and, being at the head of his man of large property, cons tegrity and humanity, was tho abilities, and much esteemed fo have great influence with James he frequently exerted in favou friends, and others, who suffer the several penal laws of that well as in undeceiving his Maje respect to the misrepresentati wrong impressions which he wa made use of the influence of Pe receive. James, on the othe the weight which he had with designs in favour of Popery, u senters in general, to promote colour of a general toleration pension of the penal laws aga Sectaries, as well as against the Catholicks. Indeed, from the from the success of his applicat access which Penn had to the Ki was, both in this and the nex strongly suspected of Popery. cumstance occasioned a corresp between him and the pious, lear candid Dr. Tillotson, who had being convinced that it was un the same opinion, but who aft confessed himself perfectly sati his error, and gave him a writt mony to that effect.-Penn, it bable, was not averse to find, King, from whatever cause, was to dispense with those penal law affected his friends, as well as al who were not of the Established This disposition of James was f in April 1687, by his Declaratio berty of conscience, and suspensi the penal laws; on which occasi presented an address to his Majes his brethren, who stated, persons were thus released from imprisonment, and many others f perties. From the charge of spoil and ruin of their estates Penn likewise exculpated himsel answer to a letter which he rec October 1688, both of which are in his Life; and in his answer he a ledges and accounts for his nu visits to Whitehall, by observing frequently had business there friends, whom he had ever serv a steady solicitation, and for o all persuasions, thinking it a d says, to improve the little in particularly the poor; I might a had for the good of those who ne continues, something of my ow too, though I must own they h Penn therefore had suggested t the least share of my thoughts.' priety of some expedient in this b it was not unnatural for the Co One letter was afterwards communicated by Lord and Lady Somers; see p. 48. EDIT. wish to make a trial at least of 1812.] Review of New Publications. fluence: though it appears from the acconnt given of the interview with him, that he was not at this time free from suspicion of his sincerity, and of his religious principles. This account is contained in a letter from Dr. Hough to a relation of his, a copy of which is preserved among the manuscripts of Bp. Gibson in the British Museum." The letter above alluded to is copied at large by Mr. Wilmot, and is extremely interesting. A letter from the good Bishop, to Lord Digby, at a very late period of bis life, has been more than once copied in our Magazine: but we cannot forbear transcribing "an original and characteristic letter from Bishop Hough to the Rev. Mr. Lewis of Margate, written with all the piety and benevolence of a primitive Christian;" which has been obligingly communicated by the Reverend Dr. Burnaby, archdeacon of Leicester. "SIR, Hartlebury, April 6, 1743. "I could not forgive myself should I forbear to return you my best and kindest thanks for your favour in distributing what I troubled you with, to the mutual satisfaction of the receivers ; and am not a little pleased that they are sensible of your kindness and mine to them. I apprehend I shall not live to see much more of the coming year, though I wear out leisurely, and am free from sickness and pain; but strength declines and memory fails. The mode rate degree of understanding which God was pleased to give me does not impair The famous Mr. Waller was of opinion that age improved it: I am sure experience does. But as the contrary often falls out, I have strictly charged those about me, that when they discover symp toms of such a change, they suffer no consideration to conceal it from me. I pray not with more sincerity for myself, than for my friends; and I most heartily wish health and every convenience to you, whereby your life may be made easy and comfortable. I have no doubt but that, when our gracious Redeemer comes in all his glory to judge mankind, you and I, with all faithful people, shall, through the mercy of God, and his me rits, find a place at his right hand. What our portion may be in his kingdom, is known only to his Father and Himself; but this is revealed to us, that there are pleasures above our conceptions, and durable to all eternity. I have no more to add but that I am, Sir, your very affectionate Brother and obedient Friend, Jo. WORCESTER." 43 Another short Letter shall be given, addressed to Bishop Gibson, and the last, probably, which he ever wrote. "MY LORD, May 4, 1743. "You are pleased to ask (and I am in many respects obliged to obey your Lordship in saying), how it fares with me? I lately saw the day in which I entered into the 93d year of my life; and I thought it a very proper season to make particular enquiry into the state of it. I found the last year to have impaired every faculty of mind and body more than I could have imagined; and by such imperceptible degrees, that I was not aware how treacherously it stole made, till the several items of my loss upon me, and how deep impressions it came together in full view; and then it appeared I had suffered so much as left little to support the remainder of life. I think it can be but of short duration; and I thank God, the prospect gives me no uneasiness. Your Lordship has more than twenty years to come before you arrive at my number, and are happy in a constitution that may carry you far beyond it; but pardon me, my Lord, if I reproach you a little for having made trial of its strength, to the universal applause indeed, but to the no small concern of your Friends, who have seen some instances, and heard of many more, where great abilities have perfectly worn out themselves by over-exercise. I pray for every thing that may contribute to the happy state of your whole family, and am, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient and affectionate servant, Jo. WORCESTER." The truly excellent Prelate survived the writing of the above Letter only four days. "There was an epidemical distemper in this year, which was felt upon the Continent as well as in this Country, and which carried off a great many, particularly those in years. Among others, Mr. Melmoth, aged 78; Sir Theophilus Biddulph, aged 79; Mr. Ainsworth, aged 83; the Duchess of Kendal, aged 80; &c. It appears that this venerable Prelate could not withstand the remarkably severe weather in March and April of the year "Bishop Gibson had lately reprinted several treatises against Popery, digested under proper heads and titles, with prefaces by himself. He lived, however, till 1748, and died at the age of 79, having worn out his constitution, it is said, by a long course of study and business." Gent. Mag. 1743, vol. XIII p. 274. 