had the honour of accompanying him to that great man's funeral.

He attracted, about the same time, very considerable notice by his controversy with Dr Priestley. The learning and abilities which he displayed in this important contest, the able and dexterous manner in which he exposed the fallacy of Dr Priestley's tenets, and turned even his own polemic weapons against himself; the unanswerable arguments which, with uncommon care and diligence, he selected in defence of the most essential truths of Christianity; and, finally, the complete and decisive victory which he gained over that champion of Materialism and Philosophical Necessity, gained him the respect and admiration of every friend to Christianity.

The controversy was opened by "A Charge delivered to the Clergy of the district of St Alban's," of which he was Archdeacon, May 22, 1783; which produced "Letters to Dr Horsley, in answer to his animadversions on the History of the Corruptions of Christianity; by Joseph Priestley, LL. D. 1788," 8vo. which was followed by Dr Horsley, in two pamphlets, in rejoinder to the objections of Dr Priestley; and "Seventeen Letters to Dr Priestley :" "Remarks upon Dr Priestley's Second Letter to the Archdeacon of St Alban's, 1786," 8vo; which produced "The Calvinism of the Protestant Dissenters asserted, in a Letter to the Archdeacon, by Samuel Palmer, Pastor of the Independent Congregation at Hackney, 1787," Svo.

This well deserving Opponent to the Priestleian heresy obtained by these publications the friendship and patronage of Lord Chancellor Thurlow, who observed, that "those who defended the Church ought to be supported by the Church ;" and, accordingly, presented him to a prebendal stall in the church of Gloucester; and, on the translation of Dr Smallwell, in

1788, he was made Bishop of St David's, by the intercst of the same noble Lord.

In his Episcopal character he in a great measure answered the high expectations of eminent usefulness which his elevation to the mitre so generally excited. His first act in the Diccese of St David's was to increase the salaries of the poor curates, many of whom had not more than 8/. or 101. per annum. He permitted none to officiate for less than 151. per annum. His first charge to the Clergy of that Diocese, delivered in 1790, was greatly and deservedly admired; as was his animated Speech in the House of Lords, on the Catholic Bill, May 31, 1791. These occasioned his subsequent promotion to the see of Rochester, 1793, and deanery of Westminster; which proved considerably beneficial to the Country at large, in times when its Religion, its Government, and even its Morality, were so manifestly in need of support. In 1802, he was translated to St Asaph.

Bishop Horsley was exposed to a considerable share of illiberal censure on account of his opposition to the turbulence of Democratic rage.Some incautious and perhaps intemperate Speeches, which he made in the House of Lords during the discussion of Lord Grenville's Bill, &c.were severely reprehended, and occasioned, for a time, some popular clamour against him. Yet the steady uniformity, consistency, and decision of his conduct, were of considerable utility to Government, and procured him the good-will of every friend to order, decency, virtue, and religion.

Of his publications, the most conspicuous in size is his edition of Sir Isaac Newton's Works, in five volumes, 4to; to which, however, it was objected that the size was an impediment to the sale, and that the Commentary can afford but a slender assistance to the Learner. That it is an elegant monument of typography

will be readily allowed; but those who have consulted the edition of the Principia by the Jesuits, do not hesitate to give it the preference.

A pamphlet, intituled, "An Apology for the Liturgy and Clergy of the Church of England," published in the beginning of 1790, and marked with considerable strength of reasoning against some respectable members of the community, was by many ascribed, from certain internal evidence, to this Prelatical Hercules. This was answered with great severity by Gilbert Wakefield. And it is to be regretted that the native vigour of his Lordship's faculties, his distinguished share of learning, his elegant and nervous style, and his ingenuity of invention, should. have been sometimes dislocated by too warm a spirit, occasionally displaying itself in his writings.

The rest of his publications, together with his various single Public Sermons, are hereafter enumerated; and likewise his Charges to his Cler

gy.

