Delany Patrick

Delany Patrick, an eminent Irish clergyman, was born in the year 1686, and was educated at Trinity College, Dublin. In 1727 lord Carteret raised him to the chancellorship of Christ Church. He distinguished himself by the publication of the first volume of a work entitled Revelation examined with Candor (4th edit. Lond. 1745-63, 3 vols. 8vo). The work is still held in deserved estimation. In 1738 he wrote an ingenious pamphlet, entitled Reflections on Polygamy. He also published (1740-42) An historical Account of the Life and Reign of David (3d ed. London, 1745, 2 vols. 8vo); in 1745-1763, Revelation examined with Candor (2 vols. 8vo); Twenty Sermons upon social Duties and their opposite Vices (Lond. 1750, 8vo); Sixteen Discourses on Doctrines and Duties (Lond. 1754, 8vo). He died at Bath, May, 1768. "He was a man of ability and learning, disposed occasionally to use his fancy, and to reason confidently on doubtful or disputed premises; his works also greatly lack evangelical sentiment. His sentiments on many doctrines of Christianity were certainly peculiar, but then his mind was original, well-informed, and capacious" (Orme, Bibliotheca Biblica ). See Kippis, Biographia Britannica, v. 75.