nate state of activity and repose, to denote eternal watchfulness. The mortar is left as it was found, being mounted on its carriage at an elevation of 45 degrees, upon a bed of brass representing a rock

on which the monster has alighted. Dimensions: Length of the bed, 9 feet 2 inches; breadth of ditto, 4 ft. 6 in.; general height, 9 ft. 10 in.; weight of the whole 16 tons.

THEATRICAL REGISTER.

New Pieces.

HAYMARKET THEATRE.

Aug. 24. The Fair Deserter; a Comic Sketch.

ENGLISH OPERA HOUSE.

Sept. 2. Two Words; or, The Silent not Dumb; a Melo-dramatic Entertainment, in Two Acts; translated from the French. Sept. 16. Free and Easy; a Comic Opera, in two Acts.

COVENT GARDEN THEATRE.

Sept. 23. Yours or Mine; a Musical Entertainment in two Acts, by the late Mr. Tobin. The Musick by Mr. Shield.

GAZETTE PROMOTIONS. Foreign-office, Sept. 10. Thomas Turner, esq. Consul at Ragusa and Bocca di Cattaro.

Thomas William Richards, esq. Consul at Nantes.

A. Gibson, esq. Consul at Dantzic. Sept. 14. Baroness Lucas, a Countess of the United Kingdom, by the title of Countess de Grey, of Wrest.

CIVIL PROMOTIONS.

Hon. John Scott, Receiver of Fines in the Court of Chancery, vice Fenshaw, dec. Rev. T. Hancock, M. A. Master of the Free Grammar School, Carmarthen, vice Price, dec.

Rev. H. Rogers, Camborne V. Cornwall. Rev. T. Robyns, B. A. Colebrook V. Devon.

Rev. E. Hodge, B. A. St. Ewny R. Cornwall.

Rev. Richard Symonds Joynes, M. A. Ridgewell V. Essex, vice Bradbury, dec. Rev. J. C. Compton, B. A. Minsteed R. with Lyndhurst, Hants.

Rev. Richard Huntley, Doddington R. co. Gloucester.

Rev. G. Gervis, Kemsing cum Seale V. Kent.

Rev. Edward Rogers, A. M. Bishopstone V. North Wilts, vice Wakeman, dec.

Rev. Bartlet Goodrich, M. A. Great Saling V. Essex, vice Bradbury, dec.

Rev. James Ashe Gabb, Newton R. co. Monmouth.

BIRTHS,

BIRTHS.

Aug. 2. At Stockholm, the lady of Rt. Hon. Edward Thornton, Envoy Extraordinary, &c. at that Court, a son.-5. At Shelford, the lady of Maj.-gen. Sir Charles Wale, K C B. a dau.-16. The wife of Henry Elwes, esq. of Colesborne, co. Gloucester, a son and heir.-21. The wife of Manuel Antonio de Paiva, esq. of Canonbury-place, Islington, a son.-30. At Portswood, Hants, the wife of W. A. Mackinnon, esq. a daughter.

Lately. Lady Charles Bentinck, a dau. -In Holles-street, Cavendish-square, the Jady of Col. Guise, a son.-In Saville-row, the wife of Maj. Fuller, a dau.-In Grosvenor-street, the wife of P. Methuen, esq. M. P. a dau. In Portland-place, the wife of William Curtis, esq. a dau.-At Staughton-house, Hunts, the lady of Gen. Onslow, a dau.-At Sandridge, Devon, the wife of R. W. Newman, esq. M. P. a dau. In the Isle of Wight, the wife of Col. Payne, a dau.-At Dunnottar, Scotland, Lady Kennedy, a son.-At Kelly, Scotland, the wife of Col. Ramsay, a son. Sept. 10. At Beddington-house, Surrey, the lady of Sir Henry Bridges, a son.

MARRIAGES.

July 18. At the Hotel of the British Ambassador at Paris, Alexander Murray, esq. of Broughton, to Lady Anne Bingham, dau. of the Earl of Lucan.

Aug. 7. Capt. F. G. Thomas, R. N. to Susanua, only dau, of A. Atherley, esq.

8. Capt. Lloyd, R. N. to Colin Campbell, youngest dau. of the late James Baillie, esq. M. P.

Mr. John Smith, of Bromley near Worfield (eldest son of Thomas S. gent. of Munslows Aston), to Sophia, fourth dau. of the late George Smith, gent. of Sidbury, near Glazeley, all co. Salop.

9. Mr. Thomas Fletcher, to Anna Maria, dau. of the late Mr. George Heury Witherby, of Islington.

In France, Jos. Burke, esq. of Glinsk Castle, to Louisa, eldest dau. of Sir Wm. Manners, bart.

the late

10. F. Birmingham, esq. brother of Lord Athenry, to the only child and heiress of Graham, esq. of Morphie. Major Fane, M. P. to Marianne Shrimpton, eldest dau. of J. Mills Jackson, esq. of Downton, Wilts.

