Hickes did not long survive the consecration of Collier, Spinkes, and Hawes. He died in the year 1715, at the age of 74, leaving behind him the character of a learned and pious man. Of course he had his failings: but his works will remain as a monument of his learning and piety as long as the English language is used. He was born in the year 1642. He was on intimate terms with Kennet and several other clergymen who complied, and who were anxious to direct his attention to the study of the northern antiquities. His protest against Mr. Talbot was considered as an act of rebellion against the government: and proceedings being commenced, he withdrew into a place of concealment until 1699, when Lord Somers, the Chancellor, ordered the Attorney-General to enter a noli prosequi to all proceedings against him. During a portion of this period he resided with White Kennet, wearing a lay-habit, and affecting to be unknown. Disagreeing as they did, they could not converse on ecclesiastical matters: consequently they met on the common ground of literature. At Kennet's suggestion he undertook his most laborious work, the "Thesaurus." At last, a fellow of a college in Oxford, coming to Kennet's house, knew him, and called him by his name. This alarmed him: so that he immediately repaired to London, where he remained until the Lord Chancellor interposed. It is stated that he once contemplated taking the Oaths: but the authority on which the report rests appears doubtful.[1] The inscription on his tomb, written by his own direction in his will, is adduced as evidence, simply because it does not notice the fact of his appointment as a suffragan
- ↑ Kennet's Life, p. 14, 47, 48.
