One of the pamphlets which he produced in the course of this dispute is worthy of being particularly noticed, on account of the unqualified praise bestowed upon it by Mr Locke. It is his Defence of Moderate .Vonconformity, the introduction to which that eminent philosopher affirmed, in a message to the author, to be invulnerable both in its principles and its reasonings. In 1709, Mr Calamy went into Scotland. He there met with the kindest reception, and most respectful treat ment. The universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, conferred on him the degree of doctor in di vinity. Every attention was paid to him by the profes sors and literati of the places which he visited ; and his impressions of the Scotch nation were, upon the whole, highly favourable and pleasing. It was about this time that the French prophets made so much noise in Eng land. The principles and conduct of these suspicious enthusiasts were thought deserving of the interference of government, and the attorney general was ordered to prosecute their ring-leaders. Before, however, any de cisive measures were adopted, Lord Godolphin and Mr Harley consulted Dr Calamy, who, from his knowledge of their pretensions and character, and his general saga city in such matters, was well qualified to give a sound advice. He advised government to abstain from giving any disturbance to the self-created prophets. His coun sel was prudently adopted ; and the consequence was, that the fanatics, who had excited so much unnecessary alarm, soon dwindled away into insignificance and con tempt. Dr Calamy assisted in the extinction of this miserable sect also, by writing a Caveat against the New Prophets, for which he received the thanks of Queen Anne, who considered it as a public service.
In the years 1718, &c. there were keen disputes among the dissenters respecting subscription to the first article of the church of England, which relates to the doctrine of the Trinity. Ile attended one of their' private meetings ; but distinctly foreseeing the quarrel which ensued, and afraid of the evil consequences to which it might lead, he attended no more ; and neither openly joined with the one party nor with the other, when they even came to a division on the subject or discussion. He was not indif ferent, however, to the doctrine of the Trinity, which he defended in thirteen sermons preached at the Merchants Lecture in Salter's hall. These sermons he published in 1722 ; and for this volume, the author not only receiv ed the thanks of several dignitaries of the established church, but was also honoured with gracious ac knowledgments, and a gratuity of fifty pounds, from the zing himself. In 1727, he finished his great work, en titled, ? Continuation of the Account of the Ministers, &:te. ejected after the Restoration. This book is well known /.0 those who arc conversant in the history of that period. It reflects the highest credit on the industry and impartiality of the author, though it has not been so fortunate as to escape the censures of high-church wri ters ; and is most deservedly popular, both as a collection of biographical sketches, and as a repository of interest ing and important facts. Dr Calamy, with a high repu tation for learning, judgment, candour, benevolence, and piety, died (1732,) in the sixtieth year of his age, having been twice married, and leaving behind him several chil dren. See Mayo's Funeral Sermon upon Edmund Cala my, D. D. ; Calamy's Abridgment of the Life of Baxter ; and Biographia Britanniea. (7)