mains of the

cation to his ftudies; and when the university had refolved in 1756, that the countefs dowager of Pomfret fhould be publicly thanked for her magnificent prefent of the revery celebrated Arundelian collection of ancient flatues; he was folicited by the vicechancellor to undertake to fhew the connection between works of fcience and of art. This he did in an oration delivered in the theatre, which gained him much applaufe.

Towards the end of that year he tock orders; in 1760 he was appointed chaplain to the late king; and in 1761 promoted to a canonry of Chrift church.

In 1768 a refidentiaryfhip of St. Paul's becoming vacant, by the death of Dr. Secker, it was offered to him, unapplied for. The air of Amen-corner difagreeing with the health of his lady, Mrs. Barrington, he exchanged this preferment in 1776, with Dr. Douglafs, for a canonry of Windfor.

In the fummer of the year 1769, his lordship was promoted to the bishopric of Landaff. In the courfe

of the enfuing feffion, he first took an active part in parliament, cppofing a bill brought in to eftablish a playhoufe in Liverpool. This he did on the ground of thinking it lefs detrimental to every provincial town, to leave players fubject to the controul of the magiitrates of the place, than of the Lord Chamberlain. His Lordship was a warm advocate, and friend, in defence of the royal marriagebill; and replied, in the course of the debate, to the able fpeeches of the first lord Lyttleton, and bishop Lowth.

The unparalleled pitch to which the crime of adultery had advanced, particularly in noble families, in the year 1779, and the grofs collufion in obtaining acts of parliament for divorces, having created the ot alarming apprehenfions in the

mind of every one, impreffed with the leaft degree of ferioufnefs, our worthy bishop thought it his duty to attempt giving a check, at least to an evil, which he hoped to diminish, though he could not expect to cure. With this view he brought in a bill, the principles of which was to render the fubfequent marriage of the adulterous parties invalid.

The part he took on this occafion, and the fpeech he made on moving the bill, gave general fatiffaction. The bill paffed the house of lords with very little oppofition, and no divifion. It had not the fame good fortune in the other houfe. Mr. Fox exerted his talents and his influence among the young members. The minifters gave the bill no fupport, and it was rejected by the commons in a very thin houfe. In the year 1781 the bishop had a large fhare on the negative fide of the queftion, in the general debate which was brought on by a motion to recom'mit an inclosure bill; in which the advantages and difadvantages of exchanging tythe for land was fully difcuffed. He foon after replied, on the fame subject, to lord prefident Bathurst; who moved the houfe to refolve itfelf into a committee for the purpose of establishing certain refolutions relative to the commutation of tythes for land. The lord prefident withdrew his motion; which had it been carried, would, in the bishop's opinion, have materially affected the interefts of that most useful and refpectable body of men, the parochial clergy.

In the year 1770, the bishop published a new and improved edition of his father's Works in 3 vols 8vo.

Of his own, there have hitherto appeared only two Sermons; and a large contibution to the 4to edition of Boyer's critical conjectures and obfervations on the New Testament, It is generally believed that he

owe's

owes his tranflation to the See of Salisbury in 1782, folely to his Majefty's favourable opinion. His Lordfhip's place of refidence is Salisbury Palace, in Wiltshire, and the annual

income of his fee, as rated in the King's books, one thousand three hundred eighty-five pounds, five fhillings and ninepence.

MEMOIRS

OF THE LIFE OF ST. POLY. CARP, BISHOP OF SMYRNA, AN APOSTOLICAL FATHER, AND SCHOLAR OF ST. JOHN.

ST

T. Polycarp was born towards the latter end of Nero's reign; the place of his birth is not certainly known; fome think it was at Smyrna. It is afferted, that he was fold in his youth, and purchased by a noble matron named Callifto, by whom he was brought up, and at her death made heir to her eftate; which, though very confiderable, he spent in works of charity. Several antient authors affirm, that he was a disciple of St. John; and both Irenæus, (who was his fcholar) and Jerom affure us, that he converfed familiarly with the Apoftles, and with many who had feen our Lord in the flesh.

