Early Life and Education

James Philip Hewlett was born in Headington in a house near the old Independent Chapel. At an early age, it became apparent that he had a beautiful singing voice and when he was 8 years old his parents were offered the opportunity for him to be educated at the New College Choir School. It was a valuable appointment, as it included a classical education, a subsidy for a considerable portion of his board and clothing, and an annual stipend. It is interesting to contemplate what this opportunity meant to his parents. From his father, William’s point of view the subsidy of the cost of the education would have been welcome to a slatter and plasterer.

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​University Years and Early Character

It is recorded that James was a good student and made respectable progress in learning. He was esteemed as a youth of an upright, noble and generous mind. Soon after completing his studies at New College he obtained a clerkship at All Souls and moved there gaining a B.A. He was then appointed Clerk of Magdalen College, where, in 1803, he took the degree of M.A. 

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It was often observed that he had a fine person, a clear man’s voice, and would make an excellent church man. However, of the years spent in Magdalen College he often, in after life, spoke with feelings of deepest shame and regret. In the account of the world, they were not of a vicious cast, but they were marked by a levity and disregard to serious things which he could not reflect upon, but with deep contrition. His musical talents were considerable, and they were the means of introducing him into very gay and unprofitable society, and it was with a peculiarly feeling emphasis that he sometimes admonished young men of the dangers of college life.

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Preparation for Ministry​

Having attained the usual academic degrees, and being of an age for the ministry, he only waited a little for orders, and now, for the first time he seriously reflected on the weight of the office he was about to undertake; and his total insufficiency for the discharge of its arduous duties. Still, however, his convictions were not strong enough to deter him from entering upon it, but merely to arouse him to something like preparation which had hitherto been wholly neglected. He began to peruse and transcribe some of the most fashionable divinity of the day, yet he was not satisfied. It did not apply to the feelings of his own mind, nor could anticipate its being either very acceptable or edifying to his hearers. At this time in his life he had little idea of the duty and privilege of prayer, or of the value of the Holy Scriptures as a daily companion and directory but regarded the bible merely as a book of occasional reference for a text or a lesson.

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Character and Disposition

Mr. Hewlett's character was, through life, remarkable for candour, humility and self-diffidence, but combined with much quickness of perception. He therefore eagerly received, and diligently improved knowledge though communicated to him by one in many respects so much his inferior.  In him, truth had no high notions - no preconceived opinions to combat. He was ever ready to obey its dictates with childlike simplicity, neither hesitating at the sacrifice it required nor anxious about the consequences it might involve.

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Courtship and Spiritual Awakening

​​At this time, he began courting Esther Beuzeville, who would become his wife.  She had a serious mind and a scholarly appreciation of the scriptures, but no formal higher education.   Under her guidance, he gradually became a constant and diligent student of the sacred volume and adopted the petition "Lord, open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of the law". Divine light gradually broke in upon his mind with kind and quickening rays. As he experienced and enjoyed the personal application of the truths of the gospel, his heart flowered with earnest and increasing desires to be made useful in proclaiming them to others.

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Ordination and Early Ministry at St. Aldates

​During this state of improvement in December 1804, James was ordained Curate of St. Aldates, an extensive and very populous parish. He was at that time earnestly seeking after the truth and perhaps his labours on the Sabbath might be considered as the history of his progress during the week. From the first he was highly and universally respected in his parish for his amicable manners and the regular and impressive performance of his duties; and so gradual were the advances of his mind towards more clear, decided and consistent view of Divine truth that perhaps two or three years had elapsed before any striking change was perceived, and even then, by some of the least observant of his hearers was scarcely admitted.

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Preaching Style

​Mr Hewlett was incapable of any attempt to disguise or palliate by sentiment in order to meet the prejudices of his hearers, yet he saw no reason for wilfully rendering truth unlovely in her appearance.

