gestions could be adopted; and the present Ministry (the members of which have on several occasions evinced a praise-worthy regard for the welfare of the indigent Clergy) will, most probably, do everything which lays in their power to introduce either your Correspondent's regulations, or else some other of the same nature, to the notice of Parliament. It seems to me, that the first part of the second proposition of your Correspondent is rendered unnecessary, on account of the ability of the existing laws to remedy the evil: the Act of Sir William Scott (43 Geo. III. c. 84.) was intended to enforce the residence mentioned by your Correspondent; and although it has partially failed in its design, yet, if it were strictly enforced, it would, in all probability, be found sufficient to answer the purposes which its highly esteemed projector intended it should; indeed it would bear extremely hard upon the beneficed Clergy, if the laws relative to clerical residence were rigorously put into execution, or rendered more minute than they at present are. The third suggestion of this Rev. Gentleman has not been overlooked by our Legislators: the Acts of the 17th Geo. III. c. S. and of the 43d Geo. III. c. 108, were made to assist the Clergy in the erection and reparation of parsonage houses, &c.; and, by taking away some of the difficulties which the Statute of Mortmain produced, to excite the generous to lend an helping hand in so laudable an undertaking. But, notwithstanding these Acts, something more certainly wants to be done with regard to this particular, especially when the emoluments of benefices are trivial, and the parsonage houses, &c. in a bad state, or when there are none: in such cases must be evident to every discerning man. That Tithes have done immense damage to the Church cannot be denied; that they have rendered the exertions of Clergymen nugatory, and alienated the affections of parishioners from their Ministers, is equally clear: ever since they were invented, they have been the occasion of innumerable evils; they have sown the baneful seeds of dissention in many parishes, and by so doing brought many of the Clergy into contempt; they have embroiled numberless Incumbents in vexatious and troublesome suits, occasioned much uneasiness, and done more harm than an age will completely repair; the sooner, therefore, they are destroyed, the better; and until that destruction occurs, it is in vain to expect peace and amity to subsist between the Clergy and the Laity. The sixth suggestion of "A Country Rector" is very seasonable; it is a pity that the reparation to which he refers is not more attended to than it is; it is certainly a part of the Minister's duty to see that his Church or Chapel is kept in sufficient repair; but I apprehend that the Churchwardens are the persons who ought to superintend these repairs; and, if Churchwardens did but seriously consider the solemn oaths which they take at the Visitations of their Ordinaries, the importance of their stations, and the heavy punishments to which they expose themselves in case of neglect of duty, we should not see so many of our Churches and Chapels in that ruinous state, in which we have now sometimes the misfortune to find them. Yours, &c. J. STOCKDALE HARDY. Mr. URBAN, Jan. S. as these, the proposal of your Corre-serve that proposals have T has given me some satisfaction spondent might be useful; but it must be admitted under certain restrictions, as in cases where the profits of benefices are sufficient to erect, repair, or rebuild the parsonage houses, &c. which are either gone to decay, or extremely dilapidated. In the fifth proposition of your respectable Contributor, I think every friend to our most excellent Establishment will perfectly coincide; the propriety (nay, the almost absolute necessity) of the Commutation of Tithes been issued, within these few months, for a republication of Dr. Thomas's edition of Dugdale's Warwickshire; which seems to be a topographical desideratum, because it will afford to many the possession of a valuable work, which the Bibliomania of the present day has placed beyond their reach. The appearance, however, of this Prospectus of the Editors induces me to enquire whether any of your Antiquarian readers, admirers of the County County of Warwick, may happen to coincide with me in opinion, that a Continuation of this work is still much more required than its mere republication. This edition by Dr. Thomas is of late become considerably scarce; yet I apprehend, that its rarity is exaggerated in the present prospectus, because it is to be found in most good libraries, and has appeared in many catalogues of books lately sold by public auction. However this may be, I should conceive that a Continua tion of the work in question to the present time, upon the plan of the admirable History of Leicestershire, now nearly concluded, might worthily employ the pen of any able Antiquary. Amidst the many improved and conti-nued Histories of Counties so frequently publishing, I am sorry, as an inhabitant of Warwickshire, to see that a County, beautiful and fertile in itself, and memorable