rincipal citizens. But at the close of this year they sustained a greater loss in sir John Hawkwood, who died March 6, advanced in years, at his house in the street
Peace being now re-established abroad, the city of Florence was, in 1393, distracted with civil feuds, which were
not terminated by the execution and exile of some principal citizens. But at the close of this year they sustained a greater loss in sir John Hawkwood, who died
March 6, advanced in years, at his house in the street
called PulveYosa, near Florence. His funeral was celebrated with -reat magnificence, and the general lamentation of the whole city. His bier, adorned with gold and
jewels, was supported by the first persons of the republic,
followed by horses in gilded trappings, banners, and other
military ensigns, and the whole body of the citizens. His
remains were deposited in the church of St. Repar.ita,
where a statue (as Poggio and Rossi call it, though it is well known to be a portrait) of him on horseback was put
np by a public decree. If the Florentine historians did
not distinguish between a statue and a portrait, no wonder
our countryman Stowe talks of an “image as great as a
mighty pillar,
” erecteci to the memory of sir John Hawkwood at Florence or that Weever, copying him, calls it
“a statue.
”
at his army became the most exact school of martial discipline, in which were trained many captains, who afterwards rose to great eminence.
Contemporary and succeeding writers agree in their
praises of this illustrious general. Both friends and enemies considered him as one of the greatest soldiers of his
age. Poggio styles him “rei militaris scientia clarus, et
bello assuetus,
” “dux sagax,
” “dux prudens,
” “tantus
dux,
” “rei bellicae peritissimus,
” fl ad belli officia prudentissimus,“” expertae virtutis et fidei;“epithets these
which might serve instead of a particular character. Muratori calls him,
” II prodeet il accortissimo capitano." As
he had been formed under the Black Prince, it is not to
be wondered that his army became the most exact school
of martial discipline, in which were trained many captains,
who afterwards rose to great eminence.
8 gentlemen in the House of commons, I am the only one that is so. Thanks to my worthy constituents, who never objected to my person, and I hope never to give them cause
When lord Hardwicke was called up to the house of
lords in 1734, he was chosen to succeed him in representing the borough of Seatbrd in the Commons; and he
represented this borough for the remainder of his life. He
defended the measures of sir Robert Walpole in general,
but was far from being subservient or indiscriminate in his
approbation of public measures. In 1728 he published his
1 Essay on Civil Government;“in 1730 his poem entitled
” Mount Caburn,“dedicated to the duchess of Newcastle,
in which he celebrates the beauties of his native country,
and the virtues of his friends. In 1735 he published
” Remarks on the Laws relative to the Poor, with proposals for
their better relief and employment; and at the same time
brought in a bill for the purpose. He made another attempt of this kind, but without effect. In May 1738, he
was appointed a commissioner of the victualling-office. In
1753 appeared “Religio Philosophi; or, the principles
of morality and Christianity, illustrated from a view of che
universe, and of man’s situation in it.
” This was followed,
in Essay on Deformity;
” in which he rallies
his own imperfection in this respect with much liveliness
and good humour. “Bodily deformity,
” says he, “is
very rare. Among 558 gentlemen in the House of commons, I am the only one that is so. Thanks to my worthy
constituents, who never objected to my person, and I hope
never to give them cause to object to my behaviour.
” The
same year he translated Hawkins Browne “De Immortalitati Animse.
” In Epigrams of Martial;
” but survived this publication only
a short time, dying June 22, the same year. A little time
before, he had been appointed keeper of the records in
the Tower; and it is said that his attention and assiduity,
during the few months he held that office, were eminently
serviceable to his successors.
He left a son, who inherited the imperfect form of his father. This gentleman went
He left a son, who inherited the imperfect form of his father. This gentleman went into the service of the East India company, where he acquired rank, fortune, and reputation; but, being one of those who opposed Cossim Ally Kawn, and unfortunately falling into his hands, was, with other gentlemen, ordered to be put to death at Patna, October 5, 1762. Mr. Hay’s works were collected by his daughter in two volumes, quarto, 1794, with a biographical sketch, exhibiting his many amiable qualities, and public spirit.
anuel Bach, whom he made his model in writing for keyed instruments. At length, he met with Porpora, who was at this time in Vienna; and during five months was so happy
, an eminent musical composer, was born at llhorau, in Lower Austria, in 1733. His father, a wheelwright by trade, played upon the harp without the least knowledge of music, which, however, excited the attention of his son, and first gave birth to his passion for music. In his early childhood he used to sing to his father’s harp the simple tunes which he was able to play, and being sent to a small school in the neighbourhood, he there began to learn music regularly; after which he was placed under Reuter, maestro di capella of the cathedral at Vienna; and having a voice of great compass, was received into the choir, where he was well taught, not only to sing, but to play on the harpsichord and violin. At the age of eighteen, on the breaking of his voice, he was dismissed from the cathedral. After this, he supported himself during eight years as well as he could by his talents; and began to study more seriously than ever. He read the works of Matthcson, lieinichen, and others, on the theory of music; and for the practice, studied with particular attention the pieces of Emanuel Bach, whom he made his model in writing for keyed instruments. At length, he met with Porpora, who was at this time in Vienna; and during five months was so happy as to receive his counsel and instructions in singing and the composition of vocal music.
undred and twenty-four pieces for the bariton, a species of viol di gamba, for the use of his prince who was partial to that instrument, and a great performer upon it.
The first time we meet with his name in the German catalogues of music, is in that of Breitkopf of Leipsic, 1763, to a Divertimento a Cembalo, 3 Concern a Cembalo, 5 Trios, 8 Quadros or quartets, and 6 Symphonies in four and eight parts." The chief of his early music was for the chamber. He is said at Vienna to have composed, before 1782, a hundred and twenty-four pieces for the bariton, a species of viol di gamba, for the use of his prince who was partial to that instrument, and a great performer upon it.
iblia Magna” is reckoned a very good work. He must not be confounded with John de la Haye, a Jesuit, who died 1614, aged seventy-four, leaving an “Evangelical Harmony,”
, a learned Franciscan, preacher in
ordinary to queen Anrie of Austria, was born in 1593 at
Paris, and died there in 1661. His principal works are,
“Biblia Magna,
” Biblia Maxima,
” Biblia Magna
” is reckoned a very good work. He must
not be confounded with John de la Haye, a Jesuit, who
died 1614, aged seventy-four, leaving an “Evangelical
Harmony,
” 2 vols. fol. and other works; nor with another
John de la Haye, valet de chambre to Margaret of Valois,
who published her poems.
entlemen of the king’s chapel, and resided chiefly in London, till the decease of his worthy father; who having established a family interest in the university, he succeeded
Dr. Hayes died July 27, 1777, and was buried in the church-yard of St. Peter’s in the east, in Oxford. His son Philip was regularly educated by his father in the same art. When grown up, after he had lost his treble voice, which dropped into a tolerable tenor, he was admitted one of the gentlemen of the king’s chapel, and resided chiefly in London, till the decease of his worthy father; who having established a family interest in the university, he succeeded to all his honours and appointments. He took his degree of B. M. in May 1763, and proceeded doctor of music Nov. 6, 1777, when he succeeded his father in the professorship. He also became organist of Magdalen, New college, and St, John’s. He succeeded in the same style of composition as his father, and was a considerable benefactor to the music-school and orchestra, and gave many valuable portraits both to that room and to some of the colleges. Dr. Philip Hayes was perhaps the most corpulent man in the kingdom, and his friends were long in apprehension of a sudden death, which at last took place when he was on his annual visit to London, about the time of the anniversary of the new musical fund. He dropped down dead, after he had dressed himself, in the morning of March 19, 1797, in his fifty -eighth year. His remains were interred in St. Paul’s cathedral with due respect.
3, A. M. 1727, and D. D. in 1748. He was tutor to the earl of Salisbury, with whom he travelled, and who, in 1737, presented him to the valuable rectory of Hatfield
, a strenuous advocate for Socinianism, was born in 1672, and became assay-master of the
mint, and principal tally-writer of the exchequer. In
defence of the independence and prerogatives of his office,
he printed and privately dispersed a tract entitled “A
hriel enquiry relating to the right of his majesty’s Chapel
Royal, and the privileges of his servants within the Tower,
in a Memorial addressed to the rignt hon. the lord viscount
Lonsdale, constable of his majesty’s Tower of London,
”
The Scripture account of the attributes and
worship of God, and of the character and offices of Jesus
Christ, by a candid Enquirer after Truth.
” This he left
for the press, and it was accordingly printed by his son, in
obedience to his father’s injunctions, but probably against
his own inclinations, nor was it generally known as a publication until reprinted in 1790 by the late rev. Theophilus
Lindsey. Mr. Haynesdied November 19, 1749. His son
Samuel Haynes was educated at King’s college, Cambridge, where he took his degrees of A. B in 1723, A. M.
1727, and D. D. in 1748. He was tutor to the earl of
Salisbury, with whom he travelled, and who, in 1737,
presented him to the valuable rectory of Hatfield in Hertfordshire. In March 1743, he succeeded to a canonry of
Windsor; and in May 1747, he was presented by his
noble patron to the rectory of Clothal, which he held by
dispensation with Hatfield. He died June 9, 1752. He
published “A Collection of State-papers, relating to affairs in the reigns of Henry VIII. Edward VI. Mary and
Elizabeth, from 1542 to 1570,
” transcribed from the Cecil
Mss. in Hatfield-house, 1740, fol.
in lord Bacon’s” Apophthegms,“that queen Elizabeth, being highly incensed at this book, asked Bacon, who was then one of her council learned in the law,” whether there
, an English historian, was educated at Cambridge, where he took the degree of LL. D.
In 1599 he published, in 4to, The first Part of the Life
and Raigne of King Henrie IV. extending to the end of
the first yeare of his raigne,“dedicated to Robert earl of
Essex; for which he suffered a tedious imprisonment, on
account of having advanced something in defence of hereditary succession to the crown. We are informed, in lord
Bacon’s
” Apophthegms,“that queen Elizabeth, being
highly incensed at this book, asked Bacon, who was then
one of her council learned in the law,
” whether there was
any treason contained in it?“who answered,
” No, madam for treason, I cannot deliver my opinion there is
any but there is much felony.“The queen,
apprehending it, gladly asked,
” How and wherein“Bacon answered,
” because he had stolen many of his sentences
and conceits out of Cornelius Tacitus.“This discovery is
thought to have prevented his being put to the rack.
Carnden tells us, that the book being dedicated to the
earl of Essex, when that nobleman and his friends were
tried, the lawyers urged, that
” it was written on purpose
to encourage the deposing of the queen;“and they particularly insisted on these words in the dedication* in which
our author styles the earl
” Magnus & present! judicio, &
futuri temporis expectatione.“In 1603 he published, in
quarto,
” An Answer to the first part of a certaine Conference concerning Succession, published not long since
under the name of R. Doleman.“Tais R. Doleman was
the Jesuit Parsons. In 1610 he was appointed by king
James one of the historiographers of Chelsea college, near
London, which, as we have often had occasion to notice,
was never permanently established. In 1613, he published
in 4to,
” The Lives of the Three Normans, kings of England; William I; William II.; Henry I.“and dedicated
them to Charles prince of Wales. In 1619, he received
the honour of knighthood from his majesty, at Whitehall.
In 1624, he published a discourse entitled
” Of Supremacie in Affaires of Religion,“dedicated to prince Charles,
and written in the manner of a conversation held at the
table of Dr. Toby Matthews, bishop of Durham, in the
time of the parliament, 1605. The proposition maintained is, that supreme power in ecciesiasticaJ affairs is a
right of sovereignty. He wrote likewise,
” The Life and
Raigne of King Edward VI. with the beginning of the
Raigne of queen Elizabeth,“1630, 4to, but this was posthumous; for he died June 27, 1627. He was the author
of several works of piety, particularly
” The Sr.nctuarie of
a troubled soul,“Lond. 1616, 12mo;
” David’s Tears,
or an Exposition of the Penitential Psalms,“1622, 8vo.
and te Christ’s Prayer on the Crosse for his Enemies,
”
1623. Wood says that “he was accounted a learned and
godly man, and one better read in theological authors,
than in those belonging to his profession; and that with
regard to his histories, the phrase and words in them were
in their time esteemed very good; only some have wished
that in his
” History of Henry IV.“he had not called sir
Hugh Lynne by so light a word as Mad-cap, though he
were such; and that he had not changed his historical style
into a dramatical, where he introduceth a mother uttering a woman’s passion in the case of her son.
” Nicolson observes, that “he had the repute in his time, of a
good clean pen and smooth style; though some have since
blamed him for being a little too dramatical,
” Strype
recommends that our author “be read with caution
that his style and language is good, and so is his fancy
but that he uses it too much for an historian, which puts
him sometimes on making speeches for others, which they
never spake, and relating matters which perhaps they never thought on.
” In confirmation of which censure, Kennet has since affirmed him to be “a professed speech-maker
through all his little history of Henry IV.
”
ly family. It appears, however, that he did marry hastily, in the anguish of disappointment, a lady, who died before him. From Matlock he went to reside at Norwich,
He left Oxford after a residence of three years, in which interval he lost his father. His biographer informs us that his friends could not for some months discover the place of his residence; but that at length it appeared he was married, and had retired to Matlock in Derbyshire. From our other authority, however, we learn, that during his occasional visits from Oxford to his friends in Norfolk, he formed an attachment of the tenderest kind to a very beautiful woman, now alive, but of no fortune. Many of the most charming and interesting of his poetical compositions addressed to this lady. The connexion appeared to their common friends to be indiscreet, and the object of his affections married a deserving man, with whom she is now happy in a lovely family. It appears, however, that he did marry hastily, in the anguish of disappointment, a lady, who died before him. From Matlock he went to reside at Norwich, and in a short time the consumptive tendency of his constitution rendered it advisable to try the climate of Lisbon, from which he returned only to die, at Norwich, in November 1788.
d neither threats nor persuasion to induce him to learn, but their arguments were thrown away on one who seemed predetermined never to become a learned man; he had,
, an enterprising English navigator,
was born in 1745; he was the son of Mr. Hearne, secretary
to the water-works, London-bridge, a very sensible man,
and of a respectable family in Somersetshire; he died of a
fever in his fortieth year, and left Mrs. Hearne with this
son, then but three years of age, and a daughter two years
older. Mrs. H. finding her income too small to admit her
living in town as she had been accustomed, retired to Bimmister, in Dorsetshire (her native place), where she lived
as a gentlewoman, and was much respected. It was her
wish to give her children as good an education as the place
afforded, and accordingly she sent her son to school at a very
early period: but his dislike to reading and writing was so
great, that he made very little progress in either. His
masters, indeed, spared neither threats nor persuasion to
induce him to learn, but their arguments were thrown
away on one who seemed predetermined never to become
a learned man; he had, however, a very quick apprehension, and in his childish sports shewed unusual activity and
ingenuity; he was particularly fond of drawing; and
though he never had the least instruction in the art, copied
with great delicacy and correctness even from nature.
Mrs. Hearne’s friends, finding her son had no taste for
study, advised tier fixing on some business, and proposed
such as they judged most suitable for him; but he declared
himself utterly averse to trade, and begged he might be
sent to sea. His mother very reluctantly complied with
his request, took him to Portsmouth, and remained with
him till he sailed. His captain (now lord Hood) promised
to take care of him, and gave him every indulgence his
youth required. He was then but eleven years of age.
They had a warm engagement soon after he entered, and
took several prizes: the captain told him he should have
his share; but he begged, in a very affectionate manner,
it might be given to his mother, and she would know best
what to do with it. He was a midshipman several years
under the same commander; but on the conclusion of the
war, having no hopes of preferment, he left the navy, and
entered into the service of the Hudson’s Bay company, as
mate of one of their sloops. He was, however, soon distinguished from his associates by his ingenuity, industry,
and a wish to undertake some hazardous enterprize by
which mankind might be benefited. This was represented
to the company, and they immediately applied to him as
a proper person to be sent on an expedition they had long
had in view, viz. to find out the north-west passage: he
gladly accepted the proposal, and how far he succeeded is
shewn to the public in his Journal. On his return he was
advanced to a more lucrative post, and in a few years was
made commander in chief, in which situation he remained
till 1782, when the French unexpectedly landed at Prince
of Wales’ s Fort, took possession of it, and after having
given the governor leave to secure his own property, seized
the stock of furs, &c. &c. and blew up the fort. At the
company’s request Mr. H. went out the year following,
saw it rebuilt, and the new governor settled in his habitation (which they took care to fortify a little better than formerly), and returned to England in 1787. He had
saved a few thousands, the fruits of many years’ industry,
and might, had he been blessed with prudence, have enjoyed
many years of ease and plenty; but he had lived so long
where money was of no use, that he seemed insensible of
its value here, and lent it with little or no security to those
he was scarcely acquainted with by name; sincere and
undesigning himself, he was by no means a match for the
duplicity of others. His disposition, as may be judged by
his writing, was naturally humane; what he wanted in
learning and polite accomplishments, he made up in native simplicity; and was so strictly scrupulous with regard
to the property of others, that he was heard to say, a few
davs before his death, “he could lay his hand on his heart
and say, he had never wronged any man of sixpence.
”
Such are the outlines of Mr. Hearne’s character; who, if he had some failings, had many virtues to counterbalance
Such are the outlines of Mr. Hearne’s character; who,
if he had some failings, had many virtues to counterbalance them, of which charity was not the least. He died
of the dropsy, November 1792, aged forty-seven. In 1797
appeared his “Journey from the Prince of Wales’s Fort,
in Hudson’s Bay, to the Northern Ocean; undertaken by
order of the Hudson’s Bay Company, for the discovery of
Copper-mines, a North-west passage, &c. in the years
1769, 1770, 1771, 1772,
” a volume which forms a very
valuable addition to the discoveries of our enterprizing
countrymen.
poring over the old tomb-stones in the church-yard. As to education, he had very little. His father, who kept a writing-school, and who, as parishclerk, was also a kind
, an eminent English antiquary,
and indefatigable collector and editor of books and manuscripts, was the son of George Hearne, parish-clerk of
White Waltham, Berkshire, by Edith, daughter of Thomas
Wise. He was born at Littlefteld-green in the above
parish, in 1678, and baptised July 11th of that year. He
appears to have been born with a taste for those researches
which formed afterwards the business of his life; and even
when he had but attained a knowledge of the alphabet,
was seen continually poring over the old tomb-stones in
the church-yard. As to education, he had very little. His
father, who kept a writing-school, and who, as parishclerk, was also a kind of amanuensis to the illiterate part of
his neighbours, could teach him English and writing, in
both which he made considerable proficiency; but he had
other children, and, instead of being able to place Thomas
at any superior school, was obliged to let him earn his
subsistence as a day-labourer. His natural abilities, however,
appeared through this disadvantage, and his being a better
reader and writer than could have been expected from his
scanty opportunities, recommended him to the kind attention of an early patron, whom he calls “that pious and
learned gentleman Francis Cherry, esq.
” By this gentleman, in whose house he was for some time a menial servant, he was placed at the free-school of Bray in Berkshire,
in the beginning of 1693, and rewarded his care by such
diligent application, as to acquire an accurate knowledge
of Greek and Latin. He was on this account much respected both by the master and his fellow-scholars, who
were accustomed to consult him in their little difficulties,
and used to listen to his information respecting English
history, which his original taste had led him to study as
he found opportunity.
aintain him as his son. In this it is said he partly followed the advice of the learned Mr. Dodwell, who then lived in the neighbourhood, and had probably watched the
His patron, Mr. Cherry, pleased with the happy effects of his care, determined to take our young antiquary into his house, and maintain him as his son. In this it is said he partly followed the advice of the learned Mr. Dodwell, who then lived in the neighbourhood, and had probably watched the progress of Hearne’s education. He was accordingly taken into Mr. Cherry’s house about Easter 1695, and his studies in classical learning promoted by this gentleman, or by Mr. Dodwell, both taking that trouble with him, which, from his diligence and apt memory, they foresaw would not be lost. With the same benevolent views, Mr. Cherry sent him to Oxford, where, in Michaelmas term of the above year, he was entered of Edmundhall, but returned immediately after his matriculation, and pursued his studies both at Mr. Cherry’s, and at the school of Bray.
ide at Edmund-hall, a society which had probably been recommended to Mr. Cherry by Dr. White Kennet, who was at that time viceprincipal, and also rector of Shottesbrooke,
In Easter term 1696, he came to reside at Edmund-hall,
a society which had probably been recommended to Mr.
Cherry by Dr. White Kennet, who was at that time viceprincipal, and also rector of Shottesbrooke, which he received from Mr. Cherry. The learned Dr. John Mill was
at this time principal. Both his tutor, Dr. Kennet, and
his principal, Dr. Mill, appear to have soon discovered the
bent of his studies; and Dr. Mill, who was then employed“on the appendix to his edition of the Greek Testament,
finding young Hearne an apt reader of Mss. employed
him in the laborious task of collation. It was also at the
doctor’s request, that when he was about three years
standing, he went to Eton to compare a ms. of Tatian and
Athenagoras in that college library. The variations he
discovered were afterwards made use of by Mr. Worth in
his edition of Tatian, in 1700, and by Dechair in his edition of Athenagoras, 1706; but Mr. Hearne complains,
and with some justice, that neither mentioned the person
who collated the Mss. Hearne' s own copy of the variations is now in the Bodleian. About this time Mr. Cherry
sent for him to Shottesbrooke, and employed him in transcribing sir Henry Spelman’s
” History of Sacrilege,“which was soon after printed at London. Mr. Dodwell
also appears to have employed him in transcribing two
copies of his
” Paraenesis." At Edmund Hall Dr. Grabe
availed himself of his useful talents in transcribing and collating various old manuscripts.
k some pains to bring a charge of inconsistency against him, by publishing <; A Vindication of those who take the Oath of Allegiance to his present majesty.“This he
In January 1714-15, he was elected architypographus,
and esquire beadle of civil law in the university of Oxford,
which post he held, together with that of under-librarian,
till November following; but then, finding they were not
tenable together, he resigned the beadleship, and very
soon after the other place also, by reason of the oaths to
government, with which he could not conscientiously comply. He continued a nonjuror to the last, much at the
expence of his worldly interest; for, on that account he
refused several preferments which would have been of
great advantage and very agreeable to him. So many indeed were the offers made, that his motives for refusal must
have been urgent and conscientious. His enemies took
some pains to bring a charge of inconsistency against him,
by publishing <; A Vindication of those who take the Oath
of Allegiance to his present majesty.“This he wrote
when a very young man, in king William’s reign, but, as
he very justly remarks, it proves no more than that he had
viewed the question in another light, and surely must be
accounted sincere, when we find him refusing so many
profitable situations. In the latter part of his life he
appears to have resided in Edmund-hall, preparing and
publishing his various works, but not, as will be noticed in
our catalogue of them, without interruption from what he
thought the candid declaration of his political sentiments
clashing with those of the university, and of the nation at
large. This, in one or two instances, occasioned serious
prosecutions, and considering himself as an injured man,
he was not sparing in his censures of some of his most
learned contemporaries, who, in their turns, were equally
disrespectful in their notices of him. With these disputes
the present age has little to do, and it owes too much to
the industry of Hearne to trace his failings with anxious
care, or treat them with the animosity that might have
been natural in his own times. How useful his industry
was, may be estimated from the number of valuable pieces
which he hid in public or private repositories, of no utility
even to the possessors of them, for want of persons who
have perseverance enough to travel through the drudgery,
or spirit enough to hazard the expence of printing them.
By a life of the greatest regularity and ceconomy, Hearne
was enabled in a great measure to prevent this injury to
literature: and his endeavours were assisted by the encouragement of many noble and opulent patrons. It might
therefore be matter of surprize, though no reflection upon
his character, that a sum amounting to upwards of 1000l.
was found in his room after his decease. His death, which
happened June 10, 1735, was occasioned by a severe cold
and a succeeding fever, which, being improperly treated,
terminated in a violent flux. He was buried in the church
yard of St. Peter’s in the East, where is erected over his
remains a stone with an inscription written by himself:
” Here lyeth the body of Thomas Hearne, M. A. who
studied and preserved Antiquities. He died June 10,
1735, aged 55 years. Deut. xxxii. 7. * Remember the
clays of old, consider the years of many generations; ask
thy father, and he will shew thee, thy elders, and they
will tell thee.' Job viii. 8, 9, 10. “Enquire I pray thee,'
&c.
” -This stone was repaired by Dr. Rawlinson in Since that kind of study pursued by Mr. Hearne is more general now than it was in
his time, to praise and speak well of him will of consequence be more safe, as it will be better received. His
chief excellence, so often celebrated, but to the misfortune of learning so little imitated, was unwearied industry, which began almost with his life, and continued in
full vigour till within a few weeks of his death. By means
of this industry, and of a good disposition, he raised himself from the lowest state of dependence to a station of
ease and honour. When his worth was in some sort acknowledged, by the offer of the best offices the university had to bestow, he manifested uncommon integrity in
declining those offers, because the acceptance of them
appeared to him inconsistent with the principles which he
had adopted. If there was a singularity in his exterior
behaviour or manner which was the jest of the man of wit
and polite life, he secretly enjoyed the approbation, favour, and correspondence of the
” greatest men of the age.
Succeeding times have given testimony to his abilities,
which the age in which he lived so lightly esteemed. It is,
at least, not flattery, to consider him as a pattern to all
whose duty it is, as well as inclination, to unite much
learning and erudition, with the greatest plainness and
simplicity of manners."
ter printed by Mr. Huddesford in his life. Hearne had no more of popery than antiquaries in general, who can never forgive the injuries done to libraries at the time
Hearne left his ms collections by will to Dr. William. Bedford, of whom Dr. Rawlinson purchased them for an hundred guineas, and at his death bequeathed them with his own Mss. to the Bodleian library. Among other injurious reports at the time of Hearne’s death, one was, that he died a Roman catholic, an imputation on the nonjurors not very uncommon at that time, but which, as to Hearne, has been fully disproved in a letter printed by Mr. Huddesford in his life. Hearne had no more of popery than antiquaries in general, who can never forgive the injuries done to libraries at the time of the reformation.
, an English historian, was born 1629, in London, where his father, who was the king’s cutler, lived. He was educated at Westminster-school,
, an English historian, was born 1629,
in London, where his father, who was the king’s cutler,
lived. He was educated at Westminster-school, and was
elected to Christ Church, Oxford, in 1646. In 1648 he
was ejected thence by the parliament-visitors, for his adherence to the royal cause lived upon his patrimony till
it was almost spent and then married, which prevented
his return to Christ Church at the restoration, where he
might have qualified himself for one of the learned professions. To maintain his family he now commenced author,
and corrector of the press. He died of a consumption and
dropsy, at London, in August 1664, and left several children to the parish. He published, 1. “A brief Chronicle
of the late intestine War in the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, &c.
” Elegy
upon Dr. Thomas Fuller,
” 1661. 3. “The glories and
magnificent triumphs of the blessed Restoration of king
Charles II. &c. 1662,
” 8vo. 4. “Flagellum or, the Life
and Death, Birth and Burial, of Oliver Cromwell, the late
usurper,
” Elegy on Dr. Sanderson,
bishop of Lincoln,
” A new book of loyal English Martyrs and Confessors, who have endured the pains
and terrors of death, arraignment, &c. for the maintenance
of the just and legal government of these kingdoms both in
church and state,
” Brief but exact Survey
of the Affairs of the United Netherlands, &.c.
” 12mo.
Heath, as a historian, is entitled to little praise on account
of style or argument, but his works contain many lesser
particulars illustrative of the characters and manners of
the times, which are interesting to a curious inquirer. In
the meanest historian there will always be found some
facts, of which there will be no cause to doubt the truth,
and which yet will not be found in the best; and Heath,
who perhaps had nothing but pamphlets and newspapers
to compile from, frequently relates facts that throw light
upon the history of those times, which Clarendon, though
he drew every thing from the most authentic records, has
omitted.
n Ockley, Arabic professor at Cambridge. He passed the first fourteen years at home with his father, who taught him Greek and Latin, but in April 1736, sent him to the
, an ingenious English divine,
and miscellaneous writer, descended of an ancient Derbyshire family, whose property was injured during the civil wars,
was born Dec. 16, 1721, at Barrow upon Soar, in Leicestershire. His father was then curate of that place, but afterwards
had the vicarage of Sileby in that county, and the rectory
of Morton in Derbyshire. He died in 1765. His mother
was a daughter of Simon Ockley, Arabic professor at Cambridge. He passed the first fourteen years at home with
his father, who taught him Greek and Latin, but in April
1736, sent him to the public school of Chesterfield, where
he continued five years under the rev. William Burrow, a
learned man, and a very skilful teacher. In April 1741 r
he was admitted sizar of Jesus college, Cambridge, and in
Jan. 1745, took his degree of A. B. and soon after entered
intered into holy orders. In March 1748 he undertook the
cure of St. Margaret’s, Leicester, and the year after waspresented to the small vicarage of Barkby, in the
neighbourhood, which, with his curacy (worth 50l. yearly) he
says made him “well to live.
” In July 1748, he took his
master’s degree, and at the same time withdrew his name
from college, having in view a marriage with miss Margaret Mompesson, a Nottinghamshire la;iy of good family,
which tie accomplished in August 1750, and whose fortune,
in his estimation, made him independent. This lady died
April 12, 1790.
his name, but his pamphlets on the Middietonian controversy attracted the notice of Dr. War-burton, who discovered the author, and sending him his compliments, offered
These were published without his name, but his pamphlets on the Middietonian controversy attracted the notice
of Dr. War-burton, who discovered the author, and sending him his compliments, offered him the place of assistant preacher at Lincoln’s Inn, with the stipend of half a
guinea for each sermon. This was little, but he accepted
it, as affording him an opportunity of living in London,
and cultivating learned society. He accordingly removed
to town in June 1753, and became one of a club of literati
who met once a week, as he says, “to talk learnedly for
three or four hours.
” The members were Drs. Jortin,
Birch, and Maty, Mr. Welstein, Mr. De Missy, and one
or two more.
hom he act used of being a Hutchinsonian; and, the year after, a Defence of this against Dr. Patten, who had replied. Dr. Home also, a friend to Dr. Patten, animadverted
On the appearance of lord Bolingbroke’s works, he published in 1755, “A Sketch of lord Bollngbroke’s philosophy,
” the object of which was to vindicate the moral attributes of the Deity. In the latter end of the same year,
came out, “The use of Reason asserted in matters of Religion, in answer to a Sermon preached by Dr Patten at
Oxford, July 13, 1755,
” whom he act used of being a
Hutchinsonian; and, the year after, a Defence of this
against Dr. Patten, who had replied. Dr. Home also, a
friend to Dr. Patten, animadverted on Mr. Ht athcote’s
pamphlet: but it seems not to have been long before all
their sentiments concurred; at least, the Hutchinsonians
could not blame Mr. Heathcote more than he blamed himself. “When,
” says he, “the heat of controversy was
over, I could not look into them (the pamphlets) myself,
without disgust and pain. The spleen of Middleton, and
the petulancy of Warburton, had too much infected me.
”
This candid acknowledgment, however, seems to justify
Mr. Jones’s language in his life of bishop Home. “A Mr.
Heathcote, a very intemperate and unmanly writer, published a pamphlet against Dr. Patten, laying himself open,
both in the matter and the manner of it, to the criticisms
of Dr. Patten, who will appear to have been greatly his
superior as a scholar and a divine, to any candid reader
who shall review that controversy. Dr. Patten could not
with any propriety be said to have written on the Hutchinsonian plan; but Mr. Heathcote found it convenient to
charge him with it, &c.
” Warburton, too, who had complimented Mr. Heathcote to his face, speaks of him in a
letter to Dr. Hurd (in 1757) as one whose “matter is rational, but superficial and thin spread.
” He adds, “he
will prove as great a scribbler as Comber. They are both
sensible, and both have reading. The difference is, that
the one has so much vivacity as to make him ridiculous;
the other so little as to be unentertaining. Comber’s excessive vanity may be matched by H.'s pride; which I
think is a much worse quality.
” In this censure the reader
may perceive somewhat that will recoil upon the writer,
but Heathcote, we see, lived to acknowledge what was
amiss, which Warburton did not.
majesty’s minister plenipotentiary to the elector of Cologne, and to the landgrave of Hesse-Cassel, who died in Germany in 1801.
In the summer of 1785 he left London, and resided for the remainder of his life principally at Southwell, of which., church he became, in 1788, vicar-general. He died May 28, 1795. He left a son, Ralph Heathcote, esq. his majesty’s minister plenipotentiary to the elector of Cologne, and to the landgrave of Hesse-Cassel, who died in Germany in 1801.
gia therapirc,” Halae, 1779, 8vo. This author had also an elder brother, John Christian Hebenstreit, who was a celebrated divine, and profoundly versed in the Hebrew
, a celebrated physician
and philologer of Leipsic, was born at Neuenhoff in the
diocese of Neustadt, in 1702. In 1719, he went to the
university of Jena, but, not finding a subsistence there,
removed to Leipsic. He piassed the greater part of his life
in the latter university, and finally died there in 1756.
Besides his academical and physiological tracts, he published, in 1739, 1, “Carmen de usu partinm,
” or Physiologia metrica, in 8vd. 2. “De homine sano et ajgroto
Carmen, sistens Physiologiam, Pathologiam, Hygienen,
Therapiam, materiam medicam, cum pnefatione deantiqua
medicina,
” Leipsic, Oratio de Antiquitatibus Romanis per Africam repertis,
” Museum Richterianum,
” &c. Leips. Palasologia therapirc,
” Halae,
OpuscuhiOratoria.
”
abeth Heber, by Henrietta, only surviving daughter and heiress of sir Thomas Vernon of Hodnet, bart. who chose for her heir the daughter, in preference to the son, of
, a learned and amiable English
clergyman, the second son of Thomas Heber, &sq. of Marton-hall in the deanery of Craven, one of the oldest families
in that district of Yorkshire, was born at Marton, Sept. 4,
1728, O. S. He had his school education under the rev.
Mr. Wilkinson at Skipton, and the rev. Thomas Hunter at
Blackburn, Lancashire, afterwards vicar of Weaverham,
Cheshire, author of “Observations on Tacitus,
” and other
works of credit. From Blackburn he ‘removed to the freeschool at Manchester, and on March 4, 1746--7, was entered a commoner of Brazen-nose college; where his elder’
brother, Richard Heber, was at that time a gentleman
commoner. In October 1752, his father died, and his mother in the month of March following. He was admitted
to the degree of M. A. July 5, 1753, and chosen fellow of
the college November 15 following, having previously in
that year been ordained deacon by bishop Trevor, Match
18, and priest by bishop Hoadly, Nov. 1, to qualify himself for the fellowship founded in 1533 by William Clifton,
subdean of York, for which he was a candidate. He had
private pupils when he was only B. A. and was afterwards
in much esteem as a public tutor, particularly of gentlemen commoners, having at one time more than twenty of
that rank under his care. In July 1766, his brother died,
and, as he left no male issue, Mr. Heber succeeded to a
considerable estate at Hodnet in Shropshire, which was
bequeathed in 1752 to his mother, Elizabeth Heber, by
Henrietta, only surviving daughter and heiress of sir Thomas Vernon of Hodnet, bart. who chose for her heir the
daughter, in preference to the son, of her niece Elizabeth
wife of Richard Atherton, esq. ancestor of Henrietta wife
of Thomas lord Liftbrd. Dec. 5, 1766, he was inducted
into the rectory of Chelsea, the presentation to which had,
several years before, been purchased for him by his brother and another kind relative. He resigned his fellowship
July 1, 1767. Finding the rectorial house at Chelsea bad
and unfinished, he in part rebuilt and greatly improved the
whole, without asking for dilapidations, as the widow of
his predecessor, Sloane Elsmere, D. D. was not left in
affluent circumstances. In 1770, he exchanged Chelsea
for the Upper Mediety of Malpas, Cheshire, into which
he was inducted, July 25, on the presentation of William.
Drake, esq. of Ainersham, Bucks; whose eldest son, the
late William Drake, esq. had been one of his pupils in
Brazen-nose college. In the long incumbency, and latterly non-residence, of his predecessor, the honourable and
rev. Henry Moore, D. D. chaplain to queen Anue, and son
of the earl of Drogheda, who was instituted to Malpas,
Nov. 26, 1713, the parsonage was become ruinous. Mr.
Heber therefore built an excellent new house, on a new
site, which commands an extensive view of Flintshire and
Denbighshire, and some other counties.
On the death of lord James Beauclerc, who held the rectory of Hodnet in commendam with the bishopric of
On the death of lord James Beauclerc, who held the
rectory of Hodnet in commendam with the bishopric of
Hereford, Mr. Heber was instituted to that living, of which
he was patron, holding it with Malpas, from which it is
distant about fourteen miles. In March 1303, he succeeded
to the family estate in Yorkshire by the death of his brothers widow, Mrs. Heber of Weston, Northamptonshire,
who held it in jointure. In the summer of that year, retaining still the vigour and faculties of younger days, he
was present at a very interesting sight, when his second
son, Mr. Reginald Heber, who two years before obtained
the chancellor’s prize at Oxford for Latin verse, by his
very spirited and classical “Carmen Sceculare,
” spoke,
with unbounded applause, a second prize poem, the admirable verses on-“Palestine,
” since published,
Mr. Heber died Jan. 10, 1804. In April 1773, he married Mary, third daughter and co-heiress of Martin Baylie,
M. A. rector of Kelsall and Wrentbam in Suffolk. She died
Jan. 30, 1774, leaving an infant son, Richard Heber, esq.
afterwards M. A. of Brazen-nose college, 1797, a gentleman
well known in the literary world, as the judicious collector
of one of the most extensive private libraries in the kingdom, and whose liberality in assisting men of literature
with its valuable contents, has been often publicly acknowledged, and cannot be too highly commended. InJuly
1782, Mr. Reginald Heber married Mary, eldest daughter
of Cuthbert Allanson, D. D. of Brazen-nose, rector of
Wath in Yorkshire, who was for some years before his
death chaplain to the house of commons. By this lady he
left a daughter Mary, and two sons, Reginald and Thomas
Cuthbert, commoners of Brazen-nose college. Mr. Heber,
the father, although a man of taste and learning, published
little. He has, however, some elegant English verses addressed to the king, on his accession to the throne, among
the Oxford poems on that occasion, in 1761. The following year he published, but without his name, tf An Elegy
written among the Tombs in Westminster Abbey," printed
for Dodsley which was afterwards inserted, without his
knowledge, in Pearch’s continuation of Dodsley’s Poems.
The lines are moral, plaintive, and religious.
t dignified manners, and his exemplary discharge of all the relative duties, are topics on which all who knew him delight to dwell. Mr. Cole, who bestows very high praise
To this character, part of a sketch of his life prefixed to
his “Commentaries, published in 1802, much might be
added. No physician, indeed, was ever more highly or
more deservedly respected. His various and extensive
learning, his modesty in the use of it, his freedom from
jealousy or envy, his independent spirit, his simple yet
dignified manners, and his exemplary discharge of all the
relative duties, are topics on which all who knew him delight to dwell. Mr. Cole, who bestows very high praise
on him, an article in which that gentleman was in general
penurious, gives us the following anecdote of Dr. Heberden, which corresponds with the above account of his
reverence for religion.
” Understanding that Dr. Con.
Middleton had composed a book on the ‘ Inefficacy of
Prayer,’ he called upon his widow soon after the Dr.‘s
death, and asked her if she was not in possession of such
a tract? She answered that she was; he then asked her, if
any bookseller had been in treaty with her for it? She said
that a bookseller had offered her 50l. for it. He then demanded, if there was a duplicate ’ No' upon that he
requested to see it, and she immediately brgught it, and
put it into his hands. The Dr. holding it in one hand,
and giving it a slight perusal, threw it into the fire, and
with the other hand gave her a 50l. note.“This anecdote
Mr. Cole had from Dr. Newton, bishop of Bristol. It is
certain that Dr. Middleton’s widow bequeathed her husband’s remaining Mss. to Dr. Heberden, from which, in,
1761, he obliged the learned world with a curious tract,
entitled
” Dissertations de servili Medicorum conditione
Appendix,“&c. with a short but elegant advertisement
of his own. In 1763, a most valuable edition of the
” Supplices Mulieres“of Euripides, with the notes of Mr. Markland, was printed entirely at the expence of Dr. Heberden; and, in 1763, the same very learned commentator
presented his notes on the two Jphigenix,
” Doctissimo,
& quod longe prastantius est, humanissimo viro Wilhelmo
Heberden, M. D. arbitratu ejus vel cremandtE, vel in publicum emittendae post obiturn scriptoris,“&c. He wrote
the epitaph in Dorking church on Mr. Markland, who had
” bequeathed to him all his books and papers. One of these,
a copy of Mill’s Greek Testament in folio, the margin
filled with notes, was kindly lent by Dr. Heberden, “with
that liberal attention to promote the cause of virtue and
religion which was one of his many well-known excellences,
” to the publisher of the last edition of Mr. Bowyer’s
“Conjectures on the New Testament, 1782,
” 4to. To
Dr. Heberden Mr. Bowyer also bequeathed his “little,
cabinet of coins, a few books specifically, and any others,
which the doctor might chuse to accept.
” To Dr. H.'s
other publications, we may add his “Αντιθηριακα, an
Essay on Mithridatium and Theriaca,
” 1745, 3vo. He
was also a writer in the “Athenian Letters,
” and in his
early life contributed some notes to Grey’s “Hudibras,
” as
acknowledged by that editor in his preface.
1760, Mary, eldest daughter of William Woilastou, esq. by whom he had five sons and three daughters, who all died before him, except Dr. William Heberden, one of his
Dr. Heberden married, Jan. 19, 1760, Mary, eldest
daughter of William Woilastou, esq. by whom he had five
sons and three daughters, who all died before him, except
Dr. William Heberden, one of his majesty’s puysiciuns,
and Mary, the eldest daughter, married to the rev. George
Jenyns, prebendary of Ely. His son published in 1802, a
Latin and English edition of his father’s last work, entitled
“Gulielmi Heberden Commentarii de Morborum Historia
et Curatione,
” in 8vo. These faithful records of experience are related with perfect candour, and without any
admixture of hypothesis: the powers of medicine, however, are estimated with that moderation which arises from
the scepticism of long life and practice, and which some
have thought carried a little too far in this work; yet a
work, like this, formed on the most accurate observation,
cannot be too often referred to by medical practitioners
and medical writers, both, as a source of instruction and
as a model.
