professing the same tenets, on the anniversary of his present Majesty's accession to the throne, produced a controversy; but like all similar contentions, the disputants were soon lost in their own smoke; and we now only recollect" An Heroic Epistle to Dr. Watson;" the author of which, supposed to be the same with that "to Sir William Chambers," remains still

unknown.

Having thus vindicated the principles of general liberty, and justified the revolution of 1688, Dr. Watson next proceeded to justify Christianity itself, from the attacks of sophistry, scepticism, and infidelity. The late Mr. Gibbon, fond of ease, luxury, and enjoyment, had relinquished his political opinions for a place; but in his religious tenets, he appears to have remained firm and sincere until the very last. In two of the chapters of his celebrated work on "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," he had attacked the religion of Christ; and he was now answered by means of a work, entitled, " An Apology for Christianity, in a Series of Letters, addressed to Edward Gibbon, Esq." This immediately became a popular production; for, instead of calling in the assistance of the secular power, or commencing his attack with the violence of bigotted zeal, Dr. Watson displayed all the mildness of a true Christian, and all the good manners of a well-bred gentleman.

In 1780, he published another sermon, preached before his own university, in the beginning of the same year (Feb. 4th), on the day appointed for the general fast; and in 1781, he produced his first volume of "Chemical Essays." This was soon after followed by four additional ones.

At length, by the influence of the Duke of Rutland, to whom this work was inscribed, he obtained the mitre; and thus owed to a lucky incident, what his own merit had fully entitled him to. From that moment he seems to have abandoned his once favourite pursuit, as will be seen from the following quotation from the preface to his fifth and last volume:

"When I was elected Professor of

Divinity in 1771, I determined to abandon, for ever, the study of chamistry, and I did abandon it for several years; but the veteris vestigia flammæ still continued to delight me, and at length seduced me from my purpose.

"When I was made a Bishop, in 1782, I again determined to quit my favourite pursuit: the volume which I now offer to the public is a sad proof of the imbecility of my resolution.

I have on this day, however, offered a sacrifice to other people's notions, I confess, rather than to my own opinion of episcopal decorum-I have destroyed all my chemical manuscripts. A prospect of returning health might have persuaded me to pursue this delightful science; but E have now certainly done with it for ever; at least, I have taken the most effectual step I could, to wean myself from an attachment to it; for, with the holy zeal of the idolaters of old, who had been addicted to curious arts I have burned my books."

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Soon after his consecration, the new Bishop attracted the notice of both the clerical profession and the public at large, by "A Letter addressed to the Archbishop of Canterbury," on the equilization of the Church Revenues. The late Mr. Cumberland, however, was the only person who attempted to answer it; and his reply lost much of its effect from the appearance of haste and violence in which it was composed.

The Bishop of Llandaff was now considered as a very able and popu lar prelate; and on being chosen to preach before the Lords on January 30, 1783, the Abbey was crowded on the occasion. But those who expected any violent declarations, or extraordinary political sentiments, returned home disappointed; on the other hand, such as were fond of a discourse admirable in its composition, and cautious as well as temperate, in respect to its sentiments, were delighted upon this occasion.

In 1786, appeared "A Collection of Theological Tracts," in six vols. 8vo. of which his Lordship was the

avowed editor. This was published at Cambridge, and designed entirely for the use of students in divinity: it may be considered as an official publication, as Regius Professor; and the series, of itself, forms an inestimable library to every candidate for holy orders. It could add nothing to his Lordship's fame, as it required selection alone; it was therefore considered merely in the light of a duty. As the Bishop of Llandaff had now become a legislator, the eyes of the public were steadily fixed upon his political conduct. During the discussion of the commercial treaty with France, his Lordship supported Ministers in that measure, which must be allowed to have proved highly beneficial to this country. During his Majesty's first illness he joined the opposition, and was one of those who considered the Prince of Wales as possessing an unqualified right by birth alone, to the assumption of the Regency. But Mr. Pitt, on this occasion, deemed it more constitutional, that the two remaining states should supply the temporary vacancy of the throne. The sudden and unexpected recovery of the Sovereign put an end to all the changes then meditated; and among other incidental speculations of that day, the vacant Bishopric of St. Asaph was assigned to Dr. Wat

son.