He was firft Deacon and Catechift of the church of Smyrna, an office which he discharged with great reputation; and was afterwards, as many of the ancients affirm, by St. John made Bishop of the fame place; though Irenæus, and the Alexandrian Chronicle, affert it to be done by the apostles.

He is generally believed to be the perfon mentioned Rev. ii. 8. under the title of the Angel of the Church of Smyrna; and if fo, how well he difcharged his duty in that important ftation, may be learned from the declaration of our Lord himself, (see Rev. ii. 8, &c.) in which it is obfervable, that he ftands entirely un

reproved, though all but one of the neighbouring Bishops fell under cenfure; a remarkable proof of his fidelity and diligence.

With regard to his character in the world, it was excellent to a very high degree. The Chriftians of his time fpeak of him with the greatest re fpect; declaring, that he was adorned with all kinds of piety, a teacher truly apoftolical and prophetical, that every word that went out of his mouth either had or would be fulfilled; and that, of all the martyrs of that place, he alone was had in memory of all men, being spoken of by the very Gentiles themfelves in every place, as having been not only an eminent teacher, but also a glorious martyr; and fo very diftinguished was his reputation among the enemies of Chriflianity, that they not only called him the Doctor of Afia, the father of the Chriftians, and the over thrower of their gods; but after his death exprefs their fears, left the Chriftians fhould make him the object of their worship, instead of Chrift.

His care of the church was not confined to the place immediately committed to his infpection; but extended itself even unto Rome; whither he went, on account of the controverfy concerning the time of keeping Eafter; and though he did not fo far prevail on thofe, who were of a different opinion from himself, as to bring them over to his fentiments, yet he was entertained with all poffible refpect and esteem.

While he was there he employed

his

his time in confirming the faithful, and convincing gainfayers, whereby he reclaimed many, who had been infected with the pernicious herefies of Marcian and Valentinus: and so very fervent was his affection for the truth, that whenever he heard any of the mischievous opinions of his time mentioned, he uied to ftop his ears, and cry out, "Good God! to what times haft thou referved me, that I fhould hear fuch things." And one day meeting Marcian, who called to him faying, Polycarp, own us,' he replied, I own thee to be the firstborn of Satan."

A life of fuch peculiar excellence, and continued to the length of an hundred years, muft needs have afforded us a variety of edifying circumftances, had the memory of them been preferved; but, befides the above, there is nothing material that can be depended upon, the following particulars only excepted, which relate to the clofe of his life; and which are moft remarkably affecting, as well as a confiderable help towards forming a juft idea of this truly great and venerable man.

In the reign of Marcus Antoninus and Lucius Verus began a fevere perfecution again it the Chriftians; which growing hot at Smyrna, the general cry was, "Let Polycarp be fought for:" who was fo far from being difturbed at the news, that he refolved to tarry in the city; but by the importunity of his friends was prevailed on to retire to a village not far diftant, where he spent his time in praying for all men, and for all the churches, according to his ufual cuftom. Three days before he was taken, he dreamed that the pillow on which he lay was on fire, and burned to afhes; whereupon he told thofe about him, that he fhould be burned alive.

Being very narrowly fought for, on the approach of his enemies, he removed to another village, whither they alfo punued him, and feizing on a couple of youths, one of them

on being tortured, confeffed where he was; on which they came to his lodging, from whence he could easily have escaped, but would not, faying, "The will of the Lord be done." When he heard that they were come, he went down to them, and ordered that fomething fhould be provided for their repatt, defiring them to give him one hour to pray without difturbance; which being complied with, he stood praying near two, to the admiration of all that heard him, infomuch that many of the foldiers began to repent that they were come to take fo godly a man.

