BARLOW, Thomas, born in 1607, was appointed fellow of Queen's college in Oxford in 1633; and two years after was chosen reader of metaphysics to the university. He was keeper of the Bodleian library, and in 1657 was chosen provost of Queen's college. After the restoration of King Charles II. he was nominated one of the commissioners for restoring the members unjustly expelled in 1648. He wrote at that time The Case of Toleration in Matters of Religion, to Mr R. Boyle. In 1675, he was made bishop of Lincoln. After the popish plot, he published several tracts against the Roman catholic religion; in which he shows an uncommon extent of learning, and skill in polemical divinity. Nevertheless, when the duke of York was proclaimed king, he took all opportunities of expressing his affection toward him; but after the revolution he as readily voted that the king had abdi-
cated his kingdom; and was very vigorous in excluding those of the clergy who refused the oaths, from their benefices.
Mr Granger observes, that "this learned prelate, whom nature designed for a scholar, and who acted in conformity with the bent of nature, was perhaps as great a master of the learned languages, and of the works of the celebrated authors who have written in those languages, as any man in his age. The greatest part of his writings, of which Mr Wood has given us a catalogue, are against Popery: and his conduct for some time, like that of other Calvinists, appeared to be in direct opposition to the church of Rome. But after James ascended the throne, he seemed to approach much nearer to Popery than he ever did before. He sent the king an address of thanks for his declaration for liberty of conscience, and is said to have written reasons for reading that declaration. His compliances were much the same after the revolution. His moderation, to call it by the softest name, was very great; indeed so great as to bring the firmness of his character in question. But casuistry reconciles seeming contradictions. He was, abstracted from this laxity of principles, a very great and worthy man." He died at Buckden, in Huntingdonshire, on the 8th of October 1691, in the 84th year of his age.