Meanwhile, a great and singular event occurred in Europe, which, from the very beginning, seemed portentous; and in a short time appeared pregnant with the most serious and important results. Different opinions prevailed as to the manner in which the French Revolution ought to be viewed by the English people; and ministry and opposition were, as usual, divided, both as to the nature and the treatment of this national convulsion. The Bishop of Llandaff, as a friend to peace, appears to have deprecated all intervention on our part; and it was not until long after the commencement of hostilities, that he gave his avowed sanction to the war. In 1791, he delivered a charge to the clergy of his diocess, in which this, and a number of other points were touched up

on; particularly respecting the present condition of the Church, and the pretensions of those who dissented from the established faith. To avoid the possibility of misrepresentation, he soon after deemed it necessary to publish this address.

His attention seems now to have been divided between his attendance in the House of Lords, where he spoke frequently, and always in the spirit of conciliation, and his prelatical duties, when called on as a preacher, to promote the great charitable institutions of our metropolis. Accordingly, he twice preached sermons for the benefit of the Humane Society, both of which were admirable of their kind, although neither of them has ever been printed. He also delivered a discourse in behalf of the Westminster Dispensary, which has been praised by an author, by no means favourable to his political sentiments:

"I am not in the habit of perusing many of the various single sermons which are published; but I cannot resist the opportunity of recommending three, which I think are at this time important, and written with ability and spirit. One by the Rev. Dr. Vincent, head Master of Westminster School (a gentleman of very considerable erudition, diligence, ability, and most exemplary conduct), preached for the Westminster Dispensary; another by Doctor Watson, Bishop of Llandaff, preached for the Westminster Dispensary also; with an Appendix, containing Reflexions on the present State of England and France. The Appendix is of peculiar merit, and a third On Gaming;' written with great energy, patriotism, and eloquence, by the Reverend Thomas Rennel, D. D. Prebendary of Winchester."

In 1796, an opportunity occurred, and was happily seized by the Bishop, which enabled him not only to distinguish himself as an advocate for, but also to be of eminent service to the cause of Christianity. It was at that period, that the "Age of Reason" was encountered by "An Apology for the Bible, in a series of Letters addressed to the author of that work." On this

occasion he made use of the same mildness and urbanity that he had before displayed, when encountering the infidel opinions broached by Mr. Gibbon; and it must be allowed, that in both instances, he was deemed not only a very opportune, but a very able champion in behalf of that faith which pervades the whole of civilized Europe. In short, Doctor Watson's well-timed and celebrated tract against Paine, although it did not, like Horsley's contest with Priestley, lead to preferment, yet, for a time, turned the tide of loyalty and religion in his favour, and procured him admirers among a class of writers, who had before been his enemies.*

At the commencement of the year 1799, his Lordship published an "Address to the People of GreatBritain." In this political pamphlet, he prudently waved all discussion of the merits or demerits of the war, in respect to its origin; but took a new

The author of the "Pursuits of Literature," thus compliments the good Bishop, both in prose and verse, upon the

present occasion:

"Yet all shall read,† when bold in strength

divine,

"See the important, convincing, and eloquent Letters addressed to Thomas Paine, author of the Age of Reason; second part, by the Right Rev. Richard Watson, Bishop of Llandaff,, styled An Apology for the Bible.'

"To write such a book as this, is to do a real service to mankind. A cheap edition of it is printed, and, it is hoped will be circulated throughout the kingdom.

"I think that his Defence of Revealed Religion,' in two short sermons, is of great merit, and of general utility. Bishop Watson should often write, but with the utmost caution, accuracy, and consideration; because his works will always be read.