In his ministry, her extended claims, her humbling statement and her awful sanction were neither suppressed nor compromised, although they might and would excite the enmity of the carnal mind: yet neither, on the other hand, was truth distorted and rendered hideous by the angry zeal and coarse disclamation of an ill-judging advocate. His uniformly gentle, affectionate and unassuming deportment probably won over many to listen to his message, who hardships and bitterness would have repelled. But, having himself been invited by the 'still, small voice' of heavenly mercy and drawn by the cords of love, these communications tended to produce in his own mind that sweetness and gentleness of spirit which his whole conduct and ministry displayed towards others. The things which he declared to the people were those which he had himself handled and tasted of the 'Word of Life' he imparted to them, not the word of life only, but even his own soul, because they were dear unto him.

Nor let it be supposed that his preaching was destitute of energy. No, with earnest solemnity and unbending faith, fully he declared the terrors of the Lord and sinners were often brought to tremble and ask what they must do to be saved. It was probably the increasing numbers and seriousness of his congregation that first awakened the suspicion general of his having imbibed those sentiments which (too often as a term of reproach) are commonly denominated 'Evangelical'.

Mr Hewlett was the last man in the world to enquire whether the avowal of those sentiments would, or would not, be the road to popularity and preferment. What he thought he spoke with simplicity and godly sincerity, not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth the hearts, and the predominance of the principle will appear when it is stated that he numbered among his hearers the Heads (with their families) and other distinguished members of two colleges, the one of them the most extensive in Oxford.

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Influences and Theological Development

Among the first, perhaps the very first, book of an Evangelical case which Mr Hewlett met with was Dr Watts 'Psalms and Hymns. He highly enjoyed the little volume, and it became his constant pocket companion through life.

The writings of Hall, Owen, Baxter, Henry Doddridge, Newton and Cecil were likewise esteemed by him and became truly profitable. But perhaps the book most eminently useful in establishing and expanding his view, next to the Bible, was 'Scott's Torch of Truth'. It was put into his hand by the friend before alluded to, and he perused it again and again, with feelings of delight and gratitude. Very shortly afterwards, he addressed his congregation from the appeal of the apostle (Romans 11:3) 'What said the Scripture?' And, adducing the narrative referred to as displayed in a striking instance of the Divine blessing attending a disinterested and determined investigation of truth, he earnestly recommended the volume to the perusal of his hearers. On his friend expressing some surprise at his having done so, he replied: "Why should I not? The book has done me good, and I hope by the same blessing it may do them good also".   This little insight is characteristic of the simplicity and earnestness that marked all his conduct.

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Marriage and Domestic Life

In the year 1808, Mr Hewlett was united in marriage with Esther, the youngest daughter of Peter Beuzeville Esq., then of Henley-on-Thames, but for many years well known as the active patron of almost every benevolent institution. This union, formed on the purest principles, was attended with the happiest results. Strangers to the forms and fashions of the world, both parties were peculiarly formed for domestic retirement. In the society of each other, and in their mutual charge of training up their beloved offspring, they found so much improvement and gratification that it was with the utmost difficulty they could be prevailed upon to spend even a few hours in other company, except indeed, it was with the sick and afflicted: a sphere in which the pious, affectionate and faithful Pastor appears to the greatest advantage and in which Mr. Hewlett both delighted and excelled. Very frequently were the subjects of his public discourses suggested in the chamber of affliction, and hence they derived such a pleasing freshness, tenderness and force.

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Pastoral Work and Care for His Flock

In the young of his flock, Mr Hewlett took a peculiar interest and delight; seldom, if ever, did he close a discourse without pointedly and affectionately addressing them, while he also carefully catechised and took every proper opportunity of conversing with them. He had no greater joy than to see his beloved youth walking in the way of truth, and he affectionately encouraged and admonished such hopeful inquirers, sometimes indulging the pleasing anticipation that should he be spared to become an aged minister, these same should rise up and comfort him concerning the work of his hands.

