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‘ [296] 22, 1769, I was surprised with the account of the University of St. Andrews having conferred on me the academical degree of Doctor in Divinity. This gave me great concern, not only from a consciousness of my defect of merit, but from always having looked on such diplomas with a real dislike. I would have rejected the compliment, had not one of the best friends I then had in the world (Thomas Hollis, Esq., who instantly put it into the public papers) on whose judgment I could most rely in matters of decorum and delicacy, absolutely insisted on my acceptance of it.’ On receiving the diploma he wrote the following acknowledgment to the heads of the University:

Hoxton Square, April 6, 1769.
Gentlemen,—Though I am ignorant of the motive you had to honour me with the unmerited degree of D. in D., yet I am able to assure you, that those abilities which God has given me have been ever devoted to the service of truth and liberty; never once resigning the right of private judgment to any human authority, nor consenting to sacrifice conscience on the altar of human emolument. I take this occasion to congratulate you on the advances liberty is making in the kingdom of Scotland, and on the many excellent publications from your countrymen. I wish prosperity to the University of St. Andrews, and should rejoice to render it any service.

I am, with the greatest respect,

Gentlemen,

Your most obliged obedient servant,


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