Milner, John (1)

Milner, John (1), an English nonjuring divine of note, was born near Halifax in 1627 or 1628. He was educated at Christ's College, Cambridge, and after his graduation took orders. He was, however, obliged to live retired till the Restoration, when he obtained the curacy of Beeston, and in 1673 was appointed vicar of Leeds. