This worthy prelate died May 4, 1626, and was buried in the cathedral of Wells, It does not appear that he
This worthy prelate died May 4, 1626, and was buried
in the cathedral of Wells, It does not appear that he
published any thing in his life-time; but after his death,
Wood informs us, there were published several volumes of
his “Sermons
” an “Exposition of the first Psalm;
” an
“Exposition of the fifty-first Psalm,
” and “Meditations,
”
all of which were collected in one vol. fol. Lond. 1629,
with the title of “Sermons, with religious and divine Meditations,
” and a life and portrait of the author. Bishop
Lake was a considerable benefactor to the library of New
caiege, ' where he also endowed two lectureships, one for
the Hebrew language, and another for the mathematics.
, an able counsellor, and professor of law at Orleans, was born in that city Dec. 2, 1622. He discharged various important
, an able counsellor, and professor of law at Orleans, was born in that city Dec. 2,
1622. He discharged various important offices at Orleans
with the greatest credit, as to abilities, and with so much
integrity, as to be called the father of the people. His
learning also procured him the honour of being appointed
professor and dean of the university. He died at an advanced age, Feb. 5, 1703, leaving several works, the principal of which are, I. “Commentaire sur la Coutume
d'Orleans,
” Traite
”
de Ban et de l'Arriere Ban," 1674, 4to.
, a very celebrated French astronomer, was born at Bourg, in the department of l'Ain, July 11, 1732. His
, a very celebrated French astronomer, was born at Bourg, in the department of l'Ain, July 11, 1732. His father, who was
possessed of property, intended him for the bar, and sent
him to Paris to study the law, to which, for some time, he
applied with so much assiduity, as to answer the most sanguine expectations of his friends, when the sight of an
observatory awakened in him a propensity, which deranged
the projects of his parents, and became the ruling passion
of his life. He put himself under the instructions of Le
Monnier, one of the then most celebrated astronomers of
France, and profited so much by the lessons of his able
instructor, as to afford him the highest degree of satisfaction, who, on his part, conceived for the young man a
truly paternal affection, and was determined to promote
his interests. An opportunity soon offered; the great
astronomer Lecaille was preparing to set out for the Cape
of Good Hope, in order to determine the parallax of the
moon, and its distance from the earth. To accomplish this
purpose, it was necessary he should be seconded by an
observer placed under the same meridian, and at the greatest distance that could be conveniently chosen on the
globe. Berlin was fixed on, and Le Monnier signified his
intention of undertaking the business himself, but the mo.ment when he appeared ready to depart, he had the credit
to get his pupil appointed in his stead. Frederic, to whom
Maupertuis had explained the delicacy and difficulty of the
enterprize, could not forbear shewing some astonishment
when the youthful astronomer was presented to him;
“However,
” said he, “the Academy of Sciences has
appointed you, and you will justify their choice.
” From that
moment his age, being only eighteen, was an additional
recommendation; he was admitted at court, welcomed by
the academy, and became intimate with the most distinguished persons at Berlin. On his return, the account
which he gave of his mission procured him free access to
the Academy of Sciences, and its transactions were enriched every year by important communications from the
young astronomer. The active part which he took in the
labours of the academy, was not confined to the astronomical science: we have from his pen, a description of seven
arts, as different from each other, as they are remote from
the objects of his habitual meditations. He published the
French edition of Dr. Halley’s tables, and the history of
the comet of 1759, and he furnished Clairault with immense calculations for the theory of that famous comet.
Being charged in 1760 with the compilation of the “Connoissance des Temps,
” he entirely changed the form of
that work, and of this collection he published thirty-two
volumes, viz. from 1775 to 1807.
” Astronomique,“which he afterwards completed, and upon which his chief claim to fame rests. Lalande was the first who calculated the perturbations of Mars and Venus;
In 1764, appeared the first edition of his “Traite
” Astronomique,“which he afterwards completed, and upon
which his chief claim to fame rests. Lalande was the first
who calculated the perturbations of Mars and Venus; and
in the theory of Satellites, in which but little progress had
been made, he explained a motion which Bailli claimed as
his own discovery. A literary dispute arose out of this
circumstance, which, however, was conducted with every
regard to decency; and the probable result, as seen by
disinterested spectators, was, that both had been led to the
same discovery. He composed all the astronomical articles
for the
” Encyclopaedia of Yverdun,“those for the. supplements to the
” Encyclopedic de Paris,“and those for
the
” Encyclopedic Methodique," substituting for the articles furnished by d'Alembert, and which he had compiled
from the works of Le Monnier, such as were more complete and more modern, from his own observations and
improved theories.
Associated to almost all the distinguished scientific societies in the world, he was their common bond of union by the correspondences which he maintained;
Associated to almost all the distinguished scientific societies in the world, he was their common bond of union by the correspondences which he maintained; and he promoted a circulation of intelligence from one to another, He employed the credit arising from the universal reputation which he enjoyed, for the general benefit of the sciences and their cultivators. To the extraordinary ardour and activity of his character, he joined a love for the truth, which he carried to the borders of fanaticism. Every degree of concealment appeared to him unworthy of an honest man; and he therefore, without reserve, uttered his sentiments on ^all occasions, and 1 by the bluntness of his manners, he sometimes made himself enemies, who not ! only called in question his real merits, but who excited against him a crowd of detractors, and because they could not rival his high reputation, they attempted to blast his well earned fame. He was not without his singularities sand failings, but they were trifling in comparison of his commendable qualities, yet his long and important services were frequently forgotten in the recollection of trivial lifailings.
h nothing more with his name, in a letter dated from the palace at Schoenbrunn, Jan. 18, 1806, which was read at a general meeting of the Institute, all the classes
Lalande has been charged with profaneness and atheism;
llbut, says the writer of his life whom we have follovyed, no
authority is produced to support such charges, which, if
true, ought to have been sanctioned by some sort of proof,
or by well ascertained facts. The facts, however, as given
in the “Biographic moderne,
” are these, that, “before
the Revolution, Lalande made a public profession of
Atheism: in 1793 he delivered a speech at the Pantheon,
with the red cap on his head, against the existence of God;
in 1805 he published a Supplement to the
” Dictionary of
Atheists,“by Silvain Mareschal, in which he endeavours
to prove there is no Deity; and in support of his opinion
he cites not only the dead, but even living persons, one
of whom, Francis de Neufchateau, president of the senate,
strongly protested in the public prints against this charge.
”
In the same work, we are likewise told, that the emperor
(Bonaparte) on being informed of Lalande' s conduct, enjoined him to publish nothing more with his name, in a
letter dated from the palace at Schoenbrunn, Jan. 18, 1806,
which was read at a general meeting of the Institute, all
the classes of which had been especially summoned. The
substance of this letter is, that M. Lalande, whose name
had hitherto been united with important labours in science,
had lately fallen into a state of childhood, which appeared
now in little articles unworthy of his name, &c. Lalande,
who was present, rose and said, “I will conform to the
orders of his majesty.
” These are surely facts of the most
decisive kind, and easily to be refuted, if they have no
foundation. The editors of the Diet. Hist, borrowing from
one of his eulogists, make a very poor defence, by saying
that, “he always manifested a benevolent disposition, and
approved himself a man of honour, probity, courage, full
of activity for all useful things, and of love and zeal in
behalf of his fellow creatures. To imitate the great benefactor is the most worthy homage we can pay to the infinite
goodness; the supreme intelligence which governs the
universe.
” He rendered, however, inestimable service toi
science during his life, and consulted its interests after his,
death, by founding an annual prize to the author of the
best astronomical memoir, or most curious observation. He
died April 4th, 1807, in the 7 5th year of his age.
Quesnel, 12 vols. 12mo. He speaks much of this Jesuit in his “Letters to the Abbe Margon.” Lallemant was among the warmest defenders of the bull Unigenitus.
, a Jesuit, who died i
1748, left a valuable “Paraphrase on the Psalms,
” 12mo,
and several other works: the principal are, “Le veritable
Esprit des Disciples de S. Augustin,
” Lettre d'un Abbe
” a “EvSque,
” &c.
“Moral Reflexions, with notes on the New Testament,
”
written with a design to rival those by P. Quesnel, 12 vols.
12mo. He speaks much of this Jesuit in his “Letters to
the Abbe Margon.
” Lallemant was among the warmest
defenders of the bull Unigenitus.
, a French ecclesiastic, was born at Paris in 1653, became bachelor of the Sorbonne, and
, a French ecclesiastic, was
born at Paris in 1653, became bachelor of the Sorbonne,
and chaplain of Notre Dame, and took possession of a
canonry of St. Oportune, 1721, but never enjoyed it
peaceably. He undertook missions in the provinces for
the re- union of the Protestants, and devoted himself with
success to the care of souls, and to preaching. He died
May 9, 1724, aged seventy-one. He was for some time
in the congregation of the oratory. His works are, 1.
“Traite
” de Controverse pour les nouveaux Reunis, suf la
Presence resile, sur la Communion sous une Espece, et
sur les Traduct. Fr. de PEcriture,“1692, 12mo. 2.
” Extraits des S. S. Peres de PEglise, sur la Morale,“in 4 parts,
16to. 3.
” An Abridgment of the Life of Catherine Antoinette de Gondi,“superior-general of Calvary, who died
1716, 12mo. 4. An Abridgment of the
” Life of Cardinal le Camus, bishop of Grenoble,“12mo. 5.
” The
History and Abridgment of the pieces written for and
against Plays and Operas,“12mo; a curious work and
6.
” Pense*es sur les Spectacles," Orleans, 12mo, are also
attributed to him.
, a member of the academy of sciences at Paris, and member of the museum in the same city, was born at Salon, in Provence, in 1752, of an old and respectable
, a member of the academy
of sciences at Paris, and member of the museum in the
same city, was born at Salon, in Provence, in 1752, of
an old and respectable family. He was destined for the
church, and sent to Paris to complete his theological studies. He rose to the dignity of canon, but by the death
of his father and elder brother acquired property, which
enabled him to follow the bent of his inclinations, by devoting himself to the physical sciences. He travelled
through Provence and Dauphine*, and scaled the Alps and
Pyrenees; “at the sight of these vast natural laboratories,
the bent of his mind burst forth instantaneously; he climbed
to the summit of rocks, and explored the abyss of caverns,
weighed the air, analysed specimens, and in this ardent
fancy, having attained the secrets of creation, he formed
a new system of the world.
” Upon his return home, he
applied with great ardour to the study of meteorology,
natural philosophy, and the other branches of the history
of nature. He spent three years at Paris, and gave to the
learned societies there many very valuable papers, particularly a memoir on the Cretans, a memoir on the theory
of the winds, and a treatise on the alteration in the course
of rivers, particularly the Rhone. He, again visited Switzerland and Italy, going first to Turin, where he allied
himself to the learned of that country: after his return,
laden with the spoils of the countries which he traversed,
he employed himself in the arrangement of the interesting
fruits of his journey. It was at the time when Lamanon
was preparing for the press his great work on the “Theory
of the Earth,
” that the French government conceived the
vast project of completing the discoveries of captain Cook;
the Academy of sciences was entrusted with the care of
selecting men capable of rectifying the common notions of
the southern hemisphere, of improving hydrography, and
advancing the progress of natural history; they invited,
at the recommendation of the illustrious Condorcet, Lamanon to share the danger, and to partake in the glory of
this great enfrerprize. He eagerly caught at the offer,
hastened to Paris, refused, in a conference with the minister, the salary offered him, and taking a hasty leave of
his friends, departed for Brest. On the 1st of August,
1785, the armament set sail under the orders of La Perouse, an experienced commander: the commencement
of the voyage was highly prosperous. After some delays,
and having embraced every opportunity of making observations, the vessels arrived at the island of Maouna,
one of the southern archipelago. Lamanon, eager to assure himself of the truth of the accounts of that country,
debarked with Langlc, the second in command. Having
explored the place, and being upon the point of returning,
they were attacked by the natives; a combat ensued, and
they, with several of the boat’s crew, fell a sacrifice to the
fury of these barbarians. Thus perished Lamanon, a
young man ardent in the pursuits of science, disinterested
in his principles, and a zealous advocate for the interests
of freedom. Uis eulogist, M. Ponce, said of him, “that
be seemed born to bring about a revolution in science;
the depth of his ideas, the energy of his character, the
sagacity of his mind, united to that lively curiosity that
can draw instruction out of every thing which he saw, and
which leaves nothing unexplored, would have led him to
the most valuable discoveries/
”
ohn Lambarde, alderman of London, by Juliana his wife, daughter of William Home or Herne, of London, was born Oct. 18, 1536. Nothing is recorded concerning the early
, an eminent lawyer and antiquary, the eldest son of John Lambarde, alderman of London, by Juliana his wife, daughter of William Home or
Herne, of London, was born Oct. 18, 1536. Nothing is
recorded concerning the early part of his education, until
he entered upon the study of the law, and was admitted
into the society of Lincoln’s-inn, Aug. 15, 1556. Here
he studied under Laurence Nowell (brother to the celebrated dean of St. Paul’s), a man famous for his knowledge
of antiquities and of the Saxon tongue. Lambarde profited much by his instructions, considering an acquaintance
with the customs and jurisprudence of the Saxon times as
very useful in his profession. The first fruits of his studies
appeared in a collection and translation of the Saxon laws,
under the title of “A^awvo/iw, sive de priscis Anglorum
legibus, libri,
” Ecclesiastical History,
” in
In 1570 he appears to have resided at Westcombe, near Greenwich, of the manor of which he was possessed, and devoted a great share of his labours to the service
In 1570 he appears to have resided at Westcombe, near
Greenwich, of the manor of which he was possessed, and
devoted a great share of his labours to the service of the
county of Kent, but without giving up his profession of
the law, or his connection with Lincoln’s-inn, of which
society he was admitted a bencher in 1578. He had
finished his “Perambulation of Kent
” in Dictionarium Angliae
Topographicum et Historicum.
” Camden, in praising his
“Perambulation,
” and acknowledging his obligations to
it, calls the author “eminent for learning and piety;
” by
the latter quality alluding probably to his founding an hospital for the poor at East-Greenwich, in Kent, said to
have been the first founded by a protestant. The queen
(Elizabeth) granted her letters patent for the foundation of
this hospital in 1574; and it was finished, and the poor admitted into it in October, 1576. It was to be called “The
college of the poor of queen Elizabeth.
” An account of
its endowment and present state may be seen in our principal authority, and in Lysons’s “Environs.
”
In 1579 Lambarde was appointed a justice of peace for the county of Kent, an office
In 1579 Lambarde was appointed a justice of peace for
the county of Kent, an office which he not only performed
with great diligence and integrity, but endeavoured to explain and illustrate for the benefit of other magistrates, in his
“Eirenarcha, or the Office of the Justices of Peace, in
four books,
” The Duties of Constables,
” &c. Pandecta Rotulorum.
” In the mean time he had written,
though not published, another work, entitled “Archeion,
or a Discourse upon the high courts of justice in England.
”
It was not published until
, a very learned writer, was born at Hamburgh April 13, 1628, the son of Heino Lambecius,
, a very learned writer, was born at Hamburgh April 13, 1628, the son of Heino Lambecius, who had married a sister of the celebrated Lucas Holstein. In his youth he afforded many proofs of diligence and genius, and after studying for some time at Hamburgh, was advised by his uncle Holstein, who also offered to defray his expences, to pursue his studies in other seminaries. With such encouragement he left Hamburgh in Dec. 1645, and went by sea to Amsterdam, where for eight months he studied the belles lettres, history, and geography, under G. J. Vossius, and Caspar Barlaeus, to whom he had special recommendations from his uncle, and under other eminent teachers. It was here, too, where he first imbibed principles favourable to the Roman catholic religion, and it has been very justly accounted a blot in his character that he concealed his opinions for so many years, g.nd held offices which he knew to he incompatible with them.
lationship to Holstein; and partly by his means, and Holstein’s letters of recommendation, Lambecius was admitted into considerable familiarity, notwithstanding his
While at Amsterdam, by the advice of his uncle, he
learned the art of drawing geographical charts. He also
began to study jurisprudence, and after visiting Ley den,
and other principal cities in the Netherlands, arrived at
Paris in September 1646. Here he resided a year with
cardinal Barberini, who showed him every kindness in consideration of his relationship to Holstein; and partly by
his means, and Holstein’s letters of recommendation, Lambecius was admitted into considerable familiarity, notwithstanding his youth, with many of the most learned men of
the time. Having obtained access to the libraries, he
availed himself of this opportunity to examine some manuscripts of importance, and in consequence published his
“Prodromus lucubrationum criticorum in Auli Gellii
Noctes Atticas, una cum dissertatione de vita et nomine
A. Gellii,
” Paris, Syntagma originum et antiquitatum Constantinopolitarum,
” &c. Gr. et Lat. fol.
n, whom he met there, but who had much reason to be dissatisfied with his conduct towards him, which was not respectful. What other faults Lambecius may have been guilty
In 1647 he went to Italy, still under the direction of
Holstein, whom he met there, but who had much reason
to be dissatisfied with his conduct towards him, which was
not respectful. What other faults Lambecius may have
been guilty of, are not clearly explained; one at least,
we hope, was not true, that he disgusted his uncle by proposing to steal some manuscripts before he left Rome.
After remaining nearly two years at Rome, Lambecius returned to France, and went to Toulouse, where he studied
law for a year. He again went to Paris, resumed his acquaintance with his former literary friends, and consulted
the libraries for materials to enrich a history of the city of
Hamburgh, which he had undertaken; but at the request
of his parents, he returned home in 1650. About a year
after, he was appointed professor of history, and commenced his office in January 1652, with an oration on the
connection of history with other sciences, “De historiarum
cum caeteris sapientise et literarum studiis conjunctione.
”
He was uow only in his twenty-fourth year. During his
professorship, he took the degree of doctor of laws in
France. In 1659, he was elected rector of the college of
Hamburgh, and entered on the office in Jan. 1660, with an
oration on the origin of the college of Hamburgh. His
departure, however, from Hamburgh was approaching;
for which various reasons have been assigned. It appears
from the evidence produced by Chaufepie, that his religious principles began to be suspected and that he was
querulous and ambitious but what, in the opinion of some,
precipitated his retreat, was his marriage to an old maid,
rich, but avaricious, with whom he found it impossible to
live, when he found it impossible to get possession of her
fortune. Perhaps all these causes might determine him
to leave Hamburgh, which he did in April 1662, and arrived at Vienna, where, being introduced by Miller, the
Jesuit, to the emperor Leopold, he presented to his majesty, his “Prodromus Historiae Literariae,
” which he
printed in
ant which way to turn himself, he received a letter from Miller the Jesuit, mentioned above, and who was confessor to the emperor, requesting him to state in writing
After these visits, he returned to Vienna Sept. 28, 1662,
and, as it would appear, without any employment or resources. While sitting pensive at his inn, and ignorant
which way to turn himself, he received a letter from Miller
the Jesuit, mentioned above, and who was confessor to the
emperor, requesting him to state in writing in what manner
he wished to be employed under his majesty. Lambecius
immediately returned for answer, that it had always been
his greatest desire to serve the emperor and the august
house of Austria, and that if his majesty would be so gracious as to admit him to court, he should endeavour to
prove the sincerity of his zeal, by placing the imperial
library in a better condition than it had ever been, by
writing the history of Germany in general, and of the
house of Austria in particular, and by continuing the history of literature, of which he had already dedicated a
specimen to, his majesty. In consequence of these offers,
the emperor appointed him his under-librarian and historiographer, and the same day (Nov. 27), the emperor spent
three hours in shewing Lambecius his collection of medals,
and made him a present of some of them. Three months
afterwards, on the death of the head librarian, he was appointed to succeed him, and the emperor gave him also
the title of counsellor, and bestowed, indeed, every mark
of esteem upon him, conversing with him in the most familiar manner, and taking him as part of his suite in some
of his travels. During the ten years that he lived at
Vienna, he lodged with an advocate, who managed all his
domestic concerns, and in return he made him his heir.
He died in the month of April 1680. Lambecius was unquestionably one of the most learned men of his time;
but his character, in other respects, as may be collected
from the preceding narrative, was not without considerable
blemishes. With respect to the imperial library, he certainly performed what he undertook, and has laid the
learned world under great obligations by his vast catalogue, published in 8 vols. folio, from 1665 to 1679,
under the title of “Commentariorum de augustissima Bibliotheca Csesarea Vindobonensi, libri octo.
” To thes
must be added as a supplement, “Dan. de Nessel Breviarium
et supplementum commentariorum Bibl. Caes. Vindobon.
”
Vienna, opera et studio Ad. Fr. Kollarii,
” to which must be
added “A. F. Kollarii ad Lambecii commentariorum libros
octo, Supplementum liber primus posthumus,
” Vienna,
Bibliotheca acromatica.
” A new edition of Lambecius’s “Prodromus historic litterariae,
” was published by
Fabricius, at Leipsic,
, an ingenious French lady, was daughter of a master of the accounts, and born at Paris in 1647.
, an ingenious French lady, was daughter of a master of the accounts, and born at Paris in 1647. She lost her father at
three years old; and her mother re-married to the ingenious Bachaumont, who took a singular pleasure in cultivating the happy talents of his daughter-in-law. She was
married to Henry Lambert, marquis of S. Bris, in 1666,
and lost him in 1686. After this, she had long and painful law- suits, concerning her property, which being at
length decided in her favour, she settled in Paris, and
kept a house, to which it was thought an honour to be admitted. All the polite among the lettered tribe resorted
thither, for the sake of conversation for hers was almost
the only house that was free from the malady of gaming
and Fontenelle has taken notice, that the delinquents in
this way would frequently glance a stroke at madame de
Lambert’s. This lady died in 1733, aged eighty-six; having been the authoress of some very pleasing productions,
indicative of good sense and elegant manners, which were
collected and printed in 2 vols. 12mo, and of which there
is an English translation. The principal are, 1. “Avis
d'une mere a son fils, & (Tune mere a sa fille.
” 2. “Nouvelles Reflexions sur les f* imes.
” 3. “Traite de l'Amiti.
” “Her treatise upon friendship (says Voltaire) shews
that she deserved to have friends.
” 4. “Traite de la Veillesse.
” These two last were published in English in La Femme Hermite;
” and several small pieces of
morality and literature. In 1808, a new edition of her
works appeared at Paris, with a collection of her letters,
of which our authority speaks with indifference.
, a French monk, who became a zealous protestant, was born at Avignon in 1487. At the age of fifteen he entered himself
, a French monk, who became a zealous protestant, was born at Avignon in 1487. At the age of fifteen he entered himself among the Franciscan friars, and continued in the comrnunijty twenty years; during which time he acquired celebrity as a preacher, and was made general of the order. Much addicted to reading and reflection, in the course of his investigations he saw reason to renounce the doctrines of the catholic church, and to adopt those of the reformation; but on that account found it necessary to go to Switzerland, where he arrived in 1522. Here he became a popular preacher among the protestants, and having continued some time at Ba,sil, he set out for Wittemberg to visit Luther, in 1523. With that eminent reformer he grew into high esteem, and it was determined he should go to Zurich, to assist in disseminating the principles of the reformation through France; but this scheme was altered for some employment in the university of Wittemberg, where he most probably continued till 1526. In the following year he was appointed divinity-professor at the university of Marpurg, and in 1530 he died, at the age of forty-three. He was author of commentaries on almost all the parts of the Old and New Testament, and of many theological and controversial pieces.
, was an English artist, who obtained celebrity upon the revival of
, was an English artist, who obtained celebrity upon the revival of painting in this coontry. His taste led him to admire and to imitate the style
of Caspar Poussin in landscape and he has produced
several works of considerable merit; which, if theyhave
not the brilliancy and force of Gaspar, are rich, and abound
with beauties of a gentler kind. He also painted scenes
from common nature; and at the Foundling hospital may
be seen one he presented to that institution, which is deserving of very great praise. He was engaged to paint
scenes for the play-houses, for which his pencil was peculiarly qualified, and, in concert with Scott, painted sir
large pictures of their settlements for the East India Company, which are placed at their house in Leadenhall-street.
He died in 1765. Mr. Edwards gives some anecdotes of
this artist; and, among others, relates that he was the
founder of the celebrated “Beef-steak-club
” in Coventgarden.
, an eminent mathematician and astronomer, was born at Muhlhausen, in the Sundgaw, a town in alliance with
, an eminent mathematician
and astronomer, was born at Muhlhausen, in the Sundgaw,
a town in alliance with the Swiss cantons, Aug. 29th, 1728.
His father was a poor tradesman, who, intending to bring
him up to his own business, sent him to a public school,
where he was taught the rudiments of learning, at the expence of the corporation, till he was twelve years old.
Here he distinguished himself among his school-fellows,
and some attempts were made to provide him with the
means of studying theology as a profession, but for want of
encouragement, he was under the necessity of learning his
father’s trade. In this laborious occupation, however, he
continued to devote a considerable part of the night to the
prosecution of his studies; and to furnish himself with
candles, he sold for half-pence or farthings small drawings
which he delineated while employed in rocking his infant
sister in a cradle. He met with an old book on the mathematics which gave him inexpressible pleasure, and which
proved that he had a genius for scientific pursuits. Seeing
the turn which the young man had for knowledge, several
learned men afforded him assistance and advice; and they
had the pleasure of finding him improve, under their patronage, with a rapidity beyond their most sanguine expectations. He was now taken from the drudgery of the
shop-board, and M. Iselin, of Basil, engaged him as his
amanuensis, a situation which afforded him an opportunity
of making further progress in the belles-lettres, as well as
philosophy and mathematics. In 1748, his patron recommended him to baron Salis, president of the Swiss confederacy, to become tutor to his children, in which office
he gladly engaged. His talents as a philosopher and
mechanician began to display themselves in his inventions
and compositions. After living eight years at Coire, he
repaired, in 1756, with his pupils, to the university of
Gottingen, where he was nominated a corresponding member of the scientific society in that place, and from thence
he removed, in the following year, to Utrecht, where he
continued twelve months. In 1758, he went with his
pupils to Paris, where he acquired the esteem and friendship of D' Alembert and Messier; and from thence he travelled to Marseilles, and formed the plan of his work
“On Perspective,
” which he published in the following
year at Zurich. In 1760 he published his “Photometry,
”
a master-piece of sagacity, which contains a vast quantity
of information of the most curious and important nature.
In the same year he was elected a member of the Electoral
Bavarian Scientific Society. Lambert was author of many
other pieces besides those which have been already mentioned: among these were his “Letters on the Construction of the Universe,
” which were afterwards digested,
translated, and published under the title of “The System
of the World.
” In
, a learned Frenchman, and noted commentator upon the classics, was born in 1516 at Montrevil in Picardy. Applying himself with
, a learned Frenchman, and noted commentator upon the classics, was born in 1516 at Montrevil in Picardy. Applying himself with indefatigable industry to polite literature, he made an extraordinary progress, especially in the critical knowledge of the classic authors. After some time he was taken into the retinue of cardinal Francis de Tournon, whom he attended into Italy, where he continued several years. On his return to Paris, he was made king’s professor of the belles lettres, which he had taught before at Amiens. He published commentaries upon Piautus, Lucretius, Cicero, and Horace; he translated, into Latin, Aristotle’s morals and politics, and several pieces of Demosthenes and Æschines. He died in 1572, of grief, for the loss of his friend Peter Ramus, who perished in the massacre of the protestants on the infamous vespers of St. Bartholomew. Lambin was not without apprehensions of suffering the same fate, notwithstanding he was otherwise a good catholic. He was married to a gentlewoman of the Ursin family, by whom he had a son, who survived him, and published some of his posthumous works.
, a learned priest of the Oratory, was born at Mans in 1640; and educated among the religious of the
, a learned priest of the
Oratory, was born at Mans in 1640; and educated among
the religious of the congregation of the oratory at Paris,
and at Saumuc From 1661 to 1667, he taught the classics
and the belles lettres, and in the latter of these years he
was ordained priest. He taught philosophy at Sauimir and
at Angers, till 1676, when he was deprived of his professorship for being a Cartesian, and his enemies having obtained a lettre de cachet agains^t him, he was banished to
Grenoble, where cardinal le Camus had established a seminary, for the education of ecclesiastics^ and having a
great esteem for Lami, appointed him professor of divinity.
He died January 29, 1715, at Rouen. He left many valuable works: the principal are, “Les Elemens de Geometric, et de Mathematiques,
” 2 vols. 12mo; “Un Trait
de Perspective,
” Entretiens sur lea Sciences, et sur la Methode d'Etudier,
” Apparatus Biblicus,
” 4to. The abbe de Bellegarde has
translated it under the title of “Apparat de la Bible,
”
8vo, and there is an English translation, by Bundy, in
4to, with fine plates, Lond. 1723, 4to. He published
also a valuable work, the labour of thirty years, entitled,
“De Tabernaculo foederis, de Sancta Civitate Jerusalem,
et de Templo ejus,
” folio; “Demonstration, ou Preuves
eVidentes de la Vérite et Sainted de la Morale Chretienne,
”
Harmonia sive concordia Evangelii,
” &c. Lyons, A System of Rhetoric,
” Reflexions sur l'Art Poetique,
” 12mo; “Traite de
Mechanique, de PEquilibre,
”
, a pious and learned Benedictine of the congregation of St. Maur, was born in 1636 of & noble family at a village called Montyreau,
, a pious and learned Benedictine
of the congregation of St. Maur, was born in 1636 of &
noble family at a village called Montyreau, in the diocese
of Chartres. He went first into the army, but entered the
Benedictine order, 1659, and applied so closely to his
studies, that he became an able philosopher, a judicious
divine, and one of the best writers of his time. He died
April 4, 1711, at St. Denis. His works are numerous, and
much esteemed in France. They are, 1. “Traite
” de la
connoissance de soi-mme,“1700, 6 vols. 12mo; 2.
” De
la Vérité évidente de la Religion Chretienne;“3.
” Nouvel
Athéisme renversé“,
” against Spinoza, 12mo, and in the
refutations of Spinoza, collected by the abbé Lenglet,
Brussels, 1731, 12mo; 4. “L'Incréclule amené à la Religion par la Raison;
” 5. “Letters, theological and moral;
”
6. “Lettres Philosophiques sur divers sujets;
” 7. “Conjectures Physiques sur divers effets du Tonnerre,
” De la connoissance et de l'amour de
Dieu;
” 9. “La Rhetorique de College, trahie par son
Apologiste,
” against the famous Gibert, professor of rhetoric in the Mazarine college; 10. “Les Gemissemens de
l'Amo sous la Tyrannic du Corps;
” 11. “Les premiers
Klemens, ou entree aux connoissances solides,
” to which
is added an essay on logic in form of dialogues each of
these works is in one vol. 12mo; 12. “A Letter to Mallebranche on disinterested love,
” with some other Letters
on philosophical subjects, 1699, 8vo; 13. “A Refutation
of M. Nicole’s system of universal grace,
” &c. &c. His
style in all these is generally polished and correct.
, an Italian ecclesiastic, and able philologist, was born at Santa-croce, between Pisa and Florence, Feb. 6, 1697.
, an Italian ecclesiastic, and able philologist, was born at Santa-croce, between Pisa and Florence,
Feb. 6, 1697. His father, Benedict Lami, a learned physician, died when he was an infant, but this loss was in a
great measure supplied by the care which his mother took
of his education. After learning with great facility the
elements of Greek, Latin, history, and geography, he was
placed at the college of Prato, where he studied so hard as
to injure his health. Having recovered this in some degree,
he pursued his studies at Pisa, and with such success that
in 1718 he was unanimously appointed vice-rector. He
was afterwards appointed chaplain to the grand duke of
Tuscany, professor of ecclesiastical history in the university of Florence, and keeper of the Ricardi library. He
died at Florence, Feb. 6, 1770. He was not more remarkable for learning than for wit. One day at Florence,
shewing some Swedish gentlemen the ancient palace of the
dukes of Medicis, “There,
” said he, “behold the cradle
of literature
” then, turning to the college of the Jesuits,
“and there behold its tomb.
” The Jesuits he neither loved
nor flattered, and was often engaged in controversies with
them. His principal works are, 1. “De recta patrum Nicenorum fide Dissertatio,
” Venice, De recta Christianorum in eo quod mysterium divinse Trinitatis adtinet sententia libri sex,
” Florence, De eruditione
Ap<~,stolorum liber singularis,
” Florence, Deliciae eruditorum, seu veterum anecdoton opusculorum collectanea,
” Florence, a miscellany published from
Meursii opera,
” Florence,
12 vols. folio. 6. An edition of “Anacreon,
” Florence,
Memorabilia Italorum eruditione praestantium, quibus vertens sseculum gloriatur,
” ibid. Dialogi d'Aniceto Nemesio,
” Sanctae ecclesiae Florentine monumenta,
” Florence, Lezioni d'antichita Toscane, e speciaimente
dellacittadi Firenze,
” ibid.
&c. first president of the parliament of Paris, and one of the most eminent magistrates of his age, was born October 20, 1617, at Pans, of a noble and ancient family,
, marquis de Baville, &c.
first president of the parliament of Paris, and one of the
most eminent magistrates of his age, was born October
20, 1617, at Pans, of a noble and ancient family, which
has produced many persons of merit. He was son of Christian de Lamoignon, president of the parliament at Paris,
seigneur de Baville, &c. and admitted counsellor to the
same parliament 1635, master of the requests 1644, and
first president 1658. His prudence, amiable temper, affability, talents for public affairs, and love of learning and
learned men, gained him universal esteem. The extent
of his genius, and his great eloquence, were admired in
his “Remonstrances,
” and the harangues which he
delivered at the head of the parliament. Nor were his abilities less conspicuous in the verbal process of the ordinances of April 1667, and August 1670, nor in his “Resolutions,
” which we have on several important points of
the French law, 1702, 4to. He died December 10, 1677,
aged sixty, regretted by all persons of worth. M. Flechier
spoke his funeral oration, and Boileau justly mentions him,
with the highest encomiums.
, eldest son of the preceding, was born at Paris in 1644, carefully educated by his father, and
, eldest son of
the preceding, was born at Paris in 1644, carefully educated by his father, and at a proper age placed in the Jesuits’ college, under the particular tuition of the celebrated father Rapin, whose favourite disciple he was.
Having finished his studies, he travelled through different
countries, and in 1666 was admitted a counsellor of parliament. In 1674 he was appointed to the office of advocate general, which he held during the space of twenty five years, with the highest and most unblemished reputation, distinguished as much for his eloquence, as by his
zeal for justice and the public good. In 1690 the king
nominated him to a post of more ease, and better adapted
to his health, but his love of employment retained him
several years longer at the bar, till at length, being urged
as well by his own feelings, as the representations of his
family and friends, he sought for an honourable repose,
He then indulged in the love of letters, and, in 1704, was
admitted a member of the academy of inscriptions, of which
he was sooti appointed the president. In this station he
displayed as much talent and readiness in discussing a literary question as he had formerly done a point of jurisprudence. He died in 1709. Many of his speeches were
published, but the only work which he sent to the press
was “A Letter on the Death of father Bourdaloue.
” He
was father to the chancellor Lamoignon, and grandfather
to Lamoignon-Malesherbes, of whom an account will be
given hereafter.
lishing the manufacture of “sayes and bayes.” He afterwards became a wealthy merchant of London, and was chosen alderman of the city. None of his contemporaries maintained
, the son of Francis Lamotte, a native of Ypres, in Flanders, fled thence into England from
the persecution of the duke of Alva, and settled at Colchester, where he had a principal hand in establishing the
manufacture of “sayes and bayes.
” He afterwards became
a wealthy merchant of London, and was chosen alderman
of the city. None of his contemporaries maintained a
fairer character, or had a more extensive credit. His piety
was exemplary; and his charities, in his life-time, almost
without example, extending to the distressed protestants
in foreign parts, as well as to multitudes of miserable objects in "the three kingdoms. He died much lamented,
July 13, 1655. He was grandfather to the facetious Dr.
William King.
, an eminent French surgeon and accouc-heur, was of Valogne, in Normandy. He studied his profession at Paris,
, an eminent French surgeon
and accouc-heur, was of Valogne, in Normandy. He studied his profession at Paris, where he attended the practice of the celebrated hospital, l'Hotel-Dieu, during five
years. He was distinguished particularly by his skill and
success as an accoucheur, not only at his native town, but
throughout the neighbouring country, during a long period. No dates are given of his birth or death, but he is
said to have left three sons, two of whom were physicians,
and the third succeeded him in his own department. His
first publication, entitled “Traite des accouchemens naturels, non naturels, et contre nature,
” was first published
in Dissertation sur la Generation, et sur la Superfetation;
”
containing also an answer to a book entitled “De l‘lndecence aux Homines d’accoucher les Femines, et sur l'Obligations aux Meres de nourrir leurs Enfans,
” Paris, Trait complet de Chirurgie, conteiiant des Observations sur toutes Jes Maladies
chirurgicales, et sur la maniere de les traiter,
” which has
been several times reprinted. The last edition was published in 1771, with notes by professor Sabatier. This
was a valuable practical work, but disfigured by the
egotism of the author, and his contempt for his professional
brethren.
, a German protestant divine, was born at Dethmold, in the county of La Lippe, in Westphalia,
, a German protestant divine, was born at Dethmold, in the county of La Lippe, in Westphalia, Feb. 19, 1683. After being taught the learned languages at Bremen, he studied at Franeker and Utrecht, and fixing on divinity as a profession, became the pupil of Campejus, Vitringa, and other eminent lecturers of that period. His theological course being completed, he officiated successively in the churches of Weezen, Tenteburgh, and Bremen. In 1709 he officiated as second pastor at the latter place, and in 1719 was appointed first pastor. In 1720 he accepted the office of theological professor at Utrecht, but was not constituted minister of the church, as the author of his funeral eloge seems to intimate. His only duty was to preach each alternate Sunday in German, and besides this he held no ecclesiastical function. In 1726 he was appointed professor of church history, but the year following he was again invited to Bremen, where he was not only made ordinary professor of divinity, but rector of the college, and pastor of the church. These honours, however, he enjoyed for no long time, being cut off by a haemorrhage, in the forty-sixth year of his age, Dec. 8, 1729, and at a time when his health, which had been injured while at Utrecht, seemed to be re-established.
