20 A Tribute to the Memory of 



was peculiarly acceptable, from the kindness and success with 

 which he studied to promote their rational enjoyments. It was 

 his constant habit to take a cheerful view of the condition of 

 the world; and on all occasions, when the contrary opinion was 

 advanced, to assert the superiority of the times in which he had 

 grown old, over the season of his youth, not only on the unques- 

 tionable ground of an increased diffusion of knowledge ; but on 

 that of the wider spread of virtuous principles, and the more 

 general prevalence of virtuous habits. 



Without encroaching on topics, which are wisely forbidden 

 by the rules of this Society, it may be permitted to me to state, 

 that Mr. Henry was from inquiry and conviction, a zealous ad- 

 vocate of Christianity. — About the middle period of life, a change 

 of opinion led him to separate from the established Church, to 

 whose service he had early been destined; and to join a congre- 

 gation of Protestant Dissenters. But in discussing differences 

 of religious belief, he was always ready to concede to others that 

 free right of judgment, which he had claimed and exercised for 

 himself; convinced, as he was, that no conclusion to which 

 the understanding may be led, in the honest and zealous search 

 after religious truth, can, without the highest injustice, be made 

 the ground of moral crimination or reproach. 



Such is the view of the character of our late President, that 

 has been taken by one, who, in forming it, may be supposed to 

 have been influenced by feelings and recollections, not altoge- 

 ther favourable to an xmbiassed exercise of the judgment. That 

 it is coincident, however, with the estimate of others, from whom 

 impartiality may be more reasonably expected, will appear 

 from the following document, which, at the time when it was 

 presented to the Society, declared the sentiments of all those 

 members, who were in the habit of attending its meetings, or of 

 taking an interest in its proceedings. 



