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PRINTED BY R. MORISON JUNIOR,

FOR R. MORISON & SON, BOOKSELLERS, PERTH.

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NE. GEORGE, bp. of Norwich

General Literary

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BISHOP HORNE, a prelate, diftinguished by many excellent theological writings, was born in the year 1731, being the fon of the Rev. Samuel Horne, rector of Otham, in Kent, by whom he was instructed in the first rudiments of learning. Being sent to Magdalene College in Oxford, he was made Master of Arts in 1752, and was chofen Prefident of his College in 1768. About this time, he married the daughter of Philip Burton, Efq. of Eltham in Kent. He successively took the degrees of Bachelor and Dr in Divinity, and was appointed Chaplain in Ordinary to his Majesty. In 1776, he was chofen Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and continued in that office four years. In 1781, he was preferred to the deanry of Canterbury; and, in 1789, fucceeded Dr Bagot in the see of Norwich, on his tranflation to that of St Afaph. He died on the 17th of January 1792, in the fixty-fecond year of his age. His faculties continued with him to the last; and he may be truly said to have died the death of the Righteous." His mind was not only remarkably pleasant as his end drew near, but even lively and pleasant. When

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he had received the sacrament from the hands of his chaplain, he said he felt himself blessed and happy. To each individual of his family, he gave his benediction; bidding them go, and do all the good in their power. He expired without a groan, in the same heavenly tranquillity in which he lived; and he might have truly faid, as the illustrious Addison did in his dying moments, See, in what peace a Christian can die.'-He was interred in the family-vault of his father-in-law at Eltham. He left three daughters, the eldest of whom is married to the Rev. Selby Hele.

Beside several single fermons, Dr Horne published, in 1769, Confiderations on the Life and Death of St John the Baptift,' in 12mo. This was intended for the younger students in theology, and contains many pious and practical reflections. In 1776 he published in 2 vols 4to, A Commentary on the Book of Pialms; in which the literal, or historical Senfe, as they relate to King David, and the People of Ifrael, is illustrated, and their Application to Meffiah, to the Church, and to Individuals, as Members thereof, is pointed out.' It was afterwards published in two volumes 8vo. - This publication has great merit, not only as it recommends to our attentive regard an important part of the facred writings, but as it illustrates them, and presents to our view a great number of pleasing, folid, and edifying reflections. Piety, indeed, appears to have been a predominant trait in the character of Dr Horne, and to have been productive to himself of that felicity and enjoyment which the world cannot give. Thus, speaking of the fatisfaction he had found in composing this work, he says, Could the author flatter himself, that any one would have half half the pleasure in reading the following expofition, which he hath had in writing it, he would not fear the lofs of his labour. The employment detached him from the bustle and hurry of life, the din of politics, and the noise of folly: vanity and vexation flew away for a season; care and difquietude came not near his dwelling. He arose, fresh as the morning, to his task; the filence of the night invited him to pursue it; and he can truly say, that food and rest were not preferred before it. Every psalm improved infinitely on his acquaintance with it, and no one gave him uneafiness but the last; for then he grieved that his work was done. Happier hours than those which have been spent in these meditations on the fongs of Sion, he never expected to see in this world. Very pleasantly did they pass, and move smoothly and swiftly along; for, when thus engaged, he counted no time. They are gone, but have left a relish. and a fragrance on the mind, and the remembrance of them is sweet.' In 1777, he published

A. Letter to Adam Smith, LL. D. on the Life, Death, and Philofophy of his Friend David Hume, Esq.' In this he points out the pernicious tendency of that philosopher's writings, and the folly of his assumed levity in the article of Death, in a strain of argument, sometimes serious and sometimes pleafant. In 1779, he first published, in 2 vols. 8vo. The DISCOURSES now offered to the. public. In these, he appears to have conformed to the advice of the excellent Fenelon, in his 'Dialogues on the Eloquence of the Pulpit, that preachers would pay an attentive and principal regard to the Scriptures, and endeavour to impress, and influence their hearers by the several confiderations that are to be thence

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