Memoirs of the late Reverend Theophilus Lindsey, M.A., including a brief analysis of his works; together with anecdotes and letters of eminent persons, his friends and correspondents; also a general view of the progress of the Unitarian doctrine in England and America

Front matter

MEMOIRS

OF THE LATE REVEREND

THEOPHILUS LINDSEY, M.A.

Preface

The publication of this tribute of respect to the memory of a highly venerated friend has been delayed beyond expectation, partly by a necessary attention to other publications, but chiefly by the time which was occupied in the perusal of letters and other documents, which far exceeded what was antecedently supposed to be requisite.

The events which occur in the life of a scholar and a pastor seldom possess novelty and variety sufficient to excite public attention. Those of Mr. Lindsey's life, indeed, were of no common complexion. But the chief design of publishing this Memoir is to exhibit the picture of an eminently virtuous, pious, and disinterested mind in circumstances of great difficulty and perplexity, as an example to others who may find themselves in similar difficulties, and as an encouragement to sacrifice every secular consideration in the cause of religious truth, and to prefer the performance of duty and the approbation of conscience to all the honours and emoluments which the world can offer. It was also the authors design to mark the progress of that glorious cause which lay nearest to the heart of this venerable man, that of a long-lost and almost-forgotten truth, the proper Unity of God, and the supreme unrivalled undivided homage which is due to the Father alone : a cause for which he

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PREFACE.

voluntarily sacrificed all his secular possessions and expectations, to the promotion of which he devoted all his labours, and in testimony to which he would, if needful, have cheerfully laid down his life. Happily, he lived in an age which was enlightened and liberal beyond all that preceded it : and though some alarm was excited, and some risk incurred, when he first opened a chapel for Unitarian worship, he met with no real impediment or molestation in the discharge of his official duties : and he lived to see the time, when, in consequence of the increasing knowledge and liberality of the age, owing in great measure to his unwearied and successful exertions, the profession of Unitarianism ceased to be regarded either as singular or hazardous.

It was also the design of the author to communicate some information relative to other generous advocates of the same righteous cause, some of whom were also sufferers for truth. Among these are Dr. William Robertson, Mr. Tayleur of Shrewsbury, and, above all, Dr. Priestley, whose letters cannot be perused by any feeling and intelligent reader without great interest and sympathy with the venerable exile : and it cannot but excite astonishment in every serious and reflecting mind, that such a person should not have been allowed to end his days in peace in his native country. But Providence had wise and good ends to answer by permitting this afflicting event, some of which are sufficiently apparent ; so that Dr. Priestley might justly say to his enemies and persecutors, as Joseph said to his brethren, " It was not you that sent me hither, but God."

The author very much regrets that the fespectable re-

PREFACE.

v lict of Mr. Lindsey did not live to see this work complete, and to give her sanction to the narrative. But it may be some satisfaction to the reader to know that the first eight chapters were written some time ago, and were read over as they were finished to Mrs. Lindsey, who expressed her kind approbation of them, and her decided attestation to the truth of the facts stated in them. And the author flatters himself that no circumstances will be found in the remainder of the narrative which are not supported by sufficient testimony.

By far the greater part of the materials from which this Memoir is composed were supplied to the author by Mrs. Lindsey, for the express purpose of selecting from them what might be interesting and useful. To other friends and correspondents of Mr. Lindsey he is indebted for the rest ; and on this account he acknowledges his particular obligations to the Rev. William Turner, of Newcastle, and the Rev. Dr. Toulmin, of Birmingham. Of these materials, he trusts, it will appear that he has not made an indiscreet use. There is no living friend of Mr. Lindsey, from whose correspondence he has made more copious extracts than from the letters of the Rev. Dr. Freeman, of Boston in New England : but these are of a public nature, relating wholly to the state and progress of the Unitarian doctrine in America ; and they do great credit to the ability and the piety of the writer, who, it is hoped, if he should chance to hear of this Memoir, will pardon the liberty which the author has taken with the letters which he addressed to his venerable friend.

This Memoir will be of little interest to any but those

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PREFACE.

to whom a calm impartial inquiry into the. sacred Scriptures is a consideration of supreme importance, and by whom the firm undaunted profession of christian truth is regarded as among the first of duties. To these the author hopes it will not be unacceptable ; to their candour he commends it ; and if they derive any portion of that satisfaction and advantage from the perusal, which he has done from the composition of the Memoir, they will not have read, nor he written, in vain.

