.MANNING, JAMES, D.D. 1738-91; b. Elizabethtown, N. J.; graduated at Pnnceton college in 1762; became pastor of a Baptist church in Morristown, N. J., in 1763. and SOOD afterwards in Warren, R. I. In 1763 he proposed to some prominent Baptist gentlemen of Newport the formation of a "seminary of polite literature, subject to the government of the Baptists," and prepared a plan for the institution. The neccessary money was raised, and a charter obtained in 1764. In 1765 Mr. Manning, but 27 years of age, was appointed " president and professor of languages and other branches of learning, with full power to act in these capacities, at Warren or elsewhere." The college, first called Rhode Island college, was opened at Warren in 1766, and in 1770 removed to Providence. In connection with the presidency, he was pastor of the First Baptist church. During the revolution,when the college was occupied as a military barrack and afterwards as a hospital, Manning continued his duties as pastor and used his influence in behalf of his country. In 1783 he resumed his duties as president, and in 1786 was elected to congress,
still retaining his connection with the college. While in congress he took an active part in the adoption of the national constitution. He resigned the presidency in 1790. Dr. Manning may be regarded as the founder of the college, though the plan was suggested by an association of ministers in Philadelphia. He was distinguished as a pulpit orator, possessing, according to his biographer, " a most attractive and impressive exterior, a voice of extraordinary compass and harmony, and manners expressing remarkable dignity and grace." The name of the college was changed to Brown university, in 1804 in honor of Nicholas Brown its liberal benefactor.