Professor Lampe was a man of great learning in ecclesiastical history and antiquities,
Professor Lampe was a man of great learning in ecclesiastical history and antiquities, and published various
works which procured him a high reputation among his
contemporaries. Thirty-one articles are enumerated by
Burman, which were published some in Latin and some in
German. His first publication was “De Cymbalis veterum
libri tres,
” Utrecht, Synopsis historiae sacrx et ecclesiasticse, ab origine mundi ad prcesentia tempora, secundum seriem periodorum deductae,
” Utrecht, Commentarius Analytico-exegeticus
evangelii secundum Joannem,
” Amst. Bibliotheca eruditorum
praecocium.
”
the two last of which he dedicated to Constantine the Great. The first edition of Lampridius, which was printed at Milan, ascribes to him the life of Alexander Severus;
, a Latin historian,
flourished under the emperors Dioclesian and Constantine,
in the fourth century. We have of his writing, the lives
of four emperors, viz. Commodus, Antoninus, Diadumenus,
and Heliogabalus; the two last of which he dedicated to
Constantine the Great. The first edition of Lampridius,
which was printed at Milan, ascribes to him the life of
Alexander Severus; though the manuscript in the Palatine
library, and Robert a Porta of Bologna, give it to Spartian.
As they both had the same surname Ælius, some authors
will have them to be one and the same person. Vopiscus
says, that Lampridius is one of the writers whom he imitated
in his “LifeofProbus.
”
instructed youth, more for the profit than the reputation of that employment, in which, however, he was eminently successful. He was then invited to Mantua by Frederic
, of Cremona, a celebrated
Latin poet in the sixteenth century, followed John Lascaris
to Rome, and there taught Greek and Latin. After the
death of pope Leo X. in 1521, he went to Padua, where
he also instructed youth, more for the profit than the reputation of that employment, in which, however, he was
eminently successful. He was then invited to Mantua by
Frederic Gonzaga, who appointed him tutor to his son,
and there he is said to have died in 1540, or a few years
after. Lampridius, we are told, was of so timid a nature,
that his friends could never prevail on him to speak in
public. We have epigrams and lyric verses of this author,
both in Greek and Latin, which were printed separately,
and also among the “Deliciae
” of the Italian poets. In
his odes he aimed to imitate Pindar; but he wanted the
force of that unrivalled poet.
was many years rector of Stamford Rivers, near Ongar, in Essex;
was many years
rector of Stamford Rivers, near Ongar, in Essex; and
author of the celebrated “Essay on Delicacy,
” Select Letters between the late Dutchess of Somerset, Lady Luxborough,
” &c. &c. He w;is a man of strong natural parts, gieat erudition, refined taste, and master of
a nervous, and at the same time elegant style, as is obvious
to every one who has had the happiness to read the Essay
here spoken of. His writings were fewer in number than
their author’s genius seemed to promise to his friends, and
his publications less known than their intrinsic excellence
deserved. Had he been as solicitous as he was capable to
instruct and please the world, few prose writers would
have surpassed h m; but in his latter years he lived a recluse, and whatever he composed in the hours of retired
leisure, he (unhappily for the public) ordered to be burned,
which was religiously (I had almost said irreligiously) performed. He was a native of Cheshire; and in his early
years, under the patronage and friendship of the late earl
of Cholmondely, mixed in all the more exalted scenes of
polished life, where his lively spirit and brilliant conversation rendered him universally distinguished and esteemed;
and even till within a few months of his decease (near seventy-five years of age) these faculties could scarce be
said to be impaired. The Essay on Delicacy (of which we are now speaking) the only material work of his which
the editor knows to have survived him, was first printed in
1748, and has been very judiciously and meritoriously
preserved by the late Mr. Dodsley in his Fugitive Pieces.
”
Notwithstanding Mr. Hull’s assertion, that his uncle wrote
nothing but the “Essay,
” a sermon of his, under the
title of“Public Virtue, or the Love of our Country,
” was
printed in The Old Serpent, or
Methodism Triumphant,
” 4to. The doctor’s imprudence
involved him so deeply in debt, that he was some time
confined for it, and left his parsonage-house in so ruinous
a condition, that his successor Dr. Beadon was forced entirely to take it down. He died June 20, 1775, leaving
two daughters, one of whom married to the rev. Thomas
Wetenhall, of Chester, chaplain of a man of war, and
vicar of Walthamstow, Essex, from 1759 till his death,
1776.
or the education of youth. He taught the belles lettres and mathematics in their school at Paris. He was afterwards charged with the education of the prince of Conti;
, an useful French writer, born
at Paris in 1619, had a principal hand in some very excellent works, which the Solitaires of Port Royal projected
for the education of youth. He taught the belles lettres
and mathematics in their school at Paris. He was afterwards charged with the education of the prince of Conti;
but, being removed upon the death of the princess his
mother, he took the habit of St. Benedict in the abbey of
St. Cyran. Certain intestine troubles arising within these
walls, he became a victim among others; and was banished
to Ruimperlay, in Lower Britanny, where he died in 1695,
aged seventy-nine. His principal works are, 1. “Nouvelle
Methode pour apprendre la Langue Latine,
” Nouvelle Methode pour apprendre Iq Grec,
” Port-Royal Grammars.
” He was also
author of “The Garden of Greek Roots,
” 12mo; “An
Italian Grammar,
” 12mo; “A Spanish Grammar,
” 12mo;
the “Dissertations, Remarks, and Sacred Chronology
” in
the Bibles printed by Vitr6; “The general and rational
Grammar,
” 12mo. This excellent work was planned by
M. Arnauld, but Lancelot composed the greatest part; it
was published by M. Duclos with remarks, 1756, 12mo;
“Delectus Epigrammatum,
” of which the preface onlyU
by M. Nicole, 12mo; “Mémoires pour servir a la vie
de M. de S. Cyran,
” in two parts, the second entitled
“L'Esprit de M. de S. Cyran,
” 2 vols. 12mo. He is accused of having written these memoirs with great partiality
and prejudice. “Relation du vo‘iage d’Alet,
” 12mo. This
is an eulogy on the famous bishop of Alet.
, a celebrated physician, was born at Rome in October 1654. His parents were rather low in
, a celebrated physician, was
born at Rome in October 1654. His parents were rather
low in rank, but cherished the disposition for learning which
he early displayed; and having finished his classical studies, he went through the course of philosophy in the Roman college, and then commenced the study of divinity.
He had always evinced a great taste for natural history,
which at length induced him to abandon the study of divinity, and apply himself entirely to that of medicine, and
after a regular course he was created doctor in philosophy
and medicine in 1672. In 1675, he was appointed physician to the hospital of the Holy Ghost, in Sassia, where he
pursued his clinical inquiries with great accuracy and acuteness: but he quitted this situation in 1678, and was received a member of the college of St. Saviour; and his
talents and acquirements being soon acknowledged, he was
appointed professor of anatomy in the college de la Sapienza, in 1684, and continued his duties as a teacher
for thirteen years with great reputation. In 1688, pope
Innocent XI. chose Lancisi for his physician and private
chamberlain and some time afterwards gave him a canon’s
stall in the church of St. Lawrence but on the death of
the pope, in 1689, he resigned it. He was now in high
public estimation, attended Innocent XII. during his
whole illness, was elected physician to the conclave, and
was immediately appointed first physician and private
chancellor to the succeeding pope Clement XI. He was
indefatigable in the discharge of all his duties, as well as
in the pursuit of his studies, reading and writing at every
interval of leisure, and in his attendance on the learned societies of the time. He died in January, 1720, at the age
of 65. He was a man of small stature, with a lively countenance, and cheerful disposition his manners were extremely engaging and he was possessed of much knowledge of mankind. His ardour for the advancement of his
art was extreme and unceasing. He collected a library of
more than twenty thousand volumes, which he presented
in his life -time to the hospital of the Holy Ghost, for the
use of the public, particularly the young physicians and
surgeons who attended the patients in that hospital. This
noble benefaction was opened in 1716. He published an
edition of his works, entitled, “Mar. Lancisi archiatri pontificii Opera, qua; hactenus prodierunt omnia, &c. Genevae, 1718,
” 2 vols. 4to. The first volume contains the
following pieces: “De subitaneis mortibus; Dissertatio de
nati vis deque ad ventitiisRomani cceli qualitatibus; Denoxiis
Paludum effluviis.
” The contents of the second volume
are, “Dissertatio historica de Bovilla Peste ex Campaniae
finibus, an. 1713;
” “Latio iraportata, &c. 1715
” “Dissertatio de recta medicorum studiorum instituenda
” “Humani corporis anatomica synopsis
” “Kpistola ad J.
Baptist. Bianchi de humorum secretionibus et genere ac praecipue bilis in hepate separatione
” “An acidum ex sanguine extrahi queat
” (the negative had been maintained by Boyle) “Epistolae duse de triplici intestinorum polypo;
de physiognomia,
” and many small pieces, in Italian as
well as Latin.
, an artist of the English school, though of German extraction, was probably born about 1628. His father, a soldier of fortune,
, an artist of the English school, though of German extraction, was probably born about 1628. His father, a soldier of fortune, came with his wife and this only son into the Netherlands; and that country being then embroiled in a war, procured a colonel’s command, which he enjoyed not many years, dying a natural death at Antwerp. His widow, a prudent woman, so managed her small fortune, as to maintain herself suitably to her husband’s quality, and give her son a liberal education, designing him for a monastery; but early discovering his turn for painting, she, although with reluctance, placed him with a painter, from whom he learned the rudiments of his art; but his chief instruction was derived from the city-academy of Antwerp. His advances in the science were very great, especially in landscape, in which he had the advantage of Mr. Van Lyan’s collection of curious pieces of all the eminent masters of Europe. Here he selected as his favourite models Titian and Salvator Rosa.
ral sir Edward Sprag, a patron of the art, recommended him to several persons of quality, among whom was sir William Williams, whose house was finally adorned with this
His mother dying, he came to his fortune young; and, passing over to England, met with a reception suitable to his merit. Admiral sir Edward Sprag, a patron of the art, recommended him to several persons of quality, among whom was sir William Williams, whose house was finally adorned with this master’s pictures, but not long after unfortunately burnt; so that, of this great painter, there are but very few finished pieces remaining, he having bestowed the greatest part of his time, while in England, on that gentleman’s house. He was also much courted by sir Peter Lely, who employed him in painting the grounds, landscapes, flowers, ornaments, and sometimes the draperies, of those pictures by which he intended to gain esteem. Lancrinck’s performances in landcapewere admired for invention, harmony, colouring, and warmth, and he was particularly successful in his skies, which were thought to excel the works of the most eminent painters in this article. Besides the specimens in the possession of Mr. Henly, of Mr. Trevox, and Mr. Austen, the father of which last was his great friend and patron, he painted a cieling at the house of Richard Lent, esq. at Causham in Wiltshire, near Bath, which was much admired. He practised also drawing after the life, and succeeded well in small figures, which were a great ornament in his landscapes, and in which be imitated the manner of Titian. Lancrinck is said to have shortened his days by too free indulgence, and died in August 1692, leaving a wellchosen collection of pictures, drawings, prints, antique heads, and models, most of which he brought from abroad.
, an eminent mathematician, was born at Peakirk, near Peterborough in Northamptonshire, in January
, an eminent mathematician, was born
at Peakirk, near Peterborough in Northamptonshire, in
January 1719. He became very early a proficient in the
mathematics, as we find him a contributor to the “Ladies
Diary
” in Philosophical Transactions
” for An investigation of some theorems, which suggest several very
remarkable properties of the circle, and are at the same
time of considerable use in resolving Fractions, &c.
” In
Mathematical Lucubrations,
” and containing a variety of tracts relative to the rectification of curve lines, the summation of
series, the finding of fluents, and many other points in the
higher parts of the mathematics. The title “Lucubrations,
” was supposed to intimate that mathematical science
was at that time rather the pursuit of his leisure hours, than
his principal employment and indeed it continued to be
so during the greatest part of his life for about the year
1762 he was appointed agent to earl Fitzwilliam an employment which he resigned only two years before his
death.
of <c The Residual Analysis/' in which, besides explaining the principles on which his new analysis was founded, he applied it, in a variety of problems, to drawing
About the latter end of 1757, or the beginning of 1758,
he published proposals for printing by subscription “The
Residual Analysis,
” a new branch of the algebraic art; and
in A Discourse
on the Residual Analysis,
” in which he resolved a variety
of problems, to which the method of fluxions had usually
been applied, by a mode of reasoning entirely new; and
in the “Philosophical Transactions
” for New method of computing the sums of a great number
of infinite series.
” In
In 1766, Mr. Landen was elected a fellow of the royal society, and in the “Transactions”
In 1766, Mr. Landen was elected a fellow of the royal
society, and in the “Transactions
” for A
specimen of a new method of comparing Curvilinear
Areas
” by means of which many areas are compared,
that did not appear to be comparable by any other method
a circumstance of no small importance in that part of natural philosophy which relates to the doctrine of motion.
In the 60th volume of the same work, for 17 70, he gave
“Some new theorems
” for computing the whole areas of
curve lines, where the ordinates are expressed by fractions
of a certain form, in a more concise and elegant manner
than had been done by Cotes, De Moivre, and others who
had considered the subject before him.
the motion of a sphere, spheroid, and cylinder. After the publication of of this paper, however, he was informed, that the doctrine of rotatory motion had been considered
In the 67th volume, for 1777, he gave “A New Theory
of the Motion of bodies revolving about an axis in free
space, when that motion is disturbed by some extraneous
force, either percussive or accelerative.
” At that time he
did not know that the subject had been treated by any
person before him, and he considered only the motion of a
sphere, spheroid, and cylinder. After the publication of
of this paper, however, he was informed, that the doctrine of rotatory motion had been considered by d'Alembert; and upon procuring that author’s “Opuscules Mathematiques,
” he there learned that d‘Alembert was not
the only one who had considered the matter before him;
for d’Alembert there speaks of some mathematician, though
he does not mention his name, who, after reading what
had been written on the subject, doubted whether there
be any solid whatever, beside the sphere, in which any line,
passing through the centre of gravity, will be a permanent
axis of rotation. In consequence of this, Mr. Landen took
up the subject again; and though he did not then give a
solution to the general problem, viz. “to determine the
motions of a body of any form whatever, revolving without
restraint about any axis passing through its centre of gravity,
” he fully removed every doubt of the kind which had
been started by the person alluded to by d'Alembert, and
pointed out several bodies which, under certain dimensions,
have that remarkable property. This paper is given,
among many others equally curious, in a volume of “Memoirs,
” which he published in Theorems for the calculation of Fluents;
” which are
more complete and extensive than those that are found in
any author before him.
In 1781, 1782, and 1783, he published three small tracts
on the “Summation of Converging Series;
” in which he
explained and shewed the extent of some theorems which
had been given for that purpose by De Moivre, Stirling,
and his old friend Thomas Simpson, iii answer to some
things which he thought had been written to the disparagement of those excellent mathematicians. It was the opinion of some, that Mr. Landen did not shew less mathematical skill in explaining and illustrating these theorems,
than he has done in his writings on original subjects; and
that the authors of them were as little aware of the extent
of their own theorems, as the rest of the world were before
Mr. Landen’s ingenuity made it obvious to all.
and again with the utmost circumspection; and being every time more convinced that his own. solution was right, and theirs wrong, he at length gave it to the public,
About the beginning of 1782 Mr. Landen had made such improvements in his theory of rotatory motion, as enabled him, he thought, to give a solution of the general problem mentioned above; but rinding the result of it to differ very materially from the result of the solution which had been given of it by d‘Alembert, and not being able to see clearly where that gentleman in his opinion had erred, he did not venture to make his own solution public. In the course of that year, having procured the Memoirs of the Berlin academy for 1757, which contain M. Euler’s solution of the problem, he found that this gentleman’s solution gave the same result as had been deduced by d’Alembert; but the perspicuity of Euler’s manner of writing enabled him to discover where he had differed from his own, which the obscurity of the other did not do. The agreement, however, of two writers of such established reputation as Euler and d'Alembert made him long dubious of the truth of his own solution, and induced him to revise the process again and again with the utmost circumspection; and being every time more convinced that his own. solution was right, and theirs wrong, he at length gave it to the public, in the 75th volume of the Philosophical Transactions for 1785.
ed to the established reputation of Euler and d'Al-embert, induced many to think that their solution was right, and Mr, Landen’s wrong; and there did not want attempts
The extreme difficulty of th% subject, joined to the concise manner in which Mr. Landen had been obliged to give
his solution, to confine it within proper limits for the
Transactions, rendered it too difficult, or at least too laborious a task, for most mathematicians to read it; and this
circumstance, joined to the established reputation of Euler
and d'Al-embert, induced many to think that their solution
was right, and Mr, Landen’s wrong; and there did not
want attempts to prove it; particularly along and ingenious paper by the learned Mr, Wildbore, a gentleman
of very distinguished talents and experience in such calculations; this paper is given in the 80th volume of the Philosophical Transactions for 1790, in which he agrees with
the solutions of Kuler and d'Alembert, and against that of
Mr. Landen. This determined the latter to revise and extend his solution, and give it at greater length, to render
it more generally understood. About this time also he met
by chance with the late Frisi’s “Cosmographia Physica
et Mathematica;
” in the second part of which there is a
solution of this problem, agreeing in the result with those
of Euler and d'Alembert. Here Mr. Landen learned that
Euler had revised the solution which he had given formerly
in the Berlin Memoirs, and given it another form, and at
greater length, in a volume published at Rostoch and Gryphiswald, in 1765, entitled “Theoria Motus Corporum
Solidorum seu Rigidorwn.
” Having therefore procured
this book, Mr. Landen found the same principles employed
in it, and of course the same conclusion resulting from
them, as in M. Euler’s former solution of the problem.
But notwithstanding that there was thus a coincidence of
at least four most respectable mathematicians against him,
Mr. Landen was still persuaded of the truth of his own solution, and prepared to defend ifc. And as he was convinced of the necessity of explaining his ideas on the subject more fully, so he now found it necessary to lose no
time in setting about it. He had for several years been
severely afflicted with the stone in the bladder, and towards the latter part of his life to such a degree as to be
confined to his bed for more than a month at a time: yet
even this dreadful disorder did not extinguish his ardour
for mathematical studies; for the second volume of his
“Memoirs,
” lately published, was written and revised
during the intervals of his disorder. This volume, besides
a solution of the general problem concerning rotatory motion, contains the resolution of the problem relating to the
motion of a top; with an investigation of the motion of the
equinoxes, in which Mr. Landen has first of any one pointed
out the cause of sir Isaac Newton’s mistake in his solution
of this celebrated problem; and some other papers of considerable importance. He just lived to see this work finished, and received a copy of it the day before his death,
which happened on the 15th of January 1790, at Milton,
near Peterborough, in the seventy- first year of his age.
Though Mr. Landen was one of the greatest mathematicians
of the age, his merit, in this respect, was not more conspicuous than his moral virtues. The strict integrity of his
conduct, his great humanity, and readiness to serve every
one to the utmost of his power, procured him the respect
and the esteem of all who knew him.
, an Italian scholar, philosopher, and poet, was born at Florence in 1424. After having pursued his elementary
, an Italian scholar, philosopher, and poet, was born at Florence in 1424. After
having pursued his elementary studies at Volterra, he was
constrained, in obedience to his father, to apply to jurisprudence; but by the favour of Cosmo and Peter de Medici, which he had the happiness to obtain, he was enabled
to devote his time to philosophy and polite literature. He
became particularly partial to the Platonic philosophy, and
was one of the principal ornaments of the academy which
Cosmo de Medici had founded. In 1457, he was appointed
professor of the belles lettres at Florence, and considerably enlarged the reputation of that seminary. About the
same time he was chosen by Peter de Medici to instruct
his two sons, Julius, and the afterwards celebrated Lorenzo.
Between Landinus and Lorenzo a reciprocal attachment
took place; and such was the opinion that the master entertained of the judgment of his pupil, that he is said frequently to have submitted his works to his perusal and correction. Landinus became, in his old age, secretary to
the seignory of Florence; but in his sixty-third year, he
was relieved from the laborious part of this office, and allowed to retain his title and emoluments. He then retired
to a residence at Prato Vecchio, from which his ancestors
sprung. There he employed the remainder of his days in
study, and died in 1504. He left several Latin poems,
some of which have been printed, and some remain in
manuscript. His notes on Virgil, Horace, and Dante, are
much esteemed. He translated into Italian Pliny’s “-Natural History,
” and published some learned dissertations
both in Latin and Italian. It is said that he was rewarded
for his critical labours on Dante by the donation of a villa,
on the hill of Casentino, in the vicinity of Florence, which
he enjoyed under the. sanction of a public decree. His
edition of Horace was published in 1482. His philosophical opinions appear in his “Disputatipnes
Cfuaaldulenses,
” a work of which Mr. Roscoe has given an ample
account. It was first published without a date; but, according to De Bure, in 1480, folio, and reprinted at Strasburgh in 1508. Landinus’s fame, however, rests chiefly
on the advances he made in classical criticism.
, an Italian physician, was a native of Placentia, and studied at Padua, where he took his
, an Italian physician, was a native of Placentia, and studied at Padua, where he took his
doctor’s degree in 1554. He then practised with great reputation in his native place, where he was one night assassinated, in 1562, by a soldier, for what reason, unless
for the purpose of robbery, is not stated. He left some
learned works, the principal of which are, -1. “De humana historia, vel de singularum hominis partium cognitione,
” Basil, latrologia,
” in dialogues on
the art of medicine, ibid. 1543, 4to. s
, knt. lord chief baron of the exchequer, was born in the latter part of the sixteenth century, and was the
, knt. lord chief baron of the exchequer, was born in the latter part of the sixteenth century,
and was the son of Richard Lane of Courtenhall in Northamptonshire, by Elizabeth his wife, daughter of Clement
Vincent of Harpole, in the same county. He studied law
in the Middle Temple, with great success, and being
called to the bar, became eminent in his profession. In
the 5th Charles I. he was elected Lent reader of his inn,
but the plague which broke out about that time, prevented
his reading. In 1640 he was counsel for the unhappy earl
of Strafford; and soon after was made attorney to prince
Charles. As the Long-parliament grew more capricious
and tyrannical in its proceedings, he began to be alarmed
for his property, and entrusted his intimate friend Buistrode Whitlocke, with his chamber in the Middle Temple,
his goods and library; and leaving London, joined the
king at Oxford, where, in 1643, he was made serjeant at
law, lord chief baron of the exchequer, a knight, and one
of his majesty’s privy council. The university also conferred on him the degree of LL. D. “with more,
” says
Wood, “than ordinary ceremony.
” In the latter end of
the following year, he was nominated one of his majesty’s
commissioners to treat of peace with the parliament at Uxbridge, and on Aug. 30, 1645, he had the great seal delivered to him at Oxford, on the death of Edward lord
Littleton. In May and June 1646, he was one of the
commissioners appointed to treat with the parliament for
the surrender of the garrison of Oxford, apd soon alter
went abroad to avoid the general persecution of the
royalists which the parliament meditated. He died in the
island of Jersey in 1650, or 1651, Wood tells a strange
story of the fate of the goods he entrusted to Whitlocke.
He says, that during sir Richard’s residence abroad, lm
son applied to Whitlocke, who would not own that he
knew such a man as sir Richard, and kept the goods. That
this story is not without foundation, appears from Whitlocke’s receipt for his pension, &c. printed by Peck, to
which he adds, “And I have likewise obtained some bookes
and manuscripts, which were the lord Littleton’s; and some
few bookes and manuscripts, which were sir Richard Lane’s;
in all worth about So/.
” Sir Richard Lane’s “Reports in
the court of Exchequer in the reign of king James,
” were
published in
, archbishop of Canterbury in the eleventh century, was an Italian, and born in 1005 at Pavia, being son of a counsellor
, archbishop of Canterbury in the eleventh century, was an Italian, and born in 1005 at Pavia, being son of a counsellor to the senate of that town; but, losing his father in his infancy, he went to Bologna. Hence, having prosecuted his studies for some time, he removed into France in the reign of Henry I. and taught some time at Avranches, where he had many pupils of high rank. In a journey to Rouen, he had the misfortune to be robbed, and tied to a tree on the road, where he remained till next day, when being released by some passengers, he retired to the abbey of Bee, lately founded, and there took the monk’s habit in 1041. He was elected prior of this religious house in 1044; and opened a school, which in a little time became very famous, and was frequented by students from all parts of Europe. Amongst others, some of the scholars of Berenger, archdeacon of Angers, and master of the school at Tours, left that, and went to study at the abbey of Bee. This, it is said, excited the envy of Berenger, and gave rise to a long and violent controversy between him and Lanfranc, on the subject of the eucharist. (See Berengarius). In 1049, Lanfranc took a journey to Rome, where he declared his sentiments to pope Leo IX. against the doctrine of Berenger; for Berenger had xvritten him a letter, which gave room to suspect Lanfranc to be of his opinion. Soon after, he assisted in the council of Verceil, where he expressly opposed Berenger’s notions. He returned a second time to Rome in 1059, and assisted in the council held at the Lateran by pope Nicholas II. in which Berenger abjured the doctrine that he had till then maintained. Lanfranc now obtained a dispensation from the pope, for the marriage of William duke of Normandy with a daughter of the earl of Flanders his cousin. On his return to France, he rebuilt his abbey at Bee; but was soon removed from it by the duke of Normandy, who in 1062 made him abbot of St. Stephen’s at Caen in that province, where he established a new academy, which became no less famous than his former one at Bee. This duke, coming to the crown of England, sent for Lanfranc, who was elected archbishop of Canterbury in 1070, in the room of Stigand, who had been deposed by the pope’s legate. He was no sooner consecrated to this see, than he wrote to pope Alexander II. begging leave to resign it; which not being complied with, he afterwards sent ambassadors to Rome to beg the pall; but Hildebrand answering, in the pope’s name, that the pall was not granted to any person in his absence (which was not strictly true, as it had been sent to Austin, Justus, and Honorius), he went thither to receive that honour in 1071. Alexander paid him a particular respect, in rising to give him audience this pontiff, indeed, had a special regard for him, having studied under him in the abbey of Bee and kissed him, instead of presenting his slipper for that obeisance, nor was he satisfied with giving him the usual pall, but invested him with that pall of which he himself had made use in celebrating mass. Before his departure, Lanfranc defended the metropolitical rights of his see against the claims of the archbishop of York, and procured them to be confirmed by a national council in 1075, wherein several rules of discipline were established. At length, presuming to make remonstrances to the Conqueror upon some oppressions of the subjects, though he offered them with a becoming respect, the monarch received them with disdain and asked him, with an oath, if he thought it possible for a king to keep all his promises From this time, our archbishop lost his majesty’s favour, and was observed afterwards with a jealous eye. He enjoyed, however, the favour of William II. during the remainder of his life. Some years before this, Gregory VII. having summoned him several times to come to Rome, to give an account of his faith, at length sent him a citation to appear there in four months, on pain of suspension: Lanfranc, however, did not think proper to obey the summons. He died May 28, 1089.
, an eminent Italian painter, was born at Parma, in 1581. His parents, being poor, carried him
, an eminent Italian painter, was born at Parma, in 1581. His parents, being poor, carried him to Placenza, to enter him into the service of the count Horatio Scotte. While he was there, he was always drawing with coal upon the walls, paper being too small for him to scrawl his ideas on. The count, observing his disposition, put him to Agostino Caracci; after whose death he went to Rome, and studied under Annibale, who set him to work in the church of St. Jago, and found him capable of being trusted with the execution of his designs; in which Lanfranco has left it a doubt whether the work be his or his master’s. His genius lay to painting in fresco in spacious places, as appeared by his grand performances, especially the cupola of Andrea de Laval, in which he has succeeded much better than in his pieces of a less size. His taste in design he took from Annibale Caracci; and as long as he lived under the discipline of that illustrious roaster, he was always correct; but, after his master’s death, 'he gave a loose to the impetuosity of genius, without regarding the rules of art. He joined with his countryman Sisto Badalocchi, in etching the histories of the Bible, after Raphael’s painting in the Vatican; which work, in conjunction with Badalocchi, he dedicated to his master Annibale. Lanfranco painted the history of St. Peter for pope Urban VIII. which was engraved by Pietro Santi; he executed other performances, particularly St. Peter walking on the water, for St. Peter’s church, and pleased the pope so much, that he knighted him.
Lanfranco was happy in his family: his wife, who was very handsome, brought
Lanfranco was happy in his family: his wife, who was
very handsome, brought him several children, who, being
grown up, and delighting in poetry and music, made a
sort of Parnassus in his house. His eldest daughter sang
finely, and played well on several instruments. He died
in 1647, aged sixty-six. His genius, heated by studying
Correggio’s works, and, above all, the cupola at Parma,
carried him even to enthusiasm. He earnestly endeavoured
to find out the means of producing the same things; and,
that he was capable of great enterprizes, may be discovered by his performances at Rome and Naples. Nothing
was too great for him: he made figures of above 20 feet
high in the cupola of St. Andrea de Laval, which have a,
very good effect, and look below as if they were of a natural proportion. In his pictures he endeavoured to join
Annibale’s firmness of design to Correggio’s taste and
sweetness. He aimed also at giving the whole grace to his
imitation; not considering, that nature had given him but
a small portion. His ideas indeed are sometimes great
enough for the greatest performances; but his genius could
not stoop to correct them, by which means they are often
unfinished. His easel pieces are not so much esteemed as
what he painted in fresco; vivacity of wit and freedom of
band being very proper for that kind of painting. His
grand compositions are full of tumult but the expression
is neither elegant nor moving. His colouring was not so
well studied as that of Annibale the tints of his carnations
and his shadows are a little too black. He was ignorant of
the elaro oscuro, as well as his master; though, as his master did, he sometimes endeavoured to practise it. He was,
as M. Fuseli has observed, “a machinist in art of the first
order, and taught his successors the means of filling the
eye at a great distance, by partly painting and partly leaving it to the air to paint.
”
, an able Protestant divine, was born March 9, 1664, at Ezelwangen, in the duchy of $ultzbach.
, an able Protestant divine, was
born March 9, 1664, at Ezelwangen, in the duchy of
$ultzbach. He was extremely well skilled in the oriental
languages, and appointed professor of divinity at Altorf;
but having made himself enemies there, quitted his office,
and settled at Prentzlow, where he died June 20, 1731.
His works most held in estimation are, “Philologia Barbaro-Grseca,
” Noribergse, Altorfii, 1705, 4to, and several
Treatises in Latin, on the Mahometan religion, and the
Koran,
” De Fabulis Mohamedicis," 1697, 4to.
, a learned English writer, was son of Mr. William Langbaine, and born at Bartcukirke-, in
, a learned English writer, was son of Mr. William Langbaine, and born at Bartcukirke-, in Westmoreland, about 1608. He had the first part of his education in the free-school at Blencow, in Cumberland, whence he was removed to Queers-college, in Oxford, in 1626; where being admitted a poor servitor, he became afterwards a scholar upon the foundation, and thence a fellow of the college. He became B. A. in 1630, M. A. in 1633, and D. D. in 1646. He had acquired a good reputation in the university some years before he appeared in the literary republic; when his edition of Longinus was printed at Oxford, 1636, in 8vo. This was followed by several other publications, which were so many proofs of his loyalty to Charles I. after the breaking out of the civil wars, and of his zeal for the church of England, in opposition to the covenant. These writings, with his literary merit., made him very popular in that university, so that, in 1644, he was unanimously elected keeper of their archives, and in 1645, provost of his college; both which places he held till his death, Feb. 10, 1657-8. He was interred about the middle of the Inner chapel of dueen’s-college, having a little before settled 24l. per annum on a free-school at the place of his nativity.
Our author was much esteemed by several learned men of his time, and held a
Our author was much esteemed by several learned men
of his time, and held a literary correspondence with Usher
and Selden. He was screened from the persecutions of
the then prevailing powers, to whom he so far submitted
as to continue quiet without opposing them, employing
himself in promoting learning, and preserving the discipline of the university, as well as that of his own college.
With what spirit he did this, is best seen in the following
passages of two letters, one to Usher, and the other to
Selden. In the first, dated from Queen’s-college, Feb. 9,
1646-7, he gives the following account of himself: “For
myself, I cannot tell what account to make of my present
employment. J have many irons in the fire, but of no
great consequence. I do not know how soon I shall be
called to give up, and am therefore putting my house in
order, digesting the confused notes and papers left me
by several predecessors, both in the university and college,
which I purpose to leave in a better method than I found
them. At Mr. Patrick Young’s request, I have undertaken
the collation of Constantino’s Geoponics with two Mss.
in our public library, upon which I am forced to bestow
some vacant hours. In our college I am ex officio to moderate divinity-disputations once a week. My honoured
friend Dr. Duck has given me occasion to make some inquiry after the law; and the opportunity of an ingenious
young man, come lately from Paris, who has put up a
private course of anatomy, has prevailed with me to engage myself for his auditor and spectator three days a
week, four hours each time. But this I do ut explorator,
non ut transfuga. For, though 1 am not solicitous to engage myself in that great and weighty calling of the ministry after this new way, yet I would lothe to be teiTrorautriit
as to divinity. Though I am very insufficient to make a
master-builder, yet I could help to bring in materials from
that public store in our library, to which I could willingly
consecrate the remainder of my days, and count it no loss
to be deprived of all other accommodations, so I might
be permitted to enjoy the liberty of my conscience, and
study in that place. But if there be such a price set upon
the latter as I cannot reach without pawning the former, I
am resolved. The Lord’s will be done.
” The other letter to Selden, is dated Nov. 8, 1653; “I was not so much
troubled to hear of that fellow, who lately, in London, maintained in public that learning is a sin, as to see some men,
v.onld he accounted none of the meanest among ourselves here at home, under pretence of piety, go about to
banish it th university. I cannot make any better construction of a late order made by those whom we call visitors, upon occasion of an election last week at All-Souls
college to this effect, that for the future, no scholar be
chosen into any place in any college, unless he bring a
testimony, under the hands of four persons at least (not electors) known to these visitors to be truly godly men,
that he who stands for such a place is himself truly godly;
and by arrogating to themselves this power, they sit judges
of all men’s consciences, and have rejected some, against
whom they had no other exceptions, (being certified by such to whom their conversations were best known, to be unblameable, and statutably elected, after due examination and approbation of their sufficiency by that society),
merely upon this account, that the persons who testified
in their behalf are not known to these visitors to be regenerate. I intend (God willing) ere long to have an election in our college, and have not professed that I'will not
submit to this order. Howl shall speed in it, I do not
pretend to foresee; but if I be baffled, I shall hardly be
silent.
” Dr. Langbaine’s works were, 1. his Longinus,
Oxon. 1636 and 1638, 8vo. 2. “Brief Discourse relating
to the times of Edward VI.; or, the state of the times as
they stood in the reign of King Edward VI. By way of
Preface to a book intituled The true subject to the rebel:
or, the hurt of sedition, &c. written by sir John Cheek.
”
Oxford, 1641, in 4to. To this Dr. Langbaine prefixed
the life of sir John Cheek. 3. “Episcopal Inheritance;
or, a Reply to the humble examination of a printed abstract; or the answers to nine reasons of the House of
Commons against the votes of bishops in Parliament,
” Oxford, A determination
of the late learned Bishop of Salisbury (Davenant) Englished.
” These two pieces were reprinted at London in
A Review of the Covenant: wherein the original, grounds, means, matter, and ends of it are examined; and out of the principles of the remonstunce*,
declarations, votes, orders and ordinances of trie prime
covenanters, or the firmer grounds of scripture, law, and
reason, disproved,
” Answer of the Chancellor, master and
scholars of the university of Oxford, to the petition, articles of grievance, and reasons of the city of Oxford; presented to the committee for regulating the University of
Oxford, 24 July 1649,
” Oxford, 1649, 4to; reprinted in
1678, with a book entitled “A defence of the rights and
privileges of the University of Oxford,
” &c. published by
James Harrington, then bachelor (soon after master) of
arts, and student of Christ-church, at Oxford, 1690, 4to.
6. “Quacstiones pro more solenni in Vesperiis propositac
ann. 1651,
” Oxford, Platonicorum aliquot, qui
etiamnum supersunt, Authorum, Graecorum, imprimis,
mox Latinorum, syllabus alphabeticus,
” Oxford, Alcini, in Plutonicam Philosophiam Introductio,
”
published by Dr. John Fell, dean of Christ-church. 8.
There is also ascribed to our author, “A View of the New
Directory, and a Vindication of the ancient Liturgy of
the Church of England: in answer to the reasons pretended
in the ordinance and preface for the abolishing the one,
and establishing the other,
” Oxford, The Foundation of
the university of Oxford, with a Catalogue of the principal
founders and special benefactors of all the colleges, and
total number of students,
” &c. London, 165I,4to f mostly
taken from the Tables of John Scot of Cambridge, printed
in '622. 2. “The Foundation of the University of Cambridge, with a Catalogue,
” &c. printed with the forme?
Catalogue, and taken from Mr. Scot’s Tables. He likewise laboured very much in finishing archbishop Usher’s
book, entitled “Chronologia Sacra,
” but died when he
had almost completed it, which was done by Barlow. He
translated into Latin “Reasons of the present judgment
of the university concerning the solemn League and Covenant,
” and assisted Dr. Robert Sanderson, and Dr.
Richard Zouch, in the drawing up of those Reasons. He
translated into English “A Review of the Council of Trent,
written in French by a learned Roman catholic,
” Oxford,
Antiq. Academ. Oxon.
” and that he was intent upon it when he died.
But Mr. Wood observes, that Dr. Thomas Barlow and Dr.
