ROBERT CLAYTON.

THIS eminent prelate was born in Dublin, 1695, where his father was a clergyman of the Church of England. After his primary education at Westminster school, he was transferred to Trinity College, Dublin, in which institution he resided many years. He was made fellow of his College, studied theology, and, in 1729, was advanced to the degree of Doctor of Divinity. About this time we find him in London, enjoying the acquaintance of Dr Samuel Clarke, by whom he was introduced to Queen Caroline. So much was the Queen impressed with his talents and learning, and pleased with his manners, that she caused him to be advanced to the Bishopric of Killala. He was afterward made Bishop of Cork, and then of Clogher.

Bishop Clayton was more than forty years old, when he presented himself to the world as an author, and his first work was a learned Introduction to the History of the Jews. This was followed by a treatise on the Chronology of the Hebrew Bible, published in 1747. From this period he wrote much on theological subjects, and took an active part in polemical controversy. In 1751 a small work appeared, entitled an Essay on

Spirit, of which Clayton was universally considered the author, and which was the foundation of a very animated, and long sustained war of pamphlets. Dr Kippis, in his Life of Clayton, speaks as follows with reference to this curious treatise.

"It is a remarkable fact, and hitherto not known in the world, that the Essay on Spirit was not actually written by the Bishop of Clogher The real author of it was a young Clergyman in our prelate's diocess, who showed the manuscript to his Lordship, and for reasons, which may easily be conceived, expressed his fear of venturing to print it in his own name. The Bishop, with that romantic generosity, which marked his character, readily took the matter upon himself, and determined to sustain all the obloquy that might arise from the publication. He did not, indeed, absolutely avow the work, nor could he do it with truth; but by letting it pass from his hands to the press, and covering it with the Dedication, which was his own writing, he managed the affair in such a manner, that the treatise was universally ascribed to him; and it was openly considered as his in all the attacks to which it was exposed. Few persons, except Dr Barnard, the present Dean of Derry, knew the fact to be otherwise; and he hath authorized Mr Thomas Campbell to assure the public, that the Bishop of Clogher was only the adopted father of the Essay on Spirit. One effect of our prelate's conduct in this matter was, his being prevented from rising to a higher seat in the church. In