Henry Vaughan
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [1]
a clergyman of the Church of England, was born at Mitchelmersh, Hampshire, Jan. 6, 1806. He was remarkable from childhood for his gentle manners and amiable disposition. At the age of sixteen he became a candidate for a scholarship at Corpus Christi College, Oxford; but, proving unsuccessful, he, after two years of private study, entered Wadham College. Subsequently he obtained a scholarship at Worcester College. An ardent ambition for scholastic distinction was now the most prominent feature of his character, and by his overwork he made himself sick and brought himself to the verge of death, which resulted in his conversion. He returned to college with earnest devotion for a ministerial preparation. In 1829 he was ordained to the sacred office, and began his labors as reader of the English service at Llangenny, a romantic village in the vale of Usk, Wales. Here he also did great service, and greatly endeared himself to the people as pastor. In 1830 Mr. Vaughan was appointed to the curacy of Crickhowell, Brecknockshire, and in 1832 vicar, which office he held during life. He died Jan. 21, 1837. Mr. Vaughan was a great lover of children, a tender pastor, an able and promising young preacher. He published several Sermons, and a work on the Fruits of the Spirit (Lond. 1841, 8vo). See Christian Guardian, 1846, p. 481,489, 513; Allibone, Dict. of Brit. and Amer. Authors, s.v.
The Nuttall Encyclopedia [2]
English poet, self-styled the "Silurist" from the seat of his family in South Wales; studied at Oxford, was a partisan of the royal cause; wrote four volumes of poems in the vein of George Herbert, but was much more mystical and had deeper thoughts, could he have expressed them; of his poems the first place has been assigned to "Silex Scintillans," the theme the flinty heart when smelted giving out sparks. "At times," adds Prof. Saintsbury, "there is in him genuine blood and fire; but it is not always, or even often, that the flint is kindled and melted to achieved expression" (1622-1695).