Lamplugh, who looked over his library after his death,
assured him that they saw nothing done towards such a
design. Dr. Langbaine assisted Dr. Arthur Duck in composing his book “De usu & authoritate Juris Civilis Homanorum in Dominiis Principum Christianorum,
” London,
on of the preceding, wa; born in Oxford July 15, 1656; and after being educatea in grammar-learning, was bound apprentice to a bookseller in St. Paul’s church-yard,
, son of the preceding, wa; born in Oxford July 15, 1656; and after being educatea in grammar-learning, was bound apprentice to a bookseller in St. Paul’s church-yard, London. But he was soon called thence on the death of an elder brother, and entered a gentleman-commoner of University-college in 1672; where, as Wood informs us, he became idle, a great jockey, married, and spent a considerable part of his property; but afterwards restrained his folly, and lived some years a retired life, near Oxford, employing his time in researches into thejiistory of dramatic poetry. His literature, Mr. Warton says, chiefly consisted in a knowledge of the novels and plays of various languages, and he was a constant and critical attendant of the play-houses for many years. Such a pursuit was at that time neither creditable nor profitable; and accordingly, in 1690 we find him glad to accept the place of yeoman beadle of arts, and soon after he was chosen esquire beadle of law, probably out of respect to his father’s memory.
est known as the author of the” Account of the English dramatic poets,“His first attempt in this way was by a republication of a catalogue of plays collected original
About this time, he published “An Appendix to a catalogue of all the graduates in divinity, law, and physic,
”
&c. written by R. Peers, superior beadle of arts and physic. Langbaine’s appendix contains the names of all “who
proceeded from the 14th of June 168S, where Peers left
off, to the 6th of August 1690. He did not survive this
long, some disorder carrying him off in June 1692. But
he is best known as the author of the
” Account of the
English dramatic poets,“His first attempt in this way was
by a republication of a catalogue of plays collected original ir
by Kirkman, a London bookseller, and appended to
” Nicomede,“a translation of a play from Corneille in 1671.
This Langbaine followed in 1688 by
” MomusTriumphans,“which appeared afterwards under the title of
” A new Catalogue of English Plays,“&c. The author at length digested his work anew, with great accessions and improvements, which he entitled
” An Account of the English
Dramatic Poets,“&c. Oxford, 1691, 8vo, reprinted by
Gildon in 1699. Langbaine’s own collection amounted,
as he says, to
” above 980 English plays and masques,
basides drolls and interludes.“The copy of his
” Account" in the British Museum, with Oldys’s ms notes, is
fell known to every student of dramatic history.
, archbishop of Canterbury, and cardinal, was probably born at Langham in Rutlandshire, whence he took his
, archbishop of Canterbury, and cardinal, was probably born at Langham in Rutlandshire, whence he took his name, but the date is nowhere specified. He became a monk of St. Peter, Westminster, in 1335, and soon attained a considerable degree of eminence among his brethren. In 1346 he officiated at the triennial chapter of the Benedictines, held at Northampton, by whom in 1349 he was elected prior, and two months after abbot. The revenues of this monastery having been much wasted in his predecessor’s time, the new abbot directed his attention to a system of ceconomy, and partly by his own example, and partly by earnest persuasion, was soon enabled to pay off their debts. When he began this reformation of the abuses which had crept into the cloister, he (knowing the disposition of his fraternity) thought that those which respected the articles of provision were of the first importance. He therefore took care that their mistricordia, or better than ordinary dishes, and those dinners which were somewhat similar to what in our universities have obtained the names of Exceeding and Gaudy-days, should be common to the whole society; and not, as had formerly been the practice, confined to a few, to the extreme mortification of the rest. To effect this purpose, he relinquished the presents which it had been usual for preceding abbots, at certain times, to accept.
, but had so entirely gained the good opinion of the society, that, as Flete observes, his character was, “even by the old monks who had been his enemies, thought equal
When he had by these means gained the love and esteem
of the major part of the brotherhood, he carried the work
of reformation to matters of greater importance. He
formed a code of laws upon more liberal principles than
those by which the monastic orders were in general go*verned; and although, like all legislators, he met with
considerable difficulty and opposition in their promulgation,
yet he ultimately triumphed. He repressed the insolent,
reduced the refractory, punished the wicked, and in a
short time not only established order in a place which had
been formerly the scene of confusion, but had so entirely gained the good opinion of the society, that, as
Flete observes, his character was, “even by the old monks
who had been his enemies, thought equal to that of the
founder, Edward the confessor.
”
eiving his talents and sagacity, promoted him in 1360 to the place of lord treasurer, and in 1361 he was chosen bishop of London; but the see of Ely becoming vacant
The king, Edward 111. perceiving his talents and sagacity, promoted him in 1360 to the place of lord treasurer,
and in 1361 he was chosen bishop of London; but the see
of Ely becoming vacant at the same time, he chose the
latter, and was consecrated March 20, 1361-2, and employed its revenues to the encouragement of learning, and
to the relief of the poor. As his character in this high
office began more fully to appear, the king became partial
to Langham, and in Feb. 1364 removed him from the post
of lord treasurer to that of chancellor, and in July 1366, he
was, by papal provision, but at the express desire of the
king, promoted to the see of Canterbury. The most remarkable event which occurred during his administration
was, his undertaking to execute the bull promulgated by
the pope Urban the Fifth, “for the correction of the
abuse of the privilege of pluralities. 77 Archbishop Langham was indefatigable in his inquiry through his diocese;
and the result of it was,
” the reformation of a great many
ecclesiastics who held an enormous number of livings, some
of them twenty or thirty, with the cure of souls."
e have now to record one action of his which, as Anthony Wood says, it is impossible to defend. This was the removal of the celebrated John Wickliff from his situation
His conduct hitherto had been becoming his station, but we have now to record one action of his which, as Anthony Wood says, it is impossible to defend. This was the removal of the celebrated John Wickliff from his situation as head of a hall at Oxford, called Canterbury-hall, founded by his predecessor Simon Islip. Whether his holding tenets which might then be deemed heretical was the archbishop’s true reason for ejecting him, does not appear. That which he avowed was, that having a desire that the hall should be a college for the education of monks, he thought a secular priest (between whom and the monastic order it is well known a considerable jealousy subsisted) would be an improper person for their governor. But although this might have been the opinion of the prelate, it does not appear to have been that of the society; the fellows of which convened a meeting, in whichfthey drew up a spirited remonstrance against the tyranny of their superior. This was so ill receded by him, and their subsequent conduct considered as so contumacious, that he sequestered a large portion of their revenue. War was now declared on both sides. The society appealed to the pope, the archbishop sent an agent to Rome to answer for him; and he had interest enough to induce his holiness to confirm the decree by which Wickliff and some other refractory members of the fraternity were removed, and their places filled with those who were more steady adherents to nonachism, and consequently more devoted to the will of the archbishop.
cause he thought a man of his talents would be an ornament to the sacred college. The king, however, was not pleased with this promotion, probably because he had uot
In Sept. 1368, the pope promoted Langham to the dignity of cardinal, as it is said, without solicitation, and merely because he thought a man of his talents would be an ornament to the sacred college. The king, however, was not pleased with this promotion, probably because he had uot been consulted, and ordered the temporalities of the archbishopric to be seized, as if the see were vacant, which, on promotion to the dignity of cardinal, was a natural consequence, unless the party had conditioned to hold his preferments. Langham, as far as can be discovered, made no opposition to the king’s pleasure, but merely attended at court to ask leave to retire to Otford; which being granted, he reduced his establishment, repaired to his rural mansion, and continued for some months to live very privately.
is situation till, his affairs calling him to the papal court, he set out for Montafiacone, where he was honoured with the title of St. Sixtus, and a short time after
He remained in this situation till, his affairs calling him to the papal court, he set out for Montafiacone, where he was honoured with the title of St. Sixtus, and a short time after provided with ecclesiastical dignities in this kingdom, to the amount of more than 1000 pounds per annum, an immense sum in that age. They consisted of the deanery of Lincoln, the archdeaconry and treasurership of Wells, the archdeaconry of York, and the prebendary of Wistowe in that cathedral.
The death of pope Urban happened at a period, as it was thought, critical to the affairs of the cardinal, as well as
The death of pope Urban happened at a period, as it was thought, critical to the affairs of the cardinal, as well as to those of the two kingdoms of England and France, as he had just appointed him to mediate a peace between them. But Gregory the Eleventh, who succeeded Urban, as sensible of his merit as his predecessor, confirmed his appointment, and even enlarged his powers. This treaty Tailing, as nad been foreseen by the cardinal, he proceeded from Melun, the place where he had met cardinal de Beauvois, to England with the sense of the French court upon the negotiation. Although unsuccessful in this business, he had, whilst abroad, an opportunity of displaying his diplomatic talents, wnich had a more fortunate issue. Through his (oediation a peace was made betwixt the king and the earl of Flanders, who had been at variance upon the account of the earl’s breaking his engagement to marry his daughter to Edmund earl of Cambridge, and betrothing her to Philip, the brother of Charles the Fifth, king of France. In the beginning of 1372, cardinal Langham left England in order to return to the pope; and when he arrived at Avignon, he found that his conduct had, during the course of his mission, been misrepresented to the pope, but he so amply satisfied his holiness on that point, that, in the same year, he elevated him to the dignity of cardinal bishop of Praeneste. On the death of Wittelsey, who succeeded him as archbishop of Canterbury, the monks endeavoured to persuade the king to allow Langham to return; but the king was enraged at their insolence, and in this was seconded by the pope, who preferred employing the cardinal at Avignon, where the affairs of the holy see rendered his presence necessary. From this situation, however, Langham had a strong desire to remove, and visit his native country, where he had projected some architectural plans, and meant to devote a large sum of money to the rebuilding of the abbey at Westminster. With this view he procured some friends at court to solicit leave to return, and their applications were successful; but before he could know the issue, he died suddenly of a paralytic stroke, July 22, 1376. His body was, according to 'the direction of his will, first deposited in a new-built church of the Carthusians, near the place of his decease, where it remained for three years. It was then with great state and solemnity removed to Saint Benet’s chapel, in Westminster abbey, where his tomb with his effigy upon it, and the arms of England, the monastery of Saint Peter, and the sees of Canterbury and Ely, engraved in tablets around it, still remains.
The character of this prelate, as given by Flete, the historian of the abbey, is, “that he was a man of great capacity, very wise, and very eloquent:” a character
The character of this prelate, as given by Flete, the
historian of the abbey, is, “that he was a man of great capacity, very wise, and very eloquent:
” a character which,
even allowing for the prejudice of monachism toward so
eminent a benefactqr to the church, will not be disputed,
if we consider also that he filled some of the highest departments of the state, under a monarch who is, by all
historians, allowed to have been as eminent for his wisdom
and discernment as he was for his courage and military
glory.
, an English antiquary, and a native of London, was admitted of Trinity college, Cambridge, Oct. 23, 1649, where
, an English antiquary, and a
native of London, was admitted of Trinity college, Cambridge, Oct. 23, 1649, where he became scholar in 1652,
took the degree of B. A. in 1654, and that of M. A. in 1657.
He continued there probably till 1662, when he had a
licence from the bishop of Ely for officiating in Trinity
church in that city, and was elected fellow of Corpus
Chrjsti the year following. This occasioned him to proceed B. D. in 1664, when he was appointed one of the
university preachers; and continued his studies there until
his institution to the vicarage of Layston cum Capella de
Alsewych in Hertfordshire, Sept. 3, 1670, which vacated
his fellowship next year. He held this benefice to the
time of his death in 1681. He was the author of “E'tnchus Antiquitaturn Albionensium,
” Lond. Chronicon Regum Anglorum,
” Lond. Dan.
Langhornii Chronici Anglorum Continuatio, vel Pars Secunda, ab A. C. 800 ad 978.
”
, an English poet and miscellaneous writer, the son of h clergyman beneficed in Lincolnshire, was born at Kirkby Steven, in Westmoreland, in. the month of March
, an English poet and miscellaneous writer, the son of h clergyman beneficed in Lincolnshire, was born at Kirkby Steven, in Westmoreland, in. the month of March 1735, His father dying when he was only four years of age, the care of his education devolved on his mother, who initiated him in the first principles of knowledge with such tender anxiety as left a pleasing and indelible impression on his memory. He celebrated her virtues on her tomb, and more particularly by a beautiful monody inserted among his poems. When of sufficient age, he was placed at a school at Winton, and afterwards at Appleby, where he recommended himself to the good opinion of Mr. Yates, his master, not only by speedily dispatching the usual school tasks, but by performing voluntary exercises, which he submitted to his revisal. By this employment of his leisure hours, he probably excelled his companions, and we are told that at the age of thirteen he was able to read and construe the Greek Testament.
His next occupation was that of an assistant at the free school of Wakefield, then
His next occupation was that of an assistant at the free
school of Wakefield, then superintended by Mr. Clarke;
and while here he took deacon’s orders, and became, it is
said, “a popular preacher.
” In 1759, Mr. Clarke recommended him as preceptor to the sons of Robert Cracroft,
esq. of Hackthorn, near Lincoln. Mr. Cracrdft had nine
sons, and Mr. Langhorne must have been fully employed
in the family; yet he added to theirs the tuition of Mr.
Edmund Cartwright, a young gentleman of a poetical turn,
who afterwards published an elegy, entitled “Constantia,
”
on the death of his preceptor’s wife. During his residence
at Hackthorn, our author published a volume of his poems,
for the relief of a gentleman in distress; and in the same
year a poem, entitled “The Death of Adonis,
” from the
Greek of Bion. Public opinion gave him no encouragement to reprint this last, but he derived from it the advantage of being noticed as a critic of considerable acumen in
Greek poetry.
, one of that gentleman’s daughters. He had given her some instructions in the Italian language, and was often delighted by her skill in music, for which he had a very
While employed on the education of the sons of Mr.
Cracroft, he became enamoured of the amiable disposition
and personal charms of Miss Anne Cracroft, one of that
gentleman’s daughters. He had given her some instructions in the Italian language, and was often delighted by
her skill in music, for which he had a very correct ear. A
mutual attachment was the consequence of these many opportunities and coincidences in polite accomplishments,
which Mr. Langhorne was eager to terminate in marriage.
But the lady, who knew that a match so disproportioned
as to fortune would be opposed by her family, gave him
a denial, as firm and as gentle as her good sense and secret attachment would permit. For this, however, Mr.
Langhonie was not prepared, and immediately left his
situation, in hopes of recovering a more tranquil tone of
mind in distant scenes and different employment. In 1761
he officiated as curate to the rev. Abraham Blackburn of
:cnham, and obtained the friendship of the Gillmans, a
very amiable family in that place. While endeavouring
to forget his heart’s disappointment, he found some relief
in penning a “Hymn to Hope,
” which he published this
year in London, 4to; and in the course of the next, he
gave further vent to his thoughts in “The Visions of
Fancy, four Elegies,
” 4to “Letters on Religious Retirement,
” 8vo and “Solyman and Almena,
” a fiction in the
manner of the Eastern Tales, but not much to be praised
for invention. The “Letters
” are of a sentimental, melancholy cast, with a considerable mixture of lighter and
more entertaining matter. In the same year he published
“The Viceroy,
” a poem in honour of lord Halifax, then
lord lieutenant of Ireland. Here, as in the case of “Studley Park,
” our author appears to have expected to find a
patron, but lord Halifax did not condescend to notice
what, it must be confessed, flatters him with too much
artifice; and Langhorne, when he collected his poems,
retained only a favourite fragment of this unlucky piece,
omitting altogether the name of Halifax, or Viceroy. The
whole, however, is given in the last edition of the “English Poets,
” as originally written.
is next publication, about the same time, called “Effusions of Friendship and Fancy,” 2 vols. 12rno, was a work of considerable popularity. It is indeed a very pleasing
His “Letters on Religious Retirement
” were dedicated,
with rather more success, to bishop Warburton, who returned a complimentary letter, in which he encouraged our
author to make some attempt in the cause of religion.
This is supposed to have produced, in 1763, “The Letters
that passed between Theodosius and Constantia,
” a fiction
founded on a well-known story in the Spectator. The
style of these letters is in general elegant, but in some
parts too florid. The*“Letter on Prayer
” is very equivocal in its tendency. This year also gave birth to a poem,
meant to be philosophical, entitled “The Enlargement of
the Mind,
” part first, in which we find some noble sentiments expressed in glowing and elevated language. His
next publication, about the same time, called “Effusions
of Friendship and Fancy,
” 2 vols. 12rno, was a work of
considerable popularity. It is indeed a very pleasing miseellany of humour, fancy, and criticism, but the style is
often flippant and irregular, and made him be classed
among the imitators of Sterne, whom it was too much the
fashion at that time to read and to admire.
In 1764, having obtained the curacy and lectureship of St. John’s Clerkenwell, he was enabled to reside in London, where only literary talents meet
In 1764, having obtained the curacy and lectureship of
St. John’s Clerkenwell, he was enabled to reside in London, where only literary talents meet with ready encouragement, and where he was already ranked among the
elegant and pleasing poets of the day, and had given antipie proof of ease and versatility in the choice and management of his subjects. His first publication this year was a
continuation of “Theodosius ami Constantia,
” of much
the same character as the former work, but enlivened by
more variety. As he appears to have aspired to promotion
through the popularity of his talents in the pulpit, he novr
gave a specimen of what had pleased his congregation, in
two volumes of “Sermons.
” His biographer has taken
some pains to defend these against the censure of the late
Mr. Mainwaring of St. John’s, Cambridge, in his “Dissertation
” prefixed to his Sermons, (
properly prevails in the management of a Review, will not allow us to rectify it. That Mr. Langhorne was a writer in the MonthlyReview has been repeated from so many
About this time his son informs us that he engaged with Mr. Griffiths as a writer in the Monthly Review; and that this engagement, with scarcely any intermission, continued to his death. We suspect there is some mistake in this account, although the secresy which very properly prevails in the management of a Review, will not allow us to rectify it. That Mr. Langhorne was a writer in the MonthlyReview has been repeated from so many quarters, that there seems no reason to doubt it; but a dispute relating to a work hereafter mentioned, which took place between Mr. Langhorne and the editor of the Review, affords some ground to think that his connexion with it had ceased about 1769.
be pronounced on the articles which he wrotCj it is impossible to say whether this vein of ridicule was employed as the just chastisement of arrogance and immorality,
But whatever may be in this, his employment as a critic we are told, procured him many acquaintances among literary men, while the vein of ridicule which he indulged in treating several of the subjects that fell under his consideration, created him many enemies, who in their turn endeavoured to depreciate his performances. As no judgment can now be pronounced on the articles which he wrotCj it is impossible to say whether this vein of ridicule was employed as the just chastisement of arrogance and immorality, or substituted for fair and legitimate criticism. Illibefality has not often been imputed to the journal in which he wrote; and as to his enemies, we know of none more formidable than Churchill, Kelly, and Kenrick, two of whom were libellers by profession. Smollett, whose jealousy of the Monthly Review led him often to disgrace his talents by invidious attacks on the supposed writers belonging to it$ bestows almost uniform praise on Langhorne’s various works.
f these, not before published, is a dramatic poem, or tragedy, entitled '< The Fatal Prophecy." This was his only attempt in this species of poetry, and was universally
In 1765j his productions were, “The Second Epistle
on the Enlargement of the Mind;
” an edition of the poems
of the elegant and tender Collins, with a criticism and
some memoirs; and letters on that difficult subject, “The
Eloquence of the Pulpit.
” He had now occasion to exert
his own talents before a more enlightened auditory than
he had ever yet addressed, having been appointed by Dr.
Hurd (bishop of Worcester) to the office of assistant
preacher at LincolnVihn chapel. In the following year
we do not find that any thing original came from his pen,
He prepared for the press, however, an enlarged edition
of hia “Effusions of Friendship and Fancy,
” and a collection of his “Poems,
” in 2 vols. 12mo. The principal article of these, not before published, is a dramatic poem,
or tragedy, entitled '< The Fatal Prophecy." This was
his only attempt in this species of poetry, and was universally accounted unsuccessful. He had the good sense to
acquiesce in the decision, and neither attempted the drama
again, nor reprinted this specimen.
ncipal of the university of Edinburgh, requesting him to accept a diploma for the degree of D. D. He was farther consoled by the approbation of every wise and loyal
During Churchill’s career, our author endeavoured to
counteract the scurrility he had thrown out against Scotland in his “Prophecy of Famine,
” by an elegant poem
entitled “Genius and Valour.
” This provoked Churchill
to introduce his name once or twice with his usual epithets
of contempt, which Langhorne disregarded, and disregarded his own interest at the same time, by dedicating
this poem to lord Bute, a minister going out of place It
produced him, however, a very flattering letter, in 1766,
from Dr. Robertson, the celebrated historian, and principal of the university of Edinburgh, requesting him to
accept a diploma for the degree of D. D. He was farther
consoled by the approbation of every wise and loyal man,
who contemplated the miseries of disunion, and the glaring
absurdity of perpetuating national prejudices.
match, we are not told, but some fortune accompanied it, as the living of Blagdon, in Somersetshire, was purchased for him, and there he went immediately to reside.
In 1767, after a courtship of five years, Dr. Langhorne obtained the hand of Miss Cracroft, to whom he had ever been tenderly attached, and with whom he had kept up a correspondence* since his departure from Hackthorn. By what means her family were reconciled to the match, we are not told, but some fortune accompanied it, as the living of Blagdon, in Somersetshire, was purchased for him, and there he went immediately to reside. His happiness, however, with this lady, was of short duration, as she died in child-birth of a son, May 4, 1768. She was interred in the chancel of Blagdon-church, with the following lines on her monument, written by her husband:
ther, the Kev. William Langhorne, then officiated as minister, a man of a very amiable character. He was born in 1721, and presented by the archbishop of Canterbury
During Mrs. Langhorne’s life, he produced one poem
only, entitled “Precepts of Conjugal Happiness,
” addressed to Mrs. Nelthorpe, a sister of his wife. To this
lady he committed the care of his infant child, who lived
to acknowledge her friendship, and to discharge the duties of an affectionate son, by the late “Memoirs of his
Father,
” prefixed to an elegant edition of his poems. In
the “Precepts of Conjugal Happiness,
” there is more
good sense than poetry. It appears to have been a temporary effusion on which he bestowed no extraordinary
pains. Not long after Mrs. Langhorne’s death, our author
went to reside at Folkstone, in Kent, where his brother,
the Kev. William Langhorne, then officiated as minister, a
man of a very amiable character. He was born in 1721,
and presented by the archbishop of Canterbury to the rectory of Hakinge, with the perpetual curacy of Folkstone,
in 1754; and on this preferment he passed the remainder
of his life. He published “Job,
” a poem, and a poetical
Paraphrase on a part of Isaiah, neither of which raised
him to the fame of a poet, although they are not without
the merit of correctness and spirit. He died Feb. 17,
1772, and his brother wrote some elegant lines to his memory, which are inscribed on a tablet in the chancel of
Folkstone church. Between these brothers the closest affection subsisted; each was to the other “more the friend
than brother of his heart.
” During their residence together at Folkstone, they were employed in preparing a new
translation of Plutarch’s Lives; and our poet, who became
about this time intimate with Scott, the poet of Amwell
(who likewise had just lost a beloved wife from a similar cause) paid him a visit at Aniwell, where he wrote the monody inscribed to Mr. Scott.
ther, “Letters supposed to have passed between M. de St. Evremond and Waller” In this last, while he was allowed to have preserved their characters tolerably, he was
Amidst these engagements he found leisure to give to
the world two productions strongly marked by the peculiarities of his style and turn of thinking the one entitled
“Frederick and Pharamond, or, The Consolations of Human Life,
” 8vo the other, “Letters supposed to have
passed between M. de St. Evremond and Waller
” In
this last, while he was allowed to have preserved their characters tolerably, he was at the same time accused, by the
critic in the Monthly Review, of taking frequent opportunities to compliment himself on the merit of the letters he had
written for St. Evremond and Waller. This produced a
complaint from Langhorne, which was answered by the Reviewer, respectfully indeed, but not in the manner that might
have been expected from an associate. It is from this circumstance that we have been led to conjecture that his
connexion with the Review ceased when he left London in
consequence of his obtaining the living of Blagdon. “Frederick and Pharamond
” was begun with a view to alleviate the afflictions of a friend, and pursued perhaps to
alleviate his own. It attempts that by argument which is
rarely accomplished but by time.
r a few months at Potton, in Bedf. rdshire, where he wrote his “Origin of Ihe Veil,” which, however, was not published for some time after. In 1772, he paid a visit
Towards the latter end of the year 1771, Dr. Langhorne
went to reside for a few months at Potton, in Bedf. rdshire, where he wrote his “Origin of Ihe Veil,
” which,
however, was not published for some time after. In 1772,
he paid a visit to his native country, and married a second
wife, the daughter of Thomson, esq. a magistrate near
Brough, and soon after took her with him on a tour through
part of France and Flanders, the scenery of which afforded
new topics for his muse. Late in the Spring he returned
to Blagdon, where he was put into the commission of the
peace: and having considered the usual practice of the
duties of that office, he imparted his sentiments on the
subject in a species of didactic and satirical poem, entitled
“The Country Justice,
” in three parts, published in
ishop of Bath and Wells, presented him with a prebend in the cathedral of Wells. His last production was the tale of “Owen of Carron;” which, with some beauties, has
In 1776, he lost his second wife, who died, like the former, in child-bed, five years after her marriage, and left a
daughter, whom he consigned by his will to the protection
of his friend Mrs. Gillman. What impression this second
interruption to domestic happiness produced on his mind
we are not told. In this year, however, we find him again
employing the press on a translation of Milton’s “Italian
Sonnets,
” and on two occasional sermons. In Owen of Carron;
”
which, with some beauties, has less of his usual energy
and vigour; it is uncertain whether this was owing to the
nature of the poem, in which he conceived it necessary to
imitate the ballad simplicity, or to a languor of body and
mind. The death of the honourable Charles Yorke, from
whom he had great expectations, is said to have made a
lasting impression on him; but, as Mr. Yurke die-i in 1770,
this seems wholly improbable. His biographer passes over
his last clays without notice of his situation or enjoyments.
We are merely told that he died on April i, 1779, in the
forty -fifth year of his age.
are indebted for the principal part of this sketch. If we may judge from his writings, Dr. Langhorne was a man of an amiable disposition, a friend to religion and morals,
In 1804, his son published an edition of his poems, in two elegant volumes 12mo, with memoirs of fhe author, To these we are indebted for the principal part of this sketch. If we may judge from his writings, Dr. Langhorne was a man of an amiable disposition, a friend to religion and morals, and, though a wit, he never descends to grossness or indelicacy. His, memory has not been followed by any worse objection than that he was of a social turn, and during the latter part of his life more addicted to convivial indulgences than is consistent with health. This, however, is a serious objection, and not much lessened by the supposition that he was driven to this unhappy species of relief by having twice lost the chief source of domestic happiness. Ease, elegance, and tenderness, are the most striking features of his poetry: nor is he deficient in invention; an attentive perusal will discover many original sentiments, and spirited flights, which the critics of his day pointed out with high praise. He is very seldom a copyist; his style, as well as his sentiments, whatever their merit, are his own. His prose works are various enough to convince us that he was either a laborious writer, or possessed of great fertility of imagination; and the latter will probably be the safest conjecture. But, although a scholar of high attainments, he has rarely brought learning to his aid. His mind was stored with remarks on men and manners, which he expressed in various and desultory modes, so as to give an air of novelty to every thing he wrote. But we find nothing very profound. He appeared so frequently before the public as to secure a considerable degree of fame: what he announced was expected with eagerness, and what he published was read with pleasure; but as his abilities were confined to the lighter provinces of literature, there are few of his productions which will be honoured by permanent popularity.
, an eminent physician, was born at Loewenburg, in Silesia, in 14S5. After studying, with
, an eminent physician, was born at Loewenburg, in Silesia, in 14S5. After studying, with singular zeal, at Leipsic, Bologna, and Pisa, in the latter of which universities he was honoured with the degree of M. D. he began practice at Heidelberg, where he soon acquired the esteem of the public, and was nominated first physician to four successive electors palatine; one of whom, Frederic II., he accompanied in his travels through the greater part of Europe. He attained the age of eighty, notwithstanding his excessive use of cheese, which made a part of all his meals, asserting that physicians were mistaken in decrying it as indigestible. He died at Heidelberg in June 1565.
scellanea,” first published at Basle, in 1554, 4to, and reprinted with additional epistles. The work was full of the various learning of the times; and he in a great
The most esteemed of his works is entitled “Medicinalium Epistolarum Miscellanea,
” first published at Basle,
in De Syrmaismo et ratione purgandi per vomitum, ex
Egyptiorum invento et formula,
” De Scorbuto Epistolae duae,
” Consilia qu&dam et experimenta,
”
, a learned mathematician of the sixteenth century, was a native of Keiserberg in Upper Alsatia, and was professor of
, a learned mathematician of the
sixteenth century, was a native of Keiserberg in Upper
Alsatia, and was professor of Greek and mathematics at
Friburg about the year 1610. Two years after, he wrote
his “Elementale Mathematicum,
” which, according to
Vossius, was not printed until five years afterwards. It
was, in 1625, much improved and published by Isaac
Habrecht, a philosopher and physician. Langius’s previous works were, an edition of “Martial,
” Strasburgh,
Florilegium,
” in Polyanthea nova.
” This, which Bayle reckons
the third compilation of the kind, was printed at Geneva,
in 1600, and often since. Langius also published an edition of “Juvenal and Persius,
” at Friburgh, in Tyrocinium Graecarum Literarum,
” in Adagia, sive Sententise proverbiales.
”
We have no account of his personal history, unless that,
after living many years in the Protestant communion, he
became a Roman Catholic; but when he died is not specified.
is zeal for the restoration of polite literature. He went through his first studies at Deventer, and was afterwards sent into Italy, where, under the greatest masters
, a gentleman of Westphalia, and
provost of the cathedral church of Minister towards the end
of the fifteenth century, distinguished himself by his learning, and by his zeal for the restoration of polite literature.
He went through his first studies at Deventer, and was
afterwards sent into Italy, where, under the greatest masters in literature, Laurence Valla, Mapheus Vegius, Francis Philelphus, and Theodore Gaza, he acquired an elegant
Latin style both in verse and prose. His fellow-travellers
in this journey were Maurice count of Spiegelberg and
Rodolph Agricola, who, on their return to Germany, were
the first to introduce proper methods of classical teaching,
and to restore the purity of the Latin language. Langius
being sent to the court of Rome by the bishop and chapter of Munster, under pope Sixtus IV. acquitted himself
with great credit, and came back with letters from this
pope and from Lorenzo de Medici, which gave him so
much consequence in the eyes of his countrymen, that he
was enabled more successfully to banish from the schools
the ignorance which prevailed there. He was obliged,
however, to struggle some years with those who objected
that the introduction of a new method of teaching was
dangerous; but at length he overcame those prejudices,
and persuaded his bishop to found a school at Munster,
the direction of which was committed to learned men, to
whom he pointed out the method they were to follow, and
the books they were to explain, ann gave them the use of
his fine library. This school being thus established a little
before the end of the fifteenth century, became very
flourishing, and served as a nursery of literature to all
Germany till the Revolutions which were occasioned at
Munster by the anabaptists in the year 1554. Langius died
in 1519, at the age of fourscore. He published some poems
at Munster, 1486, 4to, by which, says Bayle, it appears
that there were Latin poets of some reputation in Germany
before Conrad Celtes. Rodolph Agricola dedicated his Latin
translation of Plato’s “Axiochus
” to Langius.
om Langtoft in Yorkshire, flourished in the thirteenth, and beginning of the fourteenth century, and was a canon regular of the order of St. Austin at Bridiington in
, an English chronicler, so called from Langtoft in Yorkshire, flourished in the thirteenth, and beginning of the fourteenth century, and was a canon regular of the order of St. Austin at Bridiington in Yorkshire. He translated out of the Latin into French verse, Bosenham or Boscam’s Life of Thomas a Becket, and compiled likewise in French verse, a Chronicle of England, copies of which are in several libraries. He begun his chronicle as early as the old fable of the Trojans, and brings it down to the end of the reign of Edward I. He is supposed to have died about the beginning of Edward II. or soon after. Robert de Brunne, as we have already mentioned in his article (see Brunne), gave an English metrical version of Langtoft, which was edited by Hearne in 1725, 2 vols. 8vo.
, archbishop of Canterbury in the thirteenth century, a native of England, was educated at the university of Paris, where he afterwards taught
, archbishop of Canterbury in
the thirteenth century, a native of England, was educated
at the university of Paris, where he afterwards taught divinity, and explained the Scriptures with much reputation.
His character stood so high, that he was chosen chancellor
of that university, canon of Paris, and dean of Rheims.
He was afterwards sent for to Rome by pope Innocent III.
and created a cardinal. In 1207, the monks of Canterbury having, upon a vacancy taking place in that see,
made a double return, both parties appealed to the pope,
and sent agents to Rome to support their respective claims.
His holiness not only determined against both the contending candidates, but ordered the monks, of Canterbury, then,
at Rome, immediately to proceed to the election of an
archbishop, and, at the same time, commanded them to
choose cardinal Stephen Langton. After various excuses,
which the plenitude of papal power answered, by absolving
these conscientious monks from all sorts of promises, oaths,
&c. and by threatening them with the highest penalties of
the church, they complied; and Langton was consecrated
by the pope at Viterbo. As soon as the news arrived in
England, king John was incensed in the highest degree
both against the pope and monks of Canterbury, which
last experienced the effects of his indignation. He sent
two officers with a company of armed men to Canterbury,
took possession of the monastery, banished the monks out
of the kingdom, and seized all their property. He wrote
a spirited letter to the pope, in which he accused him of
injustice and presumption, in raising a stranger to the
highest dignity in his kingdom, without his knowledge.
He reproached the pope and court of Rome with ingratitude, in not remembering that they derived more riches
from England than from all the kingdoms on this side the
Alps. He assured him, that he was determined to sacrifice his life in defence of the rights of his crown; and that
if his holiness did not immediately repair the injury he had
done him, he would break off all communication with
Rome. The pope, whom such a letter must have irritated
in the highest degree, returned for answer, that if the
king persisted in this dispute, he would plunge himself
into inextricable difficulties, and would at length be crushed by him, before whom every knee must bow, &c. All
this may be deemed insolent and haughty, but it was not
foolish. The pope knew the posture of king John’s affairs
at home he knew that he had lost the affections of his
subjects by his imprudence his only miscalculation was
respecting the spirit of the people for when, which he
did immediately, he laid the kingdom of England under
an interdict, and two years after excommunicated the king,
he was enraged to find that the great barons and their
followers adhered with so much steadiness to their sovereign,
that, while he lay under the sentence of excommunication,
he executed the only two successful expeditions of his
reign, the one into Wales, and the other into Ireland a
proof that if he had continued to act with firmness, and
had secured the affections of his subjects by a mild administration, he might have triumphed over all the arts of
Rome. Such, however, was not the policy of John; and
in the end, he submitted to the most disgraceful terms. In
1213, cardinal Langton arrived in England, and took possession of the see; and though he owed all his advancement to the pope, yet the moment he became an English
baron, he was inspired with a zealous attachment to the
liberties and independence of his country. In the very
year in which he came over, he and six other bishops
joined the party of the barons, who associated to resist the
tyranny of the king; and at length they were successful in
procuring the g eat charter. Langton was equally zealous in opposing the claims of the papal agents, particularly of the pope’s legate, who assumed the right of regulating all ecclesiastical affairs in the most arbitrary manner.
In the grand contest which took place between king John
and the barons about the charter, the archbishop’s patriotic conduct gave such offence to the pope, that, in 1215,
he laid him under a sentence of suspension, and reversed
the election of his brother Simon Langton, who had been
chosen archbishop of York. Yet in the following year we
find Langton assisting at a general council held at Rome;
and during his absence from England at this time, king
John died. In 1222, he held a synod at Oxford, in which
a remarkable canon was made, prohibiting clergymen from
keeping concubines publicly in their houses, or from going
to them in other places so openly as to occasion scandal.
In the following year, he, at the head of the principal nobility, demanded an audience of king Henry III. and demanded of him a confirmation of the charter of their JiberTheir determined manner convinced the king that
their demand was not to be refused, and he instantly gave
s lor the assembling of parliament. The archbishop
shewed, in several instances, that he was friendly to the
legal prerogatives of the crown; and by a firm conduct, in
a case of great difficulty, he prevented the calamity of a
civil war. He died in 1228, leaving behind him many
works, which prove that he was deserving the character of
being a learned and polite author. He wrote “Commentaries
” upon the greatest part of the books of the Old and
New Testament. He was deeply skilled in Aristotelian
dialectics, and the application of them to the doctrines of
Scripture. The first division of the books of the Bible into
chapters is ascribed to this prelate. The history of the
translation of the body of Thomas a Becket was printed at
the end of that archbishop’s letters, at Brussels, 1682; and
there are various Mss. of his in our public libraries. His
letter to king John, with the king’s answer, may be seen,
in d'Achery’s Spicilegium.
ught forward in a quick succession, and in a manner as interesting as the subject. But as the author was provided with all the facts, and had nothing left to his care
M. la Rue, in his “Dissertation on the Lives and Works
of several Anglo-Norman poets of the Thirteenth Century,
”
has placed our metropolitan at the top of his list; and has
taken the first proof of his poetical talents from the stanza
of a song, introduced in one of his sermons, written upon
the holy virgin. In the same ms. which contains this sermon, are two other pieces attributed to the cardinal. The
first is a theological drama, in which Truth, Justice, Mercy,
and Peace, debate among themselves, what ought to be
the fate of Adam after his fall. The second is a Canticle
on the “Passion of Jesus Christ,
” in
, a native of France, and minister of state to Augustus elector of Saxony, was born at Viteaux in 1518; and, having passed through his studies
, a native of France, and minister of state to Augustus elector of Saxony, was born at Viteaux in 1518; and, having passed through his studies at home, went to Italy in 1547, to complete his knowledge in the civil law, of which he commenced doctor at Padua. Thence going to Bologna, he met with one of Melancthon’s works, which raised in him a desire to be acquainted with that eminent reformer; accordingly he made a tour into Germany, on purpose to visit him at Wittenberg in Saxony, where he arrived in 1549, and shortly after embraced the protestant religion. From this time there commenced a strict friendship between him and Melancthon, so that they became inseparable companions; and Melancthon, finding Languet well acquainted with the political interest of princes, and with the history of illustrious men, was wonderfully delighted with his conversation, and his extensive fund of information, in all which he was not only minutely correct as to facts, but intelligent and judicious in his remarks and conjectures.
