Jerom was as exceptionable in many parts of his literary character, as
Jerom was as exceptionable in many parts of his literary
character, as he was in his moral, whatever Erasmus or his
panegyrists may have said to the contrary instead of an
orator, he was rather a declaimer and, though he undertook to translate so many things out of Greek and Hebrew,
he was not accurately skilled in either of those languages;
and did not reason clearly, consistently, and precisely,
upon any subject. This has been shewn in part already
by Le Clerc, in a book entitled “Quaestiones Hieronymianae,
” printed at Amsterdam in
ition of the ancient version of the “New Testament,” which, after having been at first much opposed, was adopted by the Catholic church, and is commonly distinguished
The principal of his works, which are enumerated by
Cave and Dupin, are, a new Latin version of the whole
“Old Testament,
” from the Hebrew, accompanied with a
corrected edition of the ancient version of the “New
Testament,
” which, after having been at first much opposed, was adopted by the Catholic church, and is commonly distinguished by the appellation of “Vulgate;
”
“Commentaries
” on most of the books of the Old and
New Testament “A Treatise on the Lives and Writings of Ecclesiastical Authors
” “A continuation of the
Chronicle of Eusebius
” moral, critical, historical, and
miscellaneous “Letters.
” The first printed edition of his
works was that at Basil, under the care of Erasmus, 1516
1526, in six vols. folio, of which there have been several
subsequent impressions at Lyons, Rome, Paris, and Antwerp. The most correct edition is that of Paris, by father
Martianay, a Benedictine monk of the congregation of St.
Maur, and Anthony Pouget, 1693 1706, in 5 vols. folio.
There is, however, a more recent edition, with notes by
Vallarsius, printed at Verona in 1734 -42, in eleven volumes, folio. The eleventh contains the life of Jerom,
certain pieces attributed to him on doubtful authority, and
an Index. Of his “Letters, or Epistles,
” there are many
editions executed about the infancy of printing, which are
of great beauty, rarity, and value.
e place of his birth, where he is held to be a Protestant martyr. It does not appear in what year he was born, but it is certain that he was neither a monk nor an e
, so called from the place of his
birth, where he is held to be a Protestant martyr. It does
not appear in what year he was born, but it is certain that
he was neither a monk nor an ecclesiastic: but that, being
endowed with excellent natural parts, he had a learned
education, and studied at Paris, Heidelberg, Cologne, and
perhaps at Oxford. The degree of M. A. was conferred
on him in the three first-mentioned universities, and he
commenced D. D. in 1396. He began to publish the doctrine of the Hussites in 1408, and it is said he had a greater
hare of learning and eloquence than John Huss himself.
In the mean time, the council of Constance kept a watchful eye over him; and, looking upon him as a dangerous
person, cited him before them April 17, 1415, to give an
account of Jiis faith. In pursuance of the citation, he went
to Constance, in order to defend the doctrine of Huss, as
he had promised; but, on his arrival, April 24, finding his
master Huss in prison, he withdrew immediately to Uberlingen, whence he sent to the emperor for a safe conduct,
which was refused. The council, very artfully, were
willing to grant him a safe-conduct to come to Constance,
but not for his return to Bohemia. Upon this he caused
to be fixed upon all the churches of Constance, and upon
the gates of the cardinal’s house, a paper, declaring that
he was ready to come to Constance, to give an account of
his faith, and to answer, not only in private and under the
seal, hut in full council, all the calumnies of his accusers,
offering to suffer the punishment due to heretics, it he
should be convinced of any errors; for which reason he had
desired a safe-conduct both from the emperor and the
council; but that if, notwithstanding such a pass, any violence should be done to him, by imprisonment or otherwise, all the world might be a witness of the injustice of
the council. No notice being taken of this declaration,
he resolved to return into his own country: but the council dispatched a safe-conduct to him, importing, that as
they had the extirpation of heresy above all things at
heart, they summoned him to appear in the space of fifteen days, to be heard in the first session that should be
held after his arrival; that for this purpose they had sent
him, by those presents, a safe-conduct so far as to secure
him from any violence, but they did not mean to exempt
him from justice, as far as it depended upon the council,
and as the catholic faith required. This pass and summons came to his hands, yet he was arrested in his way
homewards, April 25, and put into the hands of the prince
of Sultzbach; and, as he had not answered the citation
of April 17, he was cited again May 2, and the prince of
Sultzbach, sending to Constance in pursuance of an order
of the council, he arrived there on the 23d, bound in
chains. Upon his examination, he denied receiving of the
citation, and protested his ignorance of it. He was afterwards carried to a tower of St. Paul’s church, there fastened to a post, and his hands tied to his neck with the
same chains. He continued in this posture two days,
without receiving any kind of nourishment; upon which
he fell dangerously ill, and desired a confessor might be
allowed, which being granted, he obtained a little more liberty. On July 19, he was interrogated afresh, when he
explained himself upon the subject of the Eucharist to the
following effect: That, in the sacrament of the altar, the
particular substance of that piece of bread which is there,
is transubstantiated into the body of Christ, but that the
universal substance of bread remains. Thus, with John
Huss, he maintained the “universalia ex parte rei.
” It
is true, on a third examination, Sept. 11, he retracted this
opinion, and approved the condemnation of Wickliff and
John Huss; but, on May 26, 1416, he condemned that recantation in these terms: “I am not ashamed to confess
here publicly my weakness, Yes, with horror, I confess
my base cowardice It was only the dread of the punishment by fire, which drew me to consent, against my conscience, to the condemnation of the doctrine of Wickliff
and John Huss.
” This was decisive, and accordingly, in
the 21st session, sentence was passed on him; in pursuance of which, he was delivered to the secular arm, May 30.
As the executioner led him to the stake, Jerome, with
great steadiness, testified his perseverance in his faith, by
repeating his creed with aloud voice, and singing litanies
and a hymn to the blessed Virgin; and, being burnt to
death, his ashes, like those of Huss, were thrown into the
Rhine.
wrote to Leonard Aretin, has delineated his character in language of the highest admiration. Poggio was present at the council when Jerome made his defence, and immediately
In common with many of the early martyrs, his consistency has been attacked by the Romish writers; but one
of their number, the celebrated Poggio Bracciolini, in a
letter he wrote to Leonard Aretin, has delineated his character in language of the highest admiration. Poggio was
present at the council when Jerome made his defence, and
immediately wrote the letter we speak of, which has been
translated by Mr. Gilpin with an elegance corresponding
to the fervent glow of the original. We shall transcribe
only one passage which respects the eloquence of this
martyr, and the impression it made on the liberal and
learned Poggio: “His voice was sweet, distinct, and full;
his action every way the most proper, either to express indignation, or to raise pity: though he made no affected
application to the passions of his audience. Firm and intrepid, he stood before the council collected in himself;
and not only contemning, but seeming even desirous of
death. The greatest character in ancient story could not
possibly go beyond him. If there is any justice in history,
this man will be admired by all posterity I speak not of
his errors: let these rest with him. What I admired was
his learning, his eloquence, and amazing acuteness. God
knows whether these things were not the ground-work of
his ruin.
” After giving an account of his death, Poggio
adds, "Thus died this prodigious man. The epithet is
not extravagant. I was myself an eye-witness of his whole
behaviour. Whatever his life may have been, his death,
without doubt, is a lesson of philosophy. 7 ' Of his recantation it may be remarked, that like Cranmer, and a few
others, who in their first terror offered to exchange principles for life, they became afterwards, and almost immediately afterwards, more confident in the goodness
of their cause, and more willing to suffer in defence
of it.
other wits, who were influenced probably by the friendship of Pope, than for any merits of his own, was a native of Ireland, and studied for a year under sir Godfrey
, a painter of this country, more
known from the praises of Pope, who took instructions from
him in the art of painting, and other wits, who were influenced probably by the friendship of Pope, than for
any merits of his own, was a native of Ireland, and studied for a year under sir Godfrey Kneller. Norris, framer and keeper of the pictures to king William and queen
Anne, was the first friend who essentially served him, by
allowing him to study from the pictures in the royal collection, and to copy them. At Hamptou-cour the made small
copies of the cartoons, and these he sold to Dr. George
Clark of Oxford, who then became his protector, and furnished him with money to visit France and Italy. In the
eighth number of the Tatler, (April 18, 1709), he is mentioned as “the last great painter Italy has sent us.
” Pope
speaks of him with more enthusiasm than felicity, and rather as if he was determined to praise, than as if he felt
the subject. Perhaps some of the unhappiest lines in the
works of that poet are in the short epistle to Jervas. Speaking of the families of some ladies, he says,
aise him, if the judgment of lord Orford be accurate, on which we may surely rely. He says, that “he was defective in drawing, colouring, and composition, and even in
In this passage the whole is obscure, the connection with
the preceding part particularly so; and part is parodied
from Denham. It is no wonder that Jervas did not better
inspire his friend to praise him, if the judgment of lord
Orford be accurate, on which we may surely rely. He says,
that “he was defective in drawing, colouring, and composition, and even in that most necessary, and perhaps
most easy talent of a portrait- painter, likeness. In general, his pictures are a light, flimsy kind of fan-painting,
as iargv as life.
” His vanity, inflamed perhaps by the undeserved praises he received from wits and poets, was excessive. He affected to be violently in love with lady Bridgewater; yet, after dispraising the form of her ear, as the
only faulty part about her face, he ventured to display his
own as the complete model of perfection. Jervas appeared
as an author in his translation of Don Quixote, which he
produced, as Pope used to say of him, without understanding Spanish. Warburton added a supplement to the
preface of Jervas’ s translation, on the origin of romances
of chivalry, which was praised at the time, but has since
been totally extinguished by the acute criticisms of Mr.
Tyrwhitt. Jervas died about 1740.
, an eminent German divine, was born at Osnaburgh, in 1709, and died in 1789. Of his life we
, an eminent
German divine, was born at Osnaburgh, in 1709, and
died in 1789. Of his life we have no farther account than
that his talents raised him to the offices of vice-president
of the consistory of Brunswick, abbot of Marienthal, court
preacher, and director of the Caroline-college at Brunswick, of which, in 1745, he wrote an account. He was
reckoned in his country one of the most original and most
excellent defenders of religion that the eighteenth century
had produced. His principal works were, 1. Two volumes
of “Sermons,
” Brunswick, Letters on
the Mosaic Religion and Philosophy,
” Life of prince Albert-Henry of Brunswick Lunenburgh.
” 4. “Thoughts on the principal Truths of Religion,
” Brunswick, Character of
prince William Adolphus of Brunswick,
” Berlin, Thoughts on the Union of the Church;
” and 7. a very
elegant and judicious letter “concerning German literature,
” addressed to her royal highness the duchess dowager
of Brunswick- Wolfenbuttel, 1781.
titled “Halicoth olam,” “The Ways of Eternity;” a very useful piece for understanding the Talmud. It was translated into Latin by Constantin PEmpereur; and Bashuysen
, a learned Spanish rabbi in the fifteenth century, is the author of a book, entitled “Halicoth
olam,
” “The Ways of Eternity;
” a very useful piece for
understanding the Talmud. It was translated into Latin
by Constantin PEmpereur; and Bashuysen printed a good
edition of it in Hebrew and Latin, at Hanover, 1714, 4to.
, a celebrated French divine, was born in 1592, at Poligrii in Franche-Comte. His father was a
, a celebrated French divine, was born
in 1592, at Poligrii in Franche-Comte. His father was a
counsellor in the parliament at Dole. The piety of Le
Jeune was of the most exemplary kind. He delighted in
the most arduous offices of his profession; and refused a
canonry of Arbois, to enter into the then rising, 'but strict
society of the oratory. His patience and humility were no
less remarkable than his piety. He lost his sight at the age
of thirty-five, yet did not suffer that great misfortune to
depress his spirits. He was twice cut for the stone, without uttering a single murmur of impatience. As a preacher
he was highly celebrated, but totally free from all ostentation. As a converter of persons estranged from religion,
or those esteemed heretical, he is said to have possessed
wonderful powers of persuasion. Many dignitaries of the
church were highly sensible of his merits; particularly cardinal Berulle, who regarded him as a son, and La Fayette
bishop of Limoges, who finally persuaded him to settle in
his diocese. Le Jeune died Aug. 19, 1672, at the age of
eighty. There are extant ten large volumes of his sermons,
in 8vo, which were studied and admired by Massillon, and
have been also translated into Latin. His style is simple,
insinuating, and affecting, though now a little antiquated.
He published also a translation of Grotius’s tract “De
Veriiate Ileligionis Christiana.
”
, a learned prelate, and deservedly reputed one of the fathers of the English church, was descended from an ancient family at Buden in Devonshire, where
, a learned prelate, and deservedly reputed one of the fathers of the English church, was descended from an ancient family at Buden in Devonshire, where he was born May 24, 1522. After learning the rudiments of grammar under his maternal uncle Mr. Bellamy, rector of Hamton, and being put to school at Barnstaple, he was sent to Oxford, and admitted a postmaster of Mertori college, in July 1535, under the tuition of Parkhurst, afterwards bishop of Norwich, who entertained a very high opinion of him from the beginning, and had great pleasure in. cultivating his talents. After studying four years at this college, he was, in August 1539, chosen scholar of Corpus Chnsti college, where he pursued his studies with indefatigable industry, usually rising at four in the morning, and studying till ten at night by which means he acquired a masterly knowledge in most branches of learning but, taking too little care of his health, he contracted such a cold as fixed a lameness in one of his legs, which accompanied him to his grave. In Oct. 1540, he proceeded B.A. became a celebrated tutor, and was soon after chosen reader of humanity and rhetoric in his college. In Feb. 1544, he commenced M. A. the expence of taking which degree was borne by his tutor Parkhurst.
He had early imbibed Protestant principles, and inculcated them among his pupils; but this was carried on privately till the accession of Edward VI. in 1546,
He had early imbibed Protestant principles, and inculcated them among his pupils; but this was carried on privately till the accession of Edward VI. in 1546, when he made a public declaration of his faith, and entered into a close friendship with Peter Martyr, who was professor of divinity at Oxford. Mr. Jewel was one of his most constant hearers, and used to take down his lectures, by means of a kind of short-hand invented by himself, with so much accuracy, that he was frequently afterwards employed in taking down the substance of public debates on religion, which were then common. In 1551 he took the degree of B. D. and frequently preached before the university with great applause. At the same time he preached and catechised every other Sunday at Sunningwell in Berkshire, of which church he was rector. Thus he zealously promoted the Reformation during this reign, and, in a proper sense, became a confessor for it in the succeeding; so early, as to be expelled the college by the fellows, upon their private authority, before any law was made, or order given by queen Mary. On this occasion, they had nothing to object against him, but, 1, His followiug of Peter Martyr. 2. His preaching some doctrines contrary to popery. 3. His taking orders according to the laws then in force. 4. And, according to Fuller, his refusal to be present at mass, and other popish solemnities. At his departure he took leave of the college in a Latin speech, full of pathetic eloquence. Unwilling, however, to leave the university, he took chambers in Broadgate-halJ, now Pembroke college, where many of his pupils followed him, besides other gentlemen, who were induced by the fame of his learning to attend his lectures. But the strongest testimony to his literary merit was given by the university, who made him their orator, and employed him to write their first congratulatory address to her majesty. Wood indeed observes, that this task was evidently imposed upon him by those who meant him no kindness; it being taken for granted, that he must either provoke the Roman catholics, or lose the good opinion of his party. If this be true, which is probable enough, he had the dexterity to escape the snare; for the address, being both respectful and guarded, passed the approbation of Tresham the commissary, and some other doctors, and was well received by the queen; but his latest biographer attributes the appointment solely to the opinion the university had of him as an elegant writer, and therefore the most fit to pen an address on such an occasion.
han before. In this state of his mind, he went to Clive, to consult his old tutor Dr. Parkhurst, who was rector of that parish; but Parkhurst, upon the re-establishment
Burnet informs us, that her majesty declared, at her
accession, that she would force no man’s conscience, nor
make any change in religion. These specious promises,
joined to Jewel’s fondness for the university, seem to
have been the motives which disposed him to entertain a
more favourable opinion of popery than before. In this
state of his mind, he went to Clive, to consult his old tutor
Dr. Parkhurst, who was rector of that parish; but Parkhurst,
upon the re-establishment of popery, having fled to London, Jewel returned to Oxford, where he lingered and
waited, till, being called upon in St. Mary’s church to
subscribe some of the popish doctrines under the several
penalties, he took his pen and subscribed with great reluctance. Yet this compliance, of which his conscience severely accused him, was of no avail; for the dean of Christ
church, Dr. Martial, alleging his subscription to be insincere, laid a plot to deliver him into the hands of bishop
Bonner; and would certainly have caught him in the snare,
had he not set out the very night in which he was sent for,
by a bye-way to London. He walked till he was forced to
lay himself on the ground, quite spent and almost breathless: where being found by one Augustine Berner, a Swiss,
first a servant of bishop Latimer, and afterwards a minister,
this person provided him a horse, and conveyed him to lady
Warcup, by whom he was entertained for some time, and
then sent safely to the metropolis. Here he lay concealed,
changing his lodgings twice or thrice for that purpose, till
a ship was provided for him to go abroad, together with
money for the journey, by sir Nicholas Throgmorton, a
person of great distinction, and at that time in considerable
offices. His escape was managed by one Giles Lawrence,
who had been his fellow-collegian, and was at this time
tutor to sir Arthur Darcy’s children, living near the Tower
of London. Upon his arrival at Francfort, in 1554, he
made a public confession of his sorrow for his late subscription to popery; and soon afterwards went to Strasburgh,
at the invitation of Peter Martyr, who kept a kind of college for learned men in his own house, of which he made
Jewel his vice-master: he likewise attended this friend to
Zurich, and assisted him in his theological lectures. It
was probably about this time that he made an excursion to
Padua, where he contracted a friendship with Sig. Scipio,
a Venetian gentleman, to whom he afterwards addressed
his “Epistle concerning the Council of Trent.
” During
all the time of his exile, which was about four years, he
studied hard, and spent the rest of his time in consoling
and confirming his friends, frequently telling them that
when their brethren endured such “bitter tortures and
horrible martyrdoms at home, it was not reasonable they
should expect to fare deliciously in banishment,
” always
concluding with “These things will not last an age,
” which
he repeated so often as to impress their minds with a firm
belief that their deliverance was not far off. This, however, was not peculiar to Jewel. Fox was likewise remarked for using the same language, and there was among
these exiles in general a very firm persuasion that the dominion of popery and cruelty, under queen Mary, would
not be of long duration.
The much wished-for event at length was made known, and upon the accession of the new queen, or rather
The much wished-for event at length was made known,
and upon the accession of the new queen, or rather the
year after, 1559, Jewel returned.to England; and we find
his name, soon after, among the sixteen divines appointed
hy queen Elizabeth to hold a disputation in Westminsterabbey against the papists. In July 1559, he was in the
commission constituted by her majesty to visit the dioceses
of Sarum, Exeter, Bristol, Bath and Wells, and Gloucester,
in order to exterminate popery in the west of England;
and he was consecrated bishop of Salisbury on Jan. 21 following, and had the restitution of the temporalities April
6, 1560. This promotion was presented to him as a reward for his great merit and learning; and another attestation of these was given him by the university of Oxford,
who, in 1565, conferred on him, in his absence, the degree of D. D. in which character he attended the queen to
Oxford the following year, and presided at the divinity
disputations held before her majesty on that occasion. He
had, before, greatly distinguished himself, by a sermon
preached at St. Paul’s-cross, soon after he had been made
a bishop, in which he gave a public challenge to all the
Roman catholics in the world, to produce but one clear
and evident testimony out of any father or famous writer
who flourished within 600 years after Christ, of the existence of any one of the articles which the Romanists maintain against the church of England; and two years afterwards he published his famous “Apology
” for that church.
In the mean time he gave a particular attention to his diocese, where he began in his first visitation, and completed
in his last, a great reformation, not only in his cathedral
and parochial churches, but in all the courts of his jurisdiction. He watched so narrowly the proceedings of his
chancellor and archdeacons, and of his stewards and receivers, that they had no opportunities of being guilty of
oppression, injustice, or extortion, nor of being a burden,
to the people, or a scandal to himself. To prevent these,
and the like abuses, for which the ecclesiastical courts are
often censured, he sat in his consistory court, and there
saw that all things were conducted rightly: he also sat
often as an assistant on the bench of civil justice, being
himself a justice of the peace.
Amidst these important employments, the care of his health was too much neglected. He rose at four o'clock in the morning;
Amidst these important employments, the care of his
health was too much neglected. He rose at four o'clock
in the morning; and after prayers with his family at five,
and in the cathedral about six, he was so intent on his studies all the morning, that he could not, without great violence, be drawn from them. After dinner, his doors and
ears were open to all suitors; and it was observed of him,
as of Titus, that he never sent any sad from him. Suitors
being thus dismissed, he heard, with great impartiality and
patience, such causes debated before him, as either devolved on him as a judge, or were referred to him as an
arbitrator; and, if he could spare any time from these, he
reckoned it as clear gain to his study. About nine at night,
he called all his servants to an account how they had spent
the day, and then went to prayers with them: from the
chapel he withdrew again to his study, till near midnight,
and from thence to his bed; in which when he was laid,
the gentleman of his bed-chamber read to him till he fell
asleep. Mr. Humfrey, who relates this, observes, that this
watchful and laborious life, without any recreation at all,
except what his necessary refreshment at meals, and a
very few hours of rest, afforded him, wasted his life too
fast, and undoubtedly hastened his end. In his fiftieth
year, he fell into a disorder which carried him off in Sept.
1571. He died at Monkton Farley, in his diocese, and
was buried in his cathedral, where there is an inscription
over his grave, written by Dr. Laurence Humfrey, who
also wrote an account of his life, to which are prefixed several copies of verses in honour of him. Dr. Jewel was of
a thin habit of body, which he exhausted by intense application to his studies. In his temper he was pleasant and
affable, modest, meek, temperate, and perfectly master of
his passions. In his morals he was pious and charitable;
and when bishop, became most remarkable for his apostolic doctrine, holy life, prudent government, incorrupt integrity, unspotted chastity, and bountiful liberality. He
had naturally a very strong memory, which he greatly improved by art so that he could exactly repeat whatever
he had written after once reading and therefore generally at the ringing of the bell, he began to commit his sermons to his memory; which was so firm, that he used to
say, that “if he were to deliver a premeditated speech
before a thousand auditors, shouting or fighting all the
while, yet he could say all that he had provided to speak.
”
On one occasion, when the bishop of Norwich proposed
to him many barbarous words out of a Kalendar, and
Hooper bishop of Gloucester forty strange words, Welsh,
Irish, and foreign terms, he after once or twice reading at
the most, and a little recollection, repeated them all by
heart backward and forward. Another time, when sir
Nicholas Bacon, lord keeper of the great seal, read to him
only the last clauses of ten lines in Erasmus’s Paraphrase,
confused and dismembered on purpose, he, sitting silent a
while, and covering his face with his hand, on the sudden
rehearsed all those broken parcels of sentences the right
way, and the contrary, without any hesitation. He professed to teach others this art, and taught it his tutor Parkhurst beyond the seas; and in a short time learned all the
Gospel forward and backward. He was also a great master
of the ancient languages, and skilled in the German and
Italian.
differently from him; yet the puritans could not forbear shewing their resentments against him. “It was strange to me,” says Dr. Whitgift, “to hear so notable a bishop,
Dr. Humfrey, in the Life of our bishop, has endeavoured
to represent him a favourer of the nonconformists. But it
is certain, that he opposed them in his exile, when they
began their disputes at Francfort; and in a sermon of his
preached at Paul’s Cross, not long before his death, and
printed among his Works in 1609, he defended the rites
and ceremonies of the church against them. He had likewise a conference with some of them concerning the ceremonies of the present state of the church, which he mentioned with such vigour, that though upon his death-bed
he professed that neither his sermon nor'conference were
undertaken to please any mortal man, or to trouble those
who thought differently from him; yet the puritans could
not forbear shewing their resentments against him. “It
was strange to me,
” says Dr. Whitgift, “to hear so notable a bishop, so learned a man, so stout a champion of
true religion, so painful a prelate, as bishop Jewel, so ungratefully and spightfully used by a sort of wavering wicked
tongues.
” He is supposed likewise to have been the author of a paper, entitled “A brief and lamentable Consideration of the Apparel now used by the Clergy of England,
” written in
gland, and translated into German, Italian, French, Spanish, and Dutch and a Greek translation of it was printed at Oxford, in 1614, 8vo. It was likewise translated
Dr. Jewel’s writings, which have rendered his name
celebrated over all Europe, are: 1. “Exhortatio ad Oxonienses.
” The substance printed in Humfrey’s Life of him,
p. 35, 1573, 4to. 2. “Exhortatio in collegio CC. sive
concio in fundatoris Foxi commemorationem,
” p. 45, &c.
3. “Concio in templo B. M. Virginis,
” Oxon. Oratio in aula collegii CC.
” His farewell
speech on his expulsion in 1554, printed by Humfrey, p.
74, &c. 5. A short tract, “De Usura,
” ibid. p. Epistola ad Scipionem Patritium Venetum,
” &c. History
of the Council of Trent,
” in English, by Brent, third edition, A Letter to Henry Bullinger at
Zurich, concerning the State of Religion in England,
”
dated May 22, 1559, printed in the appendix to- Strype’s
(l Annals,“No. xx. 8. Another letter to the same, dated Feb. 8, 1566, concerning his controversy with Hardy nge, ibid. No. 36, 37. 9.
” Letters between him and Dr. Henry Cole, &c. 8vo. 10.
” A Sermon preached at St. Paul’s Cross, the second Sunday before Easter, anno 1560,“8vo. Dr. Cole wrote several letters to him on this subject 11.
” A Reply to Mr. Hardynge’s Answer, &c.“1566, fol. and again in Latin, by Will. Whitaker, fellow of Trinity
college, Cambridge, at Geneva, 1578, 4to; and again in
1585, in folio, with our author’s
” Apologia Ecclesiae Anglicanae.“12.
” Apologia Ecclesiae Anglicanae,“1562,
8vo several times printed in England, and translated into
German, Italian, French, Spanish, and Dutch and a Greek
translation of it was printed at Oxford, in 1614, 8vo. It
was likewise translated into Welsh, Oxford, 157] The English translation by the lady Bacon, wife to sir Nicolas Bacon, was entitled
” An Apology or Answer in Defence of
the Church of England, &c.“1562, 4to. This
” Apology“was approved by the queen, and set forth with the consent
of the bishops. 13.
” A Defence of the Apology, &c.“1564, 1567, foiio; again in Latin, by Tho. Braddock, fellow
of Christ’s college, Cambridge, at Geneva, 1600, fol. The
” Apology“was ordered by queen Elizabeth, king James,
king Charles, and four successive archbishops, to be read and
chained up in all parish churches throughout England and
Wales. 14.
” An Answer to a book written by Mr. Hardynge, entitled c A Detection of sundry foul Errors,' &c.“1568 and 1570, folio. 15.
” A View of a seditious Bull
sent into England from Pius V. &c.“1582, 8vo. 16. A
Treatise of the Holy Scriptures,
” 8vo. 17. “Exposition
on the two Epistles to the Thessalonians,
” 1583. 19.
” Certain Sermons preached before the queen’s majesty at Paul’s
Cross, and elsewhere.“All these books (except the first eight), with the
” Sermons“and Apology,
” were printed
at London, An Answer to certain frivolous Objections against the Government of the
Church of England,
” History of the Reformation.
”
afterwards of Flora in Calabria, distinguished for his pretended prophecies and remarkable opinions, was born at Celico near Cosenza, in 1130. He was of the Cistertian
, abbot of Corazzo, and afterwards of Flora
in Calabria, distinguished for his pretended prophecies
and remarkable opinions, was born at Celico near Cosenza,
in 1130. He was of the Cistertian order, and had several
monasteries subject to his jurisdiction, which he directed
with the utmost wisdom and regularity. He was revered
by the multitude as a person divinely inspired, and even
equal to the most illustrious of the ancient prophets. Many
of his predictions were formerly circulated, and indeed are
still extant, having passed through several editions, and
received illustration from several commentators. He taught
erroneous notions respecting the holy Trinity, which
amounted fully to tritheism; but what is more extraordinary, he taught that the morality of the Gospel is imperfect, and that a better and more complete law is to be
given by the Holy Ghost, which is to be everlasting. These
reveries gave birth to a book attributed to Joachim, entitled < The Everlasting Gospel,“or
” The Gospel of the
Holy Ghost.“” It is not to be doubted,“says Mosheim,
” that Joachim was the author of various predictions, and
that he, in a particular manner, foretold the reformation of
the church, of which he might see the absolute necessity.
It is, however, certain, that the greater part of the predictions and writings which were formerly attributed to him,
were composed by others. This we may affirm even of
the “Everlasting Gospel,
” the work undoubtedly of some
obscure, silly, and visionary monk, who thought proper to
adorn his reveries with the celebrated name of Joachim, in
order to gain them credit, and render them more agreeable to the multitude. The title of this senseless production is taken from Rev. xiv. 6; and it contained three books.
The first was entitled “Liber concordiae veritatis,
” or the
book of the harmony of truth the second, “Apocalypsis
Nova,
” or new revelation and the third, “Psalterium decem Chordarum.
” This account was taken from a ms. of
that work in the library of the Sorbonne.“It is necessary,
we should observe, to distinguish this book from the
” Introduction to the Everlasting Gospel," written by a friar
named Gerhard, and published in 1250. Joachim died in
1202, leaving a number of followers, who were called
Joachimites. His works have been published in Venice,
1516, folio, &c. and contain propositions which have been
condemned by several councils. The part of his woi>ks
most esteemed is his commentaries on Isaiah, Jeremiah,
and the Apocalypse. His life was written by a Dominican
named Gervaise, and published in 1745, in 2 vols. 12mo.
the ninth century, viz. between the pontificates of Leo IV. and Benedict III., a woman, called Joan, was promoted to the pontificate, by the name of John; whom Platina,
About the middle of the ninth century, viz. between the pontificates of Leo IV. and Benedict III., a woman, called Joan, was promoted to the pontificate, by the name of John; whom Platina, and almost all other historians, have reckoned as the VIIIth of that name, and others as the Vllth: some call her only John. This female pope was born at Mentz, where she went by the name of English Johnf whether because she was of English extraction, or for what other reason, is not known: some modern historians say she was called Agnes, that is, the chaste, by way of irony, perhaps, before her pontificate. She had from her infancy an extraordinary passion for learning and travelling, and in order to satisfy this inclination, put on the male habit, and went to Athens, in company with one of fcer friends, who was called her favourite lover. From Athens she went to Rome, where she taught divinity; and, in the garb of a doctor, acquired so great reputation for understanding, learning, and probity, that she was unanimously elected pope in the room of Leo IV.
Such is the story, as related in the history of the popes, which was certainly received and avowed as a truth for some centuries.
Such is the story, as related in the history of the popes, which was certainly received and avowed as a truth for some centuries. Since it became a matter of dispute, some writers of the Romish church have denied it; some have apologized for it absurdly enough; others in a way that might be admitted, did not that church claim to be infallible: for it was that claim which first brought the truth of this history under examination. The protestants alleged it as a clear proof against the claim; since it could not be denied that in this instance the church was deceived by a woman in disguise. This induced the Roman catholics to search more narrowly than before into the affair; and the result of that inquiry was, first a doubt, and next an improbability, of Joan’s real existence. This led to a further inquiry into the origin of the story; whence it appeared, that there were no footsteps of its being known in the church for near 200 years after it was said to have happened. Æneas Sylvius, who was pope in the fifteenth century under the name of Pius II. was the first who called it in question, and he touched it but slightly, observing, that in the election of that woman there was no error in a matter of faith, but only an ignorance as to a matter of fact; and also that the story was not certain. Yet this very Sylvius suffered Joan’s name to be placed among those of the other popes in the register of Siena, and transcribed the story in his historical work printed at Nuremburg in 1493. The example of Sylvius emboldened others to search more freely into the matter, who, finding it to have no good foundation, thought proper to give it up.
tances were mentioned with the view of exposing the credulity and weakness of that church, which, it was maintained, had authorized them. In this spirit it was observed,
But the protestants thought themselves the more obliged to labour in support of it, as an indelible blot and reproach upon their adversaries; and to aggravate the matter, several circumstances were mentioned with the view of exposing the credulity and weakness of that church, which, it was maintained, had authorized them. In this spirit it was observed, that Joan, being installed in her office, admitted others into orders, after the manner of other popes; made priests and deacons, ordained bishops and abbots, sung mass, consecrated churches and altars, administered the sacraments, presented her feet to be kissed, and performed all other actions which the popes of Rome are wont to do, with other particulars not now worth reciting, as the best informed historians seem to give the whole up as a fable.
, commonly called the Maid of Orleans, one of the most remarkable heroines in history, was the daughter of James d' re, and of Isabella Rome his wife,
, commonly called the Maid of Orleans, one of the most remarkable heroines in history, was the daughter of James d' re, and of Isabella Rome his wife, two persons of low rank, in the village of Domremi, near Vauconleurs, on the borders of Lorraine, where she was born in 1402. The instructions she received during her childhood and youth were suited to her humble condition. She quitted her parents at an early age, as they were ill able to maintain her, and engaged herself as a servant at a small inn. In this situation she employed herself in attending the horses of the guests, and in riding them to the watering-place, and by these exercises she acquired a robust and hardy frame. At this time the affairs of France were in a desperate condition, and the city of Orleans, the most important place in the kingdom, was besieged by the English regent, the duke of Bedford, as a step to prepare the way for the conquest of all France. The French king used every expedient to supply the city with a garrison and provisions; and the English left no method unemployed for reducing it. The eyes of all Europe were turned towards this scene of action, and after numberless feats of valour on both sides, the attack was so vigorously pushed by the English,' that the king (Charles VII.) gave up the city as lost, when relief was brought from a very unexpected quarter. Joan, influenced by the frequent accounts of the rencounters at this memorable siege, and affected with the distresses of her country and king, was seized with a wild desire of relieving him; and as her inexperienced mind worked day and night on this favourite object, she fancied she saw visions, and heard voices, exhorting her to re-establish the throne of France, and expel the English invaders. Enthusiastic in these notions, she went to Vaucouleurs, and informed Baudricourt, the governor, of her inspirations and intentions, who sent her to the French court, then at Chinon. Here, on being introduced to the king, she offered, in the name of the Supreme Being, to raise the siege of Orleans, and conduct his majesty to Rheims, to be there crowned and anointed; and she demanded, as the instrument of her future victories, a particular sword which was kept in the church of St. Catherine de Fierbois. The king and his ministers at first either hesitated or pretended to hesitate; but after an assembly of grave and learned divines had pronounced her mission to be real and supernatural, her request was granted, and she was exhibited to the whole people, on horseback in military habiliments. On this sight, her dexterity in managing her steed, though acquired in her former station, was regarded as a fresh proof of her mission her former occupation was even denied she was converted into a shepherdess, an employment more agreeable to the fancy. Some years were subtracted from her age, in order to excite still more admiration; and she was received with the loudest acclamations, by persons of all ranks.
at the head of a convoy, arrayed in her military garb, and displaying her consecrated standard. She was received as a celestial deliverer by the garrison and its inhabitants;
The English at first affected to speak with derision of the maid and her heavenly mission; but were secretly struck with the strong persuasion which prevailed in all around them. They found their courage daunted by degrees, and thence began to infer a divine vengeance hanging over them. A silent astonishment reigned among those troops formerly so elated with victory, and so fierce for the combat The maid entered the city of Orleans at the head of a convoy, arrayed in her military garb, and displaying her consecrated standard. She was received as a celestial deliverer by the garrison and its inhabitants; and with the instructions of count Dunois, commonly called the Bastard of Orleans, who commanded in that place, she actually obliged the English to raise the siege of that city, after driving them from their entrenchments, and defeating them in several desperate attacks.
