Anthony, A.M., a learned author, after completing his academical education at Emanuel college, Cambridge, was appointed head master of the free school at Derby, and lecturer of Allhallows there, where he first distinguished himself in the literary world by an edition of Theognis, printed at London in 1766, and was afterwards head master of the free school at Market-Bosworth in Leicestershire. The Grammar whereby he initiated the youth under his care into Latin, was of his own compounding, and so happily fitted for the purpose, that he was prevailed on to make it public, though his modesty would not permit him to fix his name to it, because he would not be thought to prescribe to other instructors of youth. It is entitled, "A New Latin Grammar; being a short, clear, and easy Introduction of young Scholars to the Knowledge of the Latin Tongue; containing an exact Account of the two first Parts of Grammar." In his "Introduction to the Classics," first published in 1718, 12mo, he displayed the beauties of those admirable writers of antiquity, to the understanding and imitation even of common capacities; and that in so concise and clear a manner, as seemed peculiar to himself. But his greatest and most celebrated work was, "The Sacred Classics defended and illustrated; or, An Essay humbly offered towards preserving the Purity, Propriety, and True Eloquence of the Writers of the New Testament," in 2 vols. Mr Blackwall had the felicity to bring up many excellent scholars in his seminaries at Derby and Bosworth; among others, the celebrated Richard Dawes, author of the Miscellanea Critica. A gentleman who had been his scholar, being patron of the church of Clapham in Surrey, presented him to that living as a mark of his gratitude and esteem. This happening late in life, and Blackwall having occasion to wait upon the bishop of the diocese, he was somewhat pertly questioned by a young chaplain as to the extent of his learning. "Boy (replied the indignant veteran), I have forgot more than ever you knew!" He died at Market-Bosworth, April 8, 1730.