Boyle, the founder of the Lecture, had collected scientific facts available for the lecturer’s purpose. Locke, by illustrating the essential difference between matter and mind, had become a pioneer in the path along which Bentley pushed parts of his argument; and Newton, by his _Principia_, had prepared for him methods by which to demonstrate the Creator’s providence and goodness. Thus assisted, Bentley showed himself possessed of original genius; and having at command satire as well as logic, with a style adapted to give effect to his thoughts, he produced a deep impression by his discourses. The first he delivered at St. Martin’s--the second at Bow Church; when Evelyn, ensconced in a tall-backed pew, listened with delight to the preacher, and immediately admitted him to his friendship. Before he published his work he wrote to the great philosopher, then resident in Trinity College, Cambridge. Newton corrected and modified Bentley’s opinions upon some points, but he confirmed his views respecting most, and supplied him with additional arguments.[439] [Sidenote: BOYLE LECTURE.] Bentley soon afterwards obtained a stall in Worcester Cathedral, probably through the influence of Stillingfleet, his patron. If we are to believe his words, he had what was a better reward, for he says: “The Atheists were silent since that time, and sheltered themselves under Deism.” It is a pity that historical justice requires it to be said that this advocate of natural theology did not possess the primary virtue of religion, and the chief ornament of all learning. A nobleman happening one day to sit near Stillingfleet at dinner, observed to him, “My Lord, that chaplain of yours is certainly a very extraordinary man.” “Yes,” he replied; “had he but the gift of humility, he would be the most extraordinary man in Europe.”[440]