"GEORGE HORNE, the twenty-first Dean, was born in 1730, at Otham, in the county of Kent, of which parith his father, the Rev. Samuel Horne, was Rector; under whofe care he continued till he was about thirteen years of age. He was then fent to Maidstone School, the Mafter of which was the Rev. Deodatus Bye, who obferved, that he was fitter to go from school than to come to it." He continued, however, under his tuition two years, and increased the approbation which his early abilities had obtained. "In March 1745-6 he was admitted at University College, Oxford, having been previously chofen to a Scholarship from Maidstone School. In October 1749 he took the Degree of B. A. In the following year he was elected to the Fellowship of Magdalen College, which is appropriated to a native of Kent. In the Univerfity he was a laborious Student, and gave many an elegant teftimony of the various learning which he acquired. It was more efpecially his aim to render the attainments of polite Literature fubfervient to the knowledge and illuftration of the Scriptures. He confidered his time beft employed when, with the learned companion of his carlieft ftudies, he "railed his thoughts from the Poets and Orators of Greece and Rome, to the contemplation of the Great Creator's wifdom in his word, and in his works." He became critically acquainted with the Hebrew Language; and ftudied fuccessfully the Fathers of the Church. "Soon after he had attained the Fellowship, he began to attract particular obfervation, by the warmth with which he efpoufed the Philofophy of Mr. Hutchinfon. In 1751 he commenced an attack upon the Newtonian Syftem, and published (but without his name) "The Theology and Philofophy in Cicero's Somnium Scipionis explained: or, A Brief Attempt to demonftrate, that the Newtonian Syftem is perfectly agreeable to the Notions of the wifeft Ancients; and that Mathematical Principles are the only fure ones." This Pamphlet does not confift merely of formal argument; it difplays remarkable humour, "In 1752 he took the Degree of M. A. In the fame year he engaged in a Controverfy on the fubject of the Cherubim, in the Gentleman's Magazine, under the fignature of Ingenuis in reply to Candidus. His remarks were intended to prove that "the Cherubim were a reprefentation of the Trinity.” In the courfe of the difpute, however, he was treated rather unhandfomely by the Editor, who declined publishing his laft letter on the fubject, which was a mafterly defence of the Hutchinfonian pofition. “. In 1753 he was fo defirous to illuftrate the merit of Mr. Hutchinson (whofe works, in his opinion, were not only received without encouragement, but even opposed without due examination), that he published "A fair, candid, and impartial State of the Cafe between Sir Ifaac Newton and Mr. Hutchinfon. In which is fhewn, how far a System of Phyfics is capable of Mathematical Demonftration; how far Sir Ifaac's, as fuch a Syftem, has that De monftration; and confequently what regard Mr. Hutchinfon's Claim may deferve to have paid to it." "In the following year he produced an ironical publication, the peculiarity of which foon difcovers its nameles author. It was entitled, "Spicilegium Shuckfordianum; or a Nofegay for the Critics. Being fome choice Flowers of Modern Theology and Criticffm gather. ed out of Dr. Shuckford's fupplemental Difcourfe on the Creation and Fall of Man. Not forgetting Bishop Garnet's Vatikra." "He had now entered into Holy Orders, and became a frequent and earneft Preacher. His labours, however, were depreciated by the invidious application of a name for the Hutchin fonian was faid to poffefs more zeal than knowledge, more prefumption than humility. Hence a Pamphlet was pub lithed in 1756 by a Member of the University, entitled "A Word to the Hutchinfonians; or Remarks on three extraordinary Sermons, lately preached before the University of Oxford, by the Rev. Dr. Patten, the Rev. Mr. We therell, and the Rev. Mr.Horne." This did not remain long unaufwered. Mr. Horne replied in "An Apology for certain Gentlemen in the University of Oxford, afperfed in a late anonymous Pamphlet, with a Poftfcript concerning another Pamphlet lately published by the Rev. Mr. Heathcote.' The earneftnefs of this defence, which difplayed his own fincerity, did not, however, convince the antagonist; and there appeared foon afterward, "True Cenfure no Afperfion; or, A Vindication of a late feafonable Admonition, called, A Word to the Hutchinfonians. In a Letter to the Rev. Mr. Horne." "From scenes of controverfy we return to those of academical employment, when we find Mr. Horne, in 1758, junior Proctor of the Univerfity; an office which he adorned by the amiable connexion of mildnefs with authority. "At the expiration of the Proctorship he took the Degree of B. D. "In 1760 he published "A View of Mr. Kennicott's Method of correct ing the Hebrew Text, with three Queries formed thereupon, and humbly fubmitted to the Confideration of the Learned and Chriftian World ;" in which he endeavours to prove that Divine unequal to the bufinefs in which he was engaged. "In 1704 he took the Degree of D.D. "As yet we find him advanced to no confpicuous ftation. He never, indeed, obtained a parochial benefice. But on the death of Dr. Jenner, Profident of Magdalen College, he was elected by the Society to fucceed him in that important ftation on the 17th of January 1768. 