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Right Rev. John Douglas, D. D. F. R. S. & A. S. political life of Mr. Burke, which he has thus finely improved in his speech to the Electors of Eristol on declining the Poll: Gentlemen, the melancholy event of yesterday reads to us an awful lesson against being too much troubled about any of the objects of ordinary ambition. The worthy gentleman who has been snatched from us at the moment of the election, and in the middle of the contest, whilst his desires were as warm, and his hopes as eager as ours, has feelingly told us what shadows we are, and what shadows .we pursue." (Works, 8vo. iii. 433.)

May 18, at Wind or, aged 86, the Right Rev. JOHN DOUGLAS, D.D. F. R. S. and A. S. Bishop of Salisbury and Chancellor of the Order of the Gar

ter.

Dr. D. was born in 1721, at Pittenween, a sea-port town in the county of Fife, where his father was a merchant His Grandfather, while the Church of Scotland was episcopal, had held the living of East Lothian, in which he immediately succeeded Bishop Burnet of whom the grandson became the remote successor in the See of Salisbury. After receiving his grammatical education at Dunbar, Dr. D. at the age of fifteen became a Commoner of St. Mary Hall, Oxford, and 2 years afterwards removed to Baliol College. In 1742," to acquire a facility of speaking French," he passed some time in France and Flanders. On his return, having been appointed Chaplain to a Regiment of Guards, he revisited the continent in 1745, where he was present at the battle of Fontenoy, "on which occasion he was employed in carrying orders from General Campbell to the English who guarded the village in which he, and the other generals were stationed." We presume that the spiritual and pacific functions of our divine were now unavoidably suspended as the maxim" silent leges inter arma," is peculiarly applicable to the laws of the gospel.

Mr. Pulteney, afterwards Lord Bath, the persevering, and at length successful opponent of Sir R. Walpole, was an early patron of Dr. D. whom he appointed to accompany his son on his travels. "Of this tour there exists a manuscript account in the Bishop's hand

writing. It relates principally if not exclusively, to the governments and political relations of the several_countries through which he passed." Returning to England in 1749, he acquired two ecclesiastical benefices on the presentation of Lord Bath. The "Biographical Memoirs" of the Bishop, (attributed to his son,) of which we have already availed ourselves, give the following account of the manner in which he now executed an office undertaken on the Candidate declaring himse f "inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost," according to the form of ordination. "He only resided occasionally on his livings, and at the desire of Lord Bath, took a house in a street contiguousto Bath house, where he passed the winter-n.onths. In the summer he generally accompanied Lord Bath in his excursions to Tunbridge, Cheltenham, Shrewsbury and Bath, and in his visits to the Duke of Cleveland, Lord Lyttleton, Sir H. Bidingheld, &c." We know not how far Dr. D. when he became a Bishop might exact or dispense with the residence of his Clergy, but we are persuaded that his celebrated predecessor, the author of “A Discourse of the Pastoral Care," would have been ill-satisfied with such a performance, not to say neglect, of clerical duty, where, so far as respects their proper pastor, "The hungry sheep look up and are not fed." We are also of opinion, that this merely occasional residence by which the shepherd so seldom appeared except perhaps at "the shearer's feast," as Milton long ago complained. would do more to promote Methodism than cou'd possibly be counteracted by Dr. D.'s opposition from the press, however acute and able. We refer to his "Apology for the Clergy" against the Methodists, &c. followed by an ironical pamphlet on the same subject, entitled "The De struction of the French, foretold by Ezechia," both published in 1755.

However unprepared Dr. D. might have been, at least at this period, to exemplify "the character of a good parson," who, according to the poet, "durst not trust another with his care," he had not neglected his studious pursuits amidst the allurements of fashionable life. Already he had entered on a career of literature, not unconnected with

Obituary.