Raising the siege of Orleans was one part of the maid’s promise to Charles crowning him at Rheims
Raising the siege of Orleans was one part of the maid’s promise to Charles crowning him at Rheims was the other and she now vehemently insisted that he should set out immediately on that journey. A few weeks before, such a proposal would have appeared altogether extravagant. Rheims lay in a distant quarter of the kingdom; was then in the hands of a victorious enemy the whole road that led to it was occupied by their garrisons and no imagination could have been so sanguine as to hope that such an attempt could possibly be carried into execution. But, as it was the interest of the king of France to maintain the belief of something extraordinary and divine in these events, he resolved to comply with her exhortations, and avail himself of the present consternation of the English. He accordingly set out for Rheims, at the head of 12,000 men, and scarcely perceived as he passed along, that he was marching through an enemy’s country. Every place opened its gates to him; Rheims sent him its keys, and the ceremony of his inauguration was performed with the holy oil, which a pigeon is said to have brought from heaven to Clovis, on the first establishment of the French monarchy.
As a mark of his gratitude, Charles had a medal struck in her honour. On one side was her portrait, on the other a hand holding a sword with these
As a mark of his gratitude, Charles had a medal struck
in her honour. On one side was her portrait, on the other
a hand holding a sword with these words, Consilio confirmata
Dei. “Sustained by the assistance of God.
” The king
also ennobled all her family, as well in the male as in the
female line; the former became extinct in 1760. In 1614
the latter, at the request of the procurator-general, were
deprived of their privilege of ennobling their children, independent of their husband. The town of Domremi, also,
where she was born, was exempted from all taxes, aids,
and subsidies for ever.
The Maid of Orleans, as she is called, declared after this coronation, that her mission was now accomplished; and expressed her inclination to retire to
The Maid of Orleans, as she is called, declared after
this coronation, that her mission was now accomplished;
and expressed her inclination to retire to the occupations
and course of life which became her sex. But Dunois,
sensible of the great advantages which might still b- reaped
from her presence in the army, exhorted her to persevere
till the final expulsion of the English. In pursuance of
this advice, she threw herself into the town of Compiegne,
at that time besieged by the duke of Burgundy, assisted
by the earls of Arundel and Suffolk. The garrison, on
her appearance, believed themselves invincible; but Joan,
after performing prodigies of valour, was taken prisoner
in a sally, and no efforts having been made by the French
court to deliver her, was condemned by the English to be
burnt alive, which sentence she sustained with great courage in the nineteenth year of her age, 1431. Such are
the outlines of the history of this extraordinary heroine,
which however is involved in many doubts and difficulties,
and has too many of the features of romance for serious
belief. It has lately even been doubted whether she was
actually put to death; and some plausible evidence has
been brought forward to prove that the judges appointed
by the duke of Bedford to try her, passed a sentence from
which they saved her on the day of execution by a trick,
and that she afterwards made her appearance, was married
to a gentleman of the house of Amboise in 1436, and her
sentence was annulled in 1456. Be this as it may, her
memory has long been consecrated by her countrymen,
none of whom, however, have done her so much honour
as our present poet-laureat, in his admirable poem of
“Joan of Arc.
”
, a pious and learned Jesuit, was a native of Paris, where he was born in 1647. He taught polite
, a pious and learned Jesuit, was a
native of Paris, where he was born in 1647. He taught
polite literature in his own order, and distinguished himself as a preacher. He died at Paris in 1719. There are
several tracts of piety of his writing, besides a piece entitled “La Science des Medailles,
” of which the best
edition is that of Paris, in Introduction to the
History of Medals,
” without any acknowledgment.
, an eminent antiquary, architect, and critic, was probably a native of Verona, and flourished in the sixteenth
, an eminent antiquary, architect, and critic, was probably a native of Verona, and flourished in the sixteenth century. He was of the order of the Dominicans, but in his travels, and during his scientific labours, wore the habit of a secular priest. When at Rome, where he was first known as an architect, he began to apply to the study of classical antiquities, and made a judicious collection of inscriptions, which he dedicated to Lorenzo de Medici. He was some time at the court of the emperor Maximilian I. and thence went to France about 1500, where Louis X. appointed him royal architect. He built at Paris two bridges over the Seine, that of Notre Dame, and the little bridge. In the mean time, while he had leisure, he employed it in examining ancient manuscripts, and had the felicity to recover all the letters of Pliny the younger, and the work of Julius Obsequens on prodigies. These he arranged for publication, and sent them to Aldus Manutius, by whom they were both printed in 1508, 8vo. He also collated several other classics, and illustrated Caesar’s Commentaries by useful notes and figures, and was the first to give a design of the famous bridge which Caesar built across the Rhine. On his return to Italy, he edited the fine edition of Vitruvius, printed by Aldus in 1511, and enriched it with designs. When the famous bridge the Rialto was burnt down in 1513, he gave a magnificent design for a new one; but that of an inferior architect being preferred, he quitted Venice, and went to Rome, where, after the death of Bramante, he was employed on St. Peter’s church. His last work was the bridge over the Adige, at Verona, which he built in 1520: He died about 1530, at a very advanced age.
, a celebrated French poet, was born of a noble family at Paris, in 1532. He was esteemed by
, a celebrated French poet, was born of a noble family at Paris, in 1532. He was esteemed by Henry II. and Charles IX. but so entirely devoted to poetry and luxury, that he reaped no advantage from their patronage, but lived in poverty. He was one of the earliest tragic poets of France, but abused the uncommon facility he had in writing verses; so that though his French poems were much admired when their author was living, it now requires great patience to read them. The same cannot, however, be said of his Latin poetry, which is written in a more pure and easy style, and in a better taste. Jodelle was well acquainted with Greek and Latin, had a genius for the arts, and is said to have understood architecture, painting, and sculpture he was one of the poets in the Pleiades fancied by Ronsard, and is considered as the inventor of the Vers rapportes. This author died very poor, July 1573. The collection of his poems was published at Paris, 1574, 4to, and at Lyons, 1597, 12mo. It contains two tragedies, Cleopatra, and Dido; Eugene, a comedy; sonnets, songs, odes, elegies, &c. Cardinal du Perron valued this poet’s talents so little, that he used to say Jodelle’s verses were but pois piles.
, a dramatic writer, was originally bred to the law, and a member of the Middle temple,
, a dramatic writer, was originally bred to the law, and a member of the Middle temple, but being a great admirer of the muses, and finding in himself a strong propensity to dramatic writing, he quitted his profession, and by contracting an intimacy with Mr. Wilks, the manager of the theatre, found means, through that gentleman’s interest, to get his plays on the stage without much difficulty. Some of them met with very good success, and being a constant frequenter of the meetings of the wits at Will’s and Button’s coffee-houses, he, by a polite and inoffensive behaviour, formed so extensive an acquaintance and intimacy, as constantly insured him great emoluments on his benefit night; by which means, being a man of oeconomy, he was enabled to subsist very genteelly. He at length married a young widow, with a tolerable fortune, on which he set up a tavern in Bow-street, Covent-garden, but quitted business at his wife’s death, and lived privately on an easy competence which he had saved. At what time he was born we know not, but he lived in the reigns of queen Anne, king George I. and part of George II. and died March 11, 1748. As a dramatic writer, he is far from deserving to be placed amongst the lowest class; for though his plots are seldom original, yet he has given them so many additions, and has clothed the designs of others in so pleasing a dress, that a great share of the merit they possess ought to be attributed to him.
Though, as we have observed, he was a man of a very inoffensive behaviour, he could not escape the
Though, as we have observed, he was a man of a very
inoffensive behaviour, he could not escape the satire of
Pope, who, too ready to resent even any supposed offence,
has, on some trivial pique, immortalized him in the “
Dimciad;
” and in one of the notes to that poem has quoted
from another piece, called “The Characters of the Times,
”
the following- account of him “Charles Johnson, famous
for writing a play every year, and for being at Button’s
every day. He had probably thriven better in his vocation, had he been a small matter leaner; he may be justly
called a martyr to obesity, and be said to have fallen a
victim to the rotundity of his parts.
” The friends of Johnson knew that part of this account was false, and probably
did not think very ill of a man of whom nothing more degrading could be said than that he was fat. The dramatic
pieces this author produced, nineteen in all, are enumerated in the Biographia Dramatica.
e among the nonjurors, the only son of the rev. Thomas Johnson, vicar of Frindsbury, near Rochester, was born Dec. 30, 1662, and was educated in the king’s school in
, an eminent divine among the nonjurors, the only son of the rev. Thomas Johnson, vicar of
Frindsbury, near Rochester, was born Dec. 30, 1662, and
was educated in the king’s school in Canterbury, where
he made such progress in the three learned languages,
Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, under Mr. Lovejoy, then master of that school, that when he was very little more than
fifteen years of age, he was sent to the university of Cambridge, where he was admitted in the college of St. Mary
Magdalen, under the tuition of Mr. Turner, fellow of that
house, March the 4th, 1677-8. In Lent term 1681-2,
he took the degree of B. A. and soon after was nominated
by the dean and chapter of Canterbury to a scholarship in
Corpus Christi college' in that university, of the foundation of archbishop Parker, to which he was admitted April
the 29th, 1682, under the tuition of Mr. Beck, fellow of that
house. He took the degree of M. A. at the commencement 1685. Soon after he entered into deacon’s orders, and
became curate to the rector of Upper and Lower Hardres,
near Canterbury. He was ordained priest by the right rev.
Dr. Thomas Sprat, lord bishop of Rochester and dean of
Westminster, December the 19th, 1686 and July the 9th,
1687, he was collated to the vicarage of Bough ton under the
Blean, by Dr. Sancroft, archbishop of Canterbury, and at the
same time he was allowed by the same archbishop to hold the
adjoining vicarage of Hern-hill by sequestration; both which
churches he supplied himself. About 1689 one Sale,
a man who had counterfeited holy orders, having forged
letters of ordination both for himself and his father,
came into this diocese, and taking occasion from the confusion occasioned by the revolution during the time archbishop Bancroft was under suspension, and before Dr. Tin
lotson was consecrated to the archbishopric, made it his
business to find out what livings were held by sequestration
only, and procured the broad seal for one of these for himself, and another for his father. On this Mr. Johnson
thought it necessary to secure his vicarage of Hern -hi II,
that he might prevent Sale from depriving him of that benefice; and archbishop Sancrot't being then deprived ah
officio only, but not a bencficio, presented him to Hern-hill,
to which he was instituted October the 16th, 1689, by Dr.
George Oxenden, vicar-general to the archbishop, but at
that time to the dean and chapter of Canterbury, guardians
of the spiritualities during the suspension of the archbishop.
But as the living had been so long held by sequestration
that it was lapsed to the crown, he found it necessary to
corroborate his title with the broad seal, which was given
him April the 12th, 1690. In 1697. the vicarage of St.
John in the Isle of Thanet, to which the town of Margate
belongs, becoming void, archbishop Tenison, the patron,
considering the largeness of the cure, was desirous to place
there a person better qualified than ordinary to supply it,
and could think of no man in his diocese more fit than
Mr. Johnson, and therefore entreated him to undertake
the pastoral care of that large and populous parish. And
because the benefice was but small, and the cure very
great, the archbishop, to induce him to accept of it, collated
him to the vicarage of Appledore (a good benefice) on the
borders of Romney Marsh, on the 1st of May, 1697: but
Mr. Johnson chose to hold Margate by sequestration only.
And having now two sons ready to be instructed in learning, he would not send them to school, but taught them
himself; saying that he thought it as much the duty of a
father to teach his own children, if he was capable of doing
it, as it was of the mother to suckle and nurse them in
their infancy, if she was able; and because he believed
they would learn better in company than alone, he took
two or three boarders to teach with them, the sons of some
particular friends. He was much importuned by several
others of his acquaintance to take their sons, but he
refused. At length, finding he could not attend the
he had, his great cure, and his studies, in such a manner
as he was desirous to do, he entreated his patron the archbishop, to give him leave entirely to quit Margate, and
to retire to his cure of Appledore, which, with some difficulty, was at last granted him; but not till his grace had
made inquiry throughout his diocese and the university of
Cambridge for one who might be thought qualified to succeed him. He settled at Appledore in 1703, and as soon
as his eldest son was fit for the university (which was in 1705) he sent him to Cambridge, and his other son to
school till he was of age to be put out apprentice; and
dismissed all the rest of his scholars. He seemed much
pleased with Appledore at his first retirement thither, as a
place where he could follow his studies without interruption. But this satisfaction was not of long continuance;
for that marshy air, in a year or two, brought a severe sickness on himself and all his family, and his constitution (which till then had been very good) was so broken, that he never
afterwards recovered the health he had before enjoyed.
This made him desirous to remove from thence as soon as
he could; and the vicarage of Cranbrook becoming void,
he asked the archbishop to bestow it on him, which his
grace readily did, and accordingly collated him to it April
the 13th, 1707, where he continued till his death, holding
Appledore with it. In 1710, and again in 1713, he was
chosen by the clergy of the diocese of Canterbury to be
one of their proctors for the convocation summoned to
meet with the parliament in those years. And as the first
of these convocations was permitted to sit and act, and to
treat of matters of religion (though they brought no business to any perfection, owing to the differences that had been raised between the two houses) he constantly attended
the house of which he was a member whilst any matter was
there under debate; and his parts and learning came to
be known and esteemed by the most eminent clergy of the
province, as they had been before by those of the diocese
where he lived; so that from this time he was frequently
resorted to for his opinion in particular cases, and had letters sent to him from the remotest parts of the province of
Canterbury, and sometimes from the other province also,
requiring his opinion in matters of learning, especially as
to what concerned our religion and ecclesiastical laws. He
continued at Cranbrook about eighteen years; and as he
had been highly valued, esteemed, and beloved at all
other places where he had resided, so was he here also by
all that were true friends, says his biographer, “to the pure
catholic religion of Jesus Christ, as professed and established in the church of England. But as there were many
dissenters of all denominations in that place, and some
others, who (though they frequented the church, yet)
seemed to like the Dissenters better, and to side with them
upon all occasions, except going to their meetings for religious worship, I cannot say how they loved and esteemed
him. However, he was so remarkably upright in his life
and conversation, that even they could accuse him of no
other fault, except his known hearty zeal for the church
of England, which all impartial persons would have judged
a virtue. For certainly those that have not an hearty
affection for a church ought not to be made priests of it.
Some of those favourers of the dissenters studied to make
him uneasy, by endeavouring to raise a party in his parish
against him, merely because they could not make him,
like themselves, a latitudinarian in matters of religion; but
they failed in their design, and his friends were too many
for them *.
” A little before he left Appledore, he began
to discover that learning to the world, which till this time
was little known beyond the diocese where he lived, except to some particular acquaintance, by printing several
tracts; though his modesty was such, that he would not
put his name to them, till they had at least a second edition. The first of these was a “Paraphrase with Notes
on the Book of Psalms according to the Translation retained in our Common Prayer- Book,
” published in Clergyman’s Vade-Mecum,
” Propitiatory Oblation in the Eucharist;
” in The Unbloody Sacrifice/' part I.; and in 1717, part II.;
in 1720,
” A Collection of Ecclesiastical Laws."
trix, published some posthumous discourses of his which he had designed for the press; and as no man was more careful and diligent to instruct those
In 1728, Mary his daughter and only surviving child, being his executrix, published some posthumous discourses of his which he had designed for the press; and as no man was more careful and diligent to instruct those
* It was in hifi latter years that he prayers enjoined on the accession
* It was in hifi latter years that he prayers enjoined on the accession of
y with Dr. George I. This occasioned hrm some iiickes) became a nonjurar in principle trouMe, and he was forced to submit,
(probably from his intimacy with Dr. George I. This occasioned hrm some iiickes) became a nonjurar in principle trouMe, and he was forced to submit,
I committed to his care in the knowledge of their duty by his sermons and discourses, so was he no less careful to instruct them by his example in a regular
I committed to his care in the knowledge of their duty by his sermons and discourses, so was he no less careful to instruct them by his example in a regular Christian life; and therefore none was better beloved by his parishioners in -general. This learned divine, of whom his biographer, Dr. Brett, has given a very high, although perhaps somewhat partial character, died Dec. 15, 1725, and was buried in Cranbrook church-yard.
In 1748 was published “The Life of the late Rev. J. Johnson, &c. by the
In 1748 was published “The Life of the late Rev. J.
Johnson, &c. by the late Rev. Thomas Brett,
” with three
of Mr. Johnson’s posthumous tracts, and part of his correspondence with Dr. Hickes, Mr. Nelson, and Dr. Brett.
, an excellent antiquary, and founder of the Gentleman’s Society at Spalding, was descended from a family much distinguished in the last century.
, an excellent antiquary, and founder of the Gentleman’s Society at Spalding, was descended from a family much distinguished in the last century. At Berkhamstead, the seat of one of his relations, were half-length portraits of his grandfather, old Henry Johnson and his lady, and sir Charles and lady BickerstafF, and their daughter, who was mother to sir Henry Johnson, and to Benjamin Johnson, poet-laureat to James I. who, agreeably to the orthography of that age, spelt his name Jonson. Sir Henry was painted half-length, by Frederick Zucchero; and the picture was esteemed capital. The family of Johnson were ajso allied to many other families of consideration. Mr. Johnson, born at Spalding, a member of the Inner Temple, London, and steward of the soke or manor of Spalding, married early in life a daughter of Joshua Ambler, esq. of that place. She was the granddaughter of Sir Anthony Oldh'eld, and lineally descended from Sir Thomas Gresham, the founder of Gresham-coilege, and of the Royal Exchange, London. By this lady he had twenty-six children, of whom sixteen sat down together to his table.
Mr. Johnson in the latter part of his life was attacked with a vertiginous disorder in his head, which frequently
Mr. Johnson in the latter part of his life was attacked
with a vertiginous disorder in his head, which frequently
interrupted his studies, and at last put a period to his life,
Feb. 6, 1755. He acquired a general esteem from the
frankness and benevolence of his character, which displayed
itself not less in social life than in the communication of
his literary researches. Strangers who applied to him for
information, though without any introduction except what
arose from a genuine thirst for knowledge congenial with
his own, failed not to experience the hospitality of his
board. While their spirit of curiosity was feasted by the
liberal conversation of the man of letters, their social
powers were at the same time gratified by the hospitable
frankness of the benevolent Englishman. The following
eulogium on him by Dr. Stukeley, is transcribed from the
original in the “Minutes of the Society of Antiquaries:
”
“Maurice Johnson, esq. of Spalding in Lincolnshire, counsellor at law, a fluent orator, and of eminence in his profession one of the last of the founders of the Society of
Antiquaries, 1717, except Br. Willis and W. Stukeley
founder of the literary society at Spaldfog, Nov. 3, 1712,
which, by his unwearied endeavours, interest, and application in every kind, infinite labours in writing, collecting,
methodizing, has now [1755] subsisted forty years in great
reputation, and excited a great spirit of learning and curiosity in South Holland [in Lincolnshire]. They have a
public library, and all conveniences for their weekly meeting. Mr. Johnson was a great lover of gardening, and had
a fine collection of plants, and an excellent cabinet of
medals. He collected large memoirs for the ‘ History of
Carausius,’ all which, with his coins of that prince, be
sent to me, particularly a brass one which he supposed his
son, resembling those of young Tetricus. A good radiated
Caes Spfa. Rev. a woman holds a cornucopiæ, resting her
right hand on a pillar or rudder, Locis or Cislo. In general the antiquities of the great mitred priory of Spalding,
and of this part of Lincolnshire, are for ever obliged to the
care and diligence of Maurice Johnson, who has rescued
them from oblivion.
”
ine of remarkable learning and steadiness in suffering for the principles of tha Revolution in 1688, was born in 1649, in Warwickshire and being put to St. Paul’s school
, an English divine of remarkable learning and steadiness in suffering for the principles of tha Revolution in 1688, was born in 1649, in Warwickshire and being put to St. Paul’s school in London, studied with such* success and reputation, that as soon as he was fit for the university, he was made keeper of the library to that school. In this station he applied himself to the Oriental languages, in which he made great progress. He was of Trinity-college, Cambridge, but left the university without taking a degree. He entered into orders, and was presented by a friend, Mr. Robert Biddulph, in 1669-70, to the rectory of Corringham in Essex. This living, worth only 80l. a year, was the only church preferment he ever had and, as the air of the place did not agree with him, he placed a curate upon the spot, and settled himself at London; a situation so much the more agreeable to him, as he had a strong disposition for politics, and had even made some progress in that study before he was presented to this living.
warmly opposed; and. this brought the doctrine of indefeasible hereditary right into dispute, which was strongly disrelished by Johnson, who was naturally of no submissive
The times were turbulent; the duke of York declaring
himself a Papist, his succession to the crown began to be
warmly opposed; and. this brought the doctrine of indefeasible hereditary right into dispute, which was strongly
disrelished by Johnson, who was naturally of no submissive
temper. This inclination was early observed by his patron, who warned him against the danger of it to one of
his profession, and advised him, if he would turn his
thoughts to that subject, to read Bracton and Fortescue
“de laudibus legum Angliae,
” &c. that so he might be
acquainted with the old English constitution but by no
means to make politics the subject of his sermons, for that
matters of faith and practice formed more suitable admonitions from the pulpit. Johnson, it is said, religiously
observed this advice; and though, by applying himself to
the study of the books recommended to him, he became
well versed in the English constitution, yet he never flitroduced it in his sermons, but employed these, with zeal,
to expose the absurdity and mischief of the Popish religion, which was then too much encouraged, and would,
he thought, unavoidably be established if the next heir to
the crown was not set aside. This point he laboured incessantly in his private conversation, and became so good a
master of the arguments for it, that the opposers of the
court gave him suitable encouragement to proceed. The
earl of Essex admitted him into his company and lord
William Russel, respecting his parts and probity, made him
his domestic chaplain. This preferment placed him in a
conspicuous point of view; and in 1679 he was appointed
to preach before the mayor and aldermen at Guildhallchapel, on Palm-Sunday. He took that opportunity of
preaching against Popery; and from this time, he tells us
himself, “he threw away his liberty with both hands, and
with his eyes open, for his country’s service.
” In short,
he began to be regarded by his party as their immoveable
bulwark; and to make good that character, while the bill
of exclusion was carried on by his patron at the head of
that party in the House of Commons, his chaplain, to promote the same cause, engaged the ecclesiastical champion
of passive obedience, Dr. Hickes , in a book entitled
“Julian' the Apostate, &c.
” published in Jovian, &c.
” to which Johnson drew
up a reply, under the title of “Julian’s arts to undermine
and extirpate Christianity,
” &c. This was printed and
entered at Stationers’-hall, 1683, in order to be published;
but, seeing his patron lord Russel seized and imprisoned,
Johnson thought proper to check his zeal, and take the
advice of his friends in suppressing it.
The court, however, having information of it, he was summoned, about two months after lord Russel was beheaded, to
The court, however, having information of it, he was
summoned, about two months after lord Russel was beheaded, to appear before the king and council, where the
lord keeper North examined him upon these points 1.
“Whether he was the author of a book called `Julian’s
Arts and Methods to undermine and extirpate Christianity'?
” To which having answered in the affirmative, he
was aked, “Why, after the book-had been so long entered
at Stationers’-hall, it was not published?
” To which he
replied, “That the nation was in too great a ferment to
have the matter further debated at that time.
” Upon this he
was commanded to produce one of those books to the council, being told that it should be published if they approved
it; but he answered, “he had suppressed them himself,
so that they were now his own private thoughts, for which
he was not accountable to any power upon earth.
” The
council then dismissed him; but he was sent for twice
afterwards, and the same questions urged, to which he
returned the same answers, and was then sent prisoner to
the Gatehouse, by a warrant of commitment dated Aug. 3,
1683, and signed by sir Leoline Jenkins, one of the privy
council, and principal secretary of state. He was bailed
out of prison by two friends, and the court used all possible
means to discover the book; but, being disappointed in the
search, recourse was had to promises, and a considerable
sum, besides the favour of the court, was offered for one
of the copies, to the person in whose hands they were
supposed to be lodged. This was refused; and, as neither
threats nor promises prevailed, the court was obliged to
drop the prosecution upon that book, and an information
against Johnson was lodged in the King’s-bench, for writing
“Julian the Apostate,
” &c. The prosecution was begun
and carried on by the interest of the duke of York. The
following was one of the first of the passages on which the
information was founded: “And therefore, I much wonder
at those men who trouble the nation at this time of day,
with the unseasonable prescription of prayers and tears,
and the passive obedience of the Thebean legion, and
such-like last remedies, which are proper only at such a
time as the laws of our country are armed against our religion.
” The attack of this apparently innocent sentence
gives a strong idea of the violence of the times.
When Mr. Johnson was brought to trial, he employed Mr. Wallop as his counsel, who
When Mr. Johnson was brought to trial, he employed
Mr. Wallop as his counsel, who urged for his client, that
he had offended against no law of the land that the book,
taken together, was innocent but that any treatise might
be made criminal, if treated as those who drew up the
information had treated this. The judges, however, had
orders to proceed in the cause, and the chief justice
Jeffries upbraided Johnson for meddling wi^tt what did not
belong to him, and scoffingly told him, that he would
give him a text, which was, “Let every man study to be
quiet, and rnmd his own business:
” to which Johnson replied, that he did mind his business as an Englishman when
he wrote that book. He was condemned, however, in a
fine of 500 marks, and committed prisoner to the King’sbench till he should pay it. Here he lay in very necessitous circumstances, it being reckoned criminal to visit or
shew him any kindness; so that few had the courage to
come near him, or give him any relief; by which means he
was reduced very low. Notwithstanding which, when his
mother, whom he had maintained for many years, sent to
him for subsistence, such was his filial affection, that though
he knew not how to supply his own wants, and those of his
wife and children, and was told on this occasion, that
“charity begins at home,
” he sent her forty shillings,
though he had but fifty in the world, saying, he would do
his duty, and trust Providence for his own supply. The
event shewed that his hopes were not vain; for the next
morning he received lOl. by an unknown hand, which he
discovered at a distant period to have been sent by Dr.
Fowler, afterwards bishop of Gloucester.
Having, by the bonds of himself and two friends, obtained the liberty of the rules, he was enabled to incur still further dangers, by printing some pieces
Having, by the bonds of himself and two friends, obtained
the liberty of the rules, he was enabled to incur still further
dangers, by printing some pieces against Popery in 1685,
and dispersing several of them about the country at his own
expence. These being answered in three “Observators,
”
by sir Roger L'Estrange, who also, discovering the printer,
seized all the copies that were in his hands, Johnson caused
a paper to be posted up everywhere, entitled “A Parcel
of wry Reasons and wrong Inferences, but right Observator.
” Upon the encampment of the army the following
year, 1686, on Hounslow-heath, he drew up “An humble
and hearty Address to all the Protestants in the present
Army,
” &c. He had dispersed about When they came to the formality
of putting a Bible in his hand and taking it from him again,
he was much affected, and parted from it with difficulty,
kissed it, and said, with tears,
” That they could not,
however, deprive him of the use and benefit of that sacred
depositum." It happened, that they were guilty of an
omission, in not stripping him of his cassock; which,
slight as such a circumstance may seem, rendered his
degradation imperfect, and afterwards saved him his
living.
A Popish priest made an offer for 200L to get the whipping part of the sentence remitted: the money was accordingly lodged, by one of Johnson’s friends, in a third
A Popish priest made an offer for 200L to get the
whipping part of the sentence remitted: the money was
accordingly lodged, by one of Johnson’s friends, in a third
hand, for the priest, if he performed what he undertook
but to no purpose; the king was deaf to all in treaties the
answer was, “That since Mr. Johnson had the spirit of
martyrdom, it was fit he should suffer.
” Accordingly, Dec.
1, 1686, the sentence was rigorously put in execution;
which yet he bore with great firmness, and went through
even with alacrity. He observed afterwards to an intimate
friend, that this text of Scripture which came suddenly
into his mind, “He endured the cross, despising the
shame,
” so much animated and supported him in his bitter
journey, that, had he not thought it would have looked
like vain-glory, he could have sung a psalm while the
executioner was doing his office, with as much composure
and cheerfulness as ever he had done in the church; though
at the same time he had a quick sense of every stripe
which was given him, to the number of 317, with a whip
of nine cords knotted. This was the more remarkable in
him, because he had not the least tincture of enthusiasm .
The truth is, he was endued with a natural hardiness of
temper to a great degree; and being inspirited by an
eager desire to suffer for the cause he had espoused, he
was enabled to support himself with the firmness of a
martyr. After the execution of this sentence, the king
gave away his living; and the clergyman who had the
grant of it, made application to the three bishops abovementioned for institution; but they, being sensible of his
imperfect degradation, would not grant it without a bond
of indemnity; after which, when he went to Corringham
for induction, the parishioners opposed him, so that he
could never obtain entrance, but was obliged to return re
iiifectd. Mr. Johnson thus kept his living, and with it, his
resolution also to oppose the measures of the court; insomuch that, before he was out of the surgeon’s hands, he
reprinted 3000 copies of his “Comparison between Popery
and Paganism.
” These, however, were not then published;
but not long after, about the time of the general toleration, he published “The Trial and Examination of a late
Libel,
” &c. which was followed by others every year till
the Revolution. The parliament afterwards, taking his
case into consideration, resolved, June 11, 1689, that the
judgement against him in the King’s-bench, upon an information for a misdemeanor, was cruel and illegal;
and a committee was at the same time appointed to
bring in a bill for reversing that judgement. Being also
ordered to inquire how Mr. Johnson came to be degraded,
and by what authority it was done, Mr. Christy, the chairman, some days after reported his case, by which it
appears, that a libel was then exhibited against him, charging
him with great misdemeanors, though none were specified
or proved that he demanded a copy of the libel, and an
advocate, both which were denied that he protested against
the proceedings, as contrary to law and the 132d canon,
not being done by his own diocesan but his protestation
was refused, as was also his appeal to the king in chancery
and that Mrs. Johnson had also an information exhibited
against her, for the like matter as that against her husband. The committee came to the following resolutions,
which were all agreed to by the house “That the judgement against Mr. Johnson was illegal and cruel: that the
ecclesiastical commission was illegal, and consequently, the
suspension of the bishop of London, and the authority
committed to three bishops, null and illegal: that Mr.
Johnson’s not being degraded by his own diocesan, if he had
deserved it, was illegal: that a bill be brought in to reverse
the judgement, and to declare all the proceedings before
the three bishops null and illegal: and that an address be
made to his majesty, to recommend Mr. Johnson to some
ecclesiastical preferment, suitable to his services and sufferings.
” The house presented two addresses to the king,
in behalf of Mr. Johnson: and, accordingly, the deanery
of Durham was offered him, which however he refused, as
an unequal reward for his services,
The truth is, he was his own chief enemy; and his disappointment, in his expectations
The truth is, he was his own chief enemy; and his disappointment, in his expectations of preferment, was the effect of his own temper and conduct. For, with very good abilities, considerable learning, and great clearness, strength, and vivacity of sentiment and expression, of which his writings are a sufficient evidence; and with a firmness of mind capable of supporting the severest trials, for any cause which he considered as important, he was passionate, impatient of contradiction, conceited in his own opinions, haughty, apt to overrate his own services, and undervalue those of others, whose advancement above himself was an insupportable mortification to him. The roughness of his temper, and turbulency of his genius, rendered him also unfit for the higher stations of the church, of which he was immoderately ambitious. Not being able to obtain a bishopric, lady Russel made use of the influence she had with Dr. Tillotson, to solicit a pension for him ; and in consequence of this application, king William granted him, 300l. a year out of the post-office, for his own and his son’s life, with 1000l. in money, and a place of 100l. a year for his son.
Violence produces violence; and his enemies were so much exasperated against him, that his life was frequently endangered. After publishing his famous tract, entitled
Violence produces violence; and his enemies were so
much exasperated against him, that his life was frequently
endangered. After publishing his famous tract, entitled
“An Argument proving that the Abrogation of King
James,
” &c. which was levelled against all those who complied with the Revolution upon any other principles than
his own, in 1692, a remarkable attempt was actually made
upon him. Seven assassins broke into his house in Bondstreet, Nov. 27, very early in the morning; and five of
them, with a lantern, got into his chamber, where he, with
his wife and young son, were in bed. Mr. Johnson was
fast asleep but his wife, being awaked by their opening
the door, cried out, Thieves and endeavoured to awaken
her husband the villains in the mean time threw open the
curtains, three of them placed themselves on that side of
the bed where he lay, with drawn swords and clubs, and
two stood at the bed’s feet with pistols. Mr. Johnson
started up; and, endeavouring to defend himself from
their assaults, received a blow on the head, which knocked
him backwards. His wife cried out with great earnestness,
and begged them not to treat a sick man with such barbarity; upon which they paused a little, and one of the
miscreants called to Mr. Johnson to hold up his face, which
his wife begged him to do, thinking they only designed
to gag him, and that they would rifle the house and be
gone. Upon this he sat upright; when one of the rogues
cried, “Pistol him for the book he wrote
” which discovered their design for it was just after the publishing of
the book last mentioned. Whilst he sat upright in his bed,
one of them cut him with a sword over the eye-brow, and
the rest presented their pistols at him; but, upon Mrs.
Johnson’s passionate intreaties, they went off without doing
him further mischief, or rifling the house. A surgeon wa
immediately sent for, who found two wounds in his head,
and his body much bruised. With due care, however, he
recovered; and though his health was much impaired and
broken by this and other troubles, yet he handled his pen
with the same unbroken spirit as before. He died in May
1703.
