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Charles Herle

1598 – 1659

English theologian

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About Charles Herle

Lived 1598 – 1659 (aged 60–61). Charles Herle was a theologian.

Charles Herle (1598–1659) was a prominent English theologian, of moderate Presbyterian views.

Herle graduated from Exeter College, Oxford with an M.A. in 1618. He was vicar of Winwick, Lancashire, from 1626.

In a controversy with Henry Ferne, a Royalist, Herle insisted, against divine right theory, that a monarch's sovereignty was mediated by the people, rather than coming directly from God. It has been suggested that this work marks the beginning of a transition from theories of mixed government to the doctrine of separation of powers. His 1643 work on The independency on scriptures of the independency of churches provoked reaction from New England, and controversy with Samuel Rutherford.

Parliament appointed Herle as Prolocutor of the Westminster Assembly on 22 July 1646, after the death of William Twisse. The Westminster Confession of Faith of 1646 was drawn up by Herle with others, drafting being assigned at one point to a small group of Herle, Edward Reynolds and Matthew Newcomen.

Works A payre of compasses for church and state (1642) The independency on scriptures of the independency of churches (1643) Ahab's fall by his prophets flatteries (1644) A Fuller Answer to a Treatise written by Dr. Ferne (1642)

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Important facts

Born
1598, Lostwithiel
Birth century
Died
1659
Occupation
Education
Exeter College

People in Charles Herle's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Charles Herle's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Charles Herle?

English theologian

When was Charles Herle born?

Charles Herle was born in 1598 in Lostwithiel.

When did Charles Herle die?

Charles Herle died in 1659.

What was Charles Herle's occupation?

Charles Herle was a theologian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Charles Herle

· Wikidata: Q5079008

· DBpedia: Charles Herle

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Charles Herle. https://biography.guide/charles-herle/

MLA: "Charles Herle." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/charles-herle/.

Chicago: "Charles Herle." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/charles-herle/.

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