36 REVIEW.-Dr. Parr's Works. niel Forster and Mr. Twining were his only fit companions; and at Norwich, what did the friendship of Mr. Windham effect for him? His works attached him only to a party, not to the individual members of the party; though he corresponded with every body, he was fixed to nobody." Dr. Parr had now attached himself to the politics of Mr. Fox and his party; and the King's illness, with the prospect of the Regency, excited for a season his hopes of advancement. In a letter to the Rev. Mr. Kett he thus discusses the question of the Prince's right. "As to political matters, I will just say a word. Mr. Fox's position is true, according to the sense in which it was explained. -It is not true, according to the sense in which alone it has been opposed; it is doubtful in part of the sense, according to which it has been defended. My idea is this: The Prince has no legal right; if legal means either an express declaration of law, or a positive and explicit proposition laid down generally in Parliament; but has a fair constitutional right, by which I mean as follows: It is a right founded upon analogy, from the elective nature of the monarchy. Upon analogy, from practice; according to which the heir apparent, unless absent from the country, or labouring under some legal disability, has been made Regent. It is a right not indirect or analogical, but direct upon principles of expediency; and those principles weigh with me more than any other consideration. I hold, that the right is not to be created by Parliament, but to be recognised and conveyed by it. I have told you that claim, as distinguished from right, pre-supposes the existence of right, and implies only the act of asserting it. If the Prince has no right, it plainly follows that the meanest subject is upon a footing with him; and yet they, who hold one, do not hold the other, which is to me a gross absurdity. What is meant by the word "right?” Look into Burlamaque, and there you will find a clear, sound, metaphysical explanation: in conformity to which I maintain the Prince's right, and Mr. Pitt's speech does not in any way touch the real jet of the question. He pranced about the precedents, but did not entangle himself in the briers of logic. The business took a turn, a vile popular turn, which prevented all deep and sound discussion. If the decision be really favourable to liberty, I am glad of it, though I am at a loss to conceive it is so. "Servet in ambiguo, qui consulit urbi," was the prudent language of Opposition. But to Mr. Pitt, aliter visum est. It is impossible, within any reasonable limits, to follow the Biographer of Dr. Parr through the stormy periods [July, of the French Revolution, and the political discussions in which Dr. P. took so active a part. On the question of the Test Acts he was strenuously opposed to the Dissenters, though in later times he altered his opinion, a change which he attributed to a masterly publication by Mr. Serjeant Heywood. With Dissenters of all classes he lived on very intimate terms, and it was from this circumstance that his sincerity was questioned. It could not be said of him, "That Tories called him Whig, and Whigs but by the Orthodox he has been sus- 1928.] REVIEW.-Dr. Parr's Works. cere may be the reconciliation that has taken place, if the station of the parties has been high, the dispute becomes matter of history: and the biographer is compelled unhappily to rekindle the slumbering ashes of past disputes, and awaken the spirit of contention from its repose. How much of this the writer of these pages must have felt, we can but too well imagine, and it is due to him to say, that in recording the period of excitement to which we have alluded, he has displayed a tact and temper honourable to his feelings and to his sagacity. We have an interesting account of Parr's intercourse with Porson, Tweddell, Wakefield, and other eminent scholars, and a detailed statement of his dispute with Dr. Combe, on the subject of the Variorum Horace, in which, with some slight indiscretions, the right is certainly with Parr. Of the late amiable and accomplished Bishop of Cloyne, one of the earliest, warmest, and steadiest friends of Parr, much is related; and in terms of high respect and praise. His character has been pourtrayed by Parr himself, with great eloquence and beauty. See page 484. Dr. Parr had now followed the employment, irksome, but honourable, of a schoolmaster thirty years, when his friends, with a generosity creditable to themselves and the object of it, succeeded in securing to him an annuity of 3007. a-year. Against preferment he had himself closed the door; it was scarcely to be expected in the existing state of parties, and the misapprehensions which his own conduct may have produced, that he would have been selected as a subject of patronage, how ever acknowledged his learning and attainments. His politics were unhappily so blended with his literature; and his great learning had been so powerfully employed against the dispensers of rewards, that the only mode of relieving him from the inconveniences of a narrow income, seems to have been the subscription which was adopted. His opposition to the measures of government, however sincere, were doubtless aggravated by a sense of neglect; and we find him influencing the public meetings of his county by his presence and his pen. His anger was particularly directed against Lord