In 1710 all his treatises were collected, and published
in one folio volume; to which were prefixed some memorials of his life. The second edition came out in 1713,
folio.
, one of the most eminent and highly-distinguished writers of the eighteenth century, was born on the 18th of September, 1709, at Lichfield in Staffordshire,
, one of the most eminent and highly-distinguished writers of the eighteenth century, was born on the 18th of September, 1709, at Lichfield in Staffordshire, where his father, Michael Johnson, a native of Derbyshire, of obscure extraction, was at that time a bookseller and stationer. His mother, Sarah Ford, was a native of Warwickshire, and sister to Dr. Ford, physician, who was father to Cornelius Ford, a clergyman of loose character, whom Hogarth has satirized in the print of Modern Midnight Conversation. Our author was the eldest of two sons. Nathaniel, the youngest, died in 1737 in his twenty-fifth year. The father was a man of robust body and active mind, yet occasionally depressed by melancholy, which Samuel inherited, and, with the aid of a stronger mind, was not always able to shake off. He was also a steady high-churchman, and an adherent of the house of Stuart, a prejudice which his son outlived in the nation at large, without entirely conquering in himself. Mrs. Johnson was a woman of good natural understanding, unimproved by education; and our author acknowledged with gratitude, that she endeavoured to instil sentiments of piety as soon as his mind was capable of any instruction. There is little else in his family history worthy of notice, nor had he much pleasure in tracing his pedigree. He venerated others, however, who could produce a recorded ancestry, and used to say, that in him this was disinterested, for he could scarcely teil who was his grandfather. That he was remarkable in his early years has been supposed, but many proofs have not been advanced by his biographers. He had, indeed, a retentive memory, and soon discovered symptoms of an impetuous temper; but these circumstances are not enough to distinguish him from hundreds of children who never attain eminence. In his infancy he was afflicted with the scrophula, which injured his sight, and he was carried to London to receive the royal touch from the hand of queen Anne, the last of our sovereigns who encouraged that popular superstition. He was first taught to read English by a woman who kept a school for young children at Lichfield; and afterwards by one Brown. Latin he learned at Lichfield school, under Mr. Hunter, a man of severe discipline, but an attentive teacher. Johnson owned that he needed correction, and that his master did not spare him; but this, instead of being the cause of unpleasant recollections in his advanced life, served only to convince him that severity in school-education is necessary; and in all his conversations on the subject, he persisted in pleading for a liberal use of the rod. At this school his superiority was soon acknowledged by his companions, who could not refuse submission to the ascendancy which he acquired. His proficiency, however, as in every part of his life, exceeded his apparent diligence. He could learn more than others in the same allotted time: and he was learning when he seemed to be idle. He betrayed an early aversion to stated tasks, but, if roused, he could recover the time he appeared to have lost with great facility. Yet he seems afterwards to have been conscious that much depends on regularity of study, and we find him often prescribing to himself stated portions of reading, and recommending the same to others. No man perhaps was ever more sensible of his failings, or avowed them with more candour; nor, indeed, would many of them have been known, if he had not exhibited them as warnings. His memory was uncommonly tenacious, and to his last days he prided himself on it, considering a defect of memory as the prelude of total decay. Perhaps be carried this doctrine rather too far when he asserted, that the occasional failure of memory in a man of seventy must imply something radically wrong; but it may be in. general allowed, that the memory is a pretty accurate standard of mental strength. Although his weak sight prevented him from joining in the amusements of his schoolfellows, for which he was otherwise well qualified by personal courage and an ambition to excel, he found an equivalent pleasure in sauntering in the fields, or reading such books as came in his way, particularly old romances. For these he retained a fondness throughout life; but was wise and candid enough to attribute to them, in some degree, that unsettled turn of mind which prevented his fixing in any profession.
d to receive him again on the foundation of Lichfield school. What his reasons were is not known. He was now removed to the school of Stourbridge in Worcestershire,
About the age of fifteen he paid a long visit to his uncle
Cornelius Ford; but on his return, his master, Hunter,
refused to receive him again on the foundation of Lichfield
school. What his reasons were is not known. He was
now removed to the school of Stourbridge in Worcestershire, where he remained about a year, with very little
acquisition of knowledge; but here, as well as at Lichfield,
he gave several proofs of his inclination to poetry, and
afterwards published some of these juvenile productions
in the Gentleman’s Magazine. From Stourbridge he returned home, where he remained about two years without
any regular application. His time, however, was not
entirely wasted, as he employed it in reading many of the
ancient writers, and stored his mind with so much various
information, that when he went to Oxford, Dr. Adams said
he “was the best qualified for the university that he had
ever known come there.
”
By what means his father was enabled to defray the expence of an university education has
By what means his father was enabled to defray the expence of an university education has not been very accurately told. It is generally reported that he went to assist the studies of a young gentleman of the name of Corbet. His frfend, Dr. Taylor, assured Mr. Boswell that he never could have gone to college, had not a gentleman of Shropshire, one of his schoolfellows, spontaneously undertaken to support him at Oxford, in the character of his companion,- though, in fact, he never received any assistance whatever from that gentleman. He was, however, entered a commoner of Pembroke college on the 31st October, 1728. His tutor was Mr. Jordan, a fellow of Pembroke, a man whom Johnson mentioned with respect many years after, but to whose instructions he did not pay much regard, except that he formally attended his lectures, as well as those in the college hall. It was at Jordan’s request that he translated Pope’s Messiah into Latin verse, as a Christmas exercise. Pope is said to have expressed his high approbation of it; but critics in that language, among whom Pope could never be ranked, have not considered Johnson’s Latin poems as the happiest of his compositions. When Jordan left college to accept of a living, Johnson became the scholar of Dr. Adams, who was afterwards the head of Pembroke, and with whom Johnson maintained a strict friendship to the last hour of his life.
asionally formed resolutions of regular study, in which he seldom persisted. Among his companions he was looked up to as a young man of wit and spirit, singular and
During the vacation in the following year, he suffered severely by an attack of his constitutional melancholy, accompanied by alternate irritation, fretfulness, and languor. It appears, however, that he resisted his disorder by every effort of a great mind, and proved that it did not arise from want of mental resources, or weakness of understanding. On his return to the university, he probably 'continued his desultory manner of reading, and occasionally formed resolutions of regular study, in which he seldom persisted. Among his companions he was looked up to as a young man of wit and spirit, singular and unequal in temper, impatient of college rules, and not over-respectful to his seniors. Such at least seems to be the result of Mr. Boswell’s inquiries, but little is known with certainty, except what is painful to relate, that he either put on an air of gaiety to conceal his anxious cares, or secluded himself from company that that poverty might not be known, which at length compelled him to leave college without a degree.
y gloomy prospects. His father died a few months after his return, and the little he left behind him was barely sufficient for the temporary support of his widow. In
He now (1731) returned to Lichfield, with very gloomy prospects. His father died a few months after his return, and the little he left behind him was barely sufficient for the temporary support of his widow. In the following year he accepted the place of usher of the school of Market Bosworth in Leicestershire, an employment which the pride of Sir Wolstan Dixie, the patron, soon rendered irksome, and he threw it up in a disgust which recurred whenever he recollected this part of his history. For six months after he resided at Birmingham as the guest of Mr. Hector, an eminent surgeon, and is supposed during that time to have furnished some periodical essays for a newspaper printed by Warren, a bookseller in Birmingham. Here, too, he abridged and translated Father Lobo’s Voyage to Abyssinia, which was published in 1735 by Bettesworth and Hitch in Paternoster-row, London. For this, his first literary performance, he received the small sum of five guineas. In the translation there is little that marks the hand of Johnson; but in the preface and dedication are a few passages in the same energetic and manly style which he may be said to have invented, and to have taught to his countrymen.
en without the precaution of a subscription; and they will regret that in this case the subscription was so inadequate to the expence of printing, as to deter our author
In 1734 he returned to Lichfield, and issued proposals for an edition of the Latin poems of Politian, with the history of Latin poetry, from the aera of Petrarch to the time of Politian, and also the life of Politian; the book to be printed in thirty octavo sheets, price five shillings. Those who have not attended to the literary history of this country will be surprized that such a work could not be undertaken without the precaution of a subscription; and they will regret that in this case the subscription was so inadequate to the expence of printing, as to deter our author from executing what probably would have made him known and patronized by the learned world.
e suggested some improvements in the management of the Magazine, and specified the articles which he was ready to supply. Cave answered his letter, but it does not appear
Disappointed in this scheme, he offered his services to Mr. Cave, the proprietor and editor of the Gentleman’s Magazine, who had given some proofs of a liberal spirit of enterprize, in calling forth the talents of unknown and ingenious writers. On this occasion he suggested some improvements in the management of the Magazine, and specified the articles which he was ready to supply. Cave answered his letter, but it does not appear that any agreement was formed at this time. He soon, however, entered into a connection of a more tender kind, which ended in marriage. His wife, who was about twenty years older than himself, was the widow of Mr. Porter, a mercer, of Birmingham, a lady whose character has been variously represented, but seldom to her discredit. She was, however, the object of his first passion, and although they did not pass the whole time of their union in uninterrupted harmony, he lamented her death with unfeigned sorrow, and retained an enthusiastic veneration for her memory.
e, endeavoured to promote this plan, but it proved abortive. Three pupils only appeared, one of whom was David Garrick. With these he made a shift to keep the school
She had a fortune of eight hundred pounds, and with
part of this, he hired a large house at Edial near Lichfield,
which he fitted up as an academy where young gentlemen
were to be boarded and taught the Latin and Greek languages. Gilbert Walmsley, a man of learning and worth,
whom he has celebrated by a character drawn with unparalleled elegance, endeavoured to promote this plan, but
it proved abortive. Three pupils only appeared, one of
whom was David Garrick. With these he made a shift to
keep the school open for about a year and a half, and was
then obliged to discontinue it, perhaps not much against
his inclination. No man knew better than Johnson. what
ought to be taught, but the business of education was confessedly repugnant to his habits and his temper. During
this short residence at Edial, he wrote a considerable part
of his “Irene,
” which Mr. Walmsley advised him to prepare for the stage, and it was probably by this gentleman’s
advice that he determined to try his fortune in London.
His pupil Garrick had formed the same resolution; and in
March 1737, they arrived in London together. Garrick,
after some farther preparatory education, was designed far
the study of the law, but in three or four years went on the
stage, and obtained the highest honours that dramatic fame
could confer, with a fortune splendid beyond all precedent. The difference in the lot of these two young men
might lead to many reflections on the taste of the age, and
the value of its patronage; but they are too obvious to be
obtruded on any reader of feeling or judgment, and to
others they would be unintelligible.
In what manner Johnson was employed for some time after his arrival in London, is not known.
In what manner Johnson was employed for some time
after his arrival in London, is not known. He brought a
small sum of money with him, and he husbanded it with
frugality, while he mixed in such society as was accessible
to a friendless and uncourtly scholar, and amused himself
in contemplating the manners of the metropolis. It appears that at one time he took lodgings at Greenwich,
and proceeded by fits to complete his tragedy. He renewed his application also to Cave, sending him a specimen of a translation of the “History of the Council of
Trent,
” and desiring to know if Cave would join in the
publication of it. Cave appears to have consented, for
twelve sheets were printed, for which our author received
forty-nine pounds; but another translation being announced
about the same period (1738) by a rival whose name was
also Samuel Johnson, librarian of St. Martin’s in the
Fields, our author desisted, and this other design was also
dropped.
deavoured to prevail on Fleetwood, the patentee of Drurylane theatre, to accept “Irene,” but in this was unsuccessful, and having no interest with any other manager,
In the ourse of the summer he went to Lichfield,
where he had left Mrs. Johnson, and there, during a residence of three months, finished his tragedy for the stage.
On his return to London with Mrs. Johnson, he endeavoured to prevail on Fleetwood, the patentee of Drurylane theatre, to accept “Irene,
” but in this was unsuccessful, and having no interest with any other manager, he
laid aside his play in pursuit of literary employment. He
had now become personally known to Cave, and began to
contribute to the Magazine original poetry, Latin and
English, translations, biographical sketches, and other miscellaneous articles, particularly the debates in parliament,
under the name of the Senate of Lilliput. At that time
the debates were not allowed to be published, as now, the
morning after the day of meeting, and the only safe mode
of conveying the substance of them to the public was by
adopting a historical form at more distant periods. At first
Johnson merely revised the manuscript as written by
Guthrie, who then supplied this department of the Magazine; but when he had attained a higher rank among authors, the whole devolved on his coadjutor. His only materials were a few notes supplied by persons who attended
the houses of parliament, from which, and sometimes from
information even more scanty, he compiled a series of
speeches, of which the sentiments as well as the style were
often his own. In his latter days he disapproved of this
practice, and desisted from writing the speeches as soon as
he found they were thought genuine.
The value of his contributions to this Magazine must have been soon acknowledged. It was then in its infancy, and there is a visible improvement from
The value of his contributions to this Magazine must have been soon acknowledged. It was then in its infancy, and there is a visible improvement from the time he began to write for it. Cave had a contriving head, but with too much of literary quackery. Johnson, by recommending original or selected pieces calculated to improve the taste and judgment of the public, raised the dignity of the Magazine above its contemporaries; and to him we certainly owe, in a great measure, the various information and literary history for which that miscellany has ever been distinguished, and in which it has never been interrupted by a successful rival. By some manuscript memorandums concerning Dr. Johnson, written by the late Dr. Farmer, and obligingly given to the writer of this life by Mr. Nichols, it appears that he was considered as the conductor or editor of the Magazine for some time, and received an hundred pounds per annum from Cave.
ch cautious preparation. Johnson conveyed his poem to Cave as the production' of another, of one who was “under very disadvantageous circumstances of fortune;” and as
In 1738 he m.ade his name at once known and highly
respected among the eminent men of his time, by the publication of “London,
” a poem in imitation of the third
satire of Juvenal. The history of this publication is not
uninteresting. Young authors did not then present themselves to the public without much cautious preparation.
Johnson conveyed his poem to Cave as the production' of
another, of one who was “under very disadvantageous
circumstances of fortune;
” and as some small encouragement to the printer, he not only offered to correct the
press, but even to alter any stroke of satire which he might
dislike. Cave, whose heart appears to more advantage in
this than in some other of his transactions with authors,
sent a present to Johnson for the use of his poor friend,
and afterwards, it appears, recommended Dodsley as a
purchaser. Dodsley had just begun business, and had speculated but on a few publications of no great consequence.
He had, however, judgment enough to discern the merit
of the poem now submitted to him, and bargained for the
whole property. The sum Johnson received was ten guineas, and such were his circumstances, or such the state of
literary property at that time, that he was fully content,
and was ever ready to acknowledge Dodsley’s useful patronage. The poem was accordingly published in May
1738, and on the same morning with Pope’s satire of
“Seventeen hundred and thirty-eight.
” Johnson’s was so
eagerly bought up, that a second edition became necessary
in less than a week. *Pope behaved on this occasion with
great liberality. He bestowed high praise on the “London,
” and intimated that the author, whose name had not
yet appeared, could not be long concealed. In this poem
may be observed some of those political prejudices for
which Johnson frequently contended afterwards. He
thought proper to join in the popular clamour against the
administration of sir Robert YValpole; but lived to reflect
with more complacency on the conduct of that minister,
when compared with some of his successors.
His “London” procured him fame, and Cave was not sorry to have engaged the services of a man whose talents
His “London
” procured him fame, and Cave was not
sorry to have engaged the services of a man whose talents
had now the stamp of public approbation. Whether he
had offers of patronage, or was thought a formidable enemy
to the minister, is not certain; but, having leisure to calculate how little his labours were likely to produce, he
soon began to wish for some establishment of a more permanent kind. With this view an offer was made to him of
the mastership of the school of Appleby in Leicestershire,
the salary of which was about sixty pounds, but the laws
of the school required that the candidate should be a master
of arts. The university of Oxford, when applied to, refused to grant this favour. Earl Gower was then solicited,
in behalf of Johnson, by Pope, who knew him only as the
author of “London.
” His lordship accordingly wrote to
Swift, soliciting a diploma from the university of Dublin,
but, for what reason we are not told, this application, too,
was unsuccessful. Mr. Murphy says, “There is reason to
think, that Swift declined to meddle in the business; and
to that circumstance Johnson’s known dislike of Swift has
been often imputed.
” That Swift declined to meddle in
the business is not improbable, for it appears by his letters
of this date (August 1738) that he was incapable of attenc(ing to any business; but Johnson’s Life of Swift proves that his dislike had a more honourable foundation. About this time Johnson formed a design of studying the civil law, in order to practise in the Commons, yet this also was rendered impossible for want of a degree, and he was obliged to resume his labours in the Gentleman’s Magazine. The various articles which came from his pen are enumerated in chronological series by Mr. Boswell. It will be sufficient for our purpose to notice only his more
important productions, or such as were of sufficient consequence to be published separately. In 1739, he wrote
“A Complete Vindication of the Licensers of the Stage,
from the malicious and scandalous aspersions of Mr. Brooke,
author of Gustavus Vasa;
” and a political tract entitled
t( Marmor Norfolciense, or an Essay on an ancient prophetical inscription, in monkish rhyme, lately discovered near Lynne in Norfolk, by Probus Britannicus.“These pieces, it is almost needless to add, were ironical, a mode of writing in which our author was not eminently successful. Some notice has already been taken of
” Gustavus Vasa“in the Life of Brooke. The
” Marmor Norfolciense" was a severe attack on the Walpole administration, and on the reigning family; but whether it was not well understood, or when understood, considered as feeble, it certainly was not much attended to by the friends of government, nor procured to the author the reputation of a dangerous opponent. Sir John Hawkins indeed says that a prosecution was ordered, but of this no traces can be found
in any of the public offices. One of his political enemies
reprinted it in 1775, to shew what a change had been
effected in his principles by a pension; but the publisher
does not seem to have known what a very small change was
really effected, and how little was necessary to render
Johnson a loyal subject to his munificent sovereign, and a
determined enemy of the popular politics of that time.
His next publication of any note was his “Life of Savage,” which he afterwards prefixed to that poet’s
His next publication of any note was his “Life of Savage,
” which he afterwards prefixed to that poet’s works
when admitted into his collection. With Savage he had
been for some time intimately acquainted, but how long is
not known. They met at Cave’s house. Johnson admired
his abilities, and while he sympathized with the very
singular train of misfortunes which placed him among the indigent, was not less touched by his pride of spirit, and
the lofty demeanour with which he treated those who neglected him. In all Savage’s virtues, there was much in
common with Johnson, but his narrative shows with what
nicety he could separate his virtues from his vices, and
blame even firmness and independence when they degenerated into obstinacy and misanthropy. He has concealed
none of Savage’s failings; and what appears of the exculpatory kind is merely an endeavour to present a just view
of that unfortunate combination of circumstances, by which
Savage was driven from the paths of decent and moral life;
and to incite every reflecting person to put the important
question “who made me to differ
” This Life, of which
two editions were very speedily sold, affords an extraordinary proof of the facility with which Johnson composed.
He wrote forty-eight pages of the printed copy in the
course of a day or night, for it is not very clear which.
His biographer, who records this, enters at the same time
into a long discussion intended to prove that Savage was
not the* son of the countess of Macclesfield; but had this
been possible, it would surely have been accomplished
when the proof might have been rendered unanswerable.
Shakspeare,” to which he affixed proposals fora new edition of that poet; and it is probable that he was now devoting his whole time to this undertaking, as we find
In 1745 he published “Miscellaneous Observations on
the Tragedy of Macbeth, with remarks on sir Thomas Hanmer’s edition of Shakspeare,
” to which he affixed proposals fora new edition of that poet; and it is probable that
he was now devoting his whole time to this undertaking,
as we find a suspension of his periodical contributions
during the years 1745 and 1746. It is perhaps too rash to
conclude that he declined writing in the Magazine, because
he would not join in the support of government during the
rebellion in Scotland; but there are abundant proofs in Mr.
Boswell’s Life, that his sentiments were favourable to that
attempt. As to his plan of an edition of Shakspeare, he
had many difficulties to encounter. Little notice was taken
of his proposals, and Warburton was known to be engaged
in a similar undertaking. Warburton, however, had the
liberality to praise his “Observations on Macbeth,
” as the
production of a man of parts and genius; and Johnson
never forgot the favour. Warburton, he said, praised him
when praise was of value.
eman’s Magazine, and although many entire pieces cannot be ascertained to have come from his pen, he was frequently, if not constantly, employed to superintend the materials
In 1747 he resumed his labours in fche Gentleman’s
Magazine, and although many entire pieces cannot be
ascertained to have come from his pen, he was frequently,
if not constantly, employed to superintend the materials of
the Magazine, and several introductory passages may be
pointed out which bear evident marks of his composition.
In this year his old pupil and friend, Garrick, became
manager of Drnry-lane theatre, and obtained from Johnson
a prologue, which is generally esteemed one of the finest
productions of that kind in our language. In this year also
he issued his plan for a “Dictionary of the English language.
”
The design of this great work was at first suggested by Dodsley; and Johnson, having consented
The design of this great work was at first suggested by
Dodsley; and Johnson, having consented to undertake it,
entered into an agreement with the booksellers for the sum
of fifteen hundred guineas, which he was to receive in
small payments proportioned to the quantity of manuscript
sent to the press. The plan was addressed to the celebrated earl of Chesterfield, who had discovered an inclination to be the patron of the author; and Johnson, having
made suitable preparations, hired a house in Gough-square,
engaged amanuenses, and began a task which he carried
on by fits, as inclination and health permitted, for nearly
eight years. His amanuenses were six in number, and
employed upon what may be termed the mechanical part
of the work, but their expences and his own were so considerable, that before the work was concluded he had received the whole of the money stipulated for in his agreement with the proprietors. In what time it might have
been completed, had he, to use his own phrase, “set doggedly about it,
” it is useless to conjecture, and it would
perhaps have been hurtful to try. Whoever has been employed on any great literary work knows, not only the
pleasure, but the necessity of occasional relaxation; and
Johnson’s mind, stored with various knowledge, and a rich
fund of sentiment, afforded him many opportunities of this
kind, in addition to the love of society, which was his predominant passion. We find accordingly that during the
years in which his Dictionary was on hand, he accepted
some inferior employment from the booksellers, and produced some of the most valuable of his original works.
that his labours should be revised and amended at the pleasure of an actor, and with some difficulty was persuaded to yield to Garrick’s advice. The pl^y, however, was
In 1749 he published his second imitation of Juvenal,
under the title of the “Vanity of Human Wishes,
” for
which, with all the fame he had now acquired, he received
only fifteen guineas. In his “London,
” we have the
manners of common life 5 in the “Vanity of Human
Wishes,
” he has given us more of his own mind, more of
that train of sentiment, excited sometimes by poverty, and
sometimes by disappointment, which always inclined him
to view the gloomy side of human affairs. In the same
year Garrick offered to produce his " Irene' 7 on the DruryJane theatre, but presumed at the same time to suggest
such alterations as his superior knowledge of stage effect
might be supposed to justify. Johnson did not much like
that his labours should be revised and amended at the
pleasure of an actor, and with some difficulty was persuaded
to yield to Garrick’s advice. The pl^y, however, was at
length performed, but without much success; altnough
the manager contrived to have it played long enough to
entitle the author to the profits of his three nights, and
Dodsley bout ht the copyright for one hundred pounds. It
has ever been admired in the closet, for the propriety of
its sentiments and the elegance of its language.
h his friends, or desire of assistance. Whether he proposed the scheme himself, is uncertain, but he Was fortunate in forming a connexion with Mr. John Payne, a bookseller
In 1750 he commenced a work which raised his fame
higher than it had ever yet reached, and will probably
convey his name to the latest posterity. He appears to
have entered on “The Rambler
” without any communication with his friends, or desire of assistance. Whether he
proposed the scheme himself, is uncertain, but he Was
fortunate in forming a connexion with Mr. John Payne, a
bookseller in Paternoster-row, and afterwards chief accountant in the Bank of England, a man with whom he
lived many years in habits of friendship, and who on the
present occasion treated him with great liberality. He
engaged to pay him two guineas for each paper, or four
guineas per week, which at that time must have been to
Johnson a very considerable sum; and he admitted him to
a share of the future profits of the work, when it should
be collected into volumes; this share Johnson afterwards
sold. As a full history of this paper has been given in
another work *, it may suffice to add, that it began Tuesday, March 20, 1749-50, and closed on Saturday, March
14, 1752. So conscious was Johnson that his fame would
in a great measure rest on this production, that he corrected the first two editions with the most scrupulous care,
of which specimens are given in the volume referred to in
the note.
In 1751 he was carrying on his “Dictionary” and “The Rambler;” and besides
In 1751 he was carrying on his “Dictionary
” and “The
Rambler;
” and besides some occasional contributions to
the Magazine, assisted in the detection of Lauder, who had
imposed on him and on the world by advancing forged
evidence that Milton was a gross plagiary. Dr. Douglas,
the late bishop of Salisbury, was the first who refuted this
unprincipled impostor; and Johnson, whom Lauder' s ingenuity had induced to write a preface and postscript to his
work, now dictated a letter addressed to Dr. Douglas, acknowledging his fraud in terms of contrition, which Lauder subscribed. The candour of Johnson on this occasion
was as readily acknowledged at that time, as it has since
been misrepresented by the bigotted adherents to Milton’s
politics. Lauder, however, returned to his “dirty work,
”
and published in 1754, a pamphlet entitled “The Grand
Impostor detected, or Milton convicted of forgery against
Charles 1.
” which was reviewed, with censure, in the
Gentleman’s Magazine of that year, and probably by
Johnson.
< ( The Rambler“ was concluded on March 14, 1752 and three days after, the author’s
< ( The Rambler“was concluded on March 14, 1752 and three days after, the author’s wife died, a loss which he Jong deplored, and never, at the latest period of his life, recollected without emotion. Many instances of his affection for her occur in the collection of
” Prayers and Meditations" published after his death, which, however they may expose him to ridicule, combine to prove that his attachment to her was uniformly sincere. She was buried at Bromley, and Johnson placed a Latin inscription on her tomb. She left a daughter by her former husband, and by her means our author became acquainted with Mrs. Anne
Williams, the daughter of Zachary Williams, a physician
who died about this time. Mrs. Williams wasa woman of
considerable talents, and her conversation was^interesting.
She was left in poverty by her father, and had the additional affliction of being totally blind. To relieve his melancholy reflections, Johnson took her home to his house
in Gough-square, procured her a benefit play from Garrick, and assisted her in publishing a volume of poems, by
both of which schemes she raised about three hundred
pounds. With this fund she became an inmate in Johnson’s house, where she passed the remainder of her days,
protected and cheered by every act of kindness and tenderness which he could have showed to the nearest relation.
ered from the shock of Mrs. Johnsons death, he contributed several papers to the “Adventurer,” which was carried on by Dr. Hawkesworth and Dr. Warton. The profit of
When he had in some measure recovered from the shock
of Mrs. Johnsons death, he contributed several papers to
the “Adventurer,
” which was carried on by Dr. Hawkesworth and Dr. Warton. The profit of these papers he is
said to have given to Dr. Bathurst, a physician of little
practice, but a very amiable man, whom he highly respected. Mr. Boswell thinks he endeavoured to make them
pass for Bathurst’s, which is highly improbable . In 1754
we find him approaching to the completion of his “Dictionary.
” Lord Chesterfield, to whom he once looked up
as to a liberal patron, had treated him with neglect, of
which, after Johnson declined to pay court to such a man,
he became sensible, and, as an effort at reconciliation,
wrote two papers in the “World,
” recommending the
Dictionary, and soothing the author by some ingenious
compliments. Had there been no previous offence, it is
probable this end would have answered, and Johnson would
have dedicated the work to him. He loved praise, and
from lord Chesterfield, the Maecenas of the age, and the
most elegant of noble writers, praise was at this time valuable. But Johnson never departed from exacting the
just respect due to a man of letters, and was not to be
appeased by the artifice of these protracted compliments.
He could not even brook that his lordship should for a
moment suppose him reconciled by his flattery, but immediately wrote that celebrated letter which has been so much
admired as a model of dignified contempt. The allusion
to the loss of his wife, and to his present situation, is exquisitely beautiful. “The notice which you have been
pleased to take of my labours, had it been early, had been
kind; but it has been delayed till I am indifferent, and
cannot enjoy it till I Am Solitary, and cannot impart
it till I am known, and do not want it.
” Lord Chesterfield is said to have concealed his feelings on this occasion
with his usual art, conscious, perhaps, that they were not
to be envied.
In 1755 the degree of M. A. was conferred upon him by the university of Oxford, after which
In 1755 the degree of M. A. was conferred upon him by
the university of Oxford, after which (in May) his “Dictionary
” was published in two large volumes, folio. Of a
work so well known it is unnecessary to say more in this
place, than that after the lapse of half a century, neither
envy has injured, nor industry rivalled its usefulness or
popularity. In the following year he abridged his “
Dictionary into an octavo size, and engaged to superintend a
monthly publication entitled
” The Literary Magazine, or
Universal Register.“To this he contributed a great many
articles enumerated by Mr. Boswell, and several reviews
of new books. The most celebrated of his reviews, and
one of his most finished compositions, both in point of
style, argument, and wit, was that of Soame Jenyns’s
” Free
Inquiry into the nature and origin of Evil.“This attracted
so much notice that the bookseller was encouraged to publish it separately, and two editions were rapidly sold. The
Magazine continued about two years, after which it was
dropped for want of encouragement. He wrote also in
1756 some essays in the
” Universal Visitor," another
magazine, which lasted only a year. His friend Cave died
in 1754, and, for whatever reason, Johnson’s regular contributions appear no more in the Gentleman’s Magazine.
But he wrote a very elegant life of Cave, and was afterwards an occasional contributor. This, it would appear,
was one of his worst years as to pecuniary matters. We
find him, in the month of March, arrested for the sum of
five pounds eighteen shillings and relieved by Mr. Richardson. His proposal for an edition of Shakspeare was
again revived, and subscription tickets issued out, but it
did not go to press for many years after.
nicle, or Weekly Gazette,” in conjunction with Mr. John Payne. To give it an air of novelty, Johnson was engaged to write a short periodical paper, which he entitled
In 1758 the worthy John Newbery, bookseller, who frequently employed Johnson in his literary projects, began
a news-paper called the “Universal Chronicle, or Weekly
Gazette,
” in conjunction with Mr. John Payne. To give
it an air of novelty, Johnson was engaged to write a short
periodical paper, which he entitled “The Idler.
” Most of
these papers were written in haste, in various places where
he happened to be, on the eve of publication, and with
very little preparation. A few of them exhibit the train of
thought which prevails in the “Rambler,
” but in general
they have more vivacity, and exhibit a species of grave
humour in which Johnson excelled. When the “Universal
Chronicle
” was discontinued, these papers were collected
into two small volumes, which he corrected for the press,
making a few alterations, and omitting one whole paper,
which has since been restored. No. 41 of the “Idler alludes to the death of his mother, which took place in 1759.
He had ever loved her with anxious affection , and had
contributed liberally to her support, often when he knew
not where to recruit his finances. On this event he wrote
his Rasselas, with a view to raise a sum sufficient to defray
the expences of her funeral, and pay some little debts she
had left. His mind appears to have been powerfully excited and enriched both with the subject and the motive,
for he wrote the whole of this elegant and philosophical
fiction during the evenings of one week, and sent it to
press in portions as it was written. He received one hundred pounds from Messrs. Strahan, Johnston, and Dodsley,
for the copy, and twenty-five more when it came, as it
soon did, to a second edition. Few works of the kind have
been more generally or more extensively diffused by means
of translation. Yet the author, perhaps from the pain he
felt in recollecting the melancholy occasion which called
forth his pen, appears to have dismissed it with some degree of indifference, as soon as published; for from that
time to 1781, when he found it accidentally in a chaise
while travelling with Mr. Boswell, he declared he had never
looked into it. His translation of
” Lobo“probably suggested his placing the scene in Abyssinia, but there is a
little scarce volume, unnoticed by his biographers, from
which it may be suspected he took some hints. It is entitled
” The late Travels of S. Giacomo Baratti, an Italian
gentleman, into the remotest countries of the Abyssins, or
of Ethiopia Interior," London, 1G70, 12mo.
Displayed,” a collection of voyages and travels, projected by his friend Newbery. When a new bridge was about to be built over the Thames at Blackfriars, he wrote some
Among his occasional productions about this time were
his translation of a “Dissertation on the Greek Comedy,
”
for Mrs. Lennox’s English version of Brumoy, the general
conclusion of the book, and an introduction to the “World
Displayed,
” a collection of voyages and travels, projected
by his friend Newbery. When a new bridge was about to
be built over the Thames at Blackfriars, he wrote some
papers against the plan of the architect, Mr. Mylne. His
principal motive appears to have been his friendship for
Mr. Gwyn, who had given in a plan; and probably he only
cloathed Gwyn’s arguments in his own stately language.
Such a contest was certainly not within his province, and
he could derive little other advantage than the pleasure of
serving his friend. He appeared more in character when
he assisted his contemporaries with prefaces and dedications, which were very frequently solicited from him. Poor
as he was at this time, he taught how dedications might be
written without servile submission or flattery, and yet with
all the courtesy, compliment, and elegance which a liberal
mind could expect.
But an end was now approaching to his pecuniary embarrassments. In 1762. while
But an end was now approaching to his pecuniary embarrassments. In 1762. while he was proceeding with his edition of Shakspeare, he was surprised by the information, that his present majesty had been pleased to grant him a pension of three hundred pounds a year, not, as has been invidiously asserted, in order to induce him to write for administration, but as the reward of his literary merit. Had it been otherwise, he had surely the strongest inducement to have exerted his talents in favour of lord Bute, by whose recommendation the pension was grained, and who at this time wanted much abler support than the hired writers of government could supply. But it is well known that he wrote no political tract for nearly eight years afterwards. He now took a house in Johnson’s court, Fleet-street, and allotted an apartment for Mrs. Williams. In 1765 he was introduced to the late Mr. Thrale and family, a circumstance which contributed much to alleviate the solicitudes of life, and furnished him with the enjoyment of an elegant table and elegant society. ' Here an apartment was fitted up for him, which he occupied when he pleased, and he accompanied the family in their various summer excursions, which tended to exhilarate his mind and render the return of his constitutional melancholy less frequent.
complimenting him with the title of doctor of laws; and after many delays, his edition of Shakspeare was published in eight volumes octavo. The preface is universally
In the same year he received a diploma from Trinity
college, Dublin, complimenting him with the title of doctor of laws; and after many delays, his edition of Shakspeare was published in eight volumes octavo. The preface is universally acknowledged to be one of the most
elegant and acute of all his compositions. But as an illustrator of the obscurities of Shakspeare, it must be allowed
he has not done much, nor was this a study for which he
was eminently qualified. He was never happy when obliged
to borrow from others, and he had none of that useful industry which indulges in research. Yet his criticisms have
rarely been surpassed, and it is no small praise that he was
the precursor of Steevens and Malone. The success of the
Shakspeare was not great, although upon the whole it increased the respect with which the literary world viewed
his talents. Kenrick made the principal attack on this
work, which was answered by an Oxford student named
Barclay. But neither the attack nor the answer attracted
much notice.