No man of the age, perhaps, possessed more of what is generally understood by the idea of recondite learning, er was more profoundly versed in classical chronology. He not only edited and illustrated some of the most important of Newton's Works, but was himself the author of several esteemed mathematical as well as theological productions *.

His Papers in the "Philosophical Transaction are, "A Computation of the distance of the Sun from the Earth," vol. LVII. p. 179; " An Attempt to determine the height of the Sun's Atmosphere from the Height of the Solar Spots above the Sun's Surface," 398; "On the Computation of the Sun's Distance from the Earth by the Theory of Gravity," LIX, 153; “ Observations on the Transit of Venus and Eclispe of the Sun, June 3, 1769," Ibid 183; "Difficulties in the Newtonian Theory of Light considered and removed," LX. 417, LXI. 547 ; “KOTxvov EgalσDevous, or the Sieve of Eratosthenes, being an Account of his Method of finding all the Prime Numbers,"

As a Senator, he was deservedly considered in the first class. There were few important discussions in the House of Lords, especially when the topics referred to the Hierarchical Establishments of this Country; to that stupendous, (and, in its effects, most calamitous,) event the French Revolution; or to the African Slavetrade, (of which he was a systematic opponent,) in which his Lord. ship did not participate. No man could reprobate more than he did the destructive excesses of the French Revolution.

On the 30th of January 1793, which was a few days after the news of the murder of the unfortunate Louis was received in this country, he was appointed to preach before the House of Peers in Westminster Abbey; an occasion on which his forci ble and impressive eloquence was warmly admired by a numerous auditory. His voice was deep, fulltoned, and commanding; his enunciation distinct, and his delivery in other respects highly advantageous.

His manner was rather dictatorial; he was, notwithstanding, an argumentative speaker, equally clear and strong, and his positions were frequently illustrated by historical reference. His mind grasped all the learning of the ancient and modern world; and

his

LXII. 327; " M. De Luc's Rules for Measurement of Heights by the Barometer, compared with Theory, and reduced to English measure of length, and adapted to Fahrenheit's scale of the Thermometer; with Tables and Precepts for expediting the practical application of them," LXIV. 214; “An Abridged State of the Weather at London in the year 1774, collected from the Meteorological Journal of the Royal Society," LXV. 167; Theorems concerning the greatest and least Areas of Polygons, inscribing and circumscribing the Circle," LXV. 301; “An Abridged State of the Weather at London for One Year, commen cing with the month of March 1775, collected from the Meteorological Journal of the Royal Society," LXVI. 354.

his heart was warm and generous towards all whom he had the ability to serve, as his head was capable of advocating their cause. His charity to the distressed was more than prudent; he often wanted himself what he gave away; but in money matters, no one was more careless than the Bishop, and no one so easily imposed upon. Though he was irascible, passionate, and easily moved to anger, yet he had much of the milk of human kindness in his composition. By his most intimate friends he was allowed to be at his table, and in the hours of relaxation from severe studies, a very pleasant and agreeable Gompanion. He often bent both his mind and body to partake of the ju venile amusements of children, of whom he was particularly fond.

His Sermons are, "On Mal. xvi. 21. Providence and Free Agency, on Good Friday 1778.

Luke i. 28, on the Incarnation, 1785; and which laid the foundation of his fame.

Before the Sons of the Clergy, 1786.

1 Cor. ii. 2. "The Analogy between the Light of Inspiration, and the Light of Learning, as Qualifications for the Ministry: preached at the Cathedral Church of Gloucester, at a public Ordination of Priests and Deacons, Sept. 9, 1787," 4to; which produced "Remarks," &c. by Gilbert Wakefield.

Eccles. xii. 7, "Principle of Vitality in Man, as described in the Holy Scriptures; and the Difference between true and apparent Death;" before the Royal Humane Society, of which he was a Vice-president, March 22, 1789. This was a most admirable, philosophical, and appropriate discourse; and, when printed by desire, ran through several editions; has been admired by the learned World, and resorted to by the able Divines that have since preached for that excellent Institution.