The time of his departure being come, they fet him on an afs, and brought him to the city. Herod, the chief officer, with his father Nicetas, met him in a chariot, and having taken him up with them, they began to perfuade him to say "Lord Cæfar," and to facrifice; with other things, that are usually faid on fuch occafions. At first he did not answer them; but they continuing to urge him, he said, “I shall not do what you would have me." On which they threw him out of the chariot, with all the inhumanity of: brutish violence.

As he was entering the lifts, there came a voice to him from Heaven, (as was teftified by feveral prefent).

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Polycarp, be ftrong, and quit thyfelf like a man." When he came before the Proconful, he asked him, whether he was Polycarp? he answered, he was. On which the other perfuaded him to deny the faith, faying, "Reverence thy age," with many other things of the like nature; fuch as "Swear by Cæfar's fortune, take away the wicked, &c.". On which, Polycarp, looking with a ftern countenance on the multitude of Gentiles there gathered together, fhook his hand, and looking up to Heaven, faid, "Take away the wicked." The proconful then urged him to fwear, and to reproach Christ; he answered, "Eighty and fix years have I ferved him, and he never did

me

me any evil; how then can I blafpheme my King and my Saviour."

The Proconful replied, "I have wild beafts to cat thee to, unless thou repent." Polycarp anfwered, "Call for them then, for we Chriftians are not difpofed to turn from good to evil." The other added, Seeing thou defpifeft the wild beafts, I will caufe thee to be devoured by fire, if thou do not repent." He replied,

"Thou threateneft me with a fire which burns for an hour, and is then at an end; but art ignorant of that eternal fire which is prepared for the wicked. But why tarrieft thou? bring forth what thou wilt."

Having faid this, and fome other things, he was filled with confidence and joy, infomuch that his very countenance was full of grace; and the Proconful was ftruck with astonishment, and fent the Cryer to proclaim three feveral times, that Polycarp had confessed himfelf a Chriflian. On which, the multitude of Jews and Gentiles cried out, "This the Doctor of Afia, the father of the Chriftians, and the overthrower of our gods; he that has taught fo many not to facrifice, nor pay any worship to the gods." After which they defired that a lion might be let loofe against him. But being anfwered that it could not be done, they unanimoufly defired that he might be burned alive; which being agreed to, they inftantly began to prepare the fuel, gathering faggots out of the baths and fhops; and when all was ready, they brought him to the stake, to which they would have nailed him; but he defired them to let that alone, faying, He that has given me ftrength to endure the fire, will enable me to ftand without nailing." However, they tied him to it; and when he was fixed, he lifted up his eyes to Heaven, and faid, "O Lord God Almighty, the Father of thy well-beloved and bleffed Son Jefus Chrift, by whom we have received the knowledge of thee, the God of angels and powers, and of every creature, and especially, of the whole race of just

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men, who live in thy prefence! I give thee hearty thanks that thou hast vouchfafed to bring me to this day, that I fhould have a part in the number of thy martyrs, in the cup of thy Chrift, to the refurrection of eternal life, both of foul and body, in the incorruption of the Holy Ghoft. Among which may I be accepted this day before thee, as an acceptable facrifice; as thou the true God, with whom is no falfhood, haft both before ordained and manifefted unto me, and alfo haft now fulfilled it. For this, and for all things elfe, I praife thee, I bless thee, I glorify thee, by the eternal and heavenly High-prieft, Jefus Chrift thy beloved fon; with whom, to thee, and the Holy Ghoft, be glory both now and to all fucceeding ages. Amen.

He had no fooner pronounced Amen, but they lighted the fire; and when the flames began to blaze very high; behold a wonderful miracle ap peared to us (fay the writers of the Hiftory of his Martyrdom) who had the happinefs to fee it, and who were referved by heaven to report it to others; for the flame'making a kind of arch, like the fail of a fhip filled with wind, encompaffed, as in a circle, the body of the Martyr, who flood in the midft of it, not as if his fleth was burnt, but like gold or filver purified in the furnace.

