164 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and whose memory he held in the highest respect. But not relishing the
profession of the law, even although its elements were to be imbibed from 80
respectable a source, he turned his attention to the Church ; and his family being
of the Scottish Episcopalian persuasion, he was some time after admitted to
orders, and appointed curate, first at Long Houghton, and next at Long Horseley,
in Northumberland, a living worth about S30 a year. He appears also to
have officiated for a short time as a chaplain of a regiment. From his connections,
and particularly from his relationship to Mr. Fox, he had a fair prospect
of advancement in the Church j and, in point of fact, a rectory was at an early
period within his reach. But it is to be presumed that some pecuniary consideration
was exacted as the condition of this preferment. On repairing to
London to make the necessary arrangements, being required prior to induction
to take the customary oaths, he declined, from conscientious motives, and
afterwards retired into private life.
For a long time after the death of his father, Dr. Turnbull's income from
his estates was of limited amount ; but, being a man of frugal and economical
habits, his expenditure never exceeded his means : and with reference to this
period of his life, he used jocularly to say, that he always took care to keep
five pounds between him and the devil. Until latterly, his usual place of
residence was London, where he passed the greater part of his time, living
among his respectable relations, except when he visited his friends in Scotland,
which he generally did once a year. In the metropolis he had ample opportunities
of mixing in the best society, and of making the acquaintance of
persons of distinction or celebrity ; among the most noted of whom we may
mention Prince Talleyrand and Mr. Munro, President of the United States of
America.
Although his family were non-jurors, and as such friendly to the exiled
house of Stuart, Dr. Turnbull, at an early period of life, attached himself to
the party and the political principles of Mr. Fox, for whom he entertained the
highest admiration, and continued throughout life a steadfast and uncompromising
friend to the. liberty and improvement of mankind. Among men who
consider lukewarmness a proof of wisdom, Dr. Turnbull may have been thought
a violent politician ; and he was undoubtedly a warm admirer of the American
and French revolutions-of the former absolutely, and of the latter until it
degenerated into anarchy and military despotism ; but benevolence formed the
basis of his political creed, as well as of his personal character; and hence,
although many dissented from his opinions, none that knew disliked the man.
In Edinburgh, where he was well known, his circle of acquaintance was most
extensive j and few persons who have moved in general society were ever held
in greater esteem.
Among his friends and acquaintances in Scotland were Lord Panmure and
Mr. Ferqsson of Raith j and to both he was warmly attached. For the last
fifteen years of his life,' Dr. Turnbull resided at Alnwick, near to where he
had, in early life, officiated as curate. Till age and infirmity prevented him,