In 1766 he furnished the preface, and some of the pieces
which compose a volume of poetical “Miscellanies
” by
Mrs. Anna Williams. This lady was still an inmate in his
house, and was indeed absolute mistress. Although her
temper was far from pleasant, and she had now gained an
ascendancy over him which she often maintained in a fretful and peevish manner, he forgot every thing in her distresses, and was indeed in all his charities, which were
numerous, the most remote that can be conceived from the
hope of gratitude or reward. His house was filled by dependants whose perverse tempers frequently drove him out
of it, yet nothing of this kind could induce him to relieve
himself at their expence. His noble expression was, “If
1 dismiss them, who will receive them r
” Abroad, his
society was now very extensive, and included almost every
man of the age distinguished for learning, and many persons of considerable rank, who delighted in his company
and conversation.
son’s letter to lord Chesterfield. In 1767, on the institution of the royal academy of arts, Johnson was appointed professor in ancient literature, and there probably
In 1767, he had the honour to be admitted to a personal interview with his majesty, in the library of the
queen’s palace. Of the conversation which passed, Mr.
Boswell has given a very interesting and authentic account, which, it may here be mentioned, he prized at so
high a rate, as to print it separately in a quarto sheet,
and enter it in that form at Stationers’-hall, a few days before the publication of his “Life of Johnson.
” He attempted in the same manner to secare Johnson’s letter to
lord Chesterfield. In 1767, on the institution of the royal
academy of arts, Johnson was appointed professor in ancient literature, and there probably was at that time some
design of giving a course of lectures. But this, and the
professorship of ancient history, are as yet mere sinecures.
al character, could not help admiring his classical learning and social talents* His pamphlet, which was entitled the “False Alarm,” was answered by two or three anonymous
In 1770, his first political pamphlet made its appearance, in order to justify the conduct of the ministry and
the House of Commons in expelling Mr. Wilkes, and afterwards declaring col. Luttrell to be duly elected representative for the county of Middlesex, notwithstanding
Mr. Wilkes had the majority of votes. The vivacity and
pointed sarcasm of this pamphlet formed its chief recommendation, and it continues to be read as an elegant political declamation; but it failed in its main object. It
made no converts to the right of incapacitating Mr. Wilkes
by the act of expulsion, and the ministry had not the courage to try the question of absolute incapacitation. Wilkes
Jived to see the offensive resolutions expunged from the
Journals of the House of Commons; and what seemed yet
more improbable, to be reconciled to Johnson, who, with
unabated dislike of his moral character, could not help admiring his classical learning and social talents* His pamphlet, which was entitled the “False Alarm,
” was answered
by two or three anonymous writers of no great note.
but highly enriched by his vigorous style and peculiar train of thought. The object of this pamphlet was to represent the dispute, respecting a barren island, as an
In 1771, he appeared to more advantage as the author
of “Thoughts on the late Transactions respecting Falkland Islands,
” from materials partly furnished by the ministry, but highly enriched by his vigorous style and peculiar train of thought. The object of this pamphlet was
to represent the dispute, respecting a barren island, as an
insufficient cause for war; and in the course of his reasoning, he has taken an opportunity to depict the miseries as
well as the absurdity of unnecessary war, in a burst of animated and appropriate language which will probably never
be exceeded. His character of Junius in this pamphlet,
is scarcely inferior. The sale of the first edition was stopped
for a: while by lord North, and a few alterations made before it appeared in a second. Johnson’s opinion of these
two pamphlets was, that “there is a subtlety of disquisition in the ‘False Alarm,’ which is worth all the fire of the
other.
”
About this time, an ineffectual attempt was made by his steady friend Mr. Strahan, his majesty’s printer,
About this time, an ineffectual attempt was made by his
steady friend Mr. Strahan, his majesty’s printer, to procure him a seat in parliament. His biographers have
amused their readers by conjectures on the probable figure
he would make in that assembly, and he owned frequently
that he should not have been sorry to try. Why the interference of his friends were ineffectual, the minister only
could tell, but he was probably not ill advised. It is not
improbable that Johnson would have proved an able assistant on some occasions, where a nervous and manly speech
was wanted to silence the inferiors in opposition, but it
may be doubted whether he would have given that uniform
and open consent which is expected from a party man.
Whatever aid he might be induced to give by his pen on
certain subjects, which accorded with his own sentiments,
and of which he thought himself master, he by no means
approved of many parts of the conduct of those ministers
who carried on the American war; and he was ever decidedly against the principle (if it may be so called), that
a man should go along with his party right or wrong,
“This,
” he once said, “is so remote from native virtue,
from scholastic virtue, that a good man must have undergone a great change before he can reconcile himself tosuch a doctrine. It is maintaining that you may lie to the
public, for you do lie when you call that right which you
think wrong, or the reverse.
”
,” which he advertised in the newspapers, as the productions of the “Author of the Rambler.” Johnson was inclined to resent this liberty, until he recollected Davies’s
During his absence, his humble friend and admirer,
Thomas Davies, bookseller, ventured to publish two volumes, entitled “Miscellaneous and Fugitive Pieces,
”
which he advertised in the newspapers, as the productions
of the “Author of the Rambler.
” Johnson was inclined
to resent this liberty, until he recollected Davies’s narrow
circumstances, when he cordially forgave him, and continued his kindness to him as usual. A third volume appeared soon after, but all its contents are not from Dr. Johnson’s pen. On the dissolution of parliament in 1774, he
published a short political pamphlet entitled “The Patriot,
” the principal object of which appears to have been
to repress the spirit of faction which at that time was too
prevalent, especially in the metropolis. It was a hasty
composition, called for, as he informed Mr. Boswell, on
one day, and written the next. The success, since his
days, of those mock-patriots whom he has so ably delineated, is too decisive a proof that the reign of politic
delusion is not to be shortened by eloquence or argument.
During his tour in Scotland, he made frequent inquiries
respecting the authenticity of “Ossian’s Poems,
” and received answers so unsatisfactory that both in his book of
travels and in conversation, he did not hesitate to treat the
whole as an imposture. This excited the resentment of
Macpherson, the editor, to such a degree that he wrote a
threatening letter to Johnson, who answered it in a composition, which in the expression of firm and unalterable
contempt, is perhaps superior to that he wrote to lord
Chesterfield. In it he mixed somewhat of courtesy; but
Macpherson he despised both as a man and a writer, and
treated him as a ruffian.
e taxed in a British parliament, where they had no representatives, and he thought that this country was strong enough to enforce obedience. This pamphlet, which appeared
The rupture between Great Britain and America once
more roused our author’s political energies, and produced
his “Taxation no Tyranny,
” in which he endeavoured to
prove that distant colonies which had in their assemblies a
legislature of their own, were notwithstanding liable to be
taxed in a British parliament, where they had no representatives, and he thought that this country was strong
enough to enforce obedience. This pamphlet, which appeared in 1775, produced a controversy, which was carried
on for some time with considerable spirit, although Johnson took no share in it but the right of taxation was no
longer a question for discussion the Americans were in
arms, blood had been spilt, and " successful rebellion became revolution.' 7 No censure was more generally advanced at this time against our author, than that his opinions were regulated by his pension, and none could be
more void of foundation. His opinion, whether just or
not, of the Americans, was uniform throughout his life;
and he continued to maintain them, when in strict prudence
they might as well have been softened to the measure of
changed times.
led upon to write political pamphlets, and threatened to give up his pension. Whether this complaint was carried to the proper quarter, Mr. Boswell has not informed
It is not improbable, however, that he felt the force of some of the replies made to his pamphlet, seconded 'as they were by the popular voice, and by the discomfiture of the measures of administration. It is certain that he complained, and perhaps about this time, of being called upon to write political pamphlets, and threatened to give up his pension. Whether this complaint was carried to the proper quarter, Mr. Boswell has not informed us; but he wrote no more in defence of the ministry, and he received no kind of reward for what he had done. His pension, neither he or his friends ever considered in that light, although it might make him acquiesce more readily in what the minister required. He was willing to do something for gratitude, but nothing for hire.
In 1777, he was engaged by the London booksellers to write short lives or prefaces
In 1777, he was engaged by the London booksellers to
write short lives or prefaces to an edition of the English
Poets; and this “being one of the most important of his
literary undertakings, some account of its origin is necessary, especially as the precise share which belongs to him
has been frequently misrepresented. It is perhaps too
late now to inquire into the propriety of the decision of
the House of Lords respecting literary property. It had
not, however, taken place many months before some of
the predicted consequences appeared. Among other instances, an edition of the English Poets was published at
Edinburgh, in direct violation of that honourable compact
by which the booksellers- of London had agreed to respect
each others’ property, notwithstanding their being deprived of the more effectual support of the law. This,.
therefore, induced the latter to undertake an edition of the
Poets in a more commodious form, and with suitable accuracy of text. A meeting was called of about forty of
the most respectable booksellers of London, the proprietors, or the successors and descendants of the proprietors,
of copyrights in these worlds; and it was agreed that an
elegant and uniform edition of
” The English Poets"
should be printed, with a concise account of the life of
each author, by Dr. Samuel Johnson, and that Messrs.
Strahan, Cadell, and T. Davies, should wait upon him
with their proposals.
Johnson was delighted with the task, the utility of which had probably occurred
Johnson was delighted with the task, the utility of which had probably occurred to his mind long before, and he had certainly more acquaintance than any man then living with the poetical biography of his country, and appeared to he best qualified to illustrate it by judicious criticism. Whether we consider what he undertook, or what he performed, the sum of two hundred guineas, which he demanded, will appear a very trivial recompense. His original intention, and all indeed that was expected from him, was a very concise biographical and critical account of each poet; but he had not proceeded far before he began to enlarge the lives to the present extent, and at last presented the world with such a body of criticism as was scarcely to be expected from one man, and still less from one now verging on his seventieth year.
Of this edition it is yet necessary to say, that Dr. Johnson was not in all respects to be considered as the editor. He had not
Of this edition it is yet necessary to say, that Dr. Johnson was not in all respects to be considered as the editor. He had not the choice of the poets to be admitted, although in addition to the list prepared by his employers, he recommended Blackmore, Watts, Pomfret, and Yalden. The selection was made by the booksellers, who appear to have been guided partly by the acknowledged merit of the poet, and partly by his popularity, a quality which, is sometimes independent of the former. Our author, however, felt himself under no restraint in accepting the list offered, nor did he in any instance consider himself bound to lean with partiality to any author merely that the admission of his works might be justified. This absurd species of prejudice which lias contaminated so many single lives and critical prefaces, was repugnant to his, as it must ever be to the opinion of every man who considers truth as essential to biography, and that the possession of talents, however brilliant, ought to be no excuse for the abuse of them. Every preliminary having been settled in the month of April, 1777, the new edition of the Poets was sent to press, and Johnson was informed that his lives might be written in the mean time, so as to be ready to accompany the publication.
Not long after he undertook this work, he was invited to contribute the aid of his aloquent pen in saving
Not long after he undertook this work, he was invited
to contribute the aid of his aloquent pen in saving the forfeited life of Dr. William Dodd, a clergyman who was convicted of forgery. This unhappy man had long been a
popular preacher in the metropolis; and the public sentiment was almost universal in deprecating so shameful a
sight as that of a clergyman of the church of England suffering by a public, execution. Whether there was much
in Dodd’s character to justify this sentiment, or to demand
the interference of the corporation of London, backed by
the petitions of thousands of the most distinguished and
wealthy citizens, may perhaps be doubted. Johnson,
however, could not resist what put every other consideration out of the question, “a call for mercy,
” and accordingly contributed every thing that the friends of Dodd
could suggest in his favour. He wrote his “Speech to
the Recorder of London,
” delivered at the Old Bailey
when sentence of death was about to be passed on him
“The Convict’s Address to his unhappy brethren,
” a sermon delivered by Dodd in the chapel of Newgate Two
Letters, one to the Lord Chancellor Bathurst, and one to
Lord Chief Justice Mansfield A petition from Dr. Dodd
to the King another from Mrs. Dodd to the Queen Observations inserted in the newspapers, on occasion of Earl
Percy’s having presented to his Majesty a petition for
mercy to Dodd, signed by twenty thousand persons; a petition from the city of London; and Dr. Dodd’s last solemn
declaration, which he left with the sheriff at the place of
execution. All these have been printed in Dr. Johnson’s
VVorks, with some additional correspondence which Mr.
Boswell inserted in his Life. Every thing is written in a
style of pathetic eloquence; but, as the author could not
be concealed, it was impossible to impress a stronger sense
of the value of Dodd’s talents than had already been entertained. The papers, however, contributed to heighten
the clamour, which was at that time raised against the execution of the sentence, and which was confounded with
what was then thought more censurable, the conduct of
those by whom the unhappy man might have been saved
before the process of law had been begun.
unwilling to work, and working with vigour and haste.” He had, however, performed so much more than was expected, that his employers presented him with an hundred pounds
Jn 1779 the first four volumes of his Lives of the Poets
were published, and the remainder in 1781, which he wrote
by uis own confession, “dilatorily and hastily, unwilling
to work, and working with vigour and haste.
” He had,
however, performed so much more than was expected,
that his employers presented him with an hundred pounds
in addition to the stipulated sum. As he never was insensible to the pleasure or value of fame, it is not improbable that he was yet more substantially gratified by the
eagerness with which his Lives of the Poets were read and
praised. He enjoyed likewise another satisfaction, which
it appears he thought not unnecessary to the reputation of
a great writer. He was attacked on all sides for his
contempt for Milton’s politics, and the sparing praise or direct censure he had bestowed on the poetry of Prior, Hammond, Collins, Gray, and a few others. The errors, indeed, which on any other subject might have passed for
errors of judgment, were by the irascible tempers of his
adversaries, magnified into high treason against the majesty of poetic genius. During his life, these attacks were
not few, nor very respectful, to a veteran whom common
consent had placed at the head of the literature of his
country; but the courage of his adversaries was observed
to rise very considerably after his death, and the name
which public opinion had consecrated, was now reviled
with the utmost malignity. Even some who during his life
were glad to conceal their hostility, now took an opportunity to retract the admiration in which they had joined
with apparent cordiality; and to discover faults in a body
of criticism which, after all reasonable exceptions are admitted, was never equalled, and perhaps never will be
equalled for justice, acuteness, and elegance. Where can
we hope to find discussions that can be compared with
those introduced in the lives of Cowley, Milton, Dryden,
and Pope? His abhorrence, indeed, of Milton’s political
conduct, Jed him to details and observations which can,
never be acceptable to a certain class of politicians; but
when he comes to analyze his poetry, and to fix his reputation on its proper basis, it must surely be confessed that
no man, since the first appearance of Paradise Lost, has
ever bestowed praise with a more munificent hand. He
appears to have collected his whole energy to immortalize
the genius of Milton; nor has any advocate for Milton’s
democracy appeared, who has not been glad to surrender
the guardianship of his poetical fame to Johnson.
3 were printed separately and offered gratis to the purchasers of the former, scarcely a single copy was called for!
In 1781, the public demand rendered it necessary to print an edition of the Lives in four 8vo volumes, and in 1783, another edition of the same number, but considerably enlarged, altered, and corrected by the author. We- cannot here suppress a circumstance communicated by our worthy friend Mr. Nichols, which may check the murmurs of the public, respecting improved editions. Although the corrections and alterations of the edition of 1783 were printed separately and offered gratis to the purchasers of the former, scarcely a single copy was called for!
grave before him. He lost Mr. Thrale and Mrs. Williams; his home became cheerless, and much visiting was no longer convenient. His health began to decline more visibly
With this work the public labours of Johnson ended; and when we consider his advanced time of life, and the almost unabated vigour of his mind, it may be surely added, that his sun set with unrivalled splendour. But the infirmities of age were now undermining a constitution that had kept perpetual war with hereditary disease, and his most valued friends were dropping into the grave before him. He lost Mr. Thrale and Mrs. Williams; his home became cheerless, and much visiting was no longer convenient. His health began to decline more visibly from the month of June 1783, when he had a paralytic stroke; and although he recovered so far as to be able to take another journey to Lichfield and Oxford, towards the close of the year, symptoms of a dropsy indicated the probability of his dissolution at no distant period. Some relief, however, having been administered, he rejoined the society of his friends, and with a mind still curious, intelligent, and active, renewed his attention to the concerns of literature, dictating information whenever it was wanted, and trying his faculties by Latin translations from the Greek poets. Nothing was so much the subject of alarm with him, as the decay of memory and judgment, of which, however, to the last he never betrayed the least symptom.
he might be enabled to try the efficacy of a tour to the southern part of the continent. Application was accordingly made to the lord chancellor, who seconded it in
In Midsummer 1784, he acquired sufficient strength to go for the last time into Derbyshire. During his absence, his friends, who were anxious for the preservation of so valuable a life, endeavoured to procure some addition to his pension, that he might be enabled to try the efficacy of a tour to the southern part of the continent. Application was accordingly made to the lord chancellor, who seconded it in the proper quarter, but without success. He evinced, however, his high respect for Johnson, by offering to advance the sum of five hundred pounds; and Johnson, when the circumstance was communicated, thanked his lordship in a letter elevated beyond the common expressions of gratitude, by a dignity of sentiment congenial to the feelings of his noble and liberal correspondent. Dr. Brocklesby also made a similar offer, although of a lesser sum; and such indeed was the estimation in which Johnson was held, that nothing would have been wanting which money or affection could procure, either to protract his days, or to make them comfortable.
t these offers were not accepted. The scheme of a continental tour, which he once thought necessary, was never much encouraged by his physicians, and had it promised
But these offers were not accepted. The scheme of a continental tour, which he once thought necessary, was never much encouraged by his physicians, and had it promised greater effects, was now beyond his strength. The dropsy and asthma were making hasty approaches, and although he longed for life, and was anxiously desirous that every means might be used to gain another day, he soon became convinced that no hopes were left. During this period, he was alternately resigned to die, and tenacious of life, tranquil in the views of eternity, and disturbed by gloomy apprehensions; but at last his mind was soothed with the consolatory hopes of religion, and although the love of life occasionally recurred, he adjusted his worldly concerns with composure and exactness, as one who was conscious that he was soon to give an account. On Monday the 13th of December, he tried to obtain a temporary relief by puncturing his legs, as had been before performed by the surgeon, but no discharge followed the operation, and about seven o'clock in the evening, he breathed his last, so gently that some time elapsed before his death was perceived.
On the 20th, his body was interred with great solemnity in Westminster-abbey, close to
On the 20th, his body was interred with great solemnity in Westminster-abbey, close to the grave of his friend Garrick*. Of the other honours paid to his memory, it may suffice to say that they were more in number and quality than were ever paid to any man of literature. It was his singular fate that the age, which he contributed to improve, repaid him by a veneration of which we have no example in the annals of literature; and that when his failings as well as his virtues were exhibited without disguise and without partiality, he continued to be revered by the majority of the nation, and is now, after scrutiny and censure have done their worst, enrolled among the greatest names in the history of English genius.
* His monument was reserved for sculpture was designed and finely exeSt. Paul’s
* His monument was reserved for sculpture was designed and finely exeSt. Paul’s church; and the expences cuted by Bacon. The epitaph is the having bee defrayed by a liberal and composition of Dr. Parr, and is coovoluntary contribution, it stands with cise, but strongly appropriated. The that of Howard, one of the first tributes monument was completed early in of national admiration and gratitude 1796, admitted into that cathedral. The from the generally received opinions as to the rank Johnson holds among men of genius and virtue, a rank which those who yet capriciously dwell on his tailings, will find it difficult to disturb. His errors have been brought forward with no sparing hand both by his friends and his enemies, yet when every fair deduction is made from the reputed excellence of his character as a man and a writer, enough in our opinion will remain to gratify the partiality of his admirers, and to perpetuate the public esteem.
f prejudice or envy. That a man of obscure birth, of manners by no means prepossessing, whose person was forbidding, whose voice was rough, inharmonious, and terrifying,
It is unpleasant, however, to quit a subject, which, the more it is revolved, serves to gladden the mind with pleasing recollections. There are surely circumstances in the history of Johnson which compel admiration in defiance of prejudice or envy. That a man of obscure birth, of manners by no means prepossessing, whose person was forbidding, whose voice was rough, inharmonious, and terrifying, whose temper was frequently harsh and overbearing; that such a man should have forced his way into the.society of a greater number of eminent characters than perhaps ever gathered round an individual; that he should not only have gained but increased their respect to a degree of enthusiasm, and preserved it unabated for so long a series of years; that men of all ranks in life, and of the highest degrees of mental excellence, should have thought it a duty, and found it a pleasure, not only to tolerate his occasional roughness, but to study his humour, and submit to his controul, to listen to him with the submission of a scholar, and consult him with the hopes of a client All this surely affords the strongest presumption that such a man was remarkable beyond the usual standard of human excellence. Nor is this inference inconsistent with the truth, for it appears that whatever merit may be attributed to his works, he was perhaps yet more to be envied in conversation, where he exhibited an inexhaustible fertility of imagination, an elegance and acuteness of argument, and a ready wit, such as never appear to have been combined in one man. And it is not too much to say that whatever opinion was entertained by tftose who knew him only in his writings, it never could have risen to that pitch of admiration which has been excited by the labours of his industrious biographer.
me the periodical journals, as well as general conversation, were eagerly occupied on an event which was the subject of universal regret; and every man hastened with
His death formed a very remarkable aera in the literary
world. For a considerable time the periodical journals, as
well as general conversation, were eagerly occupied on an
event which was the subject of universal regret; and every
man hastened with such contributions as memory supplied,
to illustrate a character in which all took a lively interest.
Numerous anecdotes were published, some authentic and
some imaginary, and the general wish to knew more of
Johnson was for some years insatiable. At length the proprietors of his printed works met to consider of a complete
and uniform edition, but as it was feared that the curiosity
which follows departed genius might soon abate, some
doubt was entertained of the policy of a collection of pieces,
the best of which were already in the hands of the public
in various forms; but this was fortunately overruled, and
these collected Works have very recently been printed for
the fifth time, and will probably be long considered as a
standard book in every library. Less fortunately, however,
sir John Hawkins, who was one of Johnson’s executors,
and professed to be in possession of materials for his Life,
was engaged to write that Life, as well as to collect his
Works. They accordingly appeared in 1787, in 11 vols.
8vo. Of the Life it is unnecessary to add any thing to
the censure so generally passed. Sir John spoke his
mind, perhaps honestly but his judgment must have
been as defective as his memory,when he decided with
so much prejudice and so little taste or candour, on
the merits of his author, and of other eminent persons,
whom, as a critic humorously said, “he brought to be
tried at the Middlesex quarter sessions.
” In collecting
the Works, he inserted some which no man could suspect
to be Johnson’s, while he omitted other pieces that had
been acknowledged. A more correct arrangement, however, has been since adopted.
striking portrait ever exhibited of any human being. His “Tour” having shown the manner in which he was to proceed, Johnson’s friends willingly contributed every document
Two years before this edition appeared, Mr. Boswell
published his Tour to the Hebrides, and exhibited such a
sample of Dr. Johnson’s conversation-talents as raised very
high expectations from the Life which he then announced
to be in a state of preparation. Mr. Boswell’s acquaintance
with Dr. Johnson commenced in 1763; and from that time
he appears to have meditated what he at length executed,
the most complete and striking portrait ever exhibited of
any human being. His “Tour
” having shown the manner
in which he was to proceed, Johnson’s friends willingly
contributed every document they could collect from memory or writing; and Mr. Boswell, who meditated one
volume only, was soon obliged to extend his work to two
bulky quartos. These were published in 1791, and bought
up with an avidity which their wonderful variety of entertainment, vivacity, anecdote, and sentiment, amply justified. Five or six very large editions have since appeared,
and it seems to be one of those very fortunate and fascinating books of which the public is not likely to tire.
One singular effect was produced by this extraordinary book. When it was determined
One singular effect was produced by this extraordinary
book. When it was determined to discard sir John Hawkins’s Life of Johnson, application was made to Mr. Murphy, to furnish another, to be prefixed to the second edition of the works published in 1793. This Mr. Murphy
executed under the title (which he had used in the case of Fielding) of “An Essay on the Life and Genius of Dr.
Johnson;
” but he had conceived a prejudice of jealousy of
Mr. Boswell’s fame, and notwithstanding the latter has
strengthened his narrative by every possible proof, Murphy persisted in taking his facts from the very inaccurate
narrative of sir John Hawkins, and the more flippant anecdotes published by Mrs. Piozzi. In his Essay, therefore,
it is not wonderful that many circumstances are grossly,
and considering that proofs were within his reach, we may
add, wilfully misrepresented.
, an English botanist, of the seventeenth century, was born at Selby, in Yorkshire, and bred an apothecary in London.
, an English botanist, of the
seventeenth century, was born at Selby, in Yorkshire, and
bred an apothecary in London. He afterwards kept a shop
on Snow- hill, where, says Wood, by his unwearied pains
and good natural parts, he attained to be the best herbalist
of his age in England. He was first known to the public
by a small piece under the title of “Iter in agrum Cantianum,
” Ericetum Hamstedianum,
” 16&2;
which were the first local catalogues of plants published in
England. He soon after acquired great credit by his new
edition and emendation of Gerard’s “Herbal.
” In the
rebellion, “his zeal for the royal cause led him into the
army, in which he greatly distinguished himself;- and the
university of Oxford, in consideration of his merit, learning,
and loyalty, conferred upon him the degree of M. D. May
9, 1643. In the army he had the rank of lieutenantcolonel to sir Marmaduke Rawdon, governor of Basinghouse. Near this place, in a skirmish with the enemy, in
Sept. 1644, he received a shot in the shoulder, of which
he died in a fortnight after, and, as there is reason to
think, in the meridian of life. Besides the works abovementioned, and his improved edition of Gerard’s
” Herbal,“which was twice printed in his life-time, in 1633 and in
1636, fol. he published in 1634,
” Mercurius Botanicus,
sive plantarum gratia suscepti Itineris, anno 1634, descriptio,“Lond. 8vo. This was the result of a journey,
with some associates of the company of apothecaries,
through Oxford, to Bath and Bristol, and back by Southampton, the Isle of Wight, and Guiklford, with the professed design to investigate rare plants. To this was
added his small tract,
” De Thermis Bathonicis,“with
plans of the baths, and one of the city, which, to antiquaries, are now interesting. This was followed by a second
part of his excursion,
” Pars altera," which extends to
Wales. He was among the earliest botanists who visited
Wales and Snowdon, with the sole intention of
discovering the rarities of that country in the vegetable kingdom,
He also translated the works of Ambrose Parey, the celebrated French surgeon, published at London in 1643, and
reprinted in 1678. Miller consecrated the name of Johnson by assigning it to a berry-bearing shrub of Carolina,
belonging to the tetrandrous class, but it has not been retained in the LinnaDan system, where the plant is called
callicarpa.
, an excellent classical scholar and editor, was born at Stadhampton, in Oxfordshire, and educated at KingVcollege,
, an excellent classical scholar
and editor, was born at Stadhampton, in Oxfordshire, and
educated at KingVcollege, Cambridge, as Mr. Cole says, but
according to others, at Magdalen -college, of which he was
afterwards a fellow. He took his bachelor’s degree in 1688,
and that of M. A. in 1692, after which he left the university, and married. He had also an Eton fellowship, and
was assistant at the school. He was likewise usher of Ipswich school, and taught school once at Brentford, and in
other places. Little else is known of his history, nor have
we been able to ascertain the time of his death. Cole says
his character is represented as having been dissolute, but
he was an excellent scholar. He is best known as the
editor of “Sophocles,
” Oxon. and London, Gratius, de Venatione, cum notis,
” Lond. Cebetis Tabula,
”
Lond. Novum Graecorum Epigrammatum
delectus,
” for the use of Eton school, repeatedly printed
from 1699, &c. “The Iliad of Homer made English from
the French version of Madame Dacier; revised and compared
with the Greek
” “Questiones Philosophic^ in usum
juventiitis academics,
” PuffendoriF de Officio
hominis et civis,
” 4to. To these may be added, “An
Essay on Moral Obligation, with a view towards settling
the controversy concerning moral and positive duties,
”
Cambridge, A letter to Mr. Chandler, in vindication of a passage in the bishop of London’s second Pastoral Letter,
” Thesaurus Linguae
Latinae,
” of which our author was one of the editors.
, was born at Caskieben, near Aberdeen, the seat of his ancestors,
, was born at Caskieben, near
Aberdeen, the seat of his ancestors, in 1587, and probably
was educated at Aberdeen, as he was afterwards advanced
to the highest dignity in that university. The study to
which he chiefly applied, was that of physic; and to improve himself in that science, he travelled into foreign
countries. He was twice at Rome, but the chief place of
his residence was at Padua, in which university the degree
of M. D. was conferred on him in 1610, as appears by a
ms copy of verses in the advocates’ library in Edinburgh.
After leaving Padua, he travelled through the rest of Italy,
and over Germany, Denmark, England, Holland, and
other countries, and at last settled in France, where he
met with great applause as a Latin poet. He lived there
twenty years, and by two wives had thirteen children. At
last, after twenty-four years absence, he returned into
Scotland, as some say in 1632, but probably much sooner,
as there is an edition of his “Epigrammata,
” printed at
Aberdeen in Psalmorum Davidis Paraphrasis
Poetica.
” We find, that in the same year the doctor
printed a specimen of his Psalms at London, and dedicated
them to his lordship, which is considered as a proof that
the bishop prevailed upon Johnston to remove to London
from Scotland, and then set him upon this work; neither
can it be doubted but, after he had seen this sample, he
also engaged him to perfect the whole, which took him up
four years; for the first etlition'of all the Psalms was published at Aberdeen in 1637, and at London in the same
year. In 1641, Dr. Johnston being at Oxford on a visit
to one of his daughters, who was married to a divine of
the church of England in that place, was seized with a
violent diarrhoea, of which he died in a few days, in the
fifty-fourth year of his age, not without having seen the
beginning of those troubles which proved so fatal to his
patron. He was buried in the place where he died,
which gave occasion to the following lines of his learned
friend Wedderburn in his “Suspiria,
” on the doctor’s
death:
In 1632, as already remarked, was published at Aberdeen “Epigrammata Arturi Johnstoni;” and in
In 1632, as already remarked, was published at Aberdeen
“Epigrammata Arturi Johnstoni;
” and in Deliciae
Poetarum Scoticorum,
” to which he was himself a large
contributor, and which, says Dr. Johnson, would have
done honour to any country. His Psalms were reprinted
at Middleburg, 1642; London, 1657; Cambridge,;
Amsterdam, 1706 Edinburgh, by William Lauder, 1739
and at last on the plan of the Delphin classics, at London,
1741, 8vo, at the expence of auditor Benson, who dedicated them to his late majesty, and prefixed to this edition
memoirs of Dr. Johnston, with the testimonies of various
learned persons. A laboured, but partial and injudicious
comparison between the two translations of Buchanan and
Johnston, was printed the same year by Benson, in English, in 8vo, entitled <* A Prefatory Discourse to Dr. Johnston’s Psalms,“&c. and
” A Conclusion to it.“This was
ably answered by the learned Ruddiman in
” A Vindication of Mr. George Buchanan’s Paraphrase of the Book of
Psalms,“1745, 8vo. Johnston’s translations of the
” Te
Deum, Creed, Decalogue,“&c. were subjoined to the
Psalms. His other poetical works are his
” Parerga,“and
his
” Musae Aulicse,“or commendatory verses upon persons of rank in church and state at that time. Johnston is
evidently entitled to very high praise as a Latin poet; and
the late lord Woodhouselee seems to admit that from his
days the Latin muses have deserted the northern part of
our island: Benson’s comparison between Buchanan and
Johnston was absurd enough, but it is not fair that Johnston should suffer by his editor’s want of taste. The abler
critic we have just mentioned, does not think Johnston’s
attempt to emulate Buchanan as a translator of the Psalms,
greatly beyond his powers; for, although taken as a whole,
his version is certainly inferior (as indeed what modern has, in Latin poetry, equalled Buchanan) yet there are a few
of his Psalms, such as the 24th, 30th, 74th, 81st, 82d,
102d, and above all, the 137th, which, on comparison,
lord Woodhouselee says, will be found to excel the corresponding paraphrase of his rival. And Dr. Beattie seems
to speak in one respect more decidedly. Johnston, he
says,
” is not so verbose as Buchanan, and has of course
more vigour;" but he very justly censures the radical evil
of Johnston’s Psalms, his choice of a couplet, which keeps
the reader always in rnind of the puerile epistles of Ovid.
, author of <c Chrysal, or the Adventures 'of a Guinea,“and other works of a similar kind, was a native of Ireland, and descended from a branch of the Johnstons
, author of
<c Chrysal, or the Adventures 'of a Guinea,“and other works
of a similar kind, was a native of Ireland, and descended
from a branch of the Johnstons of Annandale. He was
born in the early part of the last century, but in what year
we have not been able to discover. After receiving a good
classical education, he was called to the bar, and came
over to England for practice in that profession, but being
unfortunately prevented by deafness from attending the
courts, he confined himself to the employment of a chamber counsel. It does not appear that his success was great,
and embarrassed circumstances rendered him glad to embrace any other employment, in which his talents might
have a chance to succeed. His
” Chrysal“is said to have
been his first literary attempt, two volumes of which he
wrote while on a visit to Mount Edgecumbe, the seat of the
late earl of Mount Edgecumbe. He appears to have had
recourse to some degree of art, in order to apprize the
public of what they were to expect from it. In the newspapers for April 1760, it is announced that
” there will be
speedily published, under the emblematical title of the
f Adventures of a Guinea/ a dispassionate, distinct account
of the most remarkable transactions of the present times all
over Europe, with curious and interesting anecdotes of
the public and private characters of the parties principally
concerned in these scenes, especially in England; the
whole interspersed with several most whimsical and entertaining instances of the intimate connection between high
and low life, and the power of little causes to produce great
events.“This, while it has the air of a puff, is not an unfaithful summary of the contents of these volumes, which
were published in May of the same year, and read with
such avidity, that the author was encouraged to add two
more volumes in 1765, not inferior to the former, in merit
or success; and the work has often been reprinted since.
