lord bishop of Bristol and dean of St Paul's London, was born on the first of January 1704. His father, John Newton, was a considerable brandy and cider merchant, who, by his industry and integrity, having acquired what he thought a competent fortune, left off trade several years before he died.
He received the first part of his education in the free school of Litchfield; a school which, the bishop observes with some kind of exultation, had at all times sent forth several persons of note and eminence; from Bishop Smalridge and Mr Wollaston, to Dr Johnson and Mr Garrick.
From Litchfield he was removed to Westminster school, in 1717, under the care of Dr Freind and Dr Nicoll.
During the time he was at Westminster, there were, he observes, more young men who made a distinguished figure afterwards in the world, than perhaps at any other period, either before or since. He particularly mentions William Murray, the late earl of Mansfield, with whom he lived on terms of the highest friendship to the last.
He continued six years at Westminster school, five of which he passed in the college. He afterwards went to Cambridge, and entered at Trinity college. Here he constantly resided eight months at least in every year, till he had taken his Bachelor of Arts degree. Being chosen fellow of his college, he came afterwards to settle in London. As it had been his inclination from a child, and as he was also designed for holy orders, he had sufficient time to prepare himself, and composed some sermons, that he might have a stock in hand when he entered on the ministry. His title for orders was his fellowship; and he was ordained deacon in December 1729, and priest in February following, by Bishop Gibson.
At his first setting out in his office, he was curate at St George's Hanover-square; and continued for several years assistant preacher to Dr Trebeck. His first preferment was that of reader and afternoon preacher at Grosvenor Chapel, in South Audley street.
This introduced him to the family of Lord Tyrconnel, to whose son he became tutor. He continued in this situation for many years, very much at his ease, and on terms of great intimacy and friendship with Lord and Lady Tyrconnel, "without so much (says he) as an unkind word or a cool look intervening."
In the spring of 1744, he was, through the interest of the earl of Bath (who was his great friend and patron, and whose friendship and patronage were returned by grateful acknowledgements and the warmest encomiums), presented to the rectory of St Mary Le Bow; so that he was 40 years old before he obtained any living.
At the commencement of 1745, he took his doctor's degree. In the spring of 1747 he was chosen lecturer of St George's, Hanover-square, by a most respectable vestry of noblemen and gentlemen of high distinction. In August following he married his first wife, the eldest daughter of Dr Trebeck; an unaffected, modest, decent young woman, with whom he lived very happy in mutual love and harmony for near seven years.
In 1749 he published his edition of Milton's Paradise Lost, which, (says he, very modestly) it is hoped hath not been ill received by the public, having, in 1775, gone through eight editions. After the Paradise Lost, it was judged (says he) proper that Dr Newton should also publish the Paradise Regained, and other poems of Milton; but these things he thought detained him from other more material studies, though he had the good fortune to gain by them more than Milton did by all his works put together. But his greatest gain (he says) was their first introducing him to the friendship and intimacy of two such men as Bishop Warburton and Dr Jortin, whose works will speak for them better than any private commendation.
In 1754 he lost his father at the age of 83; and within a few days his wife, at the age of 38. This was the severest trial he ever underwent, and almost overwhelmed him. At that time he was engaged in writing his Dissertations on the Prophecies; and happily it was for him: for in any affliction he never found a better or more effectual remedy than plunging deep into study, and fixing his thoughts as intensely as he possibly could upon other subjects. The first volume was published the following winter; but the other did not appear till three years afterwards; and as a reward for his past and an incitement to future labours, he was appointed, in the mean time, to preach Boyle's lecture. The bishop informs us, that 1250 copies of the Dissertations were taken at the first impression, and 1000 at every other edition: and "though (says he) some things have been since published upon the same subjects, yet, they still hold up their head above water, and having gone through five editions, are again prepared for another. Abroad, too, their reception hath not been unfavourable, if accounts from thence may be depended upon." They were translated into the German and Danish languages; and received the warmest encomiums from persons of learning and rank.
In the spring of 1757, he was made prebendary of Westminster, in the room of Dr Green, and promoted to the deanery of Salisbury. In October following, he was made sub-almoner to his majesty. This he owed to Bishop Gilbert. He married a second wife in September 1761. She was the widow of the Rev. Mr Hand, and daughter of John Lord Viscount Lisburn. In the same month he kissed his majesty's hand for his bishopric.
In the winter of 1764, Dr Stone, the primate of Ireland, died. Mr Grenville sent for Bishop Newton, and in the most obliging manner desired his acceptance of the primacy. Having maturely weighed the matter in his mind, he declined the offer.
In 1768 he was made dean of St Paul's. His ambition was now fully satisfied; and he firmly resolved never to ask for any thing more.
From this time to his death, ill health was almost his constant companion. It was wonderful that such a poor, weak, and slender thread as the bishop's life, should be spun out to such an amazing length as it really was. In the autumn of 1781 (usually the most favourable part of the year to him) he laboured under repeated illnesses: and on Saturday the 9th of February 1782, he began to find his breath much affected by the frost. His complaints grew worse and worse till the Thursday following. He got up at five o'clock, and was placed in a chair by the fire; complained to his wife how much he had suffered in bed, and repeated to himself that portion of the Psalms, "O my God, I cry unto thee in the day time," &c. &c. About six o'clock he was left by his apothecary in a quiet sleep. Between seven and eight he awoke, and appeared rather more easy, and took a little refreshment. He continued dozing till near nine, when he ordered his servant to come and dress him, and help him down stairs. As soon as he was dressed, he inquired the hour, and bid his servant open the shutter and look at the dial of St Paul's. The servant answered, it was upon the stroke of nine. The bishop made an effort to take out his watch; with an intent to set it; but sunk down in his chair, and expired without a sigh or the least visible emotion, his countenance still retaining the same placid appearance which was so peculiar to him when alive. Of his numerous works, his Dissertations on the Prophecies are by much the most valuable. His learning was undoubtedly very considerable; but he seldom exhibits evidence of a very vigorous mind. On one occasion, indeed, he appears to have thought with freedom; for we believe he was the first dignitary of the church of England who avowed his belief of the final restitution of all things to harmony and happiness.