John Heylyn

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 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. 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, and in 1714 became vicar of Haslingfield near Cambridge. He was awarded MA in 1714. a prebendary of St Paul's Cathedral. In 1743 Heylyn was installed prebendary of Westminster Abbey.

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

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. Heylyn had one surviving son John by his first wife who became a merchant of Bristol. His second wife was Elizabeth Ebutt, the daughter of Mrs Elizabeth Ebbutt of St. Margaret's Westminster. She died on 9 June 1747, aged 49. Heylyn had a daughter Elizabeth by his second wife. He was the brother of Edward Heylyn, one of the founders of 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.