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Additional Appointments and Expanding Responsibilities

In 1811 Mr. Hewlett was presented to the Chaplaincy of the City Prison, the painful duties of which situation he discharged with fidelity, prudence and tenderness, and it is hoped not without usefulness. The same year, impressed with the lamentable deficiency of public instruction on the afternoon of the Lord's Day, he voluntarily undertook an afternoon sermon which he continued without any emolument until declining health compelled him to relinquish it.

In 1812, he was made Chaplain of New College and in 1814 Chaplain of Magdalen College, where he had been many years Clerk.

At the expiration of the 10th year of his curacy, he was presented by the Parishioners with a handsome piece of plate bearing an inscription expressive of their respect and gratitude. This testimony, however pleasing, could not satisfy his pious and benevolent mind. He longed to have his ministry inscribed by the finger of God on the hearts of the people as a living epistle known and read by all men, and the satisfaction was not withheld from him. But, perhaps, no good man is permitted on earth to know the extent of his usefulness; enough is granted to serve as a pledge of the faithful assurance that his labour is not in vain in the Lord, but the rich harvest is reserved for a better and a brighter world.

In the commencement of the year 1817, the Chaplaincy of the House of Industry in Oxford became vacant. It was a laborious situation but afforded a prospect of usefulness, and Mr Hewlett's anxiety to provide for the wants of a rising family induced him to offer himself as a candidate. He was unanimously elected and continued faithfully to discharge his duties until incapacitated by illness.

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Financial Circumstances and Contentment

Lest it should appear that Mr. Hewlett was influenced by mercenary motives in undertaking these numerous engagements it may be necessary just to state that for the six years of his curacy the annual stipend was 35 pounds and that it never exceeded 50 pounds; that the Chaplaincy of the Prison was 15 pounds and that of the work house 40 pounds; and that, including his college engagements, his in-come at best, scarcely exceeded 200 pounds.

Mr Hewlett, however, was of a meek and contrite mind, always satisfied with the allotments of Providence and never disposed to murmur even at their distribution as committed to the hands of men. He was ever ready to sacrifice everything for peace and usefulness. Amidst all his trials, he was happy in his mind, happy in his family, happy in the affection of his flock, in the hope of usefulness and in the prospect of Eternity.

During his ministry, the congregation had increased at least threefold, with many individuals erecting pews at their own expense, and a proposal to build an additional gallery had been made but was overruled.

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Declining Health

Under his accumulating weight of care, labour and anxiety, Mr Hewlett's health and spirit gradually gave way. In the commencement of the year 1818, he was attacked with illness from which he had before frequently suffered, supposed to be inflammatory rheumatism.

On recovering from this attack, an unusual degree of languor and debility prevailed over his frame, which rendered every exertion painful. With the summer of that year, he was compelled to close his gratuitous labours in the afternoon at St. Aldates.

Under the pressing expenses of illness and of an increasing family, it became necessary to relinquish the labour of the House of Industry, an important part of his income. It was a call for the increase of faith in Him who has kindly invited the confidence of His people, Psalm XXXVII:3.  Our dear friend was enabled to cast his burden upon the Lord, and his mind was kept in perfect peace. Not one unnecessary thought appeared to have been suffered to harass him relative to the supply of his temporal wants and those of his beloved family.

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Final Ministry and Last Sermon

With great difficulty, he continued his labours at St. Aldates. On the last Sabbath of September 1819, he adopted the pathetic appeal of the Prophet Isaiah I: iii "Who hath believed our report and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?" Little perhaps did either himself or his flock consider this as his closing testimony, yet so it proved. Through the week, his indisposition increased. He was, however, on the Saturday evening engaged in the preparation for the Sabbath when, receiving an unexpected offer of assistance, he was prevailed on to accept it. The sermon he had nearly finished. It was from the striking words of Elijah to the widow at Zarephath (1 Kings XVII:14), and with that, he laid aside his pen, never to resume it.

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Illness and Gradual Decline

In the course of the following week, his disease was pronounced to be an enlargement of the liver, and the usual measure was resorted to for reducing it. But his constitution could not bear up under the strain. The disease was indeed said to be removed, but debility was alarmingly increased, and dropsy produced.

