THOMAS, a Scottish poet and divine, was born of humble but respectable parents at Annan, in Dumfriesshire, in 1721. When not quite six months old he lost his sight by the smallpox. Under this misfortune, his father and friends endeavoured to amuse him as he grew up by reading to him various books; among others, the works of Milton, Spenser, Prior, Pope, and Addison. His kind and gentle disposition gained the hearts of his companions, who were very assiduous in their good offices, particularly in reading to instruct and amuse him.
Blacklock, at the age of nineteen, had the misfortune to lose his excellent father, who was killed by the fall of a malt-kiln belonging to his son-in-law. Thus suddenly deprived of that support, on which his youth had leaned, destitute of almost every resource which industry affords to those who have the blessing of sight, with a body naturally feeble and delicate, and with a mind peculiarly susceptible, this bereavement was doubly severe.
He lived with his mother for about a year after this event, and began to be distinguished as a young man of genius. To poetry he was devoted from his earliest days; and about this time several of his productions were handed about, which considerably enlarged the circle of his friends and acquaintance. Some of his compositions having been shown to Dr Stevenson, an eminent physician of Edinburgh, that gentleman formed the benevolent design of giving him the benefits of a classical education. Blacklock, in consequence, was enrolled a student of divinity in the University of Edinburgh in 1741, and continued his studies under the patronage of Dr Stevenson till 1745, when he retired to Dumfries, and resided in the house of his married sister during the whole time of the civil war which then agitated the country. When peace had been restored, he returned to the university, and pursued his studies for six years longer. During this residence in Edinburgh, he made the acquaintance of several literary men, particularly Mr Hume, who was particularly useful to him in the publication by subscription of the 4to edition of his poems in 1756. Two editions in 8vo had previously been published at Edinburgh in 1746 and in 1754.
After applying closely for a considerable time to the study of theology, in 1759 he passed the usual trials in the presbytery of Dumfries, and was licensed as a preacher, in which capacity he obtained high reputation.
In 1762 he married Miss Sarah Johnston, the daughter of a surgeon in Dumfries; a connection which formed the great solace and blessing of his future life. A few days after this event, he was ordained minister of the church of Kirkcudbright, by presentation from the crown, through the interest of the Earl of Selkirk. This appointment, however, was so violently opposed by the parishioners, that, after a legal dispute of nearly two years, he resigned his right to the living, and accepted a moderate annuity in its stead. With this slender provision he removed to Edinburgh, where he received into his house as boarders a certain number of young gentlemen, whose studies he superintended.
Finding that his advancing age and feeble health required quiet and repose, in 1787 he abandoned the tuition of youth. In 1767 the degree of doctor in divinity was conferred on him by the University and Marischal College of Aberdeen.
In the summer of 1791 he was seized with a slight feverish disorder, which a frame so little robust proved unable to resist; and after about a week's illness it carried him off on the 7th of July.
His writings consist chiefly of poems, of which a 4to edition was published in 1793; to which was added an Essay on the Education of the Blind, translated from the French of M. Haisty.