Memoir of the

REV. WILLIAM ROBY, OF MANCHESTER.

(With a Portrait.)

THERE is scarcely any subject within the range of the human intellect, in which the opinions of mankind more happily concur than this, that men who have distinguished themselves in the regions of art and science are entitled to universal respect, if not to the veneration of their species. To those who have gained renown in the walks of literature, the sanction of universal approbation is not so unequivocally conceded. | Here, as in many other departments, the interests of individuals, of sects and parties, as well as of communities, begin to jar; and censure or applause is awarded to the candidate for fame, according to the prejudice, the candour, the bigotry, or the liberality, of those to whom the literary adventurer happens to make his appeal.

In the empire of theology, the views of mankind are unhappily still more contracted. All are ready to allow, that the magnificent and glorious subject is admirably calculated to enlarge their mental powers and perceptions; but unfortunately, in their conduct towards each other, and their opinions of each other's sentiments, sect mounts guard on sect, sentinels are always marching on their respective frontiers; and even in seasons of acknowledged peace, an armed neutrality is every where to be seen.

Uniformly disclaiming bigotry, yet too frequently acting under its influence, the party zealots watch every opportunity secretly to hurl their javelins at each other, and then engage in open polemic warfare, to determine who gave the first offence. We censure his Italian holiness for arrogating to himself the attribute of infallibility; but were we to look nearer home, we should find it more or less incorporated in the essence of every sect, into which even the Protestant world is divided. Not contented with forming creeds for ourselves, we become restless to dictate to others, who view the same points through different mediums, and then piously consign to perdition all who dare dispute our tenets, or resist our authority.

109.-VOL. X.

[1828.

In this disastrous state of things, few individuals, sustaining the ministerial character, can hope to escape either the plaudits, or the anathemas, which fly thick and fast around them. They may receive encouragement from the approbation of their own party; but this will be counterbalanced by the cries of heresy which their opponents endeavour to raise; and who shall decide the doubtful questions which have created the elemental war? To parties so diametrically opposite it would be in vain to appeal; from the latter they have no reason to expect justice, and from the former it is useless to hope for impartiality. Under circumstances so peculiar, the smiles of friendship, and the frowns of hostility, strangely conspire to block up the avenues of light. The former flatters, without intending to deceive; while the latter opposes, from a propensity that is instinctive; and the negative honour of escaping without reproach, has hitherto been the privilege of very few.

Among these highly-favoured individuals, the subject of this memoir occupies a conspicuous place. Engaged in the conscientious discharge of his duties as a minister, he derives his solace from a source which neither the smiles nor frowns of mortals can disturb; and keeping his eye on the commands and promises of God, rejoices to see his church in prosperity, and its numerous members urging their way to heaven.

The REV. WILLIAM ROBY was born near the borough of Wigan, in the county of Lancaster, on the 23d of March, 1766. His father, being in circumstances of comparative affluence, at an early period intended this son for the ministry of the established church, and with this view placed him in the grammar-school at Wigan, where he enjoyed the advantages of a classical education. This, however, was but a preliminary step to his going to the university, to obtain the requisite qualifications for episcopal ordination.

But while mortals in their wisdom and

sagacity contrive and calculate for futurity, there is a power unseen that frequently defeats their purposes, and conducts their movements to issues the most unexpected.

B