Warwick, in a letter, which, for preg 37 nant satire, and vigorous elegance of style," might be compared with the best rancour." or the worst productions of political Of these unholy feelings ject of these memoirs engaged-not and tempers, in which we find the subspects than of his moral nature his less to the inquiry of his worldly proBiographer most justly observes: "It is my painful duty to exhibit Dr. Parr under the influence of the angry passions; no man, however, indulges in them with impunity; they shake the bosom in which they rage, and the moral, no less than deformed when they agitate him unduly and the physical man becomes diseased and unceasingly. It is our interest, therefore, them in time, for an end to them there as much as it is our duty, to put an end to must be we cannot live in whirlwinds and in hurricanes." P. 511. Yet, to the honour of Dr. Parr be it recorded that, if his temper was violent, easily kindled, was soon appeased; and it was placable; his resentment, if in the decline of life, when the memory of his too numerous disputes may be supposed to have produced their sure effects on a generous mind, he hastened to make perhaps the only atonement in his power, either by seek ciliation was impossible, by consigning ing a reconciliation, or where reconthe memorials of the conflict to oblivion. Harvey Combe, 1800, that Dr. Parr It was during the mayoralty of Mr. preached that celebrated Spital Sermon his erudition, and added to his great which tended to display the stores of reputation. In this discourse he attacked some of the theories of Godwin, sonal hostility. It is here that Parr who replied with some feeling of perfor the first time embarked on metaphysical subjects; and his work is spoken of in terms of high panegyric Professor Dugald Stuart. There is by that competent authority, the late perhaps in Dr. J. a too frequent revival of obsolete slander; and his defence of his friend from the vulgar attack of the Author of the Pursuits of Litemingham Doctor," seems to us a work rature, who spoke of him as the "BirSermon gave Dr. Parr an opportunity of supererogation. The notes to the of praising the worthies of the English Universities, and his Biographer de tails some very interesting particulars of the laudatí. Of Dr. Butler, Parr had a very high opinion. "In heart," 38 REVIEW.-Dr. Parr's Works. "Wimbledon, Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1802. "SIR,-I am sorry it is not in my power to place you in a situation which would well become you; I mean, in the episcopal palace at Bugden; but I can bring you very near to it, for I have the presentation to a rectory, now vacant, within a mile and a half of it, which is very much at Dr. Parr's service. It is the rectory at Graffham, at present worth 2001. a year, and, as I am informed, may soon be worth 270l.; and I this moment learn that the incumbent died last Tuesday. Dr. Parr's talents and character might well entitle him to better patronage than this from those who know how to estimate his merits; but I acknowledge that a great additional motive with me to the offer I now make him is, that I believe I cannot do any thing more pleasing to his friends, Mr. Fox, Mr. Sheridan, and Mr. Knight; and I desire you, Sir, to consider yourself obliged to them only. I have the honour to be, Sir, with the greatest respect, your obedient servant, FRANCIS BURDETT." On the establishment of the Fox and Grenville administration, he naturally looked for preferment, the reward of the services he had rendered his party, and a remuneration for the sacrifices he had made, but he was disappointed. Perhaps if Mr. Fox had lived, and the Administration, of which he formed not an important part, had remained unbroken, something might have been effected. It would be now an unprofitable speculation to endeavour to ascertain the cause of this neglect. It is stated by his Biographer to have been a subject rather of jocularity than of anger: and he was wont, sarcastically, to apply the celebrated answer of Cato, when it was asked, why other men had statues, and he had not? to his own case. Of his preten sions to the mitre Dr. Johnstone is an eloquent defender. (July, already quoted the authority of Mr. Burke for Parr's superior fitness for a seat in the House of Lords-for his superior knowledge of theology, I appeal to those Bishops who were wont to consult him on sacred subjects-for his supreme acquirements as a scholar, I appeal to all scholars-for his paternal and religious care of his flock, I appeal to his parish-for his generosity, I appeal to the poor-for his kindness, openness, and dignity of demeanor, I appeal to the rich-for the purity and sincerity of his heart, I might with reverence appeal to that Being to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; and if such a man was not fit to be a Christian Bishop, I will no longer insist on the claim of Dr. Parr to preferment. Yet I must assert, that he would not have been more arrogant than Warburton-that he would not have been less orthodox than Law-and that, with the eloquence of Bossuet, he would have carried the merciful spirit of Fenelon into the chair. His pipe might be deemed in these fantastic days a degradation at the table of the palace or the castle; but his noble hospitality, combined with his habits of sobriety, whether tobacco fumigated his table or not, would have filled his hall with the learned and the good; and