66 "In the following year he teftified his regard towards the younger Members of his College, by publishing, with a view to their improvement, Confiderations on the Life and Death of St. John the Baptift. They were the fubftance of feveral Sermon which he had delivered before the University in Magdalen Chapel on the Baptift's day. In 1771 he was appointed Choplain in Ordinary to his Majefty, in which quality he officiated till his appointment to the Deanery of Canterbury, "In 1772 he exerted his abilities in defence of our civil and religious eftablishment; firmly oppofing the defigns of those who would have abolithed Subferiptions, and altered our Liturgy. An application was, at that time, intended to have been made to Parlia ment, when he published in a Letter to Lord North, "Confiderations on the projected Reformation of the Church of England." Very juft were his remarks, that "if our Governors fhould be inclined to preferve the peace among the various fects which would be af fembled in the Church according to the new scheme, and to frame a new liturgy and conftitution which might fuit them all, the Divinity of our Saviour must be rejected to please the Arians, and his Satisfaction to gratify the Socinians; the Prefbyterians would object to Epifcopacy, the Independents to Prefbytery, and the Quakers to all three, together with the Sacraments of Baptifin and the Lord's Supper." "In 1776 he published his "Commentary on the Pfalms;" a work in which the earnestnefs of the Chriftian Teacher and the modefty of the Critic are alike confpicuous. To all his explanations unanimous affent hath not, indeed, been given. But where is the faftidious reader who can perufe this ufeful Commentary without owning to have derived improvement to his knowledge, and animation to his picty? In the fame year he was appointed Vice Chancellor of the University, in which station he continued till October 1780; and, perhaps, none ever prefided in that diftinguished itation with greater attention or greater popularity. "Engaged as he was in the weighty duties of that office, his vigilance in his profeffional character was by no means relaxed. Dr. Adam Smith had publifhed an eulogium on the Life of Mr. Hume: Dr. Horne conceived a reprehenfion more neceffary. Accordingly he published in 1777," A Letter to Dr. Smith on the Life, Death, and Philofophy of his Friend David Hume, Efq. by one of the People called Chriftians;" in which he lafhes, with keen and deferved irony, both the Philofopher and his Panegyrist. To give more abundant proof that he had not forget "the Clergyman in the Magiftrate,' he not only thus repelled the contagion of Infidelity, but published in 1779 "Two Volumes of "Sermons." Many of them had been preached before the Univerfity, and had been heard with that attention which compofitions of ingenious enquiry, and of affecting exhortation, never fail to command. His preferment, at prefent, confifted only of his Headship. But, on the promotion of Dr. Cornwallis to the Sce of Litchfield and Coventry in 1781, he was advanced to the Deanery of Canterbury, in which he was inftalled Sept. 22. It has been faid, that another Deanery, which had been vacant not long before, was intended to have been conferred on him. Lord North, it is certain, was his friend. He could not, indeed, but experience the particular regard of a Statefman, who to his dying day was a moft fincere friend and most powerfulfupport of the Church of England, in times when fuch fupport was most wanted." "His time was now divided between Oxford and Canterbury; and as at the former place he was beloved as the amiable Governer, at the latter he became no lefs efteemed as the friendly and hofpitable Dean. During his refidence at Canterbury, he was always ready (as he had ever been both in the Metropolis and in the University) to exert his fervices from the pulpit on public occafions. The opening of a new Organ in the Cathedral, the Inftitution of Sunday Schools, the Annual Meeting of Gentlemen educated in the King's School, and the Vifitation of the Archbishop, afforded him opportunities of difplaying in that city with what tafte and feeling he could defcribe the power of facred Mufic, with what zeal he could plead the caufe of indigent children, with what juttnefs he could point out the means of obtaining true wifdom, with what boldness he could contend for the "Faith delivered unto the Saints." a "While on thefe and other occafions, he gratified the public as Preacher, his talents were alfo employed as a writer in expofing the vain pretenfions of "Science faltely fo called." In 1784 he published "Letters on Indelity," in which, armed with the weapons of found argument and exquifite humour, he defeats the dark and wretched fyftem of Hume; a fyftem which would fubvert every idea of truth and happiness, and teach us "with impious hafte "To pluck from God's right hand his inftruments of death." 