12. J. C. Frederick, esq. second son of Sir J. F. bart. of Burwood Park, to Charlotte, eldest dau. of Robert Berney of Anningsley, both in Surrey.

14. Capt. E. C. Sheldon, 7th Dragoon Guards, to the only dau. of Winstanley, esq. Dublin.

15. William George Ede, esq. Merry Oak, Hants, to Frances Margaretta, second dau. of Hon. Mr. Justice Moore, of the Common Pleas, Ireland.

GENT. MAG. September, 1816.

19. Henry Usborne, esq. of Heydon Hall, Norfolk, to Phoebe Anne, eldest dau, of Joseph Birch, esq. M. P. of the Hazels, co. Lancaster.

At Paris, at the house of the British Ambassador, Thomas Wilson, esq. of Dullatur, Scotland, to Mrs. Tone, widow of Theobald Wolfe Tone, esq.

20. Hon. J. Perceval, eldest son of Lord Arden, to Lady Elizabeth Anne Brudenell, eldest dau. of the Earl of Cardigan.

Capt. D'Aeth, R. N. of Knowlton Court, Kent, to Harriet, third dau. of Sir E. Knatchbull, bart. of Mersham Hatch.

22. Capt. Lord W. Fitzroy, R. N. fourth son of the late Duke of Grafton, to Georgiana, second dau. of the late T. Raikes, esq. of Upper Grosvenor-street.

26. Lieut. col. Douglas, 79th foot, C. B. and K. M. T. to Barbara, dau. of G. Robertson, esq.

28. Rev. Orfear Wm. Kilvington, A. M. Vicar of Brignall, co. York, to Hon. Mary Margaret Napier, eldest dau. of Lord Napier.

29. David Lyons, esq. of the Colonial Audit Office, to Eliza, eldest dau. of Col. Arthur Owen.

Major Hector Maclain, 57th foot, to Martha, only dau. and heiress of the late M. Osborne, esq. of Kington, co. Glouc.

Rev. John Rogers, of the Hone, Shropshire, to Marianne, dau. of the late John Bodenham, esq. of Grove House, Presteign, co. Radnor.

30. Andrew Arcedeckne, esq. of Glevering Hall, Suffolk, to Anne Harriet, only dau. of Francis Love Beckford, esq. of Southampton.

31. Col. Henry Powlett, to Jane, only dau. of C. Peile, esq. of Bath.

Lately.-D. Garrow, esq. nephew of the Attorney-General, to Miss Weymouth, of Southampton.

Rev. Dr. Webb, Master of Clare Hall, Cambridge, to Anne, only dau. of the late Rev. T. V. Gould, Rector of Farnham.

Sir John J. Fitzgerald, of Lisheen, Tipperary, to Mrs. Moore, fifth dau. of E. Pennefather, esq. of Cashel.

In Dublin, William Ponsonby, esq. to Elizabeth Selina Knox, dau. of the Bishop of Derry.

Sept. 3. J. W. Williamson, esq. of Keppell-street, to Henrietta Anne, youngest dau, of the late George Shum, esq. M. P.

5. J. N. Creighton, esq. Captain 97th reg. to Harriet, youngest dau. of Adm. Sir Richard Onslow, bart. G. C. B.

10. John Mallett, esq. of Highbury Terrace, to Sophia, dau. of G. A. Smith esq. of Highbury Grove.

12. Rt. Hon. J. U. Frere, esq. to Lady Errol, of St. James's Place.

E. Morant Gale, esq. of Upton, co. Warwick, to Emily Jane, third dau. of the late Samuel Gambier, esq. and niece to Lord G. MEMOIR

This eminent Prelate, equally distinguished as a Divine, a Natural Philosopher, a Polite Scholar, and a Politician, was born in August 1737, at Heversham in Westmorland, five miles from Kendal, in which town his father, a Clergyman, was Master of the Free Grammar School, and took upon himself the whole care of his son's early education. From this seminary he was sent, in November 1754, with a considerable stock of classical learning, a spirit of persevering industry, and an obstinate provincial accent, to Trinity College, Cambridge, where, from the time of his admission, he distin guished himself by close application to study, residing constantly, until made a Scholar in May 1757. He became engaged with private pupils in November following, and took the degree of B. A. (with superior credit, being second Wrangler,) in January 1759. He was elected Fellow of Trinity College in Oct. 1760; was appointed Assistant Tutor to Mr. Backhouse in November that year; took the degree of M. A. in 1762, and was made Moderator, for the first time, in October following. He was unanimously elected Professor of Chemistry in Nov. 1764; became one of the Head Tutors of Trinity College in 1767; appointed Regius Professor of Divinity (on the death of the learned Dr. Rutherforth) in Oct. 1771, with the Rectory of Somersham in Huntingdonshire annexed.

