Influenced by this recommendation, Mr. Wesley desired that he might be | cuit.

At about the age of eighteen, Mr. | he was protected for his intrepidity by Clarke entered on his itinerant minis- the very persons from whom he had terial labours, in the year 1782, in apprehended danger. At a more subwhich employment, though now par- sequent period, he received a violent tially located, he continues to the pre- blow on the head, in the neighboursent day. From the commencement hood of Liverpool, when returning of his preaching, he has been exceed- from preaching, from which seriingly popular in every part of the ous consequences were expected; but united kingdom through which he has providentially he survived the attempt travelled. In his earlier years, his of this apparently intended assassinayouth attracted vast numbers wher- tion. The blow was known to have ever he went: but curiosity soon gave proceeded from a member of a certain place to admiration; and many, with community, which asserts that actions whom novelty was the primary mo- may sometimes be meritorious, though tive to induce them to attend his they should be stained with blood. ministry, settled down into sober, The culprit was seized, and taken regular, and attentive hearers. In before a magistrate; but Mr. Clarke most places where he was stationed, declined to prosecute, thinking it his his preaching formed an era in the duty rather to suffer for the cause of history of Methodism; and no other Christ. man has ever yet appeared among its numerous preachers, though many possess talents of the most exalted order and commanding influence, to whose labours it is so much indebted for the respectability it has acquired, and the increase of the congregations that have rallied round its doctrines. In many places the chapels have been so thronged with hearers at an early hour, when he was expected to preach, that on his arrival, all access to the pulpit from the door has been rendered impossible. It was on one of these occasions, at St. Austel, in the county of Cornwall, soon after he began to travel, that the writer of this article saw him enter the chapel through a window, and creep on his hands and knees over the heads and shoulders of the people, in order to reach the pulpit, This tide of popularity, with scarcely any intermission, has now followed him about forty years, and it remains unabated even to the present day.

But, notwithstanding he was thus caressed and followed, where he was known, it was not always, in these early days of Methodism, that on his first appearance he was treated with much respect, or even with common civility. In the Norman Isles he received the most convincing proof that the carnal mind is enmity against God. On one occasion he was drummed out of town, and threatened with death, should he again attempt to preach in that place. He, however, kept to his appointment, amidst the threats with which he was menaced; but instead of meeting with further interruption,

Impressed with the shortness and value of time, this indefatigable scholar has invariably pursued his studies with the most unremitting attention; generally from four or five in the morning, until nine or ten at night, through a series of years; and nothing but a vigorous constitution, which falls only to the lot of few, could sustain such incessant labours, and remain unbroken. So tenacious, indeed, has he always been of these precious "sands of life," that, in the relaxation which tea-parties afford, he never indulges; and of this very common beverage, "which cheers, but not inebriates," he never partakes. Tea and coffee are alike discarded, and pork he places under a similar interdict, with respect to himself; but no one besides is laid under any restrictions.

Pursuing his studies thus without intermission, attending to the duties of his station as a preacher, and engaging in various committees, and associations, of a benevolent, a literary, and a scientific nature, his exertions during his residence in London for several years prior to 1815, were more than human nature could long support. This his friends perceived; and through their persuasions, he was prevailed upon to quit the metropolis, and retire to Millbrook, a genteel residence in Lancashire, about ten miles from Liverpool. In this retreat, he has an elegant house, to which several acres of land are attached; and in its improvement he finds amusement, relaxation, and occasional employment, in making agricultural

experiments, which, being congenial tribute of respect due to his superior with his natural inclinations, mitigate talents. Since that time he has been in some degree the severity of his honoured with the additional title of studies. The soil that is thus at- Member of the Royal Irish Academy. tached to his habitation bears testi-He has presided three times both in mony to his fostering care, and the the English, and also in the Irish luxuriance of vegetation frequently Methodist Conferences. proclaims how far the domains of Dr. Clarke extend. His gates and fences correspond with the fields which they enclose.

His library contains some thousands of volumes, in various languages, among which are many that are very ancient, exceedingly scarce, | and highly valuable. These are arranged in exquisite order under his own eye, so that he can put his hand on any work almost at a moment's notice. Of manuscripts, both ancient and oriental, he has a large collection, of which, only himself, and men like himself, know the value.

Of curiosities, both natural and artificial, he has a large and pleasing assemblage, coeval with almost every age, and transmitted from various parts of the world. These, if arranged in any commodious gallery for inspection, would form an extensive cabinet, well worth the inspection of amateurs.

