gaging in the mathematical and philosophical occupations of the place, and have no specific object presented to their ambition, they, almost universally, relapse into idleness and dissipation: so that, instead of "going on unto perfection," they become stationary first, and then retrograde. Accordingly their meridian altitude is the moment of their quitting school; and their academical course, a gradual declination from it. In consequence of these unhappy circumstances, though King's college never contains less than seventy members, of the best initiation possible in classic authors, this numerous society has sent out scarcely a man, in three hundred years, that can claim a rank among the most celebrated critics and philologists of this nation, in the ancient languages; and few in fact who have exceeded the common editors of school-books. Indeed the school at large cannot boast many of distinguished eminence in their own branch of knowledge; and Mr. PORSON, fellow of Trinity College, and Greek professor at Cambridge, shines both among his contemporary schoolfellows, and all his predecessors at Eton, like the Moon among the lesser stars. LEARNING sends them forth, as Achilles sent Patroclus, well equipped for her warfare; but is recompensed by no triumphs proportionate. to her expectations, and their accomplish ments. Τον ρ' ήτοι μεν επεμπε συν ἵπποισιν και όχεσφιν Him richly deck'd, he sent with steeds and car, Upon this subject it cannot be enough regretted, that men do not more frequently pursue their studies from principle; nor consider them with reference to their important influence on the melioration of human life, and the promotion of public virtue; but regard them rather as a selfish amusement. And now I will conclude this disputation concerning the defects of our university,' in d Hom. Il. xviii. 237. Of the number that pass their lives among books, very few," says Johnson, " read to be made wiser or better. They purpose either to consume those hours for which they can find no other amusement, to gain or preserve that respect which learning has always obtained; or to gratify their curiosity with knowledge, which, like treasures buried and forgotten, is of no use to others, or themselves." Rambler, No 87. f On this topic of university education, I earnestly recommend Dr. Newton's book of that title: a specimen (in my judgment) of perspicuous reasoning, amiable benevolence, and dignified independence. W. the words of that honest historian, FULLER the Jester, as Warburton well styles him. Lately a college in Cambridge, much beautified with additional buildings, sent a messenger to a doctor, who had been a great, and promised to be a greater, benefactor unto them, requesting him to remember them, or else their college must even stand still. To whom the doctor answered-May your college and all the colleges in both the Universities STAND STILL. In the charitable meaning whereof all good men will concur." I give at least my hearty concurrence to the wish. ESTOTE PERPETUÆ! CHAP. VIII. Mr. Wakefield fixes at Stockport-Rev. Mr. Watson-Dr. Byrom-Confirmation at Stockport by Bishop Porteus-Rev. Mr. Wilde-Archbishop Secker. 1778-1782. On May the third, 1778, I arrived at Stockport, in Cheshire (the second or third best living in this kingdom), as curate to the REV. JOHN WATSON, M. A. formerly Fellow of Brazen-nose College, Oxford. This gentleman has given some account of himself in his History of the Antiquities of Halifax," to which I refer the reader who wishes any information on this point. He was a very lively, conversable, well-informed man; and one of the hardest students I ever knew. His great excellence was a knowledge of Antiquities; and several papers on these subjects are preserved in the Archaologia of the Antiquarian Society, of which he was a member. He compiled a book to prove the right of Sir George Warren, of Poynton, near Stockport, and patron of the benefice, to the barony of Stockport. Not more than sir copies, I think, of this work were printed: Eyres of Warrington had this honour; for it was, perhaps, the most accurate specimen of typography ever produced by any press. He publisht also in 1764, a sermon preacht at Lancaster assizes, and one on the thirtieth of January, several years before, in vindication of his conduct with respect to that day. When curate of Halifax, he usually preacht on the anniversary of this fast, in defence of the transactions of those times; a procedure which naturally gave rise to much misrepresentation and surmise. He accordingly in 1755, printed verbatim the only sermon on this subject that 8 "" Kings shou'd obey the Laws. A Sermon preach'd at the Chapel of Ripponden, in Yorkshire, January 30, 1755; proving that King Charles I. did not govern like a good King of England; with Reasons why his Character is so much esteem'd, and with some Advice on that Head. By John Watson, M. A. Curate of the said Chapel."-He had before published in 1751 (to vindicate himself from some misrepresentations) "A Sermon preach'd in the Parish Church of Halifax, entitled Moderation, or a candid disposition towards those that differ from us, recommended and enforced :" "Which if any man," says Archdeacon Blackburne, "who has sixpence to spare, will purchase, peruse, and lay to heart, he will lay out his time and his money very well.” See note in "A serious Enquiry into the Use and Importance of external Religion," &c. re-published by Baron in "Pillars of Priestcraft," &c. See IV. 162. |