45, _Ludgate-hill_,
_31st March, 1825_.
[69] Brand.
[70] Fosbroke’s Brit. Monach. from Du Cange.
[71] Ibid.
[72] Communicated to the _Every-Day Book_ by S. R.
[73] Drake’s Shakspeare, from Fuller’s Worthies.
[74] Hone’s Ancient Mysteries described, from Davies’s Rites, &c.
[75] Fosbroke’s Brit. Monach. from Du Cange.
[76] Fosbroke’s Brit. Monach.
[77] British Press.
[78] Morning Herald.
[79] Wilson’s History of Christ’s Hospital.
[80] Archdeacon Butler had been selected by Dr. Parr to pronounce the
last appointed words over his remains, and he justified the selection.
Dr. Butler’s sermon at the funeral of Dr. Parr, has the high merit of
presenting a clear outline of this great man’s character, and from its
pages these passages are culled and thrown together. “His learning was
the most profound, and the most varied and extensive, of any man of
his age. He has left a chasm in the literature of his country, which
none of us shall ever see filled up. As a classical scholar he was
supreme--deeply versed in history, especially that of his own country;
in metaphysics and moral philosophy not to be excelled; in theology he
had read more extensively and thought more deeply, than most of those
who claim the highest literary fame in that department. He was well
read in controversy, though he loved not controversialists; for his
benevolent and tolerating spirit was shocked by any thing like rancour
among men who believe a gospel of love, and worship a God of love, and
yet can let loose the malignant and vindictive passions, in their
religious disputes, against each other. In politics his ardent love of
freedom, his hatred of oppression, and his invincible spirit, joined
to the most disinterested and incorruptible integrity, and the most
resolute independence, even in the days of poverty and privation, made
him always a prominent and conspicuous character. Caution he despised,
it was not a part of his noble and fearless nature. What he thought
greatly, he uttered manfully; and such a mighty master of language
when speaking or writing on civil and religious liberty, carried away
his hearers with the same resistless torrent of eloquence by which
himself was swept along.” Such is the testimony to Dr. Parr’s talents,
by one “differing from him on many political points, and on some
theological questions.” More to the same effect might be adduced on
the same competent authority; but, if the preacher, like him of whom
he discoursed, “loved his friend well, he loved truth better;” and
hence Dr. Butler has honestly and faithfully sketched a few
inconsiderable weaknesses, which, to a correct judgment, enlarge the
nobility, and heighten the splendour of Dr. Parr’s heart and mind.
Undeviating eulogy is praiseless praise.
[81] Stowe.
[82] Maitland.
[83] Stowe.
[84] Ned Ward in his Dancing School.
[85] Letters from a late eminent prelate.
[86] Salisbury Gazette, January 8, 1818.
~April 6.~