(Andrew, D.D. F.R. and A.S.), was born at Nottingham, March 28 (O.S.) 1725. His father, a respectable tradesman of that town, was defended from the Rev. Benjamin King of Oakham, Rutlandshire, an ejected minister; and his mother, Ann Ryther, was the grand-daughter of the Rev. John Ryther, who was ejected from the church of Fernby, in the county of York. In the year 1730, he lost his father, and went to reside with his grandfather, Andrew Kippis of Saxford in Lincolnshire. He received his classical education at the grammar-school in that town; but what contributed most to his future eminence, was the friendship of the Rev. Mr Merrivall, who was equalled by few of his contemporaries in various branches of learning, particularly in his acquaintance with the classics, his knowledge of ancient and modern history, and his refined taste in the belles lettres. Dr Kippis frequently said, that it was impossible for him to express his obligations to this friend of his youth. In 1741 he removed to Northampton, and commenced his academical studies under Dr Doddridge. After a residence of five years at the academy, he was invited by several congregations to become their minister. Though he was preferred to settle at Dorchester, and had been chosen their minister, he gave the preference to an invitation from Bostock in Lincolnshire, where he went to reside in September 1746. Here he continued four years; and in November 1750, accepted the pastoral charge of a congregation at Dorking in Surrey. The congregation meeting in Princess-street Westminster, having been without a minister about two years, he was chosen, in June 1753, to succeed the Rev. Dr Obadiah Hughes. On the 21st of Septem- KIPPS

her following, he married, at Bodon, Miss Elizabeth Bott, one of the daughters of Mr Isaac Bott, a merchant of that place; and in the month of October fixed his residence in Westminster. In June 1767, he received the degree of D.D. from the university of Edinburgh, on the unsolicited recommendation of the late learned Professor Robertson. He was elected a member of the Society of Antiquaries on the 19th of March 1778; and on the 17th of June 1779, he was chosen a Fellow of the Royal Society. In both Societies he had the honour of being in the council two years.

Dr Kipps was eminently distinguished for the virtues and accomplishments which form the chief ornaments of private life. With a fluency of manners and urbanity of behaviour peculiarly attractive; he united that knowledge of men and books which rendered his conversation uncommonly entertaining and instructive to the circle of his acquaintance and friends. As a minister, he was not less eminent for his profound acquaintance with every branch of theology than for the happy manner in which he applied it to the improvement of those who attended his ministry. His sermons were remarkable for perspicuity, elegance, and energy; and his elocution was unaffected and very impressive, particularly at the close of his discourses. But the superior powers and vigour of mind which he derived from nature, and which he had cultivated with unremitting diligence and peculiar success, were not to be confined to the narrow limits of private life and the duties of the pastoral charge, however important; they were designed for more extensive and important services to his country and to mankind. The interests of literature, science, and religion, have received from the exertion of his talents as a writer the most essential advantages. His first efforts in literature were made in the Gentleman's Magazine, a periodical publication called the Library, and the Monthly Review; to each of which he contributed many important articles, especially in the historical and philological departments of the last. He was the author of three important tracts, viz. "A Vindication of the Protestant Dissenting Ministers, &c."

Observations on the late Contests in the Royal Society;" and "Considerations on the Treaty with America, &c." His improved edition of Dr Doddridge's Lectures is a work of great value; and "The History of Knowledge, Learning, and Talents in Great Britain," prefixed to the New Annual Register, merits, and has received, the approbation of the public. He published at different times several single sermons; among which, that on the death of his friend the Rev. Mr Laugher, is entitled to very high praise. The greater part of these he republished, with other practical discourses, in the year 1794; but the work which, next to the studies immediately connected with his office as a Christian minister, engaged his principal attention, and by which he has long been distinguished, is, the improved edition of the "Biographia Britannica." In this great national publication, the comprehensiveness and powers of his mind, the correctness of his judgment, the vast extent of his information, his indefatigable researches and unremitting assiduity, his peculiar talent of appreciating the merits, and analyzing the labours of the most eminent writers, and his unshaken integrity, unblasted fidelity, and impartial decision on the characters of the philosopher, statesman, poet, scholar, and divine, are strongly displayed, and universally acknowledged. His style, formed on the models of Sir William Temple and the classical Addison, is remarkable for its perspicuity, elegance, and purity; and gives a peculiar lustre to the rich stores of knowledge treasured in the volumes now published. This work has given him a high rank among the literati of his country, and will carry down his name with distinguished reputation to posterity. He died on the 8th October 1795.