Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Newlin, Thomas

by Charlotte Fell Smith

NEWLIN, THOMAS (1688–1743), divine, son of William Newlin, rector of St. Swithin's, Winchester, was baptised there 29 Oct. 1688. From 1702 to 1706 he was a scholar of Winchester (Kirby, Winchester Scholars, p. 217), and was elected demy of Magdalen College, Oxford, in 1706. He graduated B.A. 26 June 1710, M.A. 7 May 1713, and B.D. 8 July 1727. He was a fellow of Magdalen from 1717 to 1721 (Bloxam, Magd. Coll. Reg. vi. 173–6). He frequently preached in Latin and English before the university, and seems to have been in good repute, but Hearne says (ib.) ‘if he would not print he might pass for a tolerable preacher.’ On 27 Sept. 1720 he was presented to the college living of Upper Beeding, Sussex (cf. Suss. Archeol. Coll. xxv. 191). The ancient priory of Sele, held with the living of Beeding, was repaired in 1724 at a cost of 200l. by Newlin and his wife Susanna, daughter of Martin and Sarah Powell of Oxford (d. 18 Sept. 1732). They had no children. Newlin died 24 Feb. 1743, and was buried at Beeding on 11 March (register; probably 2nd is meant). An epitaph records his defence of the constitution and liturgy of the church of England, and other virtues. His character appears to have been one of integrity and simplicity. His works were, besides separate sermons:

1. ‘The Sinner Enslaved by False Pretences,’ Oxford, 1718.
2. ‘Eighteen Sermons on Several Occasions,’ Oxford, 1720.
3. ‘One and Twenty Sermons on Several Occasions,’ Oxford, 1726.
4. ‘Bishop Parker's “History of his own Time,” in Four Books, faithfully translated from the Latin original,’ London, 1727.

Sixteen of Newlin's sermons are to be found in ‘Family Lectures,’ London, 1791. The editor, Vicesimus Knox [q. v.], says he prints them for their variety and excellence.

[Authorities given above; Gent. Mag. 1785 pt. i. p. 424; Darling's Encyclopædia; register of St. Swithin's, Winchester, per the Rev. J. H. Hodgson.]

C. F. S.