"I would also particularly recommend the perusal of the Sixth Letter of the series of letters which the Bishop addressed to Mr. Gibbon. To young men of fashion and of abilities, originally good, but obscured by libertine life and

conversation, it will be peculiarly serviceable; as well as those, who are led astray by some modern pretended discoveries in natural philosophy, now a favourite mode of introducing and enforcing scepticism and infidelity,"

view of our then situation, after six years conflict with an enemy, which becoming stronger daily, during the contest, now menaced us with retaliation, and even menaced invasion itself. Assuming the proposition, that the nation was reduced to the alternative of absolute submission on one hand, or a vigorous prosecution of the contest on the other; he declared in favour of the latter. His Lordship accordingly maintained that great sacrifices and great exertions had become necessary; and he conjured his countrymen to make these in behalf of their liberty, their property, and all that is dear to

man.

This address of course produced a multitude of replies. Some accused him of dereliction of both principles and character; while others animadverted on the laxity of his opinions, and the prudent conformity now evinced to the established order of things. The pamphlet in question, however, produced a great effect on the public mind. The Government too, as if impressed with new zeal, in consequence of this timely co-operation, immediately unsheathed the flaming sword of prosecution against his opponents, two of whom were convicted of seditious libels; while all other writers were appalled from engaging in so dangerous a controversy. But the gratitude of Ministers ended here; for no translation ensued, and it was now found, that the labourer who came in at the twelfth hour, was not to be rewarded like him who appeared at the ninth.

But notwithstanding his Lordship had no fewer than six children, and his bishopric was always accounted a poor one, yet his revenues from the church could not be deemed scanty, nor his fortune contemptible. By the death of Mr. Luther,* in 1786, he had also obtained a legacy of 20,000l.

* This gentleman was not only indebted to the Bishop for the care taken of his education and morals, but also for his friendly and spirited intervention on a play, and having fallen into the hands of single occasion. Mr. L. was addicted to sharpers in France, was actually rescued from their fangs by Dr. Watson, who repaired to the Continent on purpose.

Immediately after this, he determined to make an acquisition to that amount in his native county. He accordingly purchased Calgarth Park, in Westmoreland, and erected a house, delightfully situate, in the immediate vicinity of the lakes. Here he considered himself as a country gentleman, and dedicated much of his time to agricultural pursuits. For many years Mr. Curwen, M. P. for Carlisle, was either the associate of his labours, or the occasional companion of his retirement. Under his auspices, and at his own expense, the neighbouring mountains, up to their very summits, were clothed with wood of all descriptions, particularly the larch. Of this favourite tree, he planted many millions, and obtained, on that account, not only the applause of all men interested in the improvements of their native country, but the gold medal of the Society of Arts, Manufactures, &c. His leisure moments were also occupied at intervals, with literary pursuits, and he is said to have been busily employed for many years past in writing a "History of his own Times."

The good Bishop, who had now attained almost a patriarchal age, began, of late years, to stoop, and exhibit symptoms of decay. A fit or two of apoplexy, warned both himself and family of his impending fate; and he at length uttered his last sigh at Calgarth Park, in the county of Cumberland, amidst the woods he had planted, and the hills where he was born, on July 5th, 1816.

Thus died Richard Watson, Bishop of Llandaff, in the 79th year of his age. As a divine, he was a vigorous, able, and zealous supporter of the established church. In his person, he was tall, stout, muscular, and dignified. As a bishop, he was always the patron of unfriended merit, and added dignity to the bench, by his learning, his intelligence, his ability, and his independence. As an orator, his action was graceful, his voice harmonious, and his delivery both chaste and correct. As a writer, he displayed a great knowledge of composition; his style was neat, and even elegant, while his

diction was pure and argumentative. But it is as a controversial writer that he is entitled to great, deserved, and undiminished praise. In all his contests, he made use of the language befitting a scholar and a gentleman; and he both detested, and scorned to imitate, the vituperative attacks of those who, by recurring to scurrility and personality, forget the first duty of a Christian divine.

To the Editor of the Christian Journal.