Essex House, July 16//*, 1812.

POSTSCRIPT TO THE SECOND EDITION.

The Author has republished the Memoirs of Mr. Lindsey without any material alteration, excepting the addition of an Appendix to the Ninth Chapter. This Chapter having been republished separately in America, gave rise to a warm controversy at Boston and in its vicinity : which, though it does not make it necessary to introduce any considerable change in the state of facts, has rendered it expedient for the Author, in his own vindication, to show that he has not used his terms in any new or unusual sense; and much less that he has affected to set himself up as the head of a religious party,

Essex House, March 23d, 1820.

Contents

CHAPTER L

Account of Mr. Lindsey from the time of his birth to his settlement at Catterick, in Yorkshire.

Mr. Lindsey born at Middlewich, p. I.— early noticed and patronized by Lady Betty and Lady Ann Hastings, p. 2. — and by Lady Huntingdon, ibid. — Anecdotes of Lady Huntingdon, ibid. note. — Mr. L. educated under Mr. Barnard at Leeds, p. 3. — spends his vacations with Lady Ann Hastings at Ashby Place, ibid. — where his mother when she became a widow lived and died, ibid.— Mr. L. admitted at St. John's College, Cambridge, where he greatly distinguished himself by his proficiency and good morals, p. 4.— and is intrusted by the Bishop of Lincoln with the superintendancy of his grandson Richard Reynolds, Esq. which laid the foundation of long and mutual friendship, ibid. — Mr. L. ordained by Bishop Gibson, and presented by Sir G. Wheeler to a chapel in Spital Square, p. 5. — is recommended by Lord Huntingdon as domestic chaplain to the Duke of Somerset, ibid.— treated with great kindness and friendship by the Duke and his family, p. 6. — accompanies Lord Warkworth to the continent, ibid.-— and upon his return is presented by the Earl of Northumberland to the living of Kirkby Whiske, p. 7. — becomes acquainted with Archdeacon Blackburne, p. 9. — at the desire of Lord Huntingdon Mr. L. resigns the living of Kirkby for that of Piddletown, ibid. — marries Miss Elsworth, ibid. — begins to entertain scruples concerning the Trinity, ibid. — and forms a design of retiring from the church, p. 10. — declines the solicitations of the Duke and Dutchess of Northumberland to accompany them to Ireland, ibid. — by the interest of Lord Huntingdon he is permitted to exchange the living of Piddletown for the vicarage of Catterick, p. 12. — Mr. L., now become a Unitarian, reconciles himself to subscribing the Articles, and using the Liturgy, p. 12. — his reasons for this conduct stated by himself, p. 14.— shelters himself under Dr. Wallis's account of the Trinity sanctioned by the University of Oxford, p. 17- — but upon reflection does not approve his own conduct, p. 19. — Mr. Lindsey's manner of performing his parochial duties at Catterick, where he continues ten years, ibid. — Mrs. Cappe's testimony to his zeal and success, p. 21 .

Chapter II

From Mr. Lindsey's settlement at Catterick, to his resignation of that vicarage A. D. 1773.

Mr. Lindsey becomes dissatisfied with his reasons for conformity, p. 23. — he is introduced by Archdeacon Blackburne to Mr. Turner of Wakefield, and Dr. Priestley, p. 24. — State of Mr. L.'s feelings, p. 27- — Dissenters not likely to receive him cordially, p. 28. — Cowper's censure and Orton's applause of Mr. L.'s conduct, ibid. note. — Mr. L. not satisfied with altering the ehurch service, p. 30. — Resolves upon resignation of his living, p. 31. — is encouraged by the example of the ejected ministers, p. 32. — and of Dr. W. Robertson, ibid. — Mr. L. defers his resignation on account of the clerical petition, p. 34. — Origin of this petition, ibid.— Mr. L.'s great exertions to viii