Orange, into Italy; and at his return passed through Paris, to visit the celebrated Turnebus; but it was a great deduction from the pleasure of this interview, that
This connexion with Melancthon did not, however, extinguish the inclination which Languet had to travel. In 1551, he took up a resolution to visit some part of Europe every year, for which he set apart the autumn season, returning to pass the winter at Wittenberg. In the course of these travels, he made the tour of Rome in 1555, and that of Livonia and Laponia in 1558. During this last tour, he became known to Gustavus king of Sweden, who conceived a great affection for him, and engaged him to go into France, in order to bring him thence some of the best scholars and artists: for which purpose his majesty gave him a letter of credit, dated Sept. 1, 1557. Two years after, Languet attended Adolphus count of Nassau and prince of Orange, into Italy; and at his return passed through Paris, to visit the celebrated Turnebus; but it was a great deduction from the pleasure of this interview, that he heard at this time of the death of his friend Melancthon.
that of France the same year, after which he sent him as his deputy to the diet of the empire, which was called by the emperor Maximilian in 1568, at Augsburg. Thence
In 1565, Augustus elector of Saxony invited him to his court, and appointed him envoy to that of France the same year, after which he sent him as his deputy to the diet of the empire, which was called by the emperor Maximilian in 1568, at Augsburg. Thence the same master dispatched him to Heidelberg, to negotiate some business with the elector palatine; and from Heidelberg he went to Cologne, where he acquired the esteem and confidence of Charlotte de Bourbon, princess of Orange. The elector of Saxony sent him also to the diet of Spires; and in 1570 to Stetin, in quality of plenipotentiary, for mediating a peace between the Swedes and the Muscovites, who had chosen this elector for their mediator. This prince the same year sent Languet a second time into France, to Charles IX. and the queen-mother Catharine of Medicis, in the execution of which commission he made a remarkably bold speech to the French monarch, in the name of the protestant princes in Germany. He was at Paris upon the memorable bloody feast of St. Bartholomew, in 1572, when he saved the life of Andrew Wechelius, the famous printer, in whose house he lodged; and he was also very instrumental in procuring the escape of Philip de Mornay count de Plessis; but, trusting too much to the respect due to his character of envoy, was obliged for his own safety to the good offices of John de Morvillier, who had been keeper of the seals. Upon his recal from Paris, he received orders to go to Vienna, where he was in 1574; and in 1575 he was appointed one the principal arbitrators for determining of the disputes, which had lasted for thirty years, between the houses of Longueville and Baden, concerning the succession of Rothelin.
oversy which arose in Saxony between the Lutherans and Zuinglians, respecting the eucharist, Languet was suspected to favour the latter, and in consequence was obliged
At length, in the controversy which arose in Saxony between the Lutherans and Zuinglians, respecting the eucharist, Languet was suspected to favour the latter, and in consequence was obliged to beg leave of the elector, being then one of his chief ministers, to retire; which was granted, with a liberty to go where he pleased. He chose Prague for the place of his residence, where he was in 1577; and in, this situation applied himself to John Casimir, count Palatine, and attended him to Ghent, in Flanders, the inhabitants of which city had chosen the count for their governor. On his quitting the government, Languet accepted an invitation from William prince of Orange, and remained with him until the bad state of his health obliged him to go in 1579 to the wells of Baden; and there he became acquainted with Thuanus, who was much struck with his conversation, probity, and judgment, not only in the sciences, but in public affairs. Thuanus tells us that Languet was so well acquainted with the affairs of Germany, that he could instruct the Germans themselves in the affairs of their own country. After Thuanus had left that place, they appear to have corresponded, and Thuanus speaks of some memoirs then in his possession, which Languet sent to him, containing an account of the present state of Germany, of the right of the diets, of the number of the circles, andi-of the order or rank of the different councils of that country.
d her brother Louis, duke of Montpensier; which he effected. He died at Antwerp, Sept. 20, 1581, and was interred with great funeral solemnity, the prince of Orange
Languet returned to Antwerp in 1580; and in 1581 the
prince of Orange sent him to France to negociate a reconciliation between Charlotte of Bourbon, his consort, and
her brother Louis, duke of Montpensier; which he effected. He died at Antwerp, Sept. 20, 1581, and was
interred with great funeral solemnity, the prince of Orange
going at the head of the train. During his illness he was
visited by madam Du Plessis, who, though sick herself,
attended him to his last moment. His dying words were,
that “the only thing which grieved him was, that he had
not been able to see mons. Du Plessis again before he
died, to whom he would have left his very heart, had it
been in his power: that he had wished to live to see the
world reformed; but, since it became daily worse, he had no
longer any business in it: that the princes of these times were
strange men: that virtue had much to suffer, and little to
get: that he pitied mons. Du Plessis very much, to whose
share a great part of the misfortunes of the time would fall,
and who would see many unhappy days; but that he must
take courage, for God would assist him. For the rest, he
begged one thing of him in his last farewell, namely, that
he would mention something of their friendship in the first
book he should publish.
” This request was performed by
Du Plessis, soon after, in a short preface to his treatise
“Of the Truth of the Christian religion;
” where he makes
the following eloge of this friend in a few comprehensive
words: “Is fuit qualis multi videri volunt: is vixit qualiter
optimi raori cupiunt.
”
” 1579, 12mo. This bears the name of Stephanus Junius Brutus, and the place Edinburgh, but the place was Basil, and it never was doubted that Languet was the author
Of this eminent statesman we have some works not
wholly unknown in this country. The first mentioned is a
history in Latin of the siege of Gotha, which Schardius
has inserted in his History of Germany during the reign of
Ferdinand I. but without mentioning Languet’s name. 2.
“Epistolae ad principem suum Auguscum Saxonise dueem,
”
Halle, Epistolu; Political et historical ad Philippum Sydnaeum,
” 12mo. Of this collection of letters to
our sir Philip Sydney, the late lord Hailes published a correct
edition in 1775, 8vo. They are 91 in number, dated from
1573 to 1580, and are remarkable for purity of language
and excellence of sentiment. 4. “Kpistolae ad Joachim
Camerarium, &c.
” and other learned men, 12mo. Carpzovius published a new edition of these at Leipsic, with
additions. 5. “Hist, descriptio snscejHflR a Caesarea majestate executionU Augusto Saxoniae-iduce contra S. Romani imperil rebelles,
” &0. 1568, 4to. 6. “Vindiciae contra
Tyrannos, sive de principis in populum, populique in principem legitima potestate,
”
the Sorboime, the celebrated vicar of St. Sulpice, atParis, and a man of extraordinary benevolence, was born at Dijon, June C, 1675. His father was Denis Languet,
, great grand nephew of the preceding, doctor of the Sorboime, the celebrated vicar of St. Sulpice, atParis, and a man of extraordinary benevolence, was born at Dijon, June C, 1675. His father was Denis Languet, procurator-general of that city. After having made some progress in his studies at Dijon, he continued them at Paris, and resided in the seminary of St. Sulpice. He was received in the Sorbonne, Dec. 31, 1698, and took his degree with applause. He was ordained priest at Vienne, in Dauphiny; after which he returned to Paris, and took the degree of doctor Jan. 15, 1703. He attached himself from that time to the community of St. Sulpice; and la Chetardie, who was vicar there, chose him for his curate. Languet continued in that office near ten years, and sold his patrimony to relieve the poor. During this period, St. Valier, bishop of Quebec, being prisoner in England, requested of the king, that Languet might be his assistant in North America. Languet was about to accept of the place, prompted to it by his zeal for the conversion of infidels; but his patrons and friends advised him to decline the voyage, as his constitution was by no means strong. He succeeded la Chetardie, as vicar of St. Sulpice, in June 1714.
s life, to make the church one of the finest in the kingdom, both for architecture and ornaments. It was consecrated in 1745, with so much splendour, that Frederic II.
His parish-church being out of repair, and scarce fit to hold 1200 or 1500 persons out of a parish which contained 125,000 inhabitants, he conceived a design to build a church in some degree proportionable to them; and undertook this great work without any greater fund to begin with than the sum of one hundred crowns, which had been, left him for this design by a pious and benevolent lad' T He laid out this money in stones, which he caused to be carried through all the streets, to shew his design to the public. He soon obtained considerable donations from all parts; and the duke of Orleans, regent of the kingdom, granted him a lottery. That prince likewise laid the first stone of the porch in 1718; and Languet spared neither labour nor expence during his life, to make the church one of the finest in the kingdom, both for architecture and ornaments. It was consecrated in 1745, with so much splendour, that Frederic II. of Prussia wrote the vicar a congratulatory letter, in which he not only praises the building, but even the piety of the founder, a quality which Frederic knew how to notice when it served to point a compliment.
e means they became good housewives, and able to relieve their poor relations in the country; and it was also part of the duty to succour by a thousand little kind offices,
Another work, which does no less honour to Languet, is the house de l'enfans Jésus. The nature of this establishment, as originally constituted, will best evince his piety and talents. It consisted of two parts; the first composed of thirty-five poor ladies, descended from families illustrious from 1535 to the present time; the second, of more than four hundred poor women and children of town and country. Those young ladies whose ancestors had been in the king’s service, were preferred to all others, and an education given them suited to the dignity of their birth. They were employed, by turns, in inspecting the bake-house, the poultry-yard, the dairies, the laundries, the gardens, the laboratory, the linen- warehouses, the spinning-rooms, and other places belonging to the house. By these means they became good housewives, and able to relieve their poor relations in the country; and it was also part of the duty to succour by a thousand little kind offices, the poor women and girls who worked there, and to acquire those habits of condescension and benevolence which are of great service to society.
classes. In each room were two ladies of the society of St. Thomas, of Ville N‘euve, q which Languet was superior-general. These ladies were placed there to oversee
Languet used besides to grant great sums of money to
such ladies as were examples of ceconomy, virtue, and
piety, in those religious houses which he superintended.
The poor women and children who formed the second part,
were provided with food every day, and work at the spinning-wheel. They made a great quantity of linen and
cotton. Different rooms were assigned to them, and they
were arranged under different classes. In each room were
two ladies of the society of St. Thomas, of Ville N‘euve,
q which Languet was superior-general. These ladies
were placed there to oversee the work, and to give such
instructions as they thought proper. The women and the
girls who found employment in this house, had in a former
period of their lives been licentious and dissolute, but
were generally reformed by the example of virtue before
their eyes, and by the salutary advice given to them, and
had the amount of their work paid them in money when
they left the house. By these means they became industrious and exemplary, and were restored to the community.
There were in the house de retifans Jesus, in 1741, more
than 14-00 women, and girls of this sort; and the vicar of
St. Sulpice employed all the means in his power to make
their situation agreeable. Although the ’land to the house
measured only 17 arpens (about 100 perches square, each perch 18 feet), it had a large dairy, which gave milk to
2000 children belonging to the parish, a menagery, poultry
of all sorts, a bake-house, spinning-rooms, a very neat
and well cultivated garden, and a magnificent laboratory,
where all sorts of medicines were made. The order and
ceconomy observed in this house in the education, instruction, and employment of so many people, were so admirable, and gave so great an idea of the vicar of St. Sulpice, that cardinal Fleury proposed to make him superintenilant- general of all the hospitals in the kingdom but
Langut-t used to answer him with a smile, “I have always
said, ui) lord, that it was the bounty of your highness led
me to the hospital.
” The expence of this establishment
was immense. He spent his revenue on it; an inheritance
which came to him by the death of the baron of Montigni,
his brother, and the estate of the abbe de Barnay, granted
him by the king.
Languet was not less to be esteemed for his beneficence and his zeal in
Languet was not less to be esteemed for his beneficence and his zeal in aiding the poor of every sort. Never man took more pains than he did in procuring donations and legacies, which he distributed with admirable prudence and discretion. He inquired with care if the legacies which were left him were to the disadvantage of the poor relations of the testator; if he found that to be the case, he restored to them not only the legacy, but gave them, when wanting, a large sum of his own. Madame de Camois, as illustrious for the benevolence of her disposition as for her rank in life, having left him by her last will a legacy of more than 600,000 livres, he only took 30,000 livres for the poor, and returned the remaining sum to her relations. It is said from good authority, that he disbursed near a million of livres in charities every year. He always chose noble families reduced to poverty, before all others; and there were some families of distinction in his parish, to each of whom he distributed 30,000 livres per annum. Always willing to serve mankind, he gave liberally, and often before any application was made to him. When there was a general dearth in 1725, he sold, in order to relieve the poor, his household goods, his pictures, and some scarce and curious pieces of furniture, which he had procured with difficulty. From that time he had only three pieces of plate, no tapestry, and but a mean serge bed, which madam e de Camois had lent him, having before sold all the presents she had made him at different periods. His charity was not confined to his own parish. At the time that the plague raged at Marseilles, he sent large sums into Provence to assist the distressed. He interested himself with great zeal in the promotion of arts and commerce, and in whatever concerned the glory of the nation. In times of public calamity, as conflagrations, &c. his prudence and assiduity have been much admired. He understood well the different dispositions of men. He knew how to employ every one according to his talent or capacity. In the most intricate and perplexed affairs he decided with a sagacity and judgment that surprized every one. Languet refused the bishopric of Couserans anid that of Poictiers, and aeveral others which were offered him by Louis Xtv. and Louis XV. under the ministry of the duke of Orleans and cardinal Fleury. He resigned hia vicarage to Mons. l'Abbé du Lau, in 1748, but continued to preach every Sunday, according to his custom, in his own parish church; and continued also to support the house de rev fans Jesus till his death, which happened Oct. 11, 1750, in his seventy-fifth year,- at the abbey de Bernay, to which place he went to make some charitable establishments. His piety and continued application to works of beneficence did not hinder him from being lively and chearful; and he delighted his friends by the agreeable repartees and sensible remarks he made in conversation.
, brother of the preceding, a doctor of the Sorbonne, and bishop of Soisson, to which see he was promoted in 1715, and afterwards archbishop of>>ens, was distinguished
, brother of the preceding,
a doctor of the Sorbonne, and bishop of Soisson, to which
see he was promoted in 1715, and afterwards archbishop
of>>ens, was distinguished for his polemical writings, and
published numerous pieces in defence of the bull Unigenitus, in which he was much assisted by M. Tournely,
professor at the Sorbonne; and this celebrated doctor
dying 1729, the appellants then said that Pere de Tournemine directed his pen. M. Languet was appointed
archbishop of Sens, 1731. He was very zealous against
the miracles attributed by the appellants to M. Paris,
and against the famous convulsions. He died May 3,
1753, at Sens, in the midst of his curates, whom he then
kept in retirement. M. Languet was a member of the
French academy, superior of the royal society of Navarre,
and counsellor of state. His works are, three “Advertisements
” to the appellants; several “Pastoral Letters,
Instructions, Mandates, Letters,
” to different persons, and
other writings in favour of the bull Unigenitus, and against
the Anti-Constitutionarians, the miracles ascribed to M.
Paris, and the convulsions, which were impostures then
obtruded on the credulity of the French, but which he
proved to have neither certainty nor evidence. All the
above have been translated into Latin, and printed at Sens,
1753, 2 vols. fol.; but this edition of M. Lang.uet’s “Polemical Works,
” was suppressed by a decree of council.
He published also a translation of the Psalms, 12mo; a
refutation of Dom. Claudius de Vert’s treatise “On the
Church Ceremonies,
” 12mo. Several books of devotion;
and “The Life of Mary Alacoque,
” which made much
noise, and is by no means worthy of this celebrated archbishop, on account of its romantic and fabulous style, the
inaccurate expressions, indecencies, dangerous principles,
and scandalous maxims which it contains. Languet is esteemed by the catholics as among the divines who wrote
best against the Anti-constitutionarians, and is only chargeable with not having always distinguished between dogmas
and opinions, and with not unfrequently advancing as articles of faith, sentiments which are opposed by orthodox
and very learned divines.
, an artist of various talents in the seventeenth century, was born in Italy, and appears to have come over to England in the
, an artist of various talents in
the seventeenth century, was born in Italy, and appears
to have come over to England in the time of James I. He
had a great share in the purchases of pictures made for
the royal collection. He drew for Charles I. a picture of
Mary, Christ, and Joseph; his own portrait done by himself with a pallet and pencils in his hand, and musical
notes on a scrip of paper, is in the music-school at Oxford.
He also employed himself in etching, but his fame was
most considerable as a musician. It is mentioned in the
folio edition of Ben Jonson’s works, printed 1640, that in
1617, his whole masque, which was performed at the
house of lord Hay, for the entertainment of the French
ambassador, was set to music after the Italian manner,
stilo recitativo, by Nic. Laniere, who was not only ordered
to set the music, but to paint the scenes. This short
piece being wholly in rhyme, though without variation in
the measure, to distinguish airs from recitation, as it was
all in musical declamation, may be safely pronounced the
first attempt at an opera in the Italian manner, after the
invention of recitative. In the same year, the masque
called “The Vision of Delight,
” was presented at court
during Christmas by the same author; and in it, says Dr.
Burney, we have all the characteristics of a genuine opera,
or musical drama of modern times complete: splendid
scenes and machinery; poetry; musical recitation; air;
chorus; and dancing. Though the music of this masque
is not to be found, yet of Laniere’s “Musica narrativa
”
we have several examples, printed by Playford in the collections of the time; particularly the “Ayres and Dialogues,
” Musical
Companion,
” which appeared in Hero and Leander
” was much celebrated during these
times, and the recitative regarded as a model of true Italian
musical declamation. Laniere died at the age of seventyeight, and was buried in St. Martin’s in the Fields, Nov.
4, 1646.
, an historical painter, was a native of Vercelli) a pupil of Gaudenzio Ferrari, and imitated
, an historical painter, was a native of Vercelli) a pupil of Gaudenzio Ferrari, and imitated the style of that master in his first works to a degree of illusion. As he advanced in practice he cast a bolder eye on nature, and by equal vigour of conception and execution, proved to the first artists of Milan, that, like Ferrari, he was born for grand subjects such is that of S. Catarina, near S. Celso the face and attitude of the heroine anticipate the graces of Guido the colour of the whole approaches the tones of Titian, the glory of the angels rivals Gaudenzio; a less neglected style of drapery would have left little to wish for. Among his copious works at Milan, and in its districts, the dome of Novara claims distinguished notice. There he painted those Sybils, and that semblance of an Eternal Father, so much admired by Lomazzo; and near them certain subjects from the life of Mary, which even now, in a ruined state of colour, enchant by spirit and evidence of design. His versatile talent indulged sometimes in imitations of Lionardo da Vinci; and at the Basilica of St. Ambrogio, the figure of Christ between two Angels, in form, expression, and effect, fully proves with what felicity he penetrated the principles of that genius.
, a mathematician, was born in Zealand, in 1561, and was a preacher at Antwerp, in
, a mathematician, was born in
Zealand, in 1561, and was a preacher at Antwerp, in
1586, and afterwards for several years; Vossius mentions
that he was minister at Goese in Zealand, twenty-nine
years; and being then discharged of his functions, on account of his old age, he retired to Middleburgh, where
he died in 1632. His works were principally the following:
1. “Six Books of sacred Chronology,
” printed in Essays on the Restitution of Astronomy,
” printed at
Middleburgh, Four Books of Geometrical
Triangles,
” printed in Of Measuring the
Heavens,
” in three books, in the same year. 5. “An
Account of the diurnal and annual Motion of the Earth
and of the true Situation of the visible celestial Bodies.
”
In this work he declares himself openly for Copernicus’s
System, and even pretends to improve it. He composed
this work in Dutch, and it was translated into Latin by
M-minus Hortensius, and printed at Middleburgh, 1630.
Fromond, a doctor of Louvain, wrote an answer to it, and
endeavoured to prove the earth stood still; and his son
published an answer not only to Fromond, but to Morin,
regius professor at Paris, and to Peter Bartholinus, which
is entitled “A Defence of the Account,
” &c. This occasioned a controversy, but of no long duration.
, an able Italian antiquary, was born June 13, 1732, at Monte-del-Ceirao, near Macerata, and
, an able Italian antiquary, was born
June 13, 1732, at Monte-del-Ceirao, near Macerata, and
was educated in the schools of the Jesuits, where he was
distinguished for the rapid progress he made in theology,
philosophy, rhetoric, and poetry. After being admitted
into the order of the Jesuits, he taught rhetoric in various
academies in Italy with great success. When the order of
the Jesuits was suppressed, he was appointed sub-director
of the gallery of Florence, by Peter Leopold, grand duke
of Tuscany; and that noble collection was considerably
improved and enriched by his care. His first work was a
“Guide
” to this gallery, which he printed in Essay on
the Tuscan Language,
” 3 vols. 8vo, which gave him a reputation over all Europe, and was followed by his elaborate “History of Painting m Italy,
” the best edition of
which is that printed at Bassano, in 1809, 6 vols. 8vo.
His next publication, much admired by foreign antiquaries,
was his “Dissertations on the Vases commonly called
Etruscan.
” In Hesiod,
”
4to, of which a very high character has been given. He
died March 31, 1810, at Florence, a period so recent as
to prevent our discovering any more particular memoirs of
him than the above.
, a physician, was born at Ferrara, October 26th, 1663, and after a careful education
, a physician, was born at Ferrara, October 26th, 1663, and after a careful education under the bestmasters, distinguished himself particularly in the schools of philosophy and of medicine, and graduated in both these sciences in 1683. In the following year he was appointed ordinary professor, and displayed talents which did honour to the university of Ferrara, during the long period in which he filled that office. He died in February, 1730.
lustrious personages. His attachment to study increased with his years; and every moment in which he was not employed in the duties of his profession, was devoted to
Lanzoni acquired a high reputation by the success of
his practice, and obtained the confidence and esteem of
many illustrious personages. His attachment to study increased with his years; and every moment in which he was
not employed in the duties of his profession, was devoted
to literature, philosophy, or antiquarian research. His
character as a physician and philosopher, indeed, ranked
so high, that if any question upon these subjects was agitated in Italy, the decision was commonly referred to him.
He was distinguished likewise by his genius in Latin and
Italian poetry; and he was the restorer and secretary of
the academy of Ferrara, and a member of many of the
learned societies of his time. He left a considerable
number of works, a collection of which was printed at
Lausanne, in 1738, in 3 vols. 4to, with an account of
his life, under the title of “Josephi Lanzoni, Philosophise et Medicinae Doctoris, in Patria Universitate Lectoris primarii, &c. Opera omnia Medico-physica et PhU
lologica.
”
, an eminent French scholar and translator, was born at Dijon, Oct. 12, 1726, of ancestors who were mostly lawyers,
, an eminent French scholar and translator, was born at Dijon, Oct. 12, 1726, of ancestors who were mostly lawyers, connected with some of the first names in the parliament of Burgundy, and related to the family of Bossuet. His father was a counsellor in the office of finance, who- died while his son was an infant, leaving him to the care of his mother. It was her intention to bring him up with a view to the magistracy, but young Larcher was too much enamoured of polite literature to accede to this plan. Having therefore finished his studies among the Jesuits at Pont-a-Mousson, he went to Paris and entered himself of the college of Laon, where he knew he should be at liberty to pursue his own method of study. He was then about eighteen years of age. His mother allowed him only 500 livres a year, yet with that scanty allowance he contrived to buy books, and when it was increased to 700, he fancied himself independent. He gave an early proof of his love and care for valuable books, when at the royal college. While studying Greek under John Capperonnier, he became quite indignant at having every day placed in his hands, at the risk of spoiling it, a fine copy of Duker’s Thucydides, on large paper. He had, indeed, from his infancy, the genuine spirit of a collector^ which became an unconquerable passion in his more mature years. A few months before his death he refused to purchase the new editions of Photius and Zonaras, because he was too old, as he said, to make use of them, but at the same time he could not resist giving an enormous price for what seemed of less utility, the princeps editio of Pliny the naturalist. It is probable that during his first years at Paris, he had made a considerable collection of books, for, when at that time he intended, unknown to his family, to visit England for the purpose of forming an acquaintance with the literati there, and of learning English, to which he was remarkably partial, he sold his books to defray theexpence of his journey. In this elopement, for such it was, he was assisted by father Patouillet, who undertook to receive and forward his letters to his mother, which he was to date from Paris, and make her and his friends believe that he was still at the college of Laon.
ripides, which appeared in 1750; for the “Calendrier perpetuel” of 1747, although attributed to him, was certainly not his. The “Electra,” as well as many other of his
It does not appear that Larcher published any thing before his translation of the “Electra
” of Euripides, which
appeared in Calendrier perpetuel
” of Electra,
” as well as many other of his publications, appeared without his name, which, indeed, he appended
onJy to his “Memoire sur Venus,
” his “Xenophon,
”
“Herodotus,
” and “Dissertations acaderaiques.
” The
“Electra
” had not much success, and was never reprinted,
unless by a bookseller, who blunderingly inserted it among
a collection of acting plays.
In 1751 Larcher is supposed to have contributed to a
literary journal called “Lettres d'une Societe;
” and afterwards, in the “Melange litteraire,
” he published a translation of Pope’s essay on Pastoral Poetry. He was also a
contributor to other literary journals, but his biographer
has not been able to specify his articles with certainty,
unless those in the “Collection Academique
” for Martinus Scribleru.s
” from Pope’s
works, and Swift’s ironical piece on the abolition of Christianity. Having while in England become acquainted with
sir John Pringle, he published a translation of hi* work
“On the Diseases of the Army,
” of which an enlarged
edition appeared in
t him from his Greek studies, and his translation of “Chereas and Calliroe,” which appeared in 1758, was considered in France as the production of one who would prove
In 1757 he revised the text of Hudibras, which accompanies the French translation, and wrote some notes to it.
But these performances did not divert him from his Greek
studies, and his translation of “Chereas and Calliroe,
”
which appeared in Critical Remarks on the Æthiopics of Heiiodorus,
”
but for some reason these never appeared in that work.
In 1767 the quarrel took place between him and Voltaire.
Larcher, although intimate with some of those writers who
called themselves philosophers, and even favourable to
some of their theories, was shocked at the impiety of Voltaire’s extremes; and when the “Philosophy of History
”
appeared, was induced by some ecclesiastics to undertake
a refutation, which was published under the title of “Sup.
plement a la Philosophic de I'Histoire,
” a work which Voltaire himself allowed to be full of erudition. He could not,
however, conceal his chagrin, and endeavoured to answer
Larcher in his “Defense de mon oncle,
” in which he
treats his antagonist with unpardonable contempt and
abuse. Larcher rejoined in “Reponse a la Defense de
mon oncle.
” Both these pamphlets added much to his
reputation; and although Voltaire, whose resentments were
implacable, continued to treat Larcher with abuse in his
writings, the latter made no reply, content with the applause of the really learned, particularly Brunck and La
Harpe, which last, although at that time the warmest of
Voltaire’s" admirers, disapproved of his treatment of such a
man as Lurcher; and in this opinion he was joined even
by D'Alembert.
eral merit and importance of his comments, gratified the expectations of every scholar in Europe. It was translated into Latin by Borheck, into German by Degan, and
His reputation as a translator from the Greek being now
acknowledged, some booksellers in Paris who were in possession of a manuscript translation of Herodotus left by
the abbe“Bellanger without revision, applied to Larcher to
prepare it for the press; and he, thinking he had only to
correct a few slips of the pen, or at most to add a few
notes, readily undertook the task, but before he had proceeded far, the many imperfections, and the style of Bellanger, appeared to be such, that he conceived it would
be easier to make an entire new translation. He did not,
however, consider this as a trifling undertaking, but prepared himself by profound consideration of the text of his
author, which he collated with the ms copies in the
royal library, and read with equal care every contemporary writer from whom he might derive information to illustrate Herodotus. While engaged in these studies, Paw
published his
” Recherches philosophiques sur les Egyptiens
et les Chinois,“and Larcher borrowed a little time to publish an acute review of that author’s paradoxes in the
” Journal des Savans“for 1774. The year following, while
interrupted by sickness from his inquiries into Herodotus,
he published his very learned
” Memoire sur Venus,“to
which the academy of inscriptions awarded their prize.
During another interruption of the Herodotus, incident to
itself, he wrote and published his translation of Xenophon,
which added much to the reputation he had already acquired, and although his style is not very happily adapted
to transfuse the spirit of Xenophon, yet it produced the
following high compliment from Wyttenbach (Bibl. Critica)
” Larcherus is est quern non dubitemus omnium, qui nostra aetate veteres scrintores in linguas vertunt recentiores,
antiquitatis linguaeque Grace* scientissimum vocare.“Larcher’s critical remarks in this translation are very valuable,
particularly his observations on the pronunciation of the
Greek. The reputation of his
” Memoire sur Venus,“and
his
” Xenophon,“procured him to be elected into the
Academy of inscriptions, on May 10, 1778. To the memoirs of this society he contributed many essays on classical antiquities, which are inserted in vols. 43, 45, 46, 47,
and 48; and these probably, which he thought a duty to
the academy, interrupted his labours on Herodotus, not
did it issue from the press until 1786. The style of this
translation is liable to some objections, but in other respects, his profound and learned researches into points of
geography and chronology, and the general merit and importance of his comments, gratified the expectations of
every scholar in Europe. It was translated into Latin by
Borheck, into German by Degan, and his notes have appeared in all the principal languages of Europe. We may
here conclude this part of our subject by noticing his new
and very much improved edition of
” Herodotus,“published in 1802, 9 vols. 8vo. The particulars which distinguish this edition are, a correction of those passages
in which he was not satisfied with having expressed the
exact sense; a greater degree of precision and more compression of style; a reformation of such notes as wanted
exactness; with the addition of several that were judged
necessary to illustrate various points of antiquity, and render the historian better understood. We have already
hinted that Larcher was at one time not unfriendly to the
infidel principles of some of the French encyclopedists.
It is with the greater pleasure that we can now add what
he says on this subject in his apology for further alterations.
” At length,“he says,
” being intimately convinced of all
the truths taught by the Christian religion, I have retrenched or reformed all the notes that could offend it.
From some of them conclusions have been drawn which I
disapprove, and which were far from my thoughts; others
of them contain things, which I must, to discharge my
conscience, confess freely, that more mature examination
and deeper researches have demonstrated to have been
built on slight or absolutely false foundations. The truth
cannot but be a gainer by this avowal: to it alone have I
consecrated all my studies: I have been anxious to return
to it from the moment I was persuaded I could seize it with
advantage. May this homage, which I render it in all the
sincerity of my heart, be the means of procuring me absolution for all the errors I have hazarded or sought to propagate." In this vast accumulation of ancient learning,
the English reader will find many severe strictures on
Bruce, which he may not think compatible with the general opinion now entertained both in France and England
on the merits of that traveller.
ed in privacy, employed on his studies, and especially on the second edition of his “Herodotus,” and was but little disturbed. He was indeed carried before the revolutionary
During the revolutionary storm Larcher lived in privacy,
employed on his studies, and especially on the second
edition of his “Herodotus,
” and was but little disturbed.
He was indeed carried before the revolutionary committee,
and his papers very much perplexed those gentlemen, who
knew little of Greek or Latin. For one night a sentinel
was placed at his door, who was set asleep by a bottle of
wine, and next morning Larcher gave him a small assignat, and he came back no more. When the republican
government became a little more quiet, and affected to
encourage men of letters, Larcher received, by a decree,
the sum of 3000 livres. He was afterwards, notwithstanding his opinions were not the fashion of the day, elected
into the Institute; and when it was divided into four classes,
and by that change he became again, in some degree, a
member of the Academy of inscriptions, he published four
dissertations of the critical kind in their memoirs. The
last honour paid to him was by appointing him professor of
Greek in the imperial university, as it was then called; but
he was now too tar advanced for active services, and died
after a short illness, in his eighty-sixth year, Dec. 22,
1812, regretted as one of the most eminent scholars and
amiable men of his time. His fine library was sold by
auction in Nov. 1814.
, a very learned dissenting clergyman, was born at Hawkhurst, in Kent, June 6, 1684. He was educated for
, a very learned dissenting clergyman, was born at Hawkhurst, in Kent, June 6, 1684.
He was educated for some time at a dissenter’s academy
in London, by the Rev. Dr. Oldfield, whence he went to
Utrecht, and studied under Grsevius and Burman, and
made all the improvement which might be expected under
such masters. From Utrecht Mr. Lardner went to Leyden,
whence, after a short stay, he came to England, and employed himself in diligent preparation for the sacred profession. He did not, however, preach his first sermon till
he was twenty-five years of age. In 1713 he was invited
to reside in the house of lady Treby, widow of the lord
chief justice of common pleas, as domestic chaplain to the
lady, and tutor to her youngest son. He accompanied his
pupil to France, the Netherlands, and United Provinces,
and continued in the family till the death of lady Treby.
It reflects no honour upon the dissenters that such a man
should be so long neglected; but, in 1723, he was engaged with other ministers to carry on a course of lectures
at the Old Jewry. The gentlemen who conducted these
lectures preached a course of sermons on the evidences of
natural and revealed religion. The proof of the credibility
of the gospel history was assigned to Mr Lardner, and he
delivered three sermons on this subject, which probably
laid the foundation of his great work, as from this period
he was diligently engaged in writing the first part of the
Credibility. In 1727 he published, in two volumes octavo,
the first part of “The Credibility of the Gospel History;
or the facts occasionally mentioned in the New Testament,
confirmed by passages of ancient authors who were contemporary with our Saviour, or his apostles, or lived near
their time.
” It is unnecessary to say how well these volumes were received by the learned world, without any
distinction of sect or party. Notwithstanding, however,
his great merit, Mr. Lardner was forty-five years of age
before he obtained a settlement among the dissenters; but,
in 1729, he was invited by the congregation of Crutcbedfriars to be assistant to their minister. At this period the
enthusiasm of Mr. Woolston introduced an important controversy. In various absurd publications he treated the
miracles of our Saviour with extreme licentiousness. These
Mr. Lardner confuted with the happiest success, in a work
which he at this time published, and which was entitled
“A Vindication of three of our Saviour’s Miracles.
” About
the same time also he found leisure to write other occasional
pieces, the principal of which was his “Letter on the Logos.
”
In Credibility of the Gospel-history,
” which, besides being
universally well received at home, was so much approved
abroad, that it was translated by two learned foreigners;
by Mr. Cornelius Westerbaen into Low Dutch, and by Mr.
J. Christopher Wolff into Latin. The second volume of
the second part of this work appeared in 1735; and the
farther Mr. Lardner proceeded in his design, the more he
advanced in esteem and reputation among learned men of
all denominations. In 1737 he published his “Counsels
of Prudence
” for the use of young people, on account of
which he received a complimentary letter from Dr. Seeker,
bishop of Oxford. The third and fourth volumes of the
second part of the “Credibility,
” no less curious than the
precediug, were published in 1738 and 1740. The fifth
volume in 1743. To be circumstantial in the account of
all the writings which this eminent man produced would
greatly exceed our limits. They were all considered as of
distinguished usefulness and merit. We may in particular
notice the “Supplement to the Credibility,
” which has
a place in the collection of treatises published by Dr. Watson, bishop of Llandaff. Notwithstanding Dr. Lardner’s
life and pen were so long and so usefully devoted to the
public, he never rfceived any adequate recompence. The
college of Aberdeen conferred on him the degree of doctor of divinity, and the diploma had the unanimous signature of the professors. But his salary as a preacher was
inconsiderable, and his works often published to his loss
instead of gain. Dr. Lardner lived to a very advanced age,
and, with the exception of his hearing, retained the use of
his faculties to the last, in a remarkably perfect degree.
In 1768 he fell into a gradual decline, which carried him
off in a few weeks, at Hawkhurst, his native place, at the
age of eighty-five. He had, previously to his last illness,
parted with the copy-right of his great work for the miserable sum of 150l. but he hoped if the booksellers had
the whole interest of his labours, they would then do their
utmost to promote the sale of a work that could not fail to
be useful in promoting the interests of his fellow creatures,
by promulgating the great truths of Christianity. After
the death of Dr. Lardner, some of his posthumous pieces
made their appearance; of these the first consist of eight
sermons, and brief memoirs of the author. In 1776 was
published a short letter which the doctor had written in
1762, “Upon the Personality of the Spirit.
” It was part
of his design, with regard to “The Credibility of the Gospel History,
” to give an account of the heretics of the first
two centuries. In 1780 Mr. Hogg, of Exeter, published
another of Dr. Lardner' s pieces, upon which he had bestowed much labour, though it was not left in a perfect
state; this was “The History of the Heretics of the first
two centuries after Christ, containing an account of their
time, opinions, and testimonies to the books of the New
Testament; to which are prefixed general observations
concerning Heretics.
” The last of Dr. Lardner’s pieces
was given to the world by the late Rev. Mr. Wicbe, then
of Muidstone, in Kent, and is entitled “Two schemes of a
Trinity considered, and the Divine Unity asserted;
” it
consists of four discourses; the first represents the commonly received opinion of the Trinity; the second describes the Arian scheme the third treats of the Nazarene
doctrine and the fourth explains the text according to
that doctrine. This work may perhaps be regarded as
Supplementary to a piece which he wrote in early life, and
which he published in 1759, without his name, entitled “A
Letter written in the year 1730, concerning the question,
Whether the Logos supplied the place of the Human Soul
in the person of Jesus Christ:
” in this piece his aim was to
prove that Jesus Christ was, in the proper and natural
meaning of the word, a man, appointed, anointed, beloved,
honoured, and exalted by God, above all other beings.