In the month of January 1820, immediate danger was apprehended, but under a new course of treatment, the unfavourable symptoms so far subsided as to allow once more the hope of his return to health and usefulness.

The people saw with delight their beloved Pastor able to take the air in a carriage and to return their smiles of regard and congratulations, but this hope was also of short duration.

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Journey for Recovery

Travelling, having been recommended as likely to promote recovery, he was removed, in February, to Newbury in Berkshire and from thence made short excursions to visit friends in the neighbourhood. So satisfactory was the apparent improvement of his health that it was anticipated that in a few weeks, he would be enabled to resume his beloved work. When speaking of this prospect, he said, "All is uncertain, but do not be anxious for all is well". Yes, it was well, for when his friends anticipated his return to labour, his Great Master saw fit to admit him to his reward.

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Final Hours and Death

On the evening of March 14, he retired to rest, apparently as well as usual, but soon after observed to Mrs Hewlett that he did not expect to obtain much sleep that night: restlessness was, as usual, the constant attendant of his complaint. She, however, replied, expressing a hope that it might prove otherwise than he anticipated and adding, "It is in the hands of our gracious heavenly parent, and you know He giveth His beloved sleep". "Yes", he replied with sweetness and energy ", We are in the best hands. He is able to do for us exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think". Then, clasping his hands as in the attitude of prayer, he soon after fell into a more tranquil sleep than he had for some time enjoyed.    

About one o'clock in the morning, he suddenly awoke and begged to be lifted up. Mrs Hewlett instantly sprang round and raised him in bed. As she did so he cast his eyes upward and said, "Help me and be merciful to me, O Lord God of my salvation" and added at short intervals "A merciful and faithful High Priest"; "Unto them that believe he is precious"; "Able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him"; "I am persuaded that neither life nor death shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord". To the latter passage in particular, he had, throughout his illness, continually reverted with great delight, frequently saying "Read me a few verses from the 8th of Romans" and on one occasion "I awoke you to tell you what a sweet chapter the 8th of Romans is".

Having taken some refreshment, he begged to be dressed and taken to the fire, which, on account of his extreme restlessness, was frequently done two or three times in the course of the night. This wish was immediately complied with. He appeared very comfortable and uttered several expressions of affectionate gratitude to his anxious and unwearied partner, his sole attendant during his affliction.

After a while, he lamented his inability to collect his thoughts in prayer; he was reminded of the great intercession, "The Father is nearest always, and the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities, making intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered".

"Yes", he replied, "What a mercy to know something of these delightful truths. Once, I was apparently at the point of death when I knew nothing of myself as a sinner and of Christ as a Saviour. If I had been taken off, then? Oh! to grace, how great a debtor"

Mrs. Hewlett read a few verses from the 10th of John and repeated Dr. Watts' hymn 'Firm as the Earth thy Gospel Stands' which he evidently enjoyed.

Soon after, he observed that he did not feel much relieved by sitting up and certainly was not quite so well. Mrs. Hewlett became alarmed and went to the chamber door to call a servant who slept in the next room. Returning, she approached the beloved object of her care to present some refreshment, when he beamed upon her a look of heavenly composure and joy, once more uttered her long-familiar name, laid his head on her shoulder, and sweetly fell asleep in Jesus.

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The Family and Burial
Five dear children, the eldest ten years old, survive their parents. He left them in faith to the guardian care of Him in whom the fatherless findeth mercy.

The mortal remains of this amicable and excellent man were removed to Oxford and deposited in the Chancel[1] of the church where he had so long and so faithfully proclaimed the way of salvation.

The solemn dispensation was improved by the Rev. J. Hill, vice Principal of St. Edmunds Hall, in a sermon from Hebrews XIII: 7, 8.

Rev. J. Hinton[2], an eminent dissenter minister with whom it had long been the happiness of the deceased to live in terms of cordial friendship and who, on this occasion, manifested the Christian liberality and sympathy so habitual to him by delivery and discourse in reference to the late solemn event from I Peter 4.