BROTHERS, HICIIARD, a fanatic, whose prophecies and writings excite(1•an unusual sensation in his day, was at one time a lieut. in the British navy, which he quitted in 1789. Refusing, from conscientious scruples. to take the requisite oath to enable him to receive his linlfluty,..hn•Nyas reduved to great distress, and ultimately plaeed in the workhouse. Dating his first call from 1790, he announced himself, in 1793, the apostle of a new religion, "the nephew of the Almighty, and prince of the Hebrews, appointed to lead them to the land of Canaan." In 1794, he published a book, in two parts, enti tled A Revealed Knowledge of the Prophecies and Times, etc.; and, in 1795, an Exposition of the Trinity. He was the author of several other publications, marked by a strange mixture of reason and insanity. In consequence of prophesying the death of the king, and the destruction of the monarchy, he was committed to Newgate, but soon liberated.
Some of his political predictions, especially in reference to the state of the continent, were either altogether or partially fulfilled; and many persons were induced to sell their goods, and prepare to accompany him to his New Jerusalem, which was to be built on both sides of the river Jordan, where he was to arrive in the year 1795. His disciples were not confined to the poor and ignorant, but even men of ability and education were deluded into believing in him, two of the most eminent being Nathaniel Brassey Halhed, esq., \i.v., the orientalist, and Sharp, the celebrated engraver. As a dangerous lunatic, lie was at length, by order of government, committed to Bedlam, but released April 14, 1606, and died Jan. 25, 1824.