66 "The theological opinions of another Philofopher occafioned in 1787 the publication of "A Letter, to the Rev. Dr. Priestley, by an Undergraduate" of Oxford; the author of which (who expofed with fo much humour the mutability of the Doctor's creed) was foon known to be the Dean of Canterbury. He refpected indeed the eminent diligence and the eminent attainments of Dr. Priestley in literary pursuits; but he conceived his abilities, as touching matters theological," to be mifemployed. Dr. Horne was averfe from "a Religion without a Redeemer, without a San&tifier, without Grace, without a Sacrifice, without a Prieft, without an Interceffor." He believed the Chriftian Saviour to be the infinite and eternal Jehovah. He affirmed the doctrine of the Trinity to be a matter not of vain or unprofitable fpeculation." Our Religion," fays he," is founded upon t; for what is Chriftianity but a maifeftation of the three divine Perfons, as engaged in the great work of Man's Redemption, begun, continued, and to be ended by them, in their feveral relations of Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft, Creator, Redeemer, and Sanc tifier, three Perfons, one God? If there be no Son of God, where is our redemp. tion? If there be no Holy Spirit, where is our fanctification? Without both, where is our falvation? And if thefe two perfons be any thing lefs than divine, why are we baptized equally in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoft? Let no man therefore deceive you: This is the true God, and eternal Life." "The earlier promotion of Dr. Horne to the Mitre, would not have been more grateful to the world than it was due to his merit. However, on the tranflation of Dr. Bagot, Bishop of Norwich, in 1791, to the fee of St. Afaph, he was nominated to the former Bishopric, and was confecrated at Lambeth Chapel on the 7th of June; his confecration fermon being preached by his old and particular friend Dr. Berkeley, Prebendary of Canterbury. He foon afterward refigned the Headthip of Magdalen College, in which he was fucceeded by the learned Dr. Routh. "His health, on this advancement, was but in a precarious ftate; and his friends had the forrow to perceive it decay rather than improve. He repaired, however, to his palace at Norwich, where his ftay was but short, yet fufficient to convince his Clergy, and all who had obtained his acquaintance, of how much pleasure and advan tage they were deprived in his lofs. He was recommended to try the benefit of Bath; whither he went. But a paralytic stroke, fome weeks before his death, fruftrated all hopes of his recovery. On the 17th of January 1792, death put an end to his fevere infirmi ties, and to his exemplary patience. The faculties of his mind continued to the very laft: he was not only composed, but even chearful. His fpeech, indeed, was in fome degree affected, as he had not been able, for a few days previous to his death, to exprefs himfelf clearly. Not long before he expired, he received the Sacrament, after which he exclaimed, with all the firmnefs of a Chriftian, "Now I am bleffed indeed!" In his laft moments he feemed to fuffer little pain, as he expired without a groan. "Thus ended the life of Bishop Horne; a Prelate whom few have furpaffed in learning, none in piety. "From his firft labours in the Chrif tian Miniftry he was a popular Preacher. The "The Chriftian Soul." "His works difplay a copioufnefs of fublime fentiment and animated diction, of happy pleafantry and well-directed fatire. His ftile is particularly nervous. Where he is argumentative, he convinces with perfpicuity; where he is pathetic, he never pleads in vain. To fome of his figurative allufions objections have, indeed, been made; objections, however, which weigh but as "the finall duft of the balance" against the multiplicity of his attainments. That he was one of the ableft defenders of Christianity by the efficacy both of his example, and of his writings, no one will deny. He had powers equal to the fevereft contefts of Controverfy; and when those powers were exerted, they were neither difgraced by acrimony, nor weakened by abufe. He practifed what he recommended. Wit, which he well knew how to exercife" Wit," fays he, if it be used at all, fhould be tempered, with good-humour, fo as not to exafperate the perfon who is the object of it; and then we are fure there is no mischief done. The difputant ought to be at once firm and calm; his head cool, and his heart warm." Sullen antagonist! whoever thou art, learn from Bishop Horne to increase the weight of thy arguments by the courteoufnefs of addrefs, and by the sweetness of good pature. "His conduct through life was marked with that liberality which confers dignity upon every station, and without which the higheft cannot command it. The goodness and fimplicity of his heart were unaffected: his endeavour was to promote univerfal Benevolence, and to practife univerfal Generofity. To his countenance and kindness the author of this humble memoir hath been repeatedly indebted, even from his childhood; and while his lofs hath been by few more fincerely regretted, by none will his favours be more gratefully remembered, "To most of thofe Public Charities which immortalize the generofity of this nation, he was an early and liberal sub. fcriber. He was one of the first friends to the excellent Inftitution of Sunday Schools; and warmly promoted by his purfe, his intereft, and his abilities, charities alfo were large and extenfive; their happy cftablishment. His private and in the exercise of them he shunned an oftentatious difplay. "He was the moft agreeable as well as the most inftructive companion. He abounded with pleasant anecdote, and valuable information. His man. ner alfo gave additional dignity to whatever was serious, and additional humour to whatever was facetious. They who knew him beft, will often reflect on thofe happy hours in which