a

to their office, but who have no other remuneration than the affection and respect of a grateful people. The qualifications for the duties of this station, which Dr. Tilloch was called to fill, he possessed in an eminent degree; nor was he more liberal in dispensing the riches of his cultivated mind, and in expatiating on the love of the Redeemer, than in imparting to the needy the contents of his purse. As a teacher he was clear and perspicuous, possessing that charity which suffereth long and is kind, which vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up; and for these excellencies, as well as for his readiness to relieve the distressed, his name will be long remembered with grateful recollection. Their place of worship is a room in a house in Goswell-street-road, where they meet every Lord'sday, sing, pray, read the scriptures, and offer praise to God, when one of the elders, or some other brother under his direction, gives an exhortation, generally from some passage of Scripture that has been read. The sacrament is also regularly administered every week. Retired thus from scenes that might expose them to the charge of seeking popularity, they cultivate the practical part of Christianity without any parade or ostentation, and from the assistance which they render to their poor, they give the most convincing proof that they believe “ faith without works is dead."

Of Dr. Tilloch's uniformly virtuous and amiable character it is scarcely possible to speak too highly. From the year 1789, his name has constantly been before the public; but we are not aware that through this long course of thirty-six years, it has ever contracted a single stain; and it is now too late for malice and calumny to prevent it from descending unsullied to posterity. The following delineation of his character, is from the pen of a gentleman who had been personally acquainted with him for upwards of thirty years:

“ He was a man of powerful and cultivated intellect; of indefatigable research and deep reflection; his mind was Johnsonian in its strength, but not arbitrary and imperative in its expression. Mild and urbane in his manner, the pigmies of literature might have played with him, and fancied

themselves ascendant, until warmed to his subject, the involuntary action of his superior powers swept his opponents from the field of argument. Studious and domestic, his life was devoted to literature and his family; and without mixing much in the world, his mind was intensely devoted to its happiness and improvement, in the developement of philosophical principles and their results. He was a member of several useful literary bodies, and in the Society of Arts he took a distinguished lead ; its records witnessing so many valuable propositions and plans, determining in practical benefit, which proceeded from him. As an antiquary and virtuoso, he possessed taste, judgment, and industry, and has left behind him a valuable collection of coins, medals, manuscripts, obsolete and unique publications, &c. We have seen among his inedals one, considered to have been contemporary with Alexander the Great, struck upon occasion of a sacrifice to Neptune; such was the opinion of the late vice-provost of Trinity-college, the Rev. Dr. Barrett, to whose inspection the medal was submitted. Though the greater part of his time was passed in the British metropolis, his accent was broadly national; but within he had what

passeth show. Affectionate and conscientious in his domestic relations, warm, generous, and steady in his friendships, a worthier or purer heart never inhabited a human breast.”

Another gentleman, who, in former years, was intimate with Dr. Tilloch, makes the following observations:

“ I know him to have been a very pleasant and agreeable companion, with a mind enlarged by a variety of knowledge, especially on subjects of modern science, of chemistry, and natural philosophy. Upon these he often dwelt with peculiar ardour, and with a freshness of mind which disclosed the interest he felt in themes of that kind. His public labours, however, particularly the Philosophical Magazine,' afford sufficient evidence in proof of the taste which had been excited in his mind, and the zeal and diligence which he evinced in collecting every new fact that could engage the public

6

a

attention. He was a man of more than ordinary reading and knowledge. Every thing that was singular or curious came within the grasp of his mind. He examined subjects which many would neglect, or altogether despise.

“ About twenty years since, he was proposed by the late Dr. Garthshore, at whose conversaziones I have met him, as a member of the Royal Society, but it was intimated from some quarter that he would be black-balled, should he persist in the ballot. The reason assigned was, not his want of talent, genius, science, or moral excellencies, but his being a proprietor of a newspaper, and the editor of a periodical publication. He, therefore, withdrew his name; for in that society, if once rejected, there can be no admission afterwards, though, if withdrawn after proposal, this would not militate against his future election. The narrowness of this policy must be obvious to every impartial mind. Had he been admitted a member of that society, he would have been a very useful and efficient associate, and, indeed, an honour to that learned body.

“ He called on me about two months previous to his death, and not having seen him for some years, I could scarcely recognize him from the alteration in his countenance. When he took his farewell, I wished him better; but he shook his head very significantly, intimating that this was not to be expected."

For some years prior to his death, Dr. Tilloch had been in a declining state of health ; but the intervals which his complaints afforded, induced his friends to entertain flattering hopes respecting him. The place of his abode was with his sister in Barnsbury-street, Islington, where, during several months, he was almost exclusively confined to his house. The approaches of death, however, were not alarmingly observable, until within a few weeks preceding his dissolution. It was then evident that his useful life was drawing to a close. In this state he lingered until about three-quarters before one, on the morning of Wednesday, January 26, 1825, when the weary wheels of life stood still.

а

From the exalted station which Dr. Tilloch sustained in the ranks of literature, few individuals were better known throughout Eusope than himself; and as his life had been conspicuous, so his deathì excited general sympathy.

Dr. Tilloch was somewhat of a connoisseur; he has left a few good pictures; a valuable, though not large collection of medals; an excellent library, and several articles which exhibit a fine taste; the library and medals will, we believe, be sold in the course of the spring, and are well worthy the attention of the public.

In person, Dr. Tilloch was rather tall, and well-proportioned; with a fine intellectual countenance. His name will be long remembered in the scientific world, and his writings will erect to his memory an imperishable monument. In private life he was amiable; in conversation acute, intelligent, and communicative; few persons possessed a clearer understanding, or a warmer heart. His style of composition was rather strong than elegant, but generally apposite to the subject in hand, and he was never verbose.

335

No. XIII.

MRS. FRANKLIN.

ELEANOR ANNE FRANKLIN was the youngest child of William and Mary Porden; the former a native of Hull, the latter of York.

But little is known of her father, Mr. Porden's early life. It is believed that his talents for poetry and drawing were the means of introducing him to the notice and subsequent patronage of the Rev. W. Mason, the poet; a man who was not more distinguished for his own taste and acquirements in the arts, than for his generous solicitude to foster genius wherever he met with it. By Mr. Mason, Mr. Porden was introduced to the late Mr. James Wyatt, in whose office he for some time studied the principles and practice of architecture; and by whose recommendation he obtained the situation of private secretary to the late Lord Sheffield, then Mr. Baker Holroyd, who afterwards appointed him paymaster to the twenty-second regiment of Light Dragoons, which we believe was raised by his lordship in the year 1770. After the reduction of this regiment, Mr. Porden resumed his architectural pursuits; and was in the first instance employed to execute some public work by the parish of St. George, Hanover-square. He was also engaged in superintending the fitting up of Westminster Abbey, for the celebrated commemoration of Handel, in the years 1785 and 1786.

Mr. Porden was soon after appointed by the father of the present Earl Grosvenor the surveyor of his extensive estates in London and Middlesex; and was at all times honoured by much of his lordship's kindness and attention. He was one of the invited party for a month at Eton Hall, in 1788,

a