which was advertised by the _Aurora_ as on sale by the principal
booksellers, price 6 cents.
He was exceedingly rejoiced at the flourishing state of the Unitarian
Society and the manner in which its services were conducted.
On the occasion of his first discourse the English Ambassador, Mr.
Lister, was in the audience and Priestley dined with him the day
following.
Friends had prevailed upon Priestley to preach a charity sermon on his
next Sunday, in one of the Episcopal churches, but in the end it was
"delivered at the University Hall."
His mind was much occupied with plans for controverting infidelity,
the progress of which here is independent of all reasoning,--
so he published the third edition of his "Observations on the Increase
of Infidelity" and an "Outline of the Evidences of Revealed Religion."
In the first of them he issued a challenge to Volney who was
much looked up to by unbelievers here.
Volney's only reply was that he would not read the pamphlet. It was in
these days that Priestley saw a great deal of Thomas Jefferson; indeed,
the latter attended several of his sermons. The intercourse of these
friends was extremely valuable to both. Jefferson welcomed everything
which Priestley did in science and consulted him much on problems of
education.
At the election in the American Philosophical Society in the closing
days of 1796 there was openly discussed
whether to choose me (Priestley) or Mr. Jefferson, President of
the Society,--
which prompted the Doctor
to give his informant good reasons why they should not choose
_me_.
Naturally he listened to the political talk. He worried over the
apparent dislike observed generally to France. He remarked
The rich not only wish for alliance offensive and defensive with
England ... but would have little objection to the former
dependence upon it,
and
The disposition of the lower orders of the people ... for the
French ... is not extinguished.
He was much annoyed by Peter Porcupine. The latter was publishing a
daily paper (1799) and in it frequently brought forward Priestley's name
in the most opprobrious manner, although Priestley in his own words--
had nothing to do with the politics of the country.