ROBERT NELSON'S OPINION on the IMPORTANCE OF THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS.

The name of Robert Nelson is familiar to the readers of your very useful paper in general, as one of the brightest examples in modern ages, of all Christian excellence. His work on the Fasts and Festivals of the Church, his Treatise on the Lord's Supper, his little Catechetical Tract on Confirmation, and his Book of Devotions, have aided and encouraged thousands in this country, in the right understanding and performance of religious duty. This most excellent. and pious member of the Church of England died in 1714-15, and bequeathed his whole estate, which was very ample, to pious and charitable uses.

Familiar with his sentiments on other subjects connected with religion, Episcopalians in this country may not be unwilling to receive the strong and decided testimony of one so wise and good, in justification of the purpose which their Church has recently committed to their liberality, on the subject of education for the ministry. It is extracted from his life of Bishop Bull.

B.

"I cannot help wishing, from the hearty affection and good will I bear to the welfare of religion in general, and to the prosperity of the Church of England in particular, that, as we have noble foundations for the encouragement of all sorts of learning, and especially for Divinity, in our two famous universities; so we had, also, some of these foundations entirely set apart for the forming of such as are candidates for holy orders: where

they might be fully instructed in all that knowledge which that holy institution requires, and in all those duties which are peculiarly incumbent upon a parochial Priest; where lectures might be daily read, which, in a certain course of time, should include a perfect scheme of divinity; where all particular cases of conscience might be clearly stated, and such general rules laid down, as might be able to assist them in giving satisfaction to all those that repair to them for advice in difficult matters; where they might receive right notions of all those spiritual rights which are appropriated to the priesthood, and which are not in the power of the greatest secular person to convey or abolish-and yet are of such great importance, that some of them are not only necessary to the well-being, but to the very being of the Church; where they might be taught to perform all the public offices of religion with a becoming gravity and devotion, and with all that advantage of elocution, which is aptest to secure attention, and beget devout affections in the congregation; where they might be instructed in the art of preaching-whereby I mean not only the best method in composing their sermons, but all those decent gestures and that graceful deportment, the influence whereof all hearers can more easily feel than express; and where they might have such judicious rules given them for prosecuting their theological studies, as would be of great use to them in their future conduct: but, above all, where they might be formed, by constant practice, and by the example of their superiors, to piety and devotion, to humility and charity, to mortification and self-denial, to contentedness and submission to the will of God, in all conditions of human life; and, more especially, excited to great zeal in promoting the salvation of souls, which is the true spring of all that industry and application which is required in the clerical profession.

"It would be a mighty satisfaction to the governors of the Church, to ordain persons who had passed some time in such seminaries with the

ap

probation of their superiors. It would be no small confort to the candidates themselves, to be so qualified by the purity of their intentions, and by their personal endowments, as to find themselves able to answer, with a good conscience, that important demand in ordination," Whether they trust they are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon them that office and ministration?" And it would certainly be a great blessing to the nation, to have such labourers sent into the vineyard of the Lord, as had been wrought up, by particular application and study, to that purpose. That man knows but little of the dignity and importance of the priesthood, that can content himself with ordinary at tainments for the discharge of so great and so sacred a trust; and yet he will find himself very much deceived, if he depends upon the greatest perfection of human knowledge, without constant and fervent prayer to God for his grace to enable him to make a right use of it. This is necessary to sanctify his learning, though it be of never so prodigious a size, by keeping him within the bounds of humility, and by rendering him serviceable to those who are committed to his charge."

THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL. In the House of Bishops, May 26. The following resolutions were proposed and adopted :

Resolved, that it is expedient to establish, for the better education of the candidates for holy orders in this Church, a General Theological Seminary, which may have the united support of the whole Church in these United States, and be under the superintendence and control of the General Convention.

Resolved, that this seminary be located in the city of New-York. Resolved, that

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persons be appointed by the House of Bishops to visit the several parts of the United States, and solicit contributions towards funds for founding and endowing such an institution.

Resolved, that a committee be ap