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procure signatures to it, p. 35. — the number small, but respectability great, p. 37- — Mr. Lee's account of the unfavourable aspect of the case, p. 38. — and of the manner in which it was supported in and received by the House of Commons, p. 39. — Sir George Savile's speech from Dr. Furneaux's notes, p. 42. note. — Mr. Lindsey's account of the same debate, p. 44. — Mr. Pickard and Dr. Furneaux take encouragement from what passed to summon the general body of dissenting ministers to apply to parliament for relief from subscription, p. 45. — Account of the Rev. Edward Pickard, late minister of Carter Lane, ibid. note. — Dissenting ministers succeed in their application, p. 48. — Mr. L. confirmed in his resolution by reading Calamy, ibid. — determines that he will delay no longer, p. 50. — his state of mind, p. 51.— preaches the assize sermon at York, p. 53. — visits Alnwick Castle, ibid. — - reflections upon this visit, p. 54.— Mr. L. communicates his intention to Archdeacon Blackburne, p. 55. — to Dr. Jebb, p. 56. — and to Dr. Markham, his diocesan, p. 58. — declines Mr. Turner's proposal of recommending him to the Octagon Chapel at Liverpool, p. 59. — takes leave of two of his chapels a p. 60. — and is prevailed upon to publish his Farewell Discourse, ibid. note. — Distress of his parishioners at parting with their minister, ibid. note. — Some account of Dr. Chambers, p. 62. note. — Poverty of Mr. Lindsey, p. 63.— Dr. Markham dissuades Mr. L. from resigning his living, but in vain, ibid. — Mr. Lindsey resigns his vicarage, ibid.-- and leaves Catterick in the month of December 1773, p. 64.

Chapter III

. From Mr. Lindsey's resignation of Catterick, to his opening the Chapel in Essex-street.

Mr. Lindsey treated with coldness by former friends, p. 64. — Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey visit Mrs. Harrison, p. 65. — Mr. Turner, ibid. — and Mr. Mason, ibid. — Mr. L. violently attacked by Dr. W. Cooper, p. 66. note.- — and defended by Mr. Cappe and Mr. Turner, ibid. — sells his library for his subsistence, ibid. — visits Dr. Disney, p. 67. — and transcribes Dr. S. Clarke's alterations in the Liturgy, ibid. — visits Dr. Chambers, at Achurch, where he finishes his Apology, ibid. — hopes for cooperation from Dr. Jebb, p. 68. — and has great promises of support in\London, ibid. — visits Mr. Reynolds at Paxton, p. 70. — where he hears of the death of his friend Thomas Hollis,Esq. ibid. note. — Mr.and Mrs. Lindsey arrive in London, p.71- — visit atDr.Ramsden's, and take lodgings in Featherstone Buildings, ibid. — sell their plate to provide necessaries, ibid.— M r.L. soon meets with friends, ibid. — Samuel Shore, Esq. of Norton Hall, p. 72. — Robert Newton, Esq. of Norton House, ibid. note. — Mr. Johnson secures the house in Essex-street, p. 73. — Mr. Lindsey's state of mind, ibid. — declines an invitation to Norwich, p. 74. — improves upon Dr. Clarke's Liturgy, ibid. — Obstructions threatened from the civil power, p. 75. — the magistrates object to licensing the chapel, p. 78. — Mr. Lee demands it as a matter of right, p. 79. — and obtains a promise of it from the bench, p. 80.— which promise v/as not fulfilled, ibid. note.

Chapter IV

From the first opening of the Chapel, to the purchase of the premises^ and the erection of the present building in Essex-street.

The chapel opened, p. 81. — Account of it by Mr. Lindsey, ibid. — by Mr. Le^, ibid. note. — Lord Le Despencer subscribes to it, p. 82. — How far Mr. L. receded from the church service, ibid.— Analysis of the sermon preached and printed on the occasion, p. 83. — Mr. L. in a manner pledges himself

