226 Biographical Memoir ofDr Priestley. 



cured him the honour of being named a French citizen and mem- 

 ber of the convention, two titles which did not seem then to 

 suit so ardent a defender of revelation, or of universal toleration. 

 He always, however, decorated himself with the former, but elu- 

 ded the exercise of the latter, under pretence of not being suffi- 

 ciently acquainted with our language. 



Without pronouncing on the real merits of Priestley''s politi- 

 cal writings, I must be allowed to say, that they combine a rare 

 moderation in language, with an uncommon loyalty in sentiment. 

 He asks nothing for the protestant dissenters that he does not 

 equally ask for the catholics, and even with more force, because 

 they suifer more. No catholic has painted in more glowing co- 

 lours than he, the oppression under which the great mass of the 

 people of Ireland groan *. 



I do not know whether the catholics took kindly of a unita- 

 rian the efforts which he made for them ; but it is easy to con- 

 ceive that this extension of his benevolence was not calculated 

 to secure him the favour of the episcopalians. The hatred of 

 the high churchmen also was almost entirely concentrated against 

 him ; all those who entered into controversy with him were sure 

 of rich rewards, several of them had even bishoprics, which made 

 him humorously observe, that it was he who held the list of the 

 benefices of England. 



But the aversion which he inspired was not confined to these 

 lawful means of repression ; and it appears but too true, that 

 the writings and fanatical predictions of some episcopal ministers, 



* His principal works on the English Legislature, with reference to the 

 different sects, are, 



Views regarding the Principles and Conduct of the Protestant Dissenters, 

 in reference to the ecclesiastical and civil constitution of England. 1 769.' 



Address of a Protestant Dissenter on the subject of Church Discipline. 177G. 



Letter to Mr Pitt on the Toleration and Establishment of the Church. 

 1786. 



The Conduct to be observed by the Dissenters for obtaining the llepeal 

 of the Act of Corporation and the Test Eill. 1700. 

 He also wrote on more general political subjects, such as, 



On the First Principles of Government, and the Nature of Political, Civil, 

 and Religious Lib(irty. 1768, 8vo. 



Observations on the Importance of the American Revolution, and on the 

 means of rendering it profitable to the world. 1785, 8vo. 



Sermons on the Slave Trade. 1788, 8vo. 