1743. Publications constitution, however, 1743. His struggled against it for a few days after he wrote this last Letter to the Bishop of London; but at length he expired, without a groan, on the 8th of May, surrounded by some of his friends and neighbours, who attended him in his last moments, and to whom he said, 'We part, to meet again, I hope, in endless joys.' "The account of his death is thus given by the Rev. Mr. Meadow court, prebendary of Worcester, who attended his funeral, in a letter to a friend at Oxford, who inquired the particulars of it. His RD. MEADOWCOURT.' "It is not surprising that such a con- Such as on Hough's unsullied mitre Good Worc'ster thus supports his droop rage; a later Muse 'See Hough, superior to a Tyrant's doom, of a "The advantages, likewise, Bp. Hough's Epistolary Correspond- "Oct. 23, 1727. I have contented he suffers, without lamenting the hardship of his case, and reflecting on the fickle condition of every thing in this world? Honour, so eagerly sought for by others, came to him easily and uncourted; but, instead of any thing that might have afforded comfort and satisfaction, it brought nothing along with it but trouble and vexation. I would have no manner of ill befall the young gentleman; but his ambitious expectation should continue many years, could the old one have the health and strength I wish him." "Dec. 16. Your Ladyship gave me a real pleasure, not so much in describing a splendid Court, as in observing, that every face had gaiety and content in it. In my poor opinion, it is no small Firm, and intrepid on his country's side, Her boldest champion then, and now her mildest guide!" Misc. Works, vol. III. p. 86. fatigue 1812.] Review of New Publications. fatigue that they in the highest stations submit to, in receiving the complaisance and deference of those about them: but to desire love and esteem is inseparable from human nature; and as I really believe no Princes ever studied more than our own to gain the hearts of their people, it is pity but they should sincerely have them. I dare not, however, flatter myself that the delightful scene will hold long, for we begin already to hear of uneasiness and muttering, which will grow louder as the 11th of January* comes on, unless some hands be changed; and matters are not always mended that way. How outrageously brutish were the words which we are told were spoken to a great person at the last Masquerade. It must certainly exercise his utmost patience to keep in his resentment, and make him thoroughly sensible how improper it was to expose himself to such usage. I protest I could not hear of it without indignation: but since it has been the occasion of putting an end to that senseless diversion, I can almost forgive it." "Jan. 14, 1728-9. You are pleased to mention a certain Duke, whose chair has once or twice been seen to stand at your door: and as inquisitive people are quick-sighted, I must own I have heard from another hand of its being observed: in good earnest I can see no reason why your Ladyship should not make him happy in yourself, provided it be upon terms no way prejudicial to the children you are blessed with. Let him be contented to share with you in your annual income, and no other way to concern himself with your fortune, and I am one of those who shall wish him good success in his addresses. I have always looked upon him as a good-natured, well-bred gentleman; he is upon the point of marrying his daughter, and there will be no danger of any one to interfere with you in his family; his estate is equal to his title; and though I should never advise you to purchase quality, yet if it will come easily, and upon reasonable conditions, I should be heartily glad to see you at the toy, and you would really find advantage, as well as place and figure in it." "Jan. 19, 1733, The Town is at present, I fancy, a very busy scene, where all the Ladies are preparing for the Wedding at Court, and the Lords and Gentlemen for supplies suitable to the exigency of the coming year. God grant a happy issue to both! May the Prince of Oranget, and our Princess, be lasting * "The meeting of Parliament." ተ Charles Henry, who married Anne the Princess Royal, March 25, 1733-4, 45 blessings to each other, to us, and to our neighbours and may the two Houses agree in every thing that may be for the service of their country, the honour of the Crown, and their own reputation! But when they are up, I dread to look forward to the election of a new Parliament; the spirits of people in some of the remote Counties being so exasperated, that it is not easy to imagine how they can meet together without great disturbance." April 22, 1734. Your Ladyship has with what is most polite, that the splenalways been so intimately acquainted dour of the late Wedding‡ and the pompous appearance at Court, have not, I dare say, dazzled you. It must have it, truly magnificent; nothing seems to been, according to the account given of have been omitted that could possibly Majesty gave his daughter in marriage, express the pleasure wherewith His so agreeably to the interests and inclination of his people; but the show is over, the ceremonious finery will no more appear to entertain our eyes, and the accomplishments of the Royal Bride, and her Prince, can only be our