JOHN HENLEY. 
Pliny’s Epistles, of several works of abbe Vertot, of iVIontfaucon's Italian 
Travels, in folio, and many other books. His principal patron was 
the earl of Macclesfield, who gave him a benefice in the country, the 
value of which, to a resident, would have been above eighty pounds a 
year ; he had likewise a lecture, in the city ; and, according to his own 
account, preached more charity sermons about town, was more nume- 
rously followed, and raised more for the poor children, than any other 
preacher, however dignified or distinguished. 
This popularity, with his enterprising spirit, and introducing regular 
action into the pulpit, were the true causes, he says, why some ob- 
structed his rising in town, from envy. Jealousy, and a disrelish of 
those who are not qualified to be complete spaniels: for there was 
no objection to his being tossed into a country benefice “ by the way of 
the sea, as far as Galilee of the Gentiles,” like a pendulum, swinging 
one way as far as the other. Not being able to obtain preferment in 
London, and not choosing to return into the country, he struck out 
the plan of his Lectures or Orations, which he puffed with an aston^ 
ishing vulgarity of arrogance, as may be seen in the following specimen : 
“ That he should have the assurance to frame a plan which no 
mortal ever thought of; that he should singly execute what would 
sprain a dozen of modern doctors, of the tribe of Issachar; that he 
should have success against all opposition ; challenge his adversaries 
to fair disputations, without any offering to dispute with him ; 
write, read, and study twelve hours a day, and yet appear as un- 
touched by the yoke as if he never wore it; compose three disserta- 
tions each week, on all subjects, however uncommon, treated in all 
lights and manners, by himself, without assistance, as some would 
detract from him ; teach in one year, what schools and universities 
teach in five ; offer to learn — to speak — and to read ; not be terrified 
by cabals, or menaces, or insults, or the grave nonsense of one, or 
the frothy satire of another; that he should still proceed, and mature 
this bold scheme, and put the church, and all that, in danger ! — This 
man must be a — a — a — . &c.’' 
Henley, lectured on Sundays upon theological matters, and on 
Wednesdays upon all other sciences. He declaimed some years 
against the greatest persons, and occasionally, says Warburton, ‘‘ did 
Pope that honour.” The poet retorts upon him in the well-known 
lines ; •“ 
But where each science lifts its modern type. 
History her pot, Divinity his pipe. 
While proud Philosophy repines to shew. 
Dishonest sight ! his breeches rent below ; 
Imbi -wn’d with native bronze, lo, Henley stands. 
Tuning his voice and balancing his hands. 
How fluent nonsense trickles from his tong:ue 
How sweet the periods, neither said nor sung ! 
Still break the benches, tienley with his strain. 
While Kennet, Hare, and Gibson preach in vain, 
O great restorer, of the good old stage. 
Preacher at once and zany of thy age. 