Right Rev. John Douglas, D. D. F. R. S. & A. S,

an important branch of theology, in the author hath produced several wellwhich he has attained deserved and attested instances, which yet cannot lasting reputation. In 1750, he pub- reasona ly be pretended to be properly lished in a letter to Lord Bath, "Milton miraculous." To these instances the. vindicated from the charge of plagiarism History of Animal Magnetism, would brought against him by Mr. Lauder," have since supplied several curious adfollowed in 1756 by a Po tcript. Lau- ditions. Dr. D. appears generally to der, who had been a Schoolmaster in have agreed with Middleton as to the Scotland, commenced in 1747 in he duration of miraculous powers in the Gentleman's Magazine, an attack on the Church though he animadverts with some originality of Paradise Lost, charging severity upon the language used by that Milton with plagiarism om modern writer in discus ing his subject, and Latin poets, especially from the "Adamus which has brought into question his beThe "Citerion" Exul," a juvenile work of Grotius. This lief in Revelation. charge he repeated in his "Essay on Mii- was re-published in 1806 by the author, ton's Imitation of the Moderns" 1750. Dr with scarcely any alterations or addiJohnson, whose inveteracy to the politics tions. of a Republican, made him ready enough to disparage Milton under any character, contributed a preface and a postscript. Dr. D. from his investigation of the subject, was able completely to detect the fraudulent attempt of Lauder, who, to accomplish his base design, had interpolated the "Adamus Exul" with several verses copied from a neglected Latin translation of Paradise Lost. Johnson, though he retained his malevolence to Milton, withdrew his support from Lauder, whom he obliged publicly to confess the fraud, and who sinking into contempt, retired to Barbadoes, where he died in indigence and obscuricy.

In 1754, Dr. D. published in 1 vol. 8vo. a work occasioned by Hume's “Essay on Miracles," and of which the design is well explained in the following copious title: "The Criterion; or, Miracles examined, with a view to expose the pretensions of Pagans and Papists; to compare the miraculous powers recorded in the New Testament, with those said to sub ist in latter times, and to shew the great and material difference between them in point of evidence; from whence it will appear, that the former must be true, and the latter may be false." In this work, as Dr. Leland observes, (D. W. 3d ed. iii. 336,) will be found a full proof of the wonderful force of the imagination, and the mighty influence that strong impressions made upon the nund, and vehement passions raised there, may have in producing surprising changes on the body, and particularly in removing diseases; of which

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"He had many years ago, collected materials for a new and enlarged edition, but they had been mislaid or destroyed by mistake with other manuscripts."

In 1756, Dr. D. again employed his pen to detect imposture in the case of Archibald Bower, a Scotch Jesuit, who had been an officer of the Inquisition in Italy. On his arrival in England, he publicly abjured the Romish religion. When his "History of the Popes" appeared in 1750, it was so well received, that the two first volumes soon came to a third edition; but Dr. D. by three pamphlets written in 1756, 7 and 8, the last entitled "The Complete and final detection of Bower," proved to the satisfaction of the public-that the pretended convert from popery had in 1744, been re-admitted among the Jesuits though he afterwards broke with them again, and that his work, professedly written from original papers, was little more than a translation from the Ecclesiastical History of Tillemont, a respectable French writer, who died in 1698.

After employing his pen during the intermediate years upon a variety of pamphlets, chiefly political, he was engaged to draw up the introduction to Cook's last voyage, in which he very ably marked the progress of maritime Discovery and especially the beneficial effects likely to result from the discoveries of that justly lamented navigator. This appears to have been the author's last publication.except a Sermon preached before the Lords in 1789, on that threadbare theme, King Charles's Martyrdom, 2

2

with the literary characters of his time, among whom Goldsmith has mentioned him in his humorous "Retaliation." Dr. D.'s acquaintance was not confined to his own ecclesiastical communion as he shared considerable intimacy with the doctors, Price and Kippis. His attechment to literature i, described as so predominant, that “he was never seen by any of his family, when not in com pany with strangers, without having a book or a pen in his hand. He retained his faculties to the last, and died in the arms of his son, without a struggle or

Dr. D. was not one of those scholars who have had so much rea on to complain that they devoted themselves to unendowed Philosophy" nor can he he classed among the divines who were left to" starve upon a dog-ear'd Pentateuch. After enjoying several inferior preferments, in 1787, he was advanced to the Bi hopric of Carlisle on the death of Dr. Law. In 1788, he becanie Dean of Windsor, and in 1791 was translated to the see of Salisbury, to which the office of Chancellor of the Order of the Garter has by custom been constantly annexed. He had been early connected a pang."

RELIGIOUS.

INTELLIGENCE.

UNITARIANISM IN AMERICA. A Letter received the 23d of April from the worthy Mr Vanderkemp, dated 17th Feb. 1807, enables us to add some particulars concerning the state of Unitarianism in that country, to the information which we communicated in our Repository for last December, p 668.

