The late Mr. Cumberland, however, as Regius Professor; and the series, 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 popular prelate; and on being chosen to preach before the Lords on January 30, 1788, 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 6 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, 1,500,000l. a year; and that, estimating the clergy at 10,000, this would not produce a clear revenue of above 150/. a year to each individual. Now, although the whole revenue of the church is so inconsiderable as not to admit of any diminution of it; "yet," adds his Lordship, "a somewhat better administration of it might be introduced, with much, it is apprehended, advantage to the state, and without the least injustice to any individual." He accordingly proposes to endow the poorer, out of the revenues of the richer benefices, so as at the end of 60 or 70 years, to render all the clergy comfortable; whereas by the operation of Queen Anne's Bounty, this cannot occur, in less two or three hundred. "As to any censure," adds the good Bishop," to which I may have exposed myself, in becoming, as some will scoffingly phrase it, a reformer; in disturbing, as others will seem to apprehend, the repose of the establishment, I will, as the Apostle recommends, take it patiently: it is much easier to bear the reproach of other men's tongues, than of our own minds; and that I could not have escaped, had I done less than I have done. flatter myself, however, or rather I have good reason to expect, that many of my brethren will see the subject in the same light that I have done, and will concur in recommending it, when the more urgeat concerns of the state are in some measure settled, to the notice of Parliament." 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 be neficial 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. Watson. 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 serions 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 diocese, in which this and a number of other points were touched upon; 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 pub. lish 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 alTowed 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 Great Britain." 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 view of our then situation, after six eloquent Letters addressed to Thomas "See the important, convincing and 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 Reof great merit, and of general utility. vealed Religion,' in two short sermons, is Bishop Watson should often write, but with the utmost caution, accuracy and consideration; because his works wil! 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 dern pretended discoveries in natural phias those who are led astray by some molosophy, now a favourite mode of introducing and enforcing scepticism and infidelity.”—P. 230—232. years' conflict with an enemy, which becoming stronger daily, during the contest, now menaced us with retaliation, and even threatened 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. Immediately after this, he determined to make an acquisition to that amount in his native county. He accordingly 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 singular occasion. Mr. L. was addicted to play, and having fallen into the hands of sharpers in France, was actually rescued from their fangs by Dr. Watson, who repaired to the Continent on purpose. 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 an "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 Westmoreland, 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 must be allowed to have been orthodox; for although a friend to reform, he broached no new tenets, but 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 diguity 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. List of the Works of the late Dr. Wat son, Lord Bishop of Llandaff. 1. Ricardi Watson, A. M. Coll S. S. Trin. Soc. et Chemiæ Profess in Acad. Cantab. Inst. Chemic. in Prælect. Acad. Exp. Pars Metallurgica, 8vo. 1766. 2. An Essay on the Subjects of Chemistry, and their General Divisions, 8vo. 1771. 3. An Apology for Christianity, in a Series of Letters to Edward Gibbon, Esq. the Historian, 12mo. 1776. S editions. 4. Chemical Essays, 2 vols. 12mo. 1781; since published in 5 vols. 12mo. 5. A Letter to Archbishop Cornwallis, on the Equalization of the Revenues of the Church of England, 4to. 1789. 6. Visitation Articles for the Diocese of Llandaff, 4to. 1784. 7. Collection of Theological Tracts, selected from various Authors, for the use of such of the younger Students of the University of Cambridge as are intended for Holy Orders. N. B. His Lordship, on this occasion, acted merely as Editor. 8. Sermons on Public Occasions, and Tracts on Religious Subjects, 8vo. 1788. 9. Considerations on the Expediency of revising the Liturgy, and Articles of the Church of England, 8vo. 1790. Anon. 10. An Apology for the Bible, in a Series of Letters addressed to Thomas Paine, 12mo. 1796. Many editions. 11. An Address to the People of Great Britain, 8vo. 1798. 12. Substance of a Speech intended to have been spoken in the House of Lords, 8vo. 1803. 13. Thoughts on the intended Invasion, 8vo. 1809. 14. Miscellaneous Tracts on Religious, Political and Agricultural Subjects, 2 vols. 8vo. 1815. Also a variety of papers in the Philosophical Transactions, and in the Transactions of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society. Charges and Single Sermons. 15. An Assize Sermon preached at Cambridge, 4to. 1765. 