To various branches of natural and experimental philosophy, Dr. Clarke has paid much attention, nor has the science of astronomy been neglected. Connected with each of these departments, he has a suitable apparatus, in which are some instruments of the first description and excellence.

The books, articles, and instruments, which his library, his cabinet of curiosities, and his philosophical apparatus contain, have excited the attention of the neighbouring nobility, several of whom have repeatedly visited his abode, and experienced | much gratification, which they have politely expressed. Dr. Clarke has been honoured with the friendship and the correspondence of some of the first characters in the nation; and during the translation of the Scriptures into some of the oriental languages, in which his profound erudition has rendered essential service to the cause of Christianity, he has been brought into contact with exalted dignitaries, and men renowned for learning, and literary acquirements. About the year 1805, he was made M. A. and in 1806, he received the honorary degree of LL.D. as a

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During the last few years, his health having been somewhat precarious, he has relaxed from the constant routine of preaching. In this duty, however, he generally engages once or twice every week. But on these occasions the effects of his former exertions are severely felt; and perhaps few persons suffer more than himself from this laborious exercise.

On repairing to his retreat at Millbrook, his removal was followed by mean insinuations, that his retirement from ministerial labours had been adopted before necessity dictated the measure. These ungenerous intimations, however, proceeded from individuals, who had not, like himself, seen forty years pass over them in the pulpit, and grown hoary in the service of their Master. To those who are acquainted with the unremitting exercises of his former years, frequently preaching four times a day, and braving “ the summer's suns and winter's snows," he did not appear to have retired a day too soon; and to this, in all probability, under the providence of God, may be attributed the continuance of his valuable life.

He

Of Dr. Clarke's family connections, our knowledge is but partial. had one brother, a skilful surgeon, who settled in England, but died several years since near Liverpool. One sister, now no more, was married to Thomas Exley, Esq. M. A. an eminent mathematician of Bristol; and another to the Rev. W. M. Johnson, LL.D. a clergyman residing in Cornwall.

Mrs. Clarke, whose maiden name was Cooke, was a native of Trowbridge, in Wiltshire. Her father was an eminent broad-cloth manufacturer, equally distinguished for his zealous loyalty, and his invincible attachment to the established church. One sister, lately deceased, was married to Joseph Butterworth, Esq. M. P. She has also a brother, a law bookseller in Dublin, who was deprived of an independent fortune by an unhappy connection which he formed with a first-rate cloth house, near Bath. With

the bistory of some other branches of maries to each Chapter; with a Comthis family, we have no acquaintance. mentary and Critical Notes, designed Dr. Clarke has had twelve children, as a help to the better understanding of whom three sons and three daugh- of the Sacred Writings. 4to. 1810. ters only, survive. His eldest daugh--Harmer's Observations. 4 vols. ter is married to Mr. James Rowley, a 8vo.-Clavis Biblica; or a Compentimber-merchant, at Stourport, in dium of Scripture Knowledge, 8vo. Worcestershire. His second, is the Dr. Clarke has also published sevewife of Mr. James Hooke, an African ral Sermons and detached pieces; and merchant, who resides in London. he is the author of many anonymous The youngest still lives with her articles published in various respectparents. His eldest son is principal able journals. clerk in his Majesty's Record Office In addition to the above publicaof the Court of Exchequer. His tions, Dr. Clarke was employed sevesecond carries on an extensive print-ral years by Government, in collecting ing concern in London; and his youngest is now a student at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Of Dr. Clarke's works, the following is the most correct list that we have been able to procure; but we are convinced there are several other publications of which we cannot recollect the names:

Dissertation on the Use and Abuse of Tobacco: London, 1797. 8vo.-A Bibliographical Dictionary, containing a Chronological Account of the most curious books, in all departments of literature, from the infancy of printing to the beginning of the 19th century; to which are added, an Essay on Bibliography, and an account of the best English translations of each Greek and Latin classic. 1802. 6 vols. 12mo. and 8vo.-The Bibliographical Miscellany, or a Supplement to the Bibliographical Dictionary, down to 1806, 2 vols. 12mo. and 8vo.-Baxter's Christian Directory abridged. 1804, 2 vols. 8vo.-Claude Fleury's History of the Ancient Israelites, with an account of their Manners, Customs, &c. with a Life and fine Portrait of Claude Fleury. 1805. 12mo.-The Succession of Sacred Literature, in a chronological arrangement of authors and their works, from the invention of alphabetical characters to the year of our Lord 345. 1807. 12mo. and 8vo. vol. 1st. a second vol. is designed to bring the succession down to the year 1440.-Shuckford's Sacred and Profane History of the World connected, including Bishop Clayton's Strictures on the work, embellished with a set of maps.1808,4vols.8vo.-Sturm's Reflections, from the German, 4 vols. 12mo. -The Holy Scriptures, &c. &c. with the Marginal Readings, a Collection of Parallel Texts, and Copious Sum

materials for a new edition of RYMER'S FŒDERA, in folio, of which he saw the 2 first vols. through the press. This work is now superintended by a commission under Government.