Previou ly to the Unitarian Christians at Oldenbarneveld having organized themselves into a Church, Mr. Vanderkemp gave them lectures from time to time, and on Sundays were read to them the sermons and publications of Clarke, Lindsey, Priest ey, Price and Toulmin. Mr Sherman, their Minister, is a young man of great respectability, uncommon talents, and amiable manners. His principai want yet, is books and learned qualification but supplied in the former front the library of Mr. Vanderkemp, he pr. mises to make soon a great proficiency in the latter. Mr. Vanderkemp s daughter gave the first example of professing public y, by baptism, the religion of csus Mr. Sherman's performance on that of casien was masterly. On the next Sunday he preached at another settlement, it is pposed in Holland's Patent,) five re pectable per ons, men and women, made a profession of their beIref in One God and Je us the Chrit, and were baptised ́. An elderly Magis trate made at the same time profession of One of them a magistrate, a man respectable in many views.

his belief in the gospel; but declared he considered baptism as circumscribed to the Apostolic age, which was no obstacie to his acceptance. He then made a pathetic harangue to the assembly to profess Jesus and not to follow his example in delaying it so long. In the next week Mr. Sherman, preaching at Oldenbar neveld, four more of the most respectable characters joined the Church. “You see," says Mr. Vanderkemp, “our labour is not in vain, and notwithstanding the stupid bigotry and intolerant spirit of many of the American Clergy, the kingdom of our Lord and its unadulte rate doctrine shall prevail more and more. Mr. Mappa, a gentleman of fortune and influence, leads the van of rational reli gious worship. The first Deacon has deserted the cause and endeavoured to injure it, but in vain. A worthy Cal vinistic Clergyman attacked the articles of the Church creed, which Mr. Van derkemp defended so successfully, that the Clergyman candidly yielded the argument tohim. Another exposed them with bitter violence: whom, as of ano ther stamp, Mr Vanderkemp, with severity, lashed into silence. Mr.Sherman published in 1805, à Treatise on the Unity of God: which a Clergyman of Connecticut attacked; to whom Mr. Vanderkemp replied, in a Tract entitled “A Wreath for the Rev. Daniel Dow;" to which there has been no answer. Besides the Church, there is formed, at Oldenbarneveld, a Society for promoting

the knowledge of the sacred Scriptores, committee are hereafter to be appointed, and to bestow premiums on approved Our next yearly meeting is to be at Wick, dissertations: the Church and the So in the vale of Glamorganshire, 1st Wedciety both, stand in need of contribu-, nesday in June, Brothers David Davies tions; and the smallest donation, in and Evan Evan, Newcastle, and James books or money, would be gratefully Davies Reedygaia, to preach. Some two received! the expenses of each, fall too to preach at Notage, the preceding heavily at present on Mr. Vanderkemp. Evening. W.M." They have also instituted a monthly collection to form a library. MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The The annual meeting of the SOUTH Thirteenth General Meeting of this SoERN UNITARIAN SOCIETY, wil be held at Horsham, Sussex, on Wed-ciety, was held in London on the 13, ne day, Ju y the 8th the Rev. Mr. Par. 14 and 15th days of May, 1807. The religious services commenced on Wedker of Lewes will preach the Sermon to nesday morning, May 13th at Surry the Society, in the Morning, in Mr. Sad- Chapel. Mr. Newton, of Witham, Esler's Meeting-House of that Place; sex, preached the Sermon, from Ps. 72. there will also be service in the Even17. All nations shall call him blessed." ing. "from which he pointed out the state of Account of the ASSO IATION of the nations destitute of the knowledge WELSH GENERAL BAPTISTS, from one of the Ministers.

"May 19, at three o'clock in the Evening, we met at Newca tle Em.in. W. Morris began the service by giving out a hymn and praying. Brother Moses Williams of Llandy fane, preached from John, iii. chap. 16 verse.

Brother

of the Messiah-the genuine effects of that knowledge, where it is obtained→→ the universal prevalence of it hereafterand the duties incumbent on us who are favoured with it." The Sermon in the Evening of the same day, was preached at the Tabernacle, Moorfields, to an immense auditory, by Mr. Jack, of Thomas Jenkins, of Swansea, from Manchester, from Isa. xxvii. 6. He Isaiah, lv. chap. 7 verse, who also con- shall cause them that come of Jacob to cluded the service. May 20. We met take root; Israel shall blossom and bud, at Cardigan at ten o'clock in the morn- and fill the face of the earth with fruit. ing. Bother John Simon of Cwmdie «From hence a view was taken of the began the service. Brother Thomas future prosperity of the Church, in its Jenkins, of Swansea, preached from Luke, number. vigour, beauty, fruitfulness, joy, xiii. chap. 34 verse. W. Morris, from stability and extent, as the effect of divine the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians, influence."-Tottenham-Court Chapel ii. chap. and latter clause of the 16 was filled on Thursday Evening, before, verse. Brother Moses Williams, from the time of service. The Sermon wag Deuteronomy, xxxii. chap. 3 verse. preached by Mr. Griffin, of Portsea, Brother James Davies, of Rhdeedygaia, from Ps. cii. 13. concluded the service. We met again about three o'clock in the afternoon, and read the letters from the Churches. All

of them are at peace among themselves, and most of them had some members added last year. The whole increase last year is 108. We re oved upon a plan, which in my opinion is likely to be of great utility for spreading the cause in some future time; that is, that every member in our Societies, who is able, shall be desired to give a penny or more, according to his or her ability, either weekly or monthy, toward, making a foud to support itinerant preaching, and other exigences. The treasurer and

