Sententiæ Philosophorum e Codice Leidensi Vossiano. 12mo. 1788.

These publications were only the precursors of other learned treatises which followed in rapid succession during the ensuing five years.

Even a cursory inspection of their contents would impress any intelligent reader with a strong conviction of the mental energy, the various erudition, and the indefatigable industry of their author.

His correspondents at this time were numerous, including, in addition to the learned foreigners above enumerated, Dr. Parr, Dr. Burney, Rev. Mr. Glasse, Dr. Loveday, Mr. T. Falconer, Dr. Heberden, Lord Sandys, &c.

Most of their surviving letters are unfitted for publication, in a memoir like the present, being in a great degree confined to questions of verbal criticism. Some few of a more popular character are introduced, as recording the opinions of contemporary men of learning upon his publications, and other interesting particulars.

The following letter from himself to Dr. Parr shows that at this early period of his life he held the same decided opinion upon a great political question, which he so strenuously maintained in his old age, as a Peer of Parliament.

Josephus does relate that Herod took down and rebuilt the Temple ; from the former, by maintaining that another rebuilding of the Temple by Herod is not incompatible with the usual application of the prophecy of Haggai. But in doing this he disclaims offering any opinion of his own upon the justice of that application.

DEAR SIR,

MANY thanks for your obliging letter. The additions to Fletcher's Miscellanea Metrica which you were so good as to suggest, I have mentioned to him, and he is glad to find that his intended publication does not meet with your disapprobation. Heath's introductory pages, and Dawes's metrical canons, shall certainly be added. I could wish to add Brunck's metrical observations, as well as Dorville's, Markland's, &c., if I did not think that I shall be able to execute that part of the publication more advantageously another time, should a second edition be called for. I shall make it a lecture book, which will afford me opportunities of reading it frequently and diligently.

The intelligence which you sent me respecting Emmanuel College and Fair Lawn House gave me great pleasure. I rejoice that Burney has renewed his connection with Cambridge, and that he is engaged to publish Terentianus Maurus.

The conclusion of your letter reminds me of some conversation we had at Oxford on the subject of the Test Act. You say, "Will the Bishops do Perhaps they will: per

any thing besides vote?" haps they are now doing something though I do not know that they are, nor have I any authority to support it. I remember you thought that the avowed countenance of the Bishops was necessary on this occasion. But why should you wait for the countenance of any men of any rank? Your talents

require no exterior assistance to give efficacy to your language or argumentation. You have the means of rendering incalculable service, not merely to the Church, but to your country, on this occasion*, if you do not leave those means unexerted, because they are not solicited. Excuse my freedom. I speak as I feel and my feelings are excited by sincere respect for you, and by the interest which every friend to the present form of government, as well as every Churchman, must take in the present question. Compliments to Mr. Smelt. I am, dear Sir,

Yours, respectfully,

T. BURGESS.

DR. BURNEY TO THE REV. MR. BURGESS.

SIR,

Hammersmith, Sept. 8. 1788.

I BEG leave to return you my sincere thanks for the present of the Initia Homerica, which you did me the honour of sending to me, and, at the same time, permit me to congratulate teachers and pupils, on the appearance of a publication from which they cannot but derive mutual advantage. In a coun

At this time Mr. Burgess gave Dr. Parr credit for being orthodox in his creed, and for taking the same side with himself in politics; but the Doctor's subsequent opinions produced an almost total cessation of intercourse between them; nor would the Bishop consent to the publication of any of his letters in the biography of Parr, lest expressions of respect and esteem, having reference to his character in earlier days, should be more generally applied.

try, where the aspirers after knowledge are so numerous, it is very strange, that elementary books should have always been so few in number, and generally so useless, from the injudicious manner in which they have been compiled or written. In the present age, however, it is surely an occasion for triumph, that while Mrs. Barbauld and Mrs. Trimmer have successfully employed their talents to smooth the road to the English student, Mr. Huntingford and Mr. Burgess have laboured to render the avenues, which lead to an acquaintance with the writers of Greece, more easy of access than they were ever found by our ancestors.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obliged

CHARLES BURNEY.

TO THE REV. MR. BURGESS.

REVEREND SIR,

I HOPE you will forgive the liberty I take in thus introducing myself to you with a request of so much consequence to me, that I am obliged to wave the circumstance of my not having the honour of your acquaintance.

It is now about three years since I began the task of putting Milton's Samson Agonistes into a Grecian dress. After a variety of interruptions, occasioned by the laborious employments in which I am engaged, I am now bringing it very near its

conclusion. It has been, as yet, submitted to no eye, save that of one highly honoured friend, who had the goodness to revise it in a very imperfect state, and to suggest several alterations of great consequence.

Before it makes its appearance in the world, I am very anxious that it should have the advantage of your critical knowledge: if I can be so happy as to obtain your permission to transmit you the MS., it is a favour I shall never be able to repay, but I shall always consider myself as most essentially obliged to you.

I hope, Sir, my presuming to address you personally, instead of transmitting you this request through the medium of any of our common friends, will be attributed only to the impatience I feel to be gratified in this object so very near my wishes. I have the honour to be,

with the utmost respect, Reverend Sir,

Your most obedient humble servant,

Greenford, Feb. 27. 1787.

GEORGE HENRY GLASSE.

The above request was acceded to, as appears by a subsequent letter of grateful acknowledgement from Mr. Glasse.