Several of the above works will ensure the immortality of Dr. Clarke's name in the republic of letters; but that on which it will descend to posterity, under the auspices of the most undiminished lustre, is, his learned and voluminous Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, the sale and popularity of which have been almost unexampled. This laborious work is yet unfinished; but to its completion it is devoutly to be hoped his valuable life will be prolonged.

In

As a friend, Dr. Clarke has always been distinguished for his undeviating constancy. Free, affable, and communicative, he is at all times easy of access: but this amiable feature in his character has frequently subjected him to unnecessary intrusions. company, he is cheerful and familiar, without displaying any parade of learning, except when particular occasions call for a momentary emanation from his ample stores. His conversation abounds with anecdote and incident, sometimes derived from foreign sources, but more generally drawn from his own observations on men and manners, collected during his journey through life, and treasured up in a highly retentive memory.

His preaching is distinguished by an intimate acquaintance with the scriptures, strong sense, and solid argument, emanating from a capacious mind, which communicates itself in an almost unbounded range of thought, that seems always at home in the fathomless abyss of research, and even when taking excursions into eternity. His diction is chiefly remark

able for simplicity, purity, strength, and perspicuity.

To the productions of his pen, these remarks are equally applicable as to his pulpit discourses. In all these, the measure of syllables, the artificial turns of expression, and the dance of periods, are beneath his notice. With him, import is never sacrificed to sound; his aim being to communicate the riches of his mind to others, in words best adapted to convey his meaning, and most likely to be universally understood. This seems to be the effect of habit, not of labour; and instances are very rare, in which his designs prove unsuccessful.

We shall conclude this outline of Dr. Clarke's life with the armorial bearing of his family.

nomena in the universe into matter, motion, chemical affinities and repugnancies, attraction, repulsion, and simple or complex organization. Intrenched under these scientific terms, which have an imposing appearance, they advance their theories with an overbearing confidence, as though truth could be laid under an obligation to impudence.

Deluded by the specious reasonings of men, who,

having found his instrument, forget, Or disregard, or, more presumptuous still, Deny the Power that wields it," many, unaccustomed to deep researches, have found themselves bewildered in metaphysical labyrinths, from which they have discovered no way to escape. Characters of this description, guided by the corruptions of their own hearts, have gladly availed themselves of an opinion so congenial to their wishes, and readily embraced the conclusions to which they have been conducted, without once suspecting the delusive steps that have led them into this subterraneous abyss.

To counteract the fatal effects of such pernicious principles, the following propositions are submitted to the consideration of atheists, and to those whom their unhallowed ingenuity has enchanted, by a species of philosophical legerdemain. Wherever a disbelief of the Being of a God gains an ascendancy in the mind, the foundations ARSTRACT PROPOSITIONS TENDING TO of morals, of virtue, of duty, and of

obligation, are swept aside. A full conviction that there is a God, holy,

and keeps alive, even in the otherwise most degenerate breast, a consciousness of future responsibility.

THERE is something in atheism so re-wise, and just, links man to eternity, pugnant to the moral feelings of civil ized man, that many serious and intelligent persons have sincerely doubted whether such a character as a real atheist ever existed within the whole range of the human species. That many individuals have openly denied the existence of a God, is not disputed; but whether pride, vain-glory, and an affectation to be thought more wise and penetrating than others, have not induced them to make this gloomy boast, in which the decisions of the head are at variance with the dictates of the heart, may be considered as highly problematical.

Without recurring to the theories of Epicurus, Lucretius, Hobbes, or Spinoza, it may be safely asserted, that among our moderns many have been found, who resolve all the visible phe

That there is a great First Cause of all finite existence, to whom contingencies and imperfections are alike inapplicable, results from the following propositions. But as the terms necessary and contingent frequently occur, it will be proper to explain the manner in which they are used.

In these propositions, that, and that only, is considered to be necessary which cannot be conceived, either to be non-existent, or to exist differently from what it is, without involving a contradiction. That, on the contrary, is contingent, which either may be, or may not be, without involving any contradiction.