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"Thou shalt arise, f and have mercy on Zion; for the time. to favour her, yea, the set time is come." "In this discourse, the preacher considered the signs of the time favourable to the cause of Missions, viz, the present state of Society in Europe and America

the analogy between the events of the last 300 years, and the present, affairs of Europe-the relative situation of Britain, and the aspect of prophecy

on

the success of mis-ionary efforts. On Friday morning, a great congrega. tion, as usual, assembled in St. Saviour's Church, where the discourse was deli ve:ed by Dr. Draper, of London, from Matt. xxviii. 18-20; the apostolic

wasted on South Sea schemes; though it is too much to expect that such a mighty machine should be always directed by adequate wisdom.

LITERARY.

commission. "In this scripture, the preacher directed the attention of the Society to the command of Christ, to disseminate his gospel among all nations -his instructions as to the manner of Mr. BRANSBY, of Dudley, is predoing it—and the promise of his presence as the ground of encouragement paring for the press--to be published by to Christian Missionaries." On the sub-cription, in 2 volumes, 12mo. price Evening of the same day, such mem- 9 shillings; Sermons for the use of Fabers and friends to the Society as milies. His design is to supply Unitawere "stated communicants of some rian Christians, with some plain, imEvangelical Society," to the number pressive discourses, which, while they of 2000, received the sacrament to- are calculated to assist in forming and gether, at Sion Chape. Dr. Hawes strengthening a spirit of enlightened presided on this occasion. Above 40 piety and active virtue, are also unministers were engaged in the service. exceptionable in point of religious Great order and decorum were pre- doctrine. He intends to select and served. Collections were made at the reprint, with the permission of the several places of worship, as under- respective proprietors of the copy-right, Surry Chapel £255 16 8 the Sermons, which he conceives to be best suited to his purpose amongst . 148 18 those already published, especially such, as are least known, inserting at the same time several original discourses, which some re pectable dissenting ministers have engaged to furni h. Trusting that the werk, should it prove acceptable, will contribute, under the divine blessing, to extend the influence of the pure and simple doctrine of the gospel, as it may render Christian worship and instruction in families more practicable and interesting, Mr. Bransby pledges him e f to spare no pains in the execution of his plan.

The Tabernacle
Tottenham-Court Chapel. 149 5
St. Saviour's Church.
Sion Chapel

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869 17 10

In connection with the collections, it is stated in the official account of the anniversary, “that a short time since, a pious lady presented to the Society a beautiful diamond ring, of consider "able value, desiring that it might be sold, and the produce applied to the objects of the Society, especially to the It is intended to publish, in a short time, support of their mission to the Jews." No particular Intelligence is said to AN ENCYCLOPÆDIA OF MANUhave transpired at the meeting con- FACTURES. The work will comprize cerning the objects of the mision, nor accounts of every principal manufacture as far as yet appears, is any new mi- obtained from the manufacturers themsionary plan adopted. The Report of selves. Every raw material will be traced the Directors and the Sermons are to from its growth, until it be delivered into be published. It is reported by some the hands of the work-man, and the vathat have been in the habit of at- rious modes in which it is worked tending the Misionary meetings, that up will be explained. this was less interesting and less excited the passions, than any preceding one, though not less numerously attended; whether it be that the original Otaheitan scheme has nearly, if not completely, fa led-that the projects of the Society are no longer novel or that the preachers were less ahle and popular, than those that went before them.

The establishment and preservation of such a vast Society, is a great and generous effort of Christian zeal. We shall rejoice if its und, are not again

Actual im

provements will be stated, possible
An account will be
ones suggested.
given in what places of the United
Kingdom metals, and other useful mi-
nerals have been discovered; which
of these are worked, and which yet
The foreign
lie untouched by man.
articles of importation for manufactures
will be elucidated, and tables of cus-
toms, &c. given. The staple com-
modity of every town and district will
be pointed out, together with the
names of the principal manufacturers.
The undertaking may probably be com

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