When his adverfaries faw that his body could not be confumed, they commanded one of the fpearmen, who used to dispatch the wild beats when they were unruly, to run him through with his dagger; which being done, fo great a quantity of biood iffued from him, as even extinguished the fire. When he was dead, his enemies fuggefted to the governor, that if he let the Chiftians take away his body, they might pofioly forfake their crucified maler, and worthip Polycarp; on which it was thrown into the file, and confumed to athes, except the bones, which were by his friends décently buried.

Thus, on the 26th of March as

fome, or on the 23d of February as others affert, Anno Dom. 167, in about the hundredth year of his life, after having been fourfcore and fix years a shining ornament to Chriftianity was found faithful unto death, and triumphantly entered into the joy of his Lord, the bleffed Martyr St. Polycarp; a man, perhaps, not to be equalled by any other fince his time. Oh! that the chriftian clergy might learn, from fuch an example of fidelity and diligence, to make it their meat and drink to do their master's will; the advantage of fuch a conduct, both to themselves and thofe committed to their care, needs not be mentioned here may the Lord of the harveft fend forth fuch labourers into the harvest!

There are two obfervations which naturally arife from the foregoing account. One concerning the Chriftian Religion in general, and the other refpecting the Divinity of Chrift in particular; of the truth of both which, the conduct of this great man is a most convincing proof; for, with regard to the former, it can never be imagined that a person of his abilities, who lived at the very fame time with fome of the first teachers thereof, could be ignorant whether thofe facts, on which Chriftianity is founded, had really a being or not; and as to his integrity, after what we have obferved above, that cannot, with the least shadow of reafon, be called in question; fo that the truth of the foregoing relation fuppofes the confequence, that Christianity is what it profeffes itself to be, is undeniable; and as to the latter, (the Divinity of Chrift) it is evident, that it was firmly believed by him, as appears from his making him the proper object of divine worship; for that he did this, is manifeft, as almost the laft words that ever he fpoke were a folemn Doxology to him together with the Father; and that this was the practice of the rest of his brethren as well as him, is evident from the plain teftimony of the enemies of the Chriftian Faith, who ex

preft their apprehenfions, left the worthip of Chrift fhould be transferred to Polycarp; and therefore, as our Saviour's divinity was an article of Chriftianity at that time, the conclufion is apparent; as a general perfuafion of this kind was impoffible, on any other fuppofition than that of its having been fet on foot by the Apostles.

There is an Epiftle of St. Polycarp remaining, which on account of its excellency, we fhall here fubjoin.

The Epiftle of St. POLYCARP to the Philippians.

Polycarp, and the Prefbyters that are with him, to the church of God, which is at Philippi; mercy unto you and peace, from God Almighty; and the Lord Jefus Chrift, our Saviour, be multiplied.

"I rejoiced greatly with you in our Lord Jefus Chrift, that ye received the images of a true love, and accompanied, as it behoved you, those who were in bonds becoming faints, which are the crowns of fuch as are truly chofen by God our Lord; as alfo, that the root of the faith, which was preached from antient times, remains firm in you to this day, and brings forth fruit to our Lord Jefus Chrift, who fuffered himself to be brought even to the death for our fins; whom God hath raifed up, having loofed the pains of death; whom, having not feen, ye love; in whom, though. now ye fee him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy, unfpeakable, and full of glory. Into which many defire to enter; knowing that by grace ye are faved, not by works but by the will of God, through Jefus Chrift.

Wherefore, girding up the loins of your mind, ferve the Lord with fear and truth, laying afide all empty and vain speech, and the error of many; believing in him that raised up our Lord Jefus Chrift from the dead, and hath given him glory, and a throne at his right hand; to whom all things are made fubject, both that are in heaven and in earth, whom every living creature thall worship; who fhall

come