John Heylyn

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John Heylyn (1685 – 11 August 1759) was an

Anglican divine, who had a major influence on religious thought in eighteenth century England. Because of his interest in mysticism
he was known as the Mystic Doctor.

Early life

Heylyn was the son of John Heylyn, a saddler of London, and his wife Susanna Sherman. The Heylyn family originally came from North Wales. He was born in Westminster and entered Westminster School in 1700. He was admitted at Trinity College, Cambridge on 7 June 1705[1] and was elected scholar of Trinity. In 1708 he graduated BA. He was ordained priest at London on 18 December 1709. It was recorded by Edward Rud in his 'Diary' that Heylyn "preach'd a very fine sermon" at the archidiaconal visitation of Dr Bewley in December 1710.[2]

A 19th century print showing St Mary-le-Strand and the Strand front of Somerset House.

Career

Heylyn was living at Turnham Green, Chiswick (then Middlesex, since 1885 part of London) in 1712,[3] and in 1714 became vicar of Haslingfield near Cambridge. He was awarded MA in 1714.[1]

In 1719 he left Haslingfield and served in various parishes in London, where he lived at Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, and Queen Street, Westminster, among other places.

St Mary-le-Strand, London. In the summer of 1725 he took his family to Geneva, where he left his sons to learn French. In the following year his second son Charles was drowned in the River Rhône in the rapid water where it runs out of Lake Geneva.[3] Heylyn gained a Doctor of Divinity in 1728. He became chaplain in ordinary to George II. In 1729 he was chosen Lecturer of All Hallows Lombard Street.[1] He published many theological works and from his indulgence in mysticism was known as the Mystic Doctor.[3][4]

Heylyn was an influence on

Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex 1742–7,[4] a prebendary of St Paul's Cathedral. In 1743 Heylyn was installed prebendary of Westminster Abbey.[3]

Heylyn died at Hampstead at the age of 74 and was buried in Westminster Abbey in August 1759.[3]

Family

Heylyn was married twice. He married the daughter of Dr Herbert Masters physician at Cirencester. She died in about 1718 and was buried in Covent Garden Churchyard.

Bow porcelain
.

Works

  • Theological lectures at Westminster-Abbey. With an interpretation of the New Testament. Part 1. Containing, the four Gospels (1749)
  • An interpretation of the New Testament. Part 2. Containing the Acts of the Apostles and the several Epistles. (1761).

Heylyn published six single sermons, one of which was delivered by him at the consecration of his friend Joseph Butler, Bishop of Bristol. According to Allibone, 'Seventeen' and 'Forty' of his 'Discourses' were published in 1770 and 1793 respectively.

References

  1. ^ a b c "Heylin, John (HLN705J)". A Cambridge Alumni Database. University of Cambridge.
  2. ^ Rud, E., The diary (1709-1727) of Edward Rud, sometime fellow of Trinity college, and rector of North Runcton in Norfolk; to which are added several unpublished letters of Dr. Bentley, accessed 31 August 2019
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Extracts of the diary of John Heylyn (younger), Bristol Record Office 33290/16
  4. ^ a b Susan Reynolds, ed. (1962). "Sunbury: Churches". A History of the County of Middlesex: Volume 3: Shepperton, Staines... Institute of Historical Research. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
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