on many accounts, should have been so long neglected. How excellently qualified for such an undertaking was the lamented author of the Sepulchral Monuments, it is needless to assert; yet, I should imagine, that valuable materials for this purpose might be found in his liberal and patriotic bequest to the Bodleian Library at Oxford: for in a letter addressed to you, in the Gentleman's Magazine, February, 1798, in answer to an inquiry of the preceding month, it appears that Mr. Gough was the purchaser of Dr. Thomas's copy of his own edition of Dugdale's Warwickshire, with his (Dr. Thomas's) MSS notes; and which was then most liberally offered to the use of any gentleman disposed to continue or improve Sir William Dugdale's work. This copy will necessarily be deposited in the Bodleian Library, in compliance with the will of Mr. Gough, together with the rest of this valuable collection of British Topography; and from this book, it is probable that much additional manuscript information might be obtained. I should also think it more than probable, that the Noblemen and Gentlemen of this County would be even anxious to furnish any gentleman inclined to such an undertaking, with the inspection of their family deeds, continuation of their pedigrees, and every other useful information within their power. Such a disposition alone can facilitate the labour and difficulty of writing with accuracy the History of any County; and suppose, Sir, in order to alleviate this literary task, that several gentleinen, competent to the undertaking, were to collect the information, and continue the history, each of their own hundreds, or in some cases of their own parishes, or some other confined district; the whole to be under the superintendence and correction of some one gentleman, who might then be able to present to the public their united labours in one uniform manner of style and arrangement. Such a book would, and ought to be the occupation of years; but it would be of some importance to know that it were even in the serious contemplation of any gentleman equal to the engagement. I take it for granted that there may be collectanea for different parts of the County in the hands of individuals, who would not be disinclined to give their assistance in promoting the History of their County. I presume also, that some local information might be collected and usefully incorporated in such a work, from Part XVII. of Bib. Top. Britannica,and Part I. of Miscellaneous Antiquities in continuation of the Bib. Top. Brit. the productions of two known and celebrated Antiquaries. It may seem arrogant to suggest any farther improvements of Sir William Dugdale's History of Warwickshire, than the lapse of time has rendered necessary; and I shall therefore conclude with an observation which has been made to me, that he neglected to take notice of any family, however respectable or antient, who were not the Lords of a Manor, or Patrons of a Church; and also, that amongst the very few plates given of gentlemen's seats, that some were inserted of little comparative importance with others which were omitted. These hints are merely offered to the consideration of any of your numerous readers, who may be more competent to the object proposed than is Your constant reader, N. S. L. dence they afford to the truth of Christianity." The Provost and senior Fellows of Trinity College, Dublin, have coníerred an honorary degree of LL.. on Professor Davy, in testimony of their admiration of his genius aud scientific attainments, and of the extraordinary discoveries made by him in his Electro-Chemical Philosophy, and communicated in his late Course of Lectures at the Dublin Society. The Rev. Dr. T. D. WHITAKER, the Historian of Whalley and Craven, has in the press a new edition of The Vision of Piers Plowman, printed from MSS. of higher antiquity than any which have yet been collated, and forming a Text almost entirely different from that of Crowley, together with a Prefatory Dissertation, a Paraphrase, Glossary, and Notes. We have great pleasure in taking this opportunity to contradict a report unguardedly circulated in some of the provincial prints, of the death of this learned Divine and elegant Antiquary. Dr. AIKIN has in the press, an octavo volume of Critical Essays on various subjects. Mr. WINCH has nearly ready for the press, the Flora of the Counties of Northumberland and Durham, of which the Botanist's Guide through those counties may be considered as a Prodromus. It will comprise about 2000 indigenous plants, and be illustrated by some coloured engravings from drawings made by Mr. Sowerby. Dr. MILLAR, Lecturer on Materia Medica in the University of Glasgow, has in the press, Disquisitions on the History of Medicine, exhibiting a View of Physic as observed to exist during remote periods, and among nations not far advanced in refinement. Dr. JOSEPH READE, of Cork, has in the press, Critical and Practical Observations on the Diseases of the Inner Gorner of the Human Eyes, with a new arrangement and method of cure. Mr. BENJAMIN GIBSON, Vice President of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester,aud