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A'

not to introduce controversy into the pulpit/p. 84. — Evil consequences ct equivocal preaching stated and exemplified, p. 85. note. — Success of doctrinal instruction, p. 86. — Mr. Lindsey obliged to violate his rule, p. 87. — Early hearers of Mr. Lindsey, ibid. — Mr. and Mi s. Rayner, ibid. — Sir George Savile, p. 89. — Michael Dodson, Esq. ibid,— Robert Martin Leake, Esq. and others, ibid. — Sir Barnard Turner's letter and liberal contribution, ibid.™ Mr.L.'s great satisfaction and peace of mind, p. 90. — Mr.L.'s conduct gives offence to some of the associated clergy, p. 91.— he is accused of mercenary views, p. 93. — his defence, ibid. — Mr. Lindsey's Apology attacked by Mr. Burgh, p. 94. — whose work is approved by Mr. Mason and Dr. Hurd, p. 95. note. — he is also attacked by Mr. Bingham and Dr. Randolph, p. 96. — to all which he replies in the Preface to his Sequel, ibid. — Mr. Lindsey publishes the Sequel to his Apology, ibid. — Analysis of that elaborate work, p. 96.— Mr. L. desires a colleague, p. 98. — applies to Dr. Jebb, who declines the proposal, p. 99. — Moderate income and liberal spirit of Mr. L., ibid. note. — Generosity of Mr. Smith, now Lord Carrington, and others, ibid. — Mr. L. applies to other clergymen to join him in the chapel service, but without success, p. 100.

Chapter V

From the erection of the building in Essex-street, to the appointment of Dr. Disney to be the colleague of Mr. Lindsey in 1783.

House and chapel erected in Essex-street, p. 100. — Mrs. Lindsey's activity and zeal, p. 101. note. — Brief account of William Tayleur, Esq. of Shrewsbury, p. 102. — of Richard Kirwan, Esq. P.R.S.I. p. 104. — Mr. L. in quiet possession of his dwelling-house and chapel, p. 105. — seized with a dangerous fever, p. 106. — his reflections upon recovery, ibid. — The author's reflections upon his first hearing Mr. Lindsey preach in 1 779, p. 107. — Mr. L. no party writer, but a zealous whig in politics, and opposer of the American war, p. 10S.— publishes his two Dissertations on the Preface to St. John's Gospel, and on Prayer to Christ, p. 110.— with a Postscript by Dr. Jebb, p. 111.— Mr. L. publishes The Catechist, p. 112.— regrets the title, which has misled many as to the intention of the work, ibid- note.— Analysis and specimen of The Catechist, p. 113. — Dr. Disney unexpectedly offers to join Mr. L. in his labours in Essex-street, p. 114.- the proposal embraced with joy by Mr. L., ibid. — Mr. L.'s liberality, p. 115. — and Mrs. Rayner's extraordinary generosity upon this occasion, ibid.— Mr. L.'s communication to Dr. Toulmin, ibid. — Great prosperity of the Unitarian congregation at Birmingham, under the care of the Rev. Dr. Toulmin and the Rev. J. Kentish, ibid. note.

Chapter VI

Mr. Lindsey publishes the Historical View. Some account of Dr. William Robertson. Society for promoting the knowledge of the Scriptures.

» Mr. L. publishes an Historical View of the Unitarian Doctrine and Worship, p. 117.— tbe execution different from the original plan, ibid, note.— to be regretted tbat he did not accomplish his design of treating on the pleas of Unitarians for attending Trinitarian worship, ibid. note. — Design of the work, p. 119. — Analysis of its contents, ibid.— Bishop Law's letter of thanks, p. 121. note.— sends Mr. L. a present of anew edition of his Theory, purged from prejudices relative to the pre-existence of Christ, ibid, note.— Dr. Robertson's death, ibid.— interesting account of that venerable confessor, by

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CONTENTS.

Thomas Hollis, Esq. under the signature of Pierce Delver, ibid. — Bishop of Ferns's (afterwards Primate Robinson) remarks upon Dr. Robertson's scruples, p. 123.— Dr. R. appointed by the Merchant Taylors' Company to the Free Grammar School at Wolverhampton, p. 124. — Extraordinary generosity of a country clergyman, Rev. W. Hopkins, to Dr. R. ibid, note.— Dr. R. applied to by Mr. L. to become his colleague in Essex-street, p. 125. — declines it on account of a threatened prosecution at Wolverhampton, which he determines to brave, p. 126. — his admirable letter upon the occasion, ibid. — reflections, p. 127- — happy termination of the affair, p. 128. — Apology for Dr. R.'s violent expressions against the Catholics, which do not apply to present times, p. 130. note. — Institution of a Society for promoting the knowledge of the Scriptures 1 , p. 131. — Plan drawn up by Dr. Jebb, ibid. — does not succeed according to expectation, ibid. — publishes two volumes of Commentaries and Essays, p. 132.

