Conant, John (1608-10-18 - 1694-03-12)

Born to Robert Conant and Elizabeth Morris on 18 October 1608 at Yettington, Bicton, Devon. His uncle, also named John Conant, encouraged his education, placing him in the free school at Ilchester, Somerset. In 1627, his uncle encouraged his enrollment in Exeter College, where he had been a fellow. Excelled in Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, and Arabic. BA in 1632; fellow, 1633; MA, 1634. Ordained deacon around this time. Disruption of the civil war caused him to leave Oxford in 1642. Assisted his uncle at his parishes in Limington and St Botolph Aldergate. Around this time also became chaplain to Lord and Lady Chandos. Resigned his fellowship in 1647 after refusing subscription to the solemn league and covenant. He did however affirm his loyalty to the parliamentary government when elected rector of Exeter College in 1649, with the qualification that he did not approve of all the government had done. Awarded DD in 1654.Preached regularly at nearby parishes of All Saints, St Michael, St Mary Magdalen, and Kidlington. Married Elizabeth Reynolds in 1651 with whom he had six sons and six daughters. Appointed Regius professor of divinity in 1654, and vice-chancellor in 1657. Welcomed the restoration, but his presbyterian sympathies cost him his positions at Oxford. Involved in the 1661 Savoy Conference. After much study of ancient liturgies, he eventually conformed in 1670, resulting in re-ordination and appointment as vicar of All Saints, Northampton in 1671. He remained there until his death on 12 March 1694, but held other preferments: archdeacon of Norwich (1676); prebend of Worchester Cathedral (1681). Many of his sermons were published between 1693 and 1722 in six volumes entitled, Sermons Preached on Several Occasions.