The secret springs of some political intrigues on the continent, are perhaps unfolded in these volumes, but it was
the personal characters of many distinguished statesmen,
women of quality, and citizens, which rendered the work
palatable. A few of these were depicted in such striking
colours as not to be mistaken; and the rest, being supposed to be equally faithful, although less obvious, the
public were long amused in conjecturing the originals.
With some truth, however, there is so much fiction, and in
a few instances so much of what deserves a worse epithet,
that
” Chrysal“does not appear entitled to much higher
praise than that of the best
” scandalous chronicle of the
day." In one case, it may be remembered, the author
occasioned no little confusion among the guilty parties, by
unfolding the secrets of a club of profligates of rank, who
used to assemble at a nobleman’s villa in Buckinghamshire.
In this, as well as other instances, it must be allowed, that
although he describes his bad characters as worse than they
were, he everywhere expresses the noblest sentiments of
indignation against vice and meanness.
ce, in India, and accordingly embarked for Bengal, with capt. Charles Mears, in the Brilliant, which was wrecked off Johanna, an island situated between Madagascar and
Mr. Johnston’s other publications, of the same kind,
delineating in caricature the striking outlines of popular
characters and public vices, were, “The Reverie; or a
Flight to the Paradise of Fools,
” The
History of Arbases, prince of Betlis,
” The
Pilgrim, or a Picture of Life,
” The
History of John Juniper, esq. alias Juniper Jack,
” Oneiropolos,
” and at length became a
joint proprietor of a paper, and by this and some other
speculations, acquired considerable property. He died
there about 1800. These memoirs of a man, certainly deserving of some notice, have been derived from various
anonymous authorities, and are therefore given with diffidence.
, an eminent physician at Worcester, was the fourth son of John Johnstone, esq. of Galabank, one of the
, an eminent physician at Worcester, was the fourth son of John Johnstone, esq. of
Galabank, one of the most ancient branches of the family of
Johnstone of Johnstone: he was born at Annan in 1730,
and received the rudiments of his classical education under
the rev. Dr. Henry, author of the History of Great Britain.
In the school of Edinburgh, under Whytt, Plummer,
Monro, and Rutherford, he learned the science of medicine;
and in Paris, under Ferrein and Rouelle, he studied anatomy and chemistry. In 1750, before he had completed
twenty-one years, he took the degree of doctor of medicine, publishing a thesis “De Aeris factitii imperio in
corpore humano,
” which gained him much credit, and
some valuable friends. The following year he seated himself at Kidderminster, in Worcestershire; which at that
time, and some years afterwards, was subject to a putrid
fever of such peculiar malignity, as to be called the Kidderminster fever. His name first became known by the
successful treatment he adopted for the cure of this dreadful disorder. Instead of bleeding and purging, means then
in common use, he recommended bark, wine, mineral acids,
free ventilation of air, and the affusion of water and vinegar; and so prominent was his success, that he was immediately introduced into considerable practice. Of this fever, as it appeared in 1756, he published an account in
1758, which proves him to be the discoverer of the power
of mineral acid vapours to correct or destroy putrid febrile
contagion: He orders for this purpose, vitriolic acid to be
poured upon common salt, in a convenient vessel, over a
proper heat. It is not a little singular, that the same means
should be recommended by the celebrated Guyton de
Morveau for the same purpose, more than twenty years
after they were published by Dr. Johnstone, and be then;
cried up as a great discovery.
rred, and during the last spring he had bied himself rather too profusely. In the last attack, which was aggravated by excessive fatigue and exertion, his weakness was
At Kidderminster Dr. Johnstone continued to act in a wide sphere of country practice, till the death of his eldest son, a physician fast rising into eminence, who fell a martyr to humanity in attending the prisoners at Worcester infected with jail-fever; and the coincidence of the death of his dearest friend the rev. Job Orton, induced him to remove to Worcester. In this city, famous from the days of Dr. Cole, the friend of Sydenham, for its physicians, he continued, vigorous, active, and sprightly, useful to the community, and beloved by his friends, to practise till a few days previous to his death. He had been subject to pulmonary complaints in his youth, which had been averted by temperance and caution. In his later years they recurred, and during the last spring he had bied himself rather too profusely. In the last attack, which was aggravated by excessive fatigue and exertion, his weakness was such as to forbid the repetition of more than one bleeding; and his strength gradually decayed, leaving his intellect clear and unimpaired. His death was a perfect euthanasia: he expired April 28, 1802, after a short and in no wise painful struggle, having sat up and conversed with his family, till within a few hours of the awful change, cheerful, patient, and resigned. He survived his wife, with whom he lived fifty years, only two months.
Dr. Johnstone was the correspondent and friend of Haller, Whytt, Cullen, and Fothergill;
Dr. Johnstone was the correspondent and friend of Haller, Whytt, Cullen, and Fothergill; the bosom-friend of the virtuous Lyttelton and the pious Orton, and of many other wise and learned men, who still improve and adorn society the active and humane physician, the sagacious physiologist, the recondite antiquary and few men have occupied a larger space of professional utility and private regard, than Dr. Johnstone. Firm and undeviating in his own moral carriage, his vigorous and manly mind was perhaps, on some occasions, too little accommodating to characters and circumstances. In his temper he was cheerful, though sometimes hasty in his conversation lively and instructive in his affections warm and attached in his domestic relations, he was the best of fathers, his whole life was a sacrifice to the advantage of his children in fine, although the memory of his personal services cannot be soon forgotten, yet has he erected a still more durable monument to his fame, in those various practical improvements of the medical art, which rank his name among the benefactors of mankind.
, an eminent naturalist, was born at Sambter, in Great Poland, in 1603: he received the greater
, an eminent naturalist, was born
at Sambter, in Great Poland, in 1603: he received the
greater part of his education in his own country; but in
1622, he came to England, and from thence he went to
Scotland, where he studied with great diligence in the
university of St. Andrew’s till 1625. He afterwards studied
at Leyden and Cambridge. He undertook the education
of the two sons of the count de Kurtzbach, and accompanied them to Holland. While he resided with his pupils
at Leyden, he took his degree as doctor of physic; and
when he went a third time to England, the same honour
was conferred on him by the university of Cambridge. He
died in June 1675, in the seventy-second year of his age.
He is known in the literary world by a number of works in
the different departments of natural history, particularly
“Thaumatographia naturalis in classes decem divisa,
”
Amst. Historia naturalis de Piscibus et
Cetis, &c.
” Francfort, Historia naturalis de
Quadrupedibus,
” ibid, Hist. nat. de Insectibus,
” ibid. Hist. nat. de Avibus,
” ibid, folio;
“Syntagma Dendrologicum,
” and “Dendrographia,
” folio.
He published also some historical works, and some on
ethics, &c. enumerated in our authorities.
, an eminent French statesman, who flourished about 1260, was descended from one of the noblest and most ancient families
, an eminent French statesman, who flourished about 1260, was descended from one
of the noblest and most ancient families at Champagne.
He was seneschal, or high-steward, of Champagne, and one
of the principal lords of the court of Louis IX. whom he
attended in all his military expeditions; and was greatly
beloved and esteemed for his valour, his wit, and the
frankness of his manners. That monarch placed so much
confidence in him, that all matters of justice, in the palace,
were referred to his decision; and his majesty undertook nothing of importance without consulting him. He
died about 1318, at not much less than ninety years of age.
Joinviile is known as an author by his “History of St.
Louis,
” in French, which he composed in
, a French writer, was born at Paris in 1607, and obtained a canonry in the cathedral
, a French writer, was born at Paris in
1607, and obtained a canonry in the cathedral there in
1631. Discovering also a capacity for state affairs, he was
appointed to attend a plenipotentiary to Munster; and,
during the commotions at Paris, he took a journey to Rome.
In 1671, he was made precentor of his church, and several
times official. He lived to the great age of ninety-three,
without experiencing the usual infirmities of it; when, going one morning to matins, he fell into a trench, which had
been dug for the foundation of the high altar. He died of
this fall in 1700, after bequeathing a very fine library to
his church. He was the author of many works in both
Latin and French, and as well upon civil as religious subjects. One of them in French, 1652, in 12mo, is entitled
t( A Collection of true and important Maxims for the Education of a Prince, against the false and pernicious politics of cardinal Mazarine;“which, being reprinted in 1663, with two
” Apologetical Letters,“was burnt in 1665 by the hands of the common hangman. The same year, how-. ever, 1665, he published a tract called
” Codicil d'Or, or the Golden Codicil," which relates to the former; being a further collection of maxims for the education of a prince, taken chiefly from Erasmus, whose works he is said to have
read seven times over.
, one of the most intelligent, learned, and affecting dramatic composers of modern times, was born at Avellino, a town about twenty-five miles from Naples,
, one of the most intelligent, learned, and affecting dramatic composers of modern times, was
born at Avellino, a town about twenty-five miles from Naples, in which city he had his musical education under Leo
and Durante. The first opera to which we find his name,
is “Riccimero Re de' Goti,
” composed for the Argentina
theatre at Rome,
relics of this great master. Very few of his entire operas were ever performed in England. The first was “Attilio Regulo,” in 1753, and the second, in 1755, “Andromaca.”
From 1758 to about 1768, he resided in Germany, being
engaged in the service of the duke of Wurtemburg, at
Stutgardt, or rather at Ludwigsburg, his new capital,
where Jomelli’s works were performed. Here he produced
a great number of operas and other compositions, by which
he acquired great reputation, and totally changed the taste
of vocal music in Germany. On his return to Italy, he
left all these productions behind him, upon a supposition
that he should again resume his station at Ludwigsburg,
after visiting his native country. But as he never returned
thither to claim these compositions, they fell into the hands
of his patron, the duke of Wurtemburg, who preserved
them as precious relics of this great master. Very few of
his entire operas were ever performed in England. The
first was “Attilio Regulo,
” in Andromaca.
” The operas of Jomelli will be always valuable to professors and curious collectors, for the
excellence of the composition, though it has been thought
necessary, in compliance with the general rage for novelty,
to lay them aside and to have the same dramas new set for
the stage, in order to display the talents, or hide the defects, of new singers.
As Jomelli was a great harmonist, and naturally grave and majestic in his style,
As Jomelli was a great harmonist, and naturally grave
and majestic in his style, he seems to have manifested
abilities in writing for the church superior even to those
for the stage. Dr. Burney speaks of three, the only ones
he had seen, all written by Metastasio, and all admirably
get. Dr. Burney had also a “Te Deum,
” and a “Requiem
” of his composition, which show him to have been
a great master of the church style, although he appears
not to have tried that species before 1751, when he, Perez, and Durante were employed to compose some music
at Rome for passion week. But though he acquired considerable fame on this occasion, yet he was so far from
being intoxicated by it, that in a visit to father Martini, at
Bologna soon after, he told this learned contrapuntist that
he had a scholar to introduce to him. Martini assured him
that he should be glad to instruct any one so well recommended and, a few days after, Martini asking who and
where was the disciple he had talked- of Jomelli answered
that it was himself and pulling a studio of paper out of
his pocket, on which he had been trying his strength in
modulation and fugue upon canto fermo, begged of him to
examine and point out his errors.
Germany the easy and graceful flow of Vinci and Pergolesi pervaded all his productions; but when he was in the service of the duke of Wurtemburg, finding the Germans
As Raphael had three manners of painting, Jomelli had
three styles of composition. Before he went to Germany
the easy and graceful flow of Vinci and Pergolesi pervaded
all his productions; but when he was in the service of the
duke of Wurtemburg, finding the Germans were fond of
learning and complication, he changed his style in compliance with the taste and expectations of his audience;
and on his return to Italy he tried to thin and simplify his
dramatic muse, which, however, was still so much too
operose for Italian ears, that in 1770, upon a Neapolitan
being asked how he liked Jomelli' s new opera of “Demofoonte,
” he cried out with vehemence, “e scelerata, Signore
” The health of Jomelli began to decline in 1770,
and in 1771 he had a stroke of the palsy, which, however,
did not impair his intellects, as he composed “Achille in
Sciro
” for the Roman theatre, and a cantata for the safe
delivery of the queen of Naples, in 1772; and in 1773 his
Italian “Miserere,
” the most elaborate and studied of all
his works. He died in Sept. 1774.
, a learned Icelander, who acquired a great reputation for astronomy and the sciences, was coadjutor to Gundebrand of Thorbac, bishop of Holum in Iceland,
, a learned Icelander, who acquired a great reputation for astronomy and the sciences,
was coadjutor to Gundebrand of Thorbac, bishop of Holum in Iceland, who was also of that nation, a man of great
learning and probity, had been a disciple of Tycho Brahe,
and understood astronomy very well. After his death, the
see of Holum was offered by the king of Denmark to
Anagrimus, who begged to be excused; desiring to avoid the
envy that might attend him in that high office, and to be
at leisure to prosecute his studies. He chose therefore to
continue as he was, pastor of the church of Melstudt, and
intendant of the neighbouring churches of the last-mentioned diocese. He died in 1640, at the age of ninety-five.
He wrote several books in honour of his country, against
the calumnies of Blefkenius and others, which are well
esteemed; the titles whereof are, “Idea veri magistratus,
”
Copenhagen, Brevis commentarius de Islandia, ibid. 1593,
” 8vo. “Anatome Blefkeniana. Holi in
Iceland, 1612,
” 8vi, and at Hamburgh, 1618, 4to. “Epistola pro patria defensoria,
” ibid. 'ATrorpiGv calumniae,
” ibid. 1622, 4to. “Crymogeea, seu rerum Islandicarum libri tres, ibid. 1630,
” 4to. This was written in
Specimen
Islandi.i; historicum et magna ex parte chorographicum,
”
Amstelod. Vita Gundebrandi Thorlacii,
” Lugd.
Bat.
, an eminent German divine, and one of the first reformers, was born at Northausen, in Thuringia, June 5, 1493, where his father
, an eminent German divine, and one of the first reformers, was born at Northausen, in Thuringia, June 5, 1493, where his father was chief magistrate. He first made considerable progress in the study of civil law, but relinquishing that, devoted his whole attention to theology, in which faculty he took his doctor’s degree. This was about the time that the reformation was begun and Jonas having been present at various disputations on the subject, espoused the principles of the reformers with great zeal, and, from his knowledge of civil law as well as divinity, was enabled to contribute very important assistance to their efforts, particularly Luther and Melancthon, with whom he became early acquainted. In 1521 he was made a canon of the collegiate church at Wittemberg, and appointed principal of the college and professor; and, with Spalatinus and Amsdorff, was employed by the elector of Saxony to reform the church in Misnia and Thuringia. From thence he was called to Halle in Saxony, where he greatly promoted the reformation. Luther sometimes resorted thither to him, and took him with him in his last journey to Isleben, where he died in his arms. After Luther’s death he continued for some time in the duke of Saxony’s court, and was at length appointed pastor of the church at Eisfield, where he died Oct. 9, 1555. Jonas has been ranked among the moderate reformers, being desirous of making no further alteration in the established modes of worship and even doctrine, than he thought absolutely necessary for the introduction of piety and truth. His death was therefore a serious loss to his brethren, whose cause suffered by the intemperate zeal of some of its supporters. Among his writings are enumerated a treatise in. defence of the marriage of priests, against Faber printed at Helmstadt, 1651, fol. another uponthe study of divinity and notes upon the Acts" of the Apostles; but of these his biographers have given very imperfect accounts.
, a pious divine and great benefactor to his country, Wales, was born in 1684, in the parish of Kilredin in the county of Carmarthen,
, a pious divine and great benefactor
to his country, Wales, was born in 1684, in the parish of
Kilredin in the county of Carmarthen, and educated at
Carmarthen school, where he made great proficiency in
Greek, Latin, and other studies, but does not appear to
have been at either university. Having, however, qualified himself for the ministry, he received deacon’s orders
from bishop Bull in Sept. 1708, and priest’s orders from
the same prelate in Sept. 1709. His learning and piety
having recommended him to sir John Phillips, of Picton
castle, bart. he was preferred by that gentleman to the
rectory of Llanddowror, in Carmarthenshire. He was soon
after fixed upon by the “Society for propagating the gospel
in foreign parts,
” as a person every way qualified to be
sent as a missionary amongst the Indians, and at first gave
his consent, but circumstances occurred which prevented
his country from being deprived of his services. In his
parish he soon became popular by his fervent and well
digested discourses, delivered with a voice and action
tranquil, easy, yet strongly impressive; and by his affectionate discharge of the other duties of his station in
risking, catechizing, &c. But he was principally distinguished for his zeal in procuring subscriptions for the support of what were called circulating Welsh schools, to
teach poor Welsh men, women, and children to read their
native language; and such was his diligence, and the
effect of his superintendence of these schools, that he could
enumerate 158,000 poor ignorant persons who had been
taught to read; and equal care was taken to catechize and
instruct young people in the principles of the Christian
religion. Having applied to the “Society for promoting
Christian knowledge,
” of which he was a corresponding
member, that body caused to be printed two large editions
of the Welsh Bible, of 15,000 copies each, which were sold
cheap for the benefit of the poor in Wales. He likewise
wrote and published several instructive treatises in the
Welsh as well as the English language; and was enabled
by the assistance of some charitable friends to print editions
of from 8000 to 12,000 of these useful manuals, which were
distributed throughout all Wales. His own charitable exertions were extensive, and having studied medicine in a
certain degree, he laid in a large stock of drugs, which he
made up and dispensed to the poor gratis, taking that opportunity also to give them spiritual advice. This truly
good man died April 8, 1761, lamented as a father to his
flock, and a general benefactor to the whole country.
for the amusement and instruction of children, which have been received with universal approbation, was born in 1721, and served his apprenticeship to Mr. Bowyer, the
, who deserves a place in the catalogue of English writers for having first introduced
the numerous and popular little books for the amusement
and instruction of children, which have been received with
universal approbation, was born in 1721, and served his
apprenticeship to Mr. Bowyer, the learned printer. His
education was probably not neglected, or at least it was very
much improved by his own efforts. He was many years
editor of the London Chronicle and Public Ledger. He
was also associated with Dr. Johnson in the “Literary
Magazine,
” and with Smollett and Goldsmith in “The
British Magazine,
” and published a great number of translations from the French, to none of which, however, was
his name prefixed. One little publication, entitled “Great
events from little causes,
” was his composition, and met
with a rapid and extensive sale. In conjunction with Mr.
John Newbery, and a brother of his own, Mr. Giles Jones,
he wrote many of those little books or Lilliputian histories
which were the delight of the youth of many yet living.
Mr. Jones, who was a very amiable man, died Sept. 12, 1786.
Mr. Giles Jones, his brother (who was more than five-andforty years secretary to the Vork Buildings Water company)
left a son,- Mr. Stephen Jones, who, among other literary
productions, was editor of the last edition of the “Biographia Dramatica,
” which was consigned to his care by the
late Mr. Isaac Reed.
, a dramatic writer, was a native of Drogheda, in Ireland, and was bred a bricklayer;
, a dramatic writer, was a native of
Drogheda, in Ireland, and was bred a bricklayer; but,
having a natural inclination for the muses, pursued his devotions to them even during the labours of his mere mechanical avocations, and composing a line of brick and a line
of verse alternately, his walls and poems rose in growth
together, but not with equal degrees of durability. His
turn, as is most generally the case with mean poets, or
bards of humble origin, was panegyric. This procured
him some friends; and, in 1745, when the earl of Chesterfield went over to Ireland as lord-lieutenant, Mr. Jones was
recommended to the notice of that nobleman, who, delighted with the discovery of this mechanic muse, not only
favoured him with his own notice and generous munificence,
but also thought proper to transplant this opening flower
into a warmer and more thriving climate. He brought him
with him to England, recommended him to many of the
nobility there, and not only procured him a large subscription for the publishing a collection of his “Poems,
” but
it is said, even took on himself the alteration and correction,
of his tragedy, and also the care of prevailing on the managers of Covent-garden theatre to bring it on the stage.
This nobleman also recommended him in the warmest
manner to Colley Gibber, whose friendly and humane disposition induced him to shew him a thousand acts of friendship, and even made strong efforts by his interest at court
to have secured to him the succession of the laurel after
his death. With these favourable prospects it might have
been expected that Jones would have passed through life
with so much decency as to have ensured his own happiness, and done credit to the partiality of his friends; but
this was not the case. “His temper,
” says one, who
seems to have known him, “was, in consequence of the
dominion of his passions, uncertain and capricious; easily
engaged, and easily disgusted; and, as ceconomy was a
virtue which could never be taken into his catalogue, he
appeared to think himself born rather to be supported by
others than under a duty to secure to himself the profits
which his writings and the munificence of his patrons from
time to time afforded.
” After experiencing many reverses
of fortune, which an overbearing spirit, and an imprudence
in regard to pecuniary concerns, consequently drew on
him, he died in great want, in April 1770, in a garret
belonging to the master of the Bedford coffee-house, by
whose charity he had been some time supported, leaving
an example to those of superior capacities and attainments,
who, despising the common maxims of life, often feel the
want of not pursuing them when it is too late. His principal performance, “The Earl of Essex,
” appeared in The Cave
of Idra,
” which falling into the hands of Dr. Hiffernan, he
enlarged it to five acts, and brought it out under the title
of “The Heroine of the Cave.
” His last publications
were, “Merit
” “The Relief;
” and “Vectis, or the Isle
of Wight,
” poems but his poetical worth, though not
contemptible, was far from being of the first-rate kind.
, a learned dissenting divine, was born in 1693, and received his academical learning under his
, a learned dissenting divine, was born in 1693, and received his academical learning under his uncle, the rev. Samuel Jones, first of Gloucester, then of Tewksbury, the tutor of Chandler, Butler, and Seeker. He was fellow-student with the latter in 1711, and was a distinguished scholar, when he entered upon academical studies. It is apprehended, that he was a native of the North of England, and that his father was a gentleman in affluent circumstances. There was with him, at the above seminary, a younger brother, a youth of quick parts, who afterwards settled as a dissenting minister at Manchester. Mr. Jones, soon after he had finished his course of preparatory studies, became the minister of the congregation of Protestant dissenters, who assembled for worship in Forest Green, Avening, Gloucestershire, and resided at Nailsworth, where he also kept an academy. He had the character of being an eminent linguist. He was popular as a preacher; for the place of worship was considerably enlarged in his time. His discourses met with the approbation of the more judicious, for his salary amounted to one hundred pounds per annum, and the whole subscription came from persons of superior rank in life. Though a deep scholar and hard student, he was not a man of severe manners; but of an open and social disposition, and one of a bowling party at a place still called the Lodge, on Hampton common, at which healthy exercise he relaxed from his studies, and by his presence and influence preserved decorum in the company. His character secured him the marked respect of a neighbouring clergyman. His anxiety to fulfil an engagement, which he had made, to perform some ministerial service at a place on the other side of the Severn, hastened his death. It escaped his recollection, till the time drew near; to prevent disappointment, he made so much speed, that his tender constitution was injured by it, and a complaint contracted, from which he never recovered. He died in 1724, aged 31.
Mr. Jones’s first publication was “A Vindication of the former part of Saint Matthew’s Gospel,
Mr. Jones’s first publication was “A Vindication of the
former part of Saint Matthew’s Gospel, from Mr. Whiston’s charge of Dislocations, or an attempt to prove that
our present Greek copies of that Gospel are in the same
order wherein they were originally written by that Evangelist; in which are contained many things relating to the
harmony and history of the Four Gospels, 1719.
” This
work, says Dr. Harwood, is very valuable; it abounds
with ingenious remarks, and displays the critical acumen
of the author. He prepared for the press before his deatii
another excellent performance, entitled “A New and Fall
Method of settling the Canonical Authority of the New
Testament,
” which was published in
, a celebrated English architect, was born about 1572, in the neighbourhood of St. Paul’s, London,
, a celebrated English architect, was born about 1572, in the neighbourhood of St. Paul’s, London, where his father, Mr. Ignatius Jones, was a clothworker. At a proper age, it is said, he put his son apprentice to a joiner, a business that requires some skill in drawing; and in that respect suited well with our architect’s inclination, which naturally led him to the art of designing. It is not probable, however, that he attended long to the mechanical part of his business; for we are told that he distinguished himself early by the extraordinary progress he made with his pencil, and was particularly noticed for his skill in landscape-painting, of which there is a specimen at Chiswick-house. These talents recommended him to the earl of Arundel, or, as some say, to William earl of Pembroke. It is certain, however, that at the. expence of one or other of these lords he travelled over Italy, and the politer parts of Europe; saw whatever was recommended by its antiquity or value; and from these plans formed his own observations, which, upon his return home, he perfected by study. He was no sooner at Rome, says Walpole, than he found himself in his sphere, and acquired so much reputation that Christian IV. king of Denmark sent for him from Venice, which was the chief place of his residence, and where he had studied the works of Palladio, and made him his architect, but on what buildings he was employed in that country we are yet to learn. He had been some time possessed of this honourable post when that prince, whose sister Anne had married James I. made a visit to England in 1606; and our architect, being desirous to return to his native country, took that opportunity of coming home in the train of his Danish majesty. The magnificence of James’s reign, in dress, buildings, &c. furnished Jones with an opportunity of exercising his talents, which ultimately proved an honour to his country. Mr. Seward says, we know not upon what authority, that the first work he executed after his return from Italy, was the decoration of the inside of the church of St. Catharine Cree, Leadenhall-street. We know, however, that the queen appointed him her architect, presently after his arrival; and he was soon taken, in the same character, into the service of prince Henry, under Whom he discharged his trust with so much fidelity and judgment, that the king gave him the reversion of the place of surveyor-general of his majesty’s works.
ones not only voluntarily offered to serve without pay himself, in whatever kind due, until the debt was fully discharged, but also persuaded his fellow-officers to
Prince Henry dying in 1612, Mr. Jones made a second visit to Italy; and continued some years there, improving himself farther in his favourite art, till the surveyor’s place fell to him; on his entrance upon which he shewed an uncommon degree of generosity. The office of his majesty’s works having, through extraordinary occasions, in the time of his predecessor, contracted a great debt, the privycouncil sent for the surveyor, to give his opinion what course might be taken to ease his majesty of it; when Jones not only voluntarily offered to serve without pay himself, in whatever kind due, until the debt was fully discharged, but also persuaded his fellow-officers to dp the like, by which means the whole arrears were soon cleared. It is to the interval between the first and second of Jones’s travels abroad, that Walpole is inclined to assign those buildings of his which are less pure, and border too much on a bastard style of Gothic, which he reformed in his grander designs.
that surprising group of stones called Stonehenge, upon Salisbury plain, near Wilton. Our architect was immediately sent for by lord Pembroke, and received his majesty’s
The king, in his progress 1620, calling at Wilton, the seat of the earl of Pembroke, among other subjects, fell into a discourse about that surprising group of stones called Stonehenge, upon Salisbury plain, near Wilton. Our architect was immediately sent for by lord Pembroke, and received his majesty’s commands to make observations and deliver his sentiments on the origin of Stone-henge. In obedience to this command, he presently set about the work; and having, with no little pains and expence, taken an exact measurement of the whole, and diligently searched the foundation, in order to find out the original form and aspect, he proceeded to compare it with other antique buildings which he had any where seen. After much reasoning, and along series of authorities, his head being full of Rome, and Roman edifices and precedents, he concluded, that this ancient and stupendous pile must have been originally a Roman temple, dedicated to Ccelus, the senior of the heathen gods, and built after the Tuscan order; that it was built when the Romans flourished in peace and prosperity in Britain, and, probably, betwixt the time of Agricola’s government and the reign of Constantine the Great. This account he presented to his royal master in the same year, 1620, and was immediately appointed one of the commissioners for repairing St. Paul’s cathedral in London.
Upon the death of king James, he was continued in his post by Charles I. whose consort entertained
Upon the death of king James, he was continued in his post by Charles I. whose consort entertained him likewise in the same station. He had drawn the designs for the palace of Whitehall in his former master’s time; and that part of it, the banqueting-house, in a most pure and beautiful taste, was now carried into execution. It was first designed for the reception of foreign ambassadors; and the cieling was painted, some years after, by Rubens, with the felicities of James’s reign. In June 1633 an order was issued out, requiring him to set about the reparation of St. Paul’s; and the work was begun soon after at the east end, the first stone being laid by Laud, then bishop of London, and the fourth by Jones. In this work, Mr. Walpole remarks that he made two capital faults. He first renewed the sides with very bad Gothic, and then added a Roman portico, magnificent and beautiful indeed, but which had no affinity with the ancient parts that remained, and made his own Gothic appear ten times heavier. He committed the same error at Winchester, thrusting a screen in the Roman or Grecian taste into the middle of that cathedral. Jones, indeed, was by no means successful when he attempted Gothic, the taste for which had declined before his time.
are still extant in the works of Chapman, Davenant, Daniel, and particularly Ben Jonson. The subject was chosen by the poet, and the speeches and songs were also of
During this reign he gave many proofs of his genius and
fancy in the pompous machinery for masques and interludes so much in vogue then. Several of these representations are still extant in the works of Chapman, Davenant,
Daniel, and particularly Ben Jonson. The subject was
chosen by the poet, and the speeches and songs were also
of his composing; but the invention of the scenes, ornaments, and dresses of the figures, was the contrivance of
Jones . And in this he acted in harmony with father Ben
for a while; but, about 1614, there happened a quarrel
between them, which provoked Jonson to ridicule his
associate, under the character of Lantern Leatherhead, a
hobby-horse seller, in his comedy of “Bartholomew Fair.
”
Nor did the rupture end but with Jonson’s death; a very
few years before which, in 1635, he wrote a most virulent
coarse satire, called “An Expostulation with Jnigo Jones;
”
and, afterwards, “An Epigram to a Friend;
” and also a
third, inscribed to “Inigo Marquis Would-be.
” The
quarrel not improbably took its rise from our architect’s
rivalship in the king’s favour; and it is certain the poet
was much censured at court for this rough usage of his
rival: of which being advised by Mr. Howell, he suppressed
the whole satire .
es received such encouragement from the court, that he acquired a handsome fortune ; which, however, was much impaired by what he suffered during the rebellion; for,
In the mean time, Mr. Jones received such encouragement from the court, that he acquired a handsome fortune ; which, however, was much impaired by what he suffered during the rebellion; for, as he had a share in his royal master’s prosperity, so he had a share too in his ruin. Upon the meeting of the long parliament, Nov. 1640, he was called before the house of peers, on a complaint against him from the parishioners of St. Gregory’s in London, for damage done to that church, on repairing the cathedral of St. Paul. The church being old, and standing very near the cathedral, was thought to be a blemish to it, and therefore was taken down, pursuant to his majesty’s signification, and the orders of the council in 1639, in the execution of which, our surveyor no doubt was chiefly concerned. But, in answer to the complaint, he pleaded the general issue; and, when the repairing of the cathedral ceased, in 1642, some part of the materials remaining were, by order of the house of lords, delivered to the parishioners of St. Gregory’s, towards the rebuilding of their church. This prosecution must have put Mr. Jones to a very large expence; and, during the usurpation afterwards, he was constrained to pay 545l. by way of composition for his estate, as a malignant. After the death of Charles Ihe was continued in his post by Charles II.; but it was only an empty title at that time, nor did Mr. Jones live long enough to make it any better. In reality, the grief, at his years, occasioned by the fatal calamity of his former munificent master, put a period to his life July 21, 1652, and he was buried in the chancel of St. Rennet’s church, near St. Paul’s wharf, London, where there was a monument erected to his memory, which suffered greatly by the dreadful fire in 1666.
e are assured, by one who knew him well, that his scientific abilities surpassed most of his age. He was a perfect master of the mathematics, and was not unacquainted
In respect to his character, we are assured, by one who
knew him well, that his scientific abilities surpassed most
of his age. He was a perfect master of the mathematics,
and was not unacquainted with the two learned languages,
Greek and Latin, especially the latter; neither was he
without some turn for poetry . A copy of verses composed by him is published in the “Odcombian Banquet,
”
prefixed to Tom Coryate’s “Crudities,
” in Vindication of
Stone-henge restored ;
” and dying at Butleigh, his seat
in Somersetshire, Oct. 24, 1672, was buried in that church.
Walpole enumerates among his works which are still in
part extant, the new quadrangle of St. John’s college,
Oxfqrd the queen’s chapel at St. James’s the arcade of
Oovent-garden and the church Gunnersbury, near Brentford Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, and one or two of the houses
in Lincoln’s-inn-fields Coleshill in Berkshire, and Cobham
hall in Kent; the Grange, in Hampshire; the queen’s
house at Greeirwich, &c. Several other of his buildings
may be seen in Campbell’s “Vitruvius Britannicus.
” The
principal of his designs were published by Mr. Kent in
1727, fol. as also some of his less designs in 1744, foL
Others were published by Mr. Isaac Ware. Our artist left
in ms. some curious notes upon Palladio’s “Architecture,
”
now in Worcester college, Oxford, some of which are inserted in an edition of Palladio, published at London,
1714, fol. by Mr. Leoni; which notes, he says, raise the
value of the edition above all the preceding ones. His
original drawings for Whitehall-palace are also in Worcester library.
, an old medical writer, was either born in Wales, or was of Welsh extraction; studied at
, an old medical writer, was either born in Wales, or was of Welsh extraction; studied at both our universities, took a medical degree at Cambridge, and practised with great reputation at Bath, in Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire. He mentions curing a person at Louth in 1562, and the date of his last publication is 1759.
, a learned English Benedictine, “ was born in London in 1575, although originally of a family of
, a learned English Benedictine, “was
born in London in 1575, although originally of a family
of Brecknockshire. He was educated at Merchant Taylors’
school, from whence he was elected a scholar of St. John’s
college, Oxford, in 1591, where he was chamber-fellow
with Mr. Laud, afterwards archbishop of Canterbury.
Here he studied civil law, took a bachelor’s degree in that
faculty, and was made a fellow of the college. In consequence of a course of reading on the controversies of the
time, he embraced the doctrines of popery, and, going
abroad, became a Benedictine monk in Spain, assuming
the name of Leander a Sancto Martino. He then pursued
his studies at Compostella, and was created D. D. When
the English religious of his order had formed themselves
into a congregation, he was invited to Douay, and made
professor of Hebrew and divinity in St. Vedast’s college,
during which time he was very instrumental in founding a
monastery of Benedictine nuns at Cambray. He was also
appointed their confessor, prior of the monastery of Douay,
and twice president of the English congregation. It has
been said that archbishop Laud gave him an invitation to
England, for which various reasons were assigned, and,
among others, that they might consult about the reunion
of the churches of England and Rome; but there seems
no great foundation for this story. That he did return to
England, however, is certain, as he died at London Dec.
17, 1636, and was buried in the chapel at Somerset-house.
He wrote, 1.