they enjoyed his company, and will acknowledge how "very pleafantly they paffed, and moved fmoothly and fwiftly along; for, when thus engaged, they counted no time. They are gone, but have left a relish and a fragrance upon the mind, and the remembrance of them is fweet." "Of facred Mufic he was a great admirer. In his Cathedral at Canterbury, and in his Chapel at Magdalen, he appeared to feel all thofe fublime fenfations which are excited by "the pealing Organ" and "the full-voiced choir." He did not, indeed, profefs to have any knowledge of Mufic; but in thofe fmaller Anthems which frequent repetition had rendered familiar to his car, he was used to join with remarka ble fervency. "That he might never forget the folemn precept," Take heed unto thyfelf and to thy doctrine," it was his ftated cuftom, from his first admiffion into the Priesthood, to read over the Service for the Ordination of Priests on the firft day of every month. The imitation of this example may be practifed with ease, and will be attended with advantage. "Numerous and important as his writings already appear to have been, he was the Author of feveral other pieces; among which are, "Cautions to the Readers of Mr. Law," which were handed about in Manufcript, and were first printed by Mr. Madan (unknown to the Author) in fome work which he published: the greater part of the Preface to Dodd's Tranflation of Callimachus 1755." The " Mifcellany, by Nathaniel Freebody" in the St. James's Chronicle, begun Jan. 1, 1767: he communicated, indeed, many Effays at different times to the Newfpapers and Magazines. Several Papers R2 figned figned Z in the Olla Podrida 1787;" of which none are more entertaining than thofe that fo clegantly prefcribe the rules of converfation, and to ludicrously expofe the frivoloufnefs of modern Viits. But the value of this publication he hath more particularly enhanced by his vindication of Dr. Johnfon; by his brilliant (perhaps unrivalled) teftimony to the excellence of that great man. From fuch an interefting Paper a quotation cannot but be acceptable. "That perfons," fays he, " of eminent talents and attainments in literature have been often complained of as-dogmatical, boisterous, and inattentive to the rules of good breeding, is well known. But let us not expect every thing from every man. There was no occafion that Johnson should teach us to dance, to make bows, or turn compliments. He could teach us better things. To reject wifdoin because the perfon of him who communicates it is uncouth, and his manners inelegant-what is it but to throw away a pine-apple, and align for a reafon the roughnefs of its coat? Who quarrels with a Botanift, for not being an Aftronomer; or with a Moralift, for not being a Mathematician? As it is faid in concerns of a much higher nature, every man hath his gift, one after this manner, and another after that. It is our bufinefs to profit by all, and to learn of cach that in which each is beft qualified to inftruct us.” "To thefe works must be added a fmall piece "On the Repeal of the Teft Act 1790;" and his "Charge to the Clergy of his Diocefe 1791," which his declining health prevented him from delivering perfonally, but which he published, "that fo whenever he thould be called hence, he might leave fome teftimony of his regard for them, and attention to their concerns." This was the good Bishop's farewell to all his la-. bours; and they were clofed with undiminhed vigour of intellect, Here he maintains, what he had through life fo aby maintamed, the Doctrine of the Trinity in Unity, and refutes the error of thefe who, by the abufe of ab3ract reafoning, would fubvert its truth. Here all he pays equii atention to the deareft interefts of Society, and to man's eternal happines: for this judicious Charge" difcuffs the great doctrines effential to Christianity; "the nature of God; the nature of man; the faving principle of faith; the impy rtance and ufe of the Church; the Bedience due to Civil vernment; the neccility of a pure life and holy converfation." 66 "A volume of his "fingle Sermons" has lately been published. "He re-published Stanhope's edition of Bithop Andrews's Devotions, and 1s faid to have intended publishing an edition of Ifaac Walton's Lives, had he not been prevented by Dr. Johnfon's telling him, from miflake, that Lord Hailes had the fame intention. "He married in the year 178, the daughter of Philip Burton, of Hatton Street, Efq. by whom he hath left three daughters; the eldest of whom is married to the Rev. Mr. Selby Hele, Rector of Colmworth, Bedfordthire, and Chaplain to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. "His perfon was above the middle fize. In his youth he had certainly been handfome. His countenance was remarkably expreffive, and bespoke the fweetnefs of his temper. In the canonical habit his figure was venerably interesting. "His remains were interred in the family vault of his father-in-law, Philip Burton, Efq. at Eltham in Kent; where a Monument is erected in the Church-yard to his Memory, with the following elegant and juft Infeription; the fame Infcription (with a flight alteration) being alfo on a Monument lately erected to his Memory in the Cathedral of Norwich; Here lie interred Dean of Canterbury, In whofe Character Depth of Learning, Brightnefs of Imagination, Sanctity of Manners, and Sweetness of Temper Were united beyond the ufual Lot of Mort lity. |