Jebb, John (2)

bishop of Limerick, an eminent Irish theologian, was born at Drogheda Sept. 27, 1775. He studied at Dublin University, where his proficiency attracted the notice of Broderick, bishop of Kilmore, who made him curate of Swanlibar. When Broderick became archbishop of Cashel, he gave Jebb the living of Abington, one of the richest in Ireland. 'He was finally made bishop of Limerick in 1823. A Protestant bishop in a district chiefly inhabited by Roman Catholics, he overcame the prejudices of the people by his liberal spirit, and staunchly defended their rights. He died at Limerick Dec. 7,1833. His principal works are Sermons on Subjects chiefly practical, etc. (Lond. 1815, 8vo, and often): — Practical Theology (Lond. 1830, and again 1837, 2 vols. 8vo): — Pastoral Instructions on the Character of the Church of England (London, 1831 [new ed. 1844], sm. 8vo): — Thirty Years Correspondence with Alexander Knox, Esq. (London, 1834, 2 vols. 8vo). But by far his most important work is his

Sacred Literature (London, 1820, 8vo, and often), intended chiefly as a review of the works of Lowth on Hebrew poetry and Isaiah. "Bishop Jebb undertakes to controvert some of the principles of Dr. Lowth, and to show that the criteria by which the latter would determine what is poetry in Hebrew are to be found in the New Testament as well as the Old. Aside from this controversy with Lowth, the work contains many illustrations and explanations of difficult or obscure passages, valuable to the Biblical scholar. 'No book of criticism has lately appeared more worthy the attention of the student of the Bible." See Life of Bishop Jebb, with a selection from his letters, by Rev. Charles Forster (2nd ed. Lond. 1837, 8vo); Allibone, Dictionary of Authors, s.v. (J. H.W.)