During a residence of more than 30 years, he remained the pride of his University; at one time, by the ingenuity of his Chemical researches; at another, by his demeanour in the Divinity chair *. He wrote, during his residence there,

the following papers in the Philosophical Transactions (having been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1769): "Experiments and Observations on various Phænomena attending the Solution of Salts," Phil. Trans. LX. 325; "Remarks on the Effects of Cold in February 1771," LXI. 213; "Account of an Experiment made with a Thermometer, whose Bulb was painted black, and exposed to the rays of the Sun," LXIII. 40; "Cheinical Experiments and Observations on Lead Ore," LXVIII. 863; all which were reprinted in the fifth volume of the "Chemical Essays." In 1768 he published "Institutiones Metallurgicæ," 8vo, intended as a text-book for that part of his Chemical Lectures which explained the properties of metallic substances; and in 1771, "An Essay on the Subjects of Chemistry and their general divisions,"8vo.

In 1769, he published an Assize Sermon preached at Cambridge, 4to; and in 1776, two other Sermons preached at Cambridge, 4to, which extended his fame beyond the precincts of the University; one, on the 29th of May, "The Principles of the Revolution vindicated;" the other, on the Anniversary of his Majesty's Accession.

In 1774, he was presented to a Prebend in the Church of Ely; and in January 1780, succeeded Dr. Charles Plumptre in the Archdeaconry of that Diocese. He published a Sermon preached before the University at the General Fast, Feb. 4, 1780; and a Discourse delivered to the Clergy of the Archdeaconry of Ely. In August that year he was presented by Bp. Keene to the rectory of Northwold, in Norfolk.

The principles expressed by Mr. Gib

bon, in various parts of the "History of the Rise and Declension of the Roman Empire," called forth the zeal of Bp. Watson; whose "Apology for Christianity, in a series of Letters, addressed to Edward Gibbon, Esq." published in 1776, 12mo, and several times reprinted, replete with sound information and reasoning, seems to have produced in the learned Historian a diffidence of his own powers, which he had till then been unaccustomed to feel Mr. Gibbon attempted no public reply. A correspondence, however, which took place on that occasion between the Antagonists, is preserved in the Life of Gibbon by Lord Sheffield; and it has been generally considered, that of all the answers made to the attacks of Mr. Gibbon, Bp. Watson's "Apology" was the most liberal, the most elegant, and perhaps the most forcible. It is seldom, indeed, that controversy has been conducted with so much urbanity, and at the same time with so much spirit.

In 1781, he published a volume of Chemical Essays, addressed to his pupil the Duke of Rutland, which was received with such deserved approbation, as to induce the Author to give to the world, at different times, four additional volumes of equal merit with the first. It has been stated, that when Bp. Watson obtained the Professorship of Chemistry, without much previous knowledge of that science, he deemed it his duty to acquire it; and accordingly studied it with so much industry, as materially to injure his health: with what success, his publications on that branch of Philosophy demonstrate. When he was appointed to that Professorship, he gave Public Lectures, which were attended by numerous audiences; and his "Chemical Essays" prove that his reputation was not undeserved. They have passed already through several editions, and are accounted a valuable manual to

those who pursue that branch of science. "The subjects of these Essays," to use the Author's own words, "have been chosen, not so much with a view of giving a System of Chemistry to the world, as with the humble design of conveying, in a popular way, a general kind of knowledge to persons not much versed in Chemical inquiries." He accordingly apologizes to Chemists, for having explained common matters with, what will appear to them, a disgusting minuteness; and for passing over in silence some of the most interesting questions, such as those respecting

the analysis of Air and Fire, &c. With much less necessity the learned Author apologizes to Divines; whose forgiveness he solicits, for having stolen a few hours. from the studies of his profession, and employed them in the cultivation of Natural Philosophy; pleading, in his defence, the example of some of the greatest characters that ever adorned either the University of Cambridge, or the Church of England. In the preface to the last of these volumes, he introduces the following interesting observations: "When I was elected Professor of Divinity in 1771, I determined to abandon for ever the study of Chemistry, 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 publick 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 I 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."

Having been tutor to the late Duke of Rutland, when his Grace resided at Cambridge, Dr. Watson was presented by him to the valuable rectory of Knaptoft, Leicestershire, in 1782; and in the same year, through the recommendation of the same noble Patron, was advanced and consecrated to the Bishoprick of Landaff. In consequence of the smallness of the revenues of the former, Dr. Watson was allowed to hold with it the archdeaconry of Ely, his rectory in Leicestershire, the Divinity Professorship, and rectory of Somersham. At that time his fame for talents and science stood very high; but his politicks having taken an impression from the party which he had espoused, and which, though then admitted to power, had been in opposition, probably prevented his advancement to a more considerable eminence on the Episcopal Bench *.-Immediately after his promotion, he published "A Letter to

Abp.