his love of state, perhaps of pomp, would have done all besides, that general usage demanded from the episcopal character." The misrepresentations that assailed him, in consequence of his evidence on the capacity of Lord Chedworth, are manifest proofs of the readiness with which every handle of annoyance was seized, and of the diligence of the spirit which was lying in wait for "his hatching." His relative, Mr. Eyre, printed in this journal a statement, concerning the plate given by Lord Chedworth to Dr. Parr; and we but notice the calumny that was afloat, to show in what temper his most innocent actions were judged. It appears to have been his intention to have written a life of Mr. Fox, but he desisted, probably from the conviction that it would have led him into a wide field of politics-and politics, too, in which he had taken so decided a part. He contented himself with editing the best written characters of Mr. Fox by others, enriched with copious notes; and his Philopatris Varvicensis, the homage of learning to political wisdom, is said to be full of the best sentiments in the best language of the age. The volume was dedicated to Mr. Coke, of Norfolk. Our limits necessarily restrict us to a 1828.3 REVIEW.-Dr. Parr's Works. rapid glance at the contents of this interesting volume. There are many subjects on which we could have dwelt with pleasure, but it has been our object to furnish the reader with an outline of the matter it contains. We are now brought to the chapter of his domestic history, where, as a father, his feelings were sorely tried. Of three children (daughters), he survived them all. He lost one at Norwich; and of the others, Catharine, the youngest, died of consumption in Teignmouth, in 1805. Of Parr's feelings under this affliction his own letters will speak in the truest and strongest terms. Writing to his elder daughter, he says: Mr. "Teignmouth, Nov. 21st. "DEAR SARAH,-After many provoking disappointments and obstacles, I got from Bristol to Bath, and from Bath to Exeter, on Tuesday morning between one and two. I slept four hours, and reached Teignmouth on Wednesday, at half an hour after two. I am most happy in coming so rapidly. My determination was to take my dear Catharine back to Hatton, by slow stages, if she could bear the journey, but she cannot. Cartwright assures me she will die on the road; she is carried up and down stairsshe cannot read a book-she has no appetite, no sleep, no mitigation of pain by day or night. Death, my dear Sarah, is the only deliverance now to be wished for from insuperable anguish. Mr. Cartwright will assist me in making arrangements to carry the breathless corpse from Teignmouth to Hatton. I shall return and attend the funeral, so must you. Now, I will send particulars in a day or two, if I am able. You must exert yourself to see part of them executed. Think if you can of four unmarried persons to support the pall; the rest I will manage. The grave must be so contrived as to let her lie between your mother and myself. Your letters came to day. They were glad to see me so much sooner than they expected. I am dying a thousand deaths. "Tell Mr. Marshall, if he and the parishioners approve, the bell should be tolled all day, with one side muffled as on the day of Lord Nelson's funeral. My heart aches, I will write again soon: be prepared for the worst. My love to the children. God bless you. I am, your affectionate and afflicted father, S. PARR." She died the next day, and Doctor and Mrs. Parr followed the body from Teignmouth into Warwickshire in funeral procession, indicating "his parental fondness and his love of ceremony." Of this daughter there is a 39 character in this Magazine, vol. LXXX. ii. 92. The marriage of his daughter Sarah with one of his pupils, was a source of great unhappiness to him; and it terminated, as marriages clandestinely formed too often terminate, in disagreement and separation. This lady died at Hatton in 1810. Of Mrs. Parr, we have the following account: "In the earlier periods of his life Mr. Roderick assures me, that Dr. Parr was tenderly attached to his wife. He relied upon her judgment, and committed the care of all his concerns to her management. But it was a match imposed upon him by Dr. Askew, for temporary convenience. Mrs. Parr was not a woman to be loved, and Parr was too inexperienced in the world to make choice of life at so early an age. Indeed, of this inexperience, Mr. Hetley could tell some ludicrous instances, and from his authority I assert, that Mrs. Parr herself was not calculated to conduct a large establishment well, and that she defeated in the house what Parr did in the school. In certain matters of family interest she continued his friend and adviser; but her sarcasms often wounded his spirit, her want of temper diminished his domestic happiness, and her bitter and false representations sometimes tended to injure his fame. We may here observe that Dr. Parr, in 1817, married Miss Eyre, the sister of his accomplished friend, and she survives him. Of the religious opinions of Dr. Parr, his Biographer enters into a very elaborate investigation; but this part of the subject with us naturally belongs to an examination of his Theological writings, to which we purpose in another number to direct our attention. That he was neither unbeliever, sceptic, nor latitudinarian, we have ample evidence in his writings, in his letters, in his conversation; and no very indifferent testimony to the contrary may be found in the habits of intimacy in which he lived with the most orthodox scholars of the age. If his acquaintance with many of the most intelligent Dissenters have brought his "christianity," as he termed it, into question; let him not be deprived of the argument to be derived from his stronger feelings of friendship, for those whose rank and station in the Church are a sufficient guarantee for the soundness of their theological opinions. He may have mingled the speculations of metaphysics, and the refinements of philo 40 REVIEW.