Jeremy Collier

Date of Birth: September 23, 1650

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 26, 1726

Biography

Jeremy Collier was an influential English clergyman, theater critic, and non-juror bishop, born on September 23, 1650, in Stow-cum-Quy, Cambridgeshire, England. He is best known for his critical work “A Short View of the Immorality and Profaneness of the English Stage,” published in 1698, which attacked the immorality he perceived in contemporary theater. Collier’s education at Ipswich School and later Caius College, Cambridge, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1673 and Master of Arts in 1676, laid the foundation for his scholarly pursuits. After being ordained in the Church of England, he held various clerical positions but was later deprived of his benefice for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to William III and Mary II following the Glorious Revolution. Despite his non-juror status, Collier remained active in religious and literary circles, continuing to write and publish works that reflected his staunch Anglican beliefs and moral rigor. His writings extended beyond theater criticism to include controversial theological treatises and defenses of the non-juror position. Jeremy Collier’s legacy is marked by his impact on English literature and moral philosophy, as well as his role in the non-juror schism within the Anglican Church.

5 Interesting Facts about Jeremy Collier

1. Jeremy Collier was a prominent figure in the non-juror movement, which consisted of clergy who refused to swear allegiance to William III and Mary II.

2. His work “A Short View of the Immorality and Profaneness of the English Stage” sparked significant debate and led to responses from playwrights such as William Congreve and John Vanbrugh.

3. Collier was imprisoned multiple times for his non-juror activities, including for officiating at illegal ordinations.

4. He wrote a historical account titled “An Ecclesiastical History of Great Britain,” which covered the history of Christianity in Britain from the earliest times to the end of the 17th century.

5. Despite his controversial stance, Collier was respected for his scholarship and moral integrity, influencing later critics and moralists.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jeremy Collier

1. “Nothing has an uglier look to us than reason, when it is not of our side.”

2. “The stage how loosely does Astraea tread!”

3. “Men of polite learning and a liberal education are not apt to take fire; they know how to reason and to distinguish.”

4. “The corruption of the best things gives rise to the worst.”

5. “True religion is built upon love rather than fear, and upon persuasion rather than force.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a clergyman and scholar in the 17th and early 18th centuries, Jeremy Collier did not amass significant wealth. His highest net worth would have been modest, primarily consisting of his earnings from clerical duties and publications.

Children

Jeremy Collier did not have any known children. His life was predominantly dedicated to his clerical duties, writing, and involvement in the non-juror movement.