standing glories. The time will quickly come, when they must go to be received with universal joy in another country: God grant them a safe and an easy passage, and make them long happy in each other, and in every circumstance of life! and then it matters not much in what dress their happiness appears." "Nov. 27, 1736. The News-writers tell us Mrs. Mary Jennens § died lately, as she frequently lived, in a public Inn. Her retired humour was out of the common road, and the method she took to conceal herself from all her relations very unaccountable: it gave them just cause to suspect, that whenever she left her great fortune, it might probably fall into the hands of such as were strangers to her blood, and neither her own prudence, nor the interest of her kindred, be considered in the disposal; but herein she has deceived the world, if, as we are told, she has made a will, whereof her uncle Jennens is executor, and given her He died in 1751, and the Princess in 1759, leaving one son, William Henry Prince of Orange, and last Stadtholder." Of the Prince and Princess of Orange; see our vol. IV. p. 160. § "She was first cousin to the rich Mr. Jennens, of Acton. She never married, and had great singularities; she left her fortune to her aunt, Hester Jennens, married to William Hanmer, esq. of Flintshire. Her executor was Charles Jennens, esq. her eldest uncle." estate estate to a family that had a reasonable expectation from her. I cannot but wish, and so I dare say does your Ladyship, that the young Ladies at Packington had been thought of for a part, who are as near to her as any, and none more deserving; but the whole, it seems is bequeathed to Mrs. Hanmer, who has lived discreetly, and bred up her children carefully, and much good may it do them!-Lord Aylesford expresses much satisfaction in having given his fine daughter to Lord Andover*; the alliance is honourable; and, for the convenience of the lady she will be settled at an easy distance from all her nearest relations; Lord Berkshire, likewise, is not less pleased than her father, and there are valuable circumstances in the match; but Lord Aylesford declares his chief, was the future happiness of this child, which, with God's blessing, he thinks he has provided for." "Feb. 11, 1737. Nobody is so remote from Court, or so retired, as not to feel the loss of our late accomplished Queen; and I do not wonder if it still sits heavy on your Ladyship's heart, who had frequent access to her person, and were always looked on with distinction. Her wisdom and address were of mighty in fluence; and I know nothing but a speedy reconciliation between the King and Prince, that can hinder us from perceiving how much we suffer in being deprived of them." "April 25. I hear every body speak of the younger Mr. Wilmott, as one who already makes a figure at the Bar, and has as fair a prospect before him, as many who have risen to the highest posts in the Law. His cousin Knightley is likewise hopeful, and very deserving; nor can we observe them, without reflecting on the good providence of God, that has formed them to cheer their dear Mothers' hearts." "Oct. 15. I lately had a letter from good Mrs. Wilmot, wherein she speaks, with a good deal of satisfaction, of her Son's being in Ireland, with the Lord "William Howard Viscount Andover, son of the Earl of Berkshire. He succeeded to the Earldom of Suffolk, and married Mary, second daughter of the Earl of Aylesford." +"John Eardley Wilmot, esq. second son of Robert Wilmot, esq. of Osmaston, co. Derby, then in his 28th year. He and his cousin Knightley were the sons of both Lady Kaye's Sisters." "The late Sir Robert Wilmot, bart. father of the present Sir Robert Wilmot, of Osmaston near Derby." Lieutenant. His Grace has the character of great honour and sincerity, the two most valuable qualities that can dwell in a noble breast, and I dare say he will provide handsomely for him, if he can: but his best, and most frequent opportunities of gratifying his friends, and servants, are in the Army, and in the Church: on neither of which your Nephew has his eye; and as for civil employments, they do not fall every day. Many competitors appear for those that are considerable, some of whom may probably bring intimations from Court, not easy to be overlooked: I cannot therefore be extremely sanguine in my expectation of the young gentleman's promotion; but he is in the right to try how far the Duke of Devonshire's favour may carry him, and possibly his success may exceed his hopes. It is commonly observed that, in the course of life, almost every body has a lucky hit, and we will hope to hear of his meeting with it in Dublin." "Dec. 18. You tell me, Madam, you had been at Court, and saw the King and Queen cheerful: good God! how dreadfully is the scene changed! and how dark a cloud has it brought over our heads: in good truth I can think of nothing else but the irreparable loss we have had in a most accomplished lady, who was an ornament to the Crown, and a blessing to us all; and if some meaus be not found out whereby the King and Prince may come to a better understanding than is betwixt them at present, one dreads to look forward to the con sequences that may follow §." "April 9, 1740. I am personally known to few of our Nobility; but the Peerage of England, and that of Scotland, make me very well acquainted with all their families, and I really have pleasure in hearing they are likely to be well supported." "July 21. The misunderstanding in a great family is so variously talked of that a looker-on knows not what to make of it: a disagreement there is, that is certain; for they are actually parted; but for what cause is so differently reported, that a man knows not what to believe, and I wish it may always be a riddle. I am sure your Ladyship is sorry for it- - so am I; and, as old as I am, would go a great way to make up the breach; but I doubt it is too wide." § "This unhappy misunderstanding had existed some time, and is accurately explained in the Rev. Mr. Coxe's interesting Memoirs of Sir Robert Walpole, vol. II. chap. 48, p. 442, 8th edit." The |