The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-08-17
MEMOIR OF RHODE-IsLAND.

SA6HAOAAt oA
1929.
The Minute Philosopher was published
in England, shortly after the Deans return,
and though it has gone through numerous
editions, it still retains the above local allu-
sions.
In 1880 Berkeley formed in Newport q
literary society for the discussion of those
subjects which ever animated his writings
and actions, knowledge and virtue. The
rules and regulations of this society are
still in existence; they appear admirably
calculated to promote the object he had in
view, by leading the mind to the investga-
lion Of the best interests of mankind. OF
this society Judge Scott, Grand uncle to
ibe late Sir Waller Scott, WAS member
This society appears to have been eminent
ly successful. One of lis o9jec,s was to col
iect books which might tend to promote the
establishment Of their principles, This So
ciety was afterwards joined by Mr.. Abra-
ham Redwood, who gave the sum of $500
to increase its purchases, on condition that
the society would build a suitable house for
Iheir reception. The present classical build
ing was built in I74S for that purposc,
from design by Harrison, the assistant ar
chitect Of Elenheim House, England. To
Deriley, the literary Institutions of this
country are much indebted. Harvard Uni
versly still acknowledges his donations and
ranks him among one of its great beneiac-
tors. 10 Yale College, he presented $40
Volumes of valuable books nnd on leaving
Newport, he made Deed OF Gift OF his
freehold estate consisting Of his mansion and
100 acres of land, OH which he had resided,
for foundation for three scholarships in
Greek and Latin. The large silver cup,
now used rs the sacramento cup in the
Church of East Greenwich, formed a part
of his table service, and valuable diamond
ring, nj present in the possession of an in
mate of the ASYLUM on Coasters Harbor,
once adorned the finger of this worthy man.
His preaching was eloquent and forcible
and attracted large congregations to Trini-
ty Church. When he was called to a
sphere of greater usefulness, he was not
forgetful of residence which was endearod
to him by so many pleasing rccollections,
and which moreover possessed for him
melancholy interest from the circumstance
of containing the ashes of his infant daugh-
ter that had died during his sojourn in New
port. After his return to England he sent
as donation to Trinity Church, magnf-
cent Organ, which though much affected by
time, having been constantly used for up
wards of century, and which although
destitute of the modern Improvements, still
possesses some pipes of unriyalled excel
lencc.
The subsequent part of his life, which is
much better known than the brief period
which he passed in thus Country, was equal
.ly distinguished for the exercise of real pie
ty and active beneyolence. While attend
ing family devotion on Sunday evening, he
expired on the 18th Jan. 1853, at Oxford,
whittier he had retired for learned leisure
and for the purpose of experimenting the
education of his son.
His character has been summed up in
one line by Pope, who as friend knew
him well and says:
"To Berkeley, every virtue under Heay'n."
His dsinterestedness and self abnegaion
are evident from his liberal donations, and
voluntary sacrifices, of ease, comfort, emol-
uments and honors for the purpose Of eu-
tightening aud benefiting his fellow man.
His piety and purity of motive may be
traced in every action of his life. His
learning and philosophy may be discovered
in part in his works. In his "Theory of
Vislon," he was the first who satisfactorily
accounted for the sensations and percep,ions
connected with sight. His Minute PhiIos-
ophcr is an excellent and ingenious defence
Of that Religion.