NEWTON, ROBERT, 1780-1834; b. Roxby, Yorkshire, He was early brought under the influence of the Methodists, joining that church at the age of 17, In 1798 he was received by the British conference, and in 1803 was appointed to the Glasgow circuit, attending lectures on theology and philosophy at the same time at the university. Most of his time was spent in England and Scotland. In 1812 he was appointed to London, where he soon became distinguished for his eloquence, especially in behalf of the British and foreign Bible society. When he began his missionary work hi Eugland there were only 50 Wesleyan missionaries and 17,000 communicants; in a few years through his influence there were 330 missionaries and 100,00) communicants. His services were in great demand in England, Scotland, and Ireland. In Sheffield he did much to check the influence of Paine, which then prevailed among the working classes.
he was sent to Wakefield, and thence to Liverpool. For 40 years he was known and honored in all thy large towns and cities. He was four times elected president of the British conference, and for many years was its secretary, In 1839, at the centenary con ference held iu Liverpool, he was appointed delegate to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church of the United States. He preached in New York, April 26, 1810. to a large audience, and wherever he preached vast crowds were attracted by his eloquence. In Baltimore, where the conference was held, such multitudes' athered to hear him that he afterwards preached in Monument square to an audience, it is said, of 15,000. He published Sermons on. Special and Ordinary Occasions.