Surgeon to the Manchester Infirmary, will shortly pbblish, illustrated by plates, Practical Observations on the Formation of an Artificial Pupil in several deranged States of the Eye: to which are annexed remarks on the extraction of soft cataracts; and those of the membraneous kind, through a puncture in the cores. Mr. PARKINSON will shortly publish, Observations on the Act for regulating Mad-Houses, with remarks addressed to the friends of the insane. Mr. TROTTER, of Montalta, near Wicklow, has in the press, an Account of the Travels of the late Mr. Fox, Lord St. John, and himself, in Flanders and France, during the late short Peace; with a variety of letters of Mr. Fox, and circumstantial particulars of the last four years of his life. The Rev. JOHNSON GRANT will shortly publish the first volume of a Summary of the History of the English Church, and of the Sects which have separated from it, from the earliest periods to the reign of James the First. Sir JOHN CARR has in forwardness for publication, Descriptive Sketches of the South-east Parts of Spain, and the Islands of Majorca, Minorca, Sardinia, Sicily, and Malta, during a tour in those countries in 1809 and 1810, accompanied by engravings of views taken on the spot. The Rev. T. F. DIBDIN has in the press, in an octavo volume, the Englist: Gentleman's Library Companion, being a guide to the knowledge of rare, curious, and useful books in the English language, appertaining to British literature and antiquities. A Report of the late Mr. Fox's Speeches in the House of Commons, from his entrance into parliament, in 1768, to the close of the session in 1806, is preparing for the press. The Rev. E. COOPER will shortly publish a second volume of Practical Sermons; and also a new edition of the first volume. A reprint of the original work on Linear Perspective, by Dr. BROOK TAYLOR, will shortly appear. Mr. MUDFORD (the translator of the Life of Fenelon, Archbishop of Cambray) has in the press a translation of the "Memoirs of Prince Eugene of Savoy, written by himself." Exploratory Travels, through the Western Territories of North America, by Major ZEBULON MONTGOMERY PIKE, will soon be published. The Rev. JOHN MITFORD,A.B. will soon publish, "Agnes, the Indian Captive, a Poem," with other Poems. A Volume of English and Latin Poems, by E. B. IMPEY, Esq. is preparing. 1. Literary 1. Literary Life and Select Works of Benja- "Having just obtained, from Comme dore Locker the communication of Dramas written by Mr. Stillingfleet, which, though printed, were never published, and other posthumous papers, he pressed his intention to re-print them with the other poetical pieces of the Author and, as I was acquainted with sever persons who possessed some of his fugitive writings in prose and verse, as well as other papers, I offered to join my stock of materials with bis, in raising some monument to the memory of so distinguished a scholar and amiable a man." The works of an author are generally said to be his best monument: but we have here another, reared with taste and care, which, we trust, will add very considerably to his fame. The "Literary Life of Mr. Stillingfleet" forms one entire volume; and, to men of literature, to meu curious in literary history, must form a very interesting memorial. Benjamin Stilling fleet was the grandson of Edward Stilling fleet, bishop of Worcester. His father, of whom we have some authentic memoirs, was first a physician, but afterwards entered into Holy Orders. He died in 1708, leaving a son and three daughters; Benjamin, the subject of this article; Elizabeth, the eldest daughter, who espoused John Locker, esq. GENT. MAG. January, 1811. a barrister; and two other daughters, who married brothers, of the name of Sabourn, one in the profession of the Law, the other in that of the Church. Benjamin was born in 1702, and educated at Norwich school, where he made a considerable proficiency in classical literature. In 1720, he entered as a subsizar at Trinity College, Cambridge, where, while he improved his class.cal knowledge, he attached himself with success to mathematical studies. On May 3, 1723, he was admitted a scholar, and, the same year, took the degree of B. A. Soon after this he left the University, and in 1724 he lived in the family of Ashe Windham, esq. of Felbrig, as preceptor to William, his only son, then about seven years old. In the beginning of 1726 he returned to Cambridge, in hopes of succeeding to a fellowship, there being then four vacancies. But in this he was disappointed, "by the influence, it is said, of Dr. Bentley, who has been accused of repaying with this instance of ingratitude the obligations he had received from the father of the unprotected candidate." Bentley, we are told before, had been private tufor his Tather, and domestic chap in to the Bishop, and was much indebted to the patronage of his family. This is a serious charge, but we should suppose it had some foundation, as Mr. Stilling fleet seldom afterwards omitted an opportunity of testifying his resentment against Bentley." After this failure in his hopes of an establishment in the University, he attached