the Rev. W. Turner , Jun. , MA., Lives of the eminent Unitarians

[261] and was favourably received. He afterwards made considerable progress in a similar work on Isaiah; but before he had completed it, he met with the Ms. Lexicon and Lectures of the celebrated Arabic Professor Schultens, who recommends studying the Hebrew through the medium of the Arabic, as the means, from its greatly superior extent and copiousness, of throwing light on the obscurities and difficulties of the kindred languages of scripture. Our author was so struck by the importance of this suggestion, that he laid aside his unfinished design until he should have the opportunity of renewing the study of the Hebrew language on this plan; an undertaking which he was unfortunately prevented by other engagements from carrying into effect.

In 1741 appeared ‘a Vindication of the History of the Old Testament, in answer to the Misrepresentations and Calumnies of Thomas Morgan, M. D. and Moral Philosopher.’ To this was added, in the following year, in opposition to the same writer, ‘A Defence of the Prime Ministry, and the Character of Joseph.’ In these works he vindicates the sacred history, and particularly the characters of the ancient patriarchs, from many captious objections, with great spirit and success. It must, however, be added, that they display a greater tendency to asperity and personal satire than had hitherto been visible in our author's controversial performances; a peculiarity which was probably provoked, if not justified, by the writings and character of his antagonist. Dr. Leland observes, that in this work of our author he has clearly proved that Morgan had been guilty of manifest falsehoods, and of the most gross perversions