He dictated also in that year an appropriate Address, which was presented by the Society to their Royal Patron on his recovery.

A Sermon before the Philanthro pic Society, at Quebec Chapel, March 25, 1792, "The Abounding of Iniquity no just Ground for distrusting the Prophecies or Promises of Holy Writ ;" Matth. xxiv. 12.

"A Sermon before the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, in the Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster, Jan. 30, 1793; with an Appendix, concerning the Political Principles of Calvinism, 1793," 4to; which pro duced an ingenious "Reply," and "Strictures on the Reply."

Luke iv. 18, 19, at the yearly meeting of the Charity Children,

1793.

Before the Society for the Propa. gation of the Gospel, 1795, Matth. xvi. 18, 19.

1 John iii. 3, before the Magdalen Charity, 1795.

On Christ's Descent into Hell, 1 Pet. iii. 18, 1805.

"The Watcher and the Holy Ones, a Thanksgiving Sermon, preached in the Cathedral Church of St Asaph, on Thursday, Dec. 5, 1805, on the Day of Public Thanksgiving for the Victory obtained by Lord Nelson over the Combined Fleet of France and Spain, off Cape Trafalgar.

In 1796 he published a Charge delivered at his Primary Visitation at Rochester.

In the same year he published, without his name, a most celebrated treatise, "On the Properties of the Greek and Latin Languages," 8vo; with a Dedication expressed in the warmest terms of friendship to his steady patron Lord Thurlow, who is with great propriety complimented on his taste and skill in the subject of this profound investigation.

A Circular Letter to the Diocese of Rochester, on the Scarcity of Corn, 1796.

Anoth

Circular Letter to the Diocese of St Asaph, on the War, 1803.

Speech on the Bill for the Relief of London Incumbents, 1804.

Letter to Mr Thomas Witherby, May 26, 1804.

On Virgil's two Seasons of Honey, 1806.

The Bishop's last journey to Brighton was most melancholy one. He left the capital in good health, and went to Brighton to spend some time with his old friend and patron, Lord Thurlow, whom on his arrival he found dead! he was seized with the fatal disorder of which he died, on the Wednesday, and survived but three days.

For sometime before the Bishop died, he had adopted a rigid plan of ecohomy, in order to liquidate some pecuniary burthens. If he had lived a few years longer, he would have en

have renewed it, if he had not been prevented by his fatal illness.

He left four sisters; three of whom were single, and one married to Mr Palmer; and two brothers, John Horsley, Esq. who married the wi dow of Mr Rich, late of Beech Hall, near Woodford, Essex; and Francis Horsley, Esq. then high in the civil service of the East India Company at Bengal, and about returning to England with a good fortune, honourably acquired.

A Sermon, preached in the church of Newington the Sunday after his interment, by the Rev. Robert Dick. inson, Curate and Lecturer, was published at the request of the congrega. tion; with a Sketch of the Bishop's Life and Character.

A Monument (by J. Bacon, jun.) has been put up in the chancel with the epitaph transcribed below*, from pen of the learned Prelate.

the

By

"Prope hune lapidem conditum est illud omne quod caducum erat optimæ Matrisfamilias,

SARE,

secundæ uxoris peramata Samuelis Horsley, LL. D. hujus ecclesiæ per multos annos Rectoris; Menevensis autem primum, post Roffensis,

nunc Asaphensis ecclesiæ Episcopi. Fœmina sanctimonia præcellens, et morum

comitate amabilis, omnibus laudata, cara,

et jucunda vixit, mortua lugetur. Pauperum lacrymæ et pia vota, odorem vere divinum spirantia, memoriam ejus condiunt.