himself wholly to his patron Mr. Windham, and to the education of his pupil; and at the mansion of Felbrig, one of the most pleasant residences in the county of Norfolk, passed the next fourteen years of his life, "heloved and respected by all who visited or were connected with the family." Mr. Coxe gives some very interesting particulars of his instructions to his pu- pil, respecting the study of the antient languages. His letter to Mr. Windham on his coming of age is an admirable composition. It comprehends the opinions of a wise and thinking man, opinions which universal experience has confirmed, and ever will confirm. But it is long, and we cannot give the whole; and it is so well connected in all its parts, that we know not well how to detach a passage that shall be a just specimen. No young man, es pecially young men of fortune, and who are destined for public life, ought to be without this useful docu ment. While Mr. Stilling fleet was "employed in the grateful task of instruct ing a youth of superior talents and amiable disposition," he was insensibly led into a tender attachment, in which be was not successful. The lady was a Miss Anne Barnes: "with the inexperience of youth, and the thoughtless gaiety of a volatile temper, she encouraged his addresses; and he passed several years in her society, in the ardent hope that a favourable change in his circumstances at no distant period would unite him with the object of his first and lasting passion. But an attachment apparently so durable did not escape those fatalities to which this passion seems almost peculiarly exposed; and, after a long and hopeful courtship of ten years, the prudence of the lady outweighed her affection. As she was, herself, without fortune, and Mr. Stillingfleet without profession, employment, or means of establishing himself in life, she listened to an advantageous offer, and soon afterwards espoused a Mr. Russel, a richer and more fortunate rival." It appears that this disappointment made a deep impression; and his Biographer has given us some lines against Woman, which, as he justly observes, shew how anguish and disappointment could change the sentiments of a man so mild and amiable, so fond of domestic life, and so respectfully attached to the fair sex. The lines (for which we refer the reader to the volume) are certainly severe; but allowance must be made for the immediate provocation. Soon after this disappointment, in 1737, he accompanied his pupil, Mr. Windham, to the Continent. "The events of this Tour, and the connexions to which it gave rise, fixed the future course, and formed the happiness of his life. Mr. Coxe's account of it is highly amusing, and introduces us to the acquaintance of many persons, now, or lately, distinguished in the political or literary world. One of the results of this Tour was, "A Letter from an English Gentleman to Mr. Arlaud, a celebrated Painter at Geneva, giving an Account of the Glacieres, or Ice Alps of Savoy, written in the year 1741." This was written chiefly by Mr. Windham and Mr. Price (of Foxley in Herefordshire,) with the assistance of Mr. Stilling fleet, and illustrated with the drawings of Mr. Price. They are said to have been the first travellers who penetrated into these Alpine recesses. In 1743 Mr. Stillingfleet returned with his pupil to Engluud. His pupil's father gave Mr. S. an annuity of £100. which for some time was his principal support. He now resided partly in London and partly with some friends in the country; and his leisure hours were dedicated to literary pursuits, some of which Mr. Coxe has specified, particularly an edition of Milton, illustrated by notes, in which he had made considerable progress when the appearance of Dr. Newton's Proposals induced him to relinquish his design. His MSS, however, still remain in the possession of Bp. Dampier, and were obligingly lent to Mr. Todd, for his late excellent edition of our great Epic Poet. Mr. Coxe has also given here some valuable extracts, which induce us to think that his edition would have been very superior in critical acumen and taste to Bishop Newton's. About this time Mr. S. composed some of his poems, particularly those on Conversation, and Earthquakes. In 1746 Mr. S. took up his residence at Foxley, the seat of the above-mentioned Mr. Price, or rather in a neighbouring cottage, where he was master of his time and pursuits; and passed his leisure hours with the family. An indifferent state of health first led him to the pursuit of Natural History, which forms his principal distinction as an author; and he soon became one of the first defenders and earliest propagators of the Linnæan system in England. On this occasion Mr. Coxe has introduced a very able and perspicuous sketch of the state of Botany in England at the time of Mr. Stilling fleet's publication, in 1759, of "Miscellaneous Tracts in Natural History," with a Preface, which, Mr. Coxe remarks, "contains a spirited eulogium of the study of Nature, and a just tribute of applause to the talents and discoveries of the great Swede." The publication of the first edition of this Miscellany may be considered |