God only knows the hearts of men; what influences they are under, and what are their designs. But from these and other circumstances, relating to Dr. Clarke, there is nothing improbable in supposing, that had his life been prolonged, he would have made some attempt to have procured an exclusion from the Liturgy of the worship of all other persons, except the Father, the one only true God. And had he been endued with courage to exert himself to bring about such a reformation, in the article of divine worship, who can say he would not have proposed it? there is no small ground of presumption to believe, that he would therein have had the countenance of his late Majesty George II,; but most assuredly of his consort, Queen Caroline; who was entirely in Dr. Clarke's sentiments (a), with respect to the Athanasian Trinity and worship. One circumstance also is reported on good authority, that by both their Majes ties he was so highly esteemed, that had he lived, he would have been raised to the bench of bishops, and perhaps the see of Canterbury might have been offered to him (b).

(a) Since the writing of the above, I have been informed by a friend, well acquainted with Dr. Clarke's son, and who learned from him, that Queen Caroline had a copy of the "Amendments of the book of Common-prayer, &c. in her hands, at the time of Dr. Clarke's death; and that she afterwards returned the copy back to the family.

(6) Memoirs of the life of Dr. Samuel Clarke. Emlyn's works, vol. ii. p. 492..

And

And it is to be observed, that this was after the Doctor's sentiments concerning the Trinity had been many years published, and also opposed, and condemned in print, by the famous Dr. Waterland, and others; of which things those who had thoughts of placing him in such a high situation could not be ig

norant.

And although Dr. Clarke might have been opposed in the introduction of such a plan of reforming the Liturgy, by one party in the church, he would have been greatly supported by others: perhaps by a majority, when it was conjectured, that the govern ment in any degree favoured him. Besides, it is well known that many, particularly of the learned among the clergy, were already come over to embrace his opinions. Few of his rank have been equally la mented at their death, by the wise and good through the nation. A greater proof cannot be given, than presents itself in the amiable Bishop Rundle's letters, written at the time, to Mrs. Sandys, very lately published.

And now I am mentioning the probability of Dr. Clarke's reformed Common-prayer Book meeting with many admirers, approvers, and open abettors, had it been made public, and proposed to be used in his life-time, you will excuse my relating a trifling anecdote, not wholly out of season I would hope, and which you may smile at if you please; viz. that when this same reformed Liturgy was first made use of at the chapel in Essex-street, in the Spring, 1774, a generous

a generous patron and encourager of the design, and who constantly frequented the worship, was so struck with its scriptural simplicity, that in the warmth of his zeal and approbation, he would often say; that in seven year's time it would be adopted at St. James's.

This prediction indeed has not yet been verified ; but I believe, that if it could be fairly represented to a great personage, on what solid grounds of scripture the alterations, with respect to the object of worship, have been made; and that they originated with so ́excellent a person as Dr. Clarke, formerly Rector of St. James's, Westminster, and have been approved by learned and good men, and some of the first rank on the episcopal bench, and of the fairest characters in the establishment; he would himself not disapprove of them.

VOLUSIAN.I hold myself highly obliged to you Marcellinus, replied Volusian, for the very agree able information you have given me of things and characters in the last reign, so favourable to truth and free enquiry; which may afford hope, that so liberal a race still subsists, although some very different men have lately been brought forward. And I confess myself extremely blameable, for insinuating any thing to the disparagement of one, who so boldly stood forth against the Athanasian doctrine of the Trinity, in his writings, as did the virtuous Dr. Clarke; especially as I could not be acquainted with the motives that might have hindered him from going on, at the time, to act as well as write, in bringing about

about the reformation, he had continually in his thoughts; nor could know what he might have done, had a longer life been given.

But whatever he, and other great men, did, or did not, in the like situations; I can never unite again with my friends in the worship of the church, as it now stands; in those addresses and prayers expunged out of the Liturgy by Dr. Clarke, which are directed to Jesus and the Holy Spirit; whom I neither believe to be Gods, nor to be worshipped; and cannot, without horror (pardon the expression, if offensive to any one,) think of being present and bearing a part, where these two supposed Gods are worshipped equally with the supreme Father.

And surely, my friends, this is not said out of any want of respect to that kind Saviour of men, whom I trust I am disposed to love and honour, now and for ever, with the affection and reverence so justly due to him, for his perfect virtue and benevolence. But I cannot make him the Supreme God, or invoke, or pray to him, as such; because I am persuaded, that if he could hear, and make himself known to me, he would call out from heaven, as he did formerly to Paul: "I am Jesus of Nazareth;" one who was once a mortal man like thyself: wor ship God.

As I must however always think it a duty to attend upon some public worship of the Almighty Being, and can frequent none, but where he alone, the single person of the Father, is acknowledged and

adored;

adored; I must still rely upon you, who are alone privy to my situation, and the change which has lately taken place in my mind, to suggest some expedient and advice that may be of use to me; especially when in the country, where I chiefly reside. For I am persuaded, that though mine is a new case to myself, it is not new to you, who must be acquainted with many similar to it. And I hope that Photinus, who has hitherto to-day been a silent hearer of what has passed, will easily furnish me with a clue to deliver me out of this labyrinth of uncertainty, in which I am at present.

PHOTINUS.-I have, indeed, replies Photinus, quietly listened to the debate of to-day, and have had particular pleasure in attending, Volusian, to the progress of your feelings and convictions. And if there be any thing, for which I honour you more than another, it is for that your unmoveable resolution, never on any account to play tricks with, or violate your own natural sense of things, of what is the right, the fair, the honest part before God and man, or go contrary to it, for any consideration. I applaud more than I can express, the declaration, that you trembled at the thought of lifting up, or seeming to lift up your voice to Jesus as God, to hear and to have mercy upon you, when your heart at the time told you, that he was no God, and could not hear you.

But that I may do what little is in my power to help you under your present difficulties; I would say,

that