Chapter VII

Controversy with Robert Robinson. Analysis of the Vindiciae Priestleyana?. Misunderstanding and reconciliation with Dr. Price.

Rev. Robert Robinson publishes a Plea for the Divinity of Christ, p. 133. — plausible and candid, but weak and trivial, ibid. — much applauded both by churchmen and dissenters, p. 134. — Dr. Furneaux and Dr. Kippis not dazzled by it, p. 135. — Archdeacon Blackburne thinks it unanswerable, ibid. — Mr. Lindsey urged to reply to it, p. 137. — publishes an Examination of Mr. Robinson's Plea, p. 138. — analysis of the work, ibid. — complete success of the Reply, p. 140. — Mr. Robinson stung by the answer, ibid. — but convinced, and becomes a decided Anti-trinitarian, p. 141. — Mr. Robinson no enemy to Scripture criticism, though he sometimes expresses himself unguardedly, ibid. note. — Uncertainty as to Mr. R.'s final sentiments, but probably perfectly Unitarian, p. 142. — certainly no Arian, p. 144. note. — Mr. R.'s friends do not allow that he was a proper Unitarian, ibid. — Mr. Lindsey publishes his Vindiciae Priestleyanas, p. 146. — The reasons which induced him, ibid. — Analysis of the work, p. 147. — Mr. Kirwan's testimony to Dr. P.'s talents, ibid. — Mr. L.'s character of P. Courayer, p. 149. — and of Bishop Butler, p. 150. — Bishop Butler's letter to the Dutchess of Somerset, and Her Grace's remarks, ibid. note. — Mr. L.'s testimony to the benevolence of the Creator, p. 152. — Offensive remark with respect to Dr. Price, p. 153. — Dr. Price's letter, ibid. — and Mr. Lindsey's reply and retractation, p. 154.-— the misunderstanding cleared up, ibid.

Chapter VIII

Analysis of Mr. Lindsey's second Address. Dr. Watts an Unitarian. Mr. Lindsey's alarm at Dr. Priestley's bold assertions, and ultimate conversion to his doctrines.

Mr. Lindsey publishes a second Address to the Students of Oxford and Cambridge, p. 156. — Analysis of the work, p. 157- — proves Justin Martyr to have been the inventor of the commonly-received doctrine of the Logos, p. 158. — Catalogue of false readings published separately, p. 160. — Dr. W T atts believed by many to be a Socinian, p. 161. — probably did not believe himself to be one, p. 162.— his last papers destroyed contrary to the judgement of Dr. Doddridge, ibid. — his pathetic address to the Deity, p. 163. — Dr. Lardner believed Dr. Watts to be a proper Unitarian, ibid, note.— he assigns his reasons in a letter to the Rev. Samuel Merivale, ibid. — Mr. L.

CONTENTS.

XI disapproves of Dr. Priestley's language concerning the inspiration of Moses and of Christ, p. 164.— his letter to Mr. Cappe, p. 166.— Dr. Priestley defended, p. 167- — and freedom of discussion vindicated, p. 168. — Mr. L. further disapproves of Dr. Priestley's rejection of the Miraculous Conception, p. 171- — and repeatedly urges Mr. Cappe to reply ,-p. 1/2. — Mr. Cappe declines the task which he had given reason to expect he would undertake, p. 175.— Mr. L., upon further consideration, inclines to Dr. P.'s hypothesis, p. 176. — Mr. Cappe's final judgement unknown, ibid. note.

Chapter IX

Unitarian Liturgy adopted by the congregation at the King's Chapel at Boston in New England. Mr. Lindsey corresponds with Dr. Freeman, Mr. Vanderkemp, &c. Progress and present state of the Unitarian churches in America.

