RICHARD, an English painter, commonly called the Dwarf, was originally page to a lady at Mortlake; who, observing that his genius led him to painting, had the generosity to get him instructed in the rudiments of that art. He devoted himself to Sir Peter Lely's manner, and copied his pictures to admiration, especially his portraits: his paintings in water colours were also esteemed. He was in great favour with Charles I. who made him his page of the back flairs; and he had the honour to instruct in drawing Queen Mary and Queen Anne when they were princesses. He married one Mrs Anne Shepherd, who was also a dwarf; on which occasion King Charles I. honoured their marriage with his presence, and gave away the bride. Mr Waller wrote a poem on this occasion, entitled "The Marriage of the Dwarfs;" in which are these lines:

Design or chance makes others wive, But nature did this match contrive; Eve might as well have Adam fled, As she deny'd her little bed To him for whom heav'n seem'd to frame And measure out this only dame."

Mr Fenton, in his notes on this poem, observes that he had seen this couple painted by Sir Peter Lely; and that they were of an equal stature, each being three feet ten inches high. They had nine children, five of whom arrived at maturity; these were well proportioned, and of the usual standard of mankind.* But what nature denied this couple in stature, she gave them in length of days: for Mr Gibson died in the 75th year of his age; and his wife, having survived him almost 20 years, died in 1709, aged 89.

Gibson, Dr Edmund, bishop of London, was born in Westmoreland, in 1669. He applied himself early and vigorously to learning, and displayed his knowledge in several writings and translations, which recommended him to the patronage of Archbishop Tenison. He was appointed domestic chaplain to his Grace; and we soon after find him rector of Lambeth, and archdeacon of Surry. Becoming thus a member of the convocation, he engaged in a controversy, which was carried on with great warmth by the members of both houses, and defended his patron's rights, as presiding, in eleven pamphlets; he then formed and completed his more comprehensive scheme of the legal duties and rights of the English clergy, which was at length published under the title of Codex Juris Ecclesiasticus Anglicani, in folio. Archbishop Tenison dying in 1715, and Dr Wake bishop of Lincoln being made archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Gibson succeeded the latter in the see of Lincoln, and in 1720 was promoted to the bishopric of London. He now not only governed his diocese with the most exact regularity, but by his great care promoted the spiritual affairs of the church of England colonies in the West Indies. He was extremely jealous of the least of the privileges belonging to the church; and therefore, though he approved of the toleration of the Protestant Dissenters, he continually guarded against all the attempts made to procure a repeal of the corporation and test acts; in particular, his opposition to those licentious assemblies called masquerades, gave great umbrage at court, and effectually excluded him from all further favours. He spent the latter part of his life in writing and printing pastoral letters, visitation-charges, occasional sermons, and tracts against the prevailing immorality of the age. His pastoral letters are justly esteemed as the most masterly productions against infidelity and enthusiasm. His most celebrated work, the Codex, has been already mentioned. His other publications are, 1. An edition of Drummond's Polemio Middlinia, and James V. of Scotland's Cantilena Rustica, with notes. 2. The Chronicon Saxonicum, with a Latin translation, and notes. 3. Reliquae Spelmannianae, the posthumous works of Sir Henry Spelman, relating to the laws and antiquities of England. 4. An edition of Quintilian de Arte Oratoria, with notes. 5. An English translation of Camden's Britannia, with additions, two volumes folio: and, 6. A number of small pieces, that have been collected together and printed in three volumes folio.—His intense application to study impaired his health; notwithstanding which, he attained the age of 79. He expired in September 1748, after an episcopate of near 33 years.—With regard to Bishop Gibson's private life and character, he was in every respect a perfect exemplar. His abilities were so well adapted to discharge the duties of his sacred function, that during the incapacity of Archbishop Wake, the transaction of ecclesiastical affairs was committed to the bishop of London. He was a true friend to the established church and government, and as great an enemy to persecution. He was usually consulted by the most learned and exalted personages in church and state, and the greatest deference was paid to his judgment. He possessed the social virtues in an eminent degree; his beneficence was very extensive; and he had such generosity,