Dr. Lardner, it is generally known, had adopted the Socinian tenets.
d in 1788, in eleven very large volumes, by the late J.Johnson. This edition, on which uncommon care was bestowed, has of late become very scarce and dear, and another
For the many testimonies given of Dr. Lardner’s character, the reader must be referred to the very elaborate and curious life written by Dr. Kippis, and prefixed to a complete edition of his works, published in 1788, in eleven very large volumes, by the late J.Johnson. This edition, on which uncommon care was bestowed, has of late become very scarce and dear, and another has just been undertaken, to be printed in a 4to size.
, a French historian, was born September 7, 1638, at Montivilliers, of noble parents,
, a French historian, was born September 7, 1638, at Montivilliers, of noble parents, who
were Protestants. After having practised as an attorney
some time in his native country, he went to Holland, was
appointed historiographer to the States General, and settled afterwards at Berlin, where he had a pension from the
elector of Brandenburg. He died March 17,1719, aged
eighty. His principal works are, the “History of Augustus,
” The History of Eleanor, queen of
France, and afterwards of England,
” A History of England,
” the Seven Sages,
” the most
complete edition of which is that of the Hague, 1721, 2
vols. 8vo; and “The History of France, under Louis XIV.
”
3 vols. 4to, and 9 vols. 12mo, a work not in much estimation, but it was not entirely his. The third volume 4to was
the production of la Martiniere.
arroquanus, whom Bayle styles one of the most illustrious ministers the reformed ever had in France, was born at Leirac, a small city of Guienne, near Agen, in 1619.
, in Latin Larroquanus, whom Bayle styles one of the most illustrious ministers the reformed ever had in France, was born at Leirac, a small city of Guienne, near Agen, in 1619. He was hardly past his youth when he lost his father and mother, who were persons of rank and character. This misfortune was soon ifol lowed by the loss of his whole patrimony, although by what means is not known; but the effect was to animate him more strongly to his studies, and to add to polite literature, which he had already learned, the knowledge of philosophy, and above all, that of divinity. He made a considerable progress in these sciences, and was admitted a minister with great applause. Two years after he had been admitted in his office he was obliged to go to Paris to answer the cavils of those who intended to ruin his church, in which, although he was not successful, he met with such circumstances as proved favourable to him. He preached sometimes at Charenton, and was so well liked by the duchess de la Tremouille, that she appointed him minister of the church of Vitre, in Britany, and gave him afterwards a great many proofs of her esteem; nor was he less respected by the prince and princess of Tarente, and the duchess of Weimar. He served that church about twenty-seven years, and studied the ancient fathers with the utmost application. He gave very soon public proofs of the progress he had made in that study, for the answer he published to the motives which an opponent had alledged for his conversion to popery, abounded with passages quoted from the fathers, and the works which he published afterwards raised his reputation greatly. There was an intimate friendship between him and Messieurs Daille, father and son, which was kept up by a constant literary correspondence; and the journey he took to Paris procured him the acquaintance of several illustrious men of letters. The church of Charenton wished to have invited him in 1669, but his enemies had so prepossessed the court against him, that his majesty sent a prohibition to that church not to think of calling him, notwithstanding the deputy general of the reformed had offered to answer for Mods, de Larroque’s good behaviour. He was afterwards chosen to be both minister and professor of divinity at Saumur. The former he accepted, but refused the professorship of divinity, as it might interfere with the study of church history, to ttfhich he was very partial. The intendant of the province, however, forbad him to go to Saumur; and although the church complained of this unjust prohibition, and petitoned very zealously for the necessary permission, which she obtained, Larroquc did not think it proper to enter upon an employment against the will of the intendant. He continued therefore still at Vitré, where he did not suffer his pen to be idle. Three of the most considerable churches of the kingdom chose him at once, the church of Moutauban, that of Bourdeaux, and thut of Roan. He accepted the invitation of Roan, and there died, Jan. 31, 1684, having gained the reputation not only of a learned man, but also of an honest man, and a faithful pastor.
, son of the preceding, was born at Vitré. He retired 1681, to London, on the revocation
, son of the preceding, was
born at Vitré. He retired 1681, to London, on the revocation of the edict of Nantes, and afterwards to Copenhagen, where his father’s friends promised him a settlement, but finding them unsuccessful, he went into Holland,
where he remained till 1690, and then going into France,
abjured the protestant religion, and turned Roman catholic.
He usually resided at Paris, but having written the preface
to a satirical piece, in which great liberties were taken with
Louis XIV. on account of the famine in 1693, he was arresied and sent to the Chatelet, and then removed to the
castle of Saumnr, where he remained rive years. At the
end of that time, however, he regained his liberty by the
abbess of Fontevraud’s solicitations, and got a place in M.
de Torcy’s office, minister and secretary of state. When
the regency commenced, Larroque was appointed secretary to the interior council, and on the suppression of that
council, had a pension of 4000 livres till his death, September 5, 1731, when he was about seventy. He left several works, but much inferior to his father’s: the principal are, “La Vie de I'lmposteur Mahomet,
” 12mo, transLt'-d from the English of Dr. Prideaux “Les ve>4tables
Motifs de la Conversion de M. (le Bouthilier de Ranc6)
l'Abbe de la Trappe,
” with some reflections on his life and
writings, Nouvelles Accusations con t re Van lias, ou Kemarqnes critiques contre
une Partie de son Histoire de PHe>esie,
” 8vo; ' La Vie
de Frai>9ois Kiuies de Mexerai,“12mo, a satirical romance;
a translation of Kc hard’s Roman History, revised and published by the abbe Desfontaines. Larroque also assisted,
during some months, in the
” Nouveiles de la Repubiique
des Lettres,“while Bayle was ill. The
” Advice to the
Refugees" is also attributed to him, which was believed to
have been written by Bayle, besause the latter would never
betray Larroque, who, it is supposed, was the real author
of it, chusing rather to suffer the persecution which this
publication raised against him, than prove false to his friend,
who had enjoined him secrecy.
, a learned Greek, descended from the imperial family of that name, was born at Constantinople, but became a refugee when it was taken,
, a learned Greek, descended from the imperial family of that name, was born at Constantinople, but became a refugee when it was taken, by
the Turks in 1454, and went to Italy, where he was most
amicably received by duke Francis Sforza of Milan, who
placed his own daughter, a child of ten years of age, under
the cure of Lascaris for instruction in the Greek language,
and it is said to have been for her use he composed his
Greek grammar. From Milan he went to Rome, about
1463, or perhaps later, and from, thence, at the invitation
of king Ferdinand, to Naples, where he opened a public
school for Greek and rhetoric. Having spent some years
in this employment, he was desirous of repose, and embarked with the intention of settling at a town of Greece;
but having touched at Messina, he was urged by such advantageous oilers to make it his residence, that he complied, and passed there the remainder of his days. Here
he received the honour of citizenship, which he merited
by his virtues as well as his learning, and by the influx of
scholars which his reputation drew thither. He lived to a
very advanced age, and is supposed to have died about the
end of the fifteenth century. He bequeathed his library
to the city of Messina. His Greek grammar was printed
at Milan in 1476, reprinted in 1480, and was, according
to Zeno, “prima Graeco-Latina praelorum foetura,
” the first
Greek and Latin book that issued from the Italian press.
A better edition of it was given in 1495, by Aldus, from a
copy corrected by the author, and with which the printer
was furnished by Bembo and Gabrielli. This was the first
essay of the Aldine press. Bembo and Gabrielli had been
the scholars of Lascaris, although in his old age, as they did
not set out for Messina until 1493. A copy of this Greek
grammar of the first edition is now of immense value.
Erasmus considered it as the best Greek grammar then
extant, excepting that of Theodore Gaza. Lascaris was
author likewise of two tracts on the Sicilian and Calabrian
Greek writers, and some other pieces, which remain in
manuscript.
, called Rhyndacenus, as Constantine was called Byzantinus, was a learned Greek of the same family with
, called Rhyndacenus, as Constantine was called Byzantinus, was a learned
Greek of the same family with the preceding, who came
either from Greece or Sicily to Italy, on the ruin of his
country. He was indebted to cardinal Bessarion for his
education at Padua, where he obtained a high reputation
for his knowledge in the learned languages, and received
the patronage of Lorenzo de Medici, who sent him into
Greece with recommendatory letters to the sultan Bajazet,
in order to collect ancient manuscripts: for this purpose he
took two journeys, in the latter of which he appears to
have been very successful. After the expulsion of the
Medic, family from Florence, in 1494, he was carried to
France by Charles VIII. alter which he was patronized by
Louis XII. who sent him, in 1503, as his ambassador to
Venice, in which oroce he remained till 1508. He ioined
the pursuit of literature with his public employment, and
held a correspondence with many learned men. After the
termination of hi. embassy, he“remained some yeaa'
Venice, as an mstructor in the Greek language. On the
election of pope Leo X. to the popedom in 1513, he set
out for Rome, where, at his instigation, Leo founded a
college for noble Grecian youths at Rome, at the head of
which he placed the author of the plan, and likewise
made him superintendant of the Greek press; his abilities
as a corrector and editor, had been already sufficiently
evinced by his magnificent edition of the Greek
” Anthologia,“printed in capital letters at Florence in 1494, and
by that of
” Callimachus,“printed in the same form. Maittaire thinks he was also editor of four of the tragedies of
” Euripides,“of the
” Gnorase Monastichoi,“and the
” Argonautics“of Apollonius Rhodius. He now printed
the Greek
” Scholia“on Homer, in 1517; and in 1518
the
” Scholia“on Sophocles. Having in this last-mentioned year quitted Rome for France, whither he was invited by Francis I. he was employed by that monarch
in forming the royal library. He was also sent as his
ambassador to Venice, with a view of procuring Greek
youths for the purpose of founding a college at Paris similar to that of Rome. After the accomplishment of other
important missions, he died at Rome in 1535, at an advanced age. He translated into the Latin language, a
work extracted from Polybius, on the military constitutions
of the Romans; and composed epigrams in Greek and
Latin; this rare volume is entitled
” Lascaris Rhydaceni
epigrammata, Gr. Lat. edente Jac. Tossano,“printed at
Paris, 1527, 8vo. There is another Paris edition of 1544,
4to. Mr. Dibdin has given an ample and interesting account of his
” Anthologia" from lord Spencer’s splendid
vellum copy.
, a learned Italian, was born at Naples, Sept. 25, 1590. In compliance with his father,
, a learned Italian,
was born at Naples, Sept. 25, 1590. In compliance with
his father, he first cultivated and practised the law; but
afterwards followed the bent of his inclination to polite
literature; applying himself diligently to acquire the
Greek language, in which his education had been defective. He also learnt French and Spanish. From Naples
he removed to Rome; where he was no sooner settled,
than he obtained the protection of cardinal Francis Barberini, besides other prelates; he also procured the friendship of Lucas Holstenius, Leo Allatius, and other persons
of rank in the republic of letters. He made use of the
repose he enjoyed in this situation to put the last hand to
some works which he had begun at Naples; but his continual intense application, and too great abstinence (for he made but one meal in twenty- four hours), threw him into
a fever, of which he died, Sept. 30, 1636. At his death,
he left to cardinal Barberini two Latin discourses, which
he oad pronounced before tb^ Greek academy of the monks
of St. Basil, “De Lingua Heiiemstica,
” in which he discussed, with great learning, a point upon that subject,
which then divided the literary world. He also left to cardinal Brancaccio his book entitled “Dell' antico Gimusio
Napolitano,
” which was afterwards published in Nepenthes
Homeri, sen de abojendo luctu,
” Ltigd. Cleombrotus, sive de iis qui in aquis pereunt,
” Home.
, a Spanish Ex-jesuit, was born at Valemia in 1729, and died in 1798, at Bologna, to which
, a Spanish Ex-jesuit, was born
at Valemia in 1729, and died in 1798, at Bologna, to which
he had retired on the expulsion of his order. Our authority gives little of his personal history. He owed his celebrity to his knowledge of the ancient languages, and of
poetry and history, which he taught in the university of
Vjlentia. His works are in Spanish, Italian, and Latin;
in the Spanish he wrote, 1. “An essay on general History,
ancient and modern,
” Valentia, Account of the Castillian poets,
” ibid. acted and printed at
Valentia in 1762. 2. Don Sancho Abarva,
” ibid. 1765,
in Italian, and such pure and elegant Italian as to astonish
the critics of Italy. He wrote three tragedies; 1. “Iphigenia in Aulis.
” 2. “Ormisinda.
” 3. “Lucia Miranda.
”
In Latin, he exhibited his talents for poetry, and is highly
commended for the classical purity of style of his “Rhenus,
” Bologna, De serificio civium bologmensium libellus singularis,
” ib. Lokman’s Fables,
”
Bologna,
, an eminent French physician, was born at Carpentras, on the 3d of July, 1717. He was removed
, an eminent French physician, was born at Carpentras, on the 3d of July, 1717. He was removed for education to Paris, but in his early years he was less remarkable for his perseverance in study, than for a propensity which he shewed for the gay pleasures of youth; yet even then he raised the hopes of his friends by some ingenious performances, which merited academic honours. At length he applied with seriousness to study, and devoted himself wholly to the pursuits of anatomy, in which he made such rapid progress, that, at the age of twenty-five, he was received into the academy of sciences as associate-anatomist. An extraordinary event, however, put a period to his anatomical pursuits. In selecting among some dead bodies a proper subject for dissection, he fancied he perceived in one of them some very doubtful signs of death, and endeavoured to re-animate it: his efforts were for a long time vain; but his first persuasion induced him to persist, and he ultimately succeeded in bringing his patient to life, who proved to be a poor peasant. This circumstance impressed so deep a sense of horror on the mind of the anatomist, that he declined these pursuits in future. Natural history succeeded the study of anatomy, and mineralogy becoming a favourite object of his pursuit, he published his observations on the crystallized tree-stones of Fotuainbleau; but chemistry finally became the beloved occupation of M. de Lassone. His numerous memoirs, which were read before the royal academy of sciences, presented a valuable train of new observations, useful both to the progress of that study, and to the art of compounding remedies; and in every part of these he evinced the sagacity of an attentive observer, and of an ingenious experimentalist. After having practised medicine for a long time in the hospitals and cloisters, he was sent for to court; and held the office of first physician at Versailles. He lived in friendship with Fontenelle, Winslow, D'Alembert, Buffon, and other scientific characters; and the affability of his manners, and his ardent zeal for the advancement of knowledge, among the young scholars, whose industry he encouraged, and whose reputation was become one of his most satisfactory enjoyments, gained him general respect. When from a natural delicacy of constitution, M. cle Lassone began to experience the inconveniences of a premature old age, he became sorrowful and fond of solitude; yet, reconciled to his situation, he calmly observed his death approaching, and expired on Dec. 8, 1788. Lassone, at the time of his death, held the appointment of first physician to Louis XVL and his queen; he was counsellor of state, doctor-regent of the faculty of medicine at Paris, and pensionary-veteran of the academy of sciences, member of the academy of medicine at Madrid, and honorary associate of the college of medicine at Nancy.
, or, as he is called by the Italians, Orlando di Lasso, an eminent musician, was a native of Mons, in Hainault, born in 1520, and not only spent
, or, as he is called by the Italians, Orlando di Lasso, an eminent musician, was a native of Mons, in Hainault, born in 1520, and not only
spent many years of his life in Italy, but had his musical
education there, having been carried thither surreptitiously,
when a child, on account of his fine voice. The historian
Thuanus, who has given Orlando a place among the illustrious men of his time, tells us that it was a common practice for young singers to be forced away from their parents,
and detained in the service of princes; and that Orlando
was carried to Milan, Naples, and Sicily, by Ferdinand
Gonzago. Afterwards, when he was grown up, and had
probably lost his voice, he went to Rome, where he taught
music during two years; at the expiration of which, he
travelled through different parts of Italy and France with
Julius Caesar Brancatius, and at length, returning to Flanders, resided many years at Antwerp, till being invited,
by the duke of Bavaria, to Munich, he settled at that court,
and married. He had afterwards an invitation, accompanied with the promise of great emoluments, from
Charles IX. king of France, to take upon him the office
of master and director of his band; an honour which he
accepted, but was stopped on the road to Paris by the
news of that monarach’s death. After this event he returned
to Munich, whither he was recalled by William, the son
and successor of his patron Albert, to the same office which
he had held under his father. Orlando continued at this
court till his death, in 1593, at upwards of seventy years
of age. His reputation was so great, that it was said of
him: “Hic ille Orlandus Lassus, qui recreat orbem.
”
As he lived to a considerable age, and never seems to
have checked the fertility of his genius by indolence, his
compositions exceed, in number, even those of Palestrina.
There is a complete catalogue of them in Draudius,
amounting to upwards of fifty different works, consisting
of masses, magnificats, passiones, motets, and psalms:
with Latin, Italian, German, and French songs, printed in
Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. He excelled in modulation, of which he gave many new specimens, and was a great master of harmony.
, an English lawyer, was a native of Somersetshire, and educated at Oxford, in St. John’s
, an English lawyer, was a native of
Somersetshire, and educated at Oxford, in St. John’s college, as Wood was informed, where, he adds, he made
considerable proficiency in literature. Afterwards he removed to the Middle Temple, but being of a delicate
habit, does not appear to have practised as a barrister.
Some years before his death, he had embraced the Roman
catholic religion, influenced by the artifices of a priest or
Jesuit who prevailed on him to leave his estate to the society of Jesuits. He died at Hayes in Middlesex, in August 1655. He was the reporter of certain “Cases in the
first three years of K. Car. I.
” which were published in
French, by Edward Walpole, 1662, folio.
, bishop of Worcester, one of the first reformers of the church of England, was descended of honest parents at Thurcaston in Leicestershire;
, bishop of Worcester, one of the
first reformers of the church of England, was descended
of honest parents at Thurcaston in Leicestershire; where
his father, though he had no land of his own, rented a
small farm, and by frugality and industry, brought up a
family of six daughters besides this son. In one of his
court sermons, in Edward’s time, Latimer, inveighing
against the nobility and gentry, and speaking of the moderation of landlords a few years before, and the plenty in
which their tenants lived, tells his audience, in his familiar
way, that, “upon a farm of four pounds a year, at the
utmost, his father tilled as much ground as kept half a
dozen men; that he had it stocked with a hundred sheep
and thirty cows; that he found the king a man and horse,
himself remembering to have buckled on his father’s harness when he went to Blackheath; that he gave his
daughters five pounds a-piece at marriage; that he lived
hospitably among his neighbours, and was not backward in
his alms to the poor.
” He was born in the farm-house
about 1470; and, being put to a grammar-school, he took
learning so well, that it was determined to breed him to
the church. With this view, he was sent to Cambridge.
Fuller and others say to Christ’s college, which must be a
tradition, as the records of that college do not reach his
time. At the usual time, he took the degrees in arts;
and, entering into priest’s orders, behaved with remarkaable zeal and warmth in defence of popery, the established
religion. He read the schoolmen and the Scriptures with
equal reverence, and held Thomas a Becket and the apostles in equal honour. He was consequently, a zealous opponent of the opinions which had lately discovered themselves in England; heard the teachers of them with Uipb
indignation, and inveighed publicly and privately against
the reformers. If any read lectures in the schools, Latimer
was sure to be there to drive out the scholars, and could
nut endure Stafford, the divinity-lecturer, who, however,
is said to have been partly an instrument of his conversion.
When Latimer commenced bachelor of divinity, he gave
an open testimony of ins dislike to their proceedings in an
oration against Melancthon, whom he treated most severely
i for his impious, as he called them, innovations in religion.
His zeal was so much taken notice of in the univeriiity,
that he was elected cross-bearer in all public processions;
an employment which he accepted with reverence, and
discharged with solemnity.
Among those in Cambridge who favoured the reformation, the most considerable was Thomas Bilncy, a clergyman of a most holy life, who began to
Among those in Cambridge who favoured the reformation, the most considerable was Thomas Bilncy, a clergyman of a most holy life, who began to see popery in a very
disagreeable light, and made no scruple to own it. Biiney
was an intimate, and conceived a very favourable opinion,
of Latimer; and, as opportunities offered, used to suggest
to him many things about corruptions in religion, till be
gradually divested him of his prejudices, brought him to
think with moderation, and even to distrust what he had
so earnestly embraced. Latimer no sooner ceased from
being a zealous papist, than he became (such was his constitutional warmth) a zealous protesiunt; active in supporting the reformed doctrine, and assiduous to make converts
both in town and university. He preached in public, exhorted in private, and everywhere pressed the necessity
of a holy life, in opposition to ritual observances. A behaviour of this kind was immediately taken notice of:
Cambridge, no less than the rest of the kingdom, was entirely
popish, and every new opinion was watched with jealousy.
Latimer soon perceived bow obnoxious he had made himself; and the first remarkable opposition he met with from
the popish party, was occasioned by a course of sermons
he preached, during the Christmas holidays, before the
university; in which he spoke his sentiments with great
freedom upon many opinions and usages maintained and
practised in the Romish church, and particularly insisted
upon the great abuse of locking up the Scriptures in an
unknown tongue. Few of the tenets of popery were then
questioned in England, but such as tended to a relaxation
of morals; transubstantiation, and other points rather speculative, still held their dominion; Lattmer therefore
chiefly dwelt upon those of immoral tendency. He shewed
what true religion was, that it was seated in the heart;
and that, in comparison with it, external appointments
were of no value. Having a remarkable address in adapting himself to the capacities of the people, and being considered as a preacher of eminence, the orthodox clergy
thought it high time to oppose him openly. This task was
undertaken by Dr. Buckingham, prior of the Black-friars,
who appeared in the pulpit a few Sundays after; and, with
great pomp and prolixity, shewed the dangerous tendency
of Latimer' s opinions; particularly inveighing against his
heretical notions of having the Scriptures in English, laying open the bad effects of such an innovation. “If that
heresy,
” said he, “prevail, we should soon see an end of
every thing useful among us. The ploughman, reading
that if he put his hand to the plough, and should happen
to look back, he was unfit for the kingdom of heaven,
would soon lay aside his labour; the baker likewise reading, that a little leaven will corrupt his lump, would give
us a very insipid bread; the simple man also finding himself commanded to pluck out his eyes, in a few years we
should have the nation full of blind heg jars.
” Latimer
could not help listening with a secret pleasure to this ingenious reasoning; perhaps he had acted as prudently, if
he had considered the prior’s arguments as unanswerable;
but he could not resist the vivacity of his temper, which
strongly inclined him to expose this solemn trirler. The
whole university met together on MI ml ay, wnen it was
known Mr. Latimer would preach. That vein of pleasantry and humour which run through all hiswords and
notions, would here, it was imagined, have its full scope;
and, to say the truth, the preacher was not a little conscious
of his own superiority: to complete the scene, just before
the sermon began, prior Buckingham himself entered the
church with his cowl about his shoulders, and seated himself, with an air of importance, before the pulpit. Latimer, with great gravity, recapitulated the learned doctor’s
arguments, placed them in the strongest light, and then
rallied them with such a flow of wit, and at the same timt
with so much good humour, that, without the appearance
of ill-nature, he made his adversary in the highest degree
ridiculous. He then, with great address, appealed to the
people; descanted upon the low esteem in which their
guides had always held their understandings; expressed
the utmost offence at their being treated with such contempt, and wished his honest countrymen might only have
the use of the Scripture till they shewed themselves such
absurd interpreters. He concluded his discourse with a
few observations upon scripture metaphors. A figurative
manner of speech, he said, was common in all languages:
representations of this kind were in daily use, and generally
understood. Thus, for instance, continued he (addressing himself to that part of the audience where the prior was seated), when we see a fox painted preaching in a
friar’s hood, nobody imagines that a fox is meant, but
that craft aud hypocrisy are described, which are so often
found disguised in that garb. But it is probable that Latimer thought this levity unbecoming; for when one Venetus, a foreigner, not long after, attacked him again upon
the same subject, and in a manner the most scurrilous and
provoking, we find him using a graver strain. Whether
he ridiculed, however, or reasoned, with so much of the
spirit of true oratory, considering the times, were his harangues animated, that they seldom failed of their intended
effect; his raillery shut up the prior within his monastery;
and his arguments drove Venctus from the university.
credit of the protestant party in Cambridge, of which Bilney and Latimer were the leaders; and great was the alarm of the popish clergy, of which some were the heads
These advantages increased the credit of the protestant party in Cambridge, of which Bilney and Latimer were the leaders; and great was the alarm of the popish clergy, of which some were the heads of colleges, and senior part of the university. Frequent convocations were held, tutors were admonished to have a strict eye over their pupils, and academical censures of all kinds were inflicted. But academical censures were found insufficient. Latimer continued to preach, and heresy to spread. The heads of the popish party applied to the bishop of Ely, Dr. West, as their diocesan; but that prelate was not a man for their purpose; he was a papist indeed, but moderate, tie, however, came to Cambridge, examined the state of religion, and, at their intreaty, preached against the heretics; but he would do nothing farther; only indeed he silenced Mr. Latimer, which, as he had preached himself, was an instance of his prudence. But this gave no check to the reformers; for there happened at this time to be a protestant prior in Cambridge, Dr. Barnes, of the Austinfriars, who, having a monastery exempt from episcopal jurisdiction, and being a great admirer of Latimer, boldly licensed him to preach there. Hither his party followed him; and, the late opposition having greatly excited the curiosity of the people, the friars’ chapel was soon incapable of containing the crowds that attended. Among others, it is remarkable, that the bishop of Ely was often one of his hearers, and had the ingenuousness to declare, that Latimer was one of the best preachers he had ever heard. The credit to his cause which Latimer had thus gained in the pulpit, he maintained by the piety of his life. Bilney and he did not satisfy themselves with acting unexceptionably, but were daily giving instances of goodness, which malice could not scandalize, nor envy misrepresent. They were always together concerting their schemes. The place where they used to walk, was long afterwards known by the name of the Heretics’ Hill. Cambridge at that time was full of their good actions; their charities to the poor, and friendly visits to the sick and unhappy, were then common topics. But these served only to increase the heat of persecution from their adversaries. Impotent themselves, and finding their diocesan either unable or unwilling to work their purposes, they determined upon an appeal to the higher powers; and heavy complaints were carried to court of the increase of heresy, not without formal depositions against the principal abettors of it.
e cardinal Wolsey, Warham archbishop of Canterbury, and Tunstal bishop of London; and as Henry VIII. was now in the expectation of having the business of his divorce
The principal persons at this time concerned in ecclesiastical affairs were cardinal Wolsey, Warham archbishop of Canterbury, and Tunstal bishop of London; and as Henry VIII. was now in the expectation of having the business of his divorce ended in a regular way at Rome, he was careful to observe all forms of civility with the pope. The cardinal therefore erected a court, consisting of bishops, divines, and canonists, to put the laws in execution against heresy: of this court Tunstal was made president; and Bilney, Latimer, and one or two more, were called before him. Bilney was considered as the heresiarch, and against him chiefly the rigour of the court was levelled; and they succeeded so far that he was prevailed upon to recant: accordingly he bore his faggot, and was dismissed. As for Latimer, and the rest, they had easier terms: Tunstal omitted no opportunities of shewing mercy; and the heretics, upon their dismission, returned to Cambridge, where they were received with open arms by tlicir friends. Amidst this mutual joy, Bilney alone seemed unaffected: he shunned the sight of hi* acquaintance, and received their congratulations with confusion and blushes. In short, he was struck with remorse for what he bad done, grew melancholy, and, after leading an ascetic life for three years, resolved to expiate his abjuration by death. In this resolution he went to Norfolk, the place of his nativity; and, preaching publicly against popery, he was apprehended by order of the bishop of Norwich, and, after lying a while in the county gaol, was executed in that city.
have raised in him, he chose to put all to the hazard rather than omit what he thought his duty. He was generally considered as one of the most eminent who favoured
His sufferings, far from shocking the reformation at Cambridge, inspired the leaders of it with new courage. Latimer began now to exert himself more than he bad yet done; and succeeded to that credit with his party, which Bilney had so long supported. Among other iustances of his zeal and resolution in this cause, he gave one very remarkable: he had the courage to write to the king against a proclamation then just published, forbidding the use of the Bible in English, and other books on religious subjects. He had preached before his majesty once or twice at Windsor, and had been noticed by him in a more affable manner than that monarch usually indulged towards his subjects. But, whatever hopes of preferment his sovereign’s favour might have raised in him, he chose to put all to the hazard rather than omit what he thought his duty. He was generally considered as one of the most eminent who favoured protestantism, and therefore thought it became him to be one of the most forward in opposing aopery. His letter is the picture of an honest and sincere eart: t t was chiefly intended to point out to the king the d intention of the bishops in procuring the proclamation, I concludes in these terms: Accept, gracious oveeign, without displeasure, what I have written; I thought it my duty to mention these things to your majesty. No personal quarrel, as God shall judge me, have I with any man; I wanted only to induce your majesty to consider well what kind of persons you have about you, and the ends for which they counsel. Indeed, great prince, many of them, or they are much slandered, nave very private ends. God grant your majesty may see through all the designs of evil men, and be in all things equal to the high office with which you are intrusted. Wherefore, gracious king, remember yourself, have pity upon your own soul, and think that the day is at hand, when you shall give account of your office, and of the blood that hath been shed by your sword: in the which day, that your grace may stand stedfastly, and not be ashamed, but be clear and ready in your reckoning, and have your pardon sealed with the blood of our Saviour Christ, which alone serveth at that day, is my daily prayer to him who suffered death for our sins. The spirit of God preserve you!"
sion, graciously thanking him for his wellintended advice. The king, capricious and tyrannical as he was, shewed, in many instances, that he loved sincerity and openness;
Though the influence of the popish party then prevailed
so far that this letter produced no effect, yet the king, no
way displeased, received it, not only with temper, but
with condescension, graciously thanking him for his wellintended advice. The king, capricious and tyrannical as
he was, shewed, in many instances, that he loved sincerity
and openness; and Larimer’s plain and simple manner had
before made a favourable impression upon him, which this
letter contributed not a little to strengthen; and the part
he acted in promoting the establishment of the king’s supremacy, in 1535, riveted him in the royal favour. Dr.
Butts, the king’s physician, being sent to Cambridge on that
occasion, began immediately to pay his court to the protestant party, from whom the king expected most unanimity in his favour. Among the first, he made his application to Latimer, as a person most likely to serve him;
begging that he would^collect the opinions of his friends in
the case, and do his utmost to bring over those of most
eminence, who were still inclined to the papacy. Latimer,
being a thorough friend to the cause he was to solicit, undertook it with his usual zeal, and discharged himself so
much to the satisfaction of the doctor, that, when that
gentleman returned to court, he took Latimer along with
him, with a design, no doubt, to procure him some favour
suitable to his merit.
About this time a person was rising into power, who became his chief friend and patron: The lord Cromwell, who,
being a friend to the Reformation, encouraged of course
such churchmen as inclined towards it. Among these was
Latimer, for whom his patron soon obtained West Kington,
a benefice in Wiltshire, whither he resolved, as soon as
possible, to repair, and keep a constant residence. His friend
Dr. Butts, surprized at this resolution, did what he could
to dissuade him from it: “You are deserting,
” said he,
“the fairest opportunities of making your fortune: the prime
minister intends this only as an earnest of his future favours, and will certainly in time do great things for you:
but it is the manner of courts to consider them as provided
for, who seem to be satisfied; and, take my word for it, an
absent claimant stands but a poor chance among rivals who
have the advantage of being present.
” Thus the old
courtier advised. But these arguments had no weight. He
wag heartily tired of the court, where he saw much debauchery and irreligion, without being able to oppose them;
and, leaving the palace therefore, entered immediately
upon the duties of his parish. Nor was he satisfied within
those limits; he extended his labours throughout the
county, where he observed the pastoral care most neglected, having for that purpose obtained a general licence
from the university of Cambridge. As his manner of
preaching was very popular in those times, the pulpits every
where were gladly opened for him; and at Bristol, where
he often preached, he was countenanced by the magistrates. But this reputation was too much for the popish
clergy to sulVcr, and their opposition first broke out at
Bristol. The mayor had appointed him to preach there on
Easter-day. Public notice had been given, and all people
were pleased; when, suddenly, came an order from the
bishop, prohibiting any one to preach there without his
licence. The clergy of the place waited upon Latimer, informed him of the bishop’s order; and, knowing he had no
such licence, were extremely sorry that they were thus
deprived of the pleasure of hearing him. Latimer received
their compliment with a smile; for he had been apprized
of the affair, and knew that these very persons had written
to the bishop against him. Their opposition became afterwards more public and avowed; the pulpits were used to
spread invectives against him; and such liberties were
taken with his character, that he thought it necessary to
justify himself. Accordingly, he called upon his maligners
to accuse him publicly before the mayor of Bristol; and,
with all men of candour, he was justified; for, when the
parties were convened, and the accusers produced, nothing appeared against him; but the whole accusation
was left to rest upon the uncertain evidence of hearsay
information.
r mature deliberation, drew up articles against him, extracted chiefly from his sermons; in which he was charged with speaking lightly of the worship of saints; with
His enemies, however, were not thus silenced. The party
against him became daily stronger, and more inflamed. It
consisted in general of the country priests in those parts,
headed by some divines of more eminence. These persons,
after mature deliberation, drew up articles against him, extracted chiefly from his sermons; in which he was charged
with speaking lightly of the worship of saints; with saying
there was no material fire in hell; and that he would rather
be in purgatory than in Lollard’s tower. This charge being
laid before Stokesley bishop of London, that prelate cited
Latimer to appear before him; and, when he appealed to
his own ordinary, a citation was obtained out of the archbishop’s court, where Stokesley and other bishops were
commissioned to examine him. An archiepiscopal citation
brought him at once to a compliance. His friends would
have had him fly for it; but their persuasions were in vain.
He set out for London in the depth of winter, and under
a severe fit of the stone and cholic; but he was more distressed at the thoughts of leaving his parish exposed to
the popish clergy, who would not fail to undo in his absence what he had hitherto done. On his arrival at London, he found a court of bishops and canonists ready to
receive him; where, instead of being examined, as he expected, about his sermons, a paper was put into his hands,
which he was ordered to subscribe, declaring his belief in
the efficacy of masses for the souls in purgatory, of prayers
to the dead saints, of pilgrimages to their sepulchres and
reliques, the pope’s power to forgive sins, the doctrine of
merit, the seven sacraments, and the worship of images;
and, when he refused to sign it, the archbishop with a
frown begged he would consider what he did. “We intend
not,
” says he, “Mr. Latimer, to be hard upon you; we
dismiss you for the present; take a copy of the articles,
examine them carefully; and God grant that, at our next
meeting, we may find each other in a better temper!
”
At the next and several succeeding meet ings the same scene
was acted over again. He continued inflexible, and they
continued to distress him. Three times every week they
regularly sent for him, with a view either to draw something from him by captious questions, or to teaze him at
length into compliance. Of one of these examinations he
gives the following account: “1 was brought out,
” says
he, “to be examined in the same chamber as before; but
at this time it was somewhat altered: for, whereas before
there was a fire in the chimney, now the fire was taken
away, and an arras hanged over the chimney, and the table
stood near the chimney’s end. There was, among these
bishops that examined me, one with whom I have been
very familiar, and whom I took for my great friend, an
aged man; and he sat next the table-end. Then, among
other questions, he put forth one, a very subtle and crafty
one; and when I should make answer, * I pray you, Mr.
Latimer,‘ said he, * speak out, I am very thick of hearing,
and there be many that sit far off.’ I marvelled at this,
that I was bidden to speak out, and began to misdeem,
and gave an ear to the chimney; and there I heard a pen
plainly scratching behind the cloth. They had appointed
one there to write all my answers, that I should not start
from them. God was my good Lord, and gave me answers I could never else have escaped them.
” At length
he was tired out with such usage and when he was next
summoned, instead of going himself, he sent a letter to
the archbishop, in which, with great freedom, he tells him,
that “the treatment he had of late met with, had fretted
him into such a disorder as rendered him unfit to attend
that day that, in the mean time, he could not help taking
this opportunity to expostulate with his grace for detaining
him so long from the discharge of his duty; that it seemed
to him most unaccountable, that they, who never preached
themselves, should hinder others; that, us for their examination of him, he really could not imagine what they
aimed at; they pretended one thing in the beginning,
and another in the progress; that, if his sermons were
what gaveofTence, which he persuaded himself were neither
contrary to the truth, nor to any canon of the church, he
was ready to answer whatever might be thought exceptionable in them; that he wished a little more regard might
be had to the judgment of the people; and that a distinction might be made between the ordinances of God and
man; that if some abuses in religion did prevail, as was
then commonly supposed, he thought preaching was the
best means to discountenance them; that he wished all
pastors might be obliged to perform their duty: but that,
however, liberty might be given to those who were willing;
that, as for the articles proposed to him, he begged to be
excused from subscribing them; while he lived, he never
would abet superstition: and that, lastly, he hoped the
archbishop would excuse what he had written; he knew
his duty to his superiors, and would practise it: but, in
that case, he thought a stronger obligation laid upon
him.
