Note 15 — AN INQUIRY INTO THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL CAUSES UPON THE MORAL FACULTY. DELIVERED BEFORE THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, ON THE 27TH OF FEBRUARY, 1786.

This worthy man was descended from an ancient and honourable family that flourished in the court of Louis XIV. With liberal prospects in life he early devoted himself to teaching an English school; in which, for industry, capacity, and attention to the morals and principles of the youth committed to his care, he was without an equal. He published many excellent tracts against the African trade, against war, and the use of spiritous liquors, and one in favour of civilizing and Christianizing the Indians. He wrote to the queen of Great Britain, and the queen of Portugal, to use their influence in their respective courts to abolish the African trade. He also wrote an affectionate letter to the king of Prussia, to dissuade him from making war. The history of his life affords a remarkable instance how much it is possible for an individual to accomplish in the world; and that the most humble stations do not preclude good men from the most extensive usefulness. He bequeathed his estate (after the death of his widow) to the support of a school for the education of negro children, which he had founded and taught for several years before he died. He departed this life in May, 1784, in the 71st year of his age, in the meridian of his usefulness, universally lamented by persons of all ranks and denominations.