-general of Rochester, by a patent, for life, probably upon the resignation of sir William Trumball, who was going as ambassador to the Ottoman court. This promotion
, a civilian and statesman of some note, was educated both at Magdalen-hall and college, Oxford, where he commenced M. A. May 31, 1673, and LL. D. June 26, 1675. Engaging in the profession of the civil law, he acquired considerable eminence, and in March 1686 was appointed chancellor and vicar-general of Rochester, by a patent, for life, probably upon the resignation of sir William Trumball, who was going as ambassador to the Ottoman court. This promotion was soon after followed by his acquisition of the mastership of the faculties, and the dignity of judge of the high court of admiralty, of which sir Richard Raines was dispossessed, and on whose demise some years afterwards, he became judge of the prerogative court of Canterbury. His progress in political life was equally successful, for he received the honour of knighthood, and served in parliament for Orford in Suffolk in 1698, for Malmsbury in Wilts in 1701 and 1702; for Calne, in 1702; and for two Cornish boroughs from 1705 to 1713. He was advanced to be one of the principal secretaries of state, Nov. 5, 1700, under king William, and again, May 2, I 1 ) 02, under queen Anne. It was he that drew up the much-debated act of abjuration in 1701. In parliament, it is said, he voted with the whigs or tories, as his interest prompted, but his attachment was to the tories, who procured his promotion to the office of secretary of state. The whigs, however, prevailed on queen Anne to dismiss him from tliat trust in 1706, with a proviso that he should be judge of the prerogative court on the death of sir Richard Raines, which, we have already said, he lived to enjoy, although for a short time. He died at Richmond, June 10, 1714.
1543 Herman, bishop of Cologn, wishing to promote the cause in his diocese, invited Bucer and Hedio, who were very successful, until driven away by the emperor and the
, one of the early reformers, was born in 14l>5, at Etlinggen, in the marquisate of Baden; and educated at Friburg, where he took his master of arts degree. Thence he went to Basil, studied divinity, and commenced doctor of philosophy and divinity about 1520. Having imbibed the principles of the reformed religion, he inculcated it with great success, as preacher in the church at Mentz, until the violence of persecution obliged him to go to Strasburgh in 1523, where, under the sanction of the senate, he co-operated with Capito and Bucer in the reformation. Here he married in 1533 In 1543 Herman, bishop of Cologn, wishing to promote the cause in his diocese, invited Bucer and Hedio, who were very successful, until driven away by the emperor and the Spaniards. Hedio made his escape with much difficulty, and returned to Strasburgh, where he composed most of his works, and where he died Oct. 17, 1552. His original works, enumerated by Melchior Adam, are theological, historical, and philological; besides which, he was editor of some parts of the Fathers.
iven of Hedwig’s opinions in England, was from the communications of the late professor J. Sibthorp, who had just then visited him, to Dr. Smith, in 1786, and is annexed
, a celebrated botanist, was born
Oct. 8, 17 So, at Cronstadt, in Transylvania, where his fatbi-r was one of the magistrates. After the first rudiments
of domestic education at home, he studied for four years
at the public school of his native town. On the death of
his father in 1747, he went for further improvement to the
university of Presburg in Hungary, where he remained
two years, and then proceeded toZittau in Upper Lusatia.
In 1752 he removed to Leipsic, where his diligence and
talents, as well as his personal character, procured him
the favour and friendship of the celebrated Ludwig in particular, by whose lectures of various kinds, as well as those
of Hebenstreit, Boehmer, and others, he rapidly and
abundantly profited. In 1756, he was taken into the house
of professor Bose, to assist him in the demonstration of
plants-in his botanical lectures, as well as in the care of
patients at the infirmary; and it is supposed that this engagement was full as advantageous to the master as to the
pupil. Having at length finished his studies, he was defcirons of settling as a physician in Ills native place, but
was prevented by an exclusive law in favour of such as are
educated in some Austrian school. In 1759 he took his
degree of doctor of physic at Leipsic, and was induced to
establish himself at Chemnitz. He was now so far master
of his own time, that he found himself able to alleviate the
labours of his profession by almost daily attention to his
favourite studies. His morning hours in summer, from
five till breakfast-time, were spent in the fields and woods,
and his evenings in the investigation of what he had collected, or else in the care of a little garden of his own. To
pursue with success his inquiries, he found it necessary, at
forty years of age, to learn drawing, which enabled him
to publish some of the most curious and authentic botanical
figures.
The first and greatest fruit of Hedwig’s labours, was the
determination of the mule and female Mowers of mosses, the
theory of which was h'rst clearly detailed by him. He
also first beheld the bladder-like anther, of the Liuneeaii
Biyum pulvinaliun, discharging its pollen, on the 17th of
January, 177O. He was already satisfied that what Linnteus, misled by Dillenius against his own previous opinion, had taken for anthers, were in fact the capsules of
mosses, and produced real (seed. A history of his discoveries was published in a German periodical work at Leipsic in 1779. In 1782 appeared his valuable “Fuiuiamentum Historise Nuturalis Muscorum Frondosorum,
” a baudsome Latin quarto, in two parts, with 20 coloured microscopical plates. The earliest account given of Hedwig’s opinions in England, was from the communications of the late professor J. Sibthorp, who had just then visited him, to Dr. Smith, in 1786, and is annexed to a translation of Limiaeus’s “Dissertation on the Sexes of Plants,
” published that year. Hedwig lost his first wife in 1776, and again married a very accomplished lady the following year, who was, like the former, a native of Leipsic. By her persuasion he removed to Leipsic in 1781, and the following year the work
above mentioned was there published. The same subject
is happily followed up in his “Theoria generationis et
fructificationis plant arum cryptogamicarum Linnaet,
” published at Petersburgh in
, a painter of considerable fame, when there were few who deserved it, was born at Ghent, in 1534, the son of John de
, a painter of considerable fame, when there were few who deserved it, was born at Ghent, in 1534, the son of John de Heere, the best statuary of his time; and Anne Smyters, who had the reputation of being a most surprising pain tress of landscapes in miniature. Van Mander gives almost an incredible account of one performance of that female artist. From such parents De Heere had a fair prospect of gaining every necessary part of instruction; and having under their direction learned to design and handle the pencil with ease and freedom, he was placed as a disciple with Francis Fioris. With that master he improved very expeditiously, and on quitting his school travelled to France, where he was employed for some years by the queen-mother, in drawing designs for tapestry. At his return to his native city, he painted a great number of portraits with applause; and was remarkable for having so retentive a memory, that if he save any person but once, he could paint his likeness as strong as if he had his model before his eyes. On the shutters of the altar-piece in the church of St. Peter at Ghent, he painted the Descent of the Holy Ghost on the Apostles, in which the draperies are extremely admired; and in the church of St. John he painted an altar-piece representing the Resurrection.
his-hand, as a satire on our fickleness in fashion it is illustrative of a verse by Andrew de Borde, who in his “Introduction to Knowledge,” has prefixed to the first
His manner was stiff, resembling that of his master; but
m the colouring of the heads of his portraits there appears
a great deal of nature and clearness; and he is very commendable for his high finishing, as welt as for giving a fullness to his draperies. This artist resided for several years
in England, where many of his portraits of the nobility are
still preserved, and much esteemed, such as lady Jane
Grey, lord Darnley husband of Mary queen of Scotland,
Frances duchess of Suffolk, &c. and at Longleate there is
a large picture of a gentleman, his wife and family, consisting of eight persons. Soon after he came to England,
he painted a naked man with different-coloured clothes
lying besides him, and a pair of sheers in his-hand, as a
satire on our fickleness in fashion it is illustrative of a
verse by Andrew de Borde, who in his “Introduction to
Knowledge,
” has prefixed to the first chapter a naked
man with these lines:
ations, introduced upon the stage in consequence of his advice, gave such satisfaction to George II. who was fond of operas, that his majesty was pleased from that time
, a very singular adventurer, was the son of a clergyman, and a native of Zurich,
in Switzerland, where he married, but left his country in
consequence of an intrigue. Having had an opportunity
of visiting the principal cities of Europe, he acquired a
taste for elegant and refined pleasures, which by degrees
qualified him for the management of public amusements.
In 1708, when he was near fifty years old, he came to England on a negotiation from the Swiss at Zurich; but failing
in his embassy, he entered as a private soldier in the
guards for protection. By his sprightly engaging conversation, and insinuating address, he soon became a favourite with our young people of fashion, from whom he obtained the appellation of “the Swiss count,
” by which
name he is noticed in the “Tatler.
” He had the address
to procure a subscription, with which in 1709 he was enabled to furnish out the opera of “Thomyris,
” which was
written in English, and performed at the queen’s theatre
in the Haymarket, with such success, that he g ined by
this performance alone 500 guineas. The judicious remarks he made on several detects in the conduct of our
operas in general, and the hints he threw out for improving
those entertainments, soon established his character as a
theatrical critic. Appeals were made to his judgment;
and some very magnificent and elegant decorations, introduced upon the stage in consequence of his advice, gave
such satisfaction to George II. who was fond of operas,
that his majesty was pleased from that time to countenance
him, and he soon obtained the chief management of the
opera-house in the Haymarket. He then undertook to
improve another species’of diversion, not less agreeable to
the king, the masquerades, and over these he always presided at the king’s theatre. He was likewise appointed
master of the revels. The nobility now caressed htm so
much, and had such an opinion of his taste, that all splendid and elegant entertainments given by them upon particular occasions, and all private assemblies by subscription,
were submitted to his direction, for which he was liberally
rewarded.
ow poor objects of distress better than I do,“he would frequently say to the father of the gentleman who furnished this anecdote,” Be so kind as to give away this money
From the emoluments of these several employments, he
gained a regular and considerable income; amounting, it
is said, in some years to 5000l. which he spent with much
liberality, particularly in the maintenance of perhaps
somewhat too luxurious a table; so that it may be said he
raised an income, but never a fortune. His charity was
so great, that after a successful masquerade he has been
known to give away several hundred pounds at a time.
u You know poor objects of distress better than I do,“he
would frequently say to the father of the gentleman who
furnished this anecdote,
” Be so kind as to give away this
money for me." This well-known liberality, perhaps,
contributed much to his carrying on that diversion with so
little opposition as he met with.
"a monster of a fowl, an eminent person, who wss a man of
"a monster of a fowl, an eminent person, who wss a man of
insensible upon a bed. A profound sleep ensued; when the late Mrs. Salmon’s daughter was introduced, who took a mould from his face in plaster of Paris. From this a.
The late facetious duke of Montagu (the memorable contriver of the bottle-conjuror at the theatre in the Haymarket) gave an entertainment at the Devfl tavern, Templebar, to several of the nobility and gentry, to whom he imparted his plot. Heidegger was invited, and a few hours
after dinner was made drunk, and laid insensible upon a bed.
A profound sleep ensued; when the late Mrs. Salmon’s
daughter was introduced, who took a mould from his face
in plaster of Paris. From this a. mask was made, and a few
days before the next masquerade (at which the king promised to be present, with the countess of Yarmouth) the
duke made application to Heidegger’s valet de chambre,
to know what suit of clothes he was likely to wear; and then
procuring a similar dress, and a person of the same staturehe gave him his instructions. On the evening of the masquerade, as soon as his majesty was seated (who was always known by the conductor of the entertainment and the officers of the court, though concealed by his dress from the company), Heidegger, as usual, ordered the music to play
“God save the King;
” but his back was no sooner turned,
than the false Heidegger ordered them to strike up “Charly
over the Water.
” The whole company were instantly
thunderstruck, and all the courtiers not in the plot were
thrown into a stupid consternation. Heidegger flew to the
music-gallery, stamped and raved, and accused the mumusicians of drunkenness, or of being set on by some secret
enemy to ruin him. The king and the countess laughed
so immoderately, that they hazarded a discovery. While
Heidegger stayed in the gallery, “God save the King
”
was the tune; but when, after setting matters to rights,
he retired to one of the dancing-rooms, to observe if decorum was kept by the company, the counterfeit stepping
forward, and placing himself upon the floor of the theatre,
just in front of the music gallery, called out in a most audible voice, imitating Heidegger, and asked them if he
had not just told them to play “Charly over the Water?
”
A pause ensued; the musicians, who knew his character,
in their turn thought him either drunk or mad; but, as he
continued his vociferation, “Charly
” was played again.
At this repetition of the supposed affront, some of the officers of the guards, who always attended upon these occasions, were for ascending the gallery, and kicking the
musicians out; but the late duke of Cumberland, who
could hardly contain himself, interposed. The company
were thrown into great confusion. “Shame! Shame!
”
resounded from all parts, and Heidegger once more flew
in a violent rage to that part of the theatre facing the gallery. Here the duke of Montagu, artfully addressing himself to him, told him “the king was in a violent passion;
that his best way was to go instantly and make an apology,
for certainly the musicians were mad, and afterwards to
discharge them.
” Almost at the same instant hq ordered
the false Heidegger to do the same. The scene now became truly comic in the circle before the king. Heidegger had no sooner made a genteel apology for the insolence
of his musicians, but the false Heidegger advanced, and
in a plaintive tone cried out, “Indeed, Sire, it was not
my fault, but that devil’s in my likeness.
” Poor Heidegger turned round, stared, staggered, grew pale, and could
not utter a word. The duke then humanely whispered in
his ear the sum of his plot, and the counterfeit was ordered
to take off his mask. Here ended the frolic; but Heidegger swore he would never attend any public amusement, if
that witch the wax-work woman did not break the mould,
and melt down the mask before his face.
e a: Richmond, in Surrey, where he was buried. He left behind him one natural daughter, miss Pappet, who was married Sept. 2, 1750, to captain (afterwards admiral sir
Being once at supper with a large company, when a
question was debated, which nation of Europe had the
greatest ingenuity; to the surprise of all present, he claimed
that character for the Swiss, and appealed to himself for
the truth of it. “I was born a Swiss,
” said he, “and
came to England without a farthing, where I have found
means to gain 5000l. a year, and to spend it. Now I defy
the most able Englishman to go to Switzerland, and, either
to gain that income, or to spend it there.
” He died Sept.
4, 1749, at the advanced age of ninety years, at his house
a: Richmond, in Surrey, where he was buried. He left
behind him one natural daughter, miss Pappet, who was
married Sept. 2, 1750, to captain (afterwards admiral sir Peter) Denis. Part of this lady’s fortune was a house at
the north-west corner of Queen -square, Ormond -street,
which sir Peter afterwards sold to the late Dr. Campbell,
and purchased a seat in Kent, pleasantly situated near
Westram, then called Valence, but now (by its present proprietor, the earl of Hillsborough) Hill Park.
8 vols. in 4to. His brother, John Michael, deacon of the church of St. Peter and St. Paul at Goslar, who died in 1722, wrote many works of reputation in his country,
, a German lawyer, was
born at Eisemberg in 1681, and trained in the study of
philosophy and law. He became professor of philosophy
at Hall, in 1710, and of law in. 1721, with the title of
counsellor. In 1724 he was invited to Franeker; and
three years after, the king of Prussia influenced him to
accept the law-professorship at Franc fort upon the Oder.
Here he continued till 1733, when the same prince almost
forced him to resume the chair at Hall, where he remained
till his death, in 1741, although he had strong invitations
from Denmark, Holland, &c. His principal works (for they are numerous) are, 1. “Antiquitatum Romanorum
Jurisprudentiam illustrantium syntagma;
” the best edition of which is the fifth, published at Lewarden, in 1777.
2. “Elementa Juris Civilis secundum ordinem Institutionum & Pandectarum,
” 2 vols. 8vo. 3. “Elementa Philosophic Rationalis & Moralis, quibus pnemissa historia
Philosophical' This is reckoned a good abridgment of
logic and morality. 4.
” Historia Juris Civilis, Romani ac
Germanici.“5.
” Elementa Juris Naturae & Gentium,“which was translated into English by Dr. Turnbull. 6,
”Fundamenta styli cultioris;“a work of his youth, but
much approved, and often reprinted, with notes by Gesner and others, Also several academic dissertations upon
various subjects. His works were published collectively
at Geneva in 1744, and form 8 vols. in 4to. His brother,
John Michael, deacon of the church of St. Peter and St.
Paul at Goslar, who died in 1722, wrote many works of
reputation in his country, among which is his
” Account
of the Antiquities of Goslar and the neighbouring places;"
and his view of the ancient and modern Greek church.
thor attempts to assign the natural causes for the astonishing capacity of this great man in embryo, who was just shewn to the world, and snatched away. This was addressed
, a child greatly celebrated for the wonderfully premature developemerit of
his talents, but whose history will require strong faith, was
born at Lubeck, Feb. 6, 1721, and died mere June 27,
1725, after having displayed the most amazing proofs of
intellectual powers. He could talk at ten months old, and
scarcely had completed the first year of his life, when he
already knew and recited the principal facts contained in
the five books of Moses, with a number of verses on the
creation; at thirteen months he knew the history of the Old
Testament, and the New at fourteen in his thirtieth month,
the history of the nations of antiquity, geography, anatomy, the use of maps, and nearly 8000 Latin words. Before the end of his third year, he was well acquainted with
the history of Denmark, and the genealogy of the crowned
heads of Europe; in his fourth year he had learned the
doctrines of divinity, with their proofs from the Bible; ecclesiastical history; the institutes; 200 hymns, with their
tunes; 80 psalms; entire chapters of the Old and New
Testament; 1500 verses and sentences from ancient Latin
classics; almost the* whole Orbis Pictus of Comenius,
whence he had derived all his knowledge of the Latin language arithmetic; the history of the European empires
and kingdoms; could point out in the maps whatever place
he was asked for, or passed by in his journeys, and recite
all the ancient and modern historical anecdotes relating to
it. His stupendous memory caught and retained every
word he was told; his ever active imagination used whatever he saw or heard, instantly to apply some examples or
sentences from the Bible, geography, profane or ecclesiastical history, the “Orbis Pictus,
” or from ancient classics. At the court of Denmark he delivered twelve speeches
without once faltering; and underwent public examinations on a variety of subjects, especially the bistory of
Denmark. He spoke German, Latin, French, and Low
Dutch, and was exceedingly good-natured and well-behaved, but of a most tender and delicate bodily constitution; never ate any solid food, but chiefly subsisted on
nurses milk, not being weaned till within a very few months
of his death, at which time he was not quite four years old.
There is a dissertation on this child, published by M. Martini at Lubeck, in 1730, where the author attempts to
assign the natural causes for the astonishing capacity of
this great man in embryo, who was just shewn to the world,
and snatched away. This was addressed to M. Christ, de
Schoeneich, the child’s tutor, who had published an account of him, and is given entire in vol. V. of “The Republic of Letters.
” Schoeneich’s account was republished
so lately as 1778 or 1779 in German.
ibrarian of the university there, was born at Ghent, in Flanders, May 1SO, of an illustrious family, who had possessed the first places in the magistracy of that town.
, a celebrated scholar and critic,
professor of politics and history at Leyden, and librarian of
the university there, was born at Ghent, in Flanders, May
1SO, of an illustrious family, who had possessed the first
places in the magistracy of that town. He was frequently
removed in the younger part of his life. He began his
studies at the Hague, and afterwards went with his parents
into Zealand, where he was instructed in polite literature
and philosophy. He soon learned the outlines of morality
and politics, but did not relish logic, and had an unconquerable aversion to the niceties of grammar. He discovered
early a strong propensity to poetry, and began to make verses
before he knew any thing of prosody or the rules of art. He
composed a regular elegy at ten years of age, upon the
death of a play-fellow; and there are several epigrams and
little poems of his, written when he was not above twelve,
which shew a great deal of genius and facility. He is represented, however, as having been somewhat indolent,
and not likely to make any progress in Greek Und Latin
learning; on which account his father sent him, at fourteen
years of age, to study the law in the university of Franeker. But from that time, as if he had been influenced
by a spirit of contradK*:on, nothing would please him but
classics; and he applies inmself there to Greek and Latin
authors, as obstinately as he had rejected them in Zealand.
He afterwards removed to Leyden, where he became a
pupil of Joseph Scaliger; and was obliged to the encouragement and care of that great man for the perfection to
which he afterwards arrived in literature, and which at the
beginning of his life there was so little reason to expect.
He published an edition of “Silius Italicus,
” in Crepundia Siliana,
” to shew that
they were written when he was extremely young. This
edition was reprinted at Cambridge, 1646, 12mo. Heinsius was made Greek professor at eighteen, and afterwards
succeeded Scaliger in the professorship of politics and history. When he was chosen librarian to the university, he
pronounced a Latin oration, afterwards published, in which
he described the duties of a librarian, and the good order
and condition in which a library should be kept. Being a
great admirer of the moral doctrine of the stoics, he wrote
an elegant oration in praise of the stoic philosophy. He
died Feb. 25, 1655, after having distinguished himself as a
critic by his labours upon Silius Italicus, Theocritus, Hesiod, Seneca, Homer, Hesychius, Theophrastus, Clemens
Alexandrinus, Ovid, Livy, Terence, Horace, Prudentius,
Maximus Tyrius, &c. He published two treatises “De
Satira Horatiana,
” which Balzac affirms to be masterpieces. He also wrote poems in various languages, which,
have been often printed, and always admired. He was
the author of several prose works, some of which were of
the humourous and satirical cast; as “Laus Asini,
” “Laus
Pediculi,
” &c.
is account of the Amsterdam edition of Bentley’s “Horace,” says that though doubtless a learned man, who had spent his life in the study of criticism, yet if we may
The learned have all joined in their praises of Heinsius.
Gerard Vossius says that he was a very great man; and
calls him the ornament of the muses and the graces. Casaubon admires him equally for his parts and learning.
Pareus calls him the Varro of his age. Barthius ranks
him with the first writers. Bochart pronounces him a truly
great and learned man and Selden speaks of him as “tarn
severiorum quam amceniorum literarum sol
” a light to
guide us in our gay as well as severe pursuits in letters.
Some, however, have thought that, he was not so well
formed for criticism; and Le Clerc, in his account of the
Amsterdam edition of Bentley’s “Horace,
” says that
though doubtless a learned man, who had spent his life in
the study of criticism, yet if we may judge by his Horace,
he was by no means happy in his conjectures; but he
speaks much more advantageously of his son Nicolas Heinsius; and agreed, with the rest of the world, that though
not so learned a man as his father, he had a better taste
for criticism. Daniel Heinsius was, however, highly honoured abroad as well as at home; and received uncommon marks of respect from foreign potentates. Gustavus
Adolphus, king of Sweden, gave him a place among his
counsellors of state: the republic of Venice made him a
knight of their order of St. Mark: and pope Urban VIII.
was such an admirer of his fine talents and consummate
learning, that he made him great offers if he would come
to Rome; “to rescue that city from barbarism,
” as the
pontiff is said to have expressed himself.
and make a personal application. In the mean time Christina had abdicated the throne, and Heinsius, who had spent 3000 florins in her purchases, presented petition
, son of the preceding, and more eminent both in the literary and the political world, was born at Leyden, July 1620, and at first educated under his father’s inspection. In early life he formed an intimacy with his learned contemporaries John Frederick Gronovius, Vincent Fabricius, and Isaac Vossius. The latter accommodated him with the Mss. of Ovid, which were in the library of his grandfather, John Gerard Vossius, and his attention to this author terminated at last in an excellent edition of his works, highly praised by Ernesti and Harles, which he published in 1661, 3 vols. 8vo. In 1641, when he was about twenty-one years of age, he came over to England, and spent three months at Oxford, examining some Mss. of Ovid and Claudian in the Bodleian library. He returned the following year to Leyden, and thence to Spa, on account of his health, but in this tour visited the libraries and the learned of Brabant. About 1647 he went to Paris, where he remained a year and a half, and published his Latin poems. He also employed himself in collating some manuscripts in the library of Messrs. Dupin. From Paris he went to Italy, and both at Florence and Rome examined with great care the literary treasures in the grand duke’s library, and in the Vatican. Happening unfortunately to be at Naples during a civic revolt, he lost part of his papers, and among others his collation of Martial. In 1648 he published at Padua his elegies, in which he celebrates Italy and Rome, but speaks somewhat disrespectfully of his own country, for which he was afterwards blamed. He meant to have visited Swisserland on his return, but his father’s age and infirmities making him. desirous of his company, he returned home. He had refused a professor’s chair at Bologna, because the terms were that he should embrace the Roman catholic religion. In 1649, hearing that Christina, queen of Sweden, had desired to see his poems, he published a new edition dedicated to her, which procured him an invitation to Stockholm, where he was very graciously received by her majesty. In 1651 he made another tour to Italy, and the following year being in Florence, was received a member of the academies of Delia Crusca and the Apathisti. A considerable part of his object in this tour was to purchase manuscripts and medals for queen Christina; but, being now greatly in advance for these purchases, without having received any money from Stockholm, he found it necessary to return and make a personal application. In the mean time Christina had abdicated the throne, and Heinsius, who had spent 3000 florins in her purchases, presented petition after petition to no effect. Promises indeed he had in abundance he was to have a grant of lands in Pomerania, a canonry at Hamburgh, a vicariate at Bremen the title of secretary, and four thousand crowns to defray the expences he had been at; but none of these was fulfilled.
; devoting the subsequent winter to further improvement, under Boerhaave and his eminent colleagues, who at that time attracted students from all parts to the university
, a celebrated physician, surgeon, anatomist, and botanist, was born at Frankfort on the Maine, in 1683. He was educated in several German universities, and in 1706 spent some time in the study of anatomy and surgery at Amsterdam under Ruysch, then so famous for his dissections and anatomical preparations. In the following year he went to serve as a surgeon in the Dutch camp in Brabant; devoting the subsequent winter to further improvement, under Boerhaave and his eminent colleagues, who at that time attracted students from all parts to the university of Leyden, where Heister took his degree. Returning afterwards to the camp, he was, in 1709, appointed physician -general to the Dutch military hospital. The experience he thus acquired, raised him to a distinguished rank in the theory and practice of surgery, especially as he had a genius for mechanics, and was by that means enabled to bring about great improvements in the instrumental branch of his art. In 1710 he became professor of anatomy and surgery at Altorf, in the little canton of Uri, and rendered himself celebrated by his lectures and writings. Ten years afterwards a more advantageous situation offered itself to him at Helmstad, where he became physician, with the title of Aulic counsellor, as usual, to the duke of Brunswick, as well as professor of medicine, and afterwards of surgery and botany, in that university. Here he continued till his death, which happened in 1758, at the age of seventy-five. The czar Peter invited him to Russia, but he was too comfortably situated in Germany, where the favour of several sovereigns already shone upon him at an early period, to accept the invitation.
ll be so distinguished as a writer in the French language. We take this account from French authors, who write his name d'Hele, perhaps it was properly Hale or Dale.
, by birth an Englishman, arrived at
the singular distinction of being admired in France as a
writer in the French language. He was born in Gloucestershire about 1740. He began his career in the army,
and served in Jamaica till the peace of 1763. A desire of
seeing the most remarkable parts of Europe, now carried
him into Italy, where he was so captivated with the beauty
of the climate, and the innumerable objects of liberal
curiosity which presented themselves, that he continued
there several years. About 1770, having satisfied his curiosity in Italy, he turned his thoughts to France, and went
to Paris. There also he studied the state of the arts, and
was particularly attentive to the theatre. At length he
began to write for the Italian comedy, which had principally attracted his notice, and wrote with considerable success. The pieces for that theatre are written chiefly in
French, with French titles, and only one or two characters
in Italian. He wrote, l. “Le Jugement de Midas,
” on
the contest between French and Italian music, which was
much applauded. But his 2. “Amant jaloux,
” had still
more success. 3. His third piece, “Les Evenemens imprevus,
” met with some exceptions, on which he modestly
withdrew it, and after making the corrections suggested,
brought it forward again, and had the pleasure to find it
much approved. The comedies of this writer, are full of
plot, the action lively and interesting: his versification is
not esteemed by the French to be of consummate perfection, nor his prose always pure; yet his dialogue constantly pleased, and was allowed to have the merit of nature and sound composition. Mr. Hele died at Paris, of a
consumptive disorder, in December 1750 and it may
possibly be long before another Englishman will be so
distinguished as a writer in the French language. We take
this account from French authors, who write his name
d'Hele, perhaps it was properly Hale or Dale.
, the empress, mother of Constantine, and one of the saints of the Romish communion, who gives name to many of our churches, owed her elevation to the
, the empress, mother of Constantine, and one of the saints of the Romish communion, who gives name to many of our churches, owed her elevation to the charms of her person. She was of obscure origin, born at the little village of Drepanum in Bithynia, where the first situation in which we hear of her was that of hostess of an inn. Constantius Chlorus became enamoured of her probably there, and married her; but, on being associated with Dioclesian in the empire, divorced her to marry Theodora, daughter of Maximilian Hercules. The accession of her son to the empire drew her again from obscurity; she obtained the title of Augusta, and was received at court with ali the honours due to the mother of an emperor. Her many virtues riveted the affection of her son to her, and, when he became a Christian, she also was converted; yet she did not scruple to admonish him when she disapproved his conduct. When she was aear eighty years old she planned and executed a journey to the Holy Land, where she is said to have assisted at the discovery of the true cross of Christ, reported by the Romanists to have been accompanied by many miracles. Jn the year 328, soon after this discovery, she died at the age of eighty. Helena, wherever she went, left proofs of a truly Christian liberality; she relieved the poor, orphans, and widows; built churches, and in all respests shewed herself worthy of the confidence of her son, who supported her in these pious efforts by an unlimited permission to draw upon his treasures. At her death he paid her the highest honours, had her body sent to Rome to be deposited in the tomb of the emperors, and raised her native village to the rank of a city, with the new name of Helenopolis. She proved her prudence and political wisdom by the influence she always retained over her son, and by the care she took to prevent all interference of the half-brothers of Constantine, sons of Cons tan ti us Chlorus and Theodora; who, being brought into notice after her death, by the injudicious liberality of the emperor, were massacred by their nephews as soon as they succeeded their father in the empire.
nted at Basil, 1533, with a dedication to the senate of Nuremberg, prefixed by Vincentius Opsopseus, who informs us that a soldier preserved the ms. when the library
, a native of Emesa in Phoenicia, and
bishop of Tricca in Thessaly, flourished in the reigns of
Theodosius and Arcaclius towards the end of the fourth
century. In his youth he wrote a romance, by which he
is now better known than by his subsequent bishopric of;
Tricca. It is entitled “Ethiopics,
” and relates the amours
of Theagenes and Chariclea, in ten books. The learned
Huetius is of opinion that HcUodorus was among the romance-writers what Homer was among the poets, the
source and model of an infinite number of imitations, all
inferior to their original. The first edition of the Ethiopics
was printed at Basil, 1533, with a dedication to the senate
of Nuremberg, prefixed by Vincentius Opsopseus, who informs us that a soldier preserved the ms. when the library
of Buda was plundered. Bourdeiot’s learned notes upon
this romance were printed at Paris in 1619, with Heliodorus’s Greek original, and a Latin translation, which had
been published by Stanislaus Warszewicki, a Polish knight,
(with the Greek) at Basil, in 1551. An excellent English
translation of this romance was published by Mr. Payne in
2 vols. 12mo, in 1792. A notion has prevailed that a provincial synod, being sensible how dangerous the reading
of Heliodorus’ s Ethiopics was, to which the author’s rank
was supposed to add great authority, required of the bishop
that he should either burn the book, or resign his dignity;
and that the bishop chose the latter. But this story is
thought to be entirely fabulous; as depending only upon
the single testimony of Nicephorus, an ecclesiastical historian of great credulity and little judgment; and it is
somewhat difficult to suppose that Socrates should omit so
memorable a circumstance when speaking of Heliodorus
as the author of “a love-tale in his youth, which he entitled Ethiopics.
” Valesius, in his notes upon this passage,
starts another difficulty, for while he rejects the account
of Nicephorus as a mere fable, he seems inclined to think,
that the romance itself was not written by Heliodorus
bishop of Tricca; but in this opinion he has not been followed. Opsopaeus and Melancthon have supposed that
this romance was in reality a true history; but Fabricius
thinks this as incredible as that Heliodorus, according to
others, wrote it originally in the Ethiopic tongue. Some
again have asserted, that Heliodorus was not a Christian,
from his saying at the end of his book, that he was a Phoenician, born in the city of Emesa, and of the race of the
sun; since, they say, it would be madness in a Christian,
and much more in a bishop, to declare that he was
descended from that luminary; but such language, in a
young man, can scarcely admit the inference.
which producing a suppuration, put an end to his lite in a few weeks. He is to be ranked with those who have rendered essential service to the science of astronomy.
In June 1769 he set out on his return, and arrived safely
at Copenhagen, where he was honoured with every mark
of respect by the king, and he and his assistant were admitted members of the academies of Copenhagen, Drontheim, and Norway. During his residence at Copenhagen,
which lasted seven months, he communicated, besides
other things, to the academy of sciences, the observations
he had made of the transit, which were published, and
afterwards reprinted in the Ephemerides for 1771. In May
1770 he returned to Vienna, and collected and arranged
the fruits of his journej', which he meant to publish under
the title of “Expeditio literaria ad Polum Arcticum;
” but
the suppression of the order of the Jesuits, which gave
him great concern, and the dispersion of some of his literary coadjutors, are supposed to have prevented him from
completing this undertaking. He was also unsuccessful in
endeavouring to establish an academy of sciences, which,
according to his plan, was to be under the direction of the
Jesuits. He superintended, however, the building of a
new observatory at Erlau, in Hungary, at the expence of
the bishop, count Charles of Esterhazy, and undertook
two journeys thither to direct the operations, and to arrange a valuable collection of instruments which had been
sent to him from England. In the month of March 1792,
he was attacked by an inflammation of the lungs, which
producing a suppuration, put an end to his lite in a few
weeks. He is to be ranked with those who have rendered
essential service to the science of astronomy. The “Ephemerides Astronomical ad meridianum Vindobonensem,
”
begun in
is not extant. He lived to the age of eighty-five. There was another Hellanicus of much later times, who was a Milesian, but very little is known of either.
, of Mitylene, was an ancient Greek historian, born in the year A. C. 496, twelve years before the
birth of Herodotus. He wrote a history of “the earliest
Kings of various Nations, and the Founders of Cities;
”
which is mentioned by several ancient authors, but is not
extant. He lived to the age of eighty-five. There was
another Hellanicus of much later times, who was a Milesian, but very little is known of either.
for the free exercise of the protestant religion in the United Provinces. In 1582, he was the first who preached that religion openly in the cathedral of Utrecht,
, a Dutch protestant divine, and
one of the early promoters of the reformed religion in that
country, was born at Utrecht in 1551. He had attained
so much reputation with his fellow citizens, that in 1579
they unanimously chose him their pastor. The same year,
as all obstacles to the establishment of the reformation were
not yet overcome, they appointed him one of a
deputation sent to our queen Elizabeth, to request that in the
treaty of peace with Spain, she should stipulate for the
free exercise of the protestant religion in the United Provinces. In 1582, he was the first who preached that religion openly in the cathedral of Utrecht, notwithstanding
the opposition given by the chapter. He afterwards refused the theological chair in the university of Leyden, but
accepted the pastoral cvffice at Amsterdam in 1602, which
he held until his death, Aug. 29, 1608. All his contemporaries, the protestant divines, speak highly of his talents,
character, and services. He did not write much; except
an “Analysis of the Psalms,
” printed after his death, at
Amst. Gladius Goliathi,
” much commended
by Voetius.
me benefit, I run through some writings of the stoics, those of Seneca, and especially of Epictetus, who pleased me exceedingly. I seemed, in moral philosophy, to have
"A wealthy canonry was promised me then, so that I might, if I pleased, turn myself to divinity but saint Bernard affrighted me from it, saying, that I should eat the sins of the people. 7 I begged therefore of the Lord Jesus, that he would vouchsafe to call me to that profession in which 1 might please him most. The Jesuits began at that time to teach philosophy at Louvain, and one of the professors expounded the disquisitions and secrets of magic. Both these lectures I greedily received; but instead of grain, I reaped only stubble, and fantastic conceits void of sense. In the mean time, lest an hour should pass without some benefit, I run through some writings of the stoics, those of Seneca, and especially of Epictetus, who pleased me exceedingly. I seemed, in moral philosophy, to have found the quintessence of truth, and did verily believe, that through stoicism I advanced in Christian perfection; but 1 discovered afterwards in a dream, that stoicism was an empty and swollen bubble, and that by this study, under the appearance of moderation, I became, indeed, most self-sufficient and haughty. Lastly, 1 turned over Mathiolus and Dioscorides; thinking with myself nothjng equally necessary for mortal man to know and admire, as the wisdom and goodness of God in vegetables; to the end that he might not only crop the fruit for food, but also minister of the same to his other necessities. My curiosity being now raised upon this branch of study, I inquired, whether there were any book, which delivered the maxims and rule of medicine for I then supposed, that medicine was not altogether a mere gift, but might ]be taught, and delivered by discipline, like other arts and sciences: at least I thought, if medicine was a good gift coming down from the Father of lights, that it might have, as an human science, its theorems and authors, into whom, as into Bazaleel and Aholiab, the spirit of the Lord had infused the knowledge of all diseases and their causes, and also the knowledge of the properties of things. I inquired, I say, whether no writer had described the qualities, properties, applications, and proportions of vegetables, from the hyssop even to the cedar of Libanus? A certain professor of medicine answered me, that none of these things were to be looked for either in Galen or Avicen. I was very ready to believe this, from the many fruitless searches I hau made in books for truth and knowledge before; however, following my natural bent, which lay to the study of nature, I read the institutions of Fuchsius and Fernelius; in whom I knew I had surveyed the whole science of medicine, as it were in an epitome. Is this, said I, smiling to myself, the knowledge of healing Is the whole history of natural properties thus shut up in elementary qualities Therefore I read the works of Galen twice of Hippocrates once, whose aphorisms I almost got by heart; all Avicen, as well as the Greeks, Arabians, and moderns, to the tune of 600 authors. I read them seriously and attentively through; and took down, as I went along, whatever seemed curious and worthy of attention; when at length, reading over my common-place book, I was grieved at the pains I had bestowed, and the years I had spent, in throwing together such a mass of stufc Therefore I straightway left off all books whatever, all formal discourses, and empty promises of the schools; firmly believing every good and perfect gift to come down from the Father of lights, more particularly that of medicine.
uncertainty, I said with a sorrowful heart, ‘ Good God how long wilt thou be angry with mortal man, who hitherto has not disclosed one truth, in healing, to thy schools
“I have attentively surveyed some foreign nations; but
I found the same sluggishness, in implicitly following
” the
steps of their forefathers, and ignorance among them all.
I then became persuaded, that the art of healing was a
mere imposture, originally set on foot by the Greeks for
filthy lucre’s sake; till afterwards the Holy Scriptures informed me better. I considered, that the plague, which
then raged at Louvain, was a most miserable disease, in
which every one forsook the sick; and faithless helpers,
distrustful of their own art, fled more swiftly than the unlearned common people, and homely pretenders to cure it.
I proposed to myself to dedicate one salutation to the miserable infected; and although then no medicine was made
known to me but trivial ones, yet God preserved my innocency from so cruel an enemy. I was not indeed sent for,
but went of my own accord; and that not so much to help
them, which I despaired of doing, as for the sake of learning. All that saw me, seemed to be refreshed with hope
and joy; and I myself, being fraught with hope, was persuaded, that, by the mere free gift of God, 1 should sometimes obtain a mastery in the science. After ten years’
travel and studies from my degree in the art of medicine
taken at Louvain, being then married, I withdrew myself,
in 1609, to Vilvord, that, being the less troubled by applications, I might proceed diligently in viewing the kingdoms of vegetables, animals, and minerals. I employed
myself some years in chemical operations. I searched into
the works of Paracelsus; and at first admired and honoured
the man, but at last was convinced, that nothing but difficulty, obscurity, and error, was to be found in him. Thus
tired out with search after search, and concluding the art
of medicine to be all deceit and uncertainty, I said with a
sorrowful heart, ‘ Good God how long wilt thou be angry
with mortal man, who hitherto has not disclosed one truth,
in healing, to thy schools How long wilt thou deny truth
to a people confessing thee, needful in these days, more
than in times past Is the sacrifice of Molech pleasing to
thee wilt thou have the lives of the poor, widows, and
fatherless children, consecrated to thyself; under the most
miserable torture of incurable diseases How is it, therefore, that thou ceasest not to destroy so many families
through the uncertainty and ignorance of physicians’
Then I fell on my face, and said, ’ Oh, Lord, pardon me, if
favour towards my neighbour hath snatched me away beyond
my bounds. Pardon, pardon, O Lord, my indiscreet charity for thou art the radical good of goodness itself. Thou
hast known my sighs and that I confess myself to be, to
know, to be worth, to be able to do, to have, nothing and
that I am poor, naked, empty, vain. Give, O Lord, give
knowledge to thy creature, that he may affectionately know
thy creatures; himself first, other things besides himself,
all things, and more than all things, to be ultimately in thee.'
“After I had thus earnestly prayed, I fell into a dream;
in which, in the sight or view of truth, I saw the whole
universe, as it were, some chaos or confused thing without
form, which was almost a mere nothing. And from thence
I drew the conceiving of one word, which did signify to
me this following: ‘ Behold thou, and what things thou
seest, are nothing. Whatever thou dost urge, is less than
nothing itself in the sight of the Most High. He knoweth
all the bounds of things to be done; thou at least may
apply thyself to thy own safety.’ In this conception there
was an inward precept, that I should be made a physician;
and that, some time or other, Raphael himself should be
given unto me. Forthwith therefore, and for thirty whole
years after, and their nights following in order, 1 laboured
always to my cost, and often in danger of my life, that I
might obtain the knowledge of vegetables and minerals,
and of their natures and properties also. Meanwhile, I
exercised myself in prayer, in reading, in a narrow search
of things, in sifting my errors, and in writing down what I
daily experienced. At length I knew with Solomon, that t
had for the most part hitherto perplexed my spirit in vain;
and I said, Vain is the knowledge of all things under the
sun, vain are the searchings of the curious. Whom the
Lord Jesus shall call unto wisdom, he, and no other, shall
come; yea, he that hath come to the top, shall as yet be
able to do very little, unless the bountiful favour of the
Lord shall shine upon him. Lo, thus have I waxed ripe
of age, being become a man; and now also an old man,
unprofitable, and unacceptable to God, to whom be all
honour.