”
lian bishops, who fell under the king’s displeasure, upon his rupture with Rome. The former of these was o He red to Latimer; and, as this promotion came unexpectedly
What particular effect this letter produced, we are not informed. The bishops, however, continued their prosecution, till their schemes were frustrated by an unexpected hand; for the king, being informed, most probably by lord Cromwell’s means, of Latimer’s ill-usage, interposed in his behalf, and rescued him out of their hands. A figure of so much simplicity, and such an apostolic appearance as his at court, did not fail to strike Anne Boleyn, who mentioned him to her friends, as a person, in her opinion, well qualified to forward the Reformation, the principles of which she had imbibed from her youth. Cromwell raised our preacher still higher in her esteem; and they both joined in an earnest recommendation of him for a bishopric to the king, who did not want much solicitation in his favour. It happened, that the sees of Worcester and Salisbury were at that time vacant, by the deprivation of Ghinuccii and Campegio, two Italian bishops, who fell under the king’s displeasure, upon his rupture with Rome. The former of these was o He red to Latimer; and, as this promotion came unexpectedly to him, he looked upon it as the work of Providence, and accepted it without much persuasion. Indeed, he had met with such usage already, as a private clergyman, and saw before him so hazardous a prospect in his old station, that he thought it necessary, both for his own safety, and for the sake of being of more service to the world, to shroud himself under a little more temporal power. All historians mention him as a person remarkably zealous in the discharge of his new office; and tell us, that, in overlooking the clergy of his diocese, he was uncommonly active, warm, and resolute, and presided in his ecclesiastical court in the same spirit. In visiting he was frequent and observant: in ordaining strict and wary: in preaching indefatigable: in reproving and exhorting severe and persuasive. Thus far he could act with authority; but in other things he found himself under difficulties. The popish ceremonies gave him great offence: yet he neither durst, in times so dangerous and unsettled, ay them entirely aside; nor, on the other hand, was he willing entirely to retain them. In this dilemma his address was admirable: he inquired into their origin; and when he found any of them derived from a good meaning, he inculcated their original, though itself a corruption, in the room of a more corrupt practice. Thus he put the people in mind, when holy bread and water were distributed, that these elements, which had long been thought endowed with a kind of magical influence, were nothing more than appendages to the two sacraments of the Lord’s-supper and baptism: the former, he said, reminded us of Christ’s death; and the latter was only a simple representation of being purified from sin. By thus reducing popery to its principles, he improved, in some measure, a bad stock, by lopping from it a few fruitless excrescences.
While his endeavours to reform were thus confined to his diocese, he was called upon to exert them in a more public 'manner, by a summons
While his endeavours to reform were thus confined to
his diocese, he was called upon to exert them in a more
public 'manner, by a summons to parliament and convocation in 1536. This session was thought a crisis by the
Protestant party, at the head of which stood the lord
Cromwell, whose favour with the king was now in its meridian. Next to him in power was Cranmer archbishop
of Canterbury, after whom the bishop of Worcester was
the most considerable man of the party; to whom were
added the bishops of Ely, Rochester, Hereford, Salisbury,
and St. David’s. On the other hand, the popish party was
headed by Lee archbishop of York, Gardiner, Stokesley,
and Tunstal, bishops of Winchester, London, and Durham. The convocation was opened as usual by a sermon,
or rather an oration, spoken, at the appointment of Cranmer, by the bishop of Worcester, whose eloquence was at
this time everywhere famous. Many warm debates passed
in this assembly; the result of which was, that four sacraments out of the seven were concluded to be insignificant:
but, as the bishop of Worcester made no figure in them,
for debating was not his talent, it is beside our purpose to
enter into a detail of what was done in it. Many alterations were made in favour of the reformation; and, a few
months after, the Bible was translated into English, and
recommended to general perusal in October 1537.
In the mean time the bishop of Worcester, highly satisfied with the prospect of the times, repaired to his diocese,
having made a longer stay in London than was absolutely
necessary. He had no talents for state affairs, and therefore meddled not with them. It is upon that account that
bishop Burnet speaks very slightingly of his public character at this time, but it is certain that Latimer never desired
to appear in any public character at all. His whole ambition was to discharge the pastoral functions of a bishop,
neither aiming to display the abilities of a statesman, nor
those of a courtier. How very unqualified he was to support the latter of these characters, will sufficiently appear
from the following story. It was the custom in those days
for the bishops to make presents to the king on New-year’sday, and many of them would present very liberally, proportioning their gifts to their expectations. Among the
rest, the bishop of Worcester, being at this time in town,
waited upon the king with his offering; but instead of a
purse of gold, which was the common oblation, he presented a New Testament, with a leaf doubled down, in a
very conspicuous manner, to this passage, “Whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
”
Henry VIII. made so little use of his judgment, that his whole reign was one continued rotation of violent passions, which rendered him
Henry VIII. made so little use of his judgment, that his
whole reign was one continued rotation of violent passions,
which rendered him a mere machine in the hands of his
ministers; and he among them who could make the most
artful address to the passion of the day, carried his point.
Gardiner, bishop of Winchester, was just returned from
Germany, having successfully negotiated some commissions which the king had greatly at heart; and, in 1539,
a parliament was called, to confirm the seizure and surrendry of the monasteries, when that subtle minister took
his opportunity, and succeeded in prevailing upon his majesty to do something, towards restoring the old religion,
as being most advantageous for his views in the present
situation of Europe. In this state of affairs, Latimer received his summons to parliament, and, soon after his arrival in town, he was accused of preaching a seditious
sermon. The sermon was preached at court, and the
preacher, according to his custom, had been unquestionably severe enough against whatever he observed amiss.
The king had called together several bishops, with a view
to consult them upon some points of religion. When they
had all given their opinions, and were about to be
dismissed, the bishop of Winchester (for it was most probably be) kneeled down and accused the bishop of Worcester as
above-mentioned. The bishop being called upon by the
king with some sternness, to vindicate himself, was so far
from denying or even palliating what he said, that he
boldly justified it; and turning to the king, with that
noble unconcern which a good conscience inspires, made
this answer: “I never thought myself worthy, nor I never
sued to be a preacher before your grace; but I was called to
it, and would be willing, if you mislike it, to give place
to my betters; for I grant there may be a great many more
worthy of the room than I am. And if it be your grace’s
pleasure to allow them for preachers, I could be content to
bear their books after them. But if your grace allow me
for a preacher, I would desire you to give me leave to discharge my conscience, and to frame my doctrine according
to my audience. I bad been a very dolt indeed, to have
preached so at the borders of your realm, as I preach before your grace.
” This answer baffled his accuser’s malice,
the severity of the king’s conscience changed into a gracious smile, and the bishop was dismissed with that obliging freedom which this monarch never used but to those
whom he esteemed. In this parliament passed the famous
act, as it was called, of the six articles, which was no
sooner published than it gave an universal alarm to all the
favourers of the reformation; and, as the bishop of Worcester could not give his vote for the act, he thought it
wrong to hold any office. He therefore resigned his bishopric , and retired into the country; where he resided
during the heat of that persecution which followed upon
this act, and thought of nothing for the remainder of his
days but a sequestered life. He knew the storm which was
up could not soon be appeased, and he had no inclination
to trust himself in it. But, in the midst of his security,
an unhappy accident carried him again into the
tempestuous weather that was abroad he received a bruise by the
fall of a tree, and the contusion was so dangerous, that he
was obliged to seek out for better assistance than the country afforded. With this view he repaired to London,
where he had the misfortune to see the fall of his patron,
the lord Cromwell; a loss of which he was soon made sensible. Gardiner’s emissaries quickly found him out; and
something, that somebody had somewhere heard him say
against the six articles, being alleged against him, he was
sent tp the Tower, where, without any judicial examination, he suffered, through one pretence or another, a
cruel imprisonment for the remaining six years of king
Henry’s reign.
imprisoned in the same cause, were set at liberty; and Latimer, whose old friends were now in power, was received by them with every mark of affection. He would have
Immediately upon the accession of Edward VI. he and all others who were imprisoned in the same cause, were set at liberty; and Latimer, whose old friends were now in power, was received by them with every mark of affection. He would have found no difficulty in dispossessing Heath, in every respect an insignificant man, who had succeeded to his bishopric: but he had other sentiments, and would neither make suit himself, nor suffer his friends to make any, for his restoration. However, this was done by the parliament, who, after settling the national concerns, sent up an address to the protector to restore him: and the protector was very well inclined, and proposed the resumption to Latimer as a point which he had very much at heart; but LatinYer persevered in the negative, alleging his great age, and the claim he had from thence to a private life. Having thus rid himself of all incumbrance, he accepted an invitation from Cranmer, and took up his residence at Lambeth, where he led a very retired life, being chiefly employed in hearing the complaints and redressing the injuries, of the poor people. And, indeed, his character for services of this kind was so universally known, that strangers from every part of England would resort to him, so that he had as crowded a levee as a minister of state. In these employments he spent more than two years, interfering as little as possible in any public transaction; only he assisted the archbishop in composing the homilies, which were set forth by authority in the first year of king Edward; he was also appointed to preach the Lent sermons before his majesty, which office he performed during the first three years of his reign. As to his sermons, which are still extant, they are, indeed, far enough from being exact pieces of composition: yet, his simplicity and familiarity, his humour and gibing drollery, were well adapted to the times; and his oratory, according to the mode of eloquence at that day, was exceedingly popular. His action and manner of preaching too were very affecting, for he spoke immediately from his heart His abilities, however, as an orator, made only the inferior part of his character as a preacher. What particularly recommends him is, that noble and apostolic zeal whi^h he exerts in the cause of truth.
true; but the second and third are false. As to his aspersing the admiral’s character, his character was so bad, there was no room for aspersion; his treasonable practices
But in the discharge of this duty a slander passed upon bim, which, being recorded by a low historian of those days, has found its way into ours. It is even recorded as credible by Milton, who suffered his zeal against episcopacy, in more instances than this, to bias his veracity, or at best to impose upon his understanding. It is said that after the lord high admiral’s attainder and execution, which happened about this time, he publicly defended his death in a sermon before the king; that he aspersed his character; and that he did it merely to pay a servile compliment to the protector. The first part of this charge is true; but the second and third are false. As to his aspersing the admiral’s character, his character was so bad, there was no room for aspersion; his treasonable practices too were notorious, and though the proceeding against him by a bill in parliament, according to the custom of these times, may be deemed inequitable, yet he paid no more than a due forfeit to the laxvs of his country. However, his death occasioned great clamour, and was made use of by the lords of the opposition (for he left a very dissatisfied party behind him), as an handle to raise a popular odium against the protector, for whom Latimer had always a high esteem. He was mortified therefore to see so invidious and base an opposition thwarting the schemes of so public-spirited a man; and endeavoured to lessen the odium, by shewing the admiral’s character in its true light, from some anecdotes not commonly known. This notice of lord Seymour, which was in Latimer' s fourth sermon before king Edward, is to be found only in the earlier editions.
ence as a general preacher in those parts where he thought his labours might be most serviceable. He was thus employed during the remainder of that reign, and continued
Upon the revolution which happened at court after the
death of the duke of Somerset, Latimer seems to have retired
into the country, and made use of the king’s licence as a
general preacher in those parts where he thought his labours
might be most serviceable. He was thus employed during
the remainder of that reign, and continued in the same course,
for a short time, in the beginning of the next; but, as soon as
the introduction of popery was resolved on, the first step towards it was the prohibition of all preaching throughout the
kingdom, and a licensing only of such as were known to be
popishly inclined: accordingly, a strict inquiry was made
after the more forward and popular preachers; and many
of them were taken into custody. The bishop of Winchester, who was now prime minister, having proscribed
Latimer from the first, sent a message to cite him before
the council. He had notice of this design some hours before the messenger’s arrival, but made no use of the intelligence. The messenger found him equipped for his journey; at which expressing surprize, Latimer told him that
he was as ready to attend him to London, thus called upon to
answer for his faith, as he ever was to take any journey in
his life and that he doubted not but God, who had en- abled him to stand before two princes, would enable him to
stand before a third. The messenger, then acquainting
him that he had no orders to seize his person, delivered a
letter, and departed. Latimer, however, opening the letter,
and finding it contain a citation from the council, resolved
to obey it. He set out therefore immediately; and, as he
passed through Smithfield, where heretics were usually
burnt, he said cheerfully, “This place hath long groaned
for me.
” The next morning he waited upon the council,
who, having loaded him with many severe reproaches, sent
him to the Tower. This was his second visit to this prison,
but now he met with harsher treatment, and had more frequent occasion to exercise his resignation, which virtue no
man possessed in a larger measure; nor did the usual cheerfulness of his disposition forsake him. A servant leaving
his apartment one day, Latimer called after him, and bid
him tell his master, that unless he took better care of him,
he would certainly escape him. Upon this message the
lieutenant, with some discomposure of countenance, came
to Latimer, and desired an explanation. “Why, you expect, I suppose, sir,
” replied Latimerj “that I should be
burnt; but if you do not allow me a little fire this frosty
weather, I can tell you, I shall first be starved.
” Cranmer and Ridley were also prisoners in the same cause with
Latimer; and when it was resolved to have a public disputation at Oxford, between the most eminent of the popish
and protestant divines, these three were appointed to manage the dispute on the part of the protestants. Accordingly they were taken out of the Tower, and sent to Oxford,
where they were closely confined in the common prison,
and might easily imagine how free the disputation was
likely to be, when they found themselves denied the use
even of books, and pen and ink.
Fox has preserved a conference, afterwards put into writing, which was held at this time between Ridley and Latimer, and which sets
Fox has preserved a conference, afterwards put into
writing, which was held at this time between Ridley and
Latimer, and which sets our author’s temper in a strong
light. The two bishops are represented sitting in their
prison, ruminating upon the solemn preparations then
making for their trial, of which, probably, they were now
first informed. “The time,
” said Ridley, “is now come;
we are now called npon, either to deny our faith, or to
suffer death in its defence. You, Mr. Latimer, are an old
soldier of Christ, and have frequently withstood the fear of
death; whereas I am raw in the service, and unexperienced.
” With this preface he introduces a request that
Latimer, whom he calls “his father,
” would hear him
propose such arguments as he thinks it most likely his adversaries would urge against him, and assist him in providing proper answers to them. To this Latimer, in his
usual strain of good humour, replied that “he fancied the
good bishop was treating him as he remembered Mr. Bilney used formerly to do; who, when he wanted to teach
him, would always do it under colour of being taught himself. But in the present case,
” said he, “my lord, I am
determined to give them very little trouble: I shall just
offer them a plain account of my faith, and shall say very
little more; for I know any thing more will be to no
purpose: they talk of a free disputation, but I am well
assured their grand argument will be, as it once was their
forefathers, * We have a law, and by our law ye ought to
die.' Bishop Ridley having afterwards desired his prayers,
that he might trust wholly upon God
” Of my prayers,“replied the old bishop,
” you may be well assured nor
do J doubt but I shall have yours in return, and indeed
prayer and patience should he our great resources. For
myself, had I the learning of St. Paul, I should think it
ill laid out upon an elaborate defence; yet our case, my
lord, admits of comfort. Our enemies can do no more
than God permits; and God is faithful, who will not suffer us to be tempted above our strength. Be at a point
with them; stand to that, and let them say and do what
they please. To use many words would be vain; yet it is
requisite to give a reasonable account of your faith, if they
will quietly hear you. For other things, in a wicked judgment-hall, a man may keep silence after the example of
Christ,“&c. Agreeably to this fortitude, Latimer conducted himself throughout the dispute, answering their
questions as far as civility required; and in these answers
it is observable he managed the argument much better than
either Ridley or Cranmer; who, when they were pressed
in defence of transubstantiation, with some passages from
the fathers, instead of disavowing an insufficient authority,
weakly defended a good cause by evasions and distinctions,
after the manner of schoolmen. Whereas, when the same
proofs were multiplied upon Latimer, he told them plainly
that
” such proofs had no weight with him; that the fathers, no doubt, were often deceived; and that he never
depended upon them but when they depended upon Scripture.“” Then you are not of St. Chrysostom’s faith,“replied they,
” nor of St. Austin’s?“” I have told you,“says Latimer,
” I am not, except they bring Scripture
for what they say.“The dispute being ended, sentence
was passed upon him; and he and Ridley were burnt at
Oxford, on Oct. 16, 1555. When they were brought to
the fire, on a spot of ground on the north side of Baliolcollege, and, after a suitable sermon, were told by an
officer that they might now make ready for the stake, they
supported each other’s constancy by mutual exhortations.
Latimer, when tied to the stake, called to his companion,
” Be of good cheer, brother; we shall this day kindle such
a torch in England, as I trust in God shall never be extinguished." The executioners had been so merciful (for that clemency may more naturally be ascribed to them than to the religious zealots) as to tie bags of gunpowder about
these prelates, in order to put a speedy period to their
tortures. The explosion killed Latimer immediately; but
Ridley continued alive during some time, in the midst of
the flames. Such was the life of Hugh Latimer, one of
the leaders of that glorious army of martyrs, who introduced the reformation in England. He was not esteemed
a very learned man, for he cultivated only useful learning;
and that, he thought, lay in a very narrow compass. He
never engaged in worldly affairs, thinking that a clergyman ought to employ himself in his profession only; and
his talents, temper, and disposition, were admirably
adapted to render the most important services to the reformation.
Latimer’s “Sermons” appear to have been printed separately at first but a collection was published in 1549, 8vo, and a larger afterwards in 4to, has
Latimer’s “Sermons
” appear to have been printed separately at first but a collection was published in 1549,
8vo, and a larger afterwards in 4to, has often been reprinted. They contain in a quaint and familiar style,
more ample materials for a history of the manners and
morals of the time, than any volume we are acquainted
with of that period; and the number of anecdotes he
brought forward to illustrate his subjects, must have contributed greatly to his popularity.
, one of the revivers of classical learning in England, was educated at Oxford, and became fellow of All-Souls’ college,
, one of the revivers of classical learning in England, was educated at Oxford, and became fellow of All-Souls’ college, in 1489. Afterwards travelling into Italy, which was then the resort of those who wished to extend their studies, he remained for some time at Padua, where he improved himself very much, especially in the Greek language. On his return to England, he was incorporated M. A. at Oxford, Nov. 18, 1513. Soon afterwards he became tutor to Reginald Pole, afterwards the celebrated cardinal, by whose interest, it is thought, he obtained the rectories of Saintbury and Weston-underEdge, in Gloucestershire, and a prebend of Salisbury. He had also the honour of being one of those who taught Erasmus Greek at Oxford, and assisted him in the second edition of his New Testament. He died very old, about Sept. 1545; and was buried in the chancel of his church at Saintbury. He was reckoned one of the greatest men of his age, and with Colet, Lily, and Grocyn, contributed much to establish a taste for the Greek language. Erasmus styles him an excellent divine, conspicuous for integrity and modesty; and Leland celebrates his eloquence, judgment, piety, and generosity. Of his writings there is nothing extant, but a few letters to Erasmus.
, an eminent grammarian of Florence, in the thirteenth century, was of a noble family in that city, and during the party contests
, an eminent grammarian of Florence, in the thirteenth century, was of a noble family in
that city, and during the party contests between the
Guelphs and Ghibelins, took part with the former. When
the Ghibelins had obtained assistance from Mainfroy, king
of-Sicily, the Guelphs sent Bninetto to obtain similar aid
from Alphonso king of Castillo; but on his return, hearing
that the Ghibelins had defeated his party and got possession of Florence, he fled to France, where he resided
several years. At length he was enabled to return to his
own country, in which he was appointed to some honourable offices. He died in 1294. The historian Villani attributes to him the merit of having first introduced a degree of refinement among his countrymen, and of having
reformed their language, and the general conduct of public
affairs. The work which has contributed most to his celebrity, was one which he entitled “Tresor,
” and wrote
when in France, and in the French language, which he
says he chose because it was the most agreeable language
and the most common in Europe. This work is a kind of
abridgment of the Bible, of Pliny the naturalist, Solinus,
and other writers who have treated on different sciences,
and may be called an Encyclopaedia of the knowledge of
his time. It was translated into Italian about the same
period, and this translation only was printed; but there
are about a dozen transcripts of the original in the royal
library at Paris, and there is a fine ms. of it in the Vatican, bound in crimson velvet, with manuscript notes, by
Petrarch. After his return to Florence, Latini wrote his
u Tesoretto,“or little treasure, which, however, is not
as some have reported, an abridgment of the
” Tresor,“but a collection of moral precepts in verse. He also
translated into the Italian language part of Cicero
” de Inventione.“His greatest honour seems to have been that
he was the tutor of Dante, not however in poetry, for his
” Tesoretto" affords no ground to consider him as a master
of that art.
, one of the most learned critics of the sixteenth century, was born about 1513, at Viterbo. He acquired an extensive knowledge
, one of the most learned critics
of the sixteenth century, was born about 1513, at Viterbo.
He acquired an extensive knowledge of the belles lettres
and sciences, and was chosen with the other learned men,
in 1573, to correct Gratian’s “Decretal,
” in which great
work he took much pains. He died January 21, 1593, at
Rome. Latinus left notes on Tertullian, and a very learned
book, entitled “Bibliotheca sacra et profana, sive Observationes, correctiones, conjecturae et variaeLectiones,
”
in Hainault, doctor of Louvain, and canon of St. Peter’s in the same city, wrote against Luther, and was esteemed by his party one of the best controversialists of his
, a learned scholastib
divine of the sixteenth century, a native of Gambron, in
Hainault, doctor of Louvain, and canon of St. Peter’s in
the same city, wrote against Luther, and was esteemed by
his party one of the best controversialists of his time. He
died 1544. All his works were collected and published,
1550, fol. by his nephew, James Latomus, who died 1596.
They are in Latin, and consist of “Treatises on the
Church,
” the “Pope’s Primacy,
” aud “Auricular Confession
” a*' Defence of the Articles of Louvain“a tract
” On the study of Divinity, and of the three Languages,"
in which he defends scholastic divinity. Erasmus having
refuted this work, Latomus answered him by an Apology.
He wrote Latin with facility, but without elegance, and
neither understood Greek nor Hebrew. Luther’s confutation of Latomus’s defence of the articles of Louvain is
accounted one of the ablest productions of that eminent
reformer.
, archbishop of Canterbury, was son of William Laud, a clothier of Heading, in Berkshire, by
, archbishop of Canterbury, was son of William Laud, a clothier of Heading, in Berkshire, by Lucy his wife, widow of John Robinson, of the same place, and sister to sir William Webbe, afterwards lord-mayor of London, in 1591. His father died in 1594, leaving his son, after his mother’s decease, the house which he inhabited in Broad-street, and two others in Swallowfield; 1200l. in money, and the stock in trade. The widow was to have the interest of half the estate during her life. She died in 1600. These circumstances, although in themselves of little importance, it is necessary to mention as a contradiction to the assertion of Prynne, that he was of poor and obscure parents, which was repeated by lord Say, in the house of peers. He was born at Reading, Oct. 7, 1573, and educated at the free-school there, till July 1589; when, removing to St. John’s college, in Oxford, he became a scholar of the house in 1590, and fellow in 1593. He took the degree of A. B. in 1594, and that of master in 1598. He was this year chosen grammarlecturer; and being ordained priest in 1601, read, the following year, a divinity-lecture in his college, which was then supported by Mrs. Maye. In some of these chapel exercises he maintained against the puritans, the perpetual visibility of the church of Rome till the reformation; by which he incurred the displeasure of Dr. Abbot, then vice-chancellor of the university, who maintained that the visibility of the church of Christ might be deduced through other channels to. the time of that reformation. In 1603, Laud was one of the proctors; and the same year became- chaplain to Charles Blonnt, earl of Devonshire, whom he inconsiderately married, Dec. 26, 1605, to Penelope, then wife of Robert lord Rich; an affair that exposed him afterwards to much censure, and created him great uneasiness; in reality, it made so deep an impression upon him, that he ever after kept that day as a day of fasting and humiliation.
ld be no true church without diocesan bishops. These were levelled also against the puritans, and he was rallied by the divinity-professor. He likewise gave farther
He proceeded B. D. July 6, 1604. In his exercise for this degree, he maintained these two points: the necessity of baptism; and that there could be no true church without diocesan bishops. These were levelled also against the puritans, and he was rallied by the divinity-professor. He likewise gave farther offence to the Calvinists, by a sermon preached before the university in 1606; and we are told it was made heresy for any to be seen in his company, and a misprision of heresy to give him a civil salutation; his learning, parts, and principles, however, procured him some friends. His first preferment was the vicarage of Stanford, in Northamptonshire, in 1607; and in 1608 he obtained the advowson of North Kilworth, in Leicestershire. He was no sooner invested in these livings, but he put the parsonage- houses in good repair, and gave twelve poor people a constant allowance out of them, which was his constant practice in all his subsequent preferments. This same year he commenced D. D. and was made chaplain to Neile, bishop of Rochester; and preached his first sermon before king James, at Theobalds, Sept. 17, 1609. In order to be near his patron, he exchanged North Kilworth for the rectory of West Tilbury, in Essex, into which he was inducted in 1609. The following year, the bishop gave him the living of Cuckstone, in Kent, on which he resigned his fellowship, left Oxford, and settled at Cuckstone; but the un-healthiness of that place having thrown him into an ague, he exchanged it soon after for Norton, a benefice of less value, but in a better air. In Dec. 1610, Dr. Bnckeridge, president of St. John’s, being promoted to the see of Rochester, Abbot, newly made archbishop of Canterbury, who had disliked Laud’s principles at Oxford, complained of him to the lord-chancellor Ellesmere, chancellor of the university; alledging that he was cordially addicted to popery. The complaint was supposed to be made, in order to prevent his succeeding Buckeridge in the presidentship of his college; and the lord-chancellor carrying it to the king, all his credit, interest, and advancement, would probably have been destroyed thereby, had not his firm friend bishop Neile contradicted the reports to his discredit. He was therefore elected president May 10, 1611, though then sick in London, and unable either to make interest in person or by writing to his friends; and the king not only con finned his election, after a hearing of three hours at Tichbonrn, but as a farther token of his favour, made him one of his chaplains, upon the recommendation of bishop Neile. Laud having thus attained a footing at court, flattered himself with hopes of great and immediate preferment; but abp. Abbot always opposing applications in his behalf, after three years fruitless waiting, he was upon the point of leaving the court, and retiring wholly to his college, when his friend and patron Neile, newly translated to Lincoln, prevailed with him to stay one year longer, and in the mean time gave him the prebend of Bugden, in the church of Lincoln, in 16 14; and the archdeaconry of Huntingdon the following year.
r, the king gave him the deanery of Gloucester; and as a farther instance of his heing in favour, he was selected to attend the king in his journey to Scotland, in 1617.
Upon the lord-chancellor Kllesmere’s decline, in 1610, Laud s interest began to rise at court, so that, in November that year, the king gave him the deanery of Gloucester; and as a farther instance of his heing in favour, he was selected to attend the king in his journey to Scotland, in 1617. Some royal directions were by his procurement sent to Oxford, for the better government of the university, before he set out on that journey, the design of which was to bring the church of Scotland to an uniformity with that of England; a favourite scheme of Laud and other divines: but the Scotch were resolute in their adherence to the presbyterian form of church government, and the only fruit of this expensive journey was, that the king found his commands nugatory, and his authority contemned. Laud, however, seems to have advanced in favour with his majesty, for on his return from Scotland, Aug. 2, 1617, he was inducted to the rectory of Ibstock, in Leicestershire; and Jan. 22, 1620-1, installed into a prebend of Westminster. About the same time, there was a general expectation at court, that the deanery of that church would have been conferred upon him; but Dr. Williams, then dean, wanting to keep it in commendam with the bishopric of Lincoln, to which he was promoted^ procured that Laud should be promoted to the bishopric of St. David’s. The day before his consecration, he resigned the presidentship of St. John’s, in obedience to the college-statute; but was permitted to keep his prebend of Westminster in corrimendam, through the lord-keeper Williams’s interest, who, about a year after, gave him a living of about 120l. a year, in the diocese of St. David’s, to help his revenue; and in January 1620, the king gave him also the rectory of Creeke, in Northamptonshire. The preachers of those times introducing in their sermons discussions on the doctrines of predestination and election, and even the royal prerogative, the king published, August 1622, directions concerning preachers and preaching, in which L;iud was said to have a hand, and which, being aimed at the puritans and lecturers, occasioned great clamour among them, and was one of the first causes of Laud’s unpopularity. This year also, our prelate held his famous conference with Fisher the Jesuit, before the marquis of Buckingham and his mother, in order to confirm them both in the protestant religion, in which they were then wavering. The conference was printed in 1624, and produced an intimate acquaintance between him and the marquis, whose special favourite he became at this time, and to whom he is charged with making himself too subservient; the proof of which is said to be, that Buckingham left him his agent at court, when he went with the prince to Madrid, and frequently corresponded with him.
andings or misrepresentations on both sides, occasioned such animosity between these two prelates as was attended with the worst consequences. Archbishop Abbot also,
About Oct. 1623, the lord-keeper Williams’s jealousy of Laud, as a rival in the duke of Buckingham’s favour, and other misunderstandings or misrepresentations on both sides, occasioned such animosity between these two prelates as was attended with the worst consequences. Archbishop Abbot also, resolving to depress Laud as long as he could, left him out of the high commission, of which he complained to the duke of Buckingham, Nov. 1624, and then was put into the commission. Yet he was not so attached to Buckingham, as not to oppose the design, formed by that nobleman, of appropriating the endowment of the Charter-house to the maintenance of an army, under pretence of its being for the king’s advantage and the ease of the subject. In December this year, he presented to the duke a tract, drawn up at his request, under ten heads, concerning doctrinal puritanism. He corresponded also with him, during his absence in France, respecting Charles the First’s marriage with the princess Henrietta-Maria; and that prince, soon after his accession to the throne, wanting to regulate the number of his chaplains, and to know the principles and qualifications of the most eminent divines in his kingdom, our bishop was ordered to draw a list of them, which he distinguished by the letter O for orthodox, and P for puritans. At Charles’s coronation, Feb. 2, 1625-6, he officiated as dean of Westminster, in the room of Williams, then in disgrace; and has been charged, although unjustly, with altering the coronationoath. In 1626 he was translated from St. David’s to Bath and Wells and in 1628 to London. The king having appointed him dean of his chapel-royal, in 1626, and taken him into the privy-council in 1627, he was likewise in the commission for exercising archiepiscopal jurisdiction during Abbot’s sequestration. In the third parliament of king Charles, which met March 17, 1627, he was voted a favourer of the Arminians, and one justly suspected to be unsound in his opinions that >vay accordingly, his name was inserted as such in the Commons’ remonstrance and, because he was thought to be the writer of the king’s speeches, and of the duke of Buckingham’s answer to his impeachment, &c. these suspicions so exposed him to popular rage, that his life was threatened . About the same time, he was put into an ungracious office; namely, in a commission for raising money by impositions, which the Commons called excises; but it seems never to have been executed.
Amidst all these employments, his care was often exerted towards the place of his education, the university
Amidst all these employments, his care was often exerted towards the place of his education, the university of Oxford. In order to rectify the factious and tumultuary manner of electing proctors, he fixed them to the several colleges by rotation, and caused to be put into order the jarring and imperfect statutes of that university, which had lain confused some hundreds of years. In April 1630 he was elected their chancellor; and he made it his business, thy rest of his life, to adorn the university with buildings, and to enrich it with books and Mss. In the first design he began with his own ‘college, St. John’s, where he built the inner quadrangle (except part of the south side of it, which was the old library) in a solid and elegant manner: the first stone of this design was laid in 1631. He also erected that elegant pile of building at the west-end of the divinity-schooL known by the name of the convocationhouse below, and Selclen’s library above ; and gave the university, at several’ times, 1300 Mss. in Hebrew, Syriac, Chaldee, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Armenian, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Latin, Italian, French, Saxon, English, and Irish; an invaluable collection, procured at a prodigious expence.
ment, cpuld be liable to no just objection. On May 13, 163 3, he left London to attend the king, who was about to set out for his coronation in Scotland, and was sworn
After the duke of Buckingham’s murder, Laud became
chief favourite to Charles I. which augmented indeed his
power and interest, but at the same time increased that
envy and jealousy, already too strong, which at length
proved fatal to him. Upon the decline of archbishop Abbot’s health and favour at court, Laud’s concurrence in the
very severe prosecutions carried on in the high-commission
and star-chamber courts, against preachers and writers,
did him great prejudice with most people. Among these,
however, it has been remarked that his prosecution of the
king’s printers, for leaving out the word “not,
” in the
seventh commandment, cpuld be liable to no just objection. On May 13, 163 3, he left London to attend
the king, who was about to set out for his coronation in
Scotland, and was sworn a privy-counsellor of that kingdom, June 15, and, on the 26th, came back to Fulham.
During his stay in Scotland he formed a resolution of
bringing that cnurch to a conformity with the church of
Englan I; but the king committed the framing of a liturgy
to a select number of Scottish bishops, who, inserting several variations from the English liturgy, were opposed
strenuously but unsuccessfully, by Laud. Having endeavoured to supplant Abbot, “whom,
” as Fuller observes
in his Church History, “he could not be contented to
succeed,
” upon his death in August this year,' he was
appointed his successor. That very morning, August 4,
there came one to him at Greenwich, with a serious offer
(and an avowed ability to perform it) of a cardinal’s hat;
which offer was repeated on the 17th; but his answer both
times was, “that somewhat dwelt within him which would
not suffer that till Home were other than it is.
” On Sept.
14 he was elected chancellor of the university of Dublin.
One of his first acts, after his advancement to the archbishopric, was an injunction, October 18, pursuant to the king’s letter, that
One of his first acts, after his advancement to the archbishopric, was an injunction, October 18, pursuant to the king’s letter, that no clergyman should be ordained priest without a title. At the same time came out the king’s declaration about lawful sports on Sundays, which Laud was charged with having revived and enlarged; and that, with the vexatious persecutions of such clergymen as refused to read it in their churches, brought a great odium upon him. It was in vain that he pleaded precedents in foreign churches; and perhaps no act of this unhappy reign gave a more violent shock to the loyalty of the people, which Laud, unfortunately, seldom consulted. Soon after he yet farther interfered with popular prejudices." During a metropoliticul visitation, by his vicar-general, among other regulations, the church-wardens in every parish were enjoined to remove the communion-table from the middle to the east end of the chancel, altar-wise, the ground being raised for that purpose, and to fence it in with decent rails, to avoid profaneness; and the refusers were prosecuted in the high-commission or star-chamber courts. In this visitation, the Dutch and Walloon congregations were summoned to appear; and such as were born in England enjoined to repair to the several parish-churches where they inhabited, to hear divine service and sermons, and perform all duties and payments required on that behalf; and those of them, ministers and others, that were aliens born, to use the English liturgy translated into French or Dutch; but many of these, rather than comply, chose to leave the kingdom, to the great detriment of our manufactures.
and settled the revenues of the London clergy in a better manner than before. On Feb. 5, 1634-5, he was put into the great committee of trade, and the king’s revenue,
In 1634 our archbishop did the poor Irish clergy a very important service, by obtaining for them, from the king, a grant of all the impropriations then remaining in the crown. He also improved and settled the revenues of the London clergy in a better manner than before. On Feb. 5, 1634-5, he was put into the great committee of trade, and the king’s revenue, and appointed one of the commissioners of the treasury, March the 4th, upon the death of Weston earl of Portland. Besides this, he was, tvVo days after, called into the foreign committee, and had likewise the sole disposal of whatsoever concerned the church; but he fell into warm disputes with the lord^Cottington, chancellor of the exchequer, who took all opportunities of imposing upon him . After having continued for a year commissioner of the treasury, and acquainted himself with the mysteries of it, he procured the lord-treasurer’s staff" for Dr. William Juxon, who had through his interest been successively advanced to the presidentship of St. John’s college, deanery of Worcester, clerkship of his majesty’s closet, and bishopric of London, as already noticed in our life of Juxon. For some years Laud had set his heart upon getting the English liturgy introduced into Scotland; and some of the Scottish bishops hud, under his direction, prepared both that book and a collection of canons for public service; the canons were published in 1635, but the liturgy came not in use till 1637. On the day it was first read at St. Giles’s church, in Edinburgh, it occasioned a most violent tumult among the people, encouraged by the nobility, who were losers by the restitution of episcopacy, and by the ministers, who lost their clerical government. Laud, having been the great promoter of that affair, was reviled for it in the most abusive manner, and both he and the book were charged with downright popery. The extremely severe prosecution carried on about the same time in the star-chamber, chiefly through his instigation, against Prynne, Bastwick, and Burton, did him also infinite prejudice, and exposed him to numberless libels and reflections; though he endeavoured to vindicate his conduct in a speech delivered at their censure, June 14, 1637, which was published by the king’s command. Another rigorous prosecution, carried on with his concurrence, in the star-chamber, was against bishop Williams, an account of which may be seen in his article, as also of Lambert Osbaldiston, master of Westminster school.
In order to prevent the printing and publishing of what he thought improper books, a decree was passed in the star-chamber, July 11, 1637, to regulate the trade
In order to prevent the printing and publishing of what
he thought improper books, a decree was passed in the
star-chamber, July 11, 1637, to regulate the trade of printing, by which it was enjoined that the master-printers
should be reduced to a certain number, and that none of
them should print any books till they were licensed either
by the archbishop, or, the bishop of London, or some of
their chaplains, or by the chancellors or vice-chancellors
of the two universities. Accused as he frequently was, of
popery, he fell under the queen’s displeasure this year,
by speaking, with his usual warmth, to the king at the
council- table against the increase of papists, their frequent
resort to Somerset house, and their insufferable misdemeanors in perverting his majesty’s subjects to popery.
On Jan. 3i, 1638-9, he wrote a circular letter to his suffragan bishops, exhorting them and their clergy to contribute liberally towards raising the army against the Scots,
For this he was called an incendiary: but he declares, on
the contrary, that he laboured for peace so long, till he
received a great check; and that, at court his counsels
alone prevailed for peace and forbearance. lu 1639 he
employed one Mr. Petley to translate the liturgy into
Greek; and, at his recommendation, Dr. Joseph Hall,
bishop of Exeter, composed his learned treatise of “Episcopacy by Divine Right asserted.