Anno ætatis 540 ineunte, feria hebdomadis 2a, die Aprilis 20, A. D. 1805.

corpus fragile morbo insanabili succubuit, cujus, lente grassantis, sævitiam, memorando patientiæ exemplo novendécim annos pertulerat :

Visum est DEO OPT. MAX. elèmen

the operation of his prudent resolution. He had, for the benefit of his family, made an insurance on his life to the amount of 5000/. The policy unfortunately expired two days before his death. His Lordship meant to

ribus actam morte placida et spei
plena, ad exitum perducere:

• Ubi tuus, Mors, aculeus? ubi tua,
Oree, est victoria?

Has voces ore moribundo proferens, in morte 'Gloria DEO. - - Hallelujah!' insultans Morti, pia mulier obdormivit.

Maritus

By his first wife, the Bishop had one daughter, who died young, and is buried at Newington, and one son, the Rev. Heneage Horsley, of Christ Church, Oxford; who was married, June 25, 1801, to Miss Francis Emma Bourke; took his degree of M. A. 1802; and preached a Sermon at a general Ordination at St Asaph, in September 1804. He was collated by his father to the valuable rectory of Gresford in Denbighshire, and to a stall in the cathedral church of St Asaph; and was appointed Chaplain to the Scotch Episcopalian Chapel at Dundee in May 1809.

The Bishop's second wife was a most excellent woman, the protegé of his first; and very kind and attentive to his son from his earliest infancy. She died of a dropsy, after a lingering illness, April 2, 1805, without ever having had a child, and is buried in the church of Newington.

Soon after his Lordship's death appeared, "A Charge to the Clergy, at the primary Visitation, in the month of August 1806, of the late Right Reverend Father in God, Samuel, [Horsley,] by Divine Permission, Lord Bishop of St Asaph, 1807."

Maritus octodecim superstes menses,

Two Volumes of the Bishop's Sermons have since been published, printed at Dundee in 1810, under the immediate inspection of Mr Heneage Horsley.

The late William Windham, Esq. has left behind him three Treatises on Mathematical subjects, which he directed by his will should be put into the hands of Bishop Horsley, who was then living; adding, that "if he should think them of any value, they might be published."

Letters of HORACE WALPOLE 10 Governor PowNALL and Mr GOUGH. (From the same.)

MR WALPOLE TO GOVERNOR POWNAL.

"Strawberry Hill, Oct. 27, 1783. I AM extremely obliged to you, Sir, for the valuable communication you have made to me. It is extremely so to me, as it does justice to a memory I revere in the highest degree; and, I flatter myself that it would be acceptable to that part of the world that loves truth-and that

Octobris die quarto,

A. D. 1806, ætat. 73.

Sepultus est autem una cum uxore Sara in

eodem conditorio.

Ante uxorem Saram, in matrimonio habuit

Mariam, reverendi Johannis Botham filiam;

quæ viro, dum ea viveret percara, infra triennii spatium a nuptiis, morte ei erupta est cum bis peperisset. Sepulta jacet juxta parentes suos et sororem in cœmiterio ecclesiæ Alburiensis in agro Surriensi, cujus ecclesiæ

Maritus Rector erat. Filiolæ partu secundo editæ, quæ bimula extincta est, reliquiæ sub pavimento sacross sancti hujus adyti humatæ sunt. Filio qui priorem mater enixa est, vitam prorogavit Dei misericordia, Heneagio, qui vidui Patris senectutem curis assiduis fovebat, sacerdotium gerens & Ecclesiæ Cathedralis paternæ Prebendarius.

they pass away who have an interest in preferring falsehood. Happily, truth is longer-lived than the passions of individuals; and, when man. kind are not misled, they can distinguish white from black. I myself do not pretend to be unprejudiced; I must be so to the best of Fathers; I should be ashamed to be quite impartial. No wonder then, Sir, if I am greatly pleased with so able a justification. Yet I am not so blinded but that I can discern solid reasons for admiring your defence. You have placed that defence on sound and new grounds; and, tho' very briefly, have very learnedly stated and distinguished the landmarks of our Constitution,

A. D. 1805.

justly