De Veil, Carolus Maria, Dd

De Veil, Carolus Maria, D.D.

an English Baptist, was a Jew, born at Metz, Lorraine, and educated in Judaism; but, by comparing the Old with the New Test., became a Christian. His father tried to kill him with a sword, but he escaped, and became a canon regular of the Augustines, at Melun, and professor of divinity in the University of Anjou, where he took his degree. In 1672 was published his Commentary on St. Mark and St. Luke, in defence of the Church of Rome. Being employed to write against the Huguenots, he was led to embrace Protestantism, fled to Holland, abjured popery in 1677, and finally went to England, where he was kindly received by several bishops, and admitted to holy orders in the English Church. He published a Commentary on Solomon's Song, and the Minor Prophets, which secured him high favor and patronage, and the bishop of London gave him free access to his library. There coming into contact with the leading Baptists, he joined their body, but thereby forfeited all his Church friends excepting Dr. Tillotson. He became pastor in Gracechurch Street, and brought much honor to the denomination. In 1684 was published his Literal Explanation of the Acts of the Apostles, in Latin, then translated it into English. De Veil afterwards practiced medicine for his maintenance; but the Baptists allowed him a yearly stipend till his death. See Wilson, Dissenting Churches, 1:205.