” On Dec. 11, the same
year, he was one of the three privy-counsellors who advised the king to call a parliament in case of the Scottish rebellion; at which time a resolution was adopted
to assist the king in extraordinary ways, if the parliament
should prove peevish and refuse supplies. A new parliament being summoned, met April 13, 1649, and the convocation the day following; but the Commons beginning
with complaints against the archbishop, and insisting upon
a redress of grievances before they granted any supply,
the parliament was unhappily dissolved, May 5. The
convocation, however, continued sitting; and certain canons
were made in it, which gave great offence. On Laud many
laid the blame and odium of the parliament’s dissolution;
and that noted enthusiast, John Lilburne, caused a paper
to be posted, May 3, upon the Old Exchange, animating
the apprentices to sack his house at Lambeth the Monday
following. On that day above 5000 of them assembled in
a riotous and tumultuous manner; but the archbishop, receiving previous notice, secured the palace as well as he
could, and retired to his chamber at Whitehall, where he
remained some days; and one of the ringleaders was
hanged, drawn, and quartered, on the 21st. In August
following, a libel was found in Covent-garden, exciting
the apprentices and soldiers to fall upon him in the king’s
absence, upon his second expedition into Scotland. The
parliament that met Nov. 3, 1640, not being better disposed
towards him, but, for the most part, bent upon his ruin,
several angry speeches were made against him in the House
of commons.
and the introduction ol the English service-book among them. In this state of general discontent, he was not only examined, Dec. 4, on the earl of Strafford’s case,
It can be no wonder that his ruin should appear certain, considering his many and powerful enemies; almost the whole body of the puritans; many of the English nobility and others; and the bulk of the Scotch nation. The puritans considered him as the sole author of the innovations and of the persecutions against them; the nobility could not brook his warm and imperious manner, and his grasping at the office of prime-minister; and the Scots were excited to rebellion, by the restoring of episcopal government, and the introduction ol the English service-book among them. In this state of general discontent, he was not only examined, Dec. 4, on the earl of Strafford’s case, but, when the Commons came to debate upon the late canons and convocation, he was represented as the author of them; and a committee was appointed to inquire into all his actions, and prepare a charge against him on the 16th. The same morning, in the House of Lords, he was named as an incendiary, in an accusation from the Scottish commissioners; and, two days after, an impeachment of high-treason was carried up to the lords by Denzil Holies, desiring he might be forthwith sequestered from parliament, and committed, and the Commons would, in a convenient time, resort to them with particular articles. Soon after, the Scotch commissioners presented also to the upper House the charge against him, tending to prove liim an incendiary, and he was immediately committed to the custody of the black rod. After ten weeks, sir Henry Vane, junior, brought up, Feb. 26, fourteen articles against him, which they desired time to prove in particular, and, in the mean time, that he be kept safe. Accordingly, the black rod conveyed him to the Tower, March 1, 1640-1, amidst the insults and reproaches of the mob.
His enemies, of which the number was great, began then to give full vent to their passions and prejudices,
His enemies, of which the number was great, began then to give full vent to their passions and prejudices, and to endeavour to ruin his reputation.' In March and April, the House of Commons ordered him, jointly with all those that had passed sentence in the Star-chamber against Burton, Bastwick, and Prynne, to make satisfaction and reparation for the damages they had sustained by their sentence and imprisonment and he was fined 20,000l. for his acting in the late convocation. He was also condemned by the House of Lords to pay 500l. to sir Robert Howard for false imprisonment. This person was living in open adultery with lady Purbeck; and both were imprisoned by an order of the high commission court, at the king’s particular command. On June 25, 1641, he resigned his chancellorship of the university of Oxford; and, in October, the House of Lords sequestered his jurisdiction, putting it into the hands of his inferior officers and enjoined, that he should give no benefice without first having the House’s approbation of the person nominated by him. On Jan. 20, 1641-2, they ordered his armoury at Lambeth-palace, which had cost him above 300l. and which they represented as sufficient for 2000 men, to be taken away by the sheriffs of London. Before the end of the year, all the rents and profits of the archbishopric were sequestered by the lords for the use of the commonwealth; and his house was plunv dered of what money it afforded by two members of the House of Commons; and such was their wanton severity, that when he petitioned the parliament afterwards for a maintenance, he could not obtain any, nor even the least part of above two hundred pounds worth of his own wood and coal at Lambeth, for his necessary use in the Tower. On April 25, 1643, a motion was made in the House of Commons, at the instance of Hugh Peters and others of that stamp, to send or transport him to New England; but that motion was rejected. On May 9, his goods and books in Lambeth-house were seized, and the goods sold for scarce the third part of their value, and all this before he had been brought to any trial, the issue of which alone could justify such proceedings. Seven days after, there came out an ordinance of parliament, enjoining him to give no benefice without leave and order of both Houses. On May 31, W. Prynne, by a warrant from the close committee, came and searched his room, while he was in bed, and even rifled his pockets; taking away his diary > private devotions, and twenty-one bundles of papers, which he had prepared for his own defence. Prynne promised a faithful restitution of them within three or four days; but he never returned quite three bundles of the papers. In the mean time, the archbishop not complying exactly with the ordinance above-mentioned, all the temporalities of his archbishopric were sequestered to the parliament June 10, and he was suspended from his office and benefice, and from all jurisdiction whatsoever.
On Oct. 24, an order was brought to the archbishop, from the Lords, with ten additional
On Oct. 24, an order was brought to the archbishop,
from the Lords, with ten additional articles of impeachment
from the Commons, adding to the charge of treason “other
high crimes and misdemeanours.
” He petitioned for his.
papers, but the committee of sequestrations would not
grant them, nor permit any copies but at his own expence;
and as to any allowance for the charges of his trial, it was
insultingly said by Mr.Glyn, “that he might plead in forma
pauperis.
” At length Mr. Dell, his secretary, was appointed his solicitor, and Mr. Herne, of Lincoln’s-inn, his
counsel; and two more servants were sent to him, for his
assistance. After nearly three years’ imprisonment, on
Nov. 13 the archbishop was brought to the bar of the
House of Lords, and put in his answer in writing, in this
form, “all advantages of law against this impeachment
saved and reserved to this defendant, he pleads, not guilty,
to all and every part of the impeachment, in manner and
form as it is changed in the articles;
” and to this answer
he then set his hand. He then petitioned that his counsel
might be heard, and might advise him, both with regard
to law and fact; which was allowed in things not charged
as treason. On Jan. 8, there was an order for the archbishop’s appearance; but, at his request, it was postponed
to the 16th; when the committee began with the former
general articles, to which the archbishop had put in no
answer, nor even joined issue: therefore he was peremptorily commanded to put in his answer both to the original
and additional articles, in writing; which he did, pleading, in general, not guilty.
On Tuesday, March 12, 1643-4, the trial was opened in form; the original and additional articles of impeachment
On Tuesday, March 12, 1643-4, the trial was opened in
form; the original and additional articles of impeachment
were read, and, after that, the archbishop’s answer, plea,
and demurrer to them. He requested that the charge and
evidence to all the articles might be given together; and
the articles of misdemeanour separated from those of treason; to which the celebrated lawyer, Maynard, answered,
that, in the earl of Strafford’s trial, he was put to answer
every day the particular evidence given that day; that they
were now only to try matters of fact, not of law, and that
all the articles collectively, not any one separately, made
up the charge of treason. Serjeant Wilde then made a
long speech, upon the charge of high treason, insisting
chiefly upon the archbishop’s attachment to popery, and
his intention to introduce it into England; concluding with
these words, that “Naaman was a great man, but he was
a leper,
” and that the archbishop’s leprosy had so infected
all, “as there remained no other cure but the sword of
justice.
” The archbishop replied to the several charges,
and mentioned various persons whom he had brought back
from the Romish religion, particularly sir William Webbe,
his kinsman, and two of his daughters; his son lui took
from him; and, his father being utterly decayed, bred
him at his own charge, and educated him in the protestant
religion. The trial lasted above twenty days, and on Sept.
2, 1644, the archbishop made a recapitulation of the whole
cause; but, as soon as he came into the House, he saw
every lord present with a new thin book in folio, in a blue
cover; which was his “Diary,
” which Prynne, as already
mentioned, had robbed him of, and printed with notes of
his own, to disgrace the archbishop. On Sept. 11, Mr.
Brown delivered, in the House of Lords, a summary of
the whole charge, with a few observations on the archbishop’s answer. The queries of his counsel on the law of
treason was referred to a committee which ordered his
counsel to be heard on Oct. 11, when Mr. Herne delivered
his argument with great firmness and resolution. The lord
chancellor Finch told archbishop Sancroft that the argument was sir Matthew Hale’s, afterwards lord chief justice;
and that being then a young lawyer, he, Mr. Finch, stood
behind Mr. Herne, at the bar of the house, and took notes
of it, which he intended to publish in his reports. With
this argument, the substance of which may be seen in our
authorities, the trial ended for that day; but, after this, a
petition was sent about London, “for bringing delinquents
to justice;
” and many of the preachers exhorted the people
to sign it; so that with a multitude of hands, it was delivered to the House of Commons, on Oct. 8. The archbishop was summoned on Nov. 2, to the House of Commons, to hear the whole charges, and to make his defence,
which he did at large, Nov. 11. On the following Wednesday Mr. Brown replied and after the archbishop was
dismissed, the House called for the ordinance, and without
hearing his counsel, voted him guilty of high treason.
After various delays, the Lords had a conference with the
Commons, on Dec. 24, in which they declared, “that they
had diligently weighed all things charged against the archbishop, but could not, by any one of them, or all, find
him guilty of treason.
” The judges had unanimously made
the same declaration. At the second conference, on Jan.
2, 1644-5, the reasons of the Commons for the attainder
of the archbishop were communicated to the Lords, who
in a very thin house, passed the ordinance that he should
suffer death by hanging, which was fixed for Friday the
10th. He pleaded the king’s pardon, under the great seal,
which was over-ruled, and rejected, without being read,
and the only favour granted, and that after delay and with
reluctance, was, that his sentence should be changed to
beheading.
f the Tower, came to conduct him to the scaffold, which he ascended with a cheerful countenance, and was beheaded Jan. 10, 1644-5, about 12 o'clock at noon. His body
The archbishop continued a journal of all the circumstances of his trial and imprisonment to January 3; but on hearing that the bill of attainder had passed the Lords, be broke off his history, and prepared himself for death. He received the notice with great composure, and passed the time between his sentence and execution, in prayer and devout exercises. He slept soundly the night before his death, till the time came when his servants were appointed to attend his rising; then he applied himself to his private prayers, and so continued until sir John Pennington, lieutenant of the Tower, came to conduct him to the scaffold, which he ascended with a cheerful countenance, and was beheaded Jan. 10, 1644-5, about 12 o'clock at noon. His body was buried in the church of All-hallows, Barking; but was removed to St. John’s college in 1663, where it was placed in a vault in the chapel.
d enters more or less into every controversy respecting the unhappy reign in which he flourished. He was a man of strict integrity, sincere, and zealous; but, in many
His character has been variously represented, and indeed
enters more or less into every controversy respecting the
unhappy reign in which he flourished. He was a man of
strict integrity, sincere, and zealous; but, in many respects, was indiscreet and obstinate, eagerly pursuing
matters that were either inconsiderable or mischievous. The
rigorous prosecutions in the Star-chamber and High-commission courts were generally imputed to him: and he
formed the airy project of uniting the three kingdoms in an
uniformity of religion and the passing of some ceremonies
in this last affair brought upon him the odious imputation
of popery, and of being popishly affected, without a,ny
good grounds. He was more given to interfere in matters
of state than his predecessors; and this at a time when a
jealousy of the power of the clergy was increasing. Having naturally a great warmth of temper, which betrayed
itself in harsh language, he was ill fitted to contend with
the party now so powerful that it may even be doubted
whether a conciliating temper would have had much effect in preventing their purposes against the church and
state. Mr. Gilpiu’s comparison between him and his great
predecessor Cranmer appears to us worthy of consideration.
“Both,
” says that elegant writer, “were good men, fypth
were equally zealous for religion, and both were engaged
in the work of reformation. I mean not to enter into the
affair of introducing episcopacy in Scotland; nor to throw
any favourable light on the ecclesiastical views of those
times. I am at present only considering the measures
which the two archbishops took in forwarding their respective plans. While Cranmer pursued his with that caution
and temper, which we have just been examining; Laud,
in the violence of his integrity (for he was certainl^ a well-meaning man), making allowances neither for men nor
opinions, was determined to carry all. before him. The
consequence was, that he did nothing which he attempted;
while Cranmer did every thing. And it is probable that if
Henry had chosen such an instrument as Laud, he would
have miscarried in his point: while Charles with such a
primate as Cranmer, would either have been successful in
his schemes, or at least have avoided the fatal consequences
that ensued.
” But, whatever Laud’s faults, itcannot.be
denied that he was condemned to death by an ordinance of
parliament, in defiance of the statute of treasons, of the law
of the land, and by a stretch of prerogative greater than
any one of the sovereign whom that parliament opposed.
The few productions we have of archbishop Laud show that his time was more occupied in active life, than in studious retirement, and
The few productions we have of archbishop Laud show
that his time was more occupied in active life, than in
studious retirement, and demonstrate but little of that
learning which was very justly attributed to him. These
are, 1. “Seven Sermons preached and printed on several
Occasions,
” reprinted in Short Annotations upon the Life and Death of the most august King
James,
” drawn up at the desire of George duke of Bucks.
3. Answer to the Remonstrance made by the House
of Commons in 1628.“4.
” His Diary by Wharton in
1694; with six other pieces, and several letters, especially
one to sir Kenelm Digby, on his embracing Popery.“5.
” The second volume of the Remains of Archbishop
Laud, written by himself,“&c. 1700, fol. 6.
” Officium
Quotidianum; or, a Manual of private Devotions,*' 1650,
8vo. 7. “A Summary of Devotions,
” Vossii Epistol.
” Lond.
Life of Dr. Pocock,
” prefixed to that author’s theological works,
, a native of Scotland, the author of a remarkable forgery, was educated at the university of Edinburgh, where he finished his
, a native of Scotland, the author
of a remarkable forgery, was educated at the university of
Edinburgh, where he finished his studies with great reputation, and acquired a considerable knowledge of the
Latin tongue. He afterwards taught with success the
Latin tongue to some students who were recommended to
him by the professors. In 1734, Mr. professor Watt falling ill of that sickness of which he died, Lauder taught for
him the Latin class, in the college of Edinburgh, and
tried, without success, to be appointed professor in his
room. He failed also in his application for the office of
librarian. In Feb. 1739, he stood candidate, with eight
others, for the place of one of the masters of the high
school; but, though the palm of literature was assigned by
the judges to Lauder, the patrons of the school preferred
one of his opponents. In the same year he published at
Edinburgh an edition of “Johnston’s Psalms,
” or rather a
collection of Sacred Latin poetry, in 2 vols, but his hopes
of profit from this were disappointed. In 1742, although
he was recommended by Mr. Patrick Cuming and Mr.
Colin Maclaurin, professors of church history and mathematics, to the mastership of the grammar-school at Dundee, then vacant, we find him, the same year, in London,
contriving to ruin the reputation of Milton; an attempt
which ended in the destruction of his own. His reason for
the attack has been referred to the virulence of violent
party-spirit, which triumphed over every principle of
honour and honesty. He began first to retail part of his
design in “The Gentleman’s Magazine,
” in An Essay on Milton’s Use and Imitation
of the Moderns in his Paradise Lost,
” 8vo. The fidelity
of his quotations had been doubted by several people; and
the falsehood of them was soon after demonstrated by Dr.
Douglas, late bishop of Salisbury, in a pamphlet, entitled
“Milton vindicated from the Charge of Plagiarism brought
against him by Lauder, and Lauder himself convicted of
forgeries and gross impositions on the public. In a letter
humbly addressed to the right honourable the earl of Bath,
”
Johnston’s Psalms.
” This misfortune he ascribed to a couplet in Mr. Pope’s Dunciad,
book iv. ver. iii. and thence originated his rancour against
Milton. He afterwards imputed his conduct to other motives, abused the few friends who continued to countenance
him; and, finding that his own character was not to be
retrieved, quitted the kingdom, and went to Barbadoes,
where he was for some time master of the free-school in
Bridgetown, but was discharged for misconduct, and passed
the remainder of his life in universal contempt. “He
died,
” says Mr. Nichols, “sometime about the year 1771,
as my friend Mr. Reed was informed by the gentleman
who read the funeral-service over him.
” It may be added,
that notwithstanding Lauder’s pretended regret for his attack on Milton, he returned to the charge in 1754, and
published a pamphlet entitled “The Grand Impostor detected, or Milton convicted of forgery against Charles I.
”
which was reviewed in the Gent. Mag. of that year, probably by Johnson.
, an able French lawyer, was born August 6, 1612, at Angers. He was received advocate at
, an able French lawyer, was
born August 6, 1612, at Angers. He was received
advocate at Paris 1638, became eminent afterwards at the bar,
and was the first professor of French law at the college of
Cambray, that chair being newly founded 1680. He died
July 9, 1693, aged 81. His works are, “Commentaries
on Anthony Loisel’s Instituts Couturaiers,
” Traite 1 du Droit de Chasse,
” Rémarques
sur l'Institution du Droit Romain, et du Droit François,
”
, a learned and judicious protestant writer, was born 157S, at Blois, descended from one of the most respectable
, a learned and judicious protestant writer, was born 157S, at Blois, descended from
one of the most respectable families in that city. At the
age of forty, he resigned a post in the exchequer, the
title of king’s secretary, and all prospects of advancement,
that he might devote himself entirely to the sacred writings;
and from that time till he was eighty-nine, rose constantly
at four in the morning, to read and meditate on Scripture.
The French protestants placed an extraordinary confidence
in him. He was deputed to all the synods of his province,
and to almost every national synod held in his time, and
died in 1662, greatly lamented. His works are, “Paraphrases
” on all St. Paul’s Epistles, on Daniel, Ecclesiastes,
the Proverbs, and Revelations; and “Remarks on the
Bible, or an Explanation of the difficult words, phrases,
and metaphors, in the Holy Scriptures,
” Geneva, De la Sainte C6ne,
” and another, “Sur le
Millénarisme.
”
, or Launoius, a very learned man and voluminous writer, was born about 1601, and took a doctor of divinity’s degree in 1636.
, or Launoius, a very learned man
and voluminous writer, was born about 1601, and took a
doctor of divinity’s degree in 1636. He made a journey
to Rome, for the sake of enlarging his ideas and knowledge; and there procured the esteem and friendship of
Leo Allatius and Holsten. Upon his return to Paris, he
shut himself up, entering upon an extensive course of
reading, and making collections upon all subjects. He
held at his house every Monday a meeting where the
learned conversed on many topics, but particularly on the
discipline of the church, and the rights of the Gallican
church; and they cordially agreed in condemning such
legends as the apostolate of St. Dionysius the Areopagite
into France, the voyage of Lazarus and Mary Magdalen
into Provence, and a multitude of other traditions.
Launoi was such an enemy to legendary saints, that Voltaire
records a curate of St. Eustachius, as saying, “I always
make the most profound obeisance to Mr. Launoi, for fear
he should take from me my St. Eustachius.
” He died at
cardinal d‘Estr^es’s hotel, March 10, 1678, aged 75, and
was buried at the convent of the Minimes de la Place
Ro’iale, to whom he left two hundred crowns in gold, all
the rituals which he had collected, and half his books; bequeathing the remainder to the seminary at Laon. Few
men were so industrious and so disinterested, as M. de
Launoi, who persisted in refusing all the benefices which
were offered him, and lived in a plain, frugal manner,
contented with his books and his private fortune, though
the latter was but moderate. He was an enemy to vice
and ambition, charitable, benevolent, a kind friend, ever
consistent in his conduct, and submitted to be excluded
from the faculty of theology at Paris, rather than sign the
censure of M. Arnauld, though he differed in opinion from
that celebrated doctor on the subject of Grace.
, a celebrated lawyer, and learned advocate of the parliament of Paris, was born July 31, 1659, and was the son of James de Lauriere, a
, a celebrated lawyer,
and learned advocate of the parliament of Paris, was born
July 31, 1659, and was the son of James de Lauriere, a
surgeon. He attended but little to the bar, his life being
almost wholly spent in study, in the course of which he explored, with indefatigable pains, every part of the French
law, both ancient and modern, formed friendships with
men of learning, and was esteemed by all the most able
magistrates. He died at Paris, January 9, 1728, aged 69,
leaving many valuable works, some of which he wrote ill
conjunction with Claude Berroyer, another eminent advocate of Paris. The principal are, 1. “De l‘origine du Droit
d’Amortissement,
” Texte des Coutumes de la Prévôté et Vicomté de Paris, avec des Notes,
”
12mo; 3. “Bibltotheque des Coutumes,
” 4to 4. M.
Loisel’s “Instituts Coutumiers,
” with notes, Paris, Traite* des Institutions et des Substitutions contractuelles,
” 2 vols. 12mo.
6. The first and second volumes of the collection of “Ordinances
” of the French kings, which valuable and very
interesting work has been continued by M. Secousse, a
member of the academy of inscriptions and belles-lettres,
and M. de Villeraut, to 11 vols. fol. 7. “Le Glossaire
du Droit François,
”
, the celebrated physiognomist, was born at Zurich, Nov. 15, 1741. He was from his earliest years
, the celebrated physiognomist, was born at Zurich, Nov. 15, 1741. He was from
his earliest years of a gentle, timid disposition, but restless in the pursuit of knowledge. At school he was perpetually varying his studies by attempting mechanical operations, and often showed indications of genius and invention in his amusements. When he reached the upper
classes of school, his diligence in study was encouraged by
the advice of Bodmer and Breitenger, and quickened by a
wish to emulate some school -fellows of superior talent.
His turn of thinking was original, liberal, and manly. As
he grew up he wrote some essays on subjects of morals and
religion, which gained him the hearts of his countrymen.
Having gone through the usual course of reading and instruction for the ecclesiastical profession, he was admitted
into orders in May 1761, and two years afterwards he travelled with the brothers Hess, two amiable friends, of whom
death deprived him, and, with Henry Fuseli, our celebrated painter. They went over Prussia, under the tuition
of professor Sulzer, and Lavater made a considerable stay
with Spalding, then curate of Barth in Pomeranian Prussia, and afterwards counsellor of the grand consistory. On
his return to Zurich he became a very eloquent and much
admired preacher, and proved himself the father of his flock
by the most benevolent attention to their wants bodily and
mental. After having been for some years deacon of th
Orphans’ church, he was in 1774 appointed first pastor. In
1778 the parishioners of the church of St. Peter, the only
persons in the canton of Zurich who have a right to chuse
their own minister, made choice of Lavater as deacon;
and, in 1786, as first pastor. Here he remained, intenton
the duties of his office, and on his physiognomical studies
until Zurich was stormed in 1797. On this occasion he was
wounded by a Swiss soldier, on whom he had conferred
important benefits; from the effects of this he never recovered, although he lived in full possession of his faculties
till Jan. 2, 1801, when he expired in the sixtieth year of
his age. His principal works are, 1. “Swiss Songs,
” which
he composed at the desire of the Helvetic society, aud
which were sung in that society, and in other cantons. 2.
Three collections of “Spiritual Songs, or Hymns,
” and
two volumes of “Odes,
” in blank verse. 3. “Jesus Messiah, or the Evangelists and Acts of the Apostles,
” 4 vols. a
poetical history of our Saviour, ornamented with 72 engravings from his designs, executed by Chodoweiki, Lips,
&c. 4. “A Look into Eternity,
” which being severely
criticised by Gothe, Lavater, who loved truth in every
shape, instead of being offended at the liberties he took,
sought out the author, and became his friend and correspondent. 5. “The secret Journal of a Self-Observer,
”
which was published here in
aid to have led him to the study of physiognomy; standing one day at a window with Dr. Zimmerman, he was led to make such remarks on the singular countenance of a soldier
But his physiognomical work is that which procured him
most reputation in Europe. Accident is said to have led
him to the study of physiognomy; standing one day at a
window with Dr. Zimmerman, he was led to make such
remarks on the singular countenance of a soldier that wms
passing by, as induced Zimmerman to urge him to pursue
and methodize his ideas. He accordingly considered the
subject more seriously, and acquired not only a fondness
fof it, but a steady conviction of the reality of the physiognomical science, and of the vast importance of the discoveries he had made in it. In 1776, he published the first
fruits of his labaurs in a quarto volume, entitled “Fragments,
” in which he took a wide range of inquiry, and
carried his ideas of physiognomy beyond the observation
of those parts of the countenance which exhibit to a common eye the impressions of mental qualities and affections,
and maintained, as a leading position, *' that the powers
and faculties of the mind have representative signs in the
solid parts of the countenance." Two more volumes appeared in succession, which presented a most extraordinary
assemblage of curious observations, subtle and refined reasoning, delicate feeling, and philanthropical and pious
sentiment, together with a large admixture of paradox,
mysticism, whim, and extravagance. The whole is illustrated with a great number of engravings; many of which
are highly finished and singularly expressive. The work
was soon translated into the French and English languages,
and for a time became the favourite topic of literary discussion, but has now ceased to maintain much interest.
Lavater, we are told, was not only nn enthusiast in this
art, but was so far carried away by his imagination, as to
believe in the continuation of miracles, and the power of
casting out spirits to these days; opinions which he did not
scruple to make public, and maintain with all boldness.
, an English prelate, and very eminent scholar, was descended from a family long settled in Wiltshire, and was born
, an English prelate, and very
eminent scholar, was descended from a family long settled
in Wiltshire, and was born at the parsonage- house of Mildenhall, in the above county, and baptised Jan. 18, 1683,
his grandfather, Constable, being then rector of that parish. Joseph, father to bishop Lavington, is supposed to
have exchanged his original benefice of Broad Hinton, in
Wiltshire, for Newton Longville, in Bucks, a living and
a manor belonging to New college, in Oxford. Transplanted thither, and introduced to the acquaintance of
several members of that society, he was encouraged to
educate the eldest of his numerous children, George, the
subject of this article, at Wykeham’s foundation, near
Winchester, from whence he succeeded to a fellowship of
New college, early in the reign of queen Anne. George,
while yet a schoolboy, had produced a Greek translation
of Virgil’s eclogues, in the style and dialect of Theocritus,
which is still preserved at Winchester in manuscript. At
the university he was distinguished by his wit and learning,
and equally so by a marked attachment to the protestant
succession, at a period when a zeal of that kind could promise him neither preferment nor popularity. But if some
of his contemporaries thought his ardour in a good cause
excessive, still their affection and esteem for him remained
undiminished by any difference of political sentiment. In
1717, he was presented by his college to their rectory of
Hayford Warren, in the diocese of Oxford. Before this
his talents and principles had recommended him to the
notice of many eminent persons in church and state.
Among others Talbot, then bishop of Oxford, intended
him for the benefice of Hook Norton, to which his successor, bishop Potter, collated him. Earl Coningsby not
only appointed him his own domestic chaplain, but introduced him in the same capacity to the court of king George
I. In this reign he was preferred to a stall in the cathedral church of Worcester, which he always esteemed as
one of the happiest events of his life, since it laid the
foundation of that close intimacy which ever after subsisted
between him and the learned Dr. Francis Hare, the dean.
No sooner was Dr. Hare removed to St. Paul’s, than he
exerted all his influence to draw his friend to the capital
after him; and his endeavours were so successful that Dr.
Lavington was appointed in 1732, to be a canon residentiary of that church, and in consequence of this station,
obtained successively the rectories of St. Mary Aldermary,
and St. Michael Bassishaw. In both parishes he was esteemed a minister attentive to his duty, and an instructive
and awakening preacher. He would probably never have
thought of any other advancement, if the death of Dr. Stillingfleet, dean of Worcester, in 1746, had not recalled to
his memory the pleasing ideas of many years spent in that
city, in the prime of life. His friends, however, had
higher views for him; and, therefore, on the death of
bishop Clagget, lord chancellor Hardwick, and the duke
of Newcastle, recommended him to the king, to till the
vacancy, without his solicitation or knowledge. From this
time he resided at Exeter among his clergy, a faithful and
vigilant pastor, and died universally lamented, Sept. 13,
1762; crowning a life that had been devoted to God’s
honour and service, by a pious act of resignation to his
will; for the last words pronounced by his faultering tongue,
were Ao<* in 0sa> “Glory to God.
” He married Francis
Maria, daughter of Lave, of Corf Mullion, Dorset, who
had taken refuge in this kingdom from the popish persecution in France. She survived the bishop little more
than one year, after an union of forty years. Their only
daughter is the wife of the rev. N. Nutcombe, of Nutcombe,
in Devonshire, and chancellor of the cathedral at Exeter.
Bishop Lavington published only a few occasional sermons,
except his “Enthusiasm of the Methodists and Papists
compared,
” three parts; which involved him in a temporary controvery with Messrs. Whitfield and Wesley.
, a distinguished chemical philosopher, was born at Paris, on the 13th of August, 1743. His father, a man
, a distinguished chemical philosopher, was born at Paris, on the 13th of August, 1743. His father, a man of opulence, sparing no expence on his education, he displayed very early proofs of the extent and success of his studies, especially in the circle of the physical sciences. In 1764, when the French government proposed a prize question, relative to the best method of lighting the streets of a large city, Lavoisier presented a dissertation on the subject, which was highly approved, printed at the expence of the academy of sciences, and obtained for him the present of a gold medal from the king, which was delivered to him by the president of the academy, at a public sitting, in April 1766. Two years afterwards, he was admitted a member of that learned body, of which he was constantly one of the most active and useful associates. About the same time, he was occupied in experimental researches on a variety of subjects such as the analysis of the gypsum found in the neighbourhood of Paris; the crystallization of salt; the properties of water; and in exploring the phsenomena of thunder, and of the aurora borealis: and he distinguished himself by several dissertations on these and other topics, practical and speculative, which appeared in different periodical works. In the Memoirs of the Academy for 1770 were published his observations on the nature of water, and on the experiments which had been supposed to prove the possibility of its conversion into earth. He proved, by a careful repetition of these experiments, that the earthy deposit, left after repeated distillations of water, proceeded solely from an abrasion of the vessels employed. Lavoisier performed several journeys into various parts of France, in company with M. Guettard; in the course of which he collected a store of materials for a lithological and mineralogical history of that kingdom, which he ingeniously arranged in the form of a chart. These materials were the basis of a great work on the revolutions of the globe, and on the formation of the strata of the earth: two interesting sketches of which were printed in the Memoirs of the Academy for 1772 and 1787.
in 1767, but the honour of ascertaining the real constituent parts of this acid gas, or fixa^le air, was reserved for Lavoisier. He now turned his experimental researches
The existence of a gaseous body, in a fixed or solid state, in the mild alkalies and alkaline earths, which, when expelled from these substances, assumed an aerial form, and left them in a caustic state, as well as its production during the combustion of fuel, had been demonstrated by Dr. Black; and Bergman had shown that this air possessed acid properties. Dr. Priestley had also submitted it to various experiments in 1767, but the honour of ascertaining the real constituent parts of this acid gas, or fixa^le air, was reserved for Lavoisier. He now turned his experimental researches to the subject of the calcination of metals. It had already been shewn by Rey and Homberg, that metals acquire an augmentation of weight during calcination but they differed in the causes of this augmentation. Lavoisier, who published the result of his experiments on the subject in 1774, demonstrated that a given quantity of air was requisite for the calcination of a given quantity of tin; that a part of the air is absorbed during this process, by which not only the bulk, but the weight of the air is diminished; that the weight of the tin is increased during the same process; and lastly, that the weight acquired by the tin is exactly equal to that which is lost by the air.
t by heating certain metallic calces, especially the calcined mercury (the precipitate per sc, as it was then called) a quantity of air was separated, while the mercury
Thus, by a few simple, accurate, and well-chosen experiments, Lavoisier had apparently arrived at the legitimate inference, that during the process of the formation of acids, whether with carbonaceous matter, sulphur, or phosphorus, and also during that of the calcination of metals, an absorption and fixation of air take place; and thus he gained a glimpse of principles, in the view of which hit singular sagacity in devising experiments, and his accuracy in executing them, would in all probability have alone conducted him to those brilliant results to which Dr. Priestley so materially contributed. The synthetic proofs only of this union of air with the base bad been as yet ascertained; but Dr. Priestley first furnished the analytic proof, by dissevering the combination; a discovery which at once advanced the nascent theory of Lavoisier, and, in his hands, became the source of more than one important conclusion. In August 1774, Dr. Priestley discovered that by heating certain metallic calces, especially the calcined mercury (the precipitate per sc, as it was then called) a quantity of air was separated, while the mercury resumed its metallic form; and this air, which he found was much purer than that of the atmosphere, he called, from the theory of the time, dephlogisticated air. Having communicated this discovery to Lavoisier, the latter published a memoir in 1775, in which he shewed, in conformity with the experiments of Dr. Priestley, that the mercurial precipitate per se t by being heated in a retort, gives out a highly respirable air (called since oxygeri]^ and is itself reduced to the metallic state; that combustible bodies burn in this air with increased brilliancy; and that the same mercurial calx, if heated with charcoal, gives out not the pure air, but fixed air; whence he concluded that fixed air is composed of charcoal and the pure air. It has, therefore, since been called carbonic acid. A second very important consequence of Dr. Priestley’s discovery of the pure or vital air, was the analysis of the air of the. atmosphere, which was accomplished by Lavoisier in the following manner. He included some mercury in a close vessel, together with a known quantity of atmospheric air, and kept it for some days in a boiling state; by degrees a small quantity of the red calx was formed upon the surface of the metal; and when this ceased to be produced the contents of the vessel were examined. The air was found to be diminished both in bulk and weight, and to have been rendered altogether incapable of supporting combustion or animal life; part of the mercury was found converted into the red calx, or precipitate per se; and, which was extremely satisfactory, the united weight of the mercury and the precipitate exceeded the weight of the original mercury, by precisely the same amount as the air had lost. To complete the demonstration, the precipitate was then heated, according to Dr. Priestley’s first experiment, and decomposed into fluid mercury and an air which had all the properties of vital air; and this air, when mixed with the unrespirable residue of the original air of the receiver, composed an elastic fluid possessing the same properties a atmospherical air. The vital air was afterwards made the subject of various experiments in respect to the calcination of metals, to the combustion and conversion of sulphur and phosphorus into acids, &c. in which processes it was found to be the chief agent. Hence it was named by Lavoisier oxygen (or generator of acids), and the unrespirable residue of the atmosphere was called azot (i. e. incapable of supporting life).
d important agents of chemistry and of nature; combustion, acidification, and calcination (or, as it was now called, oxydatioriy the calces being also termed oxyds^
The new theory thus acquired farther support and conistency; oxygen appeared to be one of the most active and important agents of chemistry and of nature; combustion, acidification, and calcination (or, as it was now called, oxydatioriy the calces being also termed oxyds^ i. e. something approaching to, or resembling acids), were proved to be processes strikingly analogous to each other; all according in these points, that they produced a decomposition of the atmospheric air, and a fixation of the oxygenous portion in the substance acidified or calcined.
, when the vapour is again condensed into a liquid, and the liquid becomes solid. In like manner, it was now said by Lavoisier, during the process of combustion, the
Time alone seemed now requisite to establish these doctrines, by exemplifying them in other departments of chemical research. In 1777 six memoirs were communicated feo the Academy of sciences by Lavoisier, in which his former experiments were confirmed, and new advances were made to a considerable extent. Our countrymen, Black and Crawford, in their researches respecting latent heat, and the different capacities of bodies under different circumstances, had laid a solid foundation, on which the doctrines of combustion, resulting from the foregoing experiments, might be perfected, and the cause of the light and heat connected with it might be explained. The first mentioned philosopher, Dr. Black, had shewn, that a solid, when it is made to assume a liquid form, and a liquid, when it assumes the form of vapour, absorbs or combines with, and renders latent, a large portion of heat, which is again parted with, becomes free and cognizable by the sense of feeling, and by the thermometer, when the vapour is again condensed into a liquid, and the liquid becomes solid. In like manner, it was now said by Lavoisier, during the process of combustion, the oxygen, which was previously in a gaseous state, is suddenly combined with the substance burnt into a liquid or solid. Hence all the latent heat, which was essential to its gaseous state, being instantaneously liberated in large quantity, produces flame, which is nothing more than very condensed free heat. About the same time, the analogy of the operation and necessity of oxygen in the function of respiration, with the preceding hypothesis of combustion, was pointed out by Lavoisier. In the process of respiration, it was found that, although atmospheric air is inhaled, carbonic acid and azot are expired. This animal operation, said Lavoisier, is a species of slow combustion: the oxygen of the air unites with the superfluous carbon of the venous blood, and produces carbonic acid, while the latent or combined caloric (the matter of heat) is set free, and thus supplies the animal heat. Ingenious and beautiful, however, as this extension of the analogy appeared, the subject of animal temperature is still under many obscurities and difficulties. The phenomena of chemistry, however, were now explicable upon principles more simple, consistent, and satisfactory than by the aid of any former theory; and the Lavoisierian doctrines were everywhere gaining ground. But there yet remained a formidable objection o them, which was derived from a circumstance attending the solution of metals in acids; to wit, the production of a considerable quantity of inflammable air. If sulphuric acid (formerly called vitriolic acid, or oil of vitriol) consists only of sulphur and oxygen, it was said, how does it happen, that wheti these two substances, with a little water, come in contact, they should produce a large quantity of inflammable air during their re-action? This objection was unanswerable, and appeared to be fatal to the whole theory: but it was most opportunely converted into an argument in its favour, by the great discovery of the decomposition of water, made by Mr. Cavendish; who resolved that element, as it was formerly esteemed, into oxygen and inflammable air. The latter has since, therefore, been called hydrogen, or generator of water. This experiment was repeated with full success by Lavoisier and his associates in 1783; and the discovery was farther established by a successful experiment of the same chemists, carried on upon a grand scale, in which, by combining the oxygen with hydrogen, they produced water, and thus adding synthesis to analysis, brought the fact to demonstration.
menclature. Accordingly, a committee of some of the ablest of the French chemists, of whom Lavoisier was the most conspicuous, undertook the arduous task, and produced
This new view of chemical phenomena, together with
the immense accession of new compounds and substances,
which the labours of modern experimentalists had brought
to light, appeared to demand a correspondent alteration in
the nomenclature. Accordingly, a committee of some of
the ablest of the French chemists, of whom Lavoisier was
the most conspicuous, undertook the arduous task, and
produced a regular system of nomenclature, derived from
the Greek language, which, although far from being faultless, and notwithstanding much opposition with which it
was at first treated, has become the universal language of
chemical science, and has been adopted even in pharmacy
and medicine. His work, entitled “Elemens de Chymie,
”
which was published in
powder, by the minister Turgot. By the application of his chemical knowledge to this manufacture, he was enabled to increase the explosive force of the powder by one-
We have hitherto viewed M. Lavoisier principally a* a
chemical philosopher, in which character he has founded
his great claims to the respect and admiration of posterity.