”
me to time a variety of works, by which he obtained considerable reputation. The elector of Cologne, who was himself attached to chemical inquiries, held him in great
From this curious account, given in the preceding editions of this Dictionary, and which we are unwilling to displace, it will be seen that Van Helmont had a strong portion of enthusiasm; but he was not the madman which some of his contemporaries imagined. For a period of thirty years he pursued his researches into the products of nature, with such perseverance, as to leave few of the known animal, vegetable, and mineral bodies unexamined. In the course of these investigations, he necessarily fell upon the discovery of several of the products of decomposition, and of new combination, which chemistry affords: among these he seems to have been the first to notice the spirit of hartshorn, the spirit of sulphur per campanam, as it was called, and the aerial part of the spa-waters, which he first denominated gas (from the German geist, ghost, or spirit), and several other substances. Among these were many articles possessing considerable influence upon the living body, which, being contrasted with the inertness of the simples of the Galenical practice, roused and confirmed his former opinions against the doctrines of that school; which he now attacked with great ardour and strength of argument, and which he contributed to overthrow. But partly in imitation of Paracelsus, whom he greatly admired, and partly from an attempt to generalize the confused mass of new facts, which he had acquired, he attempted to reduce the whole system of medicine to the principles of chemistry, and substituted a jargon as unintelligible, and hypotheses as gratuitous, as those which he had attempted to refute. He published from time to time a variety of works, by which he obtained considerable reputation. The elector of Cologne, who was himself attached to chemical inquiries, held him in great esteem; and he received from the emperor Rodolph II. and uis two successors, invitations to the court of Vienna; but he preferred his laboratory and cabinet to these proffered honours. He died on the 30th of December, 1644, in the sixty-eighth year of his age.
was much esteemed and respected at Amsterdam. After living many years with the prince of Sultzbach, who was a great patron of the learned, he set out for Berlin, by
, son of the
preceding, was born in 1618, and like his father, became
celebrated for his knowledge, and his paradoxes was
very skilful in physic and chemistry, and was esteemed a
man of universal learning, and acquainted with most trades
and arts. He was even suspected of having found the philosopher’s stone, because he lived at an apparently great
expence with a small income; but was much esteemed and
respected at Amsterdam. After living many years with
the prince of Sultzbach, who was a great patron of the
learned, he set out for Berlin, by desire of the queen of
Prussia, and died at Cologn in 1699. His works are,
“Alphabeti vere naturalis Hebraic! delineatio;
” “Cogitationes super quatuor priora capita Geneseos,
” Amsterdam, De attributis divinis
” “De Inferno,
”
&c. He believed the Metempsycosis, and maintained many
other paradoxes.
efore it may be sufficient to refer for their titles to our authorities His son Adrian [Helveticus], who was born in 1656, journeyed to Paris, without any design of
, a physician, was born
of a noble family in the principality of Atihalt,about 1625.
He obtained at an early age a considerable reputation for
his knowledge of medicine and chemistry; and having settled in Holland about 1649, he practised at the Hague with
so much success, that he was appointed first physician to
the States-general, and to the prince of Orange, he died
August 20, 1709. His works serve, however, rather to
prove his devotion to the absurdities of the alchemists,
physiognomists, and such visionaries of his time, than his
advancement in true science; and therefore it may be sufficient to refer for their titles to our authorities His son
Adrian [Helveticus], who was born in 1656, journeyed to Paris, without any design of fixing there, and only to see that new
world, and sell some medicines, but accident detained
him very unexpectedly. The dysentery then prevailed in
that city-, and all who applied to him are said to have
been infallibly cured. His success was celebrated; and
Louis XIV. ordered him to publish the remedy which produced such certain and surprising effects. He declared it
to be Ipecacuanha, and received 1000 louis-d'ors for the
discovery. He settled in Paris, became physician to the
duke of Orleans, and was also made inspector-general of
the military hospitals. He died in 1721, leaving some
works behind him, of little value; the principal of which
is, “Traité des Maladies de plus frequentes, & des Remedies specifiques pour les guerir,
” 2 vols. 8vo.
which endeavour to degrade the nature of man too nearly to that of mere animals; and even Voltaire, who called the author at one time a true philosopher, has said that
, the most remarkable
of this family, was born at Paris in 1715, and was son of
the preceding Helvetius. He studied under the famous
father Pon'e in the college of Louis the Great, and his
tutor, discovering in his compositions remarkable proofs of
genius, was particularly attentive to his education. An
early association with the wits of his time gave him the
desire to become an author, but his principles unfortunately became tainted with false philosophy. He did not
publish any thing till 1758, when he produced his celebrated book “DeTEsprit,
” which appeared first in one
volume 4to, and afterwards in three volumes, 12mo. This
work was very justly condemned by the parliament of Paris, as confining the faculties of man to animal sensibility,
and removing at once the restraints of vice and the encouragements to virtue. Attacked in various ways at home, on
account of these principles, he visited England in 1764,
and the next year went into Prussia, where he was received with honourable attention by the king. When he
returned into France, he led a retired and domestic life on
his estate at Vore. Attached to his wife and family, and
strongly inclined to benevolence, he lived there more
happily than at Paris, where, as he said, he “was obliged to
encounter the mortifying spectacle of misery that he could
not relieve.
” To Marivaux, and M. Saurin, of the French
academy, he allowed pensions, that, for a private benefactor, were considerable, merely on the score of merit;
which he was anxious to search out and to assist. Yet,
with all this benevolence of disposition, he was strict in
the care of his game, and in the exaction of his feudal
rights. He was maltre-d'hotel to the queen, and, for a
time, a farmer-general, but quitted that lucrative post to
enjoy his studies. When he found that he had bestowed
his bounty upon unworthy persons, or was reproached with
it, he said, “If I was king, I would correct them; but I
am only rich, and they are poor, my business therefore is
to aid them.
” Nature had been kind to Helvetius; she
had given him a fine person, genius, and a constitution
which promised long life. This last, however, he did not
attain, for he was attacked by the gout in his head and stomach, under which complaint he languished some little
time, and died in December 1771. His works were, 1.
the treatise “De l'Esprit,
” “on the Mind,
” already mentioned: of* which various opinions have been entertained,
It certainly is one of those which endeavour to degrade the
nature of man too nearly to that of mere animals; and
even Voltaire, who called the author at one time a true
philosopher, has said that it is filled with common-place
truths, delivered with great parade, but without method,
and disgraced by stories very unworthy of a philosophical
production. The ideas of virtue and vice, according to
this book, depend chiefly upon climate. 2. “Le Bonheur,
” or “Happiness,
” a poem in six cantos; published
after his death, in 1772, with some fragments of epistles.
His poetical style is still more affected than his prose, and
though he produces some fine verses, he is more frequently
stiff and forced. His poem on happiness is a declamation,
in which he makes that great object depend, not on virtue,
but on the cultivation of letters and the arts. 3. “De
l'Homme,
” 2 vols. 8vo, another philosophical work, not
less bold than the first. A favourite paradox, produced in
this book, under a variety of different forms, is, “that all
men are born with equal talents, and owe their genius
solely to education.
” This book is even more dangerous
than that on the mind, because the style is clearer, and the
author writes with less reserve. He* speaks sometimes of
the enemies of what he called philosophy, with an asperity
that ill accords with the general mildness of his character.
within the reach of his age, his accomplishments, and his wealth, he beheld in a public garden a man who had none of these advantages, and to whom a circle of women
The origin of the philosophical career of Helvetius is, by La Harpe, traced to a cause of a very singular nature, and not perhaps very credible. While yet young, and coveting every species of enjoyment within the reach of his age, his accomplishments, and his wealth, he beheld in a public garden a man who had none of these advantages, and to whom a circle of women were doing honour. This wasMaupertuis, just returned from his voyage towards the pole, and who had acquired a temporary reputation in the sciences. Helvetius was struck with the consideration which the reputation of a man of letters was able to ensure. He had hitherto succeeded easily in all that he had attempted. He had danced to admiration at the opera, under the mask of Juvilliers, one of the first dancers of the time. He had already made attempts in poetry; he had submitted his verses to Voltaire, and the lettered veteran had politely intimated that this was his proper line. He then directed his attention to philosophy, and connected himself with its chiefs, particularly with Diderot.
urse little conversant with these matters, by a man of letters by profession, an apostle of atheism, who loved nothing better than to make disciples.
Diderot is supposed to have furnished some leading ideas to Helv<-t.ius for his work on the Mind. As his hypothesis, says l.a Harpe, every where terminates in materialism, it is probable that the basis of it was furnished to a man of the world, of course little conversant with these matters, by a man of letters by profession, an apostle of atheism, who loved nothing better than to make disciples.
y established at Giessen;, and which the year after was converted into an university by the emperor, who endowed it with privileges. Having discharged for five years
, professor of the Greek
and eastern languages, and of divinity, in the university
of Giessen, was born Dec. 26, 1581, at Sprendlingen, a
little town near Francfort, where his father was minister.
He went throb gh his studies in Marpurg, where he took
his degree of M. A. in 1599, having taken his bachelor’s
in 1595. He was an early genius composed a prodigiousnumber of Greek verses at fifteen years old and was capable of teaching Greek, Hebrew, and even philosophy,
before he was twenty. The Hebrew he spoke as fluently
as if it had been his native language. He thoroughly read
the Greek authors; and even studied physic for some time,
though he had devoted himself to the ministry. In 1605,
he was chosen to teach Greek and Hebrew, in the college
which the landgrave had recently established at Giessen;,
and which the year after was converted into an university
by the emperor, who endowed it with privileges. Having
discharged for five years the several duties of his employment with great reputation, he was appointed divinity professor in 1610. In 1611, a church was offered him in
Moravia, and a professorship at Hamburgh with a considerable stipend: but he refused both. In 1613, he took the
degree of D. D. at the command of the landgrave; who
sent him to Francfort, that he might view the library of the
Jews, who had been lately driven away by popular tumults.
Helvicus, fond of reading the rabbins, bought several of
their books on that occasion. He died in the flower of
his age, Sept. 10, 1616; and his loss was bewailed by the
German poets of the Augsburg confession. A collection
was made of his poems, which were printed with his funeral sermon and some other pieces, under the title of
“Cippus Memorialis,
” by the care of Winckleman, who
had been his colleague.
rom confinement. He was uncle by the mother’s side to James Golius, the learned professor at Leyden, who gained so vast a reputation by his profound knowledge in the
, a very learned man, born at the
Hague, was a fine poet and orator; and to be compared,
says Gronovius, in his “Orat. funeb. J. Golii,
” with the
Roman Atticus for his probity, tranquillity of life, and absolute disregard of honours and public employments. He
went to Rome, and spent six years in the palace of cardinal
Cesi. He wrote there' a panegyric on pope Clement VIII.
which was so graciously received, that he was offered the
post of librarian to the Vatican, or a very good benefice;
and preferring the latter, was made a canon in the cathedral at Antwerp. Lipsius had a great esteem for him, as
appears from his letters. He was Grotius’s friend also,
and published verses to congratulate him on his deliverance
from confinement. He was uncle by the mother’s side to
James Golius, the learned professor at Leyden, who gained
so vast a reputation by his profound knowledge in the Oriental languages: but Golius, who was a zealous protestant,
could never forgive his having converted his brother Peter
to popery. Hemelar applied himself much more to the
study of polite literature and to the science of medals, than
to theology. “He published,
” says Gronovius, " extremely useful commentaries upon the medals of the Roman emperors, from the time of Julius Caesar down to
Justinian, taken from the cabinets of Charles Arschot and
Nicholas Rocoxius; wherein he concisely and accurately
explains by marks, figures, &c. whatever is exquisite, elegant, and suitable or agreeable to the history of those times,
and the genius of the monarchs, whether the medals in
question be of gold, silver, or brass, whether cast or struck
in that immortal city. It is a kind of storehouse of medals;
and nevertheless in this work, from which any other person would have expected prodigious reputation, our author
has been so modest as to conceal his name.' 7 This work
of Hemelar’s, which is in Latin, is not easily to be met
with, yet it has been twice printed iirst at Antwerp, in
1615, at the en.I of a work of James De Bie and secondly,
in 1627, 4to which Clement has described as a very rare
edition Bayle mentions a third edition of 1654, folio, but
the work which he mistakes for a third edition, was only a
collection of engravings of Roman coins described by Gevartius, in which are some from Hemelar’s work. The
other works of this canon are some Latin poems and orations. He died in 1640. He is sometimes called Hamelar.
ork is written with great care and exactness, and in a style good enough considering the time. Gale, who has published it in his “Veteres Scriptores,” with an account
, a regular canon of
Gisborough-abbey, near Cleveland in Yorkshire, flourished
in the fourteenth century, in the reign of Edward III. He
had much learning, and much industry. History was his
particular study; and he compiled a history which begins
from the Norman conquest, and continues to the reign of
king Edward the lid. from 1066 to 1308. The work is
written with great care and exactness, and in a style good
enough considering the time. Gale, who has published it
in his “Veteres Scriptores,
” with an account of the author,
enumerates five copies of his history, two at Trinity college, Cambridge, one at the Heralds’ office, one in the
Cotton lilrary, and one which he had himself. This author died at Gisborough in 1347. Hearne published an
edition in 2 vols. 8vo, Oxford, 1731, now one of the most
rare and valuable of his works.
tled at Haerlem, and lived there the remainder of his days. Most of his works were engraved. Vasari, who gives a particular account of them, and commends them, says,
, an eminent
painter, was a peasant’s son, and born at a village of that
Dame in Holland, in 1498. In his youth he was extremely
dull, and nothing was expected from him; but afterwards
he became a correct painter, easy and fruitful in his inventions. He was the disciple and imitator of Schoreal.
He went to Home, and intended to stay there a long time;
but at the end of three years, returned to his own country,
settled at Haerlem, and lived there the remainder of his
days. Most of his works were engraved. Vasari, who gives
a particular account of them, and commends them, says,
Michael Angelo was so pleased with one of the prints, that
he had a mind to colour it. Mr. Fuseli thinks that he invented with more fertility than taste or propriety; “his
design is ostentatious without style, and his forms long
without elegance. He rather grouped than composed,
and seems to have been unacquainted with chiaroscuro.
His costume is always arbitrary, and often barbarous, and
in the admission of ornaments and the disposition of his
scenery, he oftener consulted the materials which he had
compiled at Rome, than fitness of place, or the demands
of his subject.
” He died in 1574.
his characters from his own face. There was another Egbert Hemskirk, called by distinction the Old, who painted subjects of the like kind with more success.
, another painter, perhaps c-f the family with the former, exhibited much fancy in the subjects he chose for his pencil, but with vigour of execution. He was born at Haerlem in 1645, and was a disciple of Peter Grebber, whose manner he left for that of Brouwer. In his own time his compositions were much esteemed, because of their gross humour, and the whimsical imagination that reigned in them; but they are not now so much prized. His delight was in painting fanciful, wild, and uncommon scenes of his own composing; such as the nocturnal intercourse of witches, devils, and spectres; enchantments, temptations of St. Anthony, interiors of alehouses with drunken men, monldes in the actions of men and women, &c. &c. all which he wrought with great freedom of touch and intelligence of drawing. His colour likewise, though not always pure, was in general rich and agreeable. He quitted his own country to settle in London, where he died in 1704. It was customary with him to paint his own portrait in his drolls, and which was not of the most engaging kind; and he wrought by means of a looking-glass his characters from his own face. There was another Egbert Hemskirk, called by distinction the Old, who painted subjects of the like kind with more success.
rcamp, however, on the vacancy, was appointed, through the intrigues, as Ruhnkenius asserts, of some who feared they might be eclipsed by young Hemsterhuis; who in 1705,
, or Hemsterhusius, one of
the most famous critics of his country, the son of Francis
Hemsterhuis, a physician, was born at Groningen, Feb. 1,
1635. After obtaining the rudiments of literature from
proper masters, and from his father, he became a member
of his native university in his fourteenth year, 1698. He
there studied for some years, and then removed to Leyden,
for the sake of attending the lectures of the famous James
Perizonius on ancient history. He was here so much noticed by the governors of the university, that it was expected he would succeed James Gronovius as professor of
Greek. Havercamp, however, on the vacancy, was appointed, through the intrigues, as Ruhnkenius asserts, of
some who feared they might be eclipsed by young Hemsterhuis; who in 1705, at the age of nineteen, was called
to Amsterdam, and appointed professor of mathematics and
philosophy. In the former of these branches he had been
a favourite scholar of the famous John Bernouilli. In 1717,
he removed to Franeker, on being chosen to succeed
Lambert Bos as professor of Greek; to which place, in
1738, was added the professorship of history. In 1740 he
removed to Leyden to accept the same two professorships
in that university. It appears that he was married, because his father-in-law, J. Wild, is mentioned; he died
April 7, 1766, having enjoyed to the last the use of all his
faculties. He published, 1. “The three last books of Julius Pollux’s Onomasticon,
” to complete the edition of
which, seven books had been finished by Lederlin. This
was published at Amsterdam in 1706. On the appearance
of this work, he received a letter from Bentley, highly
praising him for the service he had there rendered to his
author. But this very letter was nearly the cause of driving
him entirely from the study of Greek criticism: for in it
Bentley transmitted his own conjectures on the true readings of the passages cited by Pollux from comic writers,
with particular view to the restoration of the metre. Hemsterhuis had himself attempted the same, but, when he
read the criticisms of Bentley, and saw their astonishing
justness and acuteness, he was so hurt at the inferiority
of his own, that he resolved, for the time, never again to
open a Greek book. In a month or two this timidity went
off, and he returned to these studies with redoubled vigour, determined to take Bentley for his model, and to'
qualify himself, if possible, to rival one whom he so greatly
admired. 2. “Select Colloquies of Lucian, and his Timon,
” Amst. The Plutus of Aristophanes,
with the Scholia,
” various readings and notes, Harlingen,
Part of an edition of Lucian,
” as far as
the 521st page of the first volume; it appeared in 1743 in
four volumes quarto, the remaining parts being edited by
J. M. Gesner and Reitzius. The extreme slowness of his
proceeding is much complained of by Gesner and others,
and was the reason why he made no further progress. 5. %
“Notes and emendations on Xenophon Ephesius,
” inserted
in the 36 volumes of the te Miscellanea Critica“of Amsterdam, with the signature T. S. H. S. 6.
” Some observations upon Chrysostom’s Homily on the Epistle to
Philemon,“subjoined to Raphelius’s Annotations on the
New Testament. 7.
” Inaugural Speeches on various occasions.“8. There are also letters from him to J. Matth.
Gesner and others; and he gave considerable aid to J.
St. Bernard, in publishing the ' Eclogae Thomae Magistri,
”
at Leyden, in 1757. His “Philosophical Works
” were
published at Paris in
, and appointed rector. He obtained a very high reputation by the solutions which he gave to persons who came from all parts to consult him in cases of conscience. He
, a voluminous Spanish author,
and accounted one of the most learned men of his country
in the seventeenth century, was born in 1611. He entered, when he was ahout fifteen years of age, into the
order of the Jesuits at Salamanca, and spent the greatest
part of his life in that university, where afterwards he was
admitted to the degree of doctor of divinity, and appointed
rector. He obtained a very high reputation by the solutions which he gave to persons who came from all parts to
consult him in cases of conscience. He died in 1704, at
the great age of ninety-three, and continued to perform
the duties of professor till within three years of that time.
His works consist of eleven folio volumes, in Latin. Nine
of them are composed of treatises on philosophical, theological, and controversial subjects; the others are devoted
to an account of the antiquities of Biscay, and furnish the
reader with much curious and interesting matter; they are
entitled “Biscaya Illustrata.
” The part “de Cantabrias
antiquitatibus
” is a work of merit. He was author of many
smaller pieces not inserted in. this collection.
“The Baron,” because of a fief which he possessed near Triel. He had three sons, officers of horse, who were all killed at the siege of Casal. John Remi, his father,
, an eminent French
writer, and president in parliament, was born at Paris,
Feb. 8, 1685. His great grandfather, Remi Henault, used to
be of Lewis XIII.' s party at tennis, and that prince called
him “The Baron,
” because of a fief which he possessed
near Triel. He had three sons, officers of horse, who were
all killed at the siege of Casal. John Remi, his father, an
esquire, and lord of Moussy, counsellor to the king, and
secretary to the council, kept up the honour of the family,
and becoming farmer-general, made his fortune. He was
honoured with the confidence of the count de Pontchartrain; and, being of a poetical turn, had some share in
the criticisms which appeared against Racine’s tragedies.
He married the daughter of a rich merchant at Calais, and
one of her brothers being president of that town, entertained the queen of England on her landing there in 1689.
Another brother, counsellor in the parliament of Metz,
and secretary to the duke of Berry, was associated with
Mr. Crozat in the armaments, and, dying unmarried, left
a great fortune to his sister.
Young Renault early discovered a sprightly, benevolent
disposition, and his penetration and aptness soon distinguished itself by the success of his studies. Claude de
Lisle, father of the celebrated geographer, gave him the
same lessons in geography and history which he had before
given to the duke of Orleans, afterwards regent. These
instructions have been printed in seven volumes, under the
title of “Abridgment of Universal History.
”
rench academy; and another, next year, at the academy des jeux Floraux. About this time, M. Reaumur, who was his relation, came to Paris, and took lessons in geometry
On quitting college, Henault entered the congregation
of the oratory, where he soon attached himself to the study
of eloquence and, on the death of the abbé Rene, reformer of LaTrappe, he undertook to pronounce his panegyric, which not meeting the approbation of father Massilon, he quitted the oratory after two years, and his father
bought for him, of marshal Villeroi, the lieutenance des
chasses, and the government of Corbeil. At the marshal’s
he formed connections and even intimate friendships with
many of the nobility, and passed the early part of his life
in agreeable amusements, and in the liveliest company,
without having his religious sentiments tainted. He associated with the wits till the dispute between Rousseau
and De la Motte soon gave him a disgust for these trifling
societies. In 1707 he gained the prize of eloquence at
the French academy; and another, next year, at the academy des jeux Floraux. About this time, M. Reaumur,
who was his relation, came to Paris, and took lessons in
geometry under the same master, Guinee. Henault introduced him to the abbe Bignon, and this was the first step
of his illustrious course. In 1713 he brought a tragedy on
the stage, under the disguised name of Fuselier. As he
was known to the public only by some slighter pieces,
“Cornelia the Vestal
” met with no better success. He
therefore locked it up, without printing. In his old age
his passion for these subjects revived, and Mr. Horace
Walpole being at Paris* in 1768, and having formed a
friendship with him as one of the amiable men of his nation, obtained this piece, and had it printed at his press
at Strawberry-hill. In 1751 Mr. Henault, under a borrowed name, brought out a second tragedy, entitled “Marius,
” which was well received and printed. The French
biographers, however, doubt whether this was not really
by M. Catix, whose name it bore.
the acquaintance of the most eminent personages at that time there. The grand pensionary, Heinsius, who, under the exterior of Lacedemonian simplicity, kept up all
He had been admitted counsellor in parliament in 1706, with a dispensation on account of age and in 1710, president of the first chamber of inquests. These important places, which he determined to fill in a becoming manner, engaged him in the most solid studies. The excellent work of Mr. Dqmat charmed him, and made him eager to go back to the fountain head. He spent several years in making himself master of the Roman law, the ordonnances of the French king, their customs, and public law. M. de Morville, procureur-general of the great council, being appointed ambassador to the Hague in 1718, engaged Henault to accompany him; and his personal merit soon introduced him to the acquaintance of the most eminent personages at that time there. The grand pensionary, Heinsius, who, under the exterior of Lacedemonian simplicity, kept up all the haughtiness of that people, lost with him all that hauteur which France itself had experienced from him in the negociations for the treaty of Utrecht.
aloux de Soimeme,” and “Le Ileveil d'Epimenide.” The subject of the last was the Cretan philosopher, who is pretended to have slept twenty-seven years. The queen was
In 1755 Henault was chosen an honorary member of the
academy of belles lettres, having been before elected into
the academies of Nanci, Berlin, and Stockholm. The
queen also appointed him superintendant of her house.
His natural spnghtliness relieved her from the serious attendance on his private morning lectures. The company
of persons most distinguished by their wit and birth, a table
more celebrated for the choiceof the guests than its delicacies, the little comedies suggested by wit, and executed by reflection, united at his house all the pleasures
of an agreeable literary life. All the members of this ingenious society contributed to render it pleasing, and the
president was not inferior to any. He composed three
comedies, “La Petite Maison;
” “Le Jaloux de Soimeme,
” and “Le Ileveil d'Epimenide.
” The subject of
the last was the Cretan philosopher, who is pretended to
have slept twenty-seven years. The queen was particularly pleased with this piece.
h year. He married, in 1714, a daughter of M. le Bas de Montargis, keeper of the royal treasure, &c. who died in 1728, without leaving any issue. He treated as his own
In 1763 Henault drew near his end. One morning,
after a quiet night, he felt an oppression, which the faculty
pronounced a suffocating cough. His confessor being
sent to him, he formed his resolution without alarm. He
mentioned afterwards, that he recollected having then said
to himself, “What do I regret
” and called to mind that
saying of madame de Sevigne, “I leave here only dying
creatures.
” He received the sacraments. It was believed
the next night would be his last; but by noon the next
day he was out of danger. “Now,
” said he, “I know
what death is. It will not be new to me any more.
” He
never forgot it during the following seven years of his life,
which, like all the rest, were gentle and calm. Full of
gratitude for the favours of Providence, resigned to its decrees, offering to the Author of his being a pure and sincere devotion; he felt his infirmities without complaining,
and perceived a gradual decay with unabated firmness.
He died Dec. 24, 1771, in his 86th year. He married, in
1714, a daughter of M. le Bas de Montargis, keeper of
the royal treasure, &c. who died in 1728, without leaving
any issue. He treated as his own children, those of his
sister, who had married, in 1713, the count de Jonsac,
and by him had three sons and two daughters. The two
younger sons were killed, one at Brussels, the other at
Lafelt, both at the head of the regiments of which they
were colonels; the eldest long survived, and was lieutenant-general and governor of Collioure and Port Vendre
in Roussillon. The elder daughter married M. le Veneur,
count de Tillieres, and died in 1757; the second married
the marquis d'Aubeterre, ambassador to Vienna, Madrid,
and Rome. In 1800 a very able posthumous work of the
president’s was published at Paris, entitled “Histoire
Critique de l'Etablissement des Francois dans les Gaules,
”
2 vols. 8vo.
t Fores. Then he travelled into Holland and England, and was employed by the superintendant Fouquet, who was his patron. After his return to France, he soon became
, a French poet, was the son of a
baker at Paris, and at first a receiver of the taxes at Fores.
Then he travelled into Holland and England, and was
employed by the superintendant Fouquet, who was his
patron. After his return to France, he soon became distinguished as one of the finest geniuses of his age; and
gained a prodigious reputation by his poetry. His sonnet
on the miscarriage of mad. de Guerchi is looked upon as a
master-piece, though it has little intrinsic merit. He also
wrote a satirical poem against the minister Colbert, which
is reckoned by Boileau among his best pieces. This was
written by way of revenging the disgrace and ruin of his
patron Fouquet, which Henault ascribed to Colbert. The
minister being told of this sonnet, which made a great
noise, asked, “Whether there were any satirical strokes
in it against the king
” and being informed there were not,
“Then,
” said he, “I shall not mind it, nor shew the
least resentment against the author.
” Henault was a man
who loved to refine on pleasures, and gloried in infidelity.
He went to Holland on purpose to visit Spinoza, who did
not much esteem him. When, however, sickness and
death came to stare him in the face, he became a superstitious convert, and was for receiving the Viaticum or
Sacrament, with a halter about his neck, in the middle of
his bed-chamber. He died in 1682.
“Oeuvres Diverses,” or “Miscellanies:' containing sonnets, and letters in verse and prose to Sappho, who was probably the celebrated madam lies Houlieres, to whom he
He had printed at Paris, 1670, in 12mo, a small collection of his works, under the title of “Oeuvres Diverses,
”
or “Miscellanies:' containing sonnets, and letters in
verse and prose to Sappho, who was probably the celebrated madam lies Houlieres, to whom he had the honour
to be preceptor. Henault had translated three books of
Lucretius: but his confessor having raised in him scruples
and fears, he burnt this work, so that there remains nothing of it but the first 100 lines, which had been copied
by his friends. Voltaire says, that
” he would have gained
great reputation, had these books that were lost been preserved, and been equal to what we have of this work."
ained him so high and so extens.ve a reputation, that his lectures were not only attended by persons who came from all parts of Germany, but he had also disciples who
, an eminent mineralogist,
whose name has unaccountably been omitted in all our
English as well as in the French, biographical collections,
was born at Fryberg, or Friburg, in Misnia, in 1679. He
appli himself, in the former part of his life, to physic;
but quitted practice to devote his time entirely to the study
of mineralogy and the various branches connected with it.
The place of his birth afforded many facilities in his researches, being situated among those mountains which have
been rendered famous by their mines, and which have been
wrought with success through a long course of ages. Dr.
He? ^kel, therefore, had the most favourable opportunity
of studying nature, which he did with assiduity and success; and his superior skill gained him so high and so extens.ve a reputation, that his lectures were not only attended by persons who came from all parts of Germany,
but he had also disciples who resorted to him from Sweden
and Russia. Augustus II. king of Poland, and elector of
Saxony, made him counsellor in the mines at Fryberg,
and it was under his direction, that the porcelain manufacture was brought to perfection, which has rendered the
town of Meissen so famous. He died in 1744-at Fryberg.
His fine cabinet of natural rarities was purchased by Mr.
Demidoff, a man of fortune, whose son presented it to the
university of Moscow. Dr. HenckePs “Pyritologia
” is
known in this country by a translation, “History of the
Pyrites,
” published in Henckelius in
Mineralogia redivivus,
” Paris,
secret influence he had on affairs in king William’s court, it was thought strange that Mr. Henley, who had a genius for any thing great, as well as any thing gay,
, an English gentleman of parts and learning, was the son of sir R ->bert Henley, of the Grange in Hampshire, descended from the Henleys of Henley in Somersetshire; of whom sir Andrew Henley was created a baronet in 1660. This sir Andrew had a son of the same name, famous for his frolics and profusion. His seat, called Bramesley, near Hartley-row, in the county of Southampton, was very large and magnifirent. He had a great estate in that and the other western counties, which was reduced by him to a very small one, or to nothing. Sir Robert Henley of the Grange, his uncle, was a man of good sense and osconomy. He held the master’s place of the King’s-bench court, on the pleas side, many years; and by the profits of it, and good management, left his son, Anthony Henley, of the Grange, of whom we now treat, possessed of a very fine fortune, above 3000l. a-year, part of which arose from the ground-rents of LincolnVinnfields. Anthony Henley was bred at Oxford, where he distinguished himself by an early relish for polite learning. He made a great proficiency in the study of the classics, and particularly the ancient poets, by which he formed a good taste for poetry, and wrote verses with success. Upon his coming to London, he was presently received into the friendship and familiarity of persons of the first rank for quality and wit, particularly the earls of Dorset and Sunclerland. The latter had especially a great esteem and affection for him; and as every one knew what a secret influence he had on affairs in king William’s court, it was thought strange that Mr. Henley, who had a genius for any thing great, as well as any thing gay, did not rise in the state, where he would have shone as a politician, no Jess than he did at Will’s and Tom’s as a wit. But the Muses and pleasure had engaged him. He had something of the character of Tibullus, and, except his extravagance, was possessed of all his other qualities; his indolence, his gallantry, his wit, his humanity, his. generosity, his learning, his taste for letters. There was hardly a contemporary author, who did not experience his bounty. They soon found him out, and attacked him with their dedications; which, though he knew how to value as they deserved, were always received as well as the addressers could wish; and his returns were made so handsomely, that the manner was as grateful as the present.
ng time, a strict friendship between /Mr. Henley and Richard Norton of Sonthwick in Hampshire, es-q. who was often chosen to represent that county. This gentleman had
There was, for a long time, a strict friendship between /Mr. Henley and Richard Norton of Sonthwick in Hampshire, es-q. who was often chosen to represent that county. This gentleman had the same passion for the Muses; and the similarity there was in their pleasures and studies, made that friendship the more firm and affectionate. They both lived to a good age before they married, and perhaps the breach that happened between them was one reason of their entering both into the state of matrimony much about the same time. Mr. Henley married Mary youngest daughter and co-heiress of the lion. Peregrine Bertie, sister to the countess Pawlet, with whom he had 30,000l. fortune, and by her he left several children. Of these Anthony, the eldest, died in 1745; and Robert, the second son, was created baron Henley and lord keeper of the great seal in 1760; became lord chancellor in 1761 and earl of Northington in 1764.
a of “Alexander” set by Purcell. Garth, in his preface to the Dispensary, has highly praised Henley, who was his friend; and his death, which happened in 1711, was very
His most darling diversion was music, of which he was
entirely master; his opinion was the standard of taste; and
after the Italian music was introduced, no opera could be
sure of applause, till it had received his approbation. He
was such an admirer of Purcell’s music, and the English
manner, that he did not immediately relish the Italian;
but, practice reconciling his ear, he was at last much attached to it. Whether he composed himself, we know
not; but he sang with art, and played on several instruments with judgment. He wrote several poems for music,
and almost finished the opera of “Alexander
” set by Purcell. Garth, in his preface to the Dispensary, has highly
praised Henley, who was his friend; and his death, which
happened in 1711, was very generally lamented.
“Italian Travels” in folio, and many other books. His principal patron was the earl of Macclesfield, who gave him a benefice in the country, the value of which to a
In town, he produced several publications; as, a translation of Pliny’s “Epistles,
” of several works of abbe Vertot, of Montfaucon’s “Italian Travels
” in folio, and many
other books. His principal patron was the earl of Macclesfield, who gave him a benefice in the country, the value
of which to a resident would have been above 80/ a year;
he had likewise a lecture in the city; and, according to
his own account, preached more chanty-sermons about
town, was more numerously followed, and raised more for
the poor children, than any other preacher, however dignified or distinguished. This popularity, with his enterprising spirit, and introducing regular action into the pulpit,
were “the true causes,
” he says, “why some obstructed
his rising in town, from envy, jealousy, and a disrelish of
those who are not qualified to be complete spaniels. For
there was no objection to his being tossed into a 'country
benefice by the way of the sea, as far as Galilee of the
Gentiles (like a pendulum swinging one way as far as the other.)
” Not being able to obtain preferment in London,
and not choosing to return into the country, he struck out
the plan of his Lectures, or Orations, which he puffed
with an astonishing vulgarity of arrogance, as may be seen
in the following specimen:
, or Blind Harry, are the names given to a Scotch poet who lived in the fifteenth century, but of whom there are few memorials
, or Blind Harry, are the
names given to a Scotch poet who lived in the fifteenth
century, but of whom there are few memorials that can be
relied on. It is conjectured that he wrote his celebrated
“Actis & Deidis of Shyr Willam Wallace,
” about Wallace,
” and Harbour’s
“Bruce,
” which terminates decidedly in Barbour’s favour.
The “Bruce,
” says an elegant critic, “is evidently the
work of a politician as well as poet. The characters of the
king, of his brother, of Douglas, and of the earl of Moray,
are discriminated, and their separate talents always employed with judgment; so that every event is prepared
and rendered probable by the means to which it is attributed; whereas the life of Wallace is a mere romance, in
which the hero hews down whole squadrons with his single
arm, and is indebted for every victory to his own muscular
strength. Both poems are filled with descriptions of battles; but in those of Barbour our attention is successively
directed to the cool intrepidity of king Robert, to the
brilliant rashness of Edward Bruce, or to the enterprizing
stratagems of Douglas; while in Henry we find little more
than a disgusting picture of revenge, hatred, and blood.
”
As a poet, however, he has considerable merit, and the
numerous editions through which his “Wallace
” has
passed, affords a sufficient proof of his popularity during
all that period, when his language would be understood
and the nature of his narrative be acceptable. The only
manuscript known of this poem, and from which all th
printed copies have been taken, is now in the Advocates’
library at Edinburgh, and bears date 1488. The first
printed edition was that of Edinburgh, 1570; but the best
and more correct is that of the Morisons of Perth, 1790,
3 vols. 12mo.
o Westminster-school, under Mr. Thomas Vincent, then usher; a man very diligent in his business, but who grieved so anuch at the dulness of many of his scholars, that
, an eminent nonconformist, was born
at Whitehall in 1631: his father, John Henry, was page
of the back-stairs to the king’s second son, James duke of
York. About twelve years old he was admitted into Westminster-school, under Mr. Thomas Vincent, then usher;
a man very diligent in his business, but who grieved so
anuch at the dulness of many of his scholars, that he fell
into a consumption, and was said to be “killed with false
Latin.
” In the regular time, he was taken into the upper
school under Dr. Busby, with whom he was a great favourite; and was employed by him, xvith some others, in collecting materials for that excellent Greek grammar which
he afterwards published. Soon after the civil wars broke
out, there was a daily morning lecture set up at the abbey
church by the assembly of divines. His pious mother requested Dr. Busby to give her son leave to attend this,
and likewise took him with her every Thursday to Mr.
Case^s lecture, at St. Martin’s: she took him also to the
jnonthly fasts at St. Margaret’s, where the House of commons attended; and where the service was carried on with
great strictness and solemnity, from eight in the morning
till four in the evening: in these, as he himself has expressed it, he had often “sweet meltings of soul.
”
rincipally insisted on was, that he could *not submit to be re-ordained, which was required of those who had been ordained only according to the presbyterian form. When
Upon the whole, his character seems to have been highly
exemplary and praiseworthy; and it may be asked, as Dr.
Busby asked him, “What made him a nonconformist
”
The reason which he principally insisted on was, that he
could *not submit to be re-ordained, which was required of
those who had been ordained only according to the presbyterian form. When named in the commission of the
peace, it was as Philip Henry, esq. He was, however, so
well satisfied with his call to the ministry, and solemn ordination to it, by the laying on the hands of the presbytery, that he durst not do that which looked like a renunciation of it as null and sinful, and would at least be a tacit
invalidating and condemning of all his administrations.
Despairing to see an accommodation, he kept a meeting at
Broad-oak, and preached to a congregation in a barn. He
died June 24, 1696. His “Life
” was written by his son,
the subject of our next article, and published in 1699.
The piety, Christian moderation, and good sense, which
pervade the whole, render it one of the most interesting
pieces of biography of the seventeenth century, and induced Dr. Wordsworth to reprint the whole in his “Ecclesiastical Biography,
” with some useful notes
municipal law of his own country. His proficiency was soon observed; and it was the opinion of those who knew him, that his great industry, quick apprehension, tenacious
, an eminent dissenting teacher, and a voluminous writer, was the son of the foregoing, and born in 1662. He continued under his father’s eye and care till about eighteen; and had the greatest advantages of his education from him, both in divine and human literature. He was very expert in the learned languages, especially in the Hebrew, which had been made familiar to him from his childhood; and from first to last, the study of the scriptures was his most delightful employment. For further improvement, he was placed in 16SOat an academy at Islington. He was afterwards entered in Gray’s-inn, for the study of the law where he went on with his usual diligence, and became acquainted with the civil law, and the municipal law of his own country. His proficiency was soon observed; and it was the opinion of those who knew him, that his great industry, quick apprehension, tenacious memory, and ready utterance, would render him very eminent in that profession. But he adhered to his first resolution of making divinity his study and business, and attended the most celebrated preachers in town; and, as an instance of his judgment, was best pleased with Dr. Stillingfleet for his serious practical preaching; and with Dr. Tillotson for his admirable sermons against popery, at his lectures at St. Lawrence Jewry. In 1686, he returned into the country, and preached several times as a candidate for the ministry with such success and approbation, that the congregation at Chester invited him to be their pastor. To this place he was ordained in 1687, where he lived about twenty-five years. He had several calls from London, which he constantly declined but was at last prevailed ou to accept a very important and unanimous one from Hackney. He died in 1714, at Nantwich, of an apoplectic fit, upon a journey, and was interred in Trinity-church, in Chester.
chosen moderator of the general assembly of the church of Scotland, and is the only person on record who obtained that distinction the first time he was a member of
, author of a History of England on a new plan, which has been generally and highly approved, was the son of James Henry, a farmer, at Muirtown in the parish of St. Ninian’s, Scotland, and of Jean Galloway his wife, of Stirlingshire. He was born on Feb. 18, 1718; and, having early resolved to devote himself to a literary profession, was educated first under a Mr. John Nicholson, at the parish school of St. Ninian’s, and for some time at the grammar-school at Stirling. He completed his academical studies at the university of Edinburgh, and afterwards became master of the grammar-school of Annan. He was licensed to preach on the 27th of March, 1746, and was the first licentiate of the presbytery of Annan, after its erection into a separate presbytery. Soon after he received a call from a congregation oi presbyterian dissenters at Carlisle, where he was ordained in November 1748. In this station he remained twelve years, and, on the 13th of August, 1760, became pastor of a congregation in Berwick upon Tweed. Here, in 1763, he married the daughter of Mr. Balderston, a surgeon, and though he had no children, enjoyed to the end of his life a large share of domestic happiness. In 1768, he was removed from Berwick, to be one of the ministers of Edinburgh, and was minister of the church of the New Grey Friars, from that time till November 1776. He then became colleague-minister in the old church, and in that station remained till his death, which happened in November, 1790. The degree of doctor in divinity was conferred on him by the university of Edinburgh, in 1770; and in 1774, he was unanimously chosen moderator of the general assembly of the church of Scotland, and is the only person on record who obtained that distinction the first time he was a member of the assembly.
lantin in 1565, 5 vols, 12mo, and the Louvain Bible of 1547, reprinted 1583. The faculty of Louvain, who had engaged his assistance in these editions, employed him also
, a learned Dominican, a native of France, was born about 1499, and went into Portugal in his infancy, and was there educated. He afterwards entered into the Dominican order at Louvain, where he died in 1566. He published some of the works of Euthymius Zigubenus, QScumenius, and Arethras, but is best known for the aid he contributed in publishing a beautiful edition of the Vulgate Bible, printed by Plantin in 1565, 5 vols, 12mo, and the Louvain Bible of 1547, reprinted 1583. The faculty of Louvain, who had engaged his assistance in these editions, employed him also on a less honourable commission, to collect from the works of Erasmus all erroneous and scandalous propositions, as they were called, that they might be laid before the council of Trent. This commission he executed in the true spirit of expurgatorial bigotry.
me men of note, both in the ecclesiastical and civil departments, among his countrymen. Mr. Hepburn, who had studied the civil law in Holland, became a member of the
, a miscellaneous writer, and an
imitator of the periodical essays of queen Anne’s reign, was
born in Scotland in 1690, and in 1711 began a periodical paper called The Tatler, by Donald Macstaff of the North,“which extended to thirty numbers. They are evidently
the production of a man of vigorous native powers, and of
a, mind not meanly stored with ancient learning, and familiar with the best writings of the moderns; but they gave
much offence, by the description of known characters, and
by the personal satire which the author employed, with no
gentle or delicate hand, on some men of note, both in the
ecclesiastical and civil departments, among his countrymen.
Mr. Hepburn, who had studied the civil law in Holland,
became a member of the faculty of advocates at Edinburgh in 1712, and died soon after very young. Lord
Hailes justly termed him
” ingenii praecocis etpraefervidi.“In the concluding paper of his
” Tatler“he announced, as
then in the press, a translation of sir George Mackenzie’s
” Idea eloquentia? Forensis;“and in the Advocates’ library
is a small volume containing two treatises of his writing;
the one entitled
” Demonstratio quod Deus sit,“and the
ether, Dissertatio de Scriptis Pitcarnianis.
” The former of
these is neatly and methodically written; the latter is
somewhat jejune in point of matter, and too lavish of general panegyric.
s, soon afterwards, seen playing with the boys in the court of the temple of Diana, he said to those who expressed their surprize that he was not better employed, “Why
, the founder of the sect of Heraciiteans,
was born at Ephesus. He discovered an early propensity
to the study of wisdom, and, by a diligent attention to
the operations of his own mind, soon became sensible of
his ignorance, and desirous of instruction. He was initiated into the mysteries of the Pythagorean doctrine by
Xenophanes and Hippasus, and afterwards incorporated
them into his own system. His fellow citizens solicited
him to undertake the supreme magistracy; but, on account
of their dissolute manners, he declined it in favour of his
brother. When he was, soon afterwards, seen playing
with the boys in the court of the temple of Diana, he said
to those who expressed their surprize that he was not better
employed, “Why are you surprised that I pass my time
with children? It is surely better than governing the corrupt Ephesians.
