Samuel Horsley

Date of Birth: September 15, 1733

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: October 4, 1806

Biography

Samuel Horsley was an influential British clergyman and bishop known for his erudition and theological writings. Born into a clerical family, his father, John Horsley, was a rector. Samuel received a robust education first at Westminster School and later at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he honed his skills in mathematics and theology. He was ordained in 1751 and began his ecclesiastical career as a curate before moving on to more prominent roles, including the rector of Newington Butts and later the archdeacon of St Albans. Horsley was a staunch defender of Anglican orthodoxy and became known for his vigorous debates with dissenters and critics of the Church of England. His most famous adversary was Joseph Priestley, a prominent Unitarian. Horsley’s rigorous defense of Trinitarian doctrine against Priestley’s unorthodox views earned him considerable respect and led to his appointment as Bishop of St David’s, and later to the Bishopric of Rochester and St Asaph. In addition to his theological work, Horsley was a respected mathematician and astronomer, contributing papers to the Royal Society, of which he was a fellow. His intellectual prowess and contributions to both the Church and the sciences established him as a significant figure in 18th-century Britain.

5 Interesting Facts about Samuel Horsley

1. Samuel Horsley was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1767 for his contributions to mathematics and astronomy.

2. He published a critical edition of Sir Isaac Newton’s works, showcasing his deep respect and understanding of Newtonian science.

3. Horsley was known for his eloquent and forceful sermons, which were often published and widely read.

4. His debates with Joseph Priestley on the nature of the Trinity were among the most famous theological controversies of the 18th century.

5. Horsley was appointed as the Bishop of St David’s in 1788, and later served as the Bishop of Rochester and St Asaph.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Samuel Horsley

1. “The study of mathematics, like the Nile, begins in minuteness but ends in magnificence.”

2. “Truth, like a torch, the more it’s shook it shines.”

3. “In defending the Church, we defend the very foundation of our society.”

4. “A sermon should be like a woman’s skirt: long enough to cover the essentials, but short enough to keep it interesting.”

5. “Faith, once lost, is a flower that does not bloom again.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The concept of net worth in financial terms is not applicable to Samuel Horsley as he lived in the 18th century, a time when such measures were not commonly recorded or relevant for clergy. However, his intellectual and ecclesiastical contributions were invaluable.

Children

Samuel Horsley had several children with his wife, Mary Botham. Among his children, his son Heneage Horsley followed in his footsteps to become a prominent clergyman, serving as the Archdeacon of St Albans.