Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/329

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HUTCHESON. 325 of vessels, and was particularly noticed and protected by Lord Chancellor Bowes. He entertained his friends in the evening, sometimes in his kitchen, “where,” we are told, “he informed them by his discourse, and improved them by his manners.” He was possessed of a simplicity of heart and suavity of disposition, that rendered him esteemed by a l l who knew him. He died (much lamented) a t a n advanced age, a t his house i n Eustace-street, Dublin, i n 1782. FRANCIS HUTCHESON, Was a n ingenious moral philosopher, whose researches and works have contributed much t o our knowledge o f the human mind, and whose example stimulated those exertions which have since given t o the world the im mortal writings o f Reid, Smith, Beattie, Campbell, and Stewart. He was the son o f a dissenting minister i n the north o f Ireland, and was born August 8th, 1694. At a n early age h e discovered a superior capacity; and, after going through the usual course o f grammar-school education, h e was sent t o a n academy t o commence his philosophical pursuits. I n 1710, h e was removed t o the university o f Glasgow, where h e renewed his classical studies, and made such proficiency i n mathematics, logic, natural and moral philosophy, a s was suitable t o his talents and appli cation. He then entered o n the study o f divinity t o qualify himself for the christian ministry, which h e pro posed t o make his profession for life. At the end o f six years, h e returned t o Ireland, and, after due examination, was admitted t o become a preacher amongst the presbyterians, and was about t o b e ordained pastor t o a small congregation, when some gentlemen near Dublin, who knew his great abilities, invited him t o open a private academy there; which h e did, and met with very great success. He had not been long settled i n that city, before his talents and accomplishments made