” He was displeased with them for banishing from their city so wise and able a man as Hermodorus;
and plainly told them that he perceived they were determined not to keep among them any man who had more
merit than the rest. His natural temper being splenetic
and melancholy, he despised the ignorance and follies of
mankind, shunned all public intercourse with the world,
and devoted himself to retirement and contemplation. He
made choice of a mountainous retreat for his place of residence, and lived upon the natural produce of the earth,
Darius, king of Persia, having heard of his fame, invited
him to his court; but he treated the invitation with contempt. His diet, and manner of life, at length brought
him into a dropsy; upon which this philosopher, who was
always fond of enigmatical language, returning into the
city, proposed to the physicians the following question
“Is it possible to bring dry ness out of moisture?
” Receiving no relief from them, he attempted to cure himself
by shutting himself up in a close stable of oxen; but it is
doubtful how far he succeeded, for the cause and manner
of his death are differently related by different writers. He
flourished, as appears from his preceptors and contemporaries, about the sixty-ninth olympiad, B. C. 504. Sixty
years are said to have been the term of his hfe.
It has been a tale commonly received, that Heraclitirs
was perpetually shedding tears on account of the vices of
mankind, and particularly of his countrymen. But the
story, which probably took its rise from the gloomy severity of his temper, ought to be ranked, like that of the
perpetual laughing of Detnocritus, among the Greek fables.
He wrote a treatise “On Nature,
” of which only a few
fragments remain. Througb the natural cast of his mind,
and perhaps too through a desire of concealing unpopular
tenets under the disguise of a figurative and intricate diction, his discourses procured him the name of the “Obscure Philosopher.
” Neither critics norphilosopbers were
able to explain his writings; and they remained in the
temple of Diana, where he himself had deposited them for
the use of the learned, till they were made public by
Crates, or, as Tatian relates the matter, till the poet
Euripides, who frequented the temple of Diana y committing the doctrines and precepts of Heraclitus to memory, accurately repeated them. From the fragments of
this work, which are preserved by Sextus Empiricus, it
appears to have been written in prose, which makes Tatian’s account the less credible. Brucker, to whom we
refer, has given as good an account of Heraclitus’s systera
as his obscure manner will permit. His sect was probably
very soon extinct, as we find no traces of its existence
after the death of Socrates, which may be ascribed, in
part, to the insuperable obscurity of the writings of Heraclitus, but chiefly to the splendour of the Platonic system,
by which it was superseded.
years, he took a journey to Rome, thinking that conversing with Armenians, and other eastern people who frequented that city, would make him perfect in the knowledge
, an eminent Orientalist of France, was born at Paris Dec. 14, 1625. When he had gone through classical literature and philosophy, he applied himself to the Oriental languages; and especially to the Hebrew, for the sake of understanding the original text of the Old Testament. After a continual application for several years, he took a journey to Rome, thinking that conversing with Armenians, and other eastern people who frequented that city, would make him perfect in the knowledge of their languages.
reality, there was nobody else so fit for it: for Voltaire says, “he was the first among the French who understood them.” Some years after he took a second journey
Here he was particularly esteemed by the cardinals
Barberini and Grimaldf, and contracted a firm friendship
with Lucas Holstenius and Leo Allatius. Upon his return
from this journey, in which he did not spend above a year
and a half, Fouquet invited him to his house, and settled
on him a pension of 1500 livres. The disgrace of this minister, which happened soon after, did not hinder Herbelot from being preferred to the place of interpreter for the
eastern languages; because, in reality, there was nobody
else so fit for it: for Voltaire says, “he was the first among
the French who understood them.
” Some years after he
took a second journey into Italy, where he acquired so
great a reputation, that persons of the highest distinction
for their rank and learning solicited his acquaintance. The
grand duke of Tuscany, Ferdinand II. whom he had the
honour to see first at Leghorn, gave him extraordinary
marks of his esteem had frequent conversations with him;
and made him promise to visit him at Florence. Herbelot
arrived there July 2, 1666, and was received by a secretary
of state, who conducted him to a house prepared for him,
where he was entertained with great magnificence, and had
a chariot kept for his use, at the expence of the grand
duke. These were very uncommon honours, but one remained much more grateful to a man of literature; a library being at that time exposed to sale at Florence, the
duke desired Herbelot to see it, to examine the Mss. in
the Oriental languages, and to select and value the best:
and when this was done, the generous prince made him a
present of them.
ich had hitherto been but little regarded; and he was afterwards recalled and encouraged by Colbert, who encouraged every thing that might do honour to his country.
The distinction with which he was received by the duke
of Tuscany, taught France to know his merit, which had
hitherto been but little regarded; and he was afterwards
recalled and encouraged by Colbert, who encouraged every
thing that might do honour to his country. The grand
tluke was very unwilling to let him go, and even refused
to consent, till he had seen the express order of the minister for his return. When he came to France, the king
often did him the honour to converse with him, and gave
him a pension of 1500 livres. During his stay in Italy, he
began his “Bibliotheque Orientale, or Universal Dictionary, containing whatever related to the knowledge of
the eastern world;
” and finished it in France. This work,
equally curious and profound, comprises the substance of
a great number of Arabic, Persian, and Turkish books
which he had read; and informs us of an infinite number
of particulars unknown before in Europe. He wrote it at
first in Arabic, and Colbert had a design to print it at the
Louvre, with a set of types cast on purpose. But after the
death of that minister, this resolution was waved; and
Herbelot translated his work into French, in order to render it more universally useful. He committed it to the
press, but had not the satisfaction to see the impression
finished; for he died Dec. 8, 1695, and it was not published till 1697, folio. What could not be inserted in this
work was digested by him under the title of “Anthologie:
”
but this was never published, nor his Turkish, Persian,
Arabian, and Latin dictionary, which, as well as other
works, he had completed.
tells us that “he could not subject himself to a compliance with the humours of the duke de Luines, who was then the great and powerful favourite at court: so that,
, lord Herbert, of Cherbury in
Shropshire, an eminent English writer, was descended
from a very ancient family, and born 1581, at Montgomery-castle in Wales. At the age of fourteen he was entered as
a gentleman-commoner at University college, in Oxford,
where he laid, says Wood, the foundation of that admirable learning, of which he was afterwards a complete
master. In 1600 he came to London, and shortly after the
accession of James I. was created knight of the hath. He
served the office of high sheriff for the county of Montgomery, and divided his time between the country and the
court. In 1608, feeling wearied with the sameness of domestic scenes, he visited the continent, carrying with him
some romantic notions on the point of honour, which, in.
such an age, were likely to involve him in perpetual quarrels. His advantageous person and manners, and the reputation for courage which he acquired, gained him many
friends, among whom was the constable Montmorenci. As
a seat of this nobleman he passed several months practising horsemanship, and other manly exercises, in which
he became singularly expert. He returned to England in
1609, and in the following, year he quitted it again, in.
order that he might have the opportunity of serving with
the English forces sent to assist the prince of Orange at
the siege of Juliers. Here he signalised himself by his
valour, which, in some instances, was carried to the extreme of rashness. After the siege he visited Antwerp and
Brussels, and returned to London, where he was looked
now upon as one of the most conspicuous characters of the
time. An attempt was made to assassinate him, in revenge
for some liberties which he took, or was supposed to have
taken, with a married lady. In 1614 he went into the Low.
Countries to serve under the prince of Orange; after this
he engaged with the duke of Savoy, to conduct from France
a body of protestants to Piedmont for his service. In 1616
he was sent ambassador to Louis XIII. of France, to mediate for the relief of the protestants of that realm, but was
recalled in July 1621, on account of a dispute between
him and the constable de Luines. Camden says that he
had treated the constable irreverently; but Walton tells us
that “he could not subject himself to a compliance with
the humours of the duke de Luines, who was then the
great and powerful favourite at court: so that, upon a
complaint to our king, he was called back into England in
some displeasure; but at his return gave such an honourable
account of his employment, and so justified his comportment to the duke and all the court, that he was suddenly
sent back upon the same embassy.
”
atter was relished. De Luines had concealed a gentleman of the reformed religion behind the curtain; who, heing an ear-witness of what passed, might relate to his friends
Another writer relates this more particularly. Sir Edward, while he was in France, had private instructions from
England to mediate a peace for the protestants in France;
and, in case of a refusal, to use certain menaces. Accordingly, being referred to de Luines, he delivered to him
the message, reserving his threatenings till he saw how the
matter was relished. De Luines had concealed a gentleman of the reformed religion behind the curtain; who,
heing an ear-witness of what passed, might relate to his
friends what little expectations they ought to entertain of
the king of England’s intercession. De Luines was very
haughty, and asked what our king had to do in this affair.
Sir Edward replied, “It is not to you, to whom the king
my master owcth an account of his actions; and for me it
is enough that I obey him. In the mean time I must
maintain, that my master hath more reason to do what he
doth, than you to ask why he doth it. Nevertheless, if
you desire me in a gentle fashion, I shall acquaint you
farther.
” Upon this, de Luines bowing a little, said,
“Very well.
” The ambassador then gave him some reasons; to which de Luines said, “We will have none of
your advices.
” The ambassador replied, “that he took
that for an answer, and was sorry only, that the affection
and good-will of the king his master was not sufficiently
understood and that, since it was rejected ii> that manner,
he could do no less than say, that the king his master knew
well enough what to do.
” De Luines answered, “We are
not afraid of you.
” The ambassador smiling a little, replied, “If you had said you had not loved us, I should
have believed you, and given you another answer. In
the mean time, all that I will tell you more is, that we
know very well what we have to do.
” De Luines upon
this, rising from his chair with a fashion and countenance
a little discomposed, said, “By G, if you were not
monsieur the ambassador, I know very well how I would
use yon.
” Sir Edward Herbert rising also from his chair,
said, that “as he was the king of Great Britain’s ambassador,
so he was also a gentleman; and that his sword, whereon
he laid his hand, should give him satisfaction if he had
taken any offence.
” After which, de Luines making no
reply, the ambassador went on towards the door, and de
Luines seeming to accompany him, sir Edward told him,
that “there was no occasion to use such ceremony after
such language,
” and so departed, expecting to hear farther from him. But no message being brought from de
Luines, he had, in pursuance of his instructions, a more
civil audience from the king at Coignac; where the marshal
of St. Geran told him that tf he had offended the constable,
and was not in a place of security there:“to which he
answered, that
” he thought himself to be in a place of security wheresoever he had his sword by him." De Luines,
resenting the affront, procured Cadinet his brother, duke
of Chaun, with a train of officers, of whom there was not
one, as he told king James, but had killed his man, to go
as an ambassador extraordinary; who misrepresented the
affair so much to the disadvantage of sir Edward, that the
earl of Carlisle, who was sent to accommodate the misunderstanding which might arise between the two crowns, got
him recalled; until the gentleman who stood behind the
curtain, out of a regard to truth and honour, related all
the circumstances so as to make it appear, that though de
Luines gave the first affront, yet sir Edward had kept himself within the bounds of his instructions and honour. He
afterwards fell on his knees to king James, before the duke
of Buckingham, requesting that a trumpeter, if not an
herald, might be sent to de Luines, to tell him that he had
made a false relation of the whole affair; and that sir Edward Herbert would demand satisfaction of him sword in
hand. The king answered, that he would take it into consideration; but de Luines died soon after, and sir Edward
was sent again ambassador to France.
rimus de causis errornm; alter de Religione Laici.” In this he is said to have been the first author who formed deism into a system, and endeavoured to assert the sufficiency,
This noble lord was the author of some very singular
and memorable works: the first of which was his book
“De Veritate,
” which is mentioned in his epitaph. It
was printed at Paris in 1624, and reprinted there in 1633;
after which it was printed in London, in 1645, under this
title; “De Veritate, prout distinguitur a revelatione, a
verisimili, a possibili, a falso. Cui operi additi sunt duo
alii tractatus primus de causis errornm; alter de Religione Laici.
” In this he is said to have been the first
author who formed deism into a system, and endeavoured
to assert the sufficiency, universality, and absolute perfection of natural religion, without the necessity of any extraordinary revelation. He attempted to prove that the
light of reason, and the innate principles planted in the
human mind, are sufficient to discover the great doctrines
of morality, to regulate our actions, and conduct us to happiness in a future state. The fallacy of all this has been
ably displayed by Locke, Leland, and many other writers
of eminence. But the noble author proved himself the
greatest enthusiast, while he affected to combat enthusiasm,
and by his own example evinced the absurdity of his system. Having finished the above treatise “De Veritate,
”
in which revelation is considered as useless, he was desito publish it; but, as the frame of his whole book
differed from all former writings concerning the discovery of
truth, he hesitated whether he should suspend the publication: “Being thus doubtful in my chamber,
” says lord
Herbert, “one fair day in the summer, my casement being open towards the south, the sun shining clear, and no
wind stirring, I took my book * De Veritate‘ in my hands,
and kneeling on my knees, devoutly said these words: ’ O
thou eternal God, author of this light, which now shines
upon me, and giver of all inward illuminations, I do beseech thee, of thine infinite goodness, to pardon a greater
request than a sinner ought to make. 1 am not satisfied
enough, whether I shall publish this book if it be for thy
glory, I beseech thee give me some sign from heaven if
not, I shall suppress it.' I had no sooner spoken these
words, but a loud, though yet gentle noise, came forth
from the heavens, for it was like nothing on earth, which
did so chcar and comfort me, that I took my petition as
granted, and that I had the sign I demanded; whereupon
also I resolved to print my book. This, how strange soever it may seem, I protest before the eternal God, is true:
neither am I any way superstitiously deceived herein, since
I did not only clearly hear the noise, but in the serenest
sky that ever 1 saw, being without all cloud, did, to my
thinking, see the place from whence it came. And now I
sent my book to be printed in Paris, at my own cost and
charges.
” It is not possible to reprove the folly and blindness of his conduct in this instance, in warmer terms than
those which are employed by his noble editor. “There
is no stronger characteristic of human nature than its being
open to the grossest contradictions: one of lord Herbert’s
chief arguments against revealed religion is, the improbability that Heaven should reveal its will to only a portion
of the earth, which he terms particular religion. How
could a man who doubted of partial, believe individual revelation What vanity, to think his book of such importance to the cause of truth, that it could extort a declaration of the divine will, when the interest of half mankind
could not
”
& Benedicto Spinosa, Liber,” printed at Kilon m 1680. Granger has very aptly described him as a man who was at once wise and capricious: who redressed wrongs, and quarrelled
His most useful work, the “History of the Life and
Reign of Henry VIII.
” was published in 1649, a year after
his death, and has always been much admired. Nicolson
says, that lord Herbert “acquitted himself in this history
with the like reputation, as the lord chancellor Bacon
gained by that of Henry Vllth. For in the public and
martial part this honourable author has been admirably
particular and exact from the best records that were extant; though as to the ecclesiastical, he seems to have
looked upon it as a thing out of his province, and an undertaking more proper for men of another profession.
” Although it has been considered as a very valuable piece of
history, there is not, perhaps, so much candour displayed
in every part as could be wished. In 1663, appeared his
book “De Religione Gentilium, errorumque apud eos
causis.
” The first part was printed at London, in The ancient Religion of the
Gentiles, and causes of their errors considered. The mistakes and failures of the Heathen Priests and wise men, in
their notions of the Deity and matters of Divine Worship,
are examined with regard to their being destitute of Divine Revelation.
” Lord Herbert wrote also in Expeditio Buckingham! ducis in Ream insulam,
” which
was published in Occasional Verses,
” published in De Veritate,
” has ranked him with
Hobbes and Spinosa, in his dissertation entitled “De
tribus impostoribus magnis, Edvardo Herbert, Thoma
Hobbes, & Benedicto Spinosa, Liber,
” printed at Kilon m
He was then put under the care of Dr. Neale, dean of Westminster, and afterwards archbishop of York, who placed him at Westminster-school. At the age of fifteen, being
, an eminent and exemplary divine, younger brother to the preceding, was born April
3, 1593, at Montgomery castle. His father died when he
was very young; and until the age of twelve, he was educated under private tutors in his mother’s house. He was
then put under the care of Dr. Neale, dean of Westminster, and afterwards archbishop of York, who placed him
at Westminster-school. At the age of fifteen, being then
a king’s scholar, he was elerted to Trinity college, Cambridge, and went thither about 1608, during the mastership of that great benefactor to the college, Dr. Nevil, who,
at his mother’s request, took particular notice of him. At
college he was assiduous in his studies, and virtuous in his
conduct. Here he took his bachelor’s degree in 1612, and
that of master in 1616, before which he had obtained a
fellowship. During his studies, his principal relaxation
was music, for which he had a good taste, and in which,
as Walton says, “he became a great master.
” At this
time, however, he betrayed a little of the vanity of youth
and birth, by affecting great finery of dress, and maintaining a reserved behaviour towards his inferiors. In 1619,
he was chosen university orator, which office he held for
eight years, much to the satisfaction of his hearers, and
particularly of those great personages whom he had occasionally to address. The terms of flattery he appears to
have known how to use with great profusion; and in more
than one instance, pleased king James very much with his
liberal offerings of this kind. He gave no less satisfaction
to his majesty also, by his apt and ingenious replies to
Andrew Melville, a Scotch divine, at the Hampton-court
conference. His talents recommended him to the notice
of Dr. Andrews, bishop of Winchester, and of the great
lord Bacon, who is said to have entertained such a high
opinion of Mr. Herbert, as to consult him in his writings,
before they went to press, and dedicated to him his translation of some ef the Psalms into English verse, as the best
judge of divine poetry. Nor was bishop Andrews less enraptured with his character; for Herbert, having, in consequence of a dispute between them on predestination and
sanctity of life, written a letter to the bishop on the subject in Greek, Andrews used to show it to many scholars,
and always carried it about him. Sir Henry Wotton and
Dr. Donne may also be added to the number of those eminent men of his time whose friendship he shared.
arances were apprehended, he went to Dauntsey in Wiltshire, the seat of lord Danvers, earl of Danby, who appropriated an apartment for him, and treated him with the
About 1629, he was seized with a quotidian ague, which
obliged him to remove to Woodford in Essex, for change
of air; and when, after his ague had abated, some consumptive appearances were apprehended, he went to Dauntsey
in Wiltshire, the seat of lord Danvers, earl of Danby, who
appropriated an apartment for him, and treated him with
the greatest care and kindness. Here, by abstaining from
hard study, and by air and exercise, he apparently recovered his health, and then declared his resolution to marry,
and to take priest’s orders. Accordingly he married Jane
Danvers, daughter of Mr. Charles Danvers of Bainton in
Wilts, related to the earl of Danby; and about three
months after his marriage, at the request of Philip earl of
Pembroke, the king presented him to the living of Bemerton, into which he was inducted April 26, 1630. Here he
passed the remainder of his days, discharging the duties of
a parish priest in a manner so exemplary, that the history
of his life here, as given by Walton, or perhaps as delineated by himself in his “Country Parson,
” may justly be
recommended as a model. His own behaviour was indeed
an exact comment on all he wrote, which appears to have
come from the heart of a man of unfeigned piety and humility. Unhappily, however, for his rlock, his life was
shortened by a return of the consumptive symptoms which
had formerly appeared, and he died in February 1632, and
was buried March 3.
stay there, and then went to wait upon William earl of Pembroke, recorded in the following article; who owning him for his kinsman, and intending his advancement, sent
, an eminent person of the Pembroke family, was born at York, where his grandfather
was an alderman, and admitted of Jesus-college, Oxford,
in 1621: but before he took a degree, removed to Trinity-college in Cambridge. He made a short stay there, and
then went to wait upon William earl of Pembroke, recorded
in the following article; who owning him for his kinsman,
and intending his advancement, sent him in 1626 to travel,
with an allowance to bear his charge. He spent four years
in visiting Asia and Africa; and then returning, waited on
his patron at Baynard’s-castle in London. The earl dying
suddenly, he was disappointed in his expectations of preferment, and left England a second time, and visited several parts of Europe. After his return he married, and now
being settled, devoted much of his time to literary employments. In 1634 he published in folio, “A Relation of
some Years Travels into Africa and the great Asia, especially the territories of the Persian Monarchy, and some
parts of the Oriental Indies, and Isles adjacent.
” The
edition of 1677 is the fourth, and has several additions.
This work was translated by Wiquefort into French, with
“An Account of the Revolutions of Siam in 1647,
” Paris,
by the influence of Philip earl of Pembroke, became not only one of the commissioners of parliament who acompanied the army of sir Thomas Fairfax, but a commissioner
Upon the breaking out of the civil wars, he was induced
to side with the parliament; and, by the influence of
Philip earl of Pembroke, became not only one of the commissioners of parliament who acompanied the army of sir
Thomas Fairfax, but a commissioner also to treat with those
of the king’s party for the surrender of the garrison at Oxford. He afterwards attended that earl, especially in Jan.
1646, when he, with other commissioners, was sent from
the parliament to the king at Newcastle about peace, and
to bring his majesty nearer London. While the king was
at Oldenby, the parliament commissioners, pursuant to instructions, addressed themselves to his majesty, and desired
him to dismiss such of his servants as were there and had
waited on him at Oxford: which his majesty with great reluctance consented to do. He had taken notice in the
mean time of Mr. James Harrington, the author of the
“Oceana,
” and Mr. Thomas Herbert, who had followed
the court from Newcastle and hearing a favourable character of them, was willing to receive them as grooms of
his bed-chamber with the others that were left him; which
the commissioners approving, they were that night admitted. Being thus settled in that honourable office, and in
good esteem with his majesty, Herbert continued with
him when all the rest of the chamber were removed; even
till his majesty was brought to the block. The king,
though he found him, says Wood, to be presbyterianly
affected, yet withal found him very observant and loving,
and therefore entrusted him with many matters of moment.
The truth was, he found the king tu be of a very contrary
disposition and character from what the malcontents of the
day had represented him, and being equally ashamed of
them, and of the delusion into which he had himself fallen,
he attached himself to the king from that time to the moment of his murder; and during these two years he underwent, night and day, all the difficulties, dangers, and distresses, that his royal master suffered. At the restoration
he was made a baronet by Charles II. “for faithfully serving his royal father during the two last years of his life;
”
as the letters patent for that purpose expressed. He died
at his house in York, March 1, 1681-2.
t: and his friendships were only with men of those principles. Sure never man was planted in a court who was fitter for that soil, or brought better qualities with him
The character of this noble person is not only one of the
most amiable in lord Clarendon’s history, but is one of the
best drawn. We can, however, give only a few particulars. “He was,
” says the great historian, “the most
universally beloved and esteemed of any man of that age;
and having a great office in the court, he made the court
atself better esteemed, and more reverenced in the country: and as he had a great number of friends of the best
men, so no man had ever the confidence to avow himself
to be his enemy. He was a man very well bred, and of
excellent parts, and a graceful speaker upon any subject,
having a good proportion of learning, and a ready wit to
apply it, and enlarge upon it: of a pleasant and facetious
humour, and a disposition affable, generous, and magnificent. He lived many years about the court before in it,
and never by it; being rather regarded and esteemed by
lung James, than loved and favoured. As he spent and
lived upon his own fortune, so he stood upon his own feet,
without any other support than of his proper virtue and
merit. He was exceedingly beloved in the court, because
he never desired to get that for himself which others laboured for, but was still ready to promote the pretences of
worthy men: and he was equally celebrated in the country,
for having received no obligations from the court, which
might corrupt or sway his affections and judgment. He
was a great lover of his country, and of the religion and
justice which he believed could only support it: and his
friendships were only with men of those principles. Sure
never man was planted in a court who was fitter for that
soil, or brought better qualities with him to purify that
air. Yet his memory must not be flattered, that his virtues and good inclinations may be believed he was not
without some alloy of vice he indulged to himself the
pleasures of all kinds, almost in all excesses,
” &c. It
ought not to be forgot that this earl of Pembroke vras a
munificent contributor to the Bodleian library, of two hundred and forty-two Greek Mss. purchased by him in Italy,
and formerly belonging to Francis Barroccio. This gift is
commemorated by an inscription over the collection in the
library, where also are a painting and a statue of his lordship. Pembroke-college was so named in honour of him.
was obliged to undertake a journey over land on the sixteenth of that month, with a Portuguese boy, ( who understood a little English, Portuguesej and Parriar or Lingua
, an eminent typographical antiquary, was born Nov. 29, 1718, and educated at Hitchin in Hertfordshire. He appears to have been originally destined for trade, as he was bound apprentice to a hosier in London, and carried on that business for some time on his own account. It is probable, however, that he did noj succeed, or became desirous of some other means of livelihood, and it is said that one time he studied the art of painting on glass. About his thirtieth year he accepted the situation of purser’s clerk to three East-India ships. He set sail in one of them which was to take in a lading of pepper at Tellicherry: but before she had completed that purpose, an alarm of six French men of war was given. The governor demanded thirty men out of each ship, as he had a power to do, for the defence of the place; and the ship sailed away without lights round the Lucadine islands, and by Mount Delhi, to Bombay. After the alarm was over they returned, and sent Mr. Herbert, in a miserable boat, without change of linen, to demand their men, whom the governor refused to give up, and he returned; but the ships having left their station, the boat could not find them, and the wind being against him, he was obliged to remain at Tellicherry. Being engaged to return to his ship by the middle of July, he was obliged to undertake a journey over land on the sixteenth of that month, with a Portuguese boy, (who understood a little English, Portuguesej and Parriar or Lingua Franca), twelve sepoys, eight porters, in all twenty, besides himself and boy; and went round by sea to Calicut, before he ascended the heights with two bramins, who were bound by their caste to conduct him safe. The anxiety at not meeting the ships at the appointed time, he did not recover for a twelvemonth: though he rejoined them August 8, at Fort St. David, Fort George being in the hands of the French.
ntauban, 1688, 8vo. He died 1704. M. Lewis de Hericourt, an eminent advocate at Paris, his grandson, who died 1753, was author of “Traite” des Loix Ecclesiastiques,
, an ingenious member of
the academy at Soissons, and that of ^the Ricovrati at Padua, was born at Soissons of a noble family; and the meetings held at his hoTise gave rise to the academy afterwards
established in that place. He was entrusted with some important commissions by the French court, and wrote a history of the academy of Soissons, in Latin, printed at Montauban, 1688, 8vo. He died 1704. M. Lewis de Hericourt, an eminent advocate at Paris, his grandson, who
died 1753, was author of “Traite
” des Loix Ecclesiastiques,
mises dans leur ordre naturel,“1771,fol. an abridgement
of pere Thomassins’s
” Discipline de PEglise,“with remarks, 4to;
” Traite de la Vente des Immeubles," 4to;
and some posthumous works, 4 vols. 4to.
ce, he began to apply to botany, with a particular view to the knowledge of foresttrees. Broussonet, who had studied with sir Joseph Banks, and was an ardent Linnaean,
, an eminent French botanist, was born at Paris in 1746. In 1772
he was appointed superintendant of the waters and forests
of the generality of Paris, and his active mind being turned
to fulfil the duties of his office, he began to apply to botany, with a particular view to the knowledge of foresttrees. Broussonet, who had studied with sir Joseph Banks,
and was an ardent Linnaean, was the intimate friend of
L'Heritier, and contributed in no small degree to urge
him forward in his career. The first fruits of his labours
was a splendid book, with finely engraved plates, entitled
“Stirpes novae,
” of which the first fasciculus, containing
eleven plates with their descriptions, appeared in J7S4.
Five more followed, amounting to eighty-four platas. To
secure to himself some of his own discoveries, and especially the establishment of certain new genera and their
names, L'Heritier contrived a method of publishing such
in the form of monographs, with one or two plates. Of
these he distributed the copies gratuitously to different
people, so that no individual might be possessed of the
entire collection. A complete set, however, is in the library of sir Joseph Banks, and another in that of the president of the Linnaean society. In 1786 he came over to
England, and collected from the English gardens the materials of his “Sertum Anglicum,
” a Work consisting of
several fasciculi, on a similar plan to his Stirpes Novafe,
but it remains unfinished. In 1775 he became a conseiller
a la cour des aides, was for a long time the dean of that
court, and accepted the office of a judge in the civil tribunals of the department of the Seine, and is recorded to
have fulfilled its duties with the most exemplary rectitude
and incorruptibility. He also sat from time to time as a
member of the representative body. His views were always those of a true patriot, the correction of abuses, the
maintenance of the laws in their genuine force and purity;
and the darling object of his emulation was the uncorrupted British constitution.
ertain discovery was made of the murderer, but suspicion seems to have attached to the wretched son, who is since dead.
It is with pain that we advance towards the dreadful catastrophe of his life. He had married, in 1775, an estimable woman of the name of Dore, with whom he passed nineteen years in domestic happiness. She died in 1794, leaving him five children. He devoted himself to their education, but with respect to one of them, a son, his parental solicitude was attended with little success, and his hopes were blasted in a cruel manner, by the most refractory and unprincipled conduct. The parent returning very late one evening in August 1801, from a meeting of the national institute, never again reached his own domestic circle. His children expected him all night in the greatest anxiety and uncertainty. Some savage cries of insult or exultation were overheard in the silence of the night, but their object was not discovered till the dawn of morning, when the murdered body of the father of the family was found near his own threshold, with the money and other valuables which he carried about him untouched. No certain discovery was made of the murderer, but suspicion seems to have attached to the wretched son, who is since dead.
riments, and imparted to his son a tasce for the study of natural history and the science of nature, who made at the same time an extraordinary progress in rhetoric,
, professor of botany and the materia medica at Strasburgh, was born Dec. 21, 1738, at Barr, near Strasbnrgh. His father, a protestant clergyman at that place, devoted his leisure hours to physical experiments, and imparted to his son a tasce for the study of natural history and the science of nature, who made at the same time an extraordinary progress in rhetoric, philology, history, philosophy, mathematics, and hiedicine, In 1765, he took the degree of doctor of medicine, and made a -journey to Paris, where he enlarged his knowledge, enriched his cabinet of natural history, and acquired the friendship of the most eminent French literati. In the twenty-sixth year of his age he commenced at Strasburgh, lectures on natural history, which he continued until his death. In 1768 he was appointed professor extraordinary of medicine; ten years afterwards he obtained the chair of philosophy, and in 1782 that of pathology. At the death of professor Spielmann, in 1784, he was promoted to the professorship of botany, chemistry, and materia medica. On the reform of the system of literary education in France he was appointed professor of bot^in^ and the materia medica, at the medical academy established in Strasburgh in 1795, and professor of natural history at the central school. He was also admitted a fellow of the national institute of France, and successively chosen a member of the royal academy of sciences, of Berlin, of the Linnaean society, and of several other academies and literary societies. Among his numerous correspondents were Buffon, Cuvier, Fortis, Hany, Millin, La Peyrouse, Schreber, Zimmer*mann, c, Hesacrificed all his property to form one of the finest and richest cabinets of natural history in Europe, and without having edited any large work on natural science, he has enriched it with many interesting discoveries and ingenious observations, published in his numerous dissertations, and in several literary journals, both Gerjnan and French. He died of a pulmouic disease, Oct. 4, 1800.
f plants which had been introduced by his predecessors during 150 years. He was the first in Holland who adopted a system of botany founded on the fructification, partly
, a celebrated botanist, was born at
Halle, in Saxony, towards the middle of the seventeenth
century. Having resided some time in the East Indies,
and especially at Ceylon, where he practised as a physician, he was induced to re-visit Europe in 1679, and filled
the botanical professorship at Leyden, and at the same
time having the care of the botanical garden, he soon more
than doubled the number of plants which had been introduced by his predecessors during 150 years. He was the
first in Holland who adopted a system of botany founded
on the fructification, partly following the arrangement of
Morison, and partly that of Ray. His works are remarkable for the excellence and neatness of his figures,
containing descriptions of many new plants found in various parts
of the world. He died on the 29th of January, 1695.
Linnæus, in his “Classes Plantarum,
” has given a sketch
of the Hennannian system, which is founded upon the
fruit, to which he adhered with more pertinacity than
either Ray or Morison themselves. The first work he published was a “Catalogue of the Leyden Garden,
” in Index Piantarum quse in horto Leidensi aluntur,
” to which
Boerhaave added a history of the garden. To Hermann
may be ascribed, on the authority of Sherard, the following work, “Florae Lugdunobatavrc flores,
” though publislied under the name of Zumbach. In Flora Lugdunobatava,
” was begun to be printed,
but after a few sheets were taken oft, its author’s death put
a stop to any further continuation of it. At this time the
“Paradisus Batavus
” was in a state of forwardness, and it
was published in 8vo, as a posthumous work, about three
years afterwards. It was, however, reprinted in quarto in
1705, having been edited by William Sherard, at the expence of Hermann’s widow. This indefatigable man left
a considerable number of papers and dried plants, the latter of which came into the possession of J. Burmann; and
formed the corner-stone of his “Thesaurus Zeylanicus,
”
published at Amsterdam in Flora Zeylanica
” was composed. They are
now finally the property of sir Joseph Banks. Besides the
above books, he was the author of the foliowing works
“Mussei Indici catalogus, continens varia exotica animalia,
insecta, vegetabilia, mineralia, quse collegerat,
” Lapis Lydius Materiae Medicae,
” Musaeum
Zeylanicum
” (unfinished) “Catalogus Plantarum Capitis Bonse Spei
” (unedited) and wrote various botanical
and medical tracts, which are of less moment, and some of
which are superseded by the former.
s from St. Chrysostom. 6. Another from St. Basil. 7. Several polemical writings against the Jesuits, who therefore became his mortal enemies, and contrived to interfere
, a learned and pious doctor of
the Sorbonne, and a voluminous author, was born at Beauvais in 1617, and displayed early propensities for learning. Potier bishop and earl of Beauvais sent him to the
various colleges of Paris for education. He obtained a
canonry of Beauvais, was rector of the university of Paris
in 1646, and died in 1690, after being excluded from his
canonry and the Sorbonne for some ecclesiastical dispute.
Hermant had the virtues and defects of a recluse student^
and was much esteemed for his talents and piety by Tillemont and others of the solitaries at Port Royal. His style
was noble and majestic, but sometimes rather inflated.
His works are numerous: 1. “Toe Life of St. Athanasius,
”
2 vols. 4to. 2. Those of “St. Basil and Gregory Nazianzen,
” of the same extent. 3. The Life of St. Chrysostom,“written under the name of Menan. And, 4. That of
” St. Ambrose,“both in 4to. 5. A translation, of some
tracts from St. Chrysostom. 6. Another from St. Basil.
7. Several polemical writings against the Jesuits, who
therefore became his mortal enemies, and contrived to
interfere with his monumental honours after death, by preventing the inscription of a very commendatory epitaph.
8.
” A Defence of the Church against Labadie.“9.
” Index Universalis totius juris Ecclesiastici,“folio. 10.
” Discours Chretien sur retablissement du Bureau des pauvres
de Beauvais," 1653. A life of him has been published by
Baillet.
ly supposed to have been the same whom St. Paul mentions in Rom. xvi. 14. He is ranked amongst those who are called Apostolical Fathers, from his having lived in the
, or Hermas commonly called the Shepherd, was an antient father of the church, and is generally
supposed to have been the same whom St. Paul mentions
in Rom. xvi. 14. He is ranked amongst those who are
called Apostolical Fathers, from his having lived in the
times of the apostles: but who he was, what he did, and
what he suffered for the sake of Christianity, are all in a
great measure, if not altogether, unknown to us. He seems
to have belonged to the church at Rome, when Clement
was bishop of it; that is, according to Dodwell, from the
year 64 or 65 to the year 81. This circumstance we are
able to collect from his “Second Vision,
” of which, he
tells us, he was commanded to communicate a copy to
Clement. What his condition was before his conversion,
we know not; but that he was a man of some consideration, we may conclude from what we read in his “Third
Vision;
” where he owns himself to have been formerly
unprofitable to the Lord, upon the account of those riches
which afterwards he seems to have dispensed in works of
charity and beneficence. After his conversion he probably
lived a very strict life, since he is said to have been employed in several messages to the church, both to correct
their manners, and to warn them of the trials that were
about to come upon them. His death, if we may believe
the “Roman Marty rology,
” was conformable to his life;
where we read, that being “illustrious for his miracles, he
at last offered himself a worthy sacrifice unto God.
” Baronius says, that “having undergone many labours and
troubles in the time of the persecution under Aurelius, he
at last rested in the Lord July 26th, which is therefore observed in commemoration of him.
” But Hermas being
sometimes called by the title of “Pastor, or Shepherd,
”
the Roman martyrologist has divided the good man into
two saints: and they observe the memorial of Hennas May
the 9th, and of Pastor July the 26th.
the ancients, while its authenticity has been called in question by others; and most of the fathers, who have spoken of it well themselves, plainly enough insinuate,
Hennas’s book, “The Shepherd,
” is the only remains
of this father, and has been highly extolled by some of the
ancients, while its authenticity has been called in question
by others; and most of the fathers, who have spoken of it
well themselves, plainly enough insinuate, that there were
others who did not put the same value upon it. The moderns in general have not esteemed it so highly; and indeed, as Dupin observes, “whether we consider the manner it is written in, or the matter it contains, it does not
appear to merit much regard.
” The first part, for it is divided into three, is called “Visions,
” and contains many
visions, which are explained to Hermas by a woman, who
represents the church. These visions regard the state of
the church, and the manners of the Christians. The second, which is the most useful, is called “Commands,' 1
and comprehends many moral and pious instructions, delivered to Hernias by an angel and the third is called
” Similitudes." Many useful lessons are taught in these
books, but the visions, allegories., and similitudes, have
little to recommend them.
imagines it to be written about the beginning of the second century, by some Platonizing Christian, who, to enforce Christianity with a better grace upon Pagans, introduces
, an Egyptian legislator, priest, and philosopher, lived, as some think, in the year of the world 2076,
in the reign of Ninus, after Moses: and was so skilled in
all profound arts and sciences, that he acquired the surname of Trismegistus, or “thrice great.
” Clemens Alexandrinus has given us an account of his writings, and a
catalogue of some of them such as, the book containing
the Hymns of the Gods another “De rationibus vitae
regiae
” four mo*e, “De astrologia,
” that is, “De ordine
fixarunl stellarum, & de conjunctione & illuminatione Solis
& Lunae
” ten more, entitled, “lE^arwa,
” or which treat
of laws, of the gods, and of the whole doctrine and discipline of the priests. Upon the whole, Clemens makes
Hermes the author of thirty -six books of divinity and philosophy, and six of physic; but they are all lost. There
goes indeed one under his name, whose title is “Poemander;
” but this is agreed by all to be supposititious, and
Casaubon imagines it to be written about the beginning of
the second century, by some Platonizing Christian, who,
to enforce Christianity with a better grace upon Pagans, introduces Hermes Trismegistus delivering, as it were long
before, the greatest part of those doctrines which are comprised in the Christian creed.
I. he could think of no better means for this purpose, than by comparing him to Hermes Trismegistus, who was at once distinguished by the glory of a king, the illuminations
This philosopher has stood exceedingly high in the opinion of mankind, ancients as well as moderns. Plato tells us, that he was the inventor of letters, of ordinary writing, and hieroglyphics. Cicero says, that he was governor of Egypt, and invented letters, as well as delivered the first laws to the people of that country; and Suidas asserts, that he flourished before Pharoah, and acquired the surname of Trismegistus, because he gave out something oracular concerning the Trinity. Gyraldus thinks he was called Thrice Great, because he was the greatest philosopher, the greatest priest, and the greatest king. When the great lord chancellor Bacon endeavoured to do justice to the merits of our James I. he could think of no better means for this purpose, than by comparing him to Hermes Trismegistus, who was at once distinguished by the glory of a king, the illuminations of a priest, and the learning of a philosopher."
shed in that city; tht papers of Hernandez having been purchased by Frederic Cesi, a young nobleman, who founded and was perpetual president of the Lyncaei. This work
, a naturalist and physician,
was sent out by Philip II. king of Spain, to make obseryations on, and to describe, the natural productions of
Spanish America. His pecuniary allowance for this purpose appears to have been ample, and he spared no expence to make himself acquainted with such objects as he
was in search of. He wrote an account of their nature
*nd properties, but it does not appear that he lived to
superintend the publication of his labours, for in 1651 the
result of his inquiries was edited at Rome under the care
of the Lyncaean academy, established in that city; tht
papers of Hernandez having been purchased by Frederic Cesi, a young nobleman, who founded and was perpetual president of the Lyncaei. This work had originally
been published in the Spanish language at Mexico, under
the name and care of Francis Ximenes; but the Roman
edition, in small folio, came out in Latin, having the following title, “Nova Plantarum, Animalium, et Mineralium
Mexicanorum Historia, a Francisco Hernandez, Medico,
in Indiis praestantissimo primum compilata. Dein a Nardo
Antonio Reecho in volumen digesta, a Johanno Terentio,
Johanno Fabro, ct Fabio Columna, Lyncseis, notis et adtlitionibus longe doctissimis illustrata.
” The original drawings of this work were procured by Hernandez, who paid
the immense sum of sixty thousand ducats for them; they
had been drawn at the time when Joseph a Costa was in
America, but the numerous wooden cuts which accompany
this volume are by no means equal to what might have
been expected from the account we have of the drawings,
and the work did not answer the trouble and expence
which had been bestowed upon it. What became of him
is not recorded, but his drawings were consumed by a
fire in the Escurial. Some of liis representations are
so extraordinary, that their truth has been doubted, but
his accuracy has lately been verified. Hernandez does
not appear to have published any other works on natural
history, but this will entitle him to our gratitude for'
having first unfolded to European botanists the treasures
of that then little known quarter of the world. A history
of the church at Mexico has been ascribed to our author,
but without certainty.
ext year, and proceeded A. B. in 1715. About this time he was recommended to the duchess of Bedford, who took him into her family, for the instruction of her sons, Wrotthesly,
, A. M. an English controversial writer,
was a native of Suffolk, and admitted pensioner of Corpus
Christi college, Cambridge, under the tuition of Mr.
Fawcett, Oct. 29, 1711; he was made scholar of the house
next year, and proceeded A. B. in 1715. About this time
he was recommended to the duchess of Bedford, who took
him into her family, for the instruction of her sons, Wrotthesly, the third, and John, the fourth duke of Bedford;
and the year following he was made fellow of Merton college, Oxford, where he commenced M. A. in 1718. He
was a man of learning, virtue, and spirit, and continued a
batcheior and a layman till the time of his death, which
happened at Woburn about the year 1722. He published
“The False notion of a Christian priesthood, &c.
” in answer to Mr. Law, A Letter to the Prolocutor,
”
jjo answer to one from him to Dr. Tenison, A
Letter to the Rev. Dr. Tenison concerning Citations out of
Arch. Wake’s Preliminary Discourse to the Apostolic Fathers,
” Lond. Under this name he was one of the writers in the Bangorian controversy, of which he began in some measure the
history, by publishing an account of all the considerable
pamphlets to which it gave rise, with a continuation and
occasional observations, to the end of the year 1719, by
the name of Philonagnostes Criticus. He published also,
w An account of all the considerable books and pamphlets
written in the controversy concerning the Trinity,
” from
Vindication
of the Archbishop of Canterbury from being the author of
a Letter on the State of Religion in England, printed at
Zurich,
” Lond. Two letters to Dr. Mangey
on his Sermon upon Christ’s Divinity,
” published about
the same time.
