HEYLIN, Peter (1599-1662), an historical and polemical writer, born at Burford, Oxfordshire, 29th November 1599, was the second son of Henry Heylin, gentleman, who belonged to an old Montgomeryshire family. Being of a studious turn of mind, Heylin was entered at Hart Hall, Oxford, in 1613; was of Magdal en College, 1615; B. A., July 1617; M.A., 1620; B.D., 1629; D.D., 1633. In July 1618 he began to read college lectures on cosmography (f.e., geography) with such acceptance that his associates made him fellow of Magdalen. The lectures, under the title of Microcosmos, were published in 1621; and many editions of this useful book, each somewhat enlarged, subsequently appeared, until scarcely any scholar’s library was without a copy. In 1625 he published his observations on a journey to France. This book—which was frequently reprinted— Southey termed “one of our liveliest books of travel in its lighter parts, and one of the wisest and most replete with information that was ever written by a young man.” After obtaining the patronage of Laud, whose life he wrote, Heylin was made chaplain to Charles I. His legendary and learned History of St George of Cappadocia procured for him the rectory of Hemmingford, Hunts; his hearty attachment to the High-Anglican party brought many other preferments; and his analysis of Prynne’s Histriomastix was rewarded by the rectory of Islip. He was also made a prebendary of Westminster (9th November 1631), treasurer to the chapter (1637), and subsequently sub-dean. Here he was the bitter opponent of the rule of Bishop Williams, the commendatory dean. With great ardour Heylin entered into the religious controversies which preceded the war, being equally hostile to the Puritan element within and without the church. He was consequently ...