” Sacra ars memoriae, ad Scripturas divinas
in promptu habendas, &c. accommodata,“Douay, 1623,
8vo. 2.
” Conciliatio locorum communium totius Scripturae,“ibid. 1623. He also edited
” Biblia Sacra, cum
glossa interlineari,“6 vols. fol.
” Opera Blosii“and
” Arnobius contra gentes,“with notes, Douay, 1634; and
had some hand in father Reyner’s
” Apostolatus Benedictinorum," 1626.
, an English divine of some note for exciting a controversy respecting the Liturgy, was born in 1700, and is supposed to have been a native of Carmarthen.
, an English divine of some note for
exciting a controversy respecting the Liturgy, was born in
1700, and is supposed to have been a native of Carmarthen.
He was admitted of Worcester college, Oxford, where he
took the degree of B. A. about 1721, and quitted the university in or before 1726, in which year he received
priest’s orders at Buckden, from Dr. Reynolds, bishop of
Lincoln. He had a curacy in that diocese, but in what
partis not known. In 1741 he was resident at
AbbotsRipton in Huntingdonshire, and soon after was presented
to the vicarage of Alconbury, which he resigned in 1751
for the rectory of Boulne-Hurst in Bedfordshire. In 1755
he was vicar of Hitchin, and in 1759 accepted the curacy
of Welwyn from Dr. Young, and continued there until
1765, when that celebrated poet died, and Mr. Jones was
appointed one of his executors. He afterwards returned
to Boulne-Hurst, and probably obtained no other preferment. He was killed by a fall from his horse in going to
Abbots-Ripton, but in what year we have not been able
to discover, although such a circumstance must have been
known to his friends, who, however, have neglected to
record it. After his death, many, if not all his manucripts, passed into the hands of the Rev. Thomas Dawson,
M. D. a dissenting minister of Hackney, whence they
passed to the dissenters’ library in Redcross-street. Some
biographical notices which have appeared in the Gentleman’s Magazine were extracted from them. Mr. Nichols
has given an extensive series of extracts from his literary
correspondence with Dr. Birch, from which many particulars of his talents and character may be gleaned. His
chief work was entitled “Free and Candid Disquisitions,
”
published in Catholic Faith
and Practice,
” and “A Letter to a Friend in the Country;
” but with the subjects of these we are unacquainted.
, an eminent and learned tutor of the university of Cambridge, was born at Beriew in Montgomeryshire, June 23, 1756. His education,
, an eminent and learned tutor of the
university of Cambridge, was born at Beriew in Montgomeryshire, June 23, 1756. His education, till he entered
on his twelfth year, was confined to the instruction of a
common country school, first at Beriew, and afterwards in
the neighbouring parish of Kerry. During the time that
he frequented the latter school, the vicar of the parish,
discovering in him those talents which he afterwards so
eminently displayed, advised his mother (for he lost his father at an early age) to send him to the grammar-school
at Shrewsbury, where he continued nearly seven years,
and was inferior to none of his schoolfellows, either in
attention to study or in regularity of conduct. In May
1774, he was admitted of St. John’s college, Cambridge,
and came to reside there in October following. From that
time the excellence of his genius became more particularly
conspicuous. He had acquired, indeed, at school, a competent share of classical learning; but his mind was less
adapted to Greek and Latin composition than to the investigation of philosophical truths. At the public examinations of St. John’s college he not only was always in the
first class, but was without comparison the best mathematician of his year. His first summer vacation was devoted
entirely to his favourite pursuit; and at that early period
he became acquainted with mathematical works, which are
seldom attempted before the third year of academical
study. He remained at St. John’s college till after the
public examination in June 1776, when, having no prospect
of obtaining a fellowship, there being already a fellow of
the diocese of St. Asaph in that college, and the statutes
limiting the fellowships to one from each diocese, he removed to Trinity college. Here he took his bachelor’s
degree in 1779, and his superiority was so decided, that
no one ventured to contend with him. The honour of
senior wrangler, as it is called in academical phrase, was
conceded before the examination began, and the second
place became the highest object of competition. If any
thing was wanting to shew his superiority, it would be
rendered sufficiently conspicuous by the circumstance, that
he was tutor to the second wrangler, now the learned Dr.
Herbert Marsh, professor of divinity at Cambridge, who
acknowledged that for the honour which he then obtained,
he was indebted to the instruction of his friend.
In the same year in which Mr. Jones took his bachelor’s
degree he was appointed assistant tutor at Trinity college.
In Oct. 1781 he was elected fellow, and in Oct. 1787, on
the resignation of Mr. Cranke, he was appointed to the
office of head tutor, which he held to the day of his death.
In 1786 and 1787 he presided as moderator in the philosophical schools, where his acuteness and impartiality were
equally conspicuous. It was about this time that he introduced a grace, by which fellow-commoners, who used to
obtain the degree of bachelor of arts with little or no examination, were subjected to the same academical exercises
as other under-graduates. During many years he continued to take an active part in the senate-house examinations; but for some years before his death confined himself
to the duties of college- tutor. These, indeed, were sufficiently numerous to engage his whole attention and he
displayed in them an ability which was rarely equalled,
with an integrity which never was surpassed. Being perfect master of his subjects, he always placed them in the
clearest point of view; and by his manner of treating
them he made them interesting even to those who had
otherwise no relish for mathematical inquiries. His lectures
on astronomy attracted more than usual attention, since
that branch of philosophy afforded the most ample scope
for inculcating (what, indeed, he never neglected in other branches) his favourite doctrine of final causes; for arguing from the contrivance to the contriver, from the
structure of the universe to the being and attributes of
God. And this doctrine he enforced, not merely by explaining the harmony which results from the established
Jaws of nature, but by shewing the confusion which would
have arisen from the adoption of other laws. His lectures
on the principles of fluxions were delivered with unusual
clearness; and there was so much originality in them, that
his pupils often expressed a wish that they might be printed.
But such was his modesty, that though frequently urged, he
never would consent; and when he signed his will a short
time before his death, he made the most earnest request
to Dr. Marsh, that none of his manuscripts should be
printed. But it is a consolation to know, that his lectures
in philosophy will not be buried in oblivion: all his writings
on those subjects were delivered to his successor in the
tuition, and, though less amply than by publication, will
continue to benefit mankind. The only things he ever
published were “A Sermon on Duelling,
” and “An Address to the Volunteers of Montgomeryshire.
” The former
was published as a warning to the young men of the university, soon after a fatal duel had taken place there. The
latter, which he wrote with great animation (for he was a zealous advocate of the volunteer system) was calculated to
rouse the volunteers to a vigorous defence of their country.
labour and anxiety attendant on the discharge of his duties gradually impaired a constitution which was naturally feeble. During many years he suffered from an infirmity
As the admissions under him as tutor were numerous beyond example, the labour and anxiety attendant on the discharge of his duties gradually impaired a constitution which was naturally feeble. During many years he suffered from an infirmity of the breast, and when he seemed to have recovered from this complaint, was attacked by another of more dangerous tendency, an internal ulcer, which after some variations in the symptoms, and some appearance of relief, proved fatal on July 18, 1807. Being at that time in London for advice, he was, at his own desire, interred in the burial-ground of Dulwich-college.
His academical character has been already described. As a companion he was highly convivial; he possessed a vein of humour peculiar to
His academical character has been already described. As a companion he was highly convivial; he possessed a vein of humour peculiar to himself; and no one told a story with more effect. His manners were mild and unassuming, and his gentleness was equalled only by his firmness. As a friend he had no other limit to his kindness than his ability to serve. Indeed his whole life was a life of benevolence, and he wasted his strength in exerting himself for others. The benefits he conferred were frequently so great, and the persons who subsisted by his bounty were so numerous, that he was often distressed in the midst of affluence. And though he was head tutor of Trinity-college almost twenty years, with more pupils than any of his predecessors, he never acquired a sufficient capital to enable him to retire from office, and still continue his accustomed benevolence.
on various speculative points underwent a material alteration,” we may infer that such an alteration was for the better. “Of his practical theology,” says Dr. Marsh,
In theology and politics Mr. Jones appears to have held
some sentiments, to which his biographer adverts with so
much delicacy and caution, that we cannot guess at them;
when he adds, however, that “his sentiments on various
speculative points underwent a material alteration,
” we
may infer that such an alteration was for the better. “Of
his practical theology,
” says Dr. Marsh, “which remained
always the same, the best description which can be given
is the description of his latter end. He waited the approach of death with a dignified firmness, a placid
resignation, and an unaffected piety, which are rarely equalled.
Even after his eyes w,ere grown dim and his speech began
to faulter, he uttered with great fervency what he had frequently repeated during the course of his illness, that
prayer in the * Visitation of the Sick,‘ * Sanctify, we beseech thee, this thy fatherly correction, that the sense of
my weakness may add strength to my faith and seriousness
to my repentance.’ On these last words he dwelt with peculiar emphasis. About the same time he said to his surrounding friends, as distinctly as the weakness of his voice
would permit, * I am conscious, no doubt, of many failings; but I believe I have employed the abilities with
which God has blessed me to the advantage of my fellowcreatures. I resign myself, then, with confidence into the
hands of my Maker.' He shortly after expired, without a
groan or struggle.
”
, an eminent mathematician, was born in 1680, in the island of Anglesey, North Wales. His parents
, an eminent mathematician, was born
in 1680, in the island of Anglesey, North Wales. His
parents were yeomen, or little farmers, in that island, and
gave to their son the best education which their circumstances would allow; but he owed his future fame and fortune to the diligent cultivation of the intellectual powers
by which he was eminently distinguished. Addicted from
early life to the study of mathematics, he commenced his
career of advancement in the humble office of a teacher of
these sciences on board a man of war. In this situation he
attracted the notice, and obtained the friendship of lord
Anson. He appeared as an author in his 22d year; when
his treatise on the art of navigation was much approved.
We may judge of his predominant taste for literature and
science by a trivial circumstance which occurred at the
capture of Vigo, in 1702. Having joined his comrades in
pillaging the town, he selected a bookseller’s shop, in hope
of obtaining some valuable plunder; but, disappointed in
his expectations, he took up a pair of scissars, which was
his only booty, and which he afterwards exhibited' to his
friends as a trophy of his military success. On his return
to England, he established himself as a teacher of mathematics in London; and here, in 1706, he published his
“Synopsis Palmariorum Matheseos; or, a new Introduction to the Mathematics,
” a work which has ever since
been held in the highest estimation as a compendious but
comprehensive summary of mathematical science. Mr.
Jones was no less esteemed and respected on account of
his private character and pleasing manners, than for his
natural talents and scientific attainments; so that he reckoned among his friends the most eminent persons of the
period in which he lived. Lord Hardwicke selected him
as a companion on the circuit, when he was chief justice;
and when he afterwards held the great seal, conferred upon
him the office of secretary for the peace, as a testimony of
his friendship and regard. He was also in habits of intimate acquaintance with lord Parker, president of the royal
society, sir Isaac Newton, Halley, Mead, and Samuel Johnson. So highly was his merit appreciated by sir Isaac
Newton, that he prepared, with his permission, and very
much to his satisfaction, a very elegant edition of small
tracts in the higher mathematics. Upon the retirement of
lord Mace lesfi eld to Sherborne castle, Mr. Jones resided
in his family, and instructed his lordship in the sciences.
Whilst he occupied this situation he had the misfortune, by
the failure of a banker, to lose the greatest part of that
property which he had accumulated Uy the most laudable
industry and economy; but the loss was in a great measure
repaired to him by the kind attention of his lordship, who
procured for him a sinecure place of considerable emolument. He was afterwards offered, by the same nobleman, a
more lucrative situation; which, however, he declined, that
he might be more at leisure to devote himself to his favourite
scientific pursuits. In this retreat he formed an acquaintance with miss Mary Nix, the daughter of a cabinet-maker,
who had become eminent in his profession, and whose talents and manners had recommended him to an intimacy
with lord Macclesfield. This acquaintance terminated in
marriage; and the connection proved a source of personal
satisfaction to Mr. Jones himself, and of permanent honour
to his name and family. By this lady Mr. Jones had three
children two sons and a daughter. One son died in infancy the other will be the subject of the next article
and the daughter, who was married to Mr. Rainsford, an
opulent merchant retired from business, perished miserably, in 1802, in consequence of her clothes accidentally
taking fire. The death of Mr. Jones was occasioned by n
polypus in the heart, which, notwithstanding the medical
attention and assistance of Dr. Mead, proved incurable.
He died in July 1749.
Mr. Jones’s papers in the Philosophical Transactions are:
“A compendious disposition of Equations for exhibiting,
the relations of Goniometrical Lines,
” vol. XLIV. “A
Tract on Logarithms,
” vol. LXI. “Account of the person killed by lightning in Tottenham-court-chapel, and its
effects on the building,
” vol. LXII. “Properties of the
Conic Sections, deduced by a compendious method,
” vol.
LXIII. In all these works of Mr. Jones, a remarkable
neatness, brevity, and accuracy, everywhere prevails. He
seemed to delight in a very^ short and comprehensive mode
of expression and arrangement; insomuch that sometimes
what he has contrived to express in two or three pages,
would occupy a little volume in the ordinary style of writing. Mr. Jones, it is said, possessed the best mathematical
library in England; which by will he left to lord Macclesfield. He had collected also a great quantity of manuscript papers and letters of former mathematicians, which
have often proved useful to writers of their lives, &c. After
his death, these were dispersed, and fell into different persons hands many of them, as well as of Mr. Jones’s own
papers, were possessed by the late Mr. John Robertson,
librarian and clerk to the royal society at whose death
Dr. Hutton purchased a considerable quantity of them.
From such collections as these it was that Mr. Jones was
enabled to give that first and elegant edition, 1711, in 4to,
of several of Newton’s papers, that might otherwise have
been lost, entitled “Analysis per quantitatum Series, Fluxiones, ac Differentias: cum Enumeratione Linearum Tertii Ordinis.
”
We learn from the “Anecdotes of Bowyer,” that the plan of another work was formed by this eminent mathematician, intended to be of the
We learn from the “Anecdotes of Bowyer,
” that the
plan of another work was formed by this eminent mathematician, intended to be of the same nature with the “Synopsis,
” but far more copious and diffusive, and to serve
as a general introduction to the sciences, or, which is the
same thing, to the mathematical and philosophical works
of Newton. A work of this kind had long been a desideratum in literature, and it required a geometrician of the
first class to sustain the weight of so important an undertaking; for which, as M. d'Alembert justly observes, “the
combined force of the greatest mathematicians would not
have been more than sufficient.
” The ingenious author
was conscious how arduous a task he had begun; but his
very numerous acquaintance, and particularly his friend
the earl of Macclesfield, never ceased importuning and
urging him to persist, till he had finished the whole work,
the result of all his knowledge and experience through a
life of near 7O years, and a standing monument, as he had
reason to hope, of his talents and industry. He had
scarcely sent the first sheet to the press, when a fatal illness obliged him to discontinue the impression; and a few
days before his death, he intrusted the ms. fairly transcribed by an amanuensis, to the care of lord Macclesfield, who promised to publish it, as well for the honour
of the author as for the benefit of his family, to whom the
property of the book belonged. The earl survived his
friend many years but the “Introduction to the Mathetics
” was forgotten or neglected and, after his death, the
ms. was not to be found whether it was accidentally destroyed, which is hardly credible, or whether, as hath been
suggested, it had been lent to some geometrician, unworthy
to bear the name either of a philosopher or a man, who has
since concealed it, or possibly burned the original for fear
of detection. Lord Teignmouth, however, informs us, in
his life of Mr. Jones’s illustrious Son, that there is no evidence in his memoranda to confirm or disprove this account.
, one of the most accomplished scholars in Europe, the son of the preceding, was born Sept. 28, 1746. As his father died when he had scarcely
, one of the most accomplished
scholars in Europe, the son of the preceding, was born
Sept. 28, 1746. As his father died when he had scarcely
reached his third year, the care of his education devolved
on his mother, whose talents and virtues eminently qualified her for the task. Her husband, with affectionate precision, characterized her as one who “was virtuous without blemish, generous without extravagance, frugal but
not niggard, cheerful but not giddy, close but not sullen,
ingenious but wot conceited, of spirit but not passionate,
of her company cautious, in her friendship trusty, to her
parents dutiful, and to her husband ever faithful, loving,
and obedient.
” She must have been yet a more extraordinary woman than all this imports; for we are told that
under her husband’s tuition she became a considerable proficient in Algebra, and with a view to act as preceptor to
her sister’s son, who was destined for the sea, she made
herself perfect in trigonometry, and the theory of navigation, sciences of which it is probable she knew nothing
before marriage, and which she now pursued amidst the
anxious, and, usually, monopolizing cares of a family.
In educating her son, she appears to have preferred a
method at once affectionate and judicious. Discovering in
him a natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge, beyond
what children generally display, she made the gratification
of these passions to depend on his own industry, and constantly pointed to a book as the source of information. So
successful was this method, that in his fourth year he was
able distinctly and rapidly to read any English book, while
his memory was agreeably exercised in getting by heart
such popular pieces of poetry as were likely to engage the
fancy of a child. His taste for reading gradually became
a habit; and having in his fifth year, while looking over a
Bible, fallen upon the sublime description of the Angel
in the tenth chapter of the Apocalypse, the impression
which his imagination received from it was never effaced.
In his sixth year an attempt was made to teach him Latin, but the acquisition of a new language
In his sixth year an attempt was made to teach him
Latin, but the acquisition of a new language had as yet no
charms. At Michaelmas 1753, when he had completed
his seventh year, he was placed at Harrow-school, under
the tuition of Dr. Thackery. Here during the first two
years he applied with diligence to his prescribed tasks, but
without indicating that superiority of talents which in
eminent characters biographers are desirous to trace to the
earliest years. It was enough, however, that he learned
what was taught, and it was fortunate that his mind was
gradually informed, without being perplexed. During the
vacations his mother resumed her “delightful task,
” and
initiated him in the art of drawing, in which she excelled.
Her private instructions became more necessary and indeed
indispensible, when in his ninth year his thigh-bone was
accidentally fractured. During his confinement, which lasted
twelve months, his mother diverted his taste for reading to
the best English poets, whom he already endeavoured to
imitate; but whether any of these very early efforts are in
existence his biographer has not informed us.
On his return to school, he was placed in the same class which he should have attained if the
On his return to school, he was placed in the same class
which he should have attained if the progress of his studies
had not been interrupted. Whether this was from favour
or caprice in the master, it might have been attended with
fatal consequences to young Jones, had his temper been
of that irascible and wayward kind which sometimes accompanies genius. He found himself in a situation in
which he was necessarily a year behind his school-fellows,
and yet his master affected to presume on his equal
profictency, and goaded him by punishment and degradation
ta perform tasks for which he had received no preparatory
instructions. In a few months, however, he applied himself so closely during his leisure hours to recover what he
bad lost, that he soon reached the head of his class, and
uniformly gained every prize offered for the best exercise.
In his twelfth year he moved into the upper school, when
he entered upon the study of the Greek, and, as was his
practice when in the lower, exercised himself in various
translations and compositions which, not being required by
his instructors, elevated him in the eyes of his school-fellows, while his kindness prevented the usual effects of
jealousy. They felt nothing unpleasant in the superiority
of a school-fellow whose talents were employed in their
service, either to promote their learning or their amusements. On one occasion when they proposed to act the
play of the “Tempest,
” but had no copy at hand, he
wrote it for them so correctly from memory, that they acted
it with as much reputation as they probably could have
derived from the best edition. His own part was Prospero.
On another occasion, he composed a dramatic piece on
the story of Meleager, which was acted by his school-fellows, as a tragedy. Such efforts of memory and invention
at so early an age are truly wonderful. His tragedy, indeed, will not bear criticism; but the lines which his biographer has given as a specimen, will not suffer much by
a comparison with the general strain of verses in the infant
asra of English tragedy.
oetry, appeared in the pains he now took to study the varieties of the “Roman metre. His proficiency was indeed so superior to that of most of his associates in every
His predilection for whatever concerned poetry, appeared in the pains he now took to study the varieties of the
“Roman metre. His proficiency was indeed so superior to
that of most of his associates in every pursuit, that they
were glad to consult him as a preceptor, and to borrow
from him, as a friend, those helps which they were otherwise unable to procure. During the holidays he learned
French and arithmetic, and as he was admitted to the company of the ingenious philosopher Mr. Baker, and his
learned friends, his mother recommended to him the
” Spectacle de la Nature," as a book that might enable
him to understand their conversation. He obeyed her injunction, as he uniformly did upon every occasion, and was
probably not uninterested in many parts of that once instructive work; but he had not yet begun to make excursions into the field of natural history, and he acknowledged
that he was more entertained with the Arabian Tales and
Shakspeare.
turn of his amusements, which generally had some reference to his studies, and proved that learning was uppermost in his mind. Of this disposition, the following anecdote,
Although he did not yet cease to be the boy, he frequently gave indications of the man, and perhaps in nothing more than the useful turn of his amusements, which generally had some reference to his studies, and proved that learning was uppermost in his mind. Of this disposition, the following anecdote, related by lord Teignmouth, is pleasingly characteristic. " He invented a political play, in which Dr. William Bennet, bishop of Cloyne, and the celebrated Dr. Parr, were his principal associates. They divided the fields in the neighbourhood of Harrow, according to a map of Greece, into states and kingdoms; each fixed upon one as his dominions, and assumed an ancient name. Some of their schoolfellows consented to be styled barbarians, who were to invade their territories, and attack their hillocks, which were denominated fortresses. The chiefs vigorously defended their respective domains against the incursions of the enemy; and in these imitative wars, the young statesmen held councils, made vehement harangues, and composed memorials; all doubtless very boyish, but calculated to fill their minds with ideas of legislation and civil government. In these unusual amusements, Jones was ever the leader; and he might justly have appropriated to himself the words of Catullus: ‘ Ego gymnasii flos, ego decus oleiY’
niggardly in general of his praises before the objects of his esteem, confessed in private that “he was a boy of so active a mind, that if he were left naked and friendless
Dr. Bennet informs us that “great abilities, great particularity of thinking, fondness for writing verses and plays
of various kinds, and a degree of integrity and manly courage, distinguished him even at this period.
” And Dr.
Thackeray, the master of the school, however niggardly
in general of his praises before the objects of his esteem,
confessed in private that “he was a boy of so active a
mind, that if he were left naked and friendless on Salisbury Plain, he would nevertheless find the road to fame
and riches.
” When Dr. Sumrier succeeded Dr. Thackeray
in 1761, he more publicly distinguished Mr. Jones, as one
whose proficiency was marked by uncommon diligence and
success. To a critical knowledge of Greek and Latin, he
began now to add some acquaintance with the Hebrew, and
even learned the Arabic characters, while during the vacations, he improved his former knowledge of the French
and Italian languages. His ardent thirst for knowledge,
however, at this time, induced him to study with so little
intermission from sleep or exercise, that he was beginning
to contract a weakness of sight. On this occasion, his
friends interposed their advice, and for some time he consented to relax from fatigues so unsuitable to his tender
age. It is probable, however, that he had already gone
too far, for weakness of sight was one of the first complaints which impeded his studies when in India.
at this time, and his prereptor Dr. Sumner easily prevailed in recommending an academical course. He was, accordingly, in the spring of 1764, entered of University college,
When he had attained the age of seventeen, his friends determined to remove him to one of the universities, but his mother had been advised to place him in the office of some special pleader. He had, in the course of his desultory reading, perused a few law books, and frequently amused his mother’s visitors by discussing topics of legal subtlety. But the law had not taken a complete hold on his inclination at this time, and his prereptor Dr. Sumner easily prevailed in recommending an academical course. He was, accordingly, in the spring of 1764, entered of University college, Oxford, in which city his mother now took up her residence. This latter circumstance was peculiarly grateful to Mr. Jones, who was as much distinguished above the mass of mankind for filial affection, as for his literary accomplishments.
he became accustomed to the mode of study then prevalent, and without neglecting any thing which it was necessary to know, pursued his leisure hours that course of
The passion he had imbibed for general learning, and the desultory manner in which his unremitting application left him at liberty to indulge it, were at first in danger of being interrupted by the necessity of attending to a routine of instructions from which he imagined he could derive very little advantage. But in time he became accustomed to the mode of study then prevalent, and without neglecting any thing which it was necessary to know, pursued his leisure hours that course of classical and polite literature which had already proved that he was not to be satiated by the common allowances of education. Oriental literature presented itself to his mind with unusual charms, as if the plan of his future life, and the avenues to his future fame, had been regularly laid down before him; and he had not applied himself long to the Arabic and Persic, before he conceived that greater advantages were to be reaped from those languages, than from the more popular treasures of Greece and Rome. Such was at the same time his enthusiasm in this undertaking, that having accidentally discovered one Mirza, a native of Aleppo, in London, he prevailed on him to accompany him to Oxford, not without hopes that he might induce some of his companions to avail themselves of this Syrian’s labours, and assist him in defraying the expence of his maintenance; but in this he was disappointed, and for some months the whole of the burthen fell upon himself.
During his residence at Oxford, his time was regularly divided into portions, each of which was filled up
During his residence at Oxford, his time was regularly divided into portions, each of which was filled up with the study of the ancients or moderns, and there have been few examples of such extensive accumulation of knowledge by one so young; yet, amidst this severe course of application, he regularly apportioned some time for the practice of those manly exercises which promote health. As all this necessarily became expensive, he anxiously wished for a fellowship, that he might be enabled to relieve his mother from a burthen which she could ill support. He had obtained a scholarship a few months after his matriculation, but a fellowship appeared more remote, and he was beginning to despair of achieving this object, when he received an offer to be private tutor to lord Althorpe, now earl Spencer. He had been recommended to the Spencer family by Dr. Shipley, who had seen and approved some of his performances at Harrow, and particularly a Greek oration in praise of Lyon, who founded the school at that place in the reign of Elizabeth.
This proposal was cheerfully accepted by Mr. Jones, and, in the summer of 1765,
This proposal was cheerfully accepted by Mr. Jones, and, in the summer of 1765, he went for the first time to Wimbledon Park, to take upon him the education of his pupil, who was just seven years old, and with whose manners he was delighted. It would be needless to point out the advantages of such a situation as this to a young man of Jones’s accomplishments and expectations. It presented every thing he could wish, liberal patronage to promote his views, elegant society to form his manners, and opportunities for study, which were inferior only to what he enjoyed at Oxford. In the course of the following summer, he obtained a fellowship, which, although not exceeding one hundred pounds, appeared to him a sufficient provision, and a solid independency. His time was now divided between Oxford, London, Wimbledon, and Althorpe; and in 1767, he visited the Continent with the Spencer family, and during this trip, which was but short, acquired some knowledge of the German language. Before setting out, and in the twenty-first year of his age, he began his Commentaries on Asiatic Poetry, in imitation of Dr. Lowth’s Prelections at Oxford on the sacred poetry of the Hebrews; and soon after his return, in the winter of 1767, he nearly completed his Commentaries, transcribed an Asiatic manuscript on Egypt and the Nile, and copied the keys of the Chinese language, which he wished to add to his other acquisitions.
ntry (1768), had brought with him an eastern manuscript, containing the life of Nadir Shah, which he was desirous of having translated in England. The secretary of state,
“The king of Denmark, then upon a visit to this country (1768), had brought with him an eastern manuscript,
containing the life of Nadir Shah, which he was desirous
of having translated in England. The secretary of state,
with whom the Danish minister had conversed upon the
subject, sent the volume to Mr. Jones, requesting him to
give a literal translation of it in the French language: but
he wholly declined the task, alleging for his excuse, the
dryness of the subject, the difficulty of the style, and
chiefly his want both of leisure and ability, to enter upon
an undertaking so fruitless and laborious. He mentioned,
however, a gentleman, with whom he was not then acquainted, but who had distinguished himself by the translation of a Persian history, and some popular tales froi
the Persic, as capable of gratifying the wishes of his Danish Majesty. Major Dow, the wriu-r alluded to, excuse
himself on account of his numerous engagements; and tl
application to Mr.lono, uus renewed. It was hinted, th
his compliance would be of no small advantage to him, at
his entrance into life; that it would procure him some mark
of distinction, which would be pleasing to him; and above
all, that it would be a reflection upon this country, if the
king should be obliged to carry the manuscript to France.
Incited by these motives, and principally the last, unwilling to be thought churlish or morose, and eager for reputation, he undertook the work, and sent the specimen of
it to his Danish majesty, who returned his approbation of
the style and method, but desired that the whole translation might be perfectly literal, and the oriental images accurately preserved. The task would have been far easier
to him, if he had been directed to finish it in Latin; for
the acquisition of a French style was infinitely more tedious,
and it was necessary to have every chapter corrected by a
native of France, before it could be offered to the discerning eye of the public, since in every language there are
certain peculiarities of idiom, and nice shades of meaning,
which a foreigner can never attain to perfection. The
work, however arduous and unpleasant, was completed in
a year, not without repeated hints from the secretary’s
office, that it was expected with great impatience by the
court of Denmark. The translation was not, however,
published until 1770. Forty copies upon large paper were
sent to Copenhagen; one of them, bound with uncommon
elegance, for the king himself: and the others as presents
to his courtiers.
”
rated authors of the East; but he appears to have been aware of the expence attending this work, and was unwilling to continue it, unless the East India company would
What reward he received for this undertaking is but obscurely related. His Danish majesty, we are told, sent him a diploma, constituting him a member of the royal society of Copenhagen, and recommended him in the strongest terms, to the favour and benevolence of his own sovereign. In all this there seems but an inadequate recompense for a work which at that time perhaps no person could have executed but himself. His noble pupil being removed to Harrow, Mr* Jones had an opportunity of renewing his intimacy with Dr. Sumner, who had always estimated his talents and learning at their full value. While here, he transcribed a Persian grammar, which he had three years before composed for the use of a schoolfellow destined for India, and also began a Dictionary of the Persian language, in which the principal words were illustrated from the most celebrated authors of the East; but he appears to have been aware of the expence attending this work, and was unwilling to continue it, unless the East India company would purchase it. In 1770 he issued proposals for a new edition of Meninski’s Dictionary, which was to have been published in 1773, but the scheme was dropt for want of encouragement.
ppears at this time to have entertained some doubts. In this, as in all his studies, his application was intense, and his inquiries conducted upon the fairest and most
Amidst these occupations, so far beyond the common reach of literary industry, he became a serious inquirer into the evidences of Christianity, about which he appears at this time to have entertained some doubts. In this, as in all his studies, his application was intense, and his inquiries conducted upon the fairest and most liberal principles. The result was a firm belief in the authenticity and inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, and a life dignified by purity of conduct, and the exercise of every Christian virtue.
glish a tract on “Education in the analytic manner;” a tragedy founded on the story of Mustapha, who was put to death by his father Soliman; and made various translations
In 1770, he passed the winter on the Continent with the
Spencer family, during which, he informs one of his correspondents, his occupations were “music, with all its
sweetness and feeling difficult and abstruse problems in
mathematics and the beautiful and sublime in poetry and
painting.
” He wrote also in English a tract on “Education in the analytic manner;
” a tragedy founded on the
story of Mustapha, who was put to death by his father Soliman; and made various translations from the oriental
poets. He appears on this tour to have been less intent on
those objects of curiosity which usually interest travellers,
than on adding to his knowledge of languages, and habituating himself to composition in all its modes, from the
gay and familiar letter of friendship, to the serious and
philosophical disquisition. Of the “Tract on Education,
”
just mentioned, a fragment only remains, which his biographer has published. It appears to include the pla
winr-h he pursued in his own case. The tragedy has bee
totally lost, except part of a preface in which he profess
to have taken Shakspeare for his model, not by adopting
his sentiments, or borrowing his expressions, but by aiming at his manner, and by striving to write as he supposes
he would have written himself, if he had lived in the eighteenth century. The loss of such a curiosity cannot be
too much regretted, unless our regret should be lessened
by reflecting on the hazard of any attempt to bring Shakspeare on the modern stage. It is surely not less difficult
than that of Mason, who unsuccessfully strove to write as
the Greek tragedians “would have written, had they lived
in the eighteenth century.
”
e given by some of his friends, when he left Harrow school, probably now recurred to his memory, and was strengthened by additional and more urgent. motives, for he
On his return from this tour, he appears to have contemplated his situation as not altogether corresponding with the feelings of an independent mind, and with the views he entertained of aiming at the dignity and usefulness of a public character. The advice given by some of his friends, when he left Harrow school, probably now recurred to his memory, and was strengthened by additional and more urgent. motives, for he finally determined on the law as a profession; and, having resigned his charge in lord Spencer’s family, was admitted into the Temple on the 19th of September, 1770, in the twenty -fourth year of his age. Those who consider the study of the law as incompatible with a mind devoted to the acquisition of polite literature, and with a taste delighting in frequent excursions to the regions of fancy, will be ready to conclude that Mr. Jones would soon discover an invincible repugnance to his new pursuit. But the reverse was in a great measure the fact. He found nothing in the study of the law so 'dry or laborious as not to be overcome by the same industry which had enabled him to overcome, almost in childhood, the difficulties which frequently deter men of mature years; and he was stimulated by what appears to have predominated through life, an honest ambition to rise to eminence in a profession which, although sometimes successfully followed by men of dull capacity, does not exclude the most brilliant acquirements. Still, however, while labouring to qualify himself for the bar, he regarded his progress in literature as too important or too delightful to be altogether interrupted; and from the correspondence published by lord Teignmouth, it appears that he snatched many an hour from his legal inquiries, to meditate plans connected with his oriental studies. What he executed, indeed, did not always correspond with what he projected, but we find that within the first two years of his residence in the Temple, he sketched the plan of an epic poem, and of a Turkish history, and published a French letter to Anquetil du Perron, who, in his Travels in India, had treated the university of Oxford, and some of its learned members and friends of Mr. Jones, with disrespect In this letter he corrected the petulance of the French writer with more asperity than perhaps his maturer judgment would have approved, but yet without injustice, for Perron stood convicted not only of loose invective, but of absolute falsehood. Besides these Mr. Jones published, in 1772, a small volume of poems, consisting chiefly of translations from the Asiatic languages, with two elegant prose dissertations on Eastern poetry, and on the arts commonly called imitative. Most of these poems had been written long before this period, but were kept back until they had received all the improvements of frequent revisal, and the criticisms of his friends.
master’s degree, and composed an oration which he intended to have spoken in the theatre; but which was not published till about ten years after. In the beginning of
From his first entrance into the university, until Michaelmas 1768, when he took his bachelor’s degree, he
had kept terms regularly, but from this period to 1773,
only occasionally. During the Encaenia, in Easter-term
1773, he took his master’s degree, and composed an oration which he intended to have spoken in the theatre; but
which was not published till about ten years after. In the
beginning of 17T4, he published his “Commentaries on
Asiatic poetry,
” which have been already noticed as having been begun in 1766, and finished in 1769, when he
was only in his twenty-third year. The same motives which
induced him to keep back his poems, prevailed in the
present instance; a diffidence in his own abilities, and a
wish to profit by more mature examination, as well as by
the opinions of his friends. By the preface to this work,
it would appear that he was not perfectly satisfied with the
profession in which he had engaged, and that had circumstances permitted, he would have been better pleased to
have devoted his days to an uninterrupted course of study.