, is the name of two celebrated mathematicians of antiquity, who are usually distinguished by the epithets, Hero the elder, and
, is the name of two celebrated mathematicians of
antiquity, who are usually distinguished by the epithets,
Hero the elder, and Hero the younger. The first was a
native of Alexandria, and the disciple of Ctesias, who
flourished in the reigns of Ptolemy Philadelphia and
Euergetes I. He was distinguished by his great skill in
mechanics, and particularly in the construction of machinery; as a moralist he was inclined to the tenets of Epicurus. He was author of a treatise “De Constructione et
Mensura Manubalistoe,
” of which a fragment was published
in Greek by Bernardino Baldi “Pe Telis conficiendis
jaculandisque Liber,
” published with notes by Baldi
“Spiralia,
” published in De Automatorum Fabrica.
” These are all to be
found in the Louvre edition of the “Ancient Mathematicians.
” The younger Hero is supposed to have flourished
under the reign of the emperor Heraclius. He was author
of “De Machinis Bellicis Geodcesia;
” “Liber de Obsidione repellenda et toleranda
” and <c De Vocabulis
Geonaetricis et Stereometricis."
he Ascalonite. He was born seventy years before the Christian osra, the son of Antipater an Idumean, who appointed him to the government of Galilee. He at first embraced
, so called rather from his power and talents than his goodness, was a native of Ascalon in Judea, and thence sometimes called the Ascalonite. He was born seventy years before the Christian osra, the son of Antipater an Idumean, who appointed him to the government of Galilee. He at first embraced the party of Brutus and Cassius, but, after their death, that of Antony. By him he was named tetrarch, and afterwards, by his interest, king of Judea in the year 40 A. C. After the battle of Actium, he so successfully paid his court to Augustus, that he was by him confirmed in his kingdom. On all occasions he proved himself an able politician and a good soldier. But he was far from being master of his passions, and his rage very frequently was. directed against his own family. Aristobiilus, brother to his beloved wife Mariamne, her venerable grandfather Hyrcanus, and finally she herself, fell victims to his jealousy and fury. His keen remorse fojp her death rendered him afterwards yet more cruel. He put to death her mother Alexandra, and many others of his family. His own sons Alexander and Aristobulus having excited his suspicions, he destroyed them also, which made Augustus say, that it was better to be Herod’s hog than his son. Among his good actions svas *he rebuilding qf the temple at Jernsalenj, which be performed in nine years, with great magnificence; and in the time of a famine he sold many valuable and curious articles he had collected, to relieve the sufferers. To Augustus he paid the utmost adulation, and even divine honours. At the birth of our Saviour, his jealousy was so much excited by the prophetic intimations of his greatness, that he slaughtered all the infants in Bethlehem, in hopes of destroying him among the number. But his tyranny was now nearly at an end, and two or three years after the birth of Christ he died of a miserable disease at the age of more than seventy. He had nine or ten wives, of which number Mariamiie was the second. A little before his death, soured yet more by his acute sufferings, he attempted a greater act of cruelty than any he had performed in his former life. He sent for all the most considerable persons in Judea, and ordered that as soon as he was dead, they should all be massacred, that every great family in the country might weep for him. But this savage order was not executed. Some have supposed that he assumed the character of the Messiah, and that the persons who admitted that claim were those called in the gospel Herodians. But this is by no means certain. Herod was the first who shook the foundations of the Jewish government. He appointed the high-priests, and removed them at his pleasure, without regard to the laws of succession; and he destroyed the authority of the national council. But by his credit with Augustus, by his power, and the very magnificent buildings he erected, he gave a temporary splendour to that nation. His son, Herod Antipas, (by his fifth wife Cleopatra) was tetrarch of Galilee after his death.
e had either known himself, or received information of from creditable persons. Like many historians who have related the events of their own times, Herodian forgets
, a Greek historian, flourished at Rome
from the reign of Commodus to the beginning of the reign
of Gordian III. We know little of his life, except that
he was engaged in many public employments. He is
supposed to have died at Rome about the year 240. The
history, which he has left us, is comprized in eight books;,
at the beginning of the first of which he declares, that he
will only write of the affairs of his own time, such as he
had either known himself, or received information of from
creditable persons. Like many historians who have related
the events of their own times, Herodian forgets sometimes
that he is writing for posterity, and omits the necessary
dates; nor is he very correct as to matters of fact, and
points of geography. His impartiality has been called in
question by some critics, as far as respects his characters
of Alexander Severus and Maximinian, but others seem
inclined to defend him. His style is neat, perspicuous,
and pleasing, and occasionally eloquent, particularly in
the speeches he inserts. Herodian was translated into
Latin by Angelus Politianus, and may therefore be read,
according to professor Whear, either in Greek or Latin
“for,
” says he, “I don't know which of the two deserves
the greater praise Herodian, for writing so well in his
own language, or Politian, for translating him so happily,
as to make him appear like an original in a foreign one.
”
This, however, has more of compliment than of sober criticism, although it may be allowed that Politian has been
uncommonly successful. Though we have considered Herodian hitherto as an historian only, yet Suidas informs us,
that he wrote many other books, which have not been preserved from the ruins of time. The first edition of Herodian is among the “Res Gestae
” of Xenophun, published
by Aldus,
nd accordingly recited his work at the Olympic games, which rendered him more famous than even those who had obtained the prizes. None were ignorant of his name, nor
, an ancient Greek historian of Halicarnassus in Caria, was born in the first year of the 74th
olympiad; about 484 years before Christ. This time of
his birth is fixed by a passage in Aulus Gellius, Book xv.
chap 23. which makes Helianicus 65, Herodotus 53, and
Thucydides 40 years old, at the commencement of the
Peloponnesian war. The name of his father was Lyxes; of
his mother, Dryo. The city of Halicarnassus being at that
time under the tyranny of Lygdamis, grandson of Artemisia queen of Caria, Herodotus quitted his country, and
retired to Samos; whence he travelled over Egypt, Greece,
Italy, &c. and in his travels acquired the knowledge of the
history and origin of many nations. He then began to
digest the materials he had collected into order, and composed that history which has preserved his name ever
since. He wrote it in the isle of Samos, according to the
general opinion; but the elder Pliny affirms it to have
been written at Thurium, a town in that part of Italy then
called Magna Graecia, whither Herodotus had retired with
an Athenian colony, and where he is supposed to have
died, not however before he had returned into his own
country, and by his influence expelled the tyrant Lygdamis. At Samos he studied the Ionic dialect, in which
he wrote, his native dialect being Doric. Lucian informs
us, that when Herodotus left Caria to go into Greece, he
began to consider with himself, what he should do to obtain celebrity and lasting fame, in the most expeditious
way, and with as little trouble as possible. His history,
he presumed, would easily procure him fame, and raise his
name among the Grecians, in whose favour it was written;
but then he foresaw, that it would be very tedious, if not
endless, to go through the several cities of Greece, and
recite it to each respective city; to the Athenians, Corinthians, Argives, Lacedaemonians, &c. He thought it most
proper, therefore, to take the opportunity of their assembling all together; and accordingly recited his work at the
Olympic games, which rendered him more famous than
even those who had obtained the prizes. None were ignorant of his name, nor was there a single person in
Greece, who had not either seen him at the Olympic games,
or heard those speak of him who had seen him there; so
that wherever he came, the people pointed to him with
their ringers, saying, “This is that Herodotus, who has
written the Persian wars in the Ionic dialect; this is he
who has celebrated our victories.
”
t the Olympic games, when they were first recited, as the best compliment that could be paid the man who had taken pains to do them so much honour. Others have thought,
His work is divided into nine books, which, according
to the computation of Dionysius Halicarnassensis, contain
the most remarkable occurrences within a period of 240
years; from the reign of Cyrus the first king of Persia, to
that of Xerxes, when the historian was living. These
nine books are called after the nine Muses, each of which
is distinguished by the name of a Muse and this has given
birth to two disquisitions among the learned first, whether they were so called by Herodotus himself; and secondly, for what reason they were so called. As to the
first, it is generally agreed that Herodotus did not impose
these names himself; but it is not agreed why they were
imposed by others. Lucian, in the place referred to above,
tells us, that those names were given them by the Grecians
at the Olympic games, when they were first recited, as the
best compliment that could be paid the man who had taken
pains to do them so much honour. Others have thought,
that the name of Muses have been fixed upon them by way
of reproach, and were designed to intimate, that Herodotus, instead of true history, had written a great deal of
fable, for which, it must be owned, he has been censured
by Thucydides, Strabo, and Juvenal, and particularly Plutarch, who conceived a warm resentment against him, for
casting an odium upon his countrymen the Thebans, and
therefore wrote that little treatise, to be found in his works,
“Of the Malignity of Herodotus.
” Herodotus, however,
has not wanted defenders in Aldus Manutius, Joachim Camerarius, and Henry Stephens, who have very justly observed, that he seldom relates any thing of doubtful credit,
without producing his authority, or using terms of caution; and some events, narrated by him, which were once
thought wonders, have been confirmed by modern voyages
and discoveries.
ver.” He calls him also the Father of History; because he was, if not the first historian, the first who brought history to that degree of perfection. Quintilian has
Herodotus wrote in the Ionic dialect, and his style and
manner have ever been admired by all readers of taste.
Cicero, in his second book “De Oratore,
” says, that “he
is so very eloquent and flowing, that he pleased him exceedingly;
” and in his “Brutus,
” that “his style is free
from all harshness, and glides along like the waters of a
still river.
” He calls him also the Father of History;
because he was, if not the first historian, the first who
brought history to that degree of perfection. Quintilian
has given the same judgment of Herodotus. “Besides
the flowing sweetness or' his style, even the dialect he uses
has a peculiar grace, and seems to express the harmony
of numbers. Many,
” says he, “have written history
well; but every body owns, that there are two historians
preferable to the rest, though extremely different from
each other. Thucydides is close, concise, and sometimes
even crowded in his sentences: Herodotus is sweet, copiou&, and exuberant. Thucydides is more proper for
men of warm passions Herodotus for those of a sedater
turn. Thucydides excels in orations Herodotus in narrations. The one is more forcible the other more agreeable.
” There have been several editions of Herodotus
the first in Greek, is that of Aldus, 1502, folio. There
are also two by Henry Stephens, in 1570 and 1592; one
by Gale at London in 1679; and one by Gronovius at
Leyden in 1715. But the best is that of Wesseling, published at Amsterdam in 1763. There is also an elegant
edition by Schcefer, Leipsic, 1800, &c. 8vo, and anothef
printed at Edinburgh, 1806, 7 vols. 8vo. The first Latin
translation was published at Venice in 1474, folio. It has
been twice translated into English once by Littlebury, in
2 vols. 8vo, without notes the second time by, Mr. Beloe,
in 4 vols. with many useful and entertaining remarks.
There is also an excellent French translation, by M. Larcher, with very learned notes and dissertations, first printed
in 1786, 7 vols. 8vo, and reprinted with additions, 1802, y
vols. 8vo.
l and heroic poems, which was reprinted in 1619, and acquired their author a high reputation, as one who had attained to the greatest excellence in the lyric poetry
, a Spanish poet, was born at Seville, and flourished in the sixteenth century. In 1582 he published a collection of lyrical and heroic poems, which was reprinted in 1619, and acquired their author a high reputation, as one who had attained to the greatest excellence in the lyric poetry of Spain. His style is neat, correct, elegant, and copious. He published an edition of Garcilasso de la Vega, with notes the life of sir Thomas More; and a narrative of the war of Cyprus, and the battle of Lepanto.
born in August 1591. He was educated at St. John’s college, Cambridge, from 1615 to 1617; and Wood, who indeed speaks with hesitation, seems wrong in placing him in
, one of the minor poets, of very
considerable merit, in the reign of Charles I. was born in
London, but descended from an ancient and genteel family
in Leicestershire, the history of which is amply detailed
by the able historian of that county. He was the fourth
son of Nicholas Herrick, of St. Vedast, Foster-lane, by
Julian Stone his wife, and was born in August 1591. He
was educated at St. John’s college, Cambridge, from 1615
to 1617; and Wood, who indeed speaks with hesitation,
seems wrong in placing him in his Athenæ Oxonienses.
He is said to have afterwards removed to Trinity hall,
Cambridge; but nothing more of his academical progress
is known. Being patronised by the earl of Exeter, he was
presented by king Charles I. on the promotion of Dr. Potter to the see of Carlisle, to the vicarage of Dean Prior in
Devonshire, Oct. 1, 1629, where he became distinguished
for his poetical talents and wit. During the prevalence of
the parliamentary interest, he was ejected from his living,
and resided in London in St. Anne’s parish, Westminster,
until the Restoration, when he again obtained his vicarage.
The time of his death is not known. His poetical works
are contained in a scarce volume, entitled “Hesperides,
or the works, both humane and divine, of Robert Herrick,
Esq. London,
” 1643, 8vo. To this volume was appended
his “Noble numbers, or, his pious pieces,
” in which, says
Wood, “he sings the birth of Christ, and sighs for his
Saviour’s sufferings on the cross. These two books made
him much admired in the time they were published, and
especially by the generous and boon loyalists, who commiserated his sufferings.
” In 1810, Dr. Nott of Bristol published a selection from the “Hesperides,
” which may probably contribute to revive the memory of Herrick as a poet,
who certainly in vigour of fancy, feeling, and ease of vereification, is entitled to a superior rank among the bards
of his period, He is one of those, however, who will
require the selector’s unsparing hand, for, notwithstanding
his “pious pieces,
” there are too many of an opposite
description, which cannot, like his quaint conceits, be
placed to the account of the age in which he lived.
ringing him to town, upon a vacancy of a preacher to Lincoin’s-inu, recommended him to that society, who accordingly made choice of him in 1726; and soon after he was
In 1724 he took the degree of bachelor of divinity, and, about the same time, was presented by his majesty to the rectory of Allhallows the Great, in London; but gave up the benefice before institution. His friends, however, being desirous of bringing him to town, upon a vacancy of a preacher to Lincoin’s-inu, recommended him to that society, who accordingly made choice of him in 1726; and soon after he was appointed chaplain in ordinary to the king, and, on attending his majesty on his visit to the university of Cambridge in 1728, was honoured with the degree of doctor of divinity .
1499. He learned Greek and Latin from his childhood, and was made tutor to Claudius de l‘Aubespine, who was afterwards secretary of state. Hervet going then to Paris,
, a learned Frenchman, was born
at Olivet, near Orleans, in 1499. He learned Greek and
Latin from his childhood, and was made tutor to Claudius
de l‘Aubespine, who was afterwards secretary of state.
Hervet going then to Paris, assisted Edward Lupset, an
Englishman, in an edition of Galen, and, following Lupset into England, was entrusted with the education of Arthur Pole; from thence he was called to Rome by cardinal
Pole, to translate the Greek authors into Latin. He gained
the friendship of this cardinal, and of all the illustrious men
in Italy; distinguished himself at the council of Trent; was
grand-vicar of No}’on and Orleans, and afterwards canon of
Kheims, in which last city he passed the remainder of his
life, wholly devoted to study. He died September 12,
1584. He left many works in Latin and in French: the
principal are, Latin translations from several works of the
Fathers; two discourses delivered at the council of Trent,
4 to, one to prove the clergy should not be ordained without a title; the other, that marriages contracted by gentlemen’s children, without consent of parents, are null:
several controversial tracts in French; a French translation
of the Council of Trent, &c. Hervet has been mentioned
by Wood in his “Athenae,
” but it does not appear that he
was a member of the university of Oxford, although he
might reside there while in England. He acquired such
knowledge of the English language, as to translate into it;
1. Xenophon’s Treatise of Householde," 1532, 8vo; and
and would have made a much greater progress if he had not been impeded by the caprice of his master, who, it is said, would not suffer any of his boys to learn faster
, an English divine of exemplary piety and virtue, was born at Hardingstonc, a village about a mile from Northampton, on Feb. 26, 1713-14. His father was minister of the parish of Collingtree, within two miles of Hardingstone. He received his early education at the free grammar-school of Northampton, where he attended for nearly ten years, learning the Latin and Greek languages; and would have made a much greater progress if he had not been impeded by the caprice of his master, who, it is said, would not suffer any of his boys to learn faster than his own son. At the age of seventeen he was entered of Lincoln-college, Oxford, and resided in the university about seven years, but without proceeding farther than his bachelor’s degree. His time, however, was not mispent. Besides a very considerable stock of learning which he accumulated here, he imbibed those habits of regularity and principles of piety which gave a colour to his future life and writings, and made him one of the most useful and popular preachers of his time.
o means comply, as he thought it unjust to detain it, after he was in orders, from some other person who might want it to promote their education. He then, in 1736,
His liberality and independence of mind began to appear
while at Oxford, where he had a small exhibition of twenty
pounds a year; but when his father, after he entered the
church, urged him to take some curacy in or near Oxford,
and to hold his exhibition, he would by no means comply,
as he thought it unjust to detain it, after he was in orders,
from some other person who might want it to promote their
education. He then, in 1736, left Oxford, and became
his father’s curate, and afterwards went to London; but,
after a short stay, accepted the curacy of Dummer in
Hampshire. Here he continued about a year, until he was
invited to Stokes Abbey in Devonshire, the seat of his
worthy friend Paul Orchard, esq. with whom he lived upwards of two years. It was to this gentleman’s son that he
dedicated the second volume of his “Meditations.
”
tracted much public notice at the time, was briefly thus: After nine years of preparation, his wife, who had long lived with the Juke of Kingston, obtained her suit
Soon after this event, a coolness arose between captain Hervey and his wife, which increased till they both became desirous of a separation. In Jan. 1747, he was appointed to the command of the Princessa, and served in the Mediterranean under admirals Medley and Byng and after the peace, in Jan. 1752, he obtained the Phoenix of 22 guns. In the course of two wars, the courage, zeal, and activity of captain Hervey were distinguished in the Mediterranean, off Brest, at the Havannah, and in other places. During the same period he was gradually advanced to the command of a 74 gun ship; and at the peace in 1763 he was appointed one of the grooms of the bed-chamber to the king. In 1771 he was created one of the lords of the admiralty; and in 1775, on the death of his brother without issue, he became earl of Bristol, after having represented the borough of Bury St. Edmund’s in four parliaments. He now resigned his places, and was created an admiral. In the beginning of the American war, captain Hervey was a strenuous advocate for the measures of the ministry; but, changing his politics in the year 1778, continued to the end of it as violent an opponent; not without very striking appearances of inconsistency on several occasions. He died in 1779, when his titles, and as much of his estate as he could not leave away, devolved to his brother the bishop of Derry, as he left no legitimate heir. The affair of his marriage, which attracted much public notice at the time, was briefly thus: After nine years of preparation, his wife, who had long lived with the Juke of Kingston, obtained her suit in the commons, in 1768, by which it was decided that their marriage never had been legal, and was void. She then was married to the duke of Kingston in 1769. But, it appearing afterwards that the decision had been fraudulently obtained, she was indicted in 1775 for bigamy, tried in the House of peers, and found guilty, but, as a peeress, was discharged from corporal punishment. She afterwards died abroad in 1788, The following well-drawn character of lord Bristol, written by a contemporary peer in the sea-service, lord Mulgrave, seems to justify the insertion of his name in this place; though it may be in some degree heightened by personal partiality.
dorned, or the country which he served; and the remembrance of his virtues must be pleasing to those who were honoured with his esteem; as every hour and every situation
"The detail of the merits of such a man cannot be uninteresting, either to the profession he adorned, or the country which he served; and the remembrance of his virtues must be pleasing to those who were honoured with his esteem; as every hour and every situation of his life afforded fresh opportunities for the exercise of such virtues, they were best known to those who saw him most. But however strong and perfect their impression, they can be but inadequately described by one who long enjoyed the happiness of his friendship, and advantage of his example, and must ever lament the privation of his society.
hool he studied in as a member of parliament, he was an eloquent, though not a correct speaker those who differed from him in politics, confessed the extent of his knowledge,
"Such was his character as an oiVicer, which made him deservedly conspicuous in a profession, as honourable to the individual as important to the public: nor was he without those qualifications and abilities which could give full weight to the situation in which his rank and connections had placed him in civil life; his early entrance into his profession had indeed deprived him of the advantages of a classical education; this defect was however more than balanced by the less ornamental, but more solid instruction of the school he studied in as a member of parliament, he was an eloquent, though not a correct speaker those who differed from him in politics, confessed the extent of his knowledge, the variety of his information, and the force of his reasoning, at the same time that they admired the ingenuity with which he applied them to the support of his opinions.
ored, was the most flattering relief that could be afforded to the sufferings or distresses of those who served with him; when exerted towards her enemies, it did honour
"He was not more eminent for those talents by which a country is served, than distinguished by those qualities which render a man useful, respected, esteemed, and beloved in society. In the general intercourse of the world, he was an accomplished gentleman and agreeable companion his manners were noble as his birth, and engaging as his disposition he was humane, benevolent, compassionate, and generous his humanity was conspicuous in his profession when exercised towards the seamen, the sensibility and attention of a commander they adored, was the most flattering relief that could be afforded to the sufferings or distresses of those who served with him; when exerted towards her enemies, it did honour to his country, by exemplifying in the most striking manner that generosity which is the peculiar characteristic and most distinguished virtue of a brave, free, and enlightened people. In other situations his liberality was extensive without ostentation, and generally bestowed where it would be most felt and least secn/upon modest merit, and silent distress. His friendships were warm, and permanent beyond the grave, extending their influence to those who shared the affections or enjoyed the patronage of their objects. His resentment was open, and his forgiveness sincere; it was the effect, perhaps the weakness, of an excellent mind, that with him, an injury which he had forgiven was as strong a claim to his protection, as a favour received could be to his gratitude.
While at college his good sense, good nature, and affability, gained him the love and esteem of all who knew him. At first he was designed for the bar, and, leaving
, brother to the preceding, and fourth earl of Bristol, was born in August 1730. He was educated at Westminster school, and was admitted fellow commoner of Corpus Christi college, Cambridge, Nov. 10, 1747, where his application to study was as remarkable as it was unusual in persons of his rank. He took his master’s degree, as nobleman, in 1754. While at college his good sense, good nature, and affability, gained him the love and esteem of all who knew him. At first he was designed for the bar, and, leaving Cambridge, went to one of the inns of court, but he afterwards turned his thoughts to the church, and went into holy orders. He was perhaps a singular instance of a man of his learning, family, and connexions, that never attained any ecclesiastical preferment until he was made a bishop, although he held a lay office under government, and in his father’s department, that of & principal clerk of the privy seal.
rned and pious divine, and author of many excellent works, is the person here intended; but Skelton, who had his oddities as well as his new patron, rendered this deSign
During his brother’s being lord lieutenant of Ireland, he
was promoted to the see of Cloyne, in Feb. 1767, and
translated to that of Derry in 1768. When appointed to
the former, he refused to take an English chaplain over
with him, but made choice of Mr. Skelton, with whom he
was no otherwise acquainted than by his writings against
deism and infidelity. 1 The rev. Philip Skelton, a very
learned and pious divine, and author of many excellent
works, is the person here intended; but Skelton, who had
his oddities as well as his new patron, rendered this deSign abortive. Skelton’s principal work, “Deism revealed,
” had been published some years, and was much
admired by Dr. Hervey, who, before he got his bishopric,
wrote to the author, informing him, that as he expected
soon to be raised to a station of some eminence in the Irish
church, he hoped then to be able to prove the high opinion he entertained'for the author of “Deism revealed.
”
Accordingly, on obtaining the bishopric of Cloyne, his
lordship sent him another letter to this effect, that having
some time before made a sort of an engagement with him,
he begged leave now to fulfil it, aud therefore requested
him to come up to Dublin (from Fintona in the county of Tyrone), and preach his consecration sermon, assuring him
that, upon his compliance, he would promote him in the
church as high as he was able. Skelton, in his answer,
informed his lordship, he would comply with his request,
though he was content with the living he had; and if he
consented to go to the diocese of Cloyne, it would be only
to be nearer the sun, and nearer his lordship. He then
prepared a sermon for the occasion, but when the day approached, finding himself somewhat unwell, and the weather very cold, he thought he could not with safety go to
Dublin, and of course the bishop was disappointed. However, he sent his lordship the sermon, who, though asta
nished at the ability it displayed, was still offended with
Mr. Skelton, as he imagined his excuse for his absence was
not sufficient. Upon this, he informed him by letter, that
the chain of their friendship was broken in two; to which
Mr. Skelton replied, that if it were broken, it was of hte
lordship’s own forging, not of his. Yet the bishop, after
his promotion to the see of Derry, came to Fintona to pay
him a visit, and Skelton happening to be abroad, left word
that he had come fifteen miles out of his road to see him.
Of this visit Mr. Skelton took no notice, a rudeness certainly unpardonable in the case of a gentleman who had
sought him out purely for his merit’s sake.
as so far from resenting this injustice, that he expresses a concern for those poor mistaken mortals who place their happiness in riches only, even at the expence of
Upon the death of the father, an estate was left, which
ought to have been equally divided between the two brothers Hesiod and Perses; but Perses defrauded him in the
division, by corrupting the judges. Hesiod was so far
from resenting this injustice, that he expresses a concern
for those poor mistaken mortals who place their happiness
in riches only, even at the expence of their virtue. He
lets us know, that he was not only above want, but capable of assisting his brother in time of need; which he often
did, though he had been so ill used by him. The last circumstance he mentions relating to himself, is his conquest
in a poetical contention. Archidamas, king of Eubosa, had
instituted funeral games in honour of his own memory,
which his sons afterwards took care to have performed.
Here Hesiod was a competitor for the prize in poetry, and
won a tripod, which he consecrated to the Muses. Plutarch, in his “Banquet of the Seven Wise Men,
” makes
Periander give an account of the poetical contention at
Chalcis, in which Hesiod and Homer are made antagonists.
Hesiod was the conqueror, and dedicated the tripod, which
he received for his victory, to the Muses. We are told,
that Philip of Macedon and his son Alexander had a dispute on this subject. The prince declared in favour of
Homer; his father told him, “that the prize had been
given to Hesiod;
” and asked him, whether “be had never
seen the verses Hesiod had inscribed upon the tripus, and
dedicated to the. Muses on mount Helicon?
” Alexander
allowed it; but said, that Hesiod “might well get the
better, when kings were not the judges, but ignorant
ploughmen and rustics.
” The authority of these relations
is, however, questioned by learned men; especially by
such as will not allow these two poets to have been contemporaries, but make Hesiod between thirty and forty
years the older of the two, which agrees nearly with the
chronology of the Arundelian marbles.
disputably the work of Hesiod; “nor is it to be doubted,” adds he, “that Pythagoras took it for his, who feigned that he saw in hell the soul of Hesiod tied in chains
Hesiod, having entered into the service of the Muses,
discontinued the pastoral life, and applied himself to the
study of arts and learning. When he was grown old, for
it is agreed by all that he lived to a very great age, he removed to Locris, a town about the same distance from,
Parnassus as Ascra was from Helicon. The story of his
death, as told by Solon in Plutarch’s “Banquet,
” is very
remarkable. The man with whom Hesiod lived at Locris,
a Milesian born, ravished a maid in the same house; and
though Hesiod was entirely ignorant of the fact, yet being
maliciously accused to her brothers as an accomplice, he
was injuriously slain with the ravisher, and thrown with
him into the sea. It is added, that when the inhabitants of
the place heard of the crime, they drowned the perpetrators, and burned their houses. We have the knowledge
of some few monuments, which were framed in honour of
this poet. Pausanias, in his Boeotics, informs us, that his
countrymen, the Boeotians, erected to him an image with
a harp in his hand; and relates in another place, that there
was likewise a statue of Hesiod in the temple of Jupiter
Olympicus. Ursinus and Boissard have exhibited a breast
with a head, a trunk without a head, and a gem of him;
and Ursinus says, that there is a statue of brass of him in
the public college at Constantinople. The “Theogony,
”
and “Works and Days,
” are the only undoubted pieces of
this poet now extant: though it is supposed, that these
poems are not perfect. The “Theogohy, or Generation
of the Gods,
” Fabricius makes indisputably the work of
Hesiod; “nor is it to be doubted,
” adds he, “that Pythagoras took it for his, who feigned that he saw in hell
the soul of Hesiod tied in chains to a brass pillar, for what
he had written concerning the nature of the gods.
” This
doubtless was the poem which gave Herodotus occasion to
say, that Hesiod and Homer were the first who introduced
a Theogony among the Grecians; the first who gave names
to the gods, ascribed to them honours and arts, and gave
particular descriptions of their persons. The “Works and
Days
” of Hesiod, Plutarch assures us, were used to be
sung to the harp. Virgil has shewn great respect to this
poet, and proposed him as his pattern in his Georgics,
though in truth he has greatly excelled him. There is
also in the works of Hesiod a large fragment of another
poem, called the “Shield of Hercules,
” which some have
ascribed to him, and some have rejected. Manilins has
given a high character of this poet and his works. Heinsi is in the preface to his edition of Hesiod remarks, that
among all the poets, he scarce knew any but Homer and
Hesiod, who could represent nature in her true native
dress; and tells us, that nature had begun and perfected
at the same time her work in these two poets, whom for
that very reason he makes no scruple to call Divine. In
general, the merit of Hesiod has not been estimated so
highly; and it is certain that, when compared with Homer,
he must pass for a very moderate poet: though in defining
their different degrees of merit, it may perhaps be but reasonable to consider the different subjects on which the
genius of each was employed. But his “Works and Days
”
is certainly an interesting and valuable monument of antiquity, as written so near what may be termed the origin of
Greek poetry. The first edition of the “Opera et Dies
”
is supposed to have been printed at Milan in Works and
Days
” by Chapman,
n, of all the ancient critics, whose remains are extant, the most learned and instructive, for those who would apply themselves in earnest to the study of the Greek
was a celebrated grammarian of Alexandria, whom Isaac Casaubon has declared to be, in his opinion, of all the ancient critics, whose remains are extant, the most learned and instructive, for those who would apply themselves in earnest to the study of the Greek language. Who or what Hesychius was, and indeed at what time precisely he lived, are circumstances which there is not light enough in antiquity to determine; as Fabricius himself owns, who has laboured abundantly about them. He has left us a learned lexicon or vocabulary of Greek words, from which we may perceive that he was a Christian, or, at least, that he had a thorough and intimate knowledge of Christianity; for he has inserted in his work the names of the apostles, evangelists, and prophets, as well as of those ancient writers who have commented upon them. Some say that he was a disciple of Gregory of Nazianzen, and that he was extremely well versed in the sacred Scriptures: and Sixtus Sinensis is of opinion that he ought to be placed about the end of the fourth century. The first edition of Hesychius’s lexicon was published in folio by Aldus at Venice in 1513; then appeared one by Schrevelius, at Leyden, in 4to, in 1668, in Greek only. The best edition is in two volumes, folio; the first published by Albert! at Leyden in 1746 the second, completed by Ruhnkenius, after the death of Alberti, and published in 1766. This is a complete and excellent edition, abounding in learned and useful notes. It is reckoned one of the best editions existing of any ancient author. But, after all the labours of the acutest men, much yet remains to be corrected and discovered in this work.
Julius Scaliger has spoken with great contempt of Hesychius, and calls him a frivolous author, who has nothing that is good in him: “but, 7 ' says Baillet,” I
Julius Scaliger has spoken with great contempt of Hesychius, and calls him a frivolous author, who has nothing
that is good in him: “but, 7 ' says Baillet,
” I believe this
critic is very singular in his opinion. His son Joseph on
the contrary declares that Hesychius is a very good author,
though we have nothing left of him but an epitome, and
though his citations are lost beyond recovery. Meric Casaubon also esteems him a most excellent grammarian;
and Menage calls him the most learned of all the makers
of dictionaries.",
Paris, Padua, Turin, was invited to Leyden to be professor, where he is said to have been the first who taught anatomy by lectures upon human bodies. He died of the
, a celebrated physician, born at
Utrecht in 1543, after having made himself master of every
thing belonging to his art at Louvain, Paris, Padua, Turin,
was invited to Leyden to be professor, where he is said to
have been the first who taught anatomy by lectures upon
human bodies. He died of the stone in 1601. There are
several of his productions extant, but the most capital is,
“A Treatise upon Disorders of the Head.
” Heurnius
published Hippocrates in Greek and Latin, with explanatory commentaries, which have undergone many editions:
the fourth was at Amsterdam, 1688, in 12mo. Gerard
“Vossius calls him
” summum medicum;“and says, that he
was his master
” in scientia naturali." His works were
published in folio at Leyden, in 1658. He had a sou
named Otto, who also obtained some celebrity.
his was printed in 4to, at Wolfenbuttel, in 1759. J. F. Heusinger was twice married, and left a son, who was also a man of learning.
, was a nephew of the
former, under whom he made his principal studies at Gotha. He was born in 1719, at Usingen in Wetteravia,
near Eisenach; and, when prepared by his uncle for academical lectures, completed his education at Jena. There,
after some time, he began to teach philology, and continued his lectures for six years; -but in 1750 removed to
Wolfenbuttel, where he was at first second master of the
principal school but in 1759 became head-master. These
situations he filled with the greatest credit being a good
grammarian, a sound critic, and an admirable interpreter
of Greek and Latin authors. He died in 1778, having
made himself famous by several very learned publications;
the chief of which are, 1. “A specimen of observations on
the Ajax and Electra of Sophocles,
” An edition of Plutarch on Education, with the version of
Xylander corrected, and his own annotations,
” Leipsic,
Flavii Mallii Theodori, de metris liber;.
” from old manuscripts. This was printed in 4to, at Wolfenbuttel, in
1759. J. F. Heusinger was twice married, and left a son,
who was also a man of learning.
velke, a celebrated astronomer and mathematician, was born at Dantzic January 28, 1611. His parents, who were of rank and fortune, gave him a liberal education; in which
, or Hevelke, a celebrated astronomer and mathematician, was born at Dantzic January
28, 1611. His parents, who were of rank and fortune,
gave him a liberal education; in which he discovered early
a propensity to natural philosophy and astronomy. He
studied mathematics under Peter Crugerus, in which he
made a wonderful progress; and learned also to draw, to
engrave, and to work both in wood and iron in such a manner as to be able to frame mechanical instruments. In
1630 he set out upon his travels, on which he spent
four years, visiting Holland, England, France, and Germany; and on his return was so taken up with civil
affairs, that he was obliged to intermit his studies for some
years, until his master, Crugerus, who foresaw his future
fame, recalled him to the study of astronomy; and in 1639
Hevelius began to apply himself entirely to it, by building
an observatory upon the top of his house, which he furnished with instruments for making the most accurate observations. He constructed excellent telescopes himself,
and began his observations with the moon, whose various
phases and spots he noted very accurately; “with a view,
”
as he says, “of taking lunar eclipses with greater exactness, and removing those difficulties which frequently arise
for want of being able to settle more precisely the quantity
of an eclipse.
” When he had finished his course of observations, and prepared a great number of fine engravings,
he published his work at Dantzick, 1647, under the title
of “Selenographia, sive, Luna3 descriptio;
” to which he
added, by way of appendix, the phases of the other planets, as they are seen through the telescope, with observations upon them, upon the spots of the sun and Jupiter in
particular; all engraved by himself upon copper, and distinctly placed before the eyes of the reader. At the entrance of this work there is a handsome mezzotinto of himself by Falek, as he then was, in his thirty-sixth year, with
a just encomium, although in bad Latin verse.
copies of this work to several members of the royal society at London, and among the rest to Hooke; who in return sent Hevelius a description of the dioptric telescope,
After this, Hevelius continued to make his observations
upon the heavens, and to publish, from time to time, whatever he thought might tend to the advancement of astronomy. In 1654 he published two epistles; one to the
famous astronomer Ricciolus, “De motu Lunae libratorio;
”
another to the no less famous Bulialdus, “De utriusque
luminaris defectu.
” In De natura
Saturni faciei, ejusque phasibus certa periodoredeuntibus.
”
In Mercurius in sole visus.
” In Historiola de nova stella in collo Ceti.
” In Prodromus
Cometicus, or the history of a Comet, which appeared in
1664.
” Jn The History of another Comet, which
appeared in 1665;
” and, in 1668, “Cometographia, cometarum naturam, et omnium a mundo condito historian!
exhibens.
” He sent copies of this work to several members
of the royal society at London, and among the rest to
Hooke; who in return sent Hevelius a description of the
dioptric telescope, with an account of the manner of using
it; and at the same time recommended it to him as greatly
preferable to telescopes with plain sights. This gave rise
to a dispute between them; the point of which was, “whether distances and altitudes could be taken with plain sights
nearer than to a minute.
” Hooke asserted that they could
not; but that, with an instrument of a span radius, by the
help of a telescope, they might be determined to the exactness of a second. Hevelius, on the other hand, insisted, that, by the advantage of a good eye and long use,
he was able with his instruments to come up even to that
exactness; and appealing to experience and facts, sent by
Way of challenge eight distances, each between two different stars, to be examined by Hooke. Thus the affair
rested for some time with outward decency, but not without some inward animosity. In 1673 Hevelius published
the first part of his “Machina Ccelestis,
” as a specimen of
the exactness both of his instruments and observations;
and sent several copies as presents to his friends in England, but omitted Hooke. This, it is supposed, occasioned
Hooke to print, in 1674, “Animadversions on the first
part of the Machina Ccelestis;
” in which he treated Hevelius with great disrespect, and threw out several unhandsome reflections, which were greatly resented; and the
dispute grew afterwards so public, and rose to such a
height, that, in 1679, Halley went at the request of the
royal society, to examine both the instruments and the
observations made with them. Halley gave a favourable
judgment of both, in a letter to Hevelius; and Hooke,
merely from his mode of managing the controversy, was
universally condemned, though the preference has since
been given to telescopic sights. Hevelius, however, could
not be prevailed with to make use of them: whether he
thought himself too experienced to be informed by a young
astronomer, as he considered Hooke; or whether, having
made so many observations with plain sights, he was unwilling to alter his method, lest he might bring their exactness into question; or whether, being by long practice
accustomed to the use of them, and not thoroughly
apprebending the use of the other, nor well understanding the
difference, is uncertain. Besides Halley’s letter, Hevelius
received many others in his favour, which he took the opportunity of inserting among the astronomical observations
in his “Ami us Ciimuctericus,
” printed in dence and greater indignation than he had done before;
and particularly exclaimed against Hooke’s dogmatical and
magisterial manner of assuming a kind of dictatorship over
him. This revived the dispute, and caused several learned
men to engage in it. The book itself being sent to the
royal society, an account was given of it at their request
by Dr. Wallis who, among other things took notice, that
” Hevelius’s observations had been misrepresented, since
it appeared from this book, that he could distinguish by
plain sights to a small part of a minute.“About the same
time, Molynea;jx also wrote a letter to the society in vindication of Hevelius against Hooke’s
” Animadversions.“Hooke drew up an answer to this letter, which was read
likewise before the society; in which he observed,
” that
he was not the aggressor, and denied that he had intended
to depreciate Hevelins."
to prince Charles, to whom it had been dedicated. It was soon after put into the hands of the king, who seemed at first greatly pleased with it; till meeting with a
, an English divine, descended
from an ancient family at Pentre-Heylin in Montgomeryshire, the son of Henry Heylin, gent, hy Elizabeth, daughter of Francis Clampard, of Wrotham in Kent, and was
born at Burford in Oxfordshire, Nov. 29, 1600. In 16J3
he was entered of Hart-hall in Oxford, and two years after
chosen a demy of Magdalen-college. He had, while at
school, given a specimen of his genius for dramatic poetry,
in a tragi-comedy on the wars and fate of Troy; and now
composed a tragedy, entitled “Spurius,
” which was so
approved by his society, that the president, Dr. Langton,
ordered it to be acted in his apartments. After this, he
read cosmographical lectures in the college, which being a
very unusual thing, and he very conversant in that branch
of science, so.much recommended him to the society, that
he was chosen fellow in 16 1 y. In 1621 he published his
u Microcosm us, or Description of the World;" the chief
materials of which were the lectures just mentioned. It
was universally approved, and so speedily sold, that, in
1624, it was reprinted in the same size, but with considerable additions, and again presented to prince Charles, to
whom it had been dedicated. It was soon after put into
the hands of the king, who seemed at first greatly pleased
with it; till meeting with a passage in it, where Heylin gave
precedency to the French king, and styled France the
more famous kingdom, he took so much offence, that he
ordered the lord-keeper to suppress the book. Heylin, to
make his peace with the king, declared that the error, in
one of the exceptionable passages, was entirely the printer’s, who had put is instead of was; and that when he
himself mentioned the precedency of France before England, he did not speak of England as it then stood augmented by Scotland, and besides he took what he did say
from Camden’s Remains. James being satisfied with this
apology, Heylin took care that the whole clause, which
gave so much disgust, should be left out in all future impressions. The work was afterwards successively enlarged,
till it became a great folio, and has since been often reprinted in that size.
e course of this dispute, is said to have laid down some tenets, which gave as much offence to Laud, who was chancellor of Oxford, and to the king, whom Laud informed
In 1631 he published his “History of that most famous
Saint and Soldier of Jesus Christ, St. George of Cappadocia,
” &c. to which he subjoined, “the institution of the most
noble order of St. George, named the garter
” &c. which
work he presented to his majesty, to whom he was introduced by Laud, then raised to the see of London. It was
graciously received by the king, and Heylin soon after
reaped the fruits of it: for in Oct. 1631 he was presented
to the rectory of Hemmingford in Huntingdonshire, to a
prebend of Westminster in November following, and shortly
after to the rectory of Houghton in the bishopric of Durham, worth near 400l. per annum. In April 1633 he was
created D. D. and gave fresh offence to the divinity-professor Prideaux by the questions he put up; which were,
1. “Whether the church hath authority in determining
controversies of faith
” 2. “Whether the church hath
authority of interpreting the Sacred Scriptures
” 3.
“Whether the church hath authority of appointing rites
and ceremonies
” Of all which he maintained the affirmative. Prideaux, however, in the course of this dispute, is
said to have laid down some tenets, which gave as much
offence to Laud, who was chancellor of Oxford, and to the
king, whom Laud informed of them, as Heylin’s had given
to him as, “That the church was a mere chimera
”
“That it did not teach nor determine any thing.
” “That
controversies had better be referred to universities than to
the church, and might be decided by the literari there,
even though bishops were laid aside.
” Heylin afterwards
found an opportunity of revenging himself on Prideaux,
for the rough treatment he had received from him. This
divine, we are told, had delivered a lecture on the sabbath,
somewhat freer than suited the rigid orthodoxy of the
times; of which, however, not much notice was taken.
But shortly after, when the king, by publishing the book
of sports on Sundays, had raised a violent outcry throughout the nation against himself and Laud, Heyliu translated
this lecture into English, and published it with a preface
in 1633-4, to the great vexation of Prideaux, who suffered
much in the esteem and affetion of the puritans.
