862 
the important functions assigned to him, 
‘with an uncommon degree of reputation. 
_ On November 20, 1752, he proceeded 
B. C. L.. and on the 24th of che same 
month, was created D.C.L.- We are 
unacquainted with the motives that in- 
duced Dr. Markham to take his degrees 
m civil law, mstead of divinity; but the 
fact isas above stated, and this circum- 
stance seems to favour the conjecture,. 
that he had not at that period resolved to 
dedicate himself to the church. 
In the course of time, however, higher 
prospects opened to his view, and he was 
enabled, whilst wielding the ferula of the 
pedagogue, to discern the mitre that 
seemed to hover over Dean’s yard. In 
4759, at-a time when he still pursued his 
scholastic occupations, Dr. Markham 
was enabled to taste the sweets of pre- 
ferment; and the very first mark of favour 
conferred on him, rendered him at once 
a dignitary of the Anglican church, in 
consequence of his nomination to a stall 
in Durham cathedral. In 1765, after he 
had ceased to be headmaster of West- 
minster school, he obtained the deanery 
of Rochester, which he vacated two years 
after, for the still more enviable situation 
ef dean of Christ-church. — 
The uninterrupted leisure of an uni- 
versity afforded ample opportunity for 
the subject of this memoir to indulge a 
taste for literature, to promote the cause 
of piety, orto attempt wholesome reforms 
in the college now committed to his im- 
mediate care. But he is said to have 
been of an indolent disposition, and to 
have felt but little passion for fame.. Yet, 
at this very period, several of his con- 
temporaries were beginning to render. 
their names celebrated by their labours, 
and.at:- length attained a degree .of repu- 
tation, which it was not his lot, even after 
he had acquired his archiepiscopal ho- 
nours, to emulate. 
guished himself by his controversial and 
miscellaneous writings, and died bishop 
of Norwich in 1792. Sir Wilham Black- 
stone, created D.C.L. of Ali Souls, in 
1750, soon acquired fame in a different 
Jine, and, afier obtaining great applause 
as Vinerian professor, a circumstance 
which led to the composition of the 
‘Commentaries on the Laws of En- 
gland,” he became one of the twelve 
judges. Dr. Robert Lowth, nearly at 
the same time, acquired a large portion 
of well merited reputation, by his “ Pre- 
lections on Hebrew Poetry,” his “ First 
Institutes of Grammar,” and his.“ Trans- _ 
& 
Memoirs of the late Archbishop of Fork. 
lation of Isaiah.” After enjoying in suc= ~ 
Of these, Dr. Horne, 
then fellow of Magdalen college, distin-. 
cession the bishoprics of Limerick, St. 
David’s, and Oxtord, he obtained that of 
London, and, perceiving the approaches 
of old age, had magnanimity enough to 
refuse the primacy. 
Such were the means by vhich’ these © 
three great men aspired to, and obtained 
celebrity, whisit the dean of Christ-church, 
overwhelmed, perhaps, with his former 
fatigues at Westininster, followed a less 
extended and less laborieus career. 
although he did not acquire fame, yet be 
assuredly gratified every other reasonable. 
wish that ambition could suggest.- In 
1769, having been selected by the arch- 
bishop of Canterbury. to preach before 
the synod of his province, he seized that 
opportunity te attack all the writers on 
the Continent, who had endeavoured to 
enlighten thei countrymen; and en this 
occasion, seemed.to advocate’ the dubi- 
ous, and, indeed, untenable position, that 
the extirpation of superstition would be 
hurtful to true religion. 
Soon after, it was determined to ad- 
vance Dr. Markham to a seat on the - 
episcopal bench; and accordingly, in 
1771, he was consecrated bishop of 
Chester. This was but a prelude to an 
appointment of a very different, but very 
important nature; for in February of the 
same year, his lordship was selected to 
the high and confidential situation of 
preceptor to the heir apparent. ‘That he 
possessed learning and talents sufficient 
for that purpose,. and in addition to this, 
had also acquired the habits of a teacher 
at-an early period of life, was allowed by 
all; but there were not wanting some en 
the other hand, who censured the choice, 
and maintained that the political princi- 
ples of his lordship were not exactly cal- 
culated for a Prince of Wales, who, could 
succeed to the crown of FEngiand on 
** revolation principles” alone. 
Be this as it may, we have every reason 
to suppose that the bishop ef Chester, 
assisted by Dr. Cyril Jackson, afterwards 
dean’ of Christ church, conducted him- 
self with becoming propriety unl the 
summer of 1776, when he was succeeded 
by Dr. Hurd, since bishop, of Worcester. 
This change was rather sudden, and, as 
has been said, unexpected; but certain it 
1s, that his Majesty always entertained a 
high sense of the services of Dr. Mark- 
ham, and seized every opportunity to ex- 
press his gratitude. No blame, there- 
fore, can possibly attach to the preceptor 
of the heir apparent; and, indeed, his 
Roya! Fiighness but a’ short tune since 
expressed 
But _ 
a a, ee 
