Human Nature, and Other Sermons
- Pages
- about 171
- Category
- Philosophy
- Language
- English
- Reading time
- 3.1 h at 250 wpm
From the opening
Joseph Butler was born in 1692, youngest of eight children of a
linendraper at Wantage, in Berkshire. His father was a Presbyterian, and
after education at the Wantage Free Grammar School Joseph Butler was sent
to be educated for the Presbyterian ministry in a training academy at
Gloucester, which was afterwards removed to Tewkesbury. There he had a
friend and comrade, Secker, who afterwards became Archbishop of
Canterbury. Butler and Secker inquired actively, and there was
foreshadowing of his future in the fact that in 1713, at the age of
twenty-one, Butler was engaged in anonymous discussion with Samuel Clarke
upon his book on the a priori demonstration of the Divine Existence and
Attributes.
When the time drew near for call to the ministry, Butler, like his friend
Secker, had reasoned himself into accordance with the teaching of the
Church of England. Butler's father did not oppose his strong desire to
enter the Church, and he was entered in 1714 at Oriel College, Oxford. At
college a strong friendship was established between Butler and a fellow-
student, Edward Talbot, whose father was a Bishop, formerly of Oxford and
Salisbury, then of Durham. Through Talbot's influence Butler obtained in
1718 the office of Preacher in the Rolls Chapel, which he held for the
next eight years. In 1722 Talbot died, and on his death-bed urged his
father on behalf of his friend Butler. The Bishop accordingly presented
Joseph Butler to the living of Houghton-le-Spring. But it was found that
costs of dilapidations were beyond his means at Houghton, and Butler had
a dangerous regard for building works. He was preferred two years
afterwards to the living of Stanhope, which then became vacant, and which
yielded a substantial income.
A short sample. Read the whole book
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