John Howe (theologian) facts for kids

John Howe (born May 17, 1630 – died April 2, 1705) was an English religious leader. He was known as a Puritan theologian. For a short time, he worked as a chaplain for Oliver Cromwell, a very important leader in England.

Life and Work

Early Years and Education

John Howe was born in Loughborough, England. When he was five years old, he moved to Ireland with his father. His father had been forced to leave his church job by William Laud, who was an archbishop. In 1641, John and his father returned to England and settled in Lancaster.

John studied at Christ's College, Cambridge, and later at Magdalen College, Oxford. He earned his first degree in 1650 and a master's degree in 1652. At Oxford, he also worked as a fellow and a chaplain for the college. While at Cambridge, he was influenced by thinkers like Ralph Cudworth and Henry More. Their ideas likely shaped his own writings.

Serving as a Preacher

Around 1654, John Howe became a minister in Great Torrington, Devon. He was very dedicated to his work there. He once said that on special fast days, he would preach from nine in the morning until four in the afternoon. He only took a short fifteen-minute break while the people sang hymns.

In 1656, while visiting London, Oliver Cromwell asked him to preach at Whitehall. Cromwell was so impressed that he convinced Howe to become one of his chaplains. John Howe did not really want this job, but he accepted it. After Richard Cromwell (Oliver's son) left power, Howe returned to his church in Torrington.

Facing Challenges

In 1662, a new law called the Act of Uniformity 1662 was passed. This law required ministers to follow certain rules. Because John Howe could not agree to all these rules, he had to leave his church. However, he stayed in the area and continued to preach in private homes. During this time, he was called before the Bishop of Exeter, Seth Ward, who was an old friend. Bishop Ward tried to persuade Howe to be reordained (officially made a minister again under the new rules), but Howe refused.

In 1666, Howe accepted another law called the Five Mile Act 1665. This law restricted where ministers who did not follow the new rules could live. Howe agreed to it, but only "so far as the laws of man are agreeable to the Word of God."

Later Years and Return to London

In 1671, John Howe became a chaplain for Lord Massereene at Antrim Castle in Ireland. While there, he was part of the Antrim Meeting, which was an early group for Presbyterians in Ireland.

In 1676, he moved back to London. He took over from Lazarus Seaman at Haberdashers' Hall. In 1685, times became harder for dissenters (people who did not follow the official Church of England). Because of this, Howe decided to travel to Europe with Lord Wharton. The next year, he settled in Utrecht.

When King James II announced a new rule in 1687 that allowed more religious freedom, John Howe returned to his old job in London. From then until his death, he was very involved in religious discussions. In 1688, he led a group of dissenting ministers to welcome William of Orange when he arrived in England. John Howe died in London.

Principal Writings

John Howe wrote several important books during his lifetime:

• The Blessedness of the Righteous (London, 1668)
• Delighting in God (1674)
• The Living Temple (2 parts, 1675–1702), which is his most famous book
• The Redeemer's Tears Wept over Lost Souls (1684)

His collected Works were published after his death, along with a Life written by Edmund Calamy.