16. A Sermon preached at do. on the 29th of May, 1776, 4to. 17. A Sermon preached at do. on the Anniversary of His Majesty's Accession, 4to. 1776. 18. A Sermon preached at do. on the Fast Day, 4to. 1780. 19. A Discourse delivered to the Clergy of the Archdeaconry of Ely, 4to. 1780. 20. A Sermon preached before the Lords, in Westminster Abbey, on the 30th January, 4to. 1784. 21. Visitation Articles for the Diocese of Llandaff, 4to. 1784. 22. The Wisdom and Goodness of God in having made both Rich and Poor; a Sermon, 4to. 1785. 2 editions. 23. Address to Young Persons after Confirmation, 12mo. 1789. 24. Charge delivered to the Clergy of the Diocese of Llandaff, in 1791. 4to. 1792. 25. A Sermon preached in 1785, for the Westminster Dispensary, with an Appendix, 4to. 1792. 26. A Charge delivered to the Clergy of the Diocese of Llandaff, 4to. 1795. 27 & 28. Two Sermons preached in the Cathedral of Llandaff, 4to. 1795. 29. A Sermon preached in the Chapel of the London Hospital, 4to. 1802. 30. A Charge delivered to the Clergy of the Diocese of Llandaff, 4to. 1802. 31. A Sermon preached in the Church of St. George, Hanover Square, before the Society for the Suppression of Vice, 8vo. 1804. 32. A Charge delivered to the Clergy of the Diocese of Llandaff, in June, 1805. 4to. 33, 34 & 35. Two Sermons, and a Charge, in Defence of Revealed Religion, 8vo. 1806. 36 & 37. Two Sermons, constituting a second Defence of Revealed Religion, preached at the Chapel Royal, 8vo. 1807. 38. A Charge delivered to the Clergy of the Diocese of Llandaff, 8vo. 1808. ORIGINAL LETTERS. 'SIR, Clapton, June 1, 1817. BOUT ten years ago I had some conversation with Mr. Granville Sharp on the subject of his first attempts, forty years before that time, to vindicate the freedom of Negroes in England. He soon after very obligingly communicated to me the following papers, the copies of his letters being endorsed, corrected and signed by himself. I am persuaded you will readily judge these authentic documents on such an interesting subject, to be worthy of preservation. The condition of Negroes in England, when Mr. Sharp undertook their cause, cannot be shewn more clearly than by the following advertisements, which I copy from p. 87 of his first publication, "A Representation of the Injustice and Dangerous Tendency of Tolerating Slavery; or of Admitting the least Claim of Private Property in the Persons of Men in England." 1769. PUBLIC LEDGER, Dec. 81, 1767. "For sale, a healthy Negro Girl, aged about fifteen years, speaks good English, works at her needle, washes well, does household work, and has had the small pox. By J. W. at Mr. M'Auley's, the Amsterdam CoffeeHouse, near the Exchange, from twelve till two o'clock every day." GAZETTEER, April 18, 1769. Horses, Tim Wisky, and Black Boy. "To be sold, at the Bull and Gate Inn, Holborn, a very good Tim Wisky, little the worse for wear,a chesnut gelding, a very good grey mare, and a well made good tempered Black Boy; he has lately had the small pox, and will be sold to any gentleman. Enquire as above." Such were the reputed human brutes, mere marketable commodities, for whom Mr. Sharp, fifty years ago, solely adventured to claim the rights of men, and submitted to be smiled upon as a humane visionary, if not censured as a busy body in other men's matters. But the wisdom with which he pursued the impulse of his benevolence was, at length, sufficiently justified. I have been informed, probably from himself, that he persevered, after his legal advisers had given up the cause as hopeless, entering upon a very laborious historical and legal research, to which the work I have mentioned bears ample testimony. It may, indeed, be fairly questioned whether more unwearied industry were ever employed in the accumulation of wealth, than Mr. Sharp exerted through life, in finding occasions for its benevolent distribution. It is remarkable that what was not considered as the established law of England till 1772, and after so severe a conflict, had been described as the known law of France one hundred years before, in the reign of Louis XIV. The following passage is a translation from Les Delices de la France. 18mo. Paris, 1671, Prem. Part. p. 246, by an author sufficiently courtly: : France is so fond of liberty that she cannot endure a slave. Thus neither Turks nor Moors, and still less Christian people must bear fetters or be chained in that country. So that slaves arriving in France, are no sooner landed than they exclaim for joy, France for ever, with her delightful liberty.' I once observed, in a certain city of the kingdom, a Moor, in the train of a Portugneze lady. Immediately on quitting the vessel, he threw himself on the earth, kissing it tenderly. Then raising his arms to heaven he cried aloud, France for ever! I am free! I am no longer a slave!' liberté, qu'elle ne peut pas souffrir un * "La France est si amoureuse de la Esclave: de sorte que les Turcs, & les Mores, bien moins encore les Peuples fers ny estre chargés de chaisnes, estans Chrestiens, ne peuvent iamais porter de dans son pays: aussi arrive-t'il, que quand il y a des Esclaves en France, ils ne sont pas si tost à terre, qu'ils s'escrient pleins de ioye; Vive la France avec son aymable Liberté; & ie puis dire que i'ay veu estant dans une Ville du Royaume une More à la suitte d'une Dame Portugaise, laquelle iettant à terre, elle la baisa tendrement, ne fut pas si tost hors du vaisseau que se haussant ensuitte les bras vers le ciel, & criant à pleine teste; Vive la France, ie suis libre; vive la France, ie ne suis plus Esclave." |