But such was his fate, that he must now renounce polite
literature; and having been admitted to the bar in 1774,
he adhered to this determination inflexibly for some years,
during which his books and manuscripts, except such as
related to law and oratory, remained locked up at Oxford.
He seems to have been seriously convinced that the new
science he was about to enter upon was too extensive to
admit of union with other studies; and he accordingly pursued it with his usual avidity, endeavouring to embrace the
whole of jurisprudence in its fullest extent, and to make
himself not only the technical but the philosophical lawyer.
For some time he had but little practice, but it gradually
came in, and with it a very considerable share of reputation. Towards the end of the year 1776, he was appointed
a commissioner of bankrupts, a favour which he seems inclined to estimate beyond the value usually put upon it by
professional men. Notwithstanding his determination to
suspend the study of ancient literature, there was a gratification in it which he found it impossible to resign, while
his practice continued so scanty as to afford him any disposable time. In the year last mentioned, we find him
reading the Grecian orators again and again, and translating the most useful orations of Isaeus. Some part of his
time, likewise, he devoted to philosophical experiments
and discoveries, attended the meetings of the royal society, of which he had been elected a fellow in 1772, and
kept up an extensive epistolary intercourse with many of
the literati of Europe. In these letters, subjects of law
seldom occur, unless as an apology for his barrenness on
topics more congenial. From the commencement of the
unhappy contest between Great Britain and America, he
was decidedly against the measures adopted by the mother
country.
l, and a commentary. This work he dedicated to earl Bathurst, who among all his illustrious friends, was as yet his only benefactor, by conferring on him the place of
In 1778, he published his translation of the “Orations
of Iseeus,
” in causes concerning the succession to property
at Athens; with a prefatory discourse, notes historical and
critical, and a commentary. This work he dedicated to
earl Bathurst, who among all his illustrious friends, was as
yet his only benefactor, by conferring on him the place of
commissioner of bankrupts. The elegant style, profound
research, and acute criticism, displayed in this translation,
attracted the applause of every judge of classical learning.
His next publication was a Latin ode to liberty, under the
title of “Julii Mdesigoni ad Libertatem
” a name formed
by the transposition of the letters of* 6 Gulielmus Jonesius"
In this ode, the author of which was soon known, he made
a more ample acknowledgment of his political principles;
and this, it is feared, had an unfavourable influence on the
hopes which he was encouraged to entertain of promotion
by the then administration. In 1780, there was a vacant
seat on the bench of Fort William in Bengal, to svhicli the
kindness of lord North Jed him to aspire; but, for some
time, he had very little prospect of success. While this
matter was in suspense, on the resignation of sir Roger
Newdigate, he was advised to come forward as a candidate
for the representation of the university of Oxford in parliament; but, finding that there was no chance of success,
he declined the contest before the day of election. His
principles on the great question of the American war were
so avowedly hostile, not only to the measures pursued by
administration, but to the sentiments entertained by the
majority of the members of the university, that, although
he might be disappointed, he could not be surprised at his
failure, and accordingly appears to have resigned himself
to his former pursuits with tranquil satisfaction.
iring a more accurate knowledge of history, arts, and sciences. With such wonderful acquisitions, he was now only in his thirty-third year!
During a short visit to Paris, he appears to have formed the design of writing a history of the war. On his return, however, he recurred to his more favourite studies, and his biographer has printed a curious memorandum, dated 1730, in which Mr. Jones resolves to learn no more rudiments of any kind, but to perfect himself in the languages he had already acquired, viz. Greek, Latin, Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Hebrew, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, German, and English, as the means of acquiring a more accurate knowledge of history, arts, and sciences. With such wonderful acquisitions, he was now only in his thirty-third year!
anch of English law, civil and criminal, private and public. His object in all his legal discussions was to advance law to the honours of a science. It may be doubted
In the winter of 1780-1, he found leisure to complete
his translation of “Seven ancient Poems
” of the highest
reputation in Arabia, which, however, were not published
till 1783: and he celebrated, about the same time, the
nuptials of lord Althorpe with MissBingham, in an elegant
ode, entitled “The Muse recalled.
” In his professional
line he published an “Essay on the JLaw of Bailments,
” a
subject handled under the distinct heads of analysis, history, and synthesis; in which mode he proposed at some
future period to discuss every branch of English law, civil
and criminal, private and public. His object in all his
legal discussions was to advance law to the honours of a
science. It may be doubted which at this time predominated in his mind, his professional plans, or his more favourite study of the eastern poets. He now/ however, undertook a work in which he might gratify both duty and
inclination, by translating an Arabian poem on the Mahommedan law of succession to the property of intestates.
The poem had indeed but few charms to reward his labour
by delighting his fancy, but in the prospect of obtaining a
judge’s seat in India, he foresaw advantages from every
opportunity of displaying his knowledge of the Mahommedan laws.
the commons house of parliament. The speech which he delivered at the London tavern on this subject was long admired for its elegance, perspicuity, and independent
In 1782 he took a very active part among the societies
formed to procure a more equal representation in the commons house of parliament. The speech which he delivered
at the London tavern on this subject was long admired for
its elegance, perspicuity, and independent spirit. He was
also elected a member of the society for constitutional information, and bestowed considerable attention to the objects it professed. The “Dialogue between a farmer and
a country gentleman on the Principles of Government,
”
which he wrote some time before, was circulated by this
society with much industry. When the dean of St. Asaph
(afterwards his brother-in-law) was indicted for publishing
an edition of it in Wales, Mr. Jones sent a letter to lord
Kenyon, then chief justice of Chester, avowing himself to
be the author, and maintaining that every position in it
was strictly conformable to the laws and constitution of
England.
urton, he achieved the object to which for some time past he had anxiously aspired. In March 1783 he was appointed a judge of the supreme court of judicature at Fort
On the succession of the Shelburne administration, whose
views of political affairs were in some respects more consonant to Mr. Jones’s principles than those of their predecessors, by the particular interest of lord Ashburton, he
achieved the object to which for some time past he had
anxiously aspired. In March 1783 he was appointed a
judge of the supreme court of judicature at Fort William,
on which occasion the honour of knighthood was conferred
on him. In April following he rrvarried a young lady to
whom he had been long attached, Anna Maria Shipley,
eldest daughter of the bishop of St. Asaph. He had nowsecured, as his friend lord Ashburton congratulated him,
“two of the first objects of human pursuit, those of ambition and love.
”
His stay in England after these events was very short, as he embarked for India in the month of April.
His stay in England after these events was very short, as he embarked for India in the month of April. During the voyage his mind was sensibly impressed with the importance of the public station he was now about to fill, and began to anticipate the objects of inquiry which would engage his attention, and the improvements he might introduce in India from the experience of a life, much of which had passed in acquiring a knowledge of its learning and laws. Among other designs, very honourable to the extent of his benevolent intentions, which he formed at his outset, we find the publication of the gospel of St. Luke in the Arabic, the Psalms in Persian verse, and various law tracts in Persian and Arabic. He intended also to compose elements of the laws of England, a history of the American war, already noticed, and miscellaneous poems, speeches and letters, on subjects of taste, oratory, or general polity. But the pressure of his official duties during the short remainder of his life, prevented his completing most of those designs.
He arrived at Calcutta in September, and was eagerly welcomed by all who were interested in the acquisition
He arrived at Calcutta in September, and was eagerly
welcomed by all who were interested in the acquisition of
a magistrate of probity and independence, of a scholar who
was confessedly at the head of oriental literature, and one
in the prime and vigour of life, who bade fair to be long
the ornament of the British dominions in India. His own
satisfaction was not less lively and complete. He had left
behind him the inconstancy and the turbulence of party,
and felt no longer the anxieties of dependence and delay.
New scenes were inviting his enthusiastic research, scenes
which he had delighted to contemplate at a distance, and
which promised to enlarge his knowledge as a scholar, and
his usefulness as a public character. He was now brought
into those regions, whose origin, manners, language, and
religion, had been the subject of his profound inquiries;
and while his curiosity was heightened, he drew nearer to
the means of gratification.
He had not been long in his new situation before he
began, with his usual judgment, to divide his time into
such regular portions, that no objects connected with duty
or science should interfere. One of his first endeavours
was to institute a society in Calcutta, the members of
which might assist him in those scientific pursuits which he
foresaw would be too numerous and extended for his individual labour; and he had no sooner suggested the scheme
than it was adopted with avidity. The new association assembled for the first time in January 1784. The government
of Bengal readily granted its patronage, and Mr.Hastings,then
governor general, who had ever been a zealous encourager
of Persian and Sanscrit literature, was offered the honorary
title of president; but, as his numerous engagements prevented his acquiescence, sir William Jones was immediately and unanimously placed in the chair. The importance of
this society has been long acknowledged, and their-“Transactions
” are a sufficient testimony of their learning, acuteness, and perseverance, qualities the more remarkable that
they have been found in men most of whom embarked for
India with views of a very different kind, and which might
have occupied their whole attention without their incurring
the imputation of neglect or remissness. To detail the.
whole of sir William Jones’s proceedings and labours, as
president of this society, would be to abridge their Transactions, of which he lived to see three volumes published;
but the following passage from lord Teignmouth’s narrative
appears necessary to complete this sketch of his life.
through any other medium than a knowledge of the Sanscrit, must be imperfect and unsatisfactory; it was evident that the most erroneous and discordant opinions on these
Soon after his arrival “he determined to commence the
study of the Sanscrit. His reflection had before suggested
that a knowledge of this ancient tongue would be of the
greatest utility, in enabling him to discharge with confidence and satisfaction to himself, the duties of a judge;
and he soon discovered, what subsequent experience fully
confirmed, that no reliance could be placed on the opinions
or interpretations of the professors of the Hindoo law, unless he were qualified to examine their authorities and
quotations, and detect their errors and misrepresentations.
On the other hand, he knew that all attempts to explore
the religion or literature of India through any other medium than a knowledge of the Sanscrit, must be imperfect
and unsatisfactory; it was evident that the most erroneous
and discordant opinions on these subjects had been circulated by the ignorance of those who had collected their
information from oral communications only, and that the
pictures exhibited in Europe, of the religion and literature
of India, could only be compared to the maps constructed
by the natives, in which every position is distorted, and
all proportion violated. As a lawyer, he knew the value
and importance of original documents and records, and as
a scholar and man of science, he disdained the idea ofamusing the learned world with secondary information on
subjects which had greatly interested their curiosity, when
he had the means of access to the original sources. He
was also aware, that much was expected by the literati of
Europe, from his superior abilities and learning, and he
felt the strongest inclination to gratify their expectations
in the fullest possible extent.
”
The plan to be promoted by his knowledge of the “Sanscrit was at this time very distant as to probability of execution, but
The plan to be promoted by his knowledge of the “Sanscrit was at this time very distant as to probability of execution, but he had carefully weighed it in his mind, and
was gradually preparing the way for its accomplishment.
It was, indeed, worthy of his great and liberal mind, to
provide for the due administration of justice among the
Indians, by compiling a digest of Hindu and Mahomoiedan
Jaws, similar to that which Justinian gave to his Greek and
Roman subjects. When he had made such progress in the
language as might enable him to take a principal part in
this important design, he imparted his views to lord Cornwallis, then (1788) governor general, in a long letter, which
will ever remain a monument of his extensive understanding, benevolence, and public spirit. That his plan met with
acceptance from lord Cornwallis will not appear surprizing
to those who knew that excellent nobleman, who, while
contemplating the honour which such an undertaking would
confer on his own administration, conceived the highest
hopes from sir William Jones’s offer to co-operate, or
rather to superintend the execution of it.
” At the period,“says his biographer,
” when this work was undertaken by
sir William Jones, he had not resided in India more than
four years and a half; during which time he had not only
acquired a thorough knowledge of the Sanscrit language,
but had extended his reading in it so tar as to be qualified
to form a judgment upon the merit and authority of the
authors to be used in the compilation of his work; and although his labour was only applied to the disposition of
materials already formed, he was enabled by his previous
stuuies to give them an arrangement superior to any
existing, and which the learned natives themselves approved
and admired. In the dispensations of Providence, it may
be remarked, as an occurrence of no ordinary nature, that
the professors of the Braminical faith should so far renounce their reserve and distrust as to submit to the direction of a native of Europe, for compiling a digest of theii'
own laws."
In 1789 the first volume of the “Asiatic Researches” was published, and the same year sir William Jones finished his
In 1789 the first volume of the “Asiatic Researches
”
was published, and the same year sir William Jones finished
his translation of “Sacontala, or the Fatal Ring,
” an ancient Indian drama, and one of the greatest curiosities that
the literature of Asia had yet brought to light. In 1794 he
published, as an institute, prefatory to his larger work, a
translation of the ordinances of Menu, who is esteemed by
the Hindus the first of created beings, and not only the
oldest, but the holiest of legislators. The judgment and
candour of the translator, however, led him to appreciate
this work no higher than it deserved, as not being calculated for general reading, but exhibiting the manners of a
remarkable people in a remote age, as including a system
of despotism and priestcraft, limited by law, yet artfully
conspiring to give mutual support, and as filled with conceits in metaphysics and natural philosophy, which might
be liable to misconstruction. Amidst these employments,
he still carried on his extensive correspondence with his
learned friends in Europe, unfolding with candour his various pursuits and sentiments, and expressing such anxiety
about every branch of science, as proved that even what he
called relaxation, was but the diversion of his researches
from one channel into another. In addition to the various
studies already noticed, botany appears to have occupied
a considerable share of his attention; and in this, as in
every new acquisition, he disdained to stop at a moderate
progress, or be content with a superficial knowledge.
hich proved, in fact, to be a complaint common in Bengal, an inflammation in the liver. The disorder was, however, soon discovered by the penetration of the physician,
The indisposition of lady Jones in 1793, rendered it absolutely necessary thatsiie should return to England; and her affectionate husband proposed to follow her in 1795, but still wished to complete a system of Indian laws before he left the situation in which he could promote this great work with most advantage. But he had not proceeded long in this undertaking before symptoms appeared of that disorder which deprived the world of one of its brightest ornaments. The following account of his dissolution is given in the words of his biographer. "On the evening of the twentieth of April, or nearly about that date, after prolonging his walk to a late hour, during which he had imprudently remained in conversation, in an unwholesome situation, he called upon the writer of these sheets, and complained of aguish symptoms, mentioning his intention to take some medicine, and repeating jocularly an old proverb, that * an ague in the spring is medicine for a king. 7 He had no suspicion at the time of the real nature of his indisposition, which proved, in fact, to be a complaint common in Bengal, an inflammation in the liver. The disorder was, however, soon discovered by the penetration of the physician, who, after two or three clays, was called in to his assistance; but it had then advanced too far to yield to the efficacy of the medicines usually prescribed, and they were administered in vain. The progress of the complaint was uncommonly rapid, and terminated fatally on the twenty-seventh of April 1794. On the morning of that day his attendants, alarmed at the evident symptoms of approaching dissolution, came precipitately to call the friend who has now the melancholy task of recording the mournful event. Not a moment was lost in repairing to his house. He was lying on his bed in a posture of meditation; and the only symptom of remaining life was a small degree of motion in the heart, which after a few seconds ceased, and he expired without a pang or groan. His bodily suffering, from the complacency of his features and the ease of his attitude, could not have been severe; and his mind must have derived consolation from those sources where he l?ad been in the habit of seeking it, and where alone, in our last moments, it can ever be found.' 1
Thus ended the life of a man who was the brightest example of rational ambition, and of extensive
Thus ended the life of a man who was the brightest example of rational ambition, and of extensive learning, virtue, and excellence, that modern times have produced; a man who must ever be the subject of admiration, although it can happen to the lot of few to equal, and, perhaps, of none to excel him. When we compare the shortness of his life with the extent of his labours, the mind is overpowered; yet his example, however disgraceful to the indolent, and even apparently discouraging to the humble scholar, will not be without the most salutary effects, if it be allowed to prove that no difficulties in science are insurmountable by regular industry, that the human faculties can be exalted by exercise beyond the common degrees with which we are apt to be satisfied, and that the finest taste is not incompatible with the profoundest studies. It was the peculiar felicity of this extraordinary man, that the whole plan of his life appears to have been the best that could have been contrived to forward his views and to accomplish his character. In tracing its progress we see very little that could have been more happily arranged: few adverse occurrences, and scarcely an object of serious regret, especially when we consider how gently his ambition was chastened, and his integrity purified, by the few delays which at one time seemed to cloud his prospects. In 1799 his Works were published in six volumes quarto, and have been since reprinted in thirteen volumes octavo, with the addition of his life by lord Teignmouth, which first appeared in 1804. Among the public tributes to his memory are, a monument by Flaxman in University college, at the expence of lady Jones; a monument in St. Paul’s, and a statue at Bengal, both voted by the hon. East India company. A society of gentlemen at Bengal who were educated at Oxford, subscribed a sum for a private dissertation on his character and merits, which was adjudged to Mr. Henry Philpots, M. A. of Magdalen college. Among the many poetical tributes paid to his memory, that by the rev. Mr. Maurice, of the British Museum, seems entitled to the preference, from his accurate knowledge of sir William Jones’s character and studies.
iogragher, “would shew the extent and variety of his erudition; a perusal of them will prove that it was no less deep than miscellaneous. Whatever topic he discusses,
“A mere catalogue of the writings of sir William Jones,
”
says his biogragher, “would shew the extent and variety
of his erudition; a perusal of them will prove that it was
no less deep than miscellaneous. Whatever topic he discusses, his ideas flow with ease and perspicuity, his style
is always clear and polished; animated and forcible, when
his subject requires it. His philological, botanical, philosophical, and chronological disquisitions, his historical researches, and even his Persian grammar, whilst they fix
the curiosity and attention of the reader, by the novelty,
depth, or importance of the knowledge displayed in them,
always delight by elegance of diction. His compositions
are never dry, tedious, nor disgusting; and literature and
science -come from his hands adorned with all their grace
and beauty. No writer, perhaps, ever displayed so much
learning, with so little affectation of it.
” With regard to
his law publications, it is said that his “Essay on Bailments
” was sanctioned by the approbation of lord
Mansfield and all his writings in this department shew that he
had thoroughly studied the principles of law as a science.
As to his opinion of the British constitution, it appears
from repeated declarations that occur in his letters, and
particularly in his 10th discourse, delivered to the Asiatic
society in 1793, that he considered it as the noblest and
most perfect that ever was formed. With regard to his
political principles, he was an enlightened and decided
friend to civil and religious liberty. Like many others of
the same principles, he entertained a favourable opinion of
the French revolution at its commencement, and wished
success to the exertions of that nation for the establishment
of a free constitution; but subsequent events must have
given him new views, not so much of the principles on
which the revolution was founded, as of the measures which
have been adopted by some of its zealous partizans. To
liberty, indeed, his attachment was enthusiastic, and he
never speaks of tyranny or oppression but in the language of detestation. He dreaded, and wished to restrain,
every encroachment on liberty; and though he never
enlisted under the banners of any party, he always concurred in judgment and exertion with those who wished to
render pure and permanent the constitution of his country.
As a judge in India, his conduct was strictly conformable to the professions which he made in his
As a judge in India, his conduct was strictly conformable to the professions which he made in his first charge to the grand jury at Calcutta. On the bench he was laborious, patient, and discriminating; his charges to the grand jury, which do not exceed six, exhibit a veneration for the laws of his country; a just and spirited encomium on the trial by jury, as the greatest and most invaluable right derived from them to the subject; a detestation of crimes, combined with mercy to the offender; occasional elucidations of the law; and the strongest feelings of humanity and benevolence. His knowledge of the Sanscrit and Arabic eminently qualified him for the administration of justice in the supreme court, by enabling him to detect misrepresentations of the Hindu or Mohammedan laws, and to correct impositions in the form of administering oaths to the followers of Brahma and Mohammed. The inflexible integrity with which he discharged the solemn duty of this station will long be remembered in Calcutta, both by Europeans and natives.
It might naturally be inquired by what arts or method he was enabled to attain that extraordinary degree of knowledge for
It might naturally be inquired by what arts or method
he was enabled to attain that extraordinary degree of
knowledge for which he was distinguished. His faculties were
naturally vigorous and strengthened by exercise; his memory, as we have before observed, was, from early life,
singularly retentive his emulation was ardent and unbounded and his perseverance invincible. In India his
studies began with the dawn and, with the intermission
of professional duties, were continued throughout the day.
Another circumstance, which has been exemplified in some
other instances that might be mentioned, and which gave
him peculiar advantage in the exercise of his talents, was
“the regular allotment of his time to particular occupations, and a scrupulous adherence to Uk* distribution which
he had fixed;
” so that “all his studies were pursued without interruption or confusion.
” With sir William Jones it
was a favourite opinion, “that all men are born with an
equal capacity for improvement.
”
acknowledged by all who knew him. In every domestic relation, as a son, a brother, and a husband, he was attentive to every dictate of love, and to every obligation
It is needless to add any thing in commendation of his
private and social virtues. The independence of his integrity, his probity and humanity, and also his universal
philanthropy and benevolence, are acknowledged by all
who knew him. In every domestic relation, as a son, a
brother, and a husband, he was attentive to every dictate
of love, and to every obligation of duty. In his intercourse
with the Indian natives he was condescending and conciliatory; liberally rewarding those who assisted him, and
treating his dependents as friends. His biographer records the following anecdote of a circumstance that occurred after his demise: “The pundits who were in the
habit of attending him, when I saw them at a public durbar
a few days after that melancholy event, could neither restrain their tears for his loss, nor find terms to express
their admiration at the wonderful progress which he had
made in the sciences which they professed.
” Upon the
whole, we may join with Dr. Parr, who knew his talents
and character, in applying to sir William Jones his own
words, “It is happy for us that this man was born.
”
e of reputation, and by economy that did not encroach upon his beneficence, a liberal competence, he was prepared, one would have thought, at the age of forty-seven
Having attained, by the assiduous exertion of his abilities, and in a course of useful service to his country and mankind, a high degree of reputation, and by economy that did not encroach upon his beneficence, a liberal competence, he was prepared, one would have thought, at the age of forty-seven years, to enjoy dignity with independence. His plans, and the objects of his pursuit, in the prospect of future life, were various and extensive and he would naturally indulge many pleasing ideas in the view of returning, at a fixed period, to his native country, and to beloved friends, who would anxiously wish for his arrival. Few persons seemed to be more capable of improving and enjoying prolonged life than sir William Jones; and few persons seemed to be better prepared for a more exalted state of progressive improvement, and of permanent felicity, than that to which the most distinguished and prosperous can attain within the regions of mortality. Since his death lady Jones has presented to the royal society a collection of Mss. Sanscrit and Arabic, which he reckoned inestimable, and also another large collection of Eastern Mss. of which a catalogue, compiled by Mr. Wilkins, is inserted in the 13th volume of sir William Jones’s Works, 8vo edition.
, a late venerable and pious divine of the church of England, was born at Lowick in Northumberland, July 30, 1726. His father
, a late venerable and pious divine of
the church of England, was born at Lowick in Northumberland, July 30, 1726. His father was Morgan Jones, a
Welsh gentleman, a descendant of Colonel Jones (but of very different principles) who married a sister of Oliver Cromwell. His mother was Sarah, the daughter of the Rev. Mr.
Lettin, of Lowick. He was remarkable from his childhood
for unwearied industry and ingmium versatile. As soon as
he was of the proper age, he was admitted, on the nomination of the duke of Dorset, a scholar at the Charterhouse, where he made a rapid progress in Greek and Latin,
and laid the foundation of that knowledge which has since
given him a distinguished name in the Christian world.
His turn for philosophical studies soon began to shew itself;
for meeting, when at the Charter- house, with Zachary
Williams, author of a magnetical theory, which is now lost,
he copied some of his tables and calculations, was shewn
the internal construction of his instrument for finding the
variation of the compass in all parts of the world; and saw
all the diagrams by which his whole theory was demonstrated and explained. At this school, too, he commenced
an acquaintance with the late earl of Liverpool, which was
farther cultivated at the university, where they were of the
same college, and continued to the last, notwithstanding
the great difference in their future destination, to entertain
a respect for each other.
When about eighteen years of age, he left the school,
and went to University college, Oxford, on a Charterhouse exhibition. Among the several companions of his
studies whom he loved and respected, there was no one
dearer to him than Mr. George Home, afterwards bishop
of Norwich. Between them “there was a sacred friendship a friendship made up of religious principles, which
increased daily, by a similitude of inclinations, to the same
recreations and studies.
” Having taken the degree of B. A.
in A full
Answer to bishop Clayton’s Essay on Spirit,
” published in
y, and admitted into their list of books. Here likewise he engaged in a favourite work, for which he was eminently qualified, as the event proved, and for which some
While residing here he drew up “The Catholic Doctrine of the Trinity,
” which he had been revolving in his
mind for some years. When this valuable work came to a
third edition in 1767, he added to it “A Letter to the
common people, in answer to some popular arguments
against the Trinity,
” which the Society for promoting
Christian knowledge have since printed separately, and
admitted into their list of books. Here likewise he engaged in a favourite work, for which he was eminently
qualified, as the event proved, and for which some of his
friends subscribed among them 300l. for three years, to
enable him to supply himself with an apparatus sufficient
for the purpose of making the experiments necessary to his
composing a treatise on philosophy. Accordingly, in 1762,
he published “An Essay on the first principles of Natural
Philosophy,
” 4to, the design of which was to demonstrate
the use of natural means, or second causes, in the economy
of the material world, from reason, experiments, and the
testimony of antiquity; and in 1781 he published a larger
work in 4to, under the title of “Physiological DisquisU
tions, or Discourses on the Natural Philosophy of the
Elements.
” As it was ever his study to make philosophy
the handmaid of religion, he has in this work embraced
every opportunity of employing natural knowledge in the
illustracion of divine truth and the advancement of virtue.
"When the first volume was published, the late earl of Bute,
the patron of learning ant 4 learned men, was so satisfied
with it, that he desired the author not to be intimidated
through fear of expence from pursuing his philosophical
studies, and likewise commissioned him to direct Mr.
Adams, the mathematical instrument maker, to supply him
with such instruments as he might want for making experiments, and put them to his account. His lordship also
handsomely offered him the use of any books he naight
have occasion for.
important doctrine. The income he derived from his vicarage riot being equal to what he expected, it was thought expedient by his friends, that he should eke out Ins
Mr. Jones’s work on the Trinity having procured him
much reputation, archbishop Seeker presented him, first to
the vicarage of Bethersden in Kent in 1764, and soon
after to the more valuable rectory of Pluck ley in the same
county, as some reward for his able defence of that important doctrine. The income he derived from his vicarage
riot being equal to what he expected, it was thought expedient by his friends, that he should eke out Ins slender
pittance by taking a few pupils; and having undertaken
the tuition of two young gentlemen, he continued the
practice for many years after he removed to Pluckley. In
1766 he preached the “Visitation Sermon
” before archbishop Seeker at Ashford, greatly to the satisfaction of his
grace and the whole audience. Owing to some delicacy,
it was not printed at the time, though much wished but
in 1769 the substance of it was published in the form of a
“Letter to a young gentleman at Oxford intended for holy
orders, containing some seasonable cautions against errors
in doctrine.
” On the publication of “The Confessional,
”
the archbishop considered Mr. Jones as a proper person to
write an answer to it; and accordingly he drew up some
remarks, but had then neither health nor leisure to fit them
for the press. But a new edition being called for of the
“Answer to an Essay on Spirit,
” Mr. Jones thought it
advisable to add, by way of sequel, the remarks he had
originally drawn up on the principles and spirit of the
“Confessional,
” which were published in
re he became the patron of Mr. Jones. When the “Essay on the first principles of Natural Philosophy” was published, his grace observed to a gentleman who saw it lying
It is mentioned in bishop Porteus’s Life of archbishop
Seeker, that all the tracts, written by Dr. Sharp in the
Hutchinsonian controversy, were submitted to his grace’s
inspection previous to their publication, who corrected
and improved them throughout; from whence we are to
conclude he approved them. But whatever his prejudices
were originally against what is called Hutchinsonianism,
and they were supposed at one time to be pretty strong,
they must have been greatly done away before he became
the patron of Mr. Jones. When the “Essay on the first
principles of Natural Philosophy
” was published, his grace
observed to a gentleman who saw it lying on his table,
“this work of Mr. Jones’s is not to be treated with neglect;
it is sensibly and candidly written, and if it is not answered, we little folks shall conclude it is, because it cannot be answered:
” and he told Mr. Jones himself by way
of consolation (knowing probably how difficult it was to get rid of old prejudices) that he must be contented to beaccounted, for a time, an heretic in philosophy. In 1773
Mr. Jones collected together into a volume, Disquisitions
on some select subjects of Scripture, which had been before
printed in separate tracts; and, in 1776, in the character
of a “Presbyter of the church of England,
” he published,
in a Letter to a friend at Oxford, “Reflections on the
growth of Heathenism among modern Christians.
”
When he was induced to remove from Pluckley, and accept the perpetual curacy
When he was induced to remove from Pluckley, and
accept the perpetual curacy of Nayland in Suffolk, he
went thither to reside with his family. Soon after, he
effected an exchange of Pluckley for Paston in Northamptonshire, which he visited annually, but he determined to
settle at Nayland for the remainder of his days, nor was he
(as his biographer notices with some regret for neglected merit) ever tempted to quit that post by any offer of higher
preferment. The “Physiological Disquisitions
” before
alluded to, having received their last revise, were published
in 1771, and the impression was soon sold off. A notion,
says his biographer, is entertained by some persons, that
the elementary philosophy naturally leads to Atheism,' and
sir Isaac Newton himself is charged with giving countenance to materialism by his aether; but nothing can be
farther from the truth. “It is,
” adds Mr. Stevens, “the
aim and study of the elementary, called the Hutcliinsoniau, philosophy, not to confound God and nature, but
to distinguish between the Creator and the creature;
not with the heathens to set up the heavens for God,
but to believe and confess, with all true worshippers,
”that it is Jehovah who made the heavens." And td
maintain that the operations in nature are carried on by
the agency of the elements, which, experiment demonstrates, is no more excluding God from being the Creator
of the world, than to maintain that motion once given to a
watch will continue without the immediate application of
the artist’s hand every moment to it, is asserting that the
watch made itself. Let any one read the Physiological
Disquisitions, and he will soon be convinced that North and
South are not more opposite than Hutchinsonianism and
materialism.
lectures, which were delivered in the parish church of Nayland, in Suffolk, in the year 1786. Music was a, favourite relaxation with him, and he understpod both theory
The figurative language of the Holy Scripture having
been always his favourite study, after revolving the subject
in his mind for many years, Mr. Jones drew up a course of
lectures, which were delivered in the parish church of
Nayland, in Suffolk, in the year 1786. Music was a,
favourite relaxation with him, and he understpod both
theory and practice. His treatise on the “Art of Music
”
is reckoned to display a profound knowledge of the subject, and his compositions (a morning and evening cathedral service, ten church pieces for the organ, with four anthems in score for the use of the church of Nayland) are
greatly admired, as of the old school, in the true classical
stile. By the advice of his learned and judicious friend,
bishop Home, then become his diocesan, to whose opinion
he always paid the greatest deference, he put forth, in
1790, two volumes of “Sermons
” on moral and religious subjects, in which were included some capital discourses on Natural History, delivered on Mr. Fairchild’s
foundation (the Royal Society appointing the preacher) at
the church of St. Leonard, Shoreditch, several successive
years, on Tuesday in Whitsun week. At the preaching of
these sermons, the audience was not large, but it increased
annually, as the fame of the preacher was noised abroad,
whose manner was no less animated and engaging, than the
subject was profound and important, and at the last sermon
the church was full.
g with much rapidity in 1792, Mr. Jones wrote the letter of “Thomas Bull to his brother John,” which was disseminated throughout the kingdom, was admirably calculated
When democratical principles were spreading with much
rapidity in 1792, Mr. Jones wrote the letter of “Thomas Bull to his brother John,
” which was disseminated
throughout the kingdom, was admirably calculated to
open the eyes of the populace, and produced a considerable effect.
f the venerable prelate, his dear friend and patron, undertook the task of recording his life, which was published in 1795, and the second edition in 1799, with a new
In 1792 he published a valuable collection of
dissertations, extracts, &c. in defence of the church of England,
under the title of “The Scholar armed against the Errors
of the Time,
” 2 vols. 8vo; and on the death of bishop
Home in 1792, Mr. Jones, out of affectionate regard to
the memory of the venerable prelate, his dear friend and
patron, undertook the task of recording his life, which was
published in 1795, and the second edition in 1799, with a
new preface, containing a concise but luminous exposition
of the leading opinions entertained by Mr. Hutchinson on
certain interesting points on theology and philosophy.
In the autumn of 1798 he was presented by the archbishop of Canterbury to the sinecure rectory
In the autumn of 1798 he was presented by the archbishop of Canterbury to the sinecure rectory of Hollingbourn in Kent, benevolently intended as a convenient
addition to his income, after the discontinuance of pupils;
but in the following year he lost his wife, which was soon
followed by another affliction, probably occasioned by the
shock her death gave him, a paralytic attack which deprived
him of the use of one side. In this infirm state of body,
but with full exercise of his faculties, he lived several
months. At length, he suddenly quitted his study, and
retired to his chamber, from whence he came out no more,
breaking off in the middle of a letter to a friend, which,
after abrupt transition from the original subject, he left
unfinished, with these remarkable words, the last of which
are written particularly strong and steady. “I begin to
feel as well as understand, that there was no possible way
of taking my poor broken heart from the fatal subject of
the grief that was daily preying upon it to its destruction,
but that which Providence hath been pleased to take, of
turning my thoughts from my mind, to most alarming
symptoms of approaching death.
” Like many other good
and pious men before him, he had long very much dreaded
the pains of death; but, to his own great comfort, this
dread he completely overcame. The sacrament had been
frequently administered to him during his confinement;
and he received it, for the last time, about a week prior to
his death. A little while previous to his dissolution, as
his curate was standing by his bed-side, he requested him
to read the 71st psalm, which was no sooner done than he
took him by the hand, and said with great mildness and
composure, “If this be dying, Mr. Sims, I had no idea
what dying was before;
” and then added, in a somewhat
stronger tone of voice, “thank God, thank God, that it is n,o
worse.
