SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF DE. PRIESTLEY. 491 



series of letters to the inhabitants of Xorthuraberland, in which he 

 expressed his sentiments fully on all political questions, and which had 

 t-he effect of removing unfavorable impressions which had been made 

 on the minds of the people. 



It is important to state, in illustration of Dr. Priestley's principles 

 and character, that he believed most thoroughly in the efficacy of pri- 

 vate enterprise for carrying on all works of poj)ular beneficence. A 

 powerful opponent of state-enforced religion, he was led to go much 

 further and to condemn government patronage in numerous other 

 cases. And this was very far from being a matter of sour grapes, or 

 a repudiation of advantages, because he could not himself participate 

 in them. On the contrary, he had the most brilliant and tempt- 

 ing opportunities. His residence and intimacy with Lord Shelburne 

 brought within his reach the largest prospects of political and ecclesi- 

 astical preferment, both of which he resolutely declined. Under two 

 different administrations, overtures were made to him to accept a 

 pension from Government ; but he stands conspicuously alone in his 

 age in resisting the temptation and preserving his independence. 

 He, however, accepted assistance from private generosity, and was 

 always grateful for donations from this source. As an illustration 

 of how he continued to be appreciated in England after leaving it, it 

 should be stated that Mrs. Elizabeth Kayner allowed him a pension 

 of $250 a year, and in her will left him 810,000. Mr. Dodson left him 

 $2,000 ; Mr. Salte, 8500 ; and the Duke of Grafton remitted him an- 

 nually 8200. About the time he died, a few other friends made up 

 81,000 a year, which was quickly increased to 82,500, which was to 

 have been continued during his life. These contributions were made 

 in consideration of the heavy expense of his experimental researches, 

 and the printing of his Church history and other tlieological works. 

 These examples of generous appreciation were peculiarly grateful to 

 Dr. Priestley, after the treatment he had received at home. 



In 1801 Dr. Priestley had a severe illness in Philadelphia, and, after 

 that, never fully recovered his strength. He was subject to attacks 

 of inflammation of the stomach and paralysis of the throat, which pre- 

 vented swallowing. In January, 1804, his complaint grew so serious 

 that life began to be doubtful, and he used to tell the physician that, 

 if he could but patch him up for six months longer, he should be per- 

 fectly satisfied, as by that time he could complete the printing of his 

 works. This, however, was not granted, for he died on the 6th of 

 February, seventy years ago, after working to almost the last hour. 

 His old congregation, at Birmingham, erected a monument to his 

 memory in their place of worship after his decease, and a fine marble 

 statue .has been recently put up in his honor in the University of 

 Oxford. The accompanying engraving is from a j^ortrait by the cele- 

 brated painter Gilbert Stuart. 



It remains to add, that Dr. Priestley was eminently fortunate in 



