Charles Herle facts for kids
Charles Herle (1598–1659) was an important English religious leader and writer. He was known for his balanced views within the Presbyterian faith, a type of Protestant Christianity.
Herle finished his studies at Exeter College, Oxford, earning a master's degree in 1618. Later, in 1626, he became a church leader (called a vicar) in Winwick, England.
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Charles Herle's Ideas on Power
Herle was involved in a big debate with Henry Ferne, who supported the King. Ferne believed in the "divine right of kings," which meant kings got their power directly from God.
Who Gives Kings Their Power?
Charles Herle disagreed with this idea. He argued that a king's power came from the people, not directly from God. This was a very new and important idea at the time.
Shaping Government Ideas
Some historians believe Herle's work helped to start the idea of "separation of powers." This means dividing the government's power into different parts. For example, one part makes laws, and another part enforces them. This helps make sure no single person or group has too much power.
Role in the Westminster Assembly
In 1646, the English Parliament chose Charles Herle to lead an important meeting. This meeting was called the Westminster Assembly. He became the main speaker, or "Prolocutor," for the Assembly.
Creating the Westminster Confession
Herle played a key role in writing the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1646. This was a very important document that set out the beliefs of the Presbyterian Church. He worked with other religious leaders, including Edward Reynolds and Matthew Newcomen, to draft this important text.
Books Written by Charles Herle
Charles Herle wrote several books during his lifetime. These books shared his religious and political ideas.
- 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)