Abp: Cornwallis on the Church Revenues," 1783, 4to; recommending a new disposition, by which the Bishopricks should be rendered equal to each other in value, and the smaller livings be so far increased in income, by a proportionate deduction from the richer endowments, as to render them a decent competency. In this effort, whatever may be thought of the ultimate expediency of the measures proposed, we may at least discover a mind capable of despising private interests, when he supposed public good to be opposed to it. This Letter produced several pamphlets; among which was a Letter from Richard Cumberland, Esq. containing some wit, but not much argument or candour; and which was ably answered by another ingenious Writer.

In 1784, Bp. Watson published "A Sermon preached before the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, in the Abbey Church, Westminster, on Friday, Jan. 30," 4to; and also "Visitation Articles, for the Diocese of Landaff," 4to.

In 1785, this learned Prelate was editor of a "Collection of Theological Tracts, selected from various Authors, for the use of the younger Students in the University," 6 vols. 8vo. This compilation, compris ing pieces on the most interesting subjects in Sacred Literature by different writers, displays extensive reading, candour, and judgment, and forms a valuable library of divinity for every candidate for holy orders. Some objections, however, have been made to it on the score of its not being entirely confined to the writings of Members of the Church of England. In the same year he published "The Wisdom and Goodness of God, in having made both Rich and Poor, a Sermon," 4to; and a second edition in 1793.

In 1786, Bp. Watson had a considerable accession to his private fortune, by the death of Mr. Luther, of Ongar in Essex; who, having been one of his pupils at Cambridge, retained so great a sense of his worth, that he bequeathed to him an estate, which was sold to the Earl of Egremont for 24,000l.

The Bishop published "Sermons on Public Occasions, and Tracts on Religious Subjects, 1788," 8vo, consisting chiefly of smaller pieces which had before been printed separately.

"Au

Address to young Persons after Confirmation, 1789," 12mo, which had been annexed to the first of his Charges; and (anonymous) "Considerations on the Expediency of revising the Liturgy and Articles of the Church of England, 1790," 8vo. On the 27th of February, 1791, Bp. Watson preached, to a crowded congre. gation, at the Church of St. Martin-in the Fields, a Sermon before the Governors of the Royal Humane Society. This admi,

rable Discourse, replete with sound Philosophy, and dignified by the firmest principles of Christianity, has not been printed; but the substance of it remains fresh in the memory of one who was highly gratified by hearing it. The text (from Gen, ii, 7.) was, " And the Lord God formed man out of the dust of the ground; and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life." Setting aside every exploded cavil on the immortality of the soul, the learned Prelate (after convincing his auditors that whatever might have been the doubts of the Jew or of the Heathen, the hopes of a Christian were founded on the firmest basis,) with much delicacy and propriety took notice of many instances in which Prejudice and Credulity had vanished before the improvements of modern Philosophy (ever the more excellent when most accompanied by modesty); and observed, that an attempt to recall the latent spark of animation, far from being either irrational or impious, was "one of the noblest productions of human ingenuity;" that, not confined to any rank or description, of person or of age, it "comprehends the whole;" and that the commendations which an admiring publick have agreed to bestow on the Institutors and Promoters of so laudable a Society are well and judiciously bestowed. "Just praise," said the animated Preacher, "from this place, would have the appearance of flattery;" yet somewhat like this just praise his Lordship condescended to bestow. unequivocal proof of the effect of this admirable Sermon was, the profound attention which was paid to it for forty minutes;

An

His Lordship again pleaded for the Royal Humane Society in 1797, in a Sermon at St. Bride's, Fleet-street; which Sermon also was never printed.

Bp. Watson's Sermon for the Westminster Dispensary (preached in 1785), was published in 1792, with an excellent Appendix; as well as "A Charge delivered to the Clergy of his Diocese in June 1791," 4to.-Two Sermons, preached in the Cathedral Church of Landaff, and a Charge delivered to the Clergy of that Diocese in June 1795," were published together in 1795, 4to. The first of these Sermons is a general argument against Atheists; the second, a more particular discussion of the Evidences for Christianity. The purport of the Charge is, to recommend theological humility, in opposition to dogmatizing.

In 1796, his Lordship's powers in theological controversy were called forth on a most important occasion, though by a very inferior antagonist to Gibbon. Thomas Paine, after having en lightened the world in regard to Politicks, proceeded, in his "Age of Rea son," to dispel the clouds in which, be

impiously