But the other arts and sciences are indebted to him for
considerable services which he rendered them, both in a
public and private capacity. In France, more than in any
other country, men of science have been consulted in matters of public concern; and the reputation of Lavoisier
caused him to be applied to, in 1776, to superintend the
manufacture of gunpowder, by the minister Turgot. By
the application of his chemical knowledge to this
manufacture, he was enabled to increase the explosive force of the
powder by one- fourth and while he suppressed the troublesome regulations for the collection of its materials from
private houses, previously adopted, he quintupled the produce. The academy of sciences received many services
from his hands. In addition to the communication of forty
papers, relative to many of the most important subjects of
philosophical chemistry, which were printed in the twenty
volumes of Memoirs, from 1772 to 1793, he most actively
promoted all its useful plans and researches, being a member of its board of consultation, and, when appointed to
the office of treasurer, he introduced order into its accounts, and economy into its expenditure. When the new
system of measures was proposed, he contributed some
new and accurate experiments on the expansion of metals.
The national convention consulted him with advantage concerning the best method of manufacturing assignats, and
of securing them against forgery. Agriculture early engaged his attention, and he allotted a considerable tract of
land on his estate in the Vendome, for the purpose of experimental farming. The committee' of the constituent
assembly of 1791, appointed to form an improved system
of taxation, claimed the assistance of his extensive knowledge; and he drew up, for their information, an extract
of a large work on the different productions of the country
and their consumption, for which he had been long collecting materials. This was printed by order of the assembly,under the title of “Richesses Territoriales de la
France,
” and was esteemed the most valuable memoir on
the subject. In the same year, he wa appointed one of
the commissioners of the national treasury; and he introduced into that department such order and regularity, that
the proportion between the income and the expenditure,
in all the branches of government, could be seen at a single
view every evening. This spirit of systematic and lucid
arrangement was, indeed, the quality by which he was
peculiarly distinguished, and its happy influence appeared
in every subject which occupied his attention.
The private life of this distinguished person was equally estimable with his public and philosophical character.
The private life of this distinguished person was equally estimable with his public and philosophical character. H was extremely liberal in his patronage of the arts, and encouraged young men of talents in the pursuit of science. His house became a vast laboratory, where philosophical experiments were incessantly carrying on, and where he held conversaziones twice a week, to which he invited every literary character that v. >i celebrated in geometrical, physical, and chemical studies; in these instructive discussions, the opinions of the most eminent literati in Europe were canvassed; passages the most striking and novel, out of foreign writers, were recited and animadverted on; and theories were compared with experiments. Here learned men of all nations found easy admission; Priestley, Fontana, Blagden, Ingenhousz, Landriani, Jacquin, Watt, Bolton, and other illustrious physiologists and chemists of England, Germany, and Italy, found themselves mixed in the same company with Laplace, Lagrange, Borda, Cousin, Meunier, Vandermonde, Monge, Guyton, and Berthollet. In his manners M. Lavoisier was mild, affable, and obliging; a faithful friend and husband, a kind relation, and charitable to the poor upon his estates; in a word equally claiming esteem for his moral qualities, as for those of his understanding.
The time was arrived, however, when distinction even by his talents and worth
The time was arrived, however, when distinction even by his talents and worth was so far from securing public respect, amid the tumults of the revolution, that it became a source of danger, and, when joined with wealth, was almost certainly fatal. All those especially who had held any situation under the old administration, particularly in the financial departments, were sacrificed, during the murderous reign of Robespierre, to the popular odium. Lavoisier was seized and thrown into prison, upon some charges fabricated against himself and twenty-seven other farmers-general. During his confinement he foresaw that he should be stripped of all his property; but consoled himself with the expectation that he would be able to maintain himself by the practice of pharmacy. But a more severe fate awaited him: he was capitally condemned, and dragged to the guillotine, on the 8th of May, 1794.
possessed. No one who did so much, probably ever made so few unsuccessful or random experiments. It was the singular perspicuity, simplicity, and order to which he
The name of Lavoisier will always be ranked among the most illustrious chemists of the present age, when it is considered what an extensive and beneficial influence his labours have had over the whole science. It has been said, indeed, that if he be estimated on the score of his actual discoveries, not only Scheele and Priestley, and Cavendish, but many more, will stand before him. But he possessed in a high degree that rare talent of discernment, by which he detected analogies, which others overlooked, even in their own discoveries, and a sagacity in devising and an accuracy in completing his experiments, for the purpose of elucidating every suggestion which he thus acquired, such as few philosophers have possessed. No one who did so much, probably ever made so few unsuccessful or random experiments. It was the singular perspicuity, simplicity, and order to which he reduced the phenomena of chemistry, that claimed for his theory the general reception which it met with, and occasioned the abandonment of those doctrines which prejudice and habit conspired to support. Subsequent discoveries, however, and more especially those numerous facts which the genius of sir Humphrey Davy has lately brought to light, through the medium of that most powerful agent of decomposition, galvanism, have rendered several modifications of the Lavoisierian theory necessary, and bid fair to produce a more general revolution in the language and doctrines of chemistry.
, bishop of Carlisle, was born in the parish of Cartmel in Lancashire, in 1703. His father,
, bishop of Carlisle, was born in the
parish of Cartmel in Lancashire, in 1703. His father, who
was a clergyman, held a small chapel in that neighbourhood, but the family had been situated at Askham, in the
county of Westmoreland. He was educated for some time
at Cartmel school, afterwards at the free grammar-school
at Kendal; from which he went, very well instructed ia
the learning of grammar-schools, to St. John’s college,
Cambridge. He took his bachelor’s degree in 1723, and
soon after 'was elected fellow of Christ’s-college in that
university, where he took his master’s degree in 1727.
During his residence here, he became known to the public by a translation of archbishop King’s (see William King) “Essay upon the Origin of Evil,
” with copious
notes; in which many metaphysical subjects, curious and
interesting in their own nature, are treated of with great
ingenuity, learning, and novelty. To this work was prefixed, under the name of a “Preliminary Dissertation,
” a
very valuable piece written by Mr. Gay of Sidney-college.
Our bishop always spoke of this gentleman in terms of the
greatest respect. “In the Bible, and in the writings of
Locke, no man,
” he used to say, “was so well versed.
”
n edition of “Stephens’s Thesaurus.” His acquaintance, during his first residence in the university, was principally with Dr. Waterland, the learned master of Magda
Mr. Law also, whilst at Christ’s-college, undertook and
went through a very laborious part, in preparing for the
press, an edition of “Stephens’s Thesaurus.
” His acquaintance, during his first residence in the university,
was principally with Dr. Waterland, the learned master of
Magdalen-college; Dr. Jortin, a name known to every
scholar; and Dr. Taylor, the editor of Demosthenes.
In 1737 he was presented by the university to the living of Graystock, in the
In 1737 he was presented by the university to the living
of Graystock, in the county of Cumberland, a rectory of
about 300l. a year. The advowson of this benefice belonged to the family of Howards of Graystock, but devolved
to the university for this turn, by virtue of an act of parliament, which transfers to these two bodies the nomination to such benefices as appertain, at the time of the vacancy, to the patronage of a Roman catholic. The right,
however, of the university was contested, and it was not
until after a lawsuit of two years continuance, that Mr.
Law was settled in his living. Soon after this he married
Mary, the daughter of John Christian, esq. of Unerigg, in
the county of Cumberland; a lady, whose character is remembered with tenderness and esteem by all who knew
her. In 1743 he was promoted by sir George Fleming,
bishop of Carlisle, to the archdeaconry of that diocese;
and in 1746 went from Graystock to settle at Salkeld, a
pleasant village upon the banks of the river Eden, the rectory of which is annexed to the archdeaconry; but he was
not one of those who lose and forget themselves in the
country. During his residence at Salkeld, he published
“Considerations on the Theory of Religion
” to which
were subjoined, “Reflections on the Life and Character
of Christ;
” and an appendix concerning the use of the
words soul and spirit in the Holy Scripture, and the state
of the dead there described.
the “sleep of the soul,” a tenet to which we shall have occasion to revert hereafter. About 1760 he was appointed head librarian of the university; a situation which,
Dr. Keene held at this time with the bishopric of Chester, the mastership of Peter-house, in Cambridge. Desiring to leave the university, he procured Dr. Law to be
elected to succeed him in that station. This took place
in 1756, in which year Dr. Law resigned his archdeaconry
in favour of Mr. Eyre, a brother-in-law of Dr. Keene.
Two years before this (the list of graduates says 1749) he
had proceeded to his degree of D. D., in his public exercise for which, he defended the doctrine of what is usually
called the “sleep of the soul,
” a tenet to which we shall
have occasion to revert hereafter. About 1760 he was
appointed head librarian of the university; a situation
which, as it procured an easy and quick access to books,
was peculiarly agreeable to his taste and habits. Some
time after this he was appointed casuistical professor. In
1762 he suffered an irreparable loss by the death of his
wife; a loss in itself every way afflicting, and rendered
more so by the situation of his family, which then consisted of eleven children, many of them very young.
Some years afterwards he received several preferments,
which were rather honourable expressions of regard from
his friends, than of much advantage to his fortune. By
Dr. Cornwallis, then bishop of Lichfield, afterwards archbishop of Canterbury, xvho had been his pupil at Christcollege, he was appointed to the archdeaconry of Staffordshire, and to a prebend in the church of Lichfield. By
his old acquaintance Dr. Green, bishop of Lincoln, he
was made a prebendary of that church. But in 1767, by
the intervention of the duke of Newcastle, to whose interest, in the memorable contest for the high stewardship
of the university, he had adhered in opposition to some
temptations, he obtained a stall in the church of Durham.
The year after this, the duke of Grafton, who had a short
time before been elected chancellor of the university, recommended the master of Peterhouse to his majesty for
the bishopric of Carlisle. This recommendation was made,
not only without solicitation on his part, or that of his friends,
but without his knowledge, until the duke’s intention in
his favour was signified to him by the archbishop.
cter he held in the highest esteem, and seems to have drawn from them many of his own principles; he was a disciple of that school. About the same time he published
In or about 1777, our bishop gave to the public a handsome edition, in 3 vols. 4to, of the works of Mr. Locke,
with a life of the author, and a preface. Mr. Locke’s
writings and character he held in the highest esteem, and
seems to have drawn from them many of his own principles;
he was a disciple of that school. About the same time
he published a tract which engaged some attention in the
controversy concerning subscription; and he published
new editions of his two principal works, with considerable
additions, and some alterations. Besides the works
already mentioned, he published, in 1734 or 1735, a very
ingenious “Inquiry into the Ideas of Space, Time,
” &c.
in which he combats the opinions of Dr. Clarke and his
adherents on these subjects.
the summer months in his diocese at the bishop’s residence at Hose Castle; a situation with which he was much pleased, not only on account of the natural beauty of the
Dr. Law held the see of Carlisle almost nineteen years; during which time he twice only omitted spending the summer months in his diocese at the bishop’s residence at Hose Castle; a situation with which he was much pleased, not only on account of the natural beauty of the place, but because it restored him to the country, in which he had spent the best part of his life. In 1787 he paid this visit in a state of great weakness and exhaustion; and died at Rose about a month after his arrival there, on Aug. 14, and in the eighty-fourth year of his age.
The life of Dr. Law was a life of incessant reading: and thought, almost entirely directed
The life of Dr. Law was a life of incessant reading: and
thought, almost entirely directed to metaphysical and religious inquiries; but the tenet by which his name and
writings are principally distinguished, is, “that Jesus
Christ, at his second coming, will, by an act of his power,
restore to life and consciousness the dead of the human
species; who by their own nature, and without this interposition, would remain in the state of insensibility to
which the death brought upon mankind by the sin of Adam
had reduced them.
” He interpreted literally that saying
of St. Paul, I. Cor. xv. 21. “As by man came death, by
man came also the resurrection of the dead.
” This opinion, Dr. Paley says, had no other effect upon his own
mind, than to increase his reverence for Christianity, and
for its divine founder. He retained it, as he did his other
speculative opinions, without laying, as many are wont to
do, an extravagant stress upon their importance, and without pretending to more certainty than the subject allowed
of. No man formed his own conclusions with more freedom, or treated those of others with greater candour and
equity. He never quarrelled with any person for differing
from him, or considered that difference as a sufficient
reason for questioning any man’s sincerity, or judging
meanly of his understanding. He was zealously attached
to religious liberty, because he thought that it leads to
truth; yet from his heart he loved peace. But he did
not perceive any repugnancy in these two things. There
was nothing in his elevation to his bishopric which he
spoke of with more pleasure, than its being a proof that
decent freedom of inquiry was not discouraged.
He was a man of great softness of manners, and of the
mildest and most tranquil disposition. His voice was never
raised above its ordinary pitch. His countenance seemed
never to have been ruffled; it preserved the same kind
and composed aspect, truly indicating the calmness and
benignity of his temper. He had an utter dislike of large
and mixed companies. Next to his books, his chief satisfaction was in the serious conrersation of a literary companion, or in the company of a few friends. In this sort
of society he would open his rnind with great unreservedness, and with a peculiar turn and sprightliness of expression. His person was low, but well formed; his complexion
fair and delicate. Except occasional interruptions by the
gout, he had for the greatest part of his life enjoyed good
health; and when not confined by that distemper, was full
of motion and activity. About nine years before his death,
he'was greatly enfeebled by a severe attack of the gout,
and in a short time after that, lost the use of one of his
legs. Notwithstanding his fondness for exercise, he resigned himself to this change, not only without complaint,
but without any sensible diminution of his cheerfulness
and good humour. His fault was the general fault of retired and studious characters, too great a degree of inaction and facility in his public station. The modestj, or
rather bashfulness of his nature, together with an extreme
unwillingness to give pain, rendered him sometimes less
firm and efficient in the administration of authority than
was requisite. But it is the condition of human nature.
There is an opposition between some virtues, which seldom permits them to subsist together in perfection. Bishop
Law was interred in the cathedral of Carlisle, in which a
handsome monument is erected to his memory. Of his
family, his second son, John, bishop of Elphin, died in
1810; and his fourth son, Edward, is now lord Ellenborough, chief-justice of the king’s-bench.
, usually known by the name of the projector, was born at Edinburgh, in April 1671; and on the death of his father,
, usually known by the name of the projector, was born at Edinburgh, in April 1671; and on the
death of his father, who was a goldsmith or banker, inherited a considerable estate, called Lauriston. He is
said to have made some progress in polite literature, but
his more favourite study was that of financial matters,
banks, taxes, &c. and he was at the same time a man of
pleasure, and distinguished by the appellation of Beau
Law. Having visited London in 1694, his wit and accomplishments procured him admission into the first circles,
and he became noted for his gallant attentions to the ladies.
One of his intrigues having involved him in a quarrel with
a Mr. Wilson, a duel took place, and Mr. Law killed his
antagonist. He was then apprehended, and committed to
the king’s-bench prison, from which he made his escape,
and is supposed to have retired to the continent. In 1700,
however, he returned to Edinburgh, as he appears in that
year to have written his “Proposals and reasons for constituting a Council of Trade,
” which, although it met with
no encouragement from the supremo judicature of the
kingdom, procured him the patronage of some noblemen,
under which he was induced in 1705, to publish another
plan for removing the difficulties the kingdom was then,
exposed to by the great scarcity of money, and the insolvency of the bank. The object of his plan was to issue
notes, which were to be lent on landed property, upon
the principle, that being so secured, they would be equal
in value to gold and silver money of the same denomination, and even preferred to those metals, as not being
liable to fall in value like them. This plausible scheme
being also rejected as an improper expedient, Mr. Law
now abandoned his native country, and went to Holland,
on purpose to improve himself in that great school of
banking and finance. He aftewards resided at Brussels,
where his profound skill in calculation is said to have contributed to his extraordinary success at play.
On his arrival at Paris, his mind was occupied with higher objects, and he now presented to the c
On his arrival at Paris, his mind was occupied with
higher objects, and he now presented to the comptrollergeneral of the finances under Louis XIV. a plan which was
approved by that minister, but is said to have been rejected by the king because “he would have nothing to do with
a heretic.
” After, however, a short residence in Sardinia,
where he in vain wanted to persuade Victor Amadeus to
adopt one of his plans for aggrandizing his territories, he
returned to Paris on the death of Louis XIV. and was
more favourably received. He gained the confidence of
the regent to such a degree, that he not only admitted
him to all his convivial parties, but nominated him one of
his counsellors of state. France was at this time burthened
with an immense debt, which Law proposed to liquidate,
by establishing a bank for issuing notes secured on landed
property, and on all the royal revenues, unalienably engaged for that purpose. This scheme was approved of,
but the conjuncture being thought unfavourable, he could
only obtain letters patent, dated May 30, 1716, for establishing a private bank at Paris, along with his brother
and some other associates. This scheme promised success, and the bank had acquired great credit, when it was
dissolved in December 1718, by an arbitrary arret of the
regent, who, observing the great advantages arising from
it, and perceiving also that the people were growing fond
of paper money, resolved to take it into the hands of government.
Mr. Law, however, was named director-general of this royal bank, and branches of it
Mr. Law, however, was named director-general of this
royal bank, and branches of it were established at Lyons,
Rochelle, Tours, Orleans, and Amiens. In 1720, he began to develope his grand project, so well known to all
Europe, under the name of the Missisippi scheme. This
scheme was no less than the vesting the whole privileges,
effects, and possessions of all the foreign trading companies, the great farms, the profits of the mint, the general
receipt of the king’s revenue, and the management and
property of the bank, in one great company, who thus
having in their hands all the trade, taxes, and royal revenues, might be enabled to multiply the notes of the
bank to any extent they pleased, doubling or even trebling
at will the circulating cash of the kingdom; and by the
greatness of their funds, possessed of a power to carry the
foreign trade, and the culture of the colonies, to a height
altogether impracticable by any other means. This monstrous and impracticable monopoly was approved of by the
regent, who issued letters patent for erecting the “Company of the West,
” to which he granted at the same time,
the whole province of Louisiana, or the country on the
river Missisippi, from which the scheme took its name.
That part of America having been represented as a region
abounding in gold and silver, and possessing a fertile and
luxurious soil, the actions or shares were bought up with
great avidity; and such was the rage for speculation, that
the unimproved parts of the colony were actually sold for
30,000 livres the square league.
The “Company of the West,” of which Law was of course director-general, in pursuance of his scheme, undertook
The “Company of the West,
” of which Law was of
course director-general, in pursuance of his scheme, undertook the farm of tobacco at an advanced rent of upwards
of two millions of livres; they soon after engrossed the
charter and effects of the Senegal company, and in May
1719, actually procured the grant of an exclusive trade to
the East Indies, China, and the South-sea^, with all the
possessions and effects of the China and India companies,
which were now dissolved on the condition of liquidating
their debts. The price of actions soon rose from 550 to 1000
livres each. On July 25th, the mint was made over to
this company, which now assumed the name of “The
Company of the Indies
” for a consideration of fifty millions of livres, and on Aug. 27, following, they also obtained
a lease of the farms, for which they agreed to pay three
millions and a half of livres advanced rent. Having
thus concentered within themselves, not only the whole
foreign trade and possessions of France, but the collection
and management of the royal revenues, they promised an
annual dividend of 200 livres per share, in consequence
of which the price of actions rose to 5000 livres, and
a rage for the purchase of their stock seems to have infatuated all ranks in the kingdom. The whole nation,
clergy, laity, peers, and plebeians, statesmen, and princes,
nay even ladies, who had, or could procure money for
that purpose, turned stock-jobbers, outbidding each other
with such avidity, that in November 1719, after some
fluctuations, the price of actions rose to above 10,000
livres, more than sixty times the sum they originally
sold for.
arrived at an unexampled pitch of power and wealth; he possessed the ear of the duke of Orleans; he was almost adored by the people, and was constantly surrounded by
Our projector had now arrived at an unexampled pitch of power and wealth; he possessed the ear of the duke of Orleans; he was almost adored by the people, and was constantly surrounded by princes, dukes, and prelates, who courted his friendship, and even seemed ambitious of his patronage. Such was the immensity of his property, that he bought no less than fourteen estates with titles annexed to them, among which was the marquisate of Rosny, that had belonged to the great duke of Sully, the minister and friend of Henry IV. About this period too, a free pardon for the murder of Mr. Wilson was conveyed to him from England, while Edinburgh, proud of having produced so great a man, transmitted the freedom of the city in a gold box.
ghest offices in the state being soon after removed by his abjuration of the protestant religion, he was declared comptroller-general of the finances on Jan. 18, 1720.
The only obstacle to his advancement to the highest offices in the state being soon after removed by his abjuration of the protestant religion, he was declared comptroller-general of the finances on Jan. 18, 1720. But after having raised himself to such an envied situation, he at length fell a sacrifice to the intrigues of the other ministers, who, playing upon the fears of the regent, induced him to issue an arret on May 21, 1720, which, contrary to sound policy, and even to the most solemn stipulations, reduced the value of the company’s bank notes one half, and fixed their actions or shares at 5000 livres. By this fatal step, which seems to have been taken in opposition to the opinion and advice of the comptroller-general, the whole paper fabrick was destroyed, and this immense speculation turned out to be a mere bubble. The consternation of the populace was soon converted into rage; troops were obliged to be stationed in all parts of the capital to prevent mischief; and such was the depreciation of this boasted paper money, that 100 livres were given for a single louis-d'or. Law with some difficulty made his escape to Brussels, and of all his wealth and property, retained only the salary of his office, through the friendship of the duke of Orleans.
length, in consequence of an invitation from the British ministry, arrived in England in Oct. 1721, was presented to the king, George I. and afterwards hired a house
After waiting for some time, in expectation of being recalled to France, he travelled through part of Europe, and at length, in consequence of an invitation from the British ministry, arrived in England in Oct. 1721, was presented to the king, George I. and afterwards hired a house in Conduit-street, Hanover-square, where he was daily visited by people of the first quality and distinction. In 1722 he repaired once more to the continent, and concluded the chequered course of his life at Venice, in March 1729, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. He was at this time in a state little removed from indigence. Various opinions have been entertained respecting the merit of his project, but it seems generally agreed that if it had not been violently interrupted by the regent’s arret, it was too insecure in its principles to have been permanent. His family estate of Lauriston is still in the possession of his descendants, one of whom, the eldest sou of John Law de Lauriston, governor of Pondicherry, was one of the officers who perished in the unfortunate voyage of De la Perouse, and was succeeded as the head of the family, by general Lauriston, known in this country as the bearer of the ratification of the preliminaries of the short-lived peace between Great Britain and France in 1802.
, the author of many pious works of great popularity, was born at KingVcliffe, in Northamptonshire, in 1686, and was the
, the author of many pious works of great popularity, was born at KingVcliffe, in Northamptonshire, in 1686, and was the second son of Thomas Law, a grocer. It is supposed that he received his early education at Oakham or Uppingham, in Rutlandshire, whence on June 7, 1705, he entered of Emmanuel college, Cambridge. In 1708 he commenced B. A.; in 1711, was elected fellow of his college; and in 1712 took his degree of M. A. Soon after the accession of his majesty George I. being called upon to take the oaths prescribed by act of parliament, and to sign the declaration, he refused, and in consequence vacated his fellowship in 1716. He was after this considered as a nonjuror. It appears that he had for some time officiated as a curate in London, but had no ecclesiastical preferment. Soon after his resignation of his fellowship he went to reside at Putney, as tutor to Edward Gibbon, father to the eminent historian. When at home, notwithstanding his refusing the oaths, he continued to frequent his parish-church, and join in communion with his fellow parishioners. In 1727 he founded an alms-house at Cliffe, for the reception and maintenance of two old women, either unmarried and helpless, or widows; and a school for the instruction and clothing of fourteen girls. It is thought that the money thus applied was the gift of an unknown benefactor, and given to him in the following manner. While he was standing at the door of a shop in London, a person unknown to him asked whether his name was William Law, and whether he was of King’s-cliffe; and after having received a satisfactory answer, delivered a sealed paper, directed to the Rev. William Law, which contained a bank note for 1000l. But as tlifre is no proof that this was given to him in trust tor the purpose, he is fully entitled to the merit of having employed it in the service of the poor; and such beneficence was perfectly consistent with his general character.
’s house at Putney, his biographer has not discovered, but it appears that some time before 1740, he was instrumental in bringing about an intimacy between Mrs. Hester
At what time Mr. Law quitted Mr. Gibbon’s house at
Putney, his biographer has not discovered, but it appears
that some time before 1740, he was instrumental in bringing about an intimacy between Mrs. Hester Gibbon, his
pupil’s sister, and Mrs. Elizabeth Hntcheson, widow of
Archibald Hutcheson, esq. of the Middle Temple. Mr.
Hutcheson, when near his decease, recommended to his
wife a. retired life, and told her he knew no person whose
society would be so likely to prove profitable and agreeable to her as that of Mr. Law, of whose writings he highly
approved. Mrs. Hutcheson, whose maiden name was Lawrence, had been the wife of colonel Robert Steward; and
when she went to reside in Northamptonshire, was in possession of a large income, from the produce of an estate
which was in her own power, and of a life interest in property settled on her in marriage, or devised to her by Mr.
Hutcheson. These two ladies, Mrs. Hutcheson and Mrs.
H. Gibbon, appear lo have been of congenial sentiments,
and now formed a plan of living together in the country,
far from that circle of society generally called the world;
and of taking Mr. Law as their chaplain, instructor, and
almoner. With this view they took a house at Thrapston,
in Northamptonshire; but that situation not proving agreeable to them, the two ladies enabled Mr. Law, about 1740,
to prepare a roomy house near the church at King’s-cliffe,
and in that part of the town called “The Hall-yard.
”
This house was then possessed by Mr. Law, and was the
only property devised to him by his father. Here the
whole income of these two ladies,' after deducting the frugal expences of their household, was expended in acts of
charity to the poor and the sick, and in donations of greater
amount to distressed persons of a somewhat higher class.
And after twenty years residence, Mr. Law died in this
house April 9, 1761.
By some persons now or lately living at Cliffe, who knew Mr. Law, it is reported that he was by nature of an active and cheerful disposition, very warm-hearted,
By some persons now or lately living at Cliffe, who
knew Mr. Law, it is reported that he was by nature of an
active and cheerful disposition, very warm-hearted, unaffected, and affable, but not to appearance so remarkable
for meekness “as some others of the most revered
members of the Christian church are reported to have been.
”
He was in stature rather over than under the middle size;
not corpulent, but stout made, with broad shoulders; his
visage was round, his eyes grey, his features well-proportioned, and not large, his complexion ruddy, and his countenance open and agreeable. He was naturally more inclined to be merry than sad. In his habits he was very regular and temperate; he rose early, breakfasted in his
bed-room on one cup of chocolate; joined his family in
prayer at nine o‘clock, and again, soon after noon, at dinner.
When the daily provision for the poor was not made punctually at the usual hour, he expressed his displeasure
sharply, but seldom on any other occasion. He did not
join Mrs. Gibbon and Mrs. Hutcheson at the tea-table, but
sometimes ate a few raisins standing while they sat. At an
early supper, after an hour’s walk in his field, or elsewhere,
he ate something, and drank one or two glasses of wine;
then joined in prayer with the ladies and their servants,
attended to the reading of some portion of scripture, and
at nine o’clock retired.
ranked with the most agreeable and ingeniotfs writers of the times. While the Bangorian controversy was a fashionable theme, he entered the lists on the subject of
We know not where a more just character of this singular man can be found than in the “Miscellaneous Works
”
of Gibbon, the historian, who has for once praised a
churchman and a man of piety, not only without irony,
but with affection. “In our family,
” says Gibbon, “he
left the reputation of a worthy and pious man, who believed all that he professed, and practised all that he enjoined. The character of a nonjuror, which he maintained
to the last, is a sufficient evidence of his principles in
church and state; and the sacrifice of interest to conscience
will be always respectable. His theological writings, which
our domestic connection has tempted me to peruse, preserve an imperfect sort of life, and I can pronounce with
more confidence and knowledge on the merits of the author. His last compositions are darkly tinctured by the
incomprehensible visions of Jacob Behmen; and his discourse? on the absolute unlawfulness of stage-entertainments is sometimes quoted for a ridiculous intemperance
of sentiment and language. But these sallies of religious
phrensy must not extinguish the praise which is due to
Mr. William Law as a wit and a scholar. His argument
on topics of less absurdity is specious and acute, his
manner is lively, his style forcible and clear; and, had
not his vigorous mind been clouded by enthusiasm, he
might be ranked with the most agreeable and ingeniotfs
writers of the times. While the Bangorian controversy
was a fashionable theme, he entered the lists on the subject of Christ’s kingdom, and the authority of the priesthood; against the Plain account of the sacrament of the
Lord’s Supper‘ he resumed the combat with bishop Hoadly,
the object of Whig idolatry and Tory abhorrence; and at
every weapon of attack and defence, the nonjuror, on the
ground which is common to both, approves himself at least
equal to the prelate. On the appearance of the Fable of
the Bees,’ he drew his pen against the licentious doctrine
that private vices are public benefits, and morality as well
as religion must join in his applause. Mr. Law’s masterwork, the ‘Serious Call,’ is still read as a popular and
powerful book of devotion. His precepts are rigid, but
they are founded on the gospel; his satire is sharp, but it
is drawn from the knowledge of human life; and many of
his portraits are not unworthy of the pen of La Bruyere *.
If he finds a spark of piety in his reader’s mind, be will
soon kindle it to a flame; and a philosopher must allow
that he exposes, with equal severity and truth, the strange
contradiction between the faith and practice of the Christian world.
”
wo very opposite imputations, that of being a Socinian and that of being a Methodist. What, however, was really erroneous in his opinions has been ably pointed out by
As a theologian, Law held certain tenets peculiar to
himself which, either from being misunderstood, or misrepresented, subjected him at different times, to two very
opposite imputations, that of being a Socinian and that of
being a Methodist. What, however, was really erroneous
in his opinions has been ably pointed out by bishop Home
in a small tract, printed with his life, entitled “Cautions
to the readers of Mr. Law.
” It was in his latter days that
Mr. Law became most confused in his ideas, from having
bewildered his imagination with the reveries of Jacob
Behmen, for whose sake he learned German that he might
read his works, and whom he pronounces “the strongest,
the plainest, the most open, intelligible, awakening, convincing writer, that ever was.
” Although it is as a devotional writer that he is now best known, and there can be no
doubt that his “Serious call*,
” and “Christian perfection
” have been singularly useful, it is as a controversial
writer, that he ought to be more highly praised. His letters to bishop Hoadly are among the finest specimens of
controversial writing in our language, with respect to style,
wit, and argument.
, an English musician, was the son of Thomas Lawes, a vicar- choral of the church of Salisbury,
, an English musician, was the son of Thomas Lawes, a vicar- choral of the church of Salisbury,
Johnson, " 1 took up ' Law’s Serious me; and this was the first occasion of
Johnson, " 1 took up ' Law’s Serious me; and this was the first occasion of
me capable of rational inare), and perhaps to laugh at it. But quiry.“ and born there about 1600. He was a disciple of Coperario. In 1625, he became a gentleman of the
it a dull book (as such books generally after 1 became capable of rational inare), and perhaps to laugh at it. But quiry.“
and born there about 1600. He was a disciple of Coperario. In 1625, he became a gentleman of the chapel
royal; and was afterwards appointed one of the private
music to Charles f. In 1653, were published his
” Ayres
and Dialogues," &c. folio, with a preface by himself, and
commendatory verses by the poet Waller, Edward and
John Phillips, nephews of Milton, and others. In the preface, speaking of the Italians, he acknowledges them in
general to be the greatest masters of music; yet contends,
that this nation has produced as able musicians as any in
Europe. He censures the fondness of his age for songs in
a language which the hearers do not understand; and, to
ridicule it, mentions a song of his own composition, printed
at the end of the book, which is nothing but an index, containing the initial words of some old Italian songs or madrigals: and this index, which read together made a strange
medley of nonsense, he says, he set to a varied air, and
gave out that it came from Italy, by which it passed for an
Italian song. In the title-page of this book is a very fine
engraving of the author’s head by Faithorne.
sed tunes to Mr. George Sandys’s “Paraphrase on the Psalms,” published in 1638: and Milton’s “Comus” was originally set by him, and published in 1637, with a dedication
Twenty years before, in 1633, Lawes had been chosen
to assist in composing the airs, lessons, and songs of a
masque, presented at Whitehall on Candlemas-night, before the king and queen, by the gentlemen of the four inns
of court, under the direction of Noy the attorney- general,
Hyde afterwards earl of Clarendon, Selden, Whitelock,
and others. Whitelock has given an account of it in his
“Memorials,
” &c. Lawes also composed tunes to Mr.
George Sandys’s “Paraphrase on the Psalms,
” published
in Comus
” was originally set by him,
and published in Comus
” was never printed and there is nothing in any
of the printed copies of the poem, or in the many accounts
of Milton, to ascertain the form in which it was composed.
Lawes taught music to the family of the earl of Bridgewater: he was intimate with Milton, as may be conjectured from that sonnet
Lawes taught music to the family of the earl of Bridgewater: he was intimate with Milton, as may be conjectured
from that sonnet of the latter, “Harry, whose tuneful and
well-measured song.
” Peck says, that Milton wrote his
masque of “Comus
” at the request of Lawes, who engaged
to set it to music. Most of the songs of Waller are set by
Lawes; and Waller has acknowledged his obligation to
him for one in particular, which he had set in 1635, in a
poem, wherein he celebrates his skill as a musician. Fenton, in a note on this poem, says, that the best poets of
that age were ambitious of having their verses set by this
incomparable artist; who introduced a softer mixture of
Italian airs than before had been practised in our nation.
Dr. Burney entertains another kind of suspicion. “Whether,
” says this historian, “Milton chose Lawes, or Lawes
Milton for a colleague in Comus, it equally manifests the
high rank in which he stood with the greatest poets of his
time. It would be illiberal to cherish such an idea; but
it does sometimes seem as if the twin-sisters. Poetry and
Music, were mutually jealous of each other’s glory: * the
less interesting my sister’s offspring may be,‘ says Poetry,
* the more admiration will my own obtain.’ Upon asking
some years ago, why a certain great prince continued to
honour with such peculiar marks of favour, an old performer on the flute, when he had so many musicians of
superior abilities about him? We were answered, * because he plays worse than himself.' And who knows whether Milton and Waller were not secretly influenced by
some such consideration? and were not more pleased with
Lawes for not pretending to embellish or enforce the sentiments of their songs, but setting them to sounds less
captivating than the sense.
”
e royal chapel, and composed the anthem for the coronation of Charles II. He died Oct. 21, 1662, and was buried in Westminster-abbey. “If,” says Hawkins, “we were to
He continued in the service of Charles I. no longer than
till the breaking out of the civil wars; yet retained his
place in the royal chapel, and composed the anthem for
the coronation of Charles II. He died Oct. 21, 1662, and
was buried in Westminster-abbey. “If,
” says Hawkins,
“we were to judge of the merit of Lawes as a musician
from the numerous testimonies of authors in his favour, we
should rank him among the first that this country has produced; but, setting these aside, his title to fame will appear to be but ill-grounded. Notwithstanding he was a
servant of the church, he contributed nothing to the increase of its stores: his talent lay chiefly in the composition of songs for a single voice, and in these the great and
almost only excellence is the exact correspondence between the accent of the music and the quantities of the
verse; and, if the poems of Milton and Waller in his commendation be attended to, it will be found that his care in
this particular is his chief praise.
”
r Coperario, for his musical education, at the expence of the earl of Hertford. His first preferment was in the choir of Chichester, but he was soon called to London,
, brother to the preceding, w
placed early in life under Coperario, for his musical education, at the expence of the earl of Hertford. His first
preferment was in the choir of Chichester, but he was
soon called to London, where, in 1602, he was sworn a
gentleman of the chapel royal; which place, however, he
resigned in 1611, and became one of the private, or chamber-musicians, to Charles, then prince and afterwards king.
Fuller says, “he was respected and beloved of all such
persons as cast any looks towards virtue and honour:
” and
he seems well entitled to this praise. He manifested his
gratitude and loyalty to his royal master by taking up arms
in his cause against the parliament. And though, to
exempt him from danger, lord Gerrard, the king’s general, made him a commissary in the royal army, yet the
activity of his spirit disdaining this intended security, at
the siege of Chester, 1645, he lost his life by an accidental
shot. The king is said, by Fuller, to have been so affected
at his loss, that though he was already in mourning for his
kinsman lord Bernard Stuart, killed at the same siege, his
majesty put “on particular mourning for his dear servant
William Lawes, whom he commonly called the father of
music.
”
that “he composed more than thirty several sorts of music for voices and instruments, and that there was not any instrument in use in his time but he composed for it
His chief compositions were fantasias for viols, and songs
and symphonies for masques; but his brother Henry, in
the preface to the “Choice Psalmes
” for three voices,
which they published jointly, boasts that “he composed
more than thirty several sorts of music for voices and instruments, and that there was not any instrument in use in
his time but he composed for it as aptly as if he had only
studied that.
” In Dr. Aldrich’s collection, Christ church,.
Oxon, there is a work of his called Mr. William Lawes’s
Great Consort, “wherein aresix setts of musicke, six
books.
” His “Royal Consort
” for two treble viols, two
viol da gambas, and a thorough-base, which was always
mentioned with reverence by his admirers in the seventeenth century, is, says Dr. Burney, one of the most dry,
aukward, and unmeaning compositions we ever remember
to have had the trouble of scoring. It must, however, have
been produced early in his life, as there are no bars, and
the passages are chiefly such as were used in queen Elizabeth’s time. In the music-school at Oxford are two large
manuscript volumes of his works in score, for various instruments; one of which includes his original compositions
for masques, performed before the king, and at the inns
of court.