Joshua Hoyle facts for kids

Joshua Hoyle (died 6 December 1654) was an important Professor of Divinity (which means he taught about religion and God) at Trinity College Dublin. He also served as the Master (like a principal) of University College, Oxford. He held these roles during a time in England called the Commonwealth of England, when the country was run without a king.

Early Life and Education

Joshua Hoyle was born in Sowerby, a town in Yorkshire, England. He went to college at Magdalen Hall, Oxford and later at Trinity College Dublin. After his studies, he became a fellow (a senior member of the college) at Trinity College Dublin.

In 1621, Joshua Hoyle earned his doctor's degree. He was then chosen to be the Professor of Divinity at Trinity College Dublin. This happened after another famous scholar, James Ussher, left the position.

Teaching and Challenges

Joshua Hoyle was a strong Calvinist. This means he followed the teachings of John Calvin, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation. Because of his strong beliefs, he sometimes disagreed with the Provost (the head of the college), William Bedell.

Hoyle was known as a very dedicated teacher in Dublin. He taught through every single book and verse of the Bible. Once he finished, he would start all over again!

Moving to London

In 1641, a big uprising called the Irish Rebellion of 1641 began in Ireland. Because of the danger, Joshua Hoyle moved to London for safety. There, he became the vicar (a type of priest) of Stepney. He took over from William Stampe, who supported the King.

People in London found his sermons (religious talks) a bit too "scholarly." This meant his talks were perhaps too academic or complex for the everyday churchgoers.

In 1643, he joined the Westminster Assembly. This was a group of important religious leaders and members of Parliament. They met regularly to discuss and reform the Church of England. The House of Commons (part of the English Parliament) also gave him a church position in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset, in February 1643.

Joshua Hoyle also spoke against William Laud. Laud was a powerful church leader who was accused of trying to change the Church of England in ways many people didn't like. Hoyle gave evidence about Laud's policies when Laud was the chancellor of the University of Dublin.

Life at Oxford University

Later, Joshua Hoyle worked with a special committee from Parliament. This committee was focused on making changes to the University of Oxford.

In July 1648, several people, including Obadiah Walker, were removed from Oxford University. They were removed because they supported the King (they were Royalists) during the English Civil War. The Master of University College, Thomas Walker, also lost his job.

Soon after, on 10 July, Joshua Hoyle was appointed as the new Master of University College. He also became the Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford. This was another important teaching role about religion.

Joshua Hoyle passed away on 6 December 1654. He was buried in the old chapel of University College, Oxford.

His Writings

Joshua Hoyle wrote a book called A Rejoynder to Master Malone's Reply concerning Reall Presence. He wrote this book in 1641 in Dublin. He wrote it to support James Ussher against another writer named William Malone. A "rejoinder" is a reply to an argument.

Another sermon (a religious speech) printed in 1645 is also thought to be written by Hoyle. Its title was Jehojades Justice against Mattan, Baal's Priest, and so on.