Mr. Lindsey is informed that an Unitarian Litui'gy is adopted at Boston in New England, p. 178. — Mr. (now Dr.) Freeman expresses regret that it is not more perfect, ibid. note. — a new edition, cleared from exceptionable phrases, printed in 1811, ibid. — Dr. Freeman at a loss for episcopal ordination, p. 179. — ordained by his own society after a form recommended by Governor Bowdoin, p. 180.— an example of Bishop Seabury's mode of ordination satisfios the scruples of Mr. Freeman's friends, 181. note. — Dr. Styles's reply to a claim of precedence by Bishop Seabury, ibid. — Mr. Cary associated as a colleague with Dr. Freeman, p. 181 . — Mr. Cary dies of a decline in England, p. 182. note. — Mr. L. presents Dr. Priestley's works to Harvard College, p. 182. — Men of eminence in America Unitarians in principle, p. 183. note. — Unitarian congregation formed at Portland, under Mr. Oxnard, ibid. — and at Saco, under the auspices of Mr. Thacher, a gentleman cf great 7 - espectability, p. 184. — Hopes formed which events have not justified, p. 186. — Mr. Bentley of Salem a declared Unitarian, p. 187. — Progress of the Unitarian doctrine, ibid. — Dr. Freeman's excellent letter to Mr. Lindsey upon Mr. L.'s resignation, p. 188. — apprehensive that he may have been too sanguine in his expectations, p. 190. — Unitarianism in Northumberland and Philadelphia, ibid. — at Oldenbarneveld under Mr. Vanderkemp and Colonel Mappa, 191. — Case of the Rev. J. Sherman, minister of Mansfield in Connecticut, p. 192. — becomes an Unitarian, ibid. — his reasons for professing his sentiments, ibid. note. — is approved by a great majority of his congregation, p. 193. — but disowned by the ^Association of ministers, p. 194. — and by a Mutual Council dismissed from his church, p. 195. — Form of Independent churches, ibid. note. — Reflections, p. 197- — Mr. Sherman's friends wish to retain him, p. 200. — but he removes to Oldenbarneveld, ibid. — from which situation he retires in 1810, p. 203. — The similar case of the Rev. Abiel Abbot, expelled by the Consociation under a charge of heresy in 181 1, p. 198. note. — appeals to a Mutual Council, p. 199. Dr. Osgood's just remarks, ibid. — the Mutual Council dissolves the connexion between Mr. Abbot and his congregation, ibid. — Mr. Abbot's prudence and moderation, p. 200. — State of Unitarianism in the district cf Maine, p. 204. — Promising state of the University of Cambridge under the direction of Dr. Kirkland, ibid. — Griesbach's Greek Testament, published by the Rev. J, E. Buckminster, p. 205. — and the Improved Version by Mr. W, Wells, ibid. — Curious account of the present state of the town of Boston, in a letter from a gentleman in America to his friend in England, p. 205. note. —Reflections, p. 208. note.

Appendh: to Chap. IX. — Controversy excited at Boston by the facts stated in the preceding chapter, p. 209.— Professed Unitarians in America xii

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disclaim being such in Mr. B.'s sense of the word, p. 210. — Mr. B. uses the word in the sense of Lardner, Lindsey, and Priestley, ibid. — Arians in the proper sense of the word maintain a plurality of Gods, p. 21 1. — in express contradiction to Scripture they deny worship to their Maker, p. 212. — and confine it to their Maker's maker, a being unknown to the sacred writers, ibid.— Extraordinary fact that Arians now deny worship to their Maker, ibid. note. — Different feelings of the author when an Arian, ibid.— Remarks on practical and doctrinal preaching, p. 212. — Success of Unitarianism in America, p. 213.

Chapter X

Account of the New College at Hackney. The Author's introduction to and intimacy with Mr. Lindsey and Dr. Priestley. London Unitarian Society. Western Unitarian Society. Reverend Timothy Kenrick. Unitarian Fund Society.

Origin of the New College at Hackney, p. 214. — zealously supported by the Dissenters, p. 215. — causes of its failure, p. 216.— remaining funds', p. 217- — the author of the Memoir becomes connected with the Institution at Hackney, p. 218. — brief account of the Institution supported by the bequest of William Coward, Esq. ibid. note. — The author appointed divinity tutor at Daventry, ibid. — mode of lecturing on the Unitarian controversy, p. 219. — the effect of it upon his pupils, p. 220. — and himself, p. 221. — becomes an Unitarian, and resigns bis office, p. 222.— introduces himself to Mr. Lindsey, ibid. — appointed a tutor at Hackney, p. 223. — becomes intimate with Mr. L., p. 224. — Dr. Priestley, driven from Birmingham by the riots, is chosen successor to Dr. Price, p. 225. — the author's frequent intercourse with Mr. Lindsey and Dr. Priestley, ibid. — Unitarian Society formed, p. 226. — disputes concerning the preamble, p. 227. — first annual dinner, p. 229. — political toasts, p. 230. — animadverted upon by Mr. Burke in the House of Commons, ibid. — the Society disavows all political views, p. 231. — its growing prosperity, ibid. — Western Unitarian Society formed, p. 232. — Brief account of the late Rev. Timothy Kenrick, ibid. — his zeal and success as a minister, tutor, and an advocate for truth, p. 233. — his sudden and lamented decease, ibid. — his family and his posthumous works, p. 234. — Southern Unitarian Society, ibid. — Unitarian Fund Society, p. 235. — its great success, ibid. — present state of the London Unitarian Society, p. 236.

