritan Rev. John Cotton, as proof of his nonconforming stance. Levett is referred to by one authority as a 'protege' of Cotton's, by another as one of Cotton's many students who actually lived in his household before entering the ministry. Because of family connections, Levett was able to secure a post as a private chaplain, and later was rector of a small church supported by the same aristocratic family (the Wrays of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire). It would appear that his connections shielded him somewhat from persecution for his Puritan sympathies. But the only known writings of his that survive -- or the only writings I was able to put my hands on -- are his early correspondence with Cotton. Those point to the thin line he walked trying to hold onto his job while maintaining something of his Puritan sympathies. For that reason, I think he qualifies as English Caroline nonconforming clergy. MarmadukePercy (talk) 10:03, 6 July 2009 (UTC)

Assessment comment
Substituted at 03:52, 30 April 2016 (UTC)