Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/357

 KING. 353 and gone over to the Romish church, published, in 1687, a pamphlet in vindication of his conduct. This was answered by Mr. King; Manby replied, and King rejoined. On this Manby dropping the controversy, dispersed a sheet of paper, containing a succinct account of the reasons which influenced his secession, which was likewise an swered by our author. During this controversy he was elected Dean of St. Patrick's, and soon after took his doctor's degree. Having been extremely active in pro moting the Revolution, he was twice imprisoned in Dublin castle, during the short stay of King James in Ireland, and is said to have been so peculiarly obnoxious to that monarch's party, that his life was more than once in danger from them. In recompence for his zeal and sufferings in the cause of the Revolution, he was created Bishop of Derry in 1691, and in the same year published his celebrated work, “The State of the Protestants of Ireland, under the late King James's government,” &c.; a book which, being strongly imbued with party spirit, was at that time eagerly read, and is still frequently referred to. Bishop Burnet speaks of this work in very favourable terms; not so Mr. C. Leslie, who immediately attacked i t , affirming that “there i s not one single fact h e has inquired into, but h e found i t false i n whole o r i n part, aggravated o r misrepresented, s o a s t o alter the whole face o f the story, and give i t per fectly another air and turn; insomuch that, though many things h e says, were true, yet h e has hardly spoke a true word, that i s , told truly and nakedly, without a warp.” Being now freed from a l l apprehensions o f popery, the bishop's fears for the safety o f the establishment were directed t o another quarter. A vast number o f Scotch presbyterians having lately quitted their native country, and settled i n his diocese, Dr. King's endeavours t o per suade them t o conform, engaged him i n a fresh contro versy with Mr. Joseph Boyce, one o f their ministers, i n which, a s usual, Dr. King had the last word. I n 1702, h e published his treatise “De Origine Mali,” i n which h e WOL. 11 . A A