Chapter XI

Analysis of the Conversations upon Christian Idolatry. The Duke of Grafton corresponds with and visits Mr. Lindsey^ and attends Unitarian worship. A brief account of the progress of the Duke's opinions, and of his reasons for seceding from the Established Church, Reflections.

Circumstances which gave rise to the Conversations upon Christian Idolatry, p. 237.— -account of the characters introduced, ibid.— Analysis of the work, ibid. — Trinitarians acknowledge themselves to be Idolaters, if their doctrine is false, p. 240. note.—- Remarks upon the conduct of the dialogue, p. 243. — Duke of Grafton attends Mr. Lindsey's ministry, p. 244. — The' Duke's reasons for inquiry, ibid. — becomes an Unitarian, and corresponds confidentially with Mr. Lindsey, p. 245. — requests permission to visit Mr. L. p. 246. — continues firm to his principles to the end of life, ibid. — takes memorandums of the progress of his mind, ibid.— of which he prints a few

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xiii copies for the use of his family and friends, ibid. — continues to hold communion with the Established Church, p. 247- — his reasons for this conduct, p. 248. — remarks, ibid. — the Duke's humility, p. 249.— perplexed about the doctrine of atonement, ibid. — believes Christ can hear and help, but disapproves of prayer to him, p. 250. — rejects the perpetual inspiration of the apostles and evangelists, ibid. — and the doctrine of original sin, p. 251. — God reconciled by repentance, ibid. — unintelligible doctrines not essential, ibid.— natural arguments for the immortality of the soul unsatisfactory, p. 252. the Duke vindicates his secession from the church, ibid. — Reflections upon the fortitude and the strength of principle in the Duke of Grafton, p. 254.

Chapter XII

Mr. Lindsey publishes a new and reformed edition of his Liturgy; resigns his office in Essex-street Chapel. His Farewell Sermon printed, but not preached. Interests himself for those who suffered by unjust prosecutions. Cases of Fyshe Palmer, Muir, and Winterbotham.

Mr. Lindsey's resolution to resign his office at the age of seventy, p. 257- — publishes a new edition of his reformed Liturgy, omitting the Apostles' Creed, and the three invocations in the Litany, ibid. — preaches and publishes a sermon upon the occasion, vindicating the alterations, ibid.— this Liturgy changed for Dr. Disney's, p. 260. — but resumed, ibid. — Mr. Lindsey's letter of resignation, ibid. — he recommends Dr. Disney as his successor, p. 261. — Reply of the Trustees, p. 262. — Mr. Lindsey publishes a sermon upon the occasion, which his feelings would not permit him to preach, ibid. — On the gi-eat importance of the Unitarian doctrine, p. 263. — interesting conclusion, p. 265. — Mr. L. justified in resigning, though in the vigour or his powers, p. 266. — still continues to reside in Essex-House, p. 267. note. — Mr. Lindsey interests himself for those who were under State-prosecutions, p. 268. — Singularly hard case of Mr. Fyshe Palmer and of Mr. Muir, ibid. — their sentence reprobated abroad, p. 270. — legality of it questioned in the House of Commons, p. 271. — sent among felons to Botany Bay, p. 272. — and treated with great rigour, ibid. — Mr. Fyshe Palmer dies on his return, p. 273. — Rev. W. Winterbotham's unjust sentence, ibid. — his sufferings mitigated by the kindness of Mr. Lindsey, Mrs. Rayner, and others, p. 274. — Mr. W. acknowledges his great obligation to Mr. Lindsey, ibid. note.