Williams, bishop of Lincoln and clean of Westminster,
having incurred the king’s and Laud’s displeasure, and
being suspended and imprisoned, Heylin was made treasurer of the church of Westminster in 1637; and was also
presented by the prebendaries, his brethren, to the rectory
of Islip near Oxford. This he exchanged in 1638, for
that of South-Warnborough in Hampshire; and the same
year was made one of the justices of the peace for that
county. In 1639 he was employed by Laud to translate
the Scotch liturgy into Latin; and was chosen by the college of Westminster their clerk, to represent them in convocation. But a cloud was gathering, which threatened to
overwhelm all who, like him, had distinguished themselves
as champions for royal or ecclesiastical prerogative. To
shelter himself therefore from the impending storm, he
withdrew from the metropolis, where he had long basked
in the sun-shine of a court, to his parsonage; but not
thinking himself secure there, retreated soon after to Oxford, then garrisoned by the king, and the seat of his residence. On this the parliament voted him a delinquent,
and dispatched an order to their committee at Portsmouth,
to sequester his whole estate, and seize upon his goods.
In consequence of this severe decree, he was deprived of
his most curious and valuable library, which was carried
with his household furniture to that town. He was employed by the king at Oxford to write a periodical paper,
published weekly in that city, entitled “Mercurius Aulicus;
” but in Mercurius Aulicus
” could be no longer
supported, he quitted Oxford, and wandered from place
to place, himself and his family reduced to the utmost
straits. At Winchester he stayed for a while with his wife,
&c. but that city being at length delivered up to the parliament, he was forced to remove again. In 1648 he went
to Minster-Love! in Oxfordshire, the seat of his elder
brother, which he farmed for the six or seven years following of his nephew colonel Heylin, and spent much of his
time in writing. On quitting this farm, he went to Abingdon in Berkshire, where he also employed himself in composing treatises, which he published from time to time.
Upon the restoration of Charles II. he was restored to all
his spiritualities, and undoubtedly expected from that
prince some very eminent dignity in the church, as he had
heroically exerted himself in behalf of it, -as well as of the?
crown; and endured so much on that account, during their
suffering condition. Here, however, he was utterly disappointed, being never raised above the sub-deanery of
Westminster, One day when bishop Cosin came to see
him, he said “I wonder, brother Heylin, thou art not a
bishop, for we all know thou hast deserved it.
” To which
he answered, “I do not envy them, but wish they may do
more than I have done.
” He died May 8, 1662, and was
interred before his own stall, within the choir of the abbey,
leaving by his wife, Lretitia, daughter of Thomas Highgate, of Hayes in Middlesex, esq. four children.
usal, there are none perhaps of the whole series which may not be consulted with advantage, by those who have leisure and inclination to study the history of parties,
He was a very voluminous writer, and although few of
his works can be recommended to general perusal, there
are none perhaps of the whole series which may not be
consulted with advantage, by those who have leisure and
inclination to study the history of parties, in the distracted
period in which he lived. Many of his lesser pieces were
published together in 1681, in a folio volume, with a life
of the author by the rev. George Vernon, which having
given offence to his relations, a new life was published by
his son-in-law Dr. Barnard, 1682, 12mo. It is from a
comparison of both (Vernon’s has since been published in 12mo) that a proper judgment can be formed of Dr. Heylin. His other works of most note are, 1. “An Help to
English History,
” &c. Political Index
” may be considered as a continuation of this work. 2. “History of the Sabbath,
”
3636, 4to, intended to reconcile the public to that dreadful error in the conduct of the court, the “Book of Sports,
”
which did incalculable injury to the royal cause. 3. “Theologia Veterum; the Sum of the Christian Theology contained in the creed, according to the Greeks and Latins,
&c. Lond. 1654, fol. reprinted 1673. 4. Ecclesia Vindicata; or the Church of England justified, 1. In the way
and manner of her Reformation, &c. 2. In officiating by
a public Liturgy. 3. In prescribing a set form of Prayer
to be used by preachers before their sermons. 4. In her
right and patrimony of tithes. 5. In retaining the episcopal government, and therewithal the canonical ordination of priests and deacons,
” London Short View of the Life and Reign of King
Charles (the second monarch of Great Britain) from his
birth to his burial,
” London, Reliquiae sacrae Carolina,
” printed
at the Hague, Examen Historicum
or a discovery and examination of the mistakes and defects
in some modern histories, viz. 1. In the Church History
of Britain, by Tho. Fuller. To which is added, an Apology of Dr. Jo. Cosin, dean of Peterborough, in answer to
some passages in the Church History of Britain, in which
he finds himself concerned. 2. In the History of Mary
Queen of Scots, and of her son King James VI,; the
History of King James I. of Great Britain; and the History of
King Charles I. from his cradle to his grave, by Will.
Sanderson, esq. London, 1658, in a large 8vo. To this is
ndded, An Appendix in an answer to some passages in a
scurrilous pamphlet called A Post-haste Reply, &c. by
Will. Sanderson, esq.
” Soon after Dr. Thomas Fuller
published a thin folio, entitled “The Appeal for injured
Innocence,
” which was commonly bound up with the remaining copies of his Church History in quires; and Mr.
Sanderson wrote. a pamphlet, entitled “Peter pursued; or
Dr. Heylin overtaken, arrested, and arraigned upon his
three Appendixes: 1. Respondet Petrus. 2. Answer to
Post-Haste Reply. 3. Advertisements on three Histories.
viz. of Mary Queen of Scots, King James, and King
Charles,
” Historia QuinquArticularis: or a declaration of the Judgment of the Western Churches, and more particularly of the Church of
England, in the five controverted points, reproached in
these last times by the name of Arminianism. Collected
in the way of an Historicall Narration out of the public acts
and monuments, and most approved authors of those scverall churches,
” London, History of
the Reformation of the Church of England from the first
preparations to it made by King Henry VIII. until the legal
settling and establishing of it underQueen Elizabeth,*' &c.
London, 1661, 1670, and 1674, in folio. 9.
” Cyprianus
Anglicus r or the History of the Life and Death of William
(Laud) Archbishop of Canterbury,“&c. London, 1668 and
1671, fol. 10.
” Aerius Redivivus: or the History of the
Presbyterians. Containing the beginning, progress, and
successes of that sect. Their oppositions to monarchical
and episcopal government. Their innovations in the church;
and their inbroylments of the kingdoms and estates of
Christendom in the pursuit of their designes. From the year
1536 to the year 1647," London, 1670 and 1672, in folio.
the great sir Thomas More, he presently contracted an intimacy with that Maecenas of wit and genius, who introduced him to the knowledge and patronage of the princess
, one of the oldest English dramatic writers, was born at North Mims, near St. Alban’s in
Hertfordshire, and received the first rudiments of his education at Oxford; but the sprightliness of his disposition
not being well adapted to the sedentary life of an acader
mician, he went back to his native place, which being in
the neighbourhood of the great sir Thomas More, he presently contracted an intimacy with that Maecenas of wit and
genius, who introduced him to the knowledge and patronage of the princess Mary. Heywood’s ready aptness for
jest and repartee, together with the possession of great
skill both in vocal and instrumental music, rendered him a
favourite with Henry VIII. who frequently rewarded him
highly. On the accession of Edward VI. he still continued in favour, though the author of the “Art of English Poetry
” says, it was “for the mirth and quickness of
conceit, more than any good learning that was in him.
”
When his old patroness queen Mary came to the throne, he
stood in higher estimation than ever, being admitted into
the most intimate conversation with her, on account of his
happy talent of telling diverting stories, which it is said he
did to amuse her painful hours, even when she was languishing on her death-bed. His stories must have been
diverting indeed if they soothed the recollections of such a
woman.
in 1655, by whom he had several children. He had occasional disputes with part of his congregation, who after abolishing what they called ecclesiastical tyranny, became
, a nonconformist divine, the son of Richard Heywood, was born at Little Lever, in Bolton parish, Lancashire, in March 1629. In 1647 he was admitted pensioner in Trinity college, Cambridge, where he took the degree of A. B. but was afterwards called home, his father not being able to support him there. He lived retiredly for some time at home, but at length became a preacher, by the advice and solicitation of the neighbouring ministers, and having preached some time about the country occasionally, he was invited to Coley chapel, in the parish of Halifax, Yorkshire; soon after which, Aug. 4, 1652, he was ordained in Bury church, Lancashire, according to the forms used after the established church was overthrown. He married to his first wife Elizabeth, daughter of the rev. Mr. Angier of Denton in Lancashire, in 1655, by whom he had several children. He had occasional disputes with part of his congregation, who after abolishing what they called ecclesiastical tyranny, became themselves the most capricious tyrants. Some were displeased with him, because he would not admit all comers promiscuously to the Lord’s table without distinction; others, because he would not thank God for killing the Scots. Once he was carried before cornet Denham, by some of colonel Lilburne’s soldiers, and the cornet told him, that he was one of the Cheshire rebels; but by the mediation of friends he was dismissed.
r. Angier’s Life,” and some other pious treatises. He had a brother Nathaniel, also a nonconformist, who died Dec. 16, 1677. A volume of his sermons was published by
His annual income from Coley did not exceed 36l. per
annum, but he had a lecture for which he had a consideration, and a small paternal estate in Lancashire. After the
restoration he was deprived of his little preferment, but
contrived occasionally to preach, and was sometimes
brought into trouble, particularly a tedious imprisonment
in York castle. After a long and fatiguing life, he died
March 4, 1702. He appears to have been an able, laborious, and conscientious divine. Watson gives many interesting extracts from his Diary, and a more full and curious life of him was published in 1798, by the rev. Mr.
Fawcett. He printed, 1. “Heart Treasure,
” Closet Prayer,
” Sure Mercies of David,
”
Life in God’s Favour.
” 5. “Israel’s Lamentation,
” Mr. Angier’s Life,
” and some other
pious treatises. He had a brother Nathaniel, also a nonconformist, who died Dec. 16, 1677. A volume of his sermons was published by Oliver in 1679, entitled “Christ
Displayed.
” Calamy tells us, that one of his hearers, when
he was going to quit his living, expressing a desire for
him still to preach in the church, Mr. Heywood said, he
would as gladly preach, as they could desire it, if he could
conform with a safe conscience to which the man replied,
“Oh, sir, many a man, now a-days, makes a great gash
in his conscience, cannot you make a little nick in yours
”
, called “Jamaica viewed,” 4to. two editions of which were printed in 1661, dedicated to Charles II. who in return appointed the author secretary to the earl of Windsor,
, a half-crazy kind of
writer, whose works may probably excite some curiosity
respecting the author, was born in 1630, in Essex, where
there was a considerable family of that name. He was first
a pensioner in St. John’s college, Cambridge; then, in
1650, junior bachelor of Gonvill and Caius college. He
was soon after a lieutenant in the English army in Scotland,
then a captain in general Fleetwood’s regiment, when he
was Swedish ambassador in England for Carolus Gustavus.
He afterwards went to Jamaica in some capacity, and on
his return, in 1660, published an account of it, called
“Jamaica viewed,
” 4to. two editions of which were printed
in He was a man,
” says Newcourt,
“though episcopally ordained (by bishop Sanderson), yet
publicly bade defiance to the prelacy, and that of his own
diocesan in particular: an impudent, violent, ignorant
fellow, very troublesome, as far as he could, to his right
reverend diocesan, and to all that lived near him.
” He
died Nov. 30, 1708, and was interred in the church of All
Saints, Colchester, with a long Latin epitaph, part of
which, “Reverendus admodum Dominus tarn Marte
quain Mercurio clarus, quippe qui terra marique militavit
non sine gloria, ingeniique vires scriptis multiplice argumento insignitis demonstravit, c.
” was afterwards effaced,
by order, as it was commonly reported at Colchester, of
bishop Compton. His tracts, which in point of style and
often of matter, are beneath criticism, were collected and
published by himself in a quarto vol. 1707. They include
his account of Jamaica the trial of the spiritual courts
general history of priestcraft; a satyr upon poverty; a
satyr against fame the survey of the earth and the writ
de excommunicato capiendo unmasked receipts to cure the
evil of this wicked world the art of contentment, a poem,
&c. &c. Mr. Malone has introduced him in his life of
Dryden, as the author of the “Mushroom, or a satyr against
libelHng tories and preiatical-tantivies, &c.
” He published
also a few occasional sermons, which are reprinted in a
Second edition of his works, 1716, 2 vols. 8vo.
was a celebrated philosopher of Syracuse, who, according to Theophrastus, as quoted by Cicero, believed that
was a celebrated philosopher of Syracuse, who, according to Theophrastus, as quoted by Cicero, believed that the heavens, sun, and stars, remained still, and that it was the earth which moved and, by turning on its axis, produced the same appearance to us as if the heavens had turned and the earth had been immovable. Copernicus acknowledges that this passage in Cicero suggested to him the first idea of his system. Diogenes Laertius also mentions Hicetas.
years. Being then in a bad state of health, he was advised to travel; upon which sir George Wheeler, who had been his pupil, and had conceived a filial affection for
, an English divirre of uncommon
abilities and learning, was born June 20, 1642, at Newsham
in Yorkshire, where his parents were settled on a very large
farm-. He was sent to the grammar school at North Allerton, and thence in 1659, to St. John’s college in Oxford.
Soon after the Restoration he removed to Magdalen colJege, from thence to Magdalen hall; and at length, in
3664, was chosen fellow of Lincoln college, taking the
degree of M. A. the year after. In June 1666 he was>
admitted into orders, became a public tutor r and discharged
that office with great reputation for seven years. Being
then in a bad state of health, he was advised to travel;
upon which sir George Wheeler, who had been his pupil,
and had conceived a filial affection for him, invited him to
accompany him to the continent. They set out in Oct.
1673, and made the totir of France; after which they
parted, Hickes being obliged to return to take his degree
of B. D. At Paris, where he staid a considerable time,
he became acquainted with Mr. Henry Justell, who in confidence told him many secret affairs, particularly that of
the intended revocation of the edict of Nantes, and of a
design in Holland and England to set aside the family of
the Stuarts. He committed to him also his father’s ms. of
the “Codex canonum ecclesiae universalis,
” to be presented in his name to the university of Oxford.
s colleagues began to consider about maintaining and continuing the episcopal succession among those who adhered to them; and, having resolved upon it, they sent Dr.
Soon after their deprivation, archbishop San croft and his colleagues began to consider about maintaining and continuing the episcopal succession among those who adhered to them; and, having resolved upon it, they sent Dr. Hickes over, with a list of the deprived clergy, to confer with king James about that matter. The doctor set out in May 1693, and had several audiences of the king, who complied with all he askedj Dr. Hickes, after being detained some months by an ague and fever, returned to England in February, and on the eve of St. Matthias the consecrations were performed by Dr. Lloyd bishop of Norwich, Dr. Turner bishop of Ely, and Dr. White bishop of Peterborough, at the bishop of Peterborough’s lodgings in the Rev. Mr. Giffard’s house, Southgate. Hickes was consecrated suffragan bishop of Thetford, and Wagstaffe suffragan of Ipswich; at which solemnity Henry earl of Clarendon is aid to have been present. It has indeed been averred, that Hickes was once disposed to take the oaths, in order to save his preferments; but this is not probable: he was a man very strict in his principles, and what he was convinced was his duty he closely adhered to, choosing to suffer any thing rather than violate his conscience. Some years before he died he was grievously tormented with the stone; and at length his constitution, though naturally strong, gave way to that distemper, Dec. 15, 1715, in his 74th year.
ius operis sex mdicibus, Oxon. 1705, 2 or sometimes 3 vols. folio. Foreigners as well as Englishmen, who had any relish for antiquities, have justly admired this splendid
The principal works of Dr. Hickes are the three following: 1. “Institutiones Grammaticse Anglo-Saxonicae &
Maeso-Gothicae. Grammatica Islandica Runolphi Jonas.
Catalogus librorum Septentrionalium. Accedit Edwardi
Bernardi Etymologicum Britannicum,
” Oxon. Antiquae literature
Septentrionalis libri duo: quorum primus G. Hickesu
S. T. P. Linguarum Veterum Septentrionalium thesaurum
grammatico-criticum & Archaeologicum, ejusdem de antique literatures Septentrionalis militate dissertationem
epistolarum, & Andreas Fountaine equitis aurati numismata
Saxonica& Dano-Saxonica, complectitur alter contn
Humfredi Wanleii librorum Veterum Septentnonaliiim, qui
in Ano-liae Bibiiothecis extant, c.ialogum histonco-cr im,
necmTn multorum veteruni codicum Septentrionalium alibi
extantiuro notitiam, cum totius operis sex mdicibus,
Oxon. 1705, 2 or sometimes 3 vols. folio. Foreigners as
well as Englishmen, who had any relish for antiquities,
have justly admired this splendid and laborious work, which
is now scarce and dear. It was originally published at
3l. 3s. the small, and 5l. 5s the large paper. The latter
now rarely appears, and the former is worth 15l. The
great duke of Tuscany' s envoy sent a copy of it to his
master, which his highness looking into, and finding full of
strange characters, called a council of the Dotti, and commanded them to peruse and give him an account of. They
did so, and reported it to be an excellent work, and that
they believed the author to be a man of a particular head;
for this was the envoy’s compliment to Hirkes, when he
went to him with a present from his master. 3. Two
volumes of Sermons, most of which were never before
printed, with a preface by Mr. Spinckes, 1713, 8vo. After
his death was published another volume of his Sermons,
with some pieces relating to schism, separation, &c. 4.
” A
Letter sent from beyond the seas to one of the chief ministers of the ndnconforming party, &c. 1674“which was
afterwards reprinted in 1684, under the title of
” The
judgment of an anonymous writer concerning these following particulars first, a law for disabling a papist to inherit
the crown secondly, the execution of penal laws against
protestant dissenters; thirdly, a bill of comprehension all
briefly discussed in a letter sent from beyond the seas to a
dissenter ten years ago.“This letter was in reality an
answer to his elder brother, Mr. John Hickes, a dissenting
minister, bred up in Cromwell’s time at the college of
Dublin; whom the doctor always endeavoured to convince
of his errors, but without success. John persisted in them
to his death, and at last suffered for his adherence to the
duke of Monrnouth; though, upon the doctor’s unwearied
application, the king would have granted him his.life,^ but
that he had been falsely informed that this Mr. Hickes was
the person who advised the duke of Monmouth to take upon
him the title of king. 5.
” Ravillac Redivivus, being a
narrative of the late trial of Mr. James Mitchel, a conventicle preacher, who was executed Jan. 18, 1677, for an
attempt on the person of the archbishop of St. Andrew’s,
&c.“6.
” The Spirit of Popery speaking out of the
mouths of fanatical Protestants; or, the last speeches of
Mr. John Kid and Mr. John King, two presbyterian ministers, who were executed for high treason at Edinburgh,
'ten Aug. 14, 1679.“These pieces were published in 1630,
and they were occasioned by his attendance on the duke of
Lauderdale in quality of chaplain. The spirit of faction
made them much read, and did the author considerable
service with several great personages, and even with the
king. 7.
” Jovian; or, an answer to Julian the apostate;“printed twice in 1683, 8vo. This is an ingenious and
learned tract in defence of passive obedience and nonresistance, against the celebrated Samuel Johnson, the
author of
” Julian.“8.
” The case of Infant Baptism,
1683;“printed in the second vol. of the
” London Cases,
168.5,“4to. 9.
” Speculum beatae Virginis, a discourse
on Luke i. 28. of the due praise and honour of the Virgin
Mary, by a true Catholic of the Church of England, 1686.“10.
” An apologetical Vindication of the Church of England, in answer to her adversaries, who reproach her with
the English heresies and schisms, 1686,“4to; reprinted,
with many additions, a large preface, and an appendix of
” Papers relating to the Schisms of the Church of Rome,“1706, 8vo. 11.
” The celebrated story of the Thebati
Legion no fable: in answer to the objections of Dr. Gilbert
Burners Preface to his Translation of Lactantius de mortibus persecutorum, with some remarks on his Discourse of
Persecution;“written in 1687, but not published till 1714,
for reasons given in the preface. 12.
” Reflections upon
a Letter out of the country to a member of this present
parliament, occasioned by a Letter to a member of the
house of commons, concerning the Bishops lately in the
Tower, and now under suspension, 1689.“The author of
the letter to which these reflections are an answer, was
generally presumed to be Dr. Bumet, though that notion
was afterwards contradicted, 13.
” A Letter to the author
of a late paper entitled A Vindication of the Divines of the
Church of England, &c. in defence of the history of passive
obedience, 16S9.“The author of the
” Vindication,“was
Dr. Fowler, bishop of Gloucester, though his name was not
to it. 14.
” A Word to the Wavering, in answer to Dr.
Gilbert Burnet’s Inquiry into the present state of aflairs,
1689.“15.
” An Apology for the new Separation, in a
letter to Dr. Sharp, archbishop of York, &c. 1691.“16.
” A Vindication of some among ourselves against the false
principles of Dr. Sherlock, &c. 1692.“17.
” Some Discourses on Dr. Burnet and Dr.Tillotson, occasioned by the
lute funeral sermon of the former upon the latter, 1695.“It is remarkable, that in this piece Hickes has not scrupled
to call Tiilotson an atheist. 18.
” The Pretences of the
Prince of Wales examined and rejected, &c. 1701.“19.
A letter in the
” Philosophical Transactions,* entitled,
“Epistola viri Rev. D G. Hickesii S. T. P ad D. Hans
Sloane, M. D. & S. R. Seer, de varia lectione inscriptions,
quse in statua Tagis exaratur per quatuor alphabeta Hetrusca
” 20. “Several Letters which passed between Dr.
G. Hickes and a Popish priest, &c. 1705.
” The person
on whose account this book was published, was the lady
Theophila Nelson, wife of Robert Nelson, esq. 21. “A
second collection of controversial Letters relating to the
church of England and the church of Rome, as they passed
between Dr. G. Hickes and an honourable lady, 1710.
”
This lady was the lady Gratiana Carew, of Hadcomb in
Devonshire. 22. “Two Treatises; one of the Christian
Priesthood, the other of the dignity of the episcopal order,
against a book entitled, The Rights of the Christian Church.
”
Trie third edition in A seasonable ana 1 modest apology in behalf of the
Rev. Dr. Hickes and other nonjurors, in a letter to Thomas
Wise, D. D. 1710.
” 24. “AVindication of Dr. Hickes,
and the author of the seasonable and modest apology, from
the reflections of Dr. Wise, &c. 1712.
” 25. “Two Letters to Robert Nelson, esq. relating to bishop Bull,
” published in Bull’s life. 26. “Some Queries proposed to
civil, canon, and common lawyers, 1712;
” printed, after
several editions, in Seasonable
Queries relating to the birth and birthright of a certain
person.
” Besides the works enumerated here, there are
many prefaces and recommendations written by him, at the
earnest request of others, either authors or editors.
non-conforruists, and against Mr. Thomas Pierce, Mr. Durel.l, Dr. Heylin, Mr. Scrivener, and others, who supported the cause of the established church. The best of his
, a nonconformist divine, was a
native of Worcestershire, and first educated at Cambridge,
which he left after taking his bachelor’s degree, and removed to Oxford in 1647. Here he entered of Magdalen
hall, and by favour of the parliamentary visitors, was first
demy, and soon after fellow of Magdalen college, and took
his master’s degree. He then was licenced as a preacher,
and officiated at St. Aldate’s church, Oxford, and at Brackley, in Northamptonshire. In 1658 he became B. D. but
at the restoration was ejected from his fellowship, which
was restored to the right owner, and went to Holland. He
afterwards returned, and for some time taught logic and
philosophy to a few pupils at Sturbridge, but went again
to Holland, and preached for some years in the English
church at Leyclen, where he died in 1692. He wrote
several treatises, principally of the controversial kind, in
defence of the non-conforruists, and against Mr. Thomas
Pierce, Mr. Durel.l, Dr. Heylin, Mr. Scrivener, and others,
who supported the cause of the established church. The
best of his performances appeared without his name, under
the title of “Apologia pro Ministris in Anglia (vu!go) Nonconformistis, c.
” Wood, who has given a particular
account of his other writings, says that “he was a person
several ways learned, much conversant in books, a leading
man and pillar of his party, but altogether a severe enemy
to the ceremonies of the church of England.
” Calamy
says very little of him.
cian” was published by his son Thomas Hicks, A. M. chaplain of Christ Church, Oxford, in Ifc34, 4to, who also presented to the library of that college manuscript translations
, a man of learning of the sixteenth
century, was born in 1566, atTredington, in Worcestershire, and in 1579 entered of St. Mary hall, Oxford, which
he left after taking his bachelor’s degree, and appears to
have lived the life of a country gentleman, relieving his
agricultural pursuits by study. His favourite object was
the Greek language. He died while on a visit to a relation
at Sutton, in Gloucestershire, Jan. 9, 1630. His translation of “Lucian
” was published by his son Thomas Hicks,
A. M. chaplain of Christ Church, Oxford, in Ifc34, 4to,
who also presented to the library of that college manuscript translations by his father of “Thucydides
” and
“Herodian.
” The Life of Lucian and the notes were
written by this son, who died young, in 1634, and had
been, as Wood says, esteemed a good poet and an excellent limner.
house Jests,“and these by” Cambridge Jests,“” London Jests,“&c. down to our own times. Anthony Wood, who thought it no honour that Oxford should be suspected of first
. Wood gives two authors of these
names, of which some brief notice may be taken. The
first, the son of Nicholas Hicks, a Cornish gentleman, was
born in 1620, and was for some time a commoner of Wadham college, but removed thence by his relations to join
the parliamentary forces. He was a captain of the train
bands, and an enthusiast and fifth monarchy man in which
spirit he wrote a folio entitled “Revelation revealed
being a practical exposition on the Revelation of St. John,
”
Lond. 1659 but this not succeeding, a new title page and
a portrait of the author were added in 1661. He died iti
1659. The other William Hicks became also a captain,
apparently in the recruiting service, in the beginning of
Charles Il.'s reign. With some it may be thought an honour, that he was the first compiler of & jest-book, under
the title of “Oxford Jests,
” which was followed by others
called Oxford Drollery,“and
” Coffee-house Jests,“and
these by
” Cambridge Jests,“” London Jests,“&c. down
to our own times. Anthony Wood, who thought it no
honour that Oxford should be suspected of first inventing
these vulgar collections, or of educating men to compile
jest-books, takes care to inform us that capt. Hicks, as he
was called, owed nothing to his education there, being
born in St. Thomas’s parish, of poor and dissolute parents,
afterwards bred a tapster at the Star inn, then a clerk to a
woodmonger at Deptford, where he was living in 1669 as
capt. Hicks, but while at Oxford
” was a sharking and indigent fellow,“who wrote
” little trivial matters merely
to get bread, and make the pot walk."
ish divine and writer, was, the son of Roger Hieron, a learned clergyman, vicar of Epping, in Essex, who died in 1592. His son, who was born in 1572, received his early
, an English divine and writer, was,
the son of Roger Hieron, a learned clergyman, vicar of
Epping, in Essex, who died in 1592. His son, who was
born in 1572, received his early education from his father,
who afterwards sent him to Eton school, whence he was
elected by the free choice of provost Goade, into a scholarship of King’s college, Cambridge. On the death of
his father, who probably left no great provision behind
him, he was much assisted in the prosecution of his studies
in the university by sir Francis Barrington, of Barringtonhall, in Essex, knt. While at Cambridge he studied divinity under Lawrence Chaderton, master of Emanuel
college, and made such progress that at his first preaching
at King’s, he was heard with the utmost approbation, seeming, as his biographer says, “rather a bachelor in divinity
than a bachelor in arts, and rather a divine of forty, than
only twenty-four years of age.
” On his appearance as a
preacher in London, he immediately became so popular
that many congregations, together with the inns of court,
desired to have him settled as their minister. But being
offered the living of Moclbury, in Devonshire, in the gift
of Eton college, he preferred that, and preached with
great success, both there and at other places, particularly
Plympton, where, by the means of sir Ferdinand Gorges,
and other gentlemen of the neighbourhood, a lecture was
established, of which he became one of the preachers. His
public and private character procured him the reverence
both of the poor and rich, and it appears by the dedications of his works that he had many friends of high rank.
He inclined to puritan principles, but with a strict adherence to the church of England; and was particularly
zealous against popery. He was long afflicted with a chronical distemper, but continued his public services and
private studies notwithstanding the apparent incapacity of
his weak body. This disorder, however, put an end to
his useful life in the forty-fifth year of his age, in 1617.
He was interred in Modbury church. His works, consisting principally of sermons and commentaries, printed often
separately, in 4to and 8vo, were collected by him and
published in 1614 in fol. and reprinted at London in 1620,
with an additional volume edited by Robert Hill, D. D.
rector of St. Bartholomew, Exchange. To this Dr. Hill
prefixed a life, from which the above particulars are taken.
lly with some of the most celebrated men of his time, Foote, Garrick, Murphy, Goldsmith, Kelly, Sec. who tolerated his faults, and occasionally supplied his necessities,
, a minor author of the last century, much patronized and befriended by Garrick, was
born in the county of Dublin in 1719, and educated for a
popish priest, first in Ireland, and afterwards for many
years in France. Yet after all, he took his degree of bachelor in physic, and returned to Dublin that he might
practise. Indolence, however, prevented his application
jto that or any profession, and he came to London about
1753, where he subsisted very scantily and idly, as an
author, for the remainder of his life; producing several
works, but none of any great merit. He was principally
employed by the booksellers in various works of translation,
compilement, &c. In short, with no principles, and slender abilities, he was perpetually disgracing literature, which
he was doomed to follow for bread, by such a conduct as
was even unworthy of the lowest and most contemptible of
the vulgar. His conversation was highly offensive to decency and good manners, and his whole behaviour discovered a mind over which the opinions of mankind had no
influence. He associated, however, occasionally with some
of the most celebrated men of his time, Foote, Garrick,
Murphy, Goldsmith, Kelly, Sec. who tolerated his faults,
and occasionally supplied his necessities, although when
he thought their liberality insufficient, he made no scruple
of writing the grossest libels on their character. One of
his peculiar fancies was to keep the place of his lodging a
secret, which he did so completely, that he refused to disclose it even when dying, to a friend who supported him,
and actually received his last contributions through the
channel of the Bedford coffee-house. When he died,
which was in June 1777, it was discovered that he had
lodged in one of the obscure courts near St. Martin’s-lane.
Dr. Hiffernan, as he was usually called, was author of the folio wing works: 1.“The Ticklers,
” a set of periodical and political papers, published in Dublin about 1750. 2. “The
Tuner,
” a set of periodical papers, published in London in
1753. 3. “Miscellanies in prose and verse,
” The
Ladies’ Choice,
” a dramatic petite piece, acted at Coventgarden in 1759. 5. “The Wishes of a free People,
” a
dramatic poem, The New Hippocratrs,
” a
farce, acted at Drury-lane in The Earl of Warwick,
” a tragedy, from the French of
La Harpe, Dramatic Genius,
” an essay, ia
five books, The Philosophic Whim,
” a farce,
The Heroine of the Cave,
” a tragedy, loft
unfinished by Henry Jones, author of the “Earl of Essex,
”
completed by Hiffernan, and acted at Drury-lane in 1774.
He also issued proposals for a quarto volume of additional
Miscellanies in prose and verse, which we believe never
appeared.
nslated into English, “The Venetian Triumph;” for which he was complimented by Waller, in his poems; who has also addressed a poem to Mrs. Higgons. Mr. Granger, who
, son of Dr. Thomas Hi?gons,
some time rector of Westburgh in Shropshire, was born in
1624, in that county became a commoner of St. Alban’s-hall
in the beginning of 1638, when he was put under the tuition of Mr. Edward Corbet, fellow of Merton college, and
lodged in the chamber under him in that house. Leaving
the university without a degree, he retired to his native
country. He married the widow of Robert earl of Essex;
and delivered an oration at her funeral, Sept. 16, 1656.
“Oratione funebri, a marito ipso, more prisco laudata
fuit,
” is part of this lady’s epitapii. He married, secondly,
Bridget, daughter of sir Devil Greenvili of Stow, and sister
to John earl of Bath and removed to Grewell in Hampshire was elected a burgess for Malmsbury in 16.38, and
for New Windsor in 1661. His services to the crown
were rewarded with a pension of 500l. a year, and gifts to
the amount of 4000l. He was afterwards knighted and
in 1669, was sent envoy extraordinary to invest John
George duke of Saxony with the order of the garter. About
four years after, he was sent envoy to Vienna, where he
continued three years. In 1685 he was elected burgess
for St. Germain’s, “being then,
” says Wood, “accounted
a loyal and accomplished person, and a great lover of the
tegular clergy.
” He died suddenly, of an apoplexy, in
the King’s-bench court, having been summoned there as
a witnt’ss, Nov. 24, 1691; and was buried in Winchester
caihedral near the relics of his first wife. His literary productions are, 1. “A Panegyric to the King,
” The Funeral Oration on his first Lady,
” Iff56. 3.
“The History of Isoof Bassa,
” The Venetian Triumph;
” for which he
was complimented by Waller, in his poems; who has also
addressed a poem to Mrs. Higgons. Mr. Granger, who
styles sir Thomas “a gentleman of great merit,
” was favoured by the duchess dowager of Portland with a ms
copy of his Oration; and concludes, from the great scarcity of that pamphlet, that “the copies of it were, for certain reasons, industriously collected and destroyed, though
few pieces of this kind have less deserved to perish. The
countess of Essex had a greatness of mind which enabled
her to bear the whole weight of infamy which was thrown
upon her; but it was, nevertheless, attended with a delicacy and sensibility of honour which poisoned all her enjoyments. Mr. Higgons had said much, and I think much
to the purpose, in her vindication; and was himself fully
convinced from the tenor of her life, and the words which
she spoke at the awful close of it, that she was perfectly
innocent. In reading this interesting oration, I fancied
myself standing by the grave of injured innocence and
beauty; was sensibly touched with the pious affection of
the tenderest and best of husbands doing public and solemn justice to an amiable and worthy woman, who had
been grossly and publicly defamed. Nor could I withhold
the tribute of a tear; a tribute which, I am confident, was
paid at her interment by every one who loved virtue, and
was not destitute of the feelings of humanity. This is what
I immediately wrote upon reading the oration. If I am
wrong in my opinion, the benevolent reader, I am sure,
will forgive me. It is not the first time that my heart has
got the better of my judgment.
” “I am not afraid,
” Mr.
Nichols adds, “of being censured for having transcribed
this beautiful passage.
”
nk of nothing else with pleasure', his father endeavoured to gratify him in a proposal to his uncle, who was serjeant-painter to king William, and with whom Mr. (afterward
, an eminent painter, was born
in the parish of St. James, Garlickhithe, London, June 13,
1692, being the third son of Mr. Edward Hightnore , a
coal-merchant in Thames-street. Having such an early
and strong inclination to painting, that he could think of
nothing else with pleasure', his father endeavoured to gratify him in a proposal to his uncle, who was serjeant-painter to king William, and with whom Mr. (afterward Sir James) Thorn hi 11 f had served his apprenticeship. But
this was afterwards for good reasons declined, and he was
articled as clerk to an attorney, July 18, 1707; but so much
against his own declared inclination, that in about three
years he began to form resolutions of indulging his natural
disposition to his favourite art, having continually employed his leisure hours in designing, and in the study of
geometry, perspective, architecture, and anatomy, but
without any instructors except books. He had afterwards
an opportunity of improving himself in anatomy, by attending the lectures of Mr. Cheselden, besides entering
himself at the Painters’ Academy in Great Queen -street,
where he drew ten years, and had the honour to be particularly noticed by sir Godfrey Kneller, who distinguished
him by the name of “the Young Lawyer.
” On June 13,
1714, his clerkship expired; and on March 26, 1715, he
Linear Perspective: or anew method of representing justly all manner of objects as they appear to the eye, in all situations.” On this complete and universal theory our artist grounded his subsequent practice; and it has been generally allowed, that few, if any, of the profession at that time, were so thoroughly masters of that excellent, but intricate system. In 1716, he married miss Susanna Killer, daughter and heiress of Mr. Anthony Hiller, of Em'ngliam, in Surrey; a young lady in every respect worthy of his choice. For Mr. Cheselden’s “
Anatomy of the Human. Body,” published in
The Conscious Lovers,” written by sir Richard Stecle, Mr. Highmore addressed a letter to the author, (puhlished in 1760 in the Gentleman’s Magazine), on the limits of filial obedience, pointing out a material defect in the character of Bevil, with that clearness and precision for which, in conversation and writing, he was always remarkable, as the pencil by no means engrossed his whole attention. His reputation and business increasing, he took a more conspicuous station, by removing to a house in Lincoln’s-innfields, in March 1723-4; and an opportunity soon offered of introducing him advantageously to the nobility, &c. from his being desired, by Mr. Pine the engraver, to make the drawings for his prints of the Knights of the Bath, on the revival of that order in 1725. In consequence of this, several of the knights had their portraits also by the same hand, some of them whole lengths; and the duke of Kichmond, in particular, was attended by l.is three esquiies, with a perspective view of king Henry the Vilth’s chapel. This capital picture is now at Goodwood. The artist was also sent for to St. James’s, by George I. to paint the portrait of William duke of Cumberland, from which Smith scraped a mezzotinto.
In 1728, Mr. Hawkins Browne, then of LincolnVinn, who had always a just sense of Highmore’s talents and abilities,
In 1728, Mr. Hawkins Browne, then of LincolnVinn,
who had always a just sense of Highmore’s talents and abilities, addressed to him a poetical epistle “Ou Design and
Beauty;
” and, some years after, an elegant Latin ode,
both now collected in his poems. In the summer of 1732,
Mr. Highmore visited the continent, in company with Dr.
Pemberton, Mr. Benj. Robins, and two other friends,
chiefly with a view of seeing the gallery of pictures belonging to the elector palatine at Dusseldorp, collected by
Rubens, and supposed to be the best in Europe. At
Antwerp also he had peculiar pleasure in contemplating the
works of his favourite master. In their return they visited
the principal towns in Holland. In 1734, he made a like
excursion, but alone, to Paris, where he received great
civilities from some of his countrymen, particularly the
duke of Kingston, Dr, Hickman (his tutor), Robert Knight,
esq. (the late cashier), &c. Here he had the satisfaction
of being shewn, by cardinal de Polignac, his famous group
of antique statues, the court of Lycomedes, then just
brought from Rome, and since purchased by the king of
Prussia, and destroyed at Charlottenbourg, in 1760, by
the Russians. In 1742, he had the honour to paint Frederic prince and the princess of Wales, for the duke of
Saxe Gotha; as he did some years after, the queen of
Denmark, for that court. The publication of Pamela, ia
1744, gave rise to a set of paintings by Mr. Highmore,
which were engraved by two French engravers, and published by subscription, in 1745. In the same year ha
painted the only original of the late general Wolfe, then
about 18. His Pamela introduced him to the acquaintance
and friendship of the excellent author, whose picture he
drew, and for whom he painted the only original of Dr.
Young. In 1750 he had the great misfortune to lose his
excellent wife. On the first institution of the Academy
of Painting, Sculpture, &c. in 1753, he was elected one
of the professors; an honour, which, on account of his
many avocations, he desired to decline. In 1754 he published, “A critical examination of those two Paintings [by
Rubens] on the cieling of the Banquetting-house at Whitehall, in which architecture is introduced, so far as relates
to perspective together with the discussion of a question
which has been the subject of debate among painters
”
printed in 4to, for Nourse. In the solution of this question he proved that Rubens, and several other great painters, were mistaken in the practice, and Mr. Kirby, and
several other authors, in the theory and practice: and in
the eighteenth volume of the “Monthly Review,
” he animadverted (anonymously) on Mr. Kirby’s unwarrantable
treatment of Mr. Ware, and detected and exposed his
errors, even where he exults in his own superior science.
Of the many portraits which Mr. Highmore painted, in an
extensive practice of 46 years, (of which several have been engraved), it is impossible and useless to discuss particulars. His principal historical pictures were “Hin;ar and
Ishmael,
” a present to the Foundling-hospital “The Good
Samaritan,
” painted for Mr. Shepherd of Cainpsey Ash
“The fin ding of Moses,
” purchasedathis sale by gen. Lister:
“The Harlowe Family,
” as described in “Cianssn,
” in
the possession of Tiiomas Watkinson Payler, esq. at Heden in Kent: “Clarissa,
” the portrait mentioned in that
work “The Graces unveiling Nature,
” drawn by memory
from Rubens “The Clementina of Grandison,
” and “the
^iueen-mother of Edward IV. with her younger son, &c.
in Westminster-abbey:
” the three last in the possession of
his son.
ed, a poem addressed to him in 1726, by the Rev. Mr. Bunce, at that time of Trinity-hall, Cambridge, who succeeded Mr. Highmore, and in 1780, was vicar of St. Stephen’s
His abilities as a painter appear in his works, which will
not only be admired by his contemporaries, but by their
posterity; as his tints, like those of Rubens and Vandycfc,
instead of being impaired, are improved by time, which
some of them have now withstood above 60 years. His
idea of beauty, when he indulged his fancy, was of the
highest kind; and his knowledge of perspective gave him
great advantages in family-pieces, of which he painted
more than any one of his time. He could take a likeness
by memory as well as by a sitting, as appears by his picture of the duke of Lorrain (the late emperor), which Faber
engraved and those ol king George II. (in York assemblyroom) queen Caroline, the two miss Gunnings, &c. Like
many other great painters, he had “a poet for his friend,
”
in the late Mr. Browne; to which may be added, a poem
addressed to him in 1726, by the Rev. Mr. Bunce, at that
time of Trinity-hall, Cambridge, who succeeded Mr.
Highmore, and in 1780, was vicar of St. Stephen’s near
Canterbury.
