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    from whom better things might have been expected . When , however , a violent party

    spirit , either in religion or politics , is excited , it is apt to blind the judgment and to rouse the irritable passions of persons who are generally mild , candid and amiable . This which drove that eminently pious philosopher and undaunted theologian Dr .

    Priestley , from Birmingham , his place of abode , arid eventually from his native country , endangered in some degree the personal safety of his esteemed friend Dr : Toulmin , then residing at Taunton . They had , however , abundant sources of consolation in the testimony of an approving conscience , and were disposed to adopt the

    petition of their divine Master respecting their persecutors , on which the former published a sermon suited to the occasion , breathing the most truly Christian spirit , 6 Father , forgive them , for they know not what they do . Let us , however , turn aside our views , my friends , from these melancholy scenes , so disgraceful to this age and

    country , with a fervent wish and ardent hope , that they may never more be repeated , and with sincere congratulation on the prevalence at present of a milder spirit , among both religious and political parties . Though to be zealous in what we deem a good cause is commendable , it should never be forgotten by us , that c the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God . '

    " By a mysterious , but no doubt wise and benevolent , dispensation of providence , Dr . Toulmin was visited with great relative afflictions . He was , however , supported under them by the animating principles of religion . These , notwithstanding the

    tenderness of his feelings , and an occasional depression of the animal spirits to which he was subject , enabled him to preserve a general com posure , an habitual cheerfulness of mind , the offspring of true rational piety devoid of superstition , and of Christian hope with its eye fixed on heaven .

    " Our deceased friend was not only * steadfast and unmoveable , but he also always abo inded in the work of the Lord . ' On this point , it is very difficult to do justice to his character . He was unwearied in his labours to promote the noble cause in which us : i Christian minister he was engaged , and to advance the knowledge , holiness and happiness of his fellow-creatures . Besides his stated ministrations to his own

    congregation , he was often called on by other societies of protestant dissenters , sometimes to advocate the cause of Christian truth , and at others to plead for the relief of human distress , and few ministers were better qualified foreither of these purposes . As he has occasionalIv officiated

    iii this place , you cannot but recollect , my friends , the seriousness and decorum of his deportment in the pulpit , and the strain of rational , fervent , practical piety , scriptural argument , and Christian affection for the

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    best interest of his hearers , by which his discourses were distinguished . He was , in the genuine sense of the term , an evangelical gospel preacher . His sermons were neither philosophical essays , unsuitable to the capacities and circumstances of men in general , nor wild incoherent rhapsodies , in which the hearers are treated as having "

    passions only , and no understanding \ When he entered the pulpit , he never forgot that he was a professed minister of the glorious gospel of Christ , and that the service required of Christians , is declared to be 4 a reasonable service ' >

    " His many publications on a great variety of subjects , chiefly religious , or connected with the history of religion , bear witness to his unwearied ' labours' in the Lord . * They bespeak an active mind , a sound judgment , a candid disposition , and a benevolent heart ; all which were engaged in the daily investigation of some of the most

    important points of human inquiry . His acquisitions in theology and general literature , in ecclesiastical history , and biography , more especially , were very extensive , and few persons have applied the talents God has given them , and the learning , human and divine , they have acquired to a nobler and more useful purpose . Many a

    just tribute of respect and veneration will , no doubt , be paid to his memory . A valuable correspondent * of mine who well knew his worth , thus characterizes him . ' Our excellent friend was * an Israelite indeed ; c a man of great simplicity and singleness

    of heart , of inflexible integrity , and one of the most active , zealous , able , useful and valuable men among us , whose memory is entitled to the highest esteem and regard of all the friends of truth , liberty and virtue *

    " We were favoured with an opportunity of hearing the instructions of Dr . Toulmin in this place , about the middle of the preceding year . From his age , and the distance of his residence from us , we had reason to apprehend it would be the last , and thus it has proved . It seems indeed

    as if he then came among us to bid his final adieu , and to pronounce the blessing of an aged minister and friend on this society , ( for which he always professed great respect and fervent wishes for its prosperity , ) before his eyes were closed and his tongue rendered silent , by the icy hand of death . We shall now see him no more in this

    world . No more shall we converse with this intelligent and cheerful companion , this humble and affectionate friend . No more shall we bear the words of heavenly wisdom drop from his lips ; but ' though dead , he yet speaketh . He speakoth by the exemplary character he has left behind him . He speaketh by the many useful * The Rev , Thomas Jervis , of Leed » .

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    42 Obituary . — Character of the late Rev . Dr . Toulmin .

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Jan. 2, 1816, page 42, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2448/page/42/