-Dr. Parr's Works. sophy, in his sermons, perhaps too deeply for an age in which such studies have been neglected by churchmen; but the general tone of his discourses was practical utility. His tolerant spirit in matters ecclesiastical and civil has been spoken of before. Of Catholic emancipation, he was a warm advocate; and on the question of the repeal of the Test Laws, he became a convert to those opinions which have recently succeeded in their abolition. Of his particular opinions concerning those mysterious doctrines, some of which are laid down as articles of faith necessary to be believed by the Church of England, he has delivered some sketches in divers parts of his works already printed, and more will come forth in those now published, on the subjects of justification, election, and predestination; he was not a Calvinist, and he appeared to have been of opinion that the Articles of the Church needed reformation." But we must bring our notice to a close. In the summer of 1824, Dr. Parr's strength visibly declined; "on the 16th of January 1825," says Dr. Johnstone, he ate, he drank, he laughed, he enjoyed, he studied, he instructed; on that Sunday he did the whole duty in the church at Hatton-prayed, preach ed, christened a child, and alas! buried a corpse. In this last duty he was probably overcome by fatigue, and benumbed by cold. In the succeeding night he was seized with a long continued ague, followed by fever and delirium." His disease, accompanied with the worst symptoms, continued until March; and the narrative of his sufferings, and of his dying consolations, are very affectionately described by his Biographer. ap "On Sunday the 6th of March, the proach of death became more manifest; the pulsation of the artery at the wrist was imperceptible, yet he awoke conscious, spoke to Mrs. Lynes, and knew those around him. Gratefully affected by the attention I endeavoured to shew him, he appeared from his attitude, repeatedly to bless me, and with the utmost emphasis of his dying voice, saluted me as his most dear friend. The expression of his countenance during the greater part of the day was almost divine. He could take no food, yet, with short intervals of delirium had the most complete possession of his intellect. Not a murmur of impatience escaped him, except the words of kindness he whispered to those about him; all he uttered was devotional; and Such was his frame of mind till five minutes [July, before his death. He then became insensible, and departed by an inaudible expira tion at six in the afternoon. Dr. Maltby attended the death-bed of his old master, and performed the duty in Hatton church on one of the Sundays when his condition had become hopeless. The impression of such a pupil praying for such a master, in that place where that master was never to appear again, may be more readily conceived than described. "On the 26th of January, his birth-day, Archdeacon Butler came; I took him to the bed-side of his dying friend, whose countenance beamed with joy at his approach. The manner in which he clasped our hands together and blessed us, as the two friends whom, next to his own grand-children, he loved best on earth, can never be forgotten by Dr. Butler or myself." We have but little room for further observation. In the estimate of Dr. Parr's character, which Dr. Johnstone has formed, we generally agree; and we have now only to repeat those terms of approbation with which we commenced this notice. "If the Biographer," says the author, "writes from personal knowledge, and makes haste to gratify the public curiosity, there is danger lest his interest, his fear, his gratitude, or his tenderness overpower his fidelity, and tempt him to conceal, if not to invent." There are many who think it an act of piety to hide the faults and failings of their friends, even when they can no longer suffer from the detection. Such Biography is not that which we have now considered. Some regard may and ought to have been paid to the memory of the dead; but there has been at least an equal respect for knowledge, for virtue, and for truth. There is no petty detail of idle conversation and uncourteous habits; no Boswellian minuteness in narrating trivial and uninteresting occurrences.-Dr. Johnstone has grappled with his subject with the strength of a scholar, and with the fearlessness of a man of integrity, too manly to shrink from the avowal of his own opinions, and too candid to hesitate where he has been called upon either for censure or for praise. His fidelity has not been overpowered by contending feelings of friendship and veracity, and he has produced a work which will hand down his name to posterity, in honorable connection with him, whom, in spite of politics, and many differences of opinion, the first scholars repeatedly designate the first scholar of the age. |