380 



most minule inquiries, I cannot find any person in the kingdom, 

 who corresponds so exactly to his majesty's definition of a Divi- 

 nity Professor, as Dr. Townson ; a gentleman, whose character is 

 universally beloved and esteemed, and whose general learning, 

 and particular knowledge in theology, has been acknowledged in 

 the most distinguished manner by ihc university where the pro- 

 fessorship is now vacant. You will, therefore, 1 hope, give me 

 an opportunity of acquiring credit to myself, of promoting theolo- 

 gical knowledge, and of giving satisfaction to the public and to 

 his majesty, by accepting a situation which, by the public testi- 

 mony of the University of Oxford, and by the general consent of 

 all who are acquainted with you, you are the properest person in 

 England to fill. 



(Signed) North." 



This character, then, so illustrious for learning and piety, on a 

 special occasion, composed and used the following prayer by the 

 desire of the sufferer. 



" O Almighty and everlasting God! whose blessed Son Jesus 

 Christ did give to his apostles and other ministers of his word, 

 power over unclean spirits, grant, O Lord, that if any evil spirits 

 have afflicted this thy servant, they may be driven away from him, 

 and be suffered no more to hurt or come near him. Hear, O Lord, 

 our humble supplication in the name and through the mediation 

 of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." 



On this prayer his excellent biographer remarks, that " Dr. 

 Townson was well aware the hypothesis on which it proceeds, 

 though consonant to the sentiments of our best divines, is not the 