, or Hilary, an ancient father of the Christian church, who flourished in the fourth century, was born, as St. Jerom tells
, or Hilary, an ancient father of the Christian church, who flourished in the fourth century, was born,
as St. Jerom tells us, at Poictiers in France; but in what
year, is not known. His parents, persons of rank and substance, had him liberally educated in the pagan religion,
which they themselves professed, and which Hilary did
not forsake till many years after he was grown-up; when
reflecting upon the gross errors of paganism, he was gradually led to the truth, and confirmed in it by reading the
holy Scriptures. He was then baptized, together with his
wife and daughter, who were also converted with bin). He
was advanced to the bishopric of Poictiers in the year 3 5 5, according to Baronius though Cave thinks he was bishop of
that place some years before. As soon however as he was
raised to this dignity, he became a most zealous champion
of the orthodox faith, and distinguished himself particularly against the Arians, whose doctrines were at that time
gaining ground in France. In 356, he was sent by Constantinus to support the party of Athanasius at the synod of Beterra, or Beziers, against Saturninusbishop of'Arles, who had
just before been excommunicated by the bishops of France
but Saturninus had so much influence with the emperor,
who was then at Milan, as to induce that monarch to order
him to be banished to Phrygia, where Hilary continued
continued four years, and applied himself during that time
to the composing of several works. He wrote his twelve
books upon the Trinity, which Cave calls “a noble work,
”
and which has been much admired in all ages. He wrote
also “A Treatise Concerning Synods,
” addressed to the
bishops of France in which he explains to them the sense
of the Eastern churches upon the doctrine of the Trinity,
and their man tier of holding councils. This was drawn up
by Hilary, ‘after the council of Ancyra in 358, whose
canons are contained in it; and before the councils of Rimini and Seleucia, which were called in the beginning of
359. ’ Some time after he was sent to the council of Seleucia, where he defended the Galiican bishops from the
imputation of Sabellianism, which the Arians had fixed
upun them; and boldly asserted the sound and orthodox
faith of the Western bishops. He was so favourably received, and so much respected by this council, that they
admitted him as one who should give in his opinion, and
assist in a determination among their bishops. Hilary,
however, finding the greater part of them to be Arian,
would not act, although he continued at Seleucia till the
council was over; and thinking the orthodox faith in the
Utmost peril, followed the deputies of the council to Constantinople, when he petitioned the emperor for leave to
dispute publicly with the Arians. The Arians, from a
dread of his talents, contrived to have him sent to France,
in which he arrived in 360, and after the catholic bishops
had recovered their usual liberty and authority under Julian
the Apostate, Hilary assembled several councils to reestablish the ancient orthodox faith, and to condemn the
determinations of the synods of Rimini and Seleucia. He
condemned Saturninus bishop of Aries, but pardoned those
who acknowledged their error; and, in every respect, exerted himself so zealously, that France was in a great measure freed from Arianism by his single influence and endeavours. He extended a similar care over Italy and
some foreign churches, and was particularly qualified to
recover men from the error of their ways, being a man of
a mild candid turn, very learned, and accomplished in the
arts of persuasion, and in these respects, says the candid
Dupin, “affords a very proper lesson of instruction to all
who are employed in the conversion of heretics.
”
ry still insisted that he prevaricated, on which account he was ordered to depart from Milan, as one who disturbed the peace of the church. Hilary died the latter end
About 367 Hilary had another opportunity of distinguishing his zeal against Arianism. The emperor Valentinian coming to Milan, issued an edict, obliging all to
acknowledge Auxentius for their bishop. Hilary, persuaded that Auxentius was in his heart an Ariao, presented
a petition to the emperor, in which he declared Auxentius to be a man whose opinions were opposite to those of
the church. Upon this the emperor ordered Hilary and
Auxentius to dispute publicly; and Auxentius, after many
subtleties and evasive shifts to save his bishopric, was
forced to own, that Jesus Christ “was indeed God, of the
same substance and divinity with the Father.
” The emperor, believing this profession sincere, embraced his communion; but Hilary still insisted that he prevaricated, on
which account he was ordered to depart from Milan, as
one who disturbed the peace of the church. Hilary died
the latter end of this year, after many struggles and endeavours to support the catholic faith. His works have
been published several times: but the best edition of them
was given by the Benedictines in 1693 at Paris, fol. That
of the marquis de Maffei, published at Verona in 1730,
2 vols. folio, although it contains some additions, is less
esteemed. There has since appeared an edition in 4 vols.
8vo, by-Oberthur, at Wurtzberg, 1785 1788. The principal articles are: the twelve books on the Trinity; the
Treatise on Synods, three pieces addressed to the emperor
Constantius; Commentaries on St. Matthew, and part of
the Psalms. Cave has enumerated several articles improperly attributed to him. He was a man of great piety
as well as abilities and learning, of which the ancient author of his life, attributed to Fortunatus, has given us some
instances, mixed with superstitious prodigies and fictions.
It appears that Hilary was married, and had by his wife a
daughter called Abra, whose education he carefully superintended. To him the great church at Poictiers is dedicated, and in the midst of the city is a column erected to
him, with an inscription expressive of their admiration of
his virtues, but partaking a little of the superstitious.
s of Richard earl of Warwick and Salisbury. All this will appear from the pedigree of cardinal Pole ( who was Mr. Hildersham’s great uncle), as given from* the Heralds
, a very eminent and learned puritan divine, was descended from the royal family of England. He was the son of Thomas Hildersham, a gentleman of an ancient family, by Anne Pole (or Poole), his second wife, daughter to sir JefTery Pole, fourth son of sir Richard Pole, cousin-german to Henry VII. This sir Richard Pole’s wife was Margaret countess of Salisbury, daughter to George duke of Clarence, second brother to king Edward IV. by Isabella, eldest daughter and co-heiress of Richard earl of Warwick and Salisbury. All this will appear from the pedigree of cardinal Pole (who was Mr. Hildersham’s great uncle), as given from* the Heralds office, by the cardinal’s biographer, Mr. Phillips, but we might perhaps have passed it over, unless for a remarkable coincidence of descent which we shall soon have to notice in our account of bishop Hildesley.
er, obtained a liberal patron in his relation Henry earl of Huntingdon, lord president of the north, who sent him to the university, which he had been obliged to leave,
Mr. Hildersham was born at Stechworth in Cambridgeshire, Oct. 6, 1563, and educated at Christ’s college, Cambridge. His parents were zealous papists, but during his
abode at the university, he embraced the doctrines of the
reformed church with a cordiality and decision which nothing could shake, and when his father found him so resolute, he disinherited him. He soon, however, obtained a
liberal patron in his relation Henry earl of Huntingdon,
lord president of the north, who sent him to the university,
which he had been obliged to leave, and generously supported him. Being disappointed of a fellowship of Christ’s
college, owing to the partiality of Dr. Barwell, the master,
for another candidate, he was nearly about the same time,
in 1586, chosen fellow of Trinity-hall, by the influence of
lord Burleigh, chancellor of the university. This fellowship, however, he did not hold above two years, and having unguardedly began to preach without being admitted
into orders, he received a check from archbishop Whitgift,
although this irregularity was not in those days very uncommon. In 1593, however, every obstacle of this kind
being removed, the earl of Huntingdon presented him to
the living of Ashby-de-la Zoncb in Leicestershire, where
he remained the whole of his life. Being dissatisfied with
some points of ecclesiastical discipline, snch as wearing
the surplice, baptizing with the cross, and kneeling at the
sacrament, he often incurred the penalties of the law, and
more than once was suspended from his functions; but always restored by the intervention of some friend, or the prevalence of his own excellent character. The wonder is that
a man of his learning, piety, and good sense, should have
adhered with such pertinacity to matters of comparatively
little consequence, when he found the law and the general
sentiments of his brethren against him, and when, what
was of more importance to him, those labours were interrupted in which he delighted, and in which he was eminently successful. With these interruptions, however, he
continued in the exercise of his ministry at Ashby until
his death, March 4, 1631. He was interred in the southside of the chancel of Ashby church, with an inscription
which, after adverting to his noble descent, says that he
was “more honoured for his sweet 'and ingenuous disposition, his singular wisdom in settling peace, advising in
secular affairs, and satisfying doubts; his abundant charity,
and especially his extraordinary knowledge and judgment in
the Holy Scriptures, his painful and zealous preaching,
&c.
” This character is amply illustrated by his biographers, and may in part be confirmed by his works, which
in point of style and matter are equal, if not superior
to those of his contemporaries* Those which are best
known are his “Lectures on John iv.
” CLII Lectures on Psalm 51,
” 1635, fol. In all these
his steady adherence to the doctrines of the church is visible, and his aversion to sectarianism and popery. He was
particularly an opponent of the Brownists, or first independents. Echardjusily says he was “a great and shining light of the puritan party, and celebrated for his singular learning and piety.
” Ke was the author also of
“Lectures on Psalm 34,
” A Treatise
on the Lord’s Supper,
” which we have never seen. He
left in ms. a paraphrase on the whole Bible, from which
was extracted a paraphrase on the Song of Solomon,
printed, 1672, in 12mo. His son, Samuel, was ejected, for
nonconformity, from the living of West Felton in Shropshire, and died in 1674. He was editor of his father’s
Lectures.
iving of Houghton, held with the chapel of Witton, or Wyton All Saints, in the county of Huntingdon, who died in 1729. He was born Dec. 9, 1698, at Murston, near Si
, a worthy prelate, appears by his pedigree given by his biographer, compared with that of the preceding Mr. Hildersham, to have been descended in the same line from the royal family of England, but as this circumstance seems to have escaped Mr. Butler’s notice, we are unable to say whether the name Hildersham and Hildesley were originally the same. It is certain that Hildersham occurs in t:ie descents in cardinal Pole’s pedigree, and that Hildesley does not. The subject of this article was the eldest surviving son of the rev. Mark Hildesley, rector of the valuable living of Houghton, held with the chapel of Witton, or Wyton All Saints, in the county of Huntingdon, who died in 1729. He was born Dec. 9, 1698, at Murston, near Sittingbourne, in Kent, of which his father was at that time rector. He was educated at the Charter-house, and at the age of nineteen was sent to Trinity-college, Cambridge, where he to >k his degree of A. B. in 1720, and of A. M. in 1724-, having been elected a fellow the year preceding. He was ordained deacon in 1722 and in 172.1 was appointed domestic chaplain to lord Cobham. In 1725 he was nominated a preacher at Whitehall, by Dr. Gibson, bishop of London; and from 1725 to 1729 held the curacy of Yelling in Huntingdonshire. In Feb. 1731 he was presented by his college to the vicarage of Hitchin in Hertfordshire, and the same year married miss Elizabeth Stoker, with whom he lived in the utmost conjugal airection for upwards of thirty years, but by whom it does not appear that he had any issue.
plary conduct became known to the duke of Athol, lord and patron of the bishopric of Sodor and Mann, who justly considered him as a proper person to succeed the excellent
At Hitchin, the value of which would not admit the expence of a curate, he began that attention to the duties of his function which predominated through his life, and having advanced considerably to repair the vicarage-house, he was obliged to add to his labours by undertaking the education of from four to six select pupils, as boarders. It was his general custom at this time to preach either from memory, or short notes; and at a visitation at Baldock he delivered a discourse to the clergy from memory alone, with very singular and agreeable address. In Oct. 1735, he succeeded to the neighbouring-rectory of Holwell, in the county of Bedford, upon the presentation of Ralph Radcliffe, esq. This living he held about thirty-two years, and during the twenty years of his residence, executed all the duties of his important function with a truly primitive fidelity, not only by frequent public preaching, but by private visiting, exhortation, and catechising, distributing good books, &c. At length his exemplary conduct became known to the duke of Athol, lord and patron of the bishopric of Sodor and Mann, who justly considered him as a proper person to succeed the excellent and venerable bishop Wilson, who died in 1755. He was accordingly consecrated in Whitehall chapel in April of that year, after being created D. D. by archbishop Herring; and on Aug. 6, was installed in the cathedral of St. German on Peel, in the Isle of Mann.
ge, and printed for the use of the native inhabitants. This had been already begun by bishop Wilson, who, at his own expence, proceeded so far as to print the gospel
Having thus succeeded bishop Wilson, he made it the
invariable rule of his conduct to tread as nearly as possible
in the steps of his truly excellent predecessor, of whom,
both in his letters and conversation, he always spoke with
a kind of filial respect and veneration. He accordingly
devoted himself to the various duties of his charge with a
generous assiduity, and amongst the very chief of those
duties, undertook to execute the arduous task of getting
the Holy Scriptures translated into the Manks language,
and printed for the use of the native inhabitants. This had
been already begun by bishop Wilson, who, at his own
expence, proceeded so far as to print the gospel of St.
Matthew; and had also prepared for the press a manuscript
version of the other evangelists, and the Acts of the Apostles, which afterwards underwent a very careful revision.
Impressed, therefore, with deep solicitude and concern for
the spiritual welfare of a flock, which providence had so
unexpectedly entrusted to his care, bishop Hildesley could
have no rest till he had accomplished this glorious design.
It lay, indeed, so much at his heart, that he was often
heard to say, “he only wished to live tosee it finished
and he then should be happy, die when he would
” and
his wish was accomplished. He lived to see the work completed, by the divine blessing on his own endeavours, and
on those of his clergy, in consequence of a successful application made to the society for promoting Christian
knowledge who, immediately, and in the most liberal
manner, espoused the cause together with the aid of
many persons of eminence and distinction, who were
pleased to honour themselves by patronizing the undertaking.
swore to the emperor Louis, whenever he was reconciled to his children. As a writer he was the first who confounded St. Denys, or Dionysius, bishop of Paris, with Dionysius
, is recorded as a celebrated abbot of St. Denys in France, in the ninth century, in the reigns of Louis le Debonnaire, and Lothaire his son. He became despicable by his attachment to the latter, and by frequently violating the oath of fidelity which he swore to the emperor Louis, whenever he was reconciled to his children. As a writer he was the first who confounded St. Denys, or Dionysius, bishop of Paris, with Dionysius the Areopagite, in his life of St. Dionysius entitled " Areopagitica, n Paris, 1565, 8vo, which is replete with fabulous absurdities.
man’s well known merit, however, soon recommended him to sir William Wentworth, a Yorkshire baronet, who being inclined to make the tour of Europe, his relations engaged
, an English poet and dramatic writer of
some celebrity in his day, was born in Beaufort-buildings
in the Strand, February 10, 1685. He was the eldest son
Of George Hill, esq. of Malmsbury-abbey in Wiltshire
and, in consequence of this descent, the legal heir to an,
entailed estate of about 2000l. per annum; but the misconduct of his father having, by a sale of the property,
which he had no right to execute, rendered it of no advanl
tage to the family, our author was left, together with Mr.
Hill’s other children, to the care of, and a dependence on,
his mother and grandmother; the latter of whom (Mrs. Anne Gregory) was more particularly anxious for his education and improvement. The first rudiments of learning
he received from Mr. Reyner, of Barnstaple in Devonshire^
to whom he was sent at nine years old, and, on his removal
from thence, was placed at Westminster-school, under the
care of the celebrated Dr. Knipe. After remaining here
until he was fourteen years of age, he formed a resolution
singular enough in one so young, of paying a visit to his
relation lord Paget, then ambassador at Constantinople;
and accordingly embarked for that place, March 2, 1700.
When he arrived, lord Paget received him with much surprise, as well as pleasure; wondering, that a person so
young should run the hazard of iuch a voyage, to visit a
relation whom he only knew by character. The ambassador immediately provided for him a very learned ecclesiastic in his own house; and, under his tuition, sent him to
travel, so that he had an opportunity of seeing Egypt, Palestine, and a great part of the East. With lord Paget he
returned home about 1703, and in his journey saw most of
the courts in Europe, and it is probable that his lordship
might have provided genteelly for him at his death, had
he not been dissuaded by the misrepresentations of a female about him, which in a great measure prevented his
good intentions. The young man’s well known merit,
however, soon recommended him to sir William Wentworth, a Yorkshire baronet, who being inclined to make
the tour of Europe, his relations engaged Mr. Hill to accompany him as a travelling tutor, which office he performed, for two or three years, to their entire satisfaction.
In 1709, he commenced author, by the publication of an
“History of the Ottoman Empire,
” compiled from tinmaterials 'which he had collected in the course of his di
rent travels, and during his residence at the Turkish conr:.
This work, though it met with success, Mr. Hill frequently
afterwards repented the having printed, and would himself,
at times, very severely criticize it; and indeed, to say
the truth, there are in it a great number of puerilities, which render it far inferior to the merit of his subsequent writings; in which correctness has ever been so
strong a characteristic, that his critics have even attributed
it to him as a fault; whereas, in this work, there at best
appears the labour of a juvenile genius, rather choosing to
give the full reign to fancy, and indulge the imagination
of the poet, than to aim at the plainness and perspicuity of
the historian. About the same year he published his first
poetical piece, entitled “Camillus,
” in vindication and
honour of the earl of Peterborough, who had been general
in. Spain. This poem was printed without any author’s
name; but lord Peterborough, having made it his business to find out to whom he was indebted, appointed Mr.
JHill his secretary; which post, however, he quitted the
year following, on occasion of his marriage.
or the purpose: but, after having formed a joint-stock company to be called the “Beech Oil Company,” who were to act in concert with the patentee, disputes arose among
It is probable, however, that neither pride, nor any harboured resentment, were the motives of this refusal, but
that spirit of projecting new schemes which seems to hare
more or less animated him throughout life, however unfortunate he might be in indulging it. Among the Harleian
Mss. 7524, is a letter from him to the lord-treasurer, dated
April 12, 1714, on a subject by which “the nation might
gain a million annually.
” In 17 15, he undertook to. make
an oil, as sweet as that from olives, of the beech-nuts, and
obtained a patent for the purpose: but, after having formed
a joint-stock company to be called the “Beech Oil Company,
” who were to act in concert with the patentee, disputes arose among them, and the whole design was overthrown, without any benefit having accrued either to the
patentee, or the sharers. He was next concerned with
sir Robert Montgomery in a design for establishing a plantation of a vast tract of land in the south of Carolina, for
which purpose a grant had been purchased from the lords
proprietors of that province; but here again the want of a
larger fortune than he was master of, stood as a bar in his
way; for, though it has many years since been extensively
cultivated under the name of Georgia, yet it never proved
of any advantage to him.
With regard to Mr. Hill’s private character, all who have written of him say he was in every respect perfectly amiable.
With regard to Mr. Hill’s private character, all who
have written of him say he was in every respect perfectly
amiable. His person was, in his youth, extremely fair
and handsome. He was tall, not too thin, yet genteelly
made. His eyes were a dark blue, bright and penetrating;
his hair brown, and his face oval. His countenance was
most generally animated by a. smile, which was more particularly distinguishable whenever he entered into conversation; in the doing which his address was most engagingly affable, yet mingled with a native unassumed dignity, which rendered him equally the object of admiration
and respect with those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. His voice was sweet, and his conversation
elegant; and so extensive was his knowledge in all subjects, that scarcely any could occur on which he did not
acquit himself in a most masterly and entertaining manner.
His temper, though naturally warm when roused by injuries, was equally noble in a readiness to forgive them;
and so much inclinable was he to repay evil with good,
that he frequently exercised that Christian lesson, even to
the prejudice of his own circumstances. He was a generous master, a sincere friend, an affectionate husband, and
an indulgent and tender parent; and indeed so benevolent
was his disposition in general, even beyond the power of
the fortune he was blessed with, that the calamities of
those he knew, and valued as deserving, affected him more
deeply than his own. In consequence of this we find him
bestowing the profits of many of his works for the relief of
his friends, and particularly his dramatic ones, none of
which he could ever be prevailed on to accept of a benefit
for, till at the very close of his life, when his narrow circumstances compelled him to solicit the acting of his
“Merope,
” for the relief of its author from those difficulties out of which he had frequently been the generous instrument of extricating others. His manner of living was
temperate to the greatest degree in every respect but that
of late hours, which, as the night is less liable to interruptions than the day, his indefatigable love of study frequently drew him into. No labour deterred him from the
prosecution of any design which appeared to him to be
praise-worthy and feasible; nor was it in the power of the
greatest misfortunes to overcome, or even shake, his fortitude of mind.
mptroller, which he accordingly accepted, and lived in Jiigh favour with that distinguished prelate, who would frequently term him “his learned friend and his instructing
, a learned English gentleman, fellow
and treasurer of the royal society, one of the lords of trade,
and comptroller to the archbishop of Canterbury, was descended of an ancient and honourable family of that name,
seated at Shilston, in Devonshire, and was the son of Richard Hill, of Shilston, esq. His father was bred to mercantile business, which he pursued with great success, was
chosen an alderman of London, and v.as much in the
confidence of the Long-parliament, and of Cromwell and his
statesmen. Abraham, his eldest son, was born April 18,
1633, at his father’s house, in St. Botolph’s parish by Billingsgate, and after a proper education, was introduced
into his business. He was also an accomplished scholar in
the Greek, Latin, French, Dutch, and Italian languages,
and was considered as one of very superior literary attainments. On his father’s death in 1659, he became possessed of an ample fortune, and that he might, with more
ease, prosecute his studies, he hired chambers in Gresham
college, where he had an opportunity of conversing with
learned men, and of pursuing natural philosophy, to which
he was much attached. He was one of the first eucouragers of the royal society, and on its first institution became a fellow, and in 1663 their treasurer, which office
he held for two years. His reputation, in the mean time,
was not confined to his native country, but by means of
the correspondence of his learned friends, was known over
most part of Europe. Having, like his father, been biassed
in favour of the republican party from which he recovered
by time and reflection, his merit was in consequence overlooked during the reigns of Charles II. and James II. but
on the accession of king William, he was called to a seat
at the board of trade, where his knowledge of the subject
made his services of great importance; and when Dr. Tillotson was promoted to the see of Canterbury in 1691, he
prevailed on Mr. Hill to take on him the office of his
comptroller, which he accordingly accepted, and lived in
Jiigh favour with that distinguished prelate, who would frequently term him “his learned friend and his instructing
philosopher.
” On the accession of queen Anne, Mr. Hill
resigned his office in the Board of Trade, and retired to
his seat of St. John’s in Sutton, at Hone in the county of
Kent, which he had purchased in 1665, and which was
always his favourite residence. Here he died Feb. 5, 1721.
In 1767 a volume of his “Familiar Letters
” was published,
which gives us a very favourable idea of his learning, public spirit, and character; and although the information
these letters contain is not of such importance now as when
written, there is always an acknowledged charm in unreserved epistolary correspondence, which makes the perusal
of this and all such collections interesting.
in a contest with the Royal Society, Of this, the origin and progress has been thus detailed by one who had every opportunity of knowing the circumstances. When Mr.
But the disposition of Dr. Hill was greatly changed with
his circumstances: from being humble and diffident, he had
become vain and self-sufficient. There appeared in him a
pride, which was perpetually claiming a more than ordinary homage, and a vindictive spirit, which could never
forgive the refusal of it. Hence his writings abounded
with attacks on the understandings, morals, or peculiarities
of others, descending, even to personal abuse and scurrility.
This licence of his pen engaged him frequently in disputes
and quarrels; and an Irish gentleman of the name of
Browne, supposed to be ridiculed in an “Inspector,
” proceeded so far as to cane him in the public gardens at Ranelagh. He had a paper war with Woodward the comedian was engaged with Henry Fielding in the affair of
Elizabeth Canning and concerned in a contest with the
Royal Society, Of this, the origin and progress has been
thus detailed by one who had every opportunity of knowing
the circumstances. When Mr. Hill had started all at once
as before related, from a state of indigence and distress,
to taste the comforts of very considerable emoluments from
his labour, giddy with success, and elated beyond bounds
with the warm sunshine of prosperity, he seemed to be
seized with a kind of infatuation. Vanity took entire possession of his bosom, and banished from thence every
consideration but of self. His conversation turned on little
else, and even his very writings were tainted with perpetual details of every little occurrence that happened to him.
His raillery, both in company and in his writings, frequently turned on those who closely attached themselves to
philosophical investigations, especially in the branches of
natural philosophy. The common -place wit of abusing the
medal-scraper, the butterfly-hunter, the cockle-shell-merchant, &c. now appeared in some of his Magazines and
Inspectors, and in two or three places he even indulged
some distant glances of satire at the Royal Society. Notwithstanding which, however, when the Supplement to
“Chambers’s Dictionary
” was nearly finished, the proprietors of that work, very sensible of the weight of an
F. R. S. annexed to the author’s name, were very desirous
that Dr. Hill should have this addition as well as Mr. Scott,
his colleague in the work. In consequence of this design,
Dr. Hill procured Mr. Scott to propose him for election
into that honourable body; but the doctor’s conduct for
some time past having been such as had rendered him the
object of contempt to some, of disgust to others, and of
ridicule to almost all the rest of his former grave and philosophical acquaintances, he now stood but a very indifferent chance for carrying an election, where an opposition
pf one third was sufficient to reject the candidate; and as.
the failing in that attempt might have done our author
more essential prejudice than the succeeding in it could
even have brought him advantage, the late ingenious and
worthy president, Martin Folkes, esq. whose remembrance
must ever live in the highest estimation with all who ever
had the honour of knowing him, notwithstanding that Dr.
Hill had given him personal occasion of offence against him,
yet with the utmost generosity and candour, advised Mr.
Scott to dissuade his friend, for his own sake, against a
design which there appeared so little probability of his succeeding in. This advice, however, Dr. Hill, instead of
considering in the generous light it was meant, misinterpreted into a prejudiced opposition against his interest, am
would have persisted in his intention even in despite of it,
had net his being unable to obtain the subscription o
requisite number of members to his recommendation^
obliged him to lay it aside, from a conviction that he could
not expect to carry an election in a body composed of three
hundred members, of which he could not prevail on three
to set their names to the barely recommending him as a
candidate. Thus disappointed, his vanity piqued, and his
pride lowered, no relief was left him but railing and scurrility, for which purpose, declaring open war with the
society in general, he first published a pamphlet entitled
*' A Dissertation on Royal Societies,“in a letter from a
Sclavonian nobleman in London to his friend in Sclavonia;
which, besides the most ill-mannered and unjust abuse on
the whole learned body he had been just aiming, in vain,
to become a member of, is interlarded with the grossest
personal scurrility on the characters of Mr. Folkes and
Mr. Henry Baker, two gentlemen to whom Dr. Hill had
formerly been under the greatest obligations, and whose
respective reputations in both the moral and literary world
had long been too firmly established for the weak efforts
of a disappointed scribbler to shake or undermine. Not
contented with this, he proceeded to compile together a
large quarto volume entitled
” A Review of the Works of
the Royal Society,“in which, by the most unfair quotations,
mutilations, and misrepresentations, numbers of the papers
read in that illustrious assembly, and published under the
title of the
” Philosophical Transactions,“are endeavoured
to be rendered ridiculous. This work is ushered into the
world with a most abusive and infamous dedication to
Martin Folkes, esq. against whom and the afore-mentioned
Mr. Henry Baker the weight of this furious attack was
chiefly aimed but the whole recoiled upon himself; and
by such personal abuse, malignant altercation, proud and
insolent behaviour, together with the slovenliness and inaccuracy of careless and hasty productions, he wrote himself out of repute both with booksellers and the town;
and, after some time, sunk in the estimation of the public
nearly as fast as he had risen. He found, however, as
usual, resources in his own invention. He applied himself
to the preparation of certain simple medicines namely,
” the Essence of Water-dock; Tincture of Valerian Pectoral Balsam of Honey and Tincture of Bardana.“The
well-known simplicity of these preparations led the public
to judge favourably of their effects; they had a rapid sale,
and once more enabled the doctor to live in splendour.
Soon after the publication of the first of these medicines,
he obtained the patronage of the earl of Bute; under
which he published a very pompous and voluminous botanical work, entitled
” A System of Botany;“but is said to
have been a very considerable loser by this speculation.
His botanical works, however, had a favourable influence
in promoting the science in general. To wind up the
whole of so extraordinary a life, having a year or two
before his death presented an elegant set of his botanical
works to the king of Sweden, that monarch invested him
with one of the orders of his court, that of Vasa, in consequence of which he assumed the title of Sir John. He
died Nov. 22, 1775, of the gout, which he professed to cure
others. As to his literary character, and the rank of
merit in which his writings ought to stand, Hill’s greatest
enemies could not deny that he was master of considerable
abilities, and an amazing quickness of parts. The rapidity
of his pen was ever astonishing, and he has been known
to receive within one year, no less than 1500l. for the
works of his own single hand; which, as he was never in
such estimation as to be entitled to any extraordinary price
for his copies, is, we believe, at least three times as much
as ever was made by any one writer in the same period of
time. But, had he written much less, his works would
probably have been much more read. The vast variety of
subjects he handled, certainly required such a fund of
universal knowledge, and such a boundless genius, as were
never perhaps known to centre in any one man; and it is
not therefore to be wondered, if, in regard to some he
appears very inaccurate, in some very superficial, and in
others altogether inadequate to the task he had undertaken.
His works on philosophical subjects seemed most likely to
have procured him fame, had he allowed himself time to
digest the knowledge he possessed, or preserved that regard
to veracity which the relation of scientific facts so rigidly
demands. His novels, of which he has written many, such
as
” The History of Mr. Lovell,“(in which he had endeavoured to persuade the world he had given the detail of his own life),
” The Adventures of a Creole,“” The Life of
Lady Frail,“&c. have, in some parts of them, incidents
not disagreeably related, but the most of them are merely
narratives of private intrigues, containing throughout the
grossest calumnies, and endeavouring to blacken and
undermine the private characters of many worthy persons.
In his
” Essays,“which are by much the best of hia
writings, there is, in general, a liveliness of imagination,
and adroitness in the manner of extending, perhaps some
very trivial thought, which at first may by many be mistaken for wit; but, on a nearer examination, will be found
to lose much of its value. A continued use of smart short
periods, bold assertions, and bolder egotisms, produces a
transient effect, but seldom tempts the spectator to take a
second glance. The utmost that can be said of Hill is,
that he had talents, but that, in general, he either greatly
nisapplied them, or most miserably hackneyed them for
profit. As a dramatic writer he stands in no estimation^
nor has he been known in that view by any thing but three
very insignificant pieces: namely, 1.
” Orpheus,“an
opera, 1740. 2.
” The Critical Minute,“a farce, published in 1754, but not acted, 3.
” The Rout," a farce,
1754*. A large volume might be written on the life and!
adventures of this extraordinary man, as affording a complete history of literary quackery, every branch of which
he pursued with a greater contempt for character than
perhaps any man in our time.
and extreme poverty. His extraordinary character was made known to the world by Mr. Spence in 1757, who, in order to promote a subscription for him, published a comparison
was a man remarkable for his perseverance and talent in learning many languages by the aid
of books alone, and that under every disadvantage of laborious occupation and extreme poverty. His extraordinary
character was made known to the world by Mr. Spence in
1757, who, in order to promote a subscription for him,
published a comparison between him and the famous Magliabecchi, with a short life of each. From this account it
appears that he was born January 11, 1699, at Miswell
near Tring in Hertfordshire, that he was bred a taylor,
which trade and that of a staymaker he practised throughout life, sometimes adding to them that of a schoolmaster.
He was three times married, and the increase of his family,
with the extravagance of his second wife, kept him always
in great, penury. He worked in general, or taught by day,
and studied by night; in which way he acquired the Latin,
Greek, and Hebrew languages, with a good knowledge of
arithmetic. As he could proceed only as he accidentally
picked up books in a very cheap way, his progress was
slow, but by his unremitting diligence very steady.
According to his own account, he was seven years acquiring
Latin, twice as much in learning Greek, but Hebrew he
found so easy that it cost him little time. He wrote,
1. “Remarks on Berkeley’s
” Essay on Spirit“. 2.
” The
Character of a Jew.“3.
” Criticisms on Job." He was
a modest sensible man, fond of studying the Scriptures,
and a zealous member of the church of England. He
died at Buckingham in July 1777, after having been confined to his bed about a year and a half. During this time
he employed the hours in which he was able to sit up, in his
favourite study of the Old Testament in Hebrew, which
he frequently said now more than repaid him for the trouble
he had taken to acquire the language. It is probable, that
the notice into which he was brought by Mr. Spence secured him afterwards from the extremities of poverty.
, he wrote a treatise to prove the child lawfully begotten, and submitted the ms. to two physicians, who returned it with apparent approbation, but seriously considered
, a learned annotator on Dionysius Periegetes, was born in 1619, at Cudworth in Warwickshire,
and educated at Merton college, Oxford, of which he was
made one of the post-masters. He was -elected probationer-fellow of that house in 1639, and afterwards bachelor-fellow, and thence was promoted to a-free-school at
Sutton-Colfield in his own county, which school he brought
into considerable credit during his abode there. He then
removed to London, and practised physic, and in 164i>
and 1652, had leave from the delegates of the university
to accumulate the degrees in physic, but Wood could not
discover that he took the benefit of this licence it is probable he did not, as in his “Dionysius
” he styles himself
only master of arts. After this he removed to Ireland to
resume the art of teaching, and became chief master of
the great school of St. Patrick’s, Dublin, but at the restoration, as he had sided with the parliamentary interest, or
at least was indebted to it for his promotion, he was ejected
from this office, and went to Finglass, near Dublin, where
he taught and boarded children of people of quality, and
was made minister of the church there. Before his death
he was created D. D. by the university of Dublin. He
died of a pestilential fever in Nov. 1667. His edition of
Dionysius is entitled “Dionisii orbis descriptio, annotationibus Eustathii, et Hen. Stepheni, nee non Gul. Hill
eommentario critico et geographico, ac tabulis illustrata,
”
Lond.
Lord Orford, who has given some anecdotes of this painter, concludes with observing,
Lord Orford, who has given some anecdotes of this painter, concludes with observing, that the greatest obligation we have to Hilliard is his having contributed to form the celebrated Isaac Oliver.
, a Greek sophist and grammarian, who flourished under the emperors Constantius and Julian, and was
, a Greek sophist and grammarian, who
flourished under the emperors Constantius and Julian, and
was living, after the death of the latter, in the year 303,
was a native of Prusias in Bithynia, and a rival of Anatolius
and Proaeresius, after whose death he established himself
in the school of rhetoric at Athens. Eunapius, who writes
some account of him, commends his style, which was
formed on that of Aristides. He delighted in making
clandestine attacks upon the Christians. Photius describes
his declamations, and gives some extracts; but a copy of
them has been found, and an edition published by Wernsdorf in 1790, under the title “Himerii Sophisuc eclogae
et declamationes,
” Gr. Lat. Gottingen, 8vo.
ble-keeper. He was educated, however, at Westminster-school at the same time with Smith and Vincent, who were afterwards his successors in the headship of that celebrated
, a learned English prelate, was born in Swallow-street, Westminster, in 1731, where his father was in the humble employment of a stable-keeper. He was educated, however, at Westminster-school at the same time with Smith and Vincent, who were afterwards his successors in the headship of that celebrated academy. In 1750 he was elected to Trinity college, Cambridge, where he took his bachelor’s degree in 1754, and about the same time became usher of Westminster-school, then entered into holy orders, and officiated as morning preacher of South Audley street chapel. He continued in these employments (taking his master’s degree in 1757) until 1760, when he travelled into Germany, Italy, and France with Mr. Crewe, afterwards member of parliament for Cheshire, who, when returned from his tour, settled on Dr. Hinchliffe three hundred pounds a year, and made him his domestic chaplain. With this gentleman the doctor lived, with the attention and respect which were justly due to his merit. During his residence in Italy, where he conducted himself in every respect agreeable to his station and character, he was favoured with an introduction to the ]ate duke of Grafton, who had been contemporary with him at Cambridge, and soon after, in 1764, by the interest of his o-race, he was appointed head-master of Westminster schooCon the resignation of Dr. Markham, late archbishop of York, but his ill state of health not being suited to such a laborious employ, he was obliged to resign in a fe‘w months after he had accepted it. He declined several advantageous offers that were made him if he would travel again; and being made very easy in circumstances by the generosity of his friend and pupil, Mr. Crewe, he intended to return and reside at college, when he was solicited by his ’noble patron to undertake for a few years the care of the late duke of Devonshire.
upil Mr. Crewe, a young lady about twenty-one years of age, was courted by an officer of the guards, who not being favoured with the approbation of Mr. Crewe, this latter
In consequence of this, Dr. Hinchliffe was appointed tutor
and domestic chaplain to the duke of Devonshire, with
whom he continued at Devonshire-house till his grace went
abroad; and, by the joint interest of his two noble patrons
he was presented to the vicarage of Greenwich, in 1766.
About this time, Miss Elizabeth, the sister of his pupil
Mr. Crewe, a young lady about twenty-one years of age,
was courted by an officer of the guards, who not being
favoured with the approbation of Mr. Crewe, this latter
gentleman applied to Dr. Hinchliffe, requesting him to
dissuade his sister from encouraging the addresses of her
suitor. This he did so effectually, that the lady not only
gratified her brother’s wishes, but her own, by giving both
her heart and hand to the doctor. Mr. Crewe acquiesced
immediately in his sister’s choice, encreasing her fortune
from five thousand^ the sum originally bequeathed to her,
to fifteen thousand pounds; but at the same time withdrawing the three hundred per annum before mentioned.
Dr. Hinchliffe, it is said, was offered the tuition of the prince
of Wales, which important trust he declined, from his predilection, as it is supposed, to what were called Whig
principles. On the death of Dr. Smith, in 1768, his lordship was elected, through the recommendation of the duke
of Grafton, master of Trinity college, Cambridge; and
scarce a year had elapsed, when he was raised to the
bishopric of Peterborough on the death of Dr. Lamb, in.
1769, by the interest of the duke of Grafton, then prime
minister. It is probable his lordship might have obtained
other preferment, had he not uniformly joined the party in
parliament who opposed the principle and conduct of the
American war. The only other change he experienced was
that of being appointed dean of Durham, by which he was
removed from the mastership of Trinity college. He died
at his palace at Peterborough Jan. 11, 1794, after a long
illness, which terminated in a paralytic stroke. His lordship, although a man of ^considerable learning, published
three sermons, preached on public occasions. He
was a graceful orator in parliament, and much admired in
the pulpit. Mr. Jones, in his Life of bishop Home, says
that “he spake with the accent of a man of sense (such as he really was in a superior degree), but it was remarkable,
and, to those who did not know the cause, mysterious, that
there was not a corner of the church, in which he could
not be heard distinctly.
” The reason Mr. Jones assigns,
was, that he made it an invariable rule, “to do justice to
every consonant, knovxing that the vowels will be sure to
speak for themselves. And thus he became the surest and
clearest of speakers: his elocution was perfect, and never
disappointed his audience.
” Two years after his death, a
volume of bishop Hinchliffe’s “Sermons
” were published,
but, probably from a want of judgment in the selection,
did not answer the expectations of those who had been
accustomed to admire him in the pulpit.
printed with art. 3. 5.” Sermon at the funeral of George Purefoy the elder, of Wadiey in Berks, esq. who was buried by his ancestors at Drayton in Leicestershire, 21
The publications of Dr. Hinckley re, 1. “Four Sermons viz. 1. at the assizes at Reading 2. at Abmgdon
3 and 4.at Oxford, 1657,
” 8vo. 2. “Matrimonial instruction to persons of honour,
” printed with the “mons
” 3 " Epistola veridica ad homines 4to, (reprinted in his
” Fasciculus Literaruin“).
4
” Oratio pro statu ecclesiae fluetuantis,“printed with
art. 3. 5.
” Sermon at the funeral of George Purefoy the
elder, of Wadiey in Berks, esq. who was buried by his
ancestors at Drayton in Leicestershire, 21 April, 1661;“1661, 4to. 6.
” A persuasive to Conformity, by way of
letter to the dissenting brethren, 1670,“8vo. 8.
” Fasciculus literarum; or Letters on several occasions, 1680,“8vo. The first half of tnis book contains letters between
Mr. Baxter and Dr. Hinckley, in which many things are
discussed which are repeated in Baxter’s plea for the nonconformists. There are four in number, written by each,
and our author’s third letter was written soon after Baxter’s
book
” Of Church Divisions“came forth; he having not
only obliquely reflected on Dr. Hinckley’s second letter,
but particularly signified his discontent both with Hinckley
and his book. The reason of the publication of tuese letters five years after their first penning, was occasioned by
the account which Baxter had given in many of his writings of Hinckley’s Letters: the last, of which Letters was
answered by Baxter in his third,
” Of the Cause of Peace,
&c."
tjie astronomical observations he tnade in that space of time. He is supposed to have been the first who, from vague and scattered observations, reduced astronomy to
, a celebrated ancient astronomer, was
born at Nice in Bithynia, and flourished between the
154th and 163d olympiads; or between 160 and 125 B. C.
as we learn from tjie astronomical observations he tnade in
that space of time. He is supposed to have been the first
who, from vague and scattered observations, reduced astronomy to a science, and prosecuted the study of it systematically. Pliny, who always mentions him in terms of
high commendation, says he was the lirst who attempted to
take the number of the fixed stars, and his catalogue is
preserved in Ptolemy’s “Almagest,
” where they are all
noted according to their longitudes and apparent magnitudes. Pliny places him amongst those men of a sublime
genius, who, by foretelling the eclipses, taught mankind,
that they ought not to be frightened at these phenomena.
Thales was the first among the Greeks, uho could discover
when there was to be an eclipse. Sulpitms Gailns among
the Romans begun to succeed in this kind of prediction;
and gave an essay of his skill very seasonably, the day
before a battle was fought. "After these two, Hipparchus foretold the course of the sun and moon for 600 years
calculated according to the different manner of reckoning
the months, days, and hours, used by several nations, and
for the different situations of places. Pliny admires him
for taking an account of all the stars, and for acquainting
us with their situations am! magnitudes. Hipparchus is
also memorable for being the first who discovered the precession of the equinoxes.
observations in which Eudoxus was mistaken. He makes the same remarks against Aratus the grammarian, who wrote “A Commentary on Aratus’s Phenomena.” Peter Victorius
The first observations he made were in the isle of
Rhodes, which gained him the name Rhodius, and has
made some moderns imagine, that there were two ancient
astronomers of that name: but afterwards he cultivated this
science in Bithynia and Alexandria only. One of his works
still extant, his “Commentary upon Aratus’ s Phenomena,
”
is properly a criticism upon Aratus, whom he charges witk
having plundered Eudoxus’s books, and transcribed even
those observations in which Eudoxus was mistaken. He
makes the same remarks against Aratus the grammarian,
who wrote “A Commentary on Aratus’s Phenomena.
