BROTHERS, RICHARD (1757-1824). A re ligious fanatic. He was born at Placentia, New foundland, December 25, 1757. and was at one lime a lieutenant in the British Navy, which he quitted on half pay in 1783, believing that a military life was inconsistent with a Christian profession. Having scruples against taking the oath requisite to enable him to receive his half pay, he NV s reduced to great distress, and ulti mately placed in the workhouse for a brief period. lie regained his liberty in 1792. 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, ap pointed to lead them to the land of Canaan." In 1794 he published a book, entitled 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 in sanity, which made a temporary sensation. In
consequence of prophesying the death of the King and the destruction of the monarchy, he was committed to Newgate, hut 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. Even men of ability and education were deluded into believing in him, two of the most eminent being Halhed, the Orientalist, and Wil liam Sharp, the celebrated engraver. As a dan gerous lunatic, he was at length committed to a private asylum. but released in 1806, and died in London, January 25, 1824.