” He continued sensible after this just long enough
to take leave of his children (a son and daughter), who,
being both settled at no great distance, had been very
much with him, and had done every thing in their power
to alleviate his sorrows; and, on the morning of Feb. 6,
1800, be expired without a groan or a sigh.
Besides the works already mentioned, Mr. Jones was the author of A Preservative against the publications of modern
Besides the works already mentioned, Mr. Jones was the author of A Preservative against the publications of modern Socinians. A Letter to a Gentleman at Oxford, against Errors in Doctrine. The Grand Analogy; or, the Testimony of Nature and Heathen Antiquity to the Truth of a Trinity in Unity. A Detection of the Principles and Spirit of a book entitled The Confessional. On the Mosaic Distinction of Animals into clean and unclean. The Sacrifice of Isaac reconciled with the Divine Laws and the meaning is shewn, so far as it is opened in the Scripture. An Enquiry into the Circumstances and Moral Intention of the Temptation of Jesus Christ. A Survey of Life and Death; with some Observations on the Intermediate State. Considerations on the Life, Death, and Burial of the Patriarchs. On the metaphorical Application of Sleep, as an Image of Death in the Scriptures. An Essay on Confirmation. Lectures on the figurative Language of the Scriptures; with a supplemental Lecture on the Use and Intention of some remarkable Passages of the Scriptures, not commonly understood. Sermons, in two volumes, 8vo; besides several single Sermons preached on various occasions. The Book of Nature, or the Sense of Things; in two Parts. Letters from a Tutor to his Pupils. The Churchman’s Catechism. The Constitution of the Church of Christ demonstrated. Six Letters on Electricity. A Treatise on the Art of Music, with Plates of Examples. A Morning and Evening Service. Observations in a Journey to Paris, by way of Flanders, in the year 1776. Considerations on the Religious Worship of the Heathens, as bearing unanswerable Testimony to the Principles of Christianity. A Letter to the Church of England, by an old Friend and Servant of the Church. A Letter to three converted Jews, lately baptized and confirmed in the Church of England. A Letter to the Honourable L. K. on the Use of the Hebrew Language. Short wholelength of Dr. Priestley. Collection of smaller Pieces; among which are the Learning of the Beasts, and Two Letters to a Predestinarian, printed in the Anti-Jacobin Review and Magazine for January and February, 1800, &c. &c. &c. All these have been reprinted in an edition of his Works, 1801, in 12 vols. 8vo, and afford proofs of talents, zeal, piety, and learning, which are highly creditable to him. Mr. Jones was a man of strong attachments, and of strong aversions. In the pursuit of what he considered to be truth, he knew no middle paths, and would listen to no compromises. Such ardent zeal frequently brought on him the charge of bigotry, which perhaps he was the better enabled to bear, as he had to contend with men whose bigotry, in their own way, cannot easily be exceeded. It must be confessed at the same time that his judgment was by no means equal to his ardour in promulgating or vindicating his opinions; and that all the useful purposes of his writings might have been promoted with more moderation in his style and sentiments. With this exception, however, which is greatly overbalanced by the general excellence of his character as a man and an author, he deserves to be ranked among the most able defenders of the doctrines and discipline of the church of England.
, a learned philological writer, was born Oct. 20, 1624, at Flensburg in tite duchy of Sleswick.
, a learned philological writer, was born Oct. 20, 1624, at Flensburg in tite
duchy of Sleswick. He was first educated at the school
of Flensburg, and that of Kiel, and very early discovered
such a talent for music, that when he went to Hamburgh,
and afterwards to Crempen, he was enabled to support
himself by his musical skill. In the autumn of 1645, he
went to Rostock, where he studied the languages and philosophy, and probably theology, as he became a preacher
in 1647. In the same year he was admitted doctor in philosophy. Leaving Rostock in 1649, he returned to Flensburg to be co-rector of the schools, an office which he
filled with great credit for a year, and had for one of his
scholars the celebrated Marquard Gudius. The smallness
of his salary obliging him to give up his situation, he went
in 1650 to Konigsberg, where he taught philosophy, and
in 1652 accepted the place of rector of the schools at
Flensburg. In 1656 he was presented to the rectorate of
the school belonging to the cathedral; but partly owing to
the bad air of the place, and partly to some discouragements and domestic troubles, he determined to leave his
native country for Leipsic; and while there, the senate of
Francfort offered him the place of sub-rector, which he
accepted, but did not enjoy long, as he died of a violent
haemorrhage in April 1659. He was the author of various
philological dissertations, which indicated great learning
and critical acumen; but his principal work is his “De
Scriptoribus historic philosophic^, libri IV.
” Fraucfort,
1659, 4to. This soon became very scarce, which determined Dornius to publish a new edition in 1716, continued
to that time, with learned notes. Both editions are highly
praised, as valuable works, by Gracvius, Baillet, and Brucker.
Jonsius had announced other useful treatises, the completion of which was prevented by his untimely death.
, or Johnson, for so he, as well as some of his friends, wrote his name, was born in Hartshorn-lane near Charing-cross, Westminster, June
, or Johnson, for so he, as
well as some of his friends, wrote his name, was born in
Hartshorn-lane near Charing-cross, Westminster, June 11,
1574, about a month after the death of his father. Dr.
Bathurst, whose life was written by Mr. Warton, informed
Aubrey that Jonson was born in Warwickshire, but all
other accounts fix his birth in Westminster. Fuller says,
that “with all his industry 'he could not find him in his
cradle, but that he could fetch him from his long coats:
when a little child, he lived in Hartshorne-lane near
Charing-cross.
” Mr. Malone examined the register of
St. Margaret’s Westminster, and St. Martin’s in the Fields,
but without being able to discover the time of his baptism.
His family was originally of Annandale in Scotland, whence
his grandfather removed to Carlisle in the time of Henry
VIII. under whom he held some office. But his son being
deprived both of his estate and liberty in the reign of
queen Mary, went afterwards in holy orders, and, leaving
Carlisle, settled in Westminster.
Our poet was first sent to a private school in the church of St. Martin’s
Our poet was first sent to a private school in the church
of St. Martin’s in the Fields, and was afterwards removed
to Westminster-school. Here he had for his preceptor the
illustrious Camden, for whom he ever preserved the highest
respect, and, besides dedicating one of his best plays to
him, commemorates him in one of his epigrams, as the
person to whom he owed all he knew. He was making
very extraordinary progress at this school, when his mother,
who, soon after her husband’s death, had married a bricklayer, took him home to learn his step-father’s business.
How long he continued in this degrading occupation is
uncertain: according to Fuller he soon left it, and went to
Cambridge, but necessity obliged him to return to his
father, who, among other works, employed him on the new
building at Lincoln’s-inn, and here he was to be seen with
a trowel in one hand and a book in the other. This, Mr.
Malone thinks, must have been either in 1588 or 1593,
in each of which years, Dugdale informs us, some new
buildings were erected by the society. Wood varies the
story, by stating that he was taken from the trowel to attend
Sir Walter Raleigh’s son abroad, and afterwards went to
Cambridge; but young Raleigh was not born till 1594,
nor ever went abroad, except with his father in 1617 to
Guiana, where he lost his life. So many of Jonson’s contemporaries, however, have mentioned his connection with
the Raleigh family, that it is probable he was in some
shape befriended by them, although not while he worked
at his father’s business, for from that he ran away, enlisted
as a common soldier, and served in the English army then
engaged against the Spaniards in the Netherlands. “Here,
”
says the author of his life in the Biographia Britannica,
“he acquired a degree of military glory which rarely falls
to the lot of a common man in that profession. In an
encounter with a single man of the enemy, he slew his
opponent, and stripping him, carried off the spoils in the
view of both armies.
” As our author’s fame does not rest
on his military exploits, it can be no detraction to hint,
that one man killing and stripping another is a degree of
military prowess of no very extraordinary kind. His biographer, however, is unwilling to quit the subject until he
has informed us, that “the glory of this action receives a
particular heightening from the reflection, that he thereby
stands singularly distinguished above the rest of his brethren of the poetical race, very few of whom have ever
acquired any reputation in arms.
”
in them. As to the question why his name does not appear in any of the lists, it is answered that he was only a sizar, who made a short stay, and his name could riot
On his return he is said to have resumed his studies, and to have gone to St. John’s college, Cambridge. This fact rests chiefly upon a tradition in that college, supported by the gift of several books now in the library with his name in them. As to the question why his name does not appear in any of the lists, it is answered that he was only a sizar, who made a short stay, and his name could riot appear among the admissions, where no notice was usually taken of any young men that had not scholarships and as to matriculation, there was at that time no register. If he went to St. John’s, it seems probable enough that the shortness of his stay was occasioned by his necessities and this would be the case whether he went to Cambridge in 1588, as Mr. Malone conjectures, or after his return from the army, perhaps in 1594. In either case he was poor, and received no encouragement from his family in his education. His persevering love of literature, however, amidst so many difficulties, ought to be mentioned to his honour.
s to gain a iubsistence, he began his theatrical career, at first among the strolling companies, and was afterwards admitted into an obscure theatre called the Green
Having failed in these more creditable attempts to gain
a iubsistence, he began his theatrical career, at first among
the strolling companies, and was afterwards admitted into
an obscure theatre called the Green Curtain, in the neighbourhood of Shored itch, from which the present Curtainroad seems to derive its name. He had not been there
long, before he attempted to write for the stage, but was
not at first very successful either as an author or actor.
Mere* enumerates him among the writers of tragedy^; but no
tragedy of his writing exists, prior to 1598, when his comedy of * Every Man in his Humour“procured him a name.
Dexter, in his
” Satyromastix," censures his acting as awkward and mean, and his temperas rough and untractable.
y engagements on the stage, he had the misfortune to kill one of the players in a due), for which he was thrown into prison, “brought near the gallows,” but afterwards
During his early engagements on the stage, he had the
misfortune to kill one of the players in a due), for which
he was thrown into prison, “brought near the gallows,
”
but afterwards pardoned. While in confinement, a popish
priest prevailed on him to embrace the Roman catholic
faith, in which he continued about twelve years. As soon
as he was released, which appears to have been about
1595, he married, to use his own expression, “a wife
who was a shrew, yet honest to him,
” and endeavoured to
provide for his family by his pen. Having produced a
play which was accidentally seen by Shakspeare, he resolved to bring it on the stage, of which he was a manager
and acted a part in it himself. What play this was, we
are not told, but its success encouraged him to produce
his excellent comedy of “Every Man in his Humour,
”
which was performed on the same stage in
edy, entitled “Every Man out of his Humour,” and continued to furnish a new play every year until he was called to assist in the masks and entertainments given in honour
In the following year he produced the counterpart of his
former comedy, entitled “Every Man out of his Humour,
”
and continued to furnish a new play every year until he
was called to assist in the masks and entertainments given
in honour of the accession of king James to the throne of
England, and afterwards on occasions of particular festivity
at the courts of James and Charles I. But from these
barbarous productions, he occasionally retired to the cultivation of his comic genius, and on one occasion gave an
extraordinary proof of natural and prompt excellence in
his “Volpone,
” which was finished within the space of
five weeks.
that rough and independent spirit which neither the smiles nor terrors of a court could repress. It was, indeed, a foolish ebullition for a man in his circumstances
His next production indicated somewhat of that rough
and independent spirit which neither the smiles nor terrors
of a court could repress. It was, indeed, a foolish ebullition for a man in his circumstances to ridicule the Scotch
nation in the court of a Scotch king, yet this he attempted
in a comedy entitled “Eastward- Hoe,
” which he wrote in
conjunction with Chapman and Marston, although, as Mr.
Warton has remarked, he was in general “too proud to
assist or be assisted.
” The affront, however, was too gross
to be overlooked, and the three authors were sent to prison, and not released without much interest. Camden
and Selden are supposed to have supplicated the throne
in favour of Jonson on this occasion. At an entertainment
which he gave to these and other friends on his release,
his mother, “more like an antique Roman than a Briton,
drank to him, and showed him a paper of poison, which
she intended to have given him in his liquor, after having
taken a portion of it herself, if sentence upon him (of pillory, &c.) had been carried into execution.
” The history
of the times shews the probable inducement Jonson had to
ridicule the Scotch. The court was filled with them, and
it became the humour of the English to be jealous’ of their
encroachments. Jonson, however, having obtained a pardon, endeavoured to conciliate his offended sovereign by
taxing his genius to produce a double portion of that adulation in which James delighted.
micable terms, and in offices of society with each other. It is an acknowledged fact that Ben Jonson was introduced upon the stage, and his first works encouraged by
His connexion with Shakspeare, noticed above, has
lately become the subject of a controversy. Pope, in the
preface to his edition of Shakspeare, says, “I cannot help
thinking that these two poets were good friends, and lived
on amicable terms, and in offices of society with each
other. It is an acknowledged fact that Ben Jonson was
introduced upon the stage, and his first works encouraged
by Shakspeare. And after his death, that author writes
4 To the Memory of his beloved Mr. William Shakspeare,'
which shows as if the friendship had continued through
life.
” Mr. Malone, the accuracy of whose researches are
entitled to the highest respect, has produced many proofs
of their mutual dislike, amounting, as he thinks on the
part of Jonson, to malignity. Mr. Steevens and Mr. George
Chalmers are inclined likewise to blame Jonson; but Dr.
Farmer considered the reports of Jonsou’s pride and malignity as absolutely groundless. Mr. O. Gilchrist, in a
pamphlet lately published, has vindicated Jonson with
much acuteness, although without wholly effacing the impression which Mr. Malone’s proofs and extracts are calculated to make. That Jonson was at times the antagonist
of Shakspeare, and that they engaged in what Fuller calls
“Wit-combats,
” may be allowed, for such occurrences
are not uncommon among contemporary poets but it is
inconsistent with all we know of human passions and tempers that a man capable of writing the high encomiastic
lines alluded to by Pope, could have at any time harboured a
malignity in his heart against Shakspeare. Malignity rarely
dies with its object, and more rarely turns to esteem and
veneration.
In 1613 he went to Paris, where he was admitted to an interview with cardinal Perron, and with his
In 1613 he went to Paris, where he was admitted to an
interview with cardinal Perron, and with his usual frankness told the cardinal that his translation of Virgil was
“nought.
” About this time he commenced a quarrel with
Inigo Jones, and made him the subject of his ridicule in a
comedy called “Bartholomew- Fair,
” acted in Whoever,
” says lord Orford, “was the aggressor, the turbulent temper of Jonson took care to be most in the wrong.
Nothing exceeds the grossness of the language that he
poured out, except the badness of the verses that were the
vehicle. There he fully exerted all that brutal abuse
which his contemporaries were willing to think wit, because they were afraid of it; and which only serves to
show the arrogance of the man who presumed to satirize
Jones and rival Shakspeare. With the latter, indeed, he
had not the smallest pretensions to be compared, except
in having sometimes written absolute nonsense. Jonsort
translated the ancients, Shakspeare transfused their very
soul into his writings.
” If Jonson was the rival of Shakspeare, he deserves all this; but with no other claims than
his (t Cataline,“and
” Sejanus,“how could he for a moment fancy himself the rival of Shakspeare?
” Bartholomew Fair“was succeeded by the
” Devil’s an Ass,“in 1616, and by an edition of his Works in folio, in which his
” Epigrams" were first printed, although they appear to have been written at various times, and some long before this period. He was now in the zenith of his fame and prosperity. Among other marks of respect, he was presented with the honorary degree of M. A. by the university of Oxford. He had been invited to this place by
Dr. Corbet, senior student, and afterwards dean of Christchurch and bishop of Norwich. According to the account
he gave of himself to Drummond, he was M. A. of both
universities.
1630, king Charles by letters patent, reciting* the former grant, and that it had been surrendered, was pleased “in consideration (says the patent) of the good and
Wood informs us that he succeeded Daniel as poet-laureat, in Oct. 1619, as Daniel did Spenser. Mr. Malone,
however, has very clearly proved that neither Spenser nor
Daniel enjoyed the office now known by that name. King
James, by letters patent dated Februarys, 16,15-16, granted
Jonson an annuity or yearly pension of one hundred marks
during his life, “in consideration of the good and acceptable service heretofore done, and hereafter to be done, by
the said B. J.
” On the 23d of April, 1630, king Charles
by letters patent, reciting* the former grant, and that it
had been surrendered, was pleased “in consideration (says the patent) of the good and acceptable service done unto
us and our father by the said B. J. and especially to encourage him to proceed in those services of his wit and
pen, which we have enjoined unto him, and which we expect from him,
” to augment his annuity of one hundred
marks to one hundred pounds per annum during his life,
payable from Christmas 1629. Charles at the same time
granted him a tierce of Canary Spanish wine yearly during
his life, out of his majesty’s cellars at Whitehall; of which
there is no mention in the former grant. Soon after this
pension was settled on him, he went to Scotland to visit
his intimate friend and correspondent, Drummond of Hawthornden, to whom he imparted many particulars of his
life and his opinions on the poets of his age. After his
return from this visit, which appears to have afforded him
much pleasure, he wrote a poem on the subject; but this,
with several more of his productions, was destroyed by an,
accidental fire, and he commemorated his loss in a poem
entitled “An Execration upon Vulcan.
”
essary to mention, that in 1629 he produced a comedy called the “New Inn, or the light heart,” which was so roughly handled by the audience, that he was provoked to
Although it is not our purpose to notice all his dramatic
pieces, it is necessary to mention, that in 1629 he produced a comedy called the “New Inn, or the light heart,
”
which was so roughly handled by the audience, that he was
provoked to write an “Ode to Himself,
” in which he
threatened to abandon the stage. Threats of this kind are
generally impotent, and Jonson gained nothing but the
character of a man who was so far spoiled by public favour
as to overrate his talents. Feltham and Suckling reflected
on him with some asperity on this occasion, while Randolph
endeavoured to reconcile him to his profession. His temper, usually rough, might perhaps at this time have been
exasperated by disease, for we find that his health was declining from 1625 to 1629 , when his play was condemned.
He was also suffering about this time the usual vexations
which attend a want of ceconomy; in one case of pecuniary
embarrassment, king Charles relieved him by the handsome present of an hundred pounds. This contradicts a
story related by Gibber and Smollett, that when the king
heard of his illness, he sent him ten pounds, and that Jonson said to the messenger, “His Majesty has sent me ten
pounds, because I am old and poor, and live in an alley;
go and tell him that his soul lives in an alley.
” Jonson’s
blunt manners and ready wit make the reply sufficiently
credible, had the former part of the story been true, but
the lines of gratitude which he addressed to his majesty
are a satisfactory refutation. Jonson, however, continued
to be thoughtlessly lavish and poor, although in addition
to the royal bounty he is said to have enjoyed a pension
from the city, and received occasional assistance from his
friends. The pension from the city appears to have been
withdrawn in 1631, if it be to it he alludes in the postscript of a letter in the British Museum, dated that year,
“Yesterday the barbarous court of aldermen have withdrawn their chandler-ly pension for verjuice and mustard
33l. 6s. 8rf.
” Sutton, the founder of the Charter-house,
is said to have been one of his benefactors, which renders
it improbable that Jonson could have intended to ridicule
so excellent a character on the stage: yet, according to
Mr. Oldys, “Volpone
” was intended for him. But although it is supposed that Jonson sometimes laid the rich
under contributions by the dread of his satire, it is not
very likely that he would attack such a man as Sutton.
length carried him off, Aug. 16, 1637, in the sixty-third year of his age. Three days afterwards he was interred in Westminster- abbey, at the north-west end near the
The “Tale of a Tub,
” and the “Magnetic Lady,
” were
his last dramatic pieces, and bear very few marks of his
original powers. He penned another masque in 1634,
and we have a “New Year’s Ode
” dated in 1G35, but the
remainder of his life appears to have been wasted in sickness of the paralytic kind, which at length carried him off,
Aug. 16, 1637, in the sixty-third year of his age. Three
days afterwards he was interred in Westminster- abbey, at
the north-west end near the belfrey, with a common pavement stone laid over his grave, with a short and irreverend
inscription of “O rare Ben Jonson,
” cut at the expence
of sir John Young of Great Milton in Oxfordshire. His
death was lamented as a public loss to the poetical world.
About six months after this event, his contemporaries
joined in a collection of elegies and encomiastic poems,
which was published under the title of “Jonsonius Virbius;
or the Memory of Ben Jonson revived by the friends of the
Muses.
” Dr. Duppa, bishop of Chichester, was the editor of this volume, which contained verses by lords Falkland and Buckhurst, sir John Beaumont, sir Francis Wortley, sir Thomas Hawkins, Messrs. Henry King, Henry
Coventry, Thomas May, Dudley Diggs, George Fortescue,
William Habington, Edmund Waller, J. Vernon, J. Cl.
(probably Cleveland) Jasper Mayne, Will. Cartwright,
John Rutter, Owen Feltham, George Donne, Shakerley
Marmio'n, John Ford, R. Brideoak, Rich. West, R. Meade,
H. Ramsay, T. Terrent, Rob. Wasing, Will. Bew, and
Sam. Evans. A subscription also was entered hi to for a
monument in the Abbey, but prevented by the rebellion.
The second earl of Oxford contributed the bust in basrelievo which is now in Poet’s-corner. Jonson had several
children, but survived them all. One of them was a poet,
and, as Mr. Malqne has discovered, the author of a Drama
written in conjunction with Brome. It should seem that
he was not on good terms with his father. Fuller says that
“Ben was not happy in his children.
”
“I remember when I was a scholar at Trin. Coll. Oxon. 1646, I heard Mr. Ralph Bathurst
“I remember when I was a scholar at Trin. Coll. Oxon.
1646, I heard Mr. Ralph Bathurst (now dean of Welles)
say, that Ben: Johnson was a Warwyckshire man. ‘Tis
agreed that his father was a minister; and by his epistle
D. D. of Every Man to Mr. W. Camden, that he was
a Westminster scholar, and that Mr. W. Camden was his
schoolmaster. His mother, after his father’s death, married a bricklayer, and ’tis generally said that he wrought
for some time with his father-in-lawe, and particularly on
the garden wall of Lincoln’s inne next to Chancery lane;
and that a knight, a bencher, walking thro‘, and hearing
him repeat some Greeke verses out of Homer, discoursing
with him and finding him to have a witt extraordinary,
gave him some exhibition to maintain him at Trinity
college in Cambridge, where he was: then he went
into the Lowe Countryes, and spent some time, not very
long, in the armie; not to the disgrace of [it], as you
may find in his Epigrames. Then he came into England,
and acted and wrote at the Greene Curtaine, but both ill;
a kind of nursery or obscure playhouse somewhere in the
suburbs (I think towards Shoreditch or Clerkenwell). Then
he undertook again to write a play, and did hitt it admirably well, viz. Evtry Man which was his first good one.
Sergeant Jo. Hoskins of Herefordshire was his Father. I
remember his sonne (sir Bennet Hoskins, baronet, who was something poetical in his youth) told me, that when
he desired to be adopted his sonne, No, sayd he, ’tis
honour enough for me to be your brother I am your father’s
sonne 'twas he that polished me I do acknowledge it.
He was (or rather had been) of a clear and faire skin. His
habit was very plain. I have heard Mr. Lacy the player
say, that he was wont to weare a coate like a coachman’s
coate, with slitts under the arm-pitts. He would many
times exceede in drinke: Canarie was his beloved liquour:
then he would tumble home to bed; and when he had
thoroughly perspired, then to studie. I have seen his
studyeing chaire, which was of strawe, such as old women
used: and as Aulus Gellius is drawn in. When I was in
Oxon: Bishop Skinner (Bp. of Oxford) who lay at our
college was wont to say, that he understood an author as
well as any man in England. He mentions in his Epigrames, a son that he had, and his epitaph. Long since
in king James time, I have heard my uncle Davers (Danvers) say, who knew him, that he lived without Temple
Barre at a combe- maker’s shop about the Elephant’s castle.
In his later time he lived in Westminster, in the house
under which you passe as you go out of the church-yard
into the old palace; where he dyed. He lyes buried in
the north-aisle, the path square of stones, the rest is lozenge, opposite to the scutcheon of Robert de Ros, with
this inscription only on him, in a pavement square of blue
marble, 14 inches square, O Rare Ben: Jonson: which
was done at the charge of Jack Young, afterwards knighted,
who walking there when the grave was covering, gave the
fellow eighteen pence to cutt it.
”
Ben Jonson But my Lord of Winton (Dr. Morley, bishop of Winchester) knew him very well and says, he was in the 6, that is, the upermost fforme in Westminster scole,
"I only knew Ben Jonson But my Lord of Winton (Dr. Morley, bishop of Winchester) knew him very well and says, he was in the 6, that is, the upermost fforme in Westminster scole, at which time his father dyed, and his mother married a brickelayer, who made him (much against his will) help him in his trade; but in a short time, his scolemaister, Mr. Camden, got him a better employment, which was to atend or acompany a son of sir Walter Rauley’s in his travills. Within a short time after their return, they parted (I think not in cole bloud) and with a loue sutable to what they had in their travilles (not to be comended). And then Ben began to set up for himselfe in the trade by which he got his subsistance and fame, of which I need not give any account. He got in time to have 100l. a yeare from the king, also a pension from the cittie, and the like from many of the nobilitie and some of the gentry, which was well pay'd, for love or fere of his railing in verse, or prose, or boeth. My lord told me, he told him he was (in his long retyrement and sickness, when he saw him, which was often) much afflickted, that hee had profained the scripture in his playes, and lamented it with horror: yet that, at that time of his long retyrement, his pension (so much as came in) was^ giuen to a woman that gouern‘d him (with whome he liu’d & dyed nere the Abie in Westminster) and that nether he nor she tooke much care for next weike and wood be sure not to want wine of which he usually took too much before he went to bed, if not oftener and soner. My lord tells me, he knowes not, but thinks he was born in Westminster. The question may be put to Mr. Wood very easily upon what grounds he is positive as to his being born their; he is a friendly man, and will resolve it. So much for brave Ben.
Fuller, in addition to what has been already quoted, says that “he was statutably admitted into Saint John’scollege in Cambridge, where
Fuller, in addition to what has been already quoted,
says that “he was statutably admitted into Saint John’scollege in Cambridge, where he continued but few weeks
for want of further maintenance, being fain to return to
the trade of his father-in-law. And let not them blush
that have, but those that have not a lawful calling. He
helped in the building of the new structure of Lincoln’sInn, when having a trowell in his hand, he had a book in,
his pocket. Some gentlemen pitying that his parts should
be buried under the rubbish of so mean a calling, did by
their bounty manumise him freely to follow his own ingenuous inclinations. Indeed his parts were not so ready to
run of themselves as able to answer the spur, so that it
may be truly said of him, that he had an elaborate wit
wrought out by his own industry. He would sit silent in
learned company, and suck in (besides wine) their several
humours into his observation. What was ore in others, he
was able to refine to himself. He was paramount in the
dramatique part of poetry, and taught the stage an exact
conformity to the laws of comedians. His comedies were
above the Volge (which are only tickled with downright obscenity), and took not so well at the first stroke as at the
rebound, when beheld the second time; yea, they will
endure reading, and that with due commendation, so long
as either ingenuity or learning are fashionable in our nation. If his later be not so spriteful and vigorous as his
first pieces, all that are old will, and all that desire to be
old should, excuse him therein.
” To his article of Shakspeare, Fuller subjoins, 4< Many were the wit-combates betwixt (Shakspeare) and Ben Johnson, which two I behold
like a Spanish great gallion, and an English man of war;
master Johnson (like the former) was built far higher in
learning; solid, but slow in his performances. Shakspeare,
with the English man of war, lesser in bulk> but lighter in
sailing, could turn with all tides, tack about and take advantage of all winds, by the quickness of his wit and invention."
g one foible in his disposition, made use of that to throw oft* the yoke of his government. And this was an unlucky habit Ben had contracted, through his love of jovial
“Mr. Camden recommended (Jonson) to sir Walter
Raleigh, who trusted him with the care and instruction of
his eldest son Walter, a gay spark, who could not brook
Ben’s rigorous treatment, but, perceiving one foible in his
disposition, made use of that to throw oft* the yoke of his
government. And this was an unlucky habit Ben had contracted, through his love of jovial company, of being overtaken with liquor, which sir Walter did of all vices most
abominate, and hath most exclaimed against. One day,
when Ben had taken a plentiful dose, and was fallen into a
sound sleep, young Raleigh got a great basket, and a
touple of men, who laid Ben in it, and then with a pole
carried him between their shoulders to sir Walter, telling
him their young master had sent home his tutor. This I
had from a ms memorandum-book written in the time of
the civil wars by Mr. Oldisworth, who was secretary, I
think, to Philip earl of Pembroke. Yet in 1614, when
sir Walter published his History of the World, there was a
good understanding between him and Ben Jonson; for the
verses, which explain the grave frontispiece before that
history, were written by Jonson, and are reprinted in his
” Underwoods,“where the poem is called
” The Mind
of the frontispiece to a book;“but he names not this
book.
”
“Ben Jonson,” says Oldys, “ was charged in his” Poetaster," 1601, with having libelled or ridiculed
“Ben Jonson,
” says Oldys, “was charged in his
” Poetaster," 1601, with having libelled or ridiculed the lawyers,
soldiers, aud players so he afterwards joined an
anologetical dialogue at the end of it, wherein he says he had
been provoked for three years on every stage by slanderers,
as to his self-conceit, arrogance, insolence, railing, and
plagiarism by translations. As to law, he says he only
brought in Ovid chid by his father for preferring poetry to
it. As to the soldiers, he swears by his Muse they are
friends; he loved the profession, and once proved or exercised it, as I take it, and did not shame it more then
with his actions, than he dare now with his writings. And
as to the players, he had taxed some sparingly, but they
thought each man’s vice belonged to the whole tribe. That
he was not moved with what they had done against him,
but was sorry, for some better natures, who were drawn in
by the rest to concur in the exposure or derision of him.
And concludes, that since his comic muse had been so
ominous to him, he will try if tragedy has a kinder aspect.
ge should not come very natural from him, if he ever had been a player himself; and such it seems he was before or after.” Howel in one of his letters delineates what
“A full show of those he has exposed in this play is
not now easily discernible. Besides Decker, and some
touches on some play that has a Moor in it (perhaps Titus Andronicus; I should hope he did not dare to mean Othello) some speeches of such a character being recited
in Act III. Scene IV. though not reflected on, he makes
Tucca call Histrio the player, * a lousy slave, proud rascal, you grow rich, do you and purchase your twopenny
tear-mouth and copper-laced scoundrels,' &c. which
language should not come very natural from him, if he
ever had been a player himself; and such it seems he was
before or after.
” Howel in one of his letters delineates what the late Mr.
Seward considered as the leading feature of Jonson’s character.
< I was invited yesterday to a solemn supper by B. J. where you were
< I was invited yesterday to a solemn supper by B. J. where you were deeply remembered. There was good company, excellent cheer, choice wines, and jovial welcome. One thing intervened which almost spoiled the relish of the rest, that B. began to engross all the discourse; to vapour extremely of himself; and by vilifying others to magnify his own muse. T. Ca. buzzed me in the ear, that though Beit had barrelled up a great deal of knowledge, yet it seems he had not read the ethics, which, amongst other precepts of morality, forbid self-commendation, declaring it to be an ill-favoured solecism in good manners."
The account Jonson gave of himself to Drummond is jiot uninteresting. It was first published in the folia editiort of Drummond’s Works, 1711.
The account Jonson gave of himself to Drummond is
jiot uninteresting. It was first published in the folia
editiort of Drummond’s Works, 1711. “He,
” Ben Jonson,
"said that his grandfather came from Carlisle, to which
he had come from Annandale in Scotland that he served
king Henry VIII. and was a gentleman. His father lost
his estate under queen Mary, having been cast in prison
and forfeited; and at last he turned minister. He was
posthumous, being born a month after his father’s death,
and was put to school by a friend. His master was Camden. Afterwards he was taken from it, and put to another
craft, viz. to be a bricklayer, which he could not endure,
but went into the Low Countries, and returning home he
again betook himself to his wonted studies. In his service
in the Low Countries, he had, in the view of both the
armies, killed an enemy, and taken the opima spolia from
him; and since coming to England, being appealed to in.
a duel, he had killed his adversary, who had hurt him in
the arm, and whose sword was ten inches longer than his.
For this crime he was imprisoned, and almost at the gallows. Then he took his religion on trust of a priest, who
visited him in prison. He was twelve years a papist; but
after this he was reconciled to the church of England, and
left off to be a recusant. At his first communion, in token
of his true reconciliation, he drank out the full cup of wine.
He was master of arts in both universities. In the time of
his close imprisonment under queen Elizabeth, there were
spies to catch him, but he was advertised of them by the
keeper. He had an epigram on the spies. He married a
wife, who was a shrew, yet honest to him. When the
king came to England, about the time that the plague was
in London, he (Ben Jonson) being in the country at sir
Robert Cotton’s house, with old Camden, saw in a vision
his eldest son, then a young child, and at London, appear
unto him with the mark of a bloody cross on his forehead,
as if it had been cut with a sword; at which, amazed, he
prayed unto God, and in the morning he came to Mr.
Camden’s chamber to tell him, who persuaded him it was
but an apprehension, at which he should not be dejected.
In the mean time came letters from his wife, of the death
of that boy in the plague. He appeared to him, he said,
of a manly shape, and of that growth he thinks he shall be
at the resurrection.
“He was accused by sir James Murray to the king, for writing something
“He was accused by sir James Murray to the king, for
writing something against the Scots in a play called
” Eastward Hoe," and voluntarily imprisoned himself with
Chapman and Marston, who had written it amongst them, and
it was reported should have their ears and noses cut. After
their delivery, he entertained all his friends; there were
present Camden, Selden, and others. In the middle of
the feast, his old mother drank to him, and showed him a
paper which she designed (if the sentence had past) to have
mixed among his drink, and it was strong and lusty poison;
and to show that she was no churl, she told that she designed first to have drank of it herself.
at many epigrams were ill because they expressed in the end what should have been understood by what was said before, as that of sir John Davies; that he had a pastoral
"He used to say, that many epigrams were ill because they expressed in the end what should have been understood by what was said before, as that of sir John Davies; that he had a pastoral entitled * The May-lord' his own name is Alkin Ethra, the countess of Bedford Mogbel Overberry, the old countess of Suffolk; an enchantress; other names are given to Somerset, his lady, Pembroke, the countess of Rutland, lady Worth. In his first scene Alkin comes in mending his broken pipe. He bringeth in, says our author, clowns making mirth and foolish sports, contrary to all other pastorals. He had also a design to write a fisher or pastoral play, and make the stage of it in the Lomond Lake and also to write his foot- pilgrimage thither, and to call it a discovery. In a poem he calleth Edinburgh,