”
Peter Victorius is the first who published this “Commentary
” of Hjpparchus, Florence,
d of Cos, about 460 B. C. He is said to have descended from Æsculapius, through a line of physicians who had all promoted the fame of the Coan school, and by his mother’s
, usually called the father of physic, was born in the island of Cos, about 460 B. C. He is said to have descended from Æsculapius, through a line of physicians who had all promoted the fame of the Coan school, and by his mother’s side he was the eighteenth lineal descendant from Hercules. He appears to have devoted himself to the medical art that he might perpetuate the honours of his family, and he has eclipsed them. Besides the empirical practice which was hereditary among them, he studied under Herodicus, who had invented the gymnastic medicine, and was instructed in philosophy and eloquence by Gorgias, a celebrated sophist and brother of Herodicus. He is also said to have been a pupil of Democritus, which appears improbable, and a follower of the doctrines of Heraclitus. In whatever study, however, he engaged, he appears to have pursued a rational plan, upon actual expedience, discarding the theories of those who never had practised the art, and hence is said to have been the first who separated the science of medicine from philosophy, or rather from mere speculation, which then assumed that name. Of the events of his life little is known with cer T tainty. He spent a great part of his time in travelling: during which he resided for a considerable period, at varipus places, in which he was occupied in the practise of his art. His chief abode was in the provinces of Thessaly and Thrace, especially at Larissa, the capital of Thessaly, where he composed several books. According to Soranus, he spent some time at the court of Macedon, where he signalized himself, in consultation with Kuryphon, a senior physician, by detecting the origin of the malady of the young Perdiccas. His observation of the emotion of the prince on the appearance of Phila, a mistress of his father, led him to pronounce that love alone was capable of curing the disease which it had occasioned. His fame caused him to receive invitations from diiFerent cities of Greece. He is said to have been requested by the inhabitants of Abciera to go and cure their celebrated fellowcitizen, Democritus, of the madness under which they supposed him to labour, whom he pronounced not mad; but, the wisest man in their city. In a speech ascribed to his son Thessalus, still extant, we are told that Illyria and Paeonia being ravaged by the plague, the inhabitants of those countries offered large sums of money to induce Hippocrates to come to their relief; but forseeing that the pestilence was likely to penetrate into Greece, he refused to quit his own country, but sent his two sons, and his sonin-law, through the diiFerent provinces, to convey the proper instructions for avoiding the infection; he himself went to Thessaly, and thence to Athens, where he conferred such eminent services on the citizens, that they issued a decree honouring him with a crown of gold, and initiating him and his family in the sacred mysteries of Ceres and Proserpine. Hippocrates is likewise reported to have refused an invitation from Artaxerxes, king of Persia, accompanied by a promise of every reward and honour which he might desire, to repair to his dominions during a season of pestilence, which he refused; and that when the enraged king ordered the inhabitants of Cos to deliver up Hippocrates, they declared their resolution to defend the life and liberty of their valued countryman at all hazards, and nothing was attempted by the Persian. Most of these stories, however, are deemed fictitious by the most intelligent critics. The cure of the young Perdiccas probably originated from the report of a similar cure ascribed to Erasistratus; and the interview with Deraocntus is not supported by any satisfactory evidence. The relation of the services of Hippocrates, during the plague at Atbeps, is altogether irreconcileable with the accounts of Galen and of Thucydides: besides, that plague commenced during the Peioponnesiin war, in the second year of the 87th olympiad, at which time Hippocrates was about thirty" years old, and therefore could not have had two sons or a son-in-law in a condition to practise. Dr. Ackerman justly conjectures, that these fables were all invented after the death of Hippocrates, and ascribed to him by the followers of the dogmatic sect, of which he was regarded as the founder. The letters and other pieces, which are preserved with the works of Hippocrates, and on the authority of which these anecdotes are related, are generally deemed spurious.
Draco, both eminent practitioners, he left a dan g liter, married to his favourite pupil, Poly bus, who arranged and published the works of his great master; he left
After a long life spent in the successful practice of his art, in perfecting his rational system of medical inquiry, and in forming disciples worthy to supply his place, Hippocrates died t Larissa in Thessaly, at the age of 85, or 90, or, as others affirm, of 104, or even 109 years. He was buried between that city and Gyrtona. Besides two sons, Thessalus and Draco, both eminent practitioners, he left a dan g liter, married to his favourite pupil, Poly bus, who arranged and published the works of his great master; he left also a number of disciples.
des and Artemidorus, surnamed Capito, in the time of Adrian. Polybus, the son-in-law of Hippocrates, who collected and edited his works, is believed to have written
How dubious soever many of the circumstances of the
life of Hippocrates may be, it is not questioned that he acquired a reputation, which has ranked him high among the
great men of Greece, and which may be traced from age
to age, from the time in which he flourished through all
succeeding periods. He has not only passed, by almost
universal consent, for the father of physic and the prince
of physicians, but his opinions were every where respected
as oracles, not only in the schools of medicine, but in the
courts of law. Philosophers of every sect were eager to
rend, to quote, and to comment upon his writings. He
has shared with Plato the title of divine; and not only
statues, but temples were erected to his memory, and his
altars were covered with incense, like those of Æscuiapius
himself. Indeed the qualifications and duties required in
the character of the physician, were never more fully exemplified than in his conduct, or more eloquently described
than by his pen. He had formed a very exalted notion of
the dignity and usefulness of his profession, which is only
lowered, he said, in the public estimation, by the ignorance
of its professors; and he supported this dignity in his own
person by the most rigid attention to the morality of private
lite, by great simplicity, candour, and benevolence in all
his intercourse with the sick, and by unwearied zeal in investigating the nature and progress of diseases, and in administering to their cure. He is said to have admitted no
one to his instructions without the solemnity of an oath,
the form of which is transmitted to us among his writings.
The books attributed to Hippocrates amount to sevemytwo in number, of which, however, a considerable part are
regarded as spurious; some containing opinions which
were not prevalent till long after the age of Hippocrates,
and some differing altogether in style and composition from
the genuine writings of that master, which are composed in
the ionic dialect, and are distinguished by a remarkable
conciseness, and, as it were, compression oflanguage,
which at times, indeed, borders upon obscurity. Some
pieces have been obviously written after the commencement of the Christian tera; and Galen affirms that several
interpolations and alterations were made by Dioscorides
and Artemidorus, surnamed Capito, in the time of Adrian.
Polybus, the son-in-law of Hippocrates, who collected and
edited his works, is believed to have written some of the
pieces, and Thessalus and Draco, his sons, as well as
Hippocrates III. and IV., his grandsons, are supposed to
have written others, especially several of the books of
“Epidemies.
” The following, however, are generally deemed
original productions of Hippocrates the Coan namely,
1. The essay “On Air, Water*, and Soils
” 2. The first
and third books of “Epidemics
” 3. The book On Prognostics 4. The fir&t and second books of “Predictions;
”
and 5. The books of “Aphorisms
” but the two last contain many interpolations 6. The treatise *' On the Diet
in acute diseases“7. That *' On Wounds of the Head.
”
Haller includes several more treatises in the list of genuine
works of Hippocrates, which have “been disputed, even from
ancient times such as those
” On the Nature of Man“”On the Humours;“”On Fractures;“”On the Joints;"
tnd one or two others.
, was an eminent bishop and martyr, who, after becoming very distinguished in the church by his writings,
, was an eminent bishop and martyr, who, after becoming very distinguished in the church by his writings, shed his blood for the Christian faith about the year 230, in the reign of Alexander Severus. It is certain that he was author of many works much esteemed by the ancients, but it is by no means certain that what remain under his name, and are ascribed to him, were really written by him. Fabricius has published an elegant edition of them in Greek and Latin, 1716 and 1718, 2 vols. fol. Some may be also found in the library of the Fathers.
was an Ephesian satiric poet, who flourished in the sixtieth olympiad, itbout 540 years B. C.
was an Ephesian satiric poet, who flourished in the sixtieth olympiad, itbout 540 years B. C. He was so remarkably ugly and deformed, that certain painters and sculptors amused themselves by displaying representations of him to public ridicule, and Hipponax was so offended at the insult, that he exercised against the otfuuders all the force of his satyric vein with such effect, that two of them, sculptors of Chios, Bupalus and Anthernus, are said to have hanged themselves; but Pliny contradicts the story, Hist. Nat. xxxvi. 5. Hipponax is said to be the inventor of the scazontic verse, which is an iambic, terminating with a spondee, instead of an iambic foot.
eminent French mathematician and astronomer, was born at Paris, March 18, 1640. His father Laurence, who was painter in ordinary to dm king, professor in the academy
, an eminent French mathematician and astronomer, was born at Paris, March 18, 1640. His father Laurence, who was painter in ordinary to dm king, professor in the academy of painting and sculpture, and much celebrated, intended him also for the same occupation; and with that view taught him the principles of design, and some branches of mathematics, but died when Philip was no more than seventeen. Falling afterwards into a bad habit of body, he projected a journey into Italy; which he conceived might contribute not less to the recovery of his health, than to bring him to perfection in his art. He accordingly set out in 1660, and soon found himself well enough to contemplate the remains of antiquity, with which Italy abounds, and also to study geometry, to which he had indeed more propensity than to painting, and which soon afterwards engrossed him entirely. The retired manner in which he spent his time in Italy, very much suited his disposition; and he would willingly have continued longer in that country, but for the importunity of his mother, who prevailed upon him to return, after an absence of about four years.
ece & Latine, pleraque nunc primum edita,” 16i>3, folio. This edition had been begun by M. Thevenot; who dying, the care of finishing it was committed to de la Hire.
The principal of his works are: “Nouvelle Methode en
Geometric pour les sections des superficies coniques & cylindriques,
” De la Cycloide,
” Nouveaux Elemens des sections coniques: les lieux
Geometriques; la construction ou effection des equations,
”
La Gnomonique,
” &c. Sectiones Conicse in noveui hbfos distributee,
” Tabulas Astronomicae,
” Veterum
Mathematicorum Opera, Graece & Latine, pleraque nunc
primum edita,
” 16i>3, folio. This edition had been begun by M. Thevenot; who dying, the care of finishing it
was committed to de la Hire. It shews that the author’s
strong application to mathematical and astronomical studies,
had not hindered him from acquiring a very competent
knowledge of the Greek tongue. Besides these and other
smaller works, there are a vast number of his pieces scattered up and down in journals, and particularly in the
“Memoirs of the Academy of Sciences.
” M. de Fontenelle wrote an eulogium upon him.
, a prelate celebrated for his controversial talents, was the son of the rev. Samuel Hoadly, who kept a private school many years, and was afterwards master
, a prelate celebrated for his
controversial talents, was the son of the rev. Samuel Hoadly, who kept a private school many years, and was afterwards master of the public grammar-school at Norwich.
He was born at Westerham in Kent, Nov. 14, 1676. In
1691 he was admitted a pensioner of Catherine hall, Cambridge, and after taking his bachelor’s degree, was chosen
fellow; and when M. A. became tutor. He took orders
under Dr. Compton, bishop of London, and next year
quitting his fellowship (vacated most probably by his marriage) he was chosen lecturer of St. Mildred in the Poultry,
London, which he held ten years, but does not appear to
have been very popular, as he informs us himself that he
preached it down to 30l. a-year, and then thought it high
time to resign it. This was not, however, his only employment, as in 1702 he officiated at St. Swithin’s in the
absence of the rector, and in 1704-was presented to the
rectory of St. Peter-le-Poor, Broad-street. By this time
he had begun to distinguish himself as a controversial, anthor, and his first contest was;vith Mr. Calamy, the biographer of the non-conformists. Several tracts passed between them, in which Hoadly endeavoured to prove the
reasonableness of conformity to the Church of England.
How well he was qualified to produce that influence on the
non-conformists appears, among other instances, from
what the celebrated commentator Matthew Henry says of
the eftect of his writings on his own mind-: “I have had
much satisfaction this year (1703) in my non-conformity,
especially by reading Mr. Hoadly’s books, in which I see
a manifest spirit of Christianity unhappily leavened by the
spirit of conformity.
” In a
torrent of angry zeal began to pour itself out upon him.
”
His attention to this subject was, however, diverted for
some time by another controversy into which he entered
with Dr. Atterbury. In 1706 he published “Some Remarks on Dr. Atterbury’s Sermon at the Funeral of Mr.
Bennet
” and two years afterwards c< Exceptions“against
another Sermon by the same author, on the power of
” Charity to cover Sin.“In 1709, a dispute arose between
these combatants, concerning the doctrine of non-resistance, occasioned by the sermon we just mentioned before
the lord-mayor, and Hoadly’s defence of it, entitled
” The Measures of Obedience;“some positions in which
Atterbury endeavoured to confute in a Latin Sermon,
preached that year before the London clergy. Hoadly’s
politics were at this time so acceptable to the ruling powers,
that the house of commons gave him a particular mark of
their regard, by representing in an address to the queen,
the signal services he had done to the cause of civil and
religious liberty. At this time, when his principles were
unpopular, (which was indeed the case the greater part of his life), Mrs. Rowland spontaneously presented him to
the rectory of Streatham in Surrey. Soon after the accession of George I. his influence at court became so considerable, that he was made bishop of Bangor in 1715,
which see, however, from an apprehension of party fury,
as was said, he never visited, but still remained in town,
preaching against what he considered as the inveterate
errors of the clergy. Among other discourses he made at
this crisis, one was upon these words,
” My kingdom is not
of this world:“which, producing the famous Bangoriau
controversy, as it was called, employed the press for many
years. The manner in which he explained the text was, that
the clergy had no pretensions to any temporal jurisdictions;
but this was answered by Dr. Snipe; and, in the course
of the debate, the argument insensibly changed, from the
rights of the clergy to that of princes, in the government
of the church. Bishop Hoadly strenuously maintained,
that temporal princes had a right to govern in ecclesiastical
polities. His most able opponent was the celebrated William Law, who, in some material points, may be said to
have gained a complete victory. He was afterwards involved in another dispute with Dr. Hare, upon the nature
of prayer: he maintained, that a calm, rational, and dispassionate manner of offering up our prayers to heaven,
was the most acceptable method of address. Hare, on the
contrary, insisted, that the fervour of zeal was what added
merit to the sacrifice; and that prayer, without warmth,
and without coining from the heart, was of n > avail. This
dispute, like the former, for a time excited many opponents, but has long subsided. From the bishopric of Bangor, he was translated successively to those of Hereford,
Salisbury, and Winchester, of which last see he continued
bishop more than 26 years. His latter days were in some
measure disturbed by a fraud attempted to be practised on
him by one Bernard Fournier, a popish convert, who pretended to have received a notc-of-hand from the bishop
for the sum of 8800l.; but this was proved in court to be a
forgery. It produced the last, and one of the best written
of the bishop’s tracts,
” A Letter to Clement Chevallier,
esq." a gentleman who had too much countenanced F\>urnier in his imposture. This appeared in 1758, when our
prelate had completed his eighty-first year. He died April
17, 1761, aged eighty-five, and was buried in Winchester
cathedral, where there is an elegant monument to his memory. His first wife was Sarah Curtis, by whom he had
two sons, Benjamin, M. D. and John, LL. I) chancellor of
Winchester. His second wife was Mary Newey, daughter
of the rev. Dr. John Newey, dean of Chichester.
les he continued throughout life to profess conformity, and his attempt to gain over the dissenters, who was himself the greatest dissenter that ever was preferred in
ell known (along with the learned and ingenious doctors David Hartley and Davies, both late of Bath, who with him composed the whole class) to jnake a greater progress
, M. D. eldest son of the bishop of Winchester, was born Feb. 10, 1705-6, in Broad-street, and educated, as was his younger brother, at Dr. Newcomers at Hackney, and Benet-college, Cambridge; being admitted pensioner April 8, 1722, under archbishop Herring, then tutor there. Here he took a degree in physic in 1727; and, particularly applying to mathematical and philosophical studies, was well known (along with the learned and ingenious doctors David Hartley and Davies, both late of Bath, who with him composed the whole class) to jnake a greater progress under the blind professor Saunderson than any student then in the university. When his late majesty was at Cambridge in April 1728, he was upon
the continent for the purposes of polite accomplishment. William Hoare was the first English painter who visited Rome for professional study.
, an ingenious and amiable English artist, was born about the year 1707, at Eye, near Ipswich, in Suftblk. His father was possessed of considerable property, holding a farm of large extent in his own hands. William shewing very early a disposition to study, was sent to a. school at Faringdon in Berkshire, where the master enjoyed a hii;h reputation for classical learning. The pupil eagerly availed himself of every opportunity of improvement, and in the course of a few years attained such a degree of proficiency as to assist his master occasionally in the tuition of the other scholars. To these acquirements he added no indifferent skill in drawing, which was also taught in the school; and he soon distinguished himself above his competitors in the prize exhibitions, which took place once a year. Indulging the bent of his mind to this art, he solicited and obtained his father’s permission to follow his studies in painting with a professional view. For this purpose, after having completed the school courses with great credit to himself, he was removed to London, where he was placed under the care of Grisoni, an Italian painter of history, the best, and perhaps the only one, which that time afforded. Grisoni, however, was at the best a very poor painter, and the example of his works was little calculated to produce eminence in his scholar. But he was a man of sound judgment and benevolent disposition, and it is probable that the sense of his own insufficiency induced him to persuade young William to seek a more satisfactory guidance in the pursuit to which he devoted himself so earnestly. The schools’ of Italy appeared to him the place to which a learner should resort for the means of accomplishment in his art. William caught the suggestion with eagerness, and the father’s permission was again earnestly sought, for visiting the foreign treasures of painting and sculpture, which were then known to the English only through the communications of such of our gentlemen and nobility as travelled on the continent for the purposes of polite accomplishment. William Hoare was the first English painter who visited Rome for professional study.
formed a friendship with Scheemackers, the celebrated Flemish sculptor, and with Delvaux, his pupil, who were both on their way to Rome, and on his arrival at that city
At the time of his departure from London he had formed a friendship with Scheemackers, the celebrated Flemish sculptor, and with Delvaux, his pupil, who were both on their way to Rome, and on his arrival at that city he hastened to rejoin them, and lodged in the same house with them. His next care was to place himself in the school of Francesco Imperiale, the disciple of Carlo Maratti, and the most eminent master then living. In this school he was a fellow-xstudent with Pompeo Battoni, with whom he maintained through life a cordial friendship, and with others of the same profession. Here he acquired a thorough knowledge of all that could be taught in his art, and a perfect acquaintance with the system and method of study adopted in the Roman school ever since the time of Raffaelle; to which method he at all times adhered in the execution of historical works.
ordial intimacy, arising from mutual respect. Among the connexions of Miss Barker’s family were some who were established at Bath, and Mr. Hoare soon received an invitation
In London the young painter looked around in vain for the encouragement which he had hoped to find in the historical department of his profession; and the impoverished state of his family not allowing him any alternative, he immediately resorted to portrait-painting, in which, from his superior talents, he was sure to find an unfailing resource. In this situation of his circumstances he formed a matrimonial engagement with a young lady of the name of Barker, between whose relations and his own there had long subsisted the most cordial intimacy, arising from mutual respect. Among the connexions of Miss Barker’s family were some who were established at Bath, and Mr. Hoare soon received an invitation to settle at that city, where, as there was no person of any eminence in his profession, he might reasonably look to the highest prospects of success. He accordingly accepted the invitation, and fully realized the expectations of his friends in every point. His painting-room was the resort of all that could boast the attractions either of beauty or fashion; and the number of his sitters was for a long time so great, as scarcely to allow him a momentary interval of relaxation, much less sufficient leisure for such an attention to the higher performances of his art as formed the constant object of his wishes.
minent success in his portraits brought to his gallery all the distinguished characters of the time, who occasionally visited Bath for health or pleasure; among whom,
His eminent success in his portraits brought to his gallery all the distinguished characters of the time, who occasionally visited Bath for health or pleasure; among whom, were Mr. Pitt, the Duke of Newcastle, Mr. Legge, Mr. Grenville, Lord Chesterfield, &c. &c. and his acquaintance with them was improved into friendship on their part, by the variety of his learning, the amenity of his manners, the ingenuousness of his mind, and the high respectability of his domestic establishment. To the list of his friends and patrons were soon added the virtuous Allen, and his learned nephew-in-law, Warburton; and Mr. Allen’s house, where he was always a welcome visitor, gave him also an introduction to Pope, and other distinguished inmates of Prior-park.
In 1631, the countess dowager of Devonshire was desirous of placing the young earl under his care, who was then about the age of thirteen; a trust very suitable to
In 1631, the countess dowager of Devonshire was desirous of placing the young earl under his care, who was
then about the age of thirteen; a trust very suitable to his
inclinations, and which he discharged with great fidelity
and diligence. In 1634 he republished his translation of
Thucydides, and prefixed to it a dedication to that young
nobleman, in which he gives a nigh character of his father,
and represents in the strongest terms his obligations to that
illustrious family. The same year he accompanied his noble
pupil to Paris, where he applied his vacant hours to natural
philosophy, especially mechanism, and the causes of animal
motion. He had frequent conversations upon these subjects with father Mersenne, a man deservedly famous, who
kept up a correspondence with almost all the learned in
Europe. From Paris he attended his pupil into Italy, and
at Pisa became known to Galileo, who communicated to
him his notions very freely. After having seen all that was
remarkable in that country, he returned in 1637 with the
earl of Devonshire into England. The troubles in Scotland now grew high, and began to spread themselves southward, and to threaten disturbance.throughout the kingdom.
Hobbes, seeing this, thought he might do good service by
composing something by way of antidote to the pestilential
opinions which then prevailed. This engaged him to commit to paper certain principles, observations, and remarks,
out of which he composed his book “De Give,
” and which
grew up afterwards into that system which he called his
“Leviathan.
”
drew, for the sake of living in quiet, to Paris; where he associated himself with those learned men, who, under the protection of Cardinal Richelieu, sought, by conferring
Not long after the meeting of the long parliament,
Nov. 3, 1640, when all things fell into confusion, he withdrew, for the sake of living in quiet, to Paris; where he
associated himself with those learned men, who, under the
protection of Cardinal Richelieu, sought, by conferring
their notions together, to promote every kind of useful
knowledge. He had not been long there, when by the
good offices of his friend Mersenne, he became known to
Des Cartes, and afterwards held a correspondence with
him upon mathematical subjects, as appears from the letters
of Hobbes published in the works of Des Cartes. But
when that philosopher printed afterwards his “Meditations,
”
in which he attempted to establish points of the highest
consequence from innate ideas, Hobbes took the liberty of
dissenting from him; as did also Gassendi, with whom
Hobbes contracted a very close friendship, which was not
interrupted till the death of the former. In 1642, he
printed a few copies of his book “De Give,
” which raised
him many adversaries, by whom he was charged with
instilling principles of a dangerous tendency. Immediately
after the appearance of this book, Des Cartes said of it to
a friend, “I am of opinion that the author of the book ‘ De
Give,’ is the same person who wrote the third objection
against my ‘ Meditations.’ I think him a much greater
master of morality, than of metaphysics or natural philosophy; though I can by no means approve of his principles
or maxims, which are very bad and extremely dangerous,
because they suppose all men to be wicked, or give them
occasion to be so. His whole design is to write in favour
of monarchy, which might be done to more advantage than
he has done, upon maxims more virtuous and solid. He
has wrote likewise greatly to the disadvantage of the church
and the Roman catholic religion, so that if he is not particularly supported by some powerful interest, I do not see
how he can escape having his book censured.
” The learned
Conringius censures him very severely for boasting, in
regard to this performance, “that though physics were a
new science, yet civil philosophy was still newer, since it
could not be styled older than his book * De Give;' whereas,
” says Conringius, “there is nothing good in that work
of his that was not always known.
” But vanity was
throughout life a prevailing foible with Hobbes.
Among many illustrious persons who upon the shipwreck of the royal cause retired to France for
Among many illustrious persons who upon the shipwreck
of the royal cause retired to France for safety, was sir
Charles Cavendish, brother to the duke of Newcastle, who,
being skilled in every branch of mathematics, proved a
constant friend and patron to Hobbes: and Hobbes himself, by embarking, in 1645, in a controversy about the
quadrature of the circle, became so celebrated, although
certainly undeservedly as a mathematician, that, in 1647,
he was recommended to instruct Charles prince of Wales,
afterwards Charles II. in that branch of study. His care
in the discharge of this office gained him the esteem of that
prince in a very great degree: and though he afterwards
withdrew his public favour from Hobbes on account of his
writings, yet he always retained a sense of the services he
had done him, shewed him various marks of his favour
after he was restored to his dominions, and, as some say,
had his picture hanging in his closet. This year also was
printed in Holland, by the care of M. Sorbiere, a second
and more complete edition of his book “De Cive,
” to
which are prefixed two Latin letters to the editor, one by
Gassendi, the other by Mersenne, in commendation of it.
While Hobbes was thus employed at Paris, he was attacked
by a violent fit of illness, which brought him so low that
his friends began to despair of his recovery. Among those
who visited him in this weak condition was his friend Mersenne, who, taking this for a favourable opportunity, began,
after a few general compliments of condolence, to mention
the power of the church of Rome to forgive sins; but
Hobbes immediately replied, “Father, all these matters I
have debated with myself long ago. Such kind of business
would be troublesome to me now; and you can entertain
me on subjects more agreeable; when did you see Mr.
Gassendi?
” Mersenne easily understood his meaning,
and, without troubling him any farther, suffered the conversation to turn upon general topics. Yet some days
afterwards, when Dr. Cosin, afterwards bishop of Durham,
came to pray with him, he very readily accepted the proposal, and received the sacrament at his hands, according
to the forms appointed by the church of England.
ts of the Law.” The latter was presented to Gassendi, and read by him a few months before his death; who is said first to have kissed it, and then to have delivered
In 1650 was published at London a small treatise by
Hobbes entitled “Human Nature,
” and another, “De corpore politico, or, of the Elements of the Law.
” The latter
was presented to Gassendi, and read by him a few months
before his death; who is said first to have kissed it, and
then to have delivered his opinion of it in these words:
tl This treatise is indeed small in bulk, but in my judgment
the very marrow of science.“All this time Hobbes had
been digesting with great pains his religious, political, and
moral principles into a complete system, which he called
the
” Leviathan,“and which was printed in English at
London in that and the year following. He caused a copy
of it, very fairly written on vellum *, to be presented to
Charles II.; but after that monarch was informed that the
English divines considered it as a book tending to subvert
both religion and civil government, he is said to have withdrawn his countenance from the author, and by the marquis
of Ormond to have forbidden him to come into his presence.
After the publication of his
” Leviathan," Hobbes returned
to England, and passed the summer commonly at his patron the earl of Devonshire’s seat in Derbyshire, -and his
d, if the possession of a lady, the late earl’s reone very accurately described by the presentative, who probably knew little Rev. W. H. Pratt, in the Gentleman’s of
* This copy appears to he now in How it came there has not been dis' the library of the late earl of Macart-covered. The library is now in the
ney, at Lissanoure in Ireland, if the possession of a lady, the late earl’s reone very accurately described by the presentative, who probably knew little
Rev. W. H. Pratt, in the Gentleman’s of its history.
Magazine for January 1813, p. 30.
winters in town; where he had for his intimate friends
some of the greatest men of the age; such as Dr. Harvey,
Selden, Cowley, &c. In 1654, he published his “Letter
upon Liberty and Necessity,
” which occasioned a long
controversy between him and Bramhall, bishop of Londonderry. About this time he began the controversy with
Wallis, the mathematical professor at Oxford, which lasted
as long as Hobbes lived, and in which he had the misfortune to have all the mathematicians against him. It is indeed said, that he came too late to this study to excel in it;
and that though for a time he maintained his credit, while
he was content to proceed in the same track with others,
and to reason in the accustomed manner from the established
principles of the science, yet when he began to.digress into
new paths, and set up for a reformer, inventor, and improver of geometry, he lost himself extremely. But notwithstanding these debates took up much of his time, yet
he published several philosophical treatises in Latin.
of John Bleau. In 1669, he was visited by Cosmo de Medicis, then prince, afterwards duke of Tuscany, who gave him ample marks of his esteem; and having received his
Such were his occupations till 1660, when upon the king’s
restoration he quitted the country, and came up to London.
He was at Salisbury-house with his patron, when the king
passing by one day accidentally saw him. He sent for
him, gave Kim his hand to kiss, inquired kindly after his
health and circumstances; and some time after directed
Cooper, the celebrated miniature-painter, to take his portrait. His majesty likewise afforded him another private
audience, spoke to him very kindly, assured him of his
protection, and settled a pension upon him of lOOl. per
annum out of his privy purse. Yet this did not render
him entirely safe; for, in 1666, his “Leviathan,
” and
treatise “De Give,
” were censured by parliament, which
alarmed him much; as did also the bringing of a bill into
the Hou^e of commons to punish atheism and profaneness.
When this-stonn was a little blown over, he began to think
of procuring a beautiful edition of his pieces that were in
Latin; but finding this impracticable in England, he
caused it to be undertaken abroad, where they were published in 1668, 4to, from the press of John Bleau. In
1669, he was visited by Cosmo de Medicis, then prince,
afterwards duke of Tuscany, who gave him ample marks
of his esteem; and having received his picture, and a complete collection of his writings, caused them to be deposited, the former among his curiosities, the latter in his
library at Florence. Similar visits he received from several
foreign ambassadors, and other strangers of distinction;
who were curious to see a person, whose singular opinions
and numerous writings had made so much noise all over
Europe. In 1672, he wrote his own Life in Latin verse,
when, as he observes, he had completed his eighty-fourth
year: and, in 1674, he published in English verse four
books of Homer’s “Odyssey,
” which were so well received, that it encouraged him to undertake the whole
“Iliad
” and “Odyssey,
” which he likewise performed,
and published in De Mirabilibus Pecci, or, Of the
Wonders of the Peak.
” But his poetry is below criticism,
and has been long exploded. In 1674, he took his leave
of London, and went to spend the remainder of his days
in Derbyshire; where, however, he did not remain inactive, notwithstanding his advanced age, but published
from time to time several pieces to be found in the collection of his works, namely, in 1676, his “Dispute with
Laney bishop of Ely, concerning Liberty and. Necessity;
”
in Decameron Physiologicum, or, Ten Dialogues of Natural Philosophy;
” to which he added a book,
entitled “A Dialogue between a Philosopher and a Student of the Common Law of England.
” June Behemoth, or, A History of
the Civil Wars from 1640 to 1660,
” to an eminent bookseller, with a letter setting forth the reasons for his communication of it, as well as for the request he then made,
that he would not publish it till a proper occasion offered.
The book, however, was published as soon as he was dead,
and the letter along with it; of which we shall give a curious extract: “I would fain have published my Dialogue of the Civil Wars of England long ago, and to that
end I presented it to his majesty; and some days after,
vrhen I thought he had read it, I humbly besought him to
let me print it. But his majesty, though he heard me graciously, yet he flatly refused to have it published: therefore I brought away the book, and gave you leave to take
a copy of it; which when you had done, I gave the original to an honourable and learned friend, who about a.
year after died. The king knows better, and is more
concerned in publishing of books than lam; and therefore
I dare not venture to appear in the business, lest I should
offend him. Therefore I pray you not to meddle in the
business. Rather than to be thought any way to further
or countenance the printing, I would be content to lose
twenty times the value of what you can expect to gain by
it. I pray do not take it ill; it may be I may live to send
you somewhat else as vendible as that, and without offence.
J am, &c.
” However he did not live to send his bookseller any thing more, this being his last piece. It is in
dialogue, and full of paradoxes, like all his other writings.
More philosophical, political, says Warburton, or any thing
rather than historical, yet full of shrewd observations. In
October following, he was afflicted with a suppression of
urine; and his physician plainly told him, that he had
little hopes of curing him. In November, the earl of Devonshire removing from Chatsvvorth to another seat called
Hardwick, Hobbes obstinately persisted in desiring that he
might be carried too, though this could no way be done
but by laying him upon a feather-bed. He was not much
discomposed with his journey, yet within a week after
lost, by a stroke of the palsy, the use of his speech, and
of his right side entirely; in which condition he remained
for some days, taking little nourishment, and sleeping
much, sometimes endeavouring to speak, but not being
able. He died Dec. 4, 1679, in his ninety-second year.
Wood tells us, that after his physician gave him no hopes
of a cure, he said, “Then I shall be glad to find a hole to
creep out of the world at.
” He observes also, that his not
desiring a minister, to receive the sacrament before he
died, ought in charity to be imputed to his being so suddenly seized, and afterwards deprived of his senses; the
rather, because the earl of Devonshire’s chaplain declared,
that within the two last years of his life he had often received the sacrament from his hands with seeming devotion.
His character and manners are thus described by Dr.
White Kennet, in his “Memoirs of the Cavendish Family;
”
“The earl of Devonshire,
” says he, “for his whole life
entertained Mr. Hobbes in his family, as his old tutor
rather than as his friend or confidant. He let him live
under his roof in ease and plenty, and in his own way,
without making use of him in any public, or so much as
domestic affairs. He would often express an abhorrence
of some of his principles in policy and religion; and both
he and his lady would frequently put off the mention of
his name, and say, ‘ he was a humourist, and nobody could
account for him.’ There is a tradition in the family of the
manners and customs of Mr. Hobbes somewhat observable.
His professed rule of health was to dedicate the morning
to his exercise, and the afternoon to his studies. At his
first rising, therefore, he walked out, and climbed any hill
within his reach; or, if the weather was not dry, he fatigued himself within doors by some exercise or other, to
be in a sweat: recommending that practice tfpon this opinion, that an old man had more moisture than heat, and
therefore by such motion heat was to be acquired, and
moisture expelled. After this he took a comfortable
breakfast; and then went round the lodgings to wait upon
the earl, the countess, and the children, and any considerable strangers, paying some short addresses to all of them.
He kept these rounds till about twelve o‘clock, when he
had a little dinner provided for him, which he eat always
by himself without ceremony. Soon after dinner he retired to his study, and had his candle with ten or twelve
pipes of tobacco laid by him; then shutting his door, he
fell to smoaking, thinking, and writing for several hours.
He retained a friend or two at court, and especially the lord
Arlington, to protect him if occasion should require. He
used to say, that it was lawful to make use of ill instruments to do ourselves good: * If I were cast,’ says he,
‘ into a deep pit, and the devil should put down his cloven
foot, I would take hold of it to be drawn out by it.’ Towards the end of his life he had very few books, and those
he read but very little; thinking he was now able only to
digest what he had formerly fed upon. If company came
to visit him, he would be free in discourse till he was
pressed or contradicted; and then he had the infirmities
of being short and peevish, and referring to his writings
for better satisfaction. His friends, who had the liberty
of introducing strangers to him, made these terms with
them before their admission, that they should not dispute
with the old man, nor contradict him.
”
After mentioning the apprehensions Hobbes was under,
when the parliament censured his book, and the methods
he took to escape persecution, Dr. Kennet adds, “It isnot much to be doubted, that upon this occasion he began
to make a more open shew of religion and church communion. He now frequented the chapel, joined in the service, and was generally a partaker of the holy sacrament:
and whenever any strangers in conversation with him
seemed to question his belief, he would always appeal to
his conformity in divine services, and referred them to the
chaplain for a testimony of it. Others thought it a mere
compliance to the orders of the family, and observed, that
in city and country he never went to any parish church;
and even in the chapel upon Sundays, he went out after
prayers, and turned his back upon the sermon; and when
any friend asked the reason of it, he gave no other but this,
‘ they could teach him nothing, but what he knew.’ He
did not cone‘al his hatred to the clergy but it was visible
that the hatred was owing to his fear of their civil interest
and power. He had often a jealousy, that the bishops
would burn him: and of all the bench he was most afraid
of the bishop of Sarum, because he had most offended him;
thinking every man’s spirit to be remembrance and revenge. After the Restoration, he watched all opportunities to ingratiate himself with the king and his prime ministers; and looked upon his pension to be more valqable,
as an earnest of favour and protection, than upon any other
account. His following course of life was to be free from
danger. He could not endure to be left in an empty
house. Whenever the earl removed, he would go along
with him, even to his last stage, from Chatsworth to Hardwick. When he was in a very weak condition, he dared
not to be left behind, but made his way upon a feather-bed
in a coach, though he survived the journey but a few days.
He could not bear any discourse of death, and seemed to
cast off all thoughts of it: he delighted to reckon upon
longer life. The winter before he died, he made a warm
coat, which he said must last him three years, and then
he would have such another. In his last sickness his frequent questions were, Whether his disease was curable?
and when intimations were given that he might have ease,
but no remedy, he used this expression, ’ I shall be glad
to find a hole to creep out of the world at;' which are reported to have been his last sensible words; and his lying.
some days following in a silent stupefaction, did seem
owing to his mind more than to his body. The only thought
of death that he appeared to entertain in time of health,
was to take care of some inscription on his grave. He
would suffer some friends to dictate an epitaph, among
which he was best pleased with this humour, * This is the
philosopher’s stone'.
” A pun very probably from the hand
which wrote for Dr. Fuller, “Here lies Fuller’s earth.
”
es himself was a man of excellent parts, of great wit, some reading, and somewhat more thinking; one who has spent many years in foreign parts and observations; understands
After this account of Hobbes, which, though undoubtedly true in the main, may be thought too strongly coloured, it will be but justice to subjoin what lord Clarendon has said of him. This noble person, during his banishment, wrote a book in 1670, which was printed six years
after at Oxford with this title, “A brief View of the dangerous and pernicious Errors to Church and State in Mr.
Hobbes’s book entitled Leviathan.
” In the introduction
the earl observes, that Mr. Hobbes’s *' Leviathan“” cohtains in it good learning of all kinds, politely extracted,
and very wittily and cunningly digested in a very commendable, and in a vigorous and pleasant style: and that
Mr. Hobbes himself was a man of excellent parts, of great
wit, some reading, and somewhat more thinking; one who
has spent many years in foreign parts and observations;
understands the learned as well as the modern languages;
hath long had the reputation of a great philosopher and
mathematician; and in his age hath had conversation with
very many worthy and extraordinary men: to which it may
be, if he had been more indulgent in the more vigorous
part of his life, it might have had greater influence upon
the temper of his mind; whereas age seldom submits to
those questions, inquiries, and contradictions, which the
laws and liberty of conversation require. And it hath been
always a lamentation among Mr. Hobbes’s friends, that he
spent too much time in thinking, and too little in exercising those thoughts in the company of other men of the
same, or of as good faculties; for want whereof his natural constitution, with age, contracted such a morosity,
that doubting-and contradicting men were never grateful to
him. In a word, Mr. Hobbes is one of the most ancient
acquaintance I have in the world; and of whom I have
always had a great esteem, as a man, who, besides his
eminent parts, learning, and knowledge, hath been always
looked upon as a man of probity, and of a life free from
scandal.“There have been few persons, whose writings have had
a more pernicious influence in spreading irreligion and infidelity than those of Hobbes; and yet none of his treatises are directly levelled against revealed religion. He
sometimes affects to speak with veneration of the sacred
writings, and expressly declares, that though the laws of
nature are not laws as they proceed from nature, yet
” as
they are given by God in Holy Scripture, they are properly
called laws; for the Holy Scripture is the voice of God,
ruling all things by the greatest right.“But though ha,
seems here to make the laws of Scripture the Jaws of God,
and to derive their force from his supreme authority, yet
elsewhere he supposes them to have no authority, but what
they derive from the prince or civil power. He sometimes
seems to acknowledge inspiration to be a supernatural gift,
and the immediate hand of God: at other times he treats
the pretence to it as a sign of madness, and represents
God’s speaking to the prophets in a dream, to be no more
than the prophets dreaming that God spake unto them.
He asserts, that we have no assurance of the certainty of
Scripture but the authority of the church f, and this he
resolves into the authority of the commonwealth; and declares, that till the sovereign ruler had prescribed them,
” the precepts of Scripture were not obligatory laws, but
only counsel or advice, which he that was counselled might
without injustice refuse to observe, and being contrary to
the laws could not without injustice observe;“that the word
of the interpreter of Scripture is the word of God, and that
the sovereign magistrate is the interpreter of Scripture,
and of all doctrines, to whose authority we must stand.
Nay, he carries it so far as to pronounce that Christians
are bound in conscience to obey the laws of an infidel king
in matters of religion; that
” thought is free, but when it
comes to confession of faith, the private reason must submit to the public, that is to say, to God’s lieutenant.“Accordingly he allows the subject, being commanded by the
sovereign, to deny Christ in words, holding the faith of
him firmly in his heart; it being in this
” not he, that
denieth Christ before men, but his governor and the laws
of his country.“In the mean time he acknowledges the
existence of God, and that we must of necessity ascribe
the effects we behold to the eternal power of all powers,
and cause of all causes; and he reproaches those as absurd, who call the world, or the soul of the world, God.
But then he denies that we know any thing more of him
than, that he exists, and seems plainly to make him corporeal; for he affirms, that whatever is not body is nothing
at all. And though he sometimes seems to acknowledge
religion and its obligations, and that there is an honour
and worship due to God; prayer, thanksgivings, oblations,
&c. yet he advances principles, which evidently tend to
subvert all religion. The account he gives of it is this,
that
” from the fear of power invisible, feigned by the
mind, or imagined from tales, publicly allowed, ariseth
religion; not allowed, superstition:“and he resolves religion into things which he himself derides, namely,
” opinions of ghosts, ignorance of second causes, devotion to
what men fear, and taking of things casual for prognostics.“He takes pains in many places to prove man a
necessary agent, and openly derides the doctrine of a future state: for he says, that the belief of a future state
after death,
” is a belief grounded upon other men’s saying, that they knew it supernaturally; or, that they knew
those, that knew them, that knew others that knew it supernaturally.“But it is not revealed religion only, of
which Hobbes makes light; he goes farther, as will appear by running over a few more of his maxims. He asserts,
” that, by the law of nature, every man hath a right
to all things, and over all persons; and that the natural
condition of man is a state of war, a war of all men against
all men: that there is no way so reasonable for any man,
as by force or wiles to gain a mastery over all other persons that he can, till he sees no other power strong enough
to endanger him: that the civtt laws are the only rules of
good and evil, just and unjust, honest and dishonest; and
that, antecedently to such laws, every action is in its own
nature indifferent; that there is nothing good or evil in
itself, nor any common laws constituting what is naturally
just and unjust: that all things are measured by what
every man judgeth fit, where there is no civil government,
and by the laws of society, where there is: that the power
of the sovereign is absolute, and that he is not bound by
any compacts with his subjects: that nothing the sovereign
can do to the subject, can properly be called injurious or
wrong; and that the, king’s word is sufficient to take any
thing from the subject if need be, and that the king is
judge of that need." This scheme evidently strikes at
the foundation of all religion, natural and revealed. It
tends not only to subvert the authority of Scripture, but
to destroy God’s moral government of the world. It confounds the natural differences of good and evil, virtue and
vice. It destroys the best principles of the human nature;
and instead of that innate benevolence and social disposition which should unite men together, supposes all men
to be naturally in a state of war with one another. It
erects an absolute tyranny in the state and church, which it
confounds, and maKes the will of the prince or governing
power the sole standard of right and wrong.
n,” published in 1685; in which he undertakes to demonstrate out of Hobbes’s own works, that no man, who is thoroughly an Hobbist, can be “a good Christian, or a good
Such principles in religion and politics would, as it may
be imagined, raise adversaries. Hobbes accordingly was
attacked by many considerable persons, and, what may
seem more strange, by such as wrote against each other.
Harrington, in his “Oceana,
” very often attacks Hobbes;
and so does sir Robert Filmer in his “Observations concerning the Original of Government.
” We have already
mentioned Bramhall and Clarendon; the former argued
with great acuteness against that part of his system which
relates to liberty and necessity, and afterwards attacked
the whole in a piece, called “The Catching of the Leviathan,
” published in a good Christian, or a
good commonwealth’s man, or reconcile himself to himself.
” Tenison, afterwards archbishop of Canterbury, gave
a summary view of Hobbes’s principles, in a book called
“The Creed of Mr. Hobbes examined, 1670;
” to which,
we may add the two dialogues of Dr. Eachard between Timothy and Phiiautus, and Dr. Parker’s book, entitled
“Disputationes de Deo &, Divina Providentia.
” Dr. Henry
More has also in different parts of his works canvassed and
refuted several positions of Hobbes; and the philosopher
of Malmesbury is said to have been so ingenuous as to own,
that “whenever he discovered his own philosophy to be
unsustainable, he would embrace the opinions of Dr.
More.
” But the two greatest works against him were,
Cumberland’s book “De legibus Naturae,
” and Cudworth’s
“Intellectual System
” for these authors do not employ
themselves about his peculiar whimsies, or in vindicating
revealed religion from his exceptions and cavils, but
endeavour to establish the great principles of all religion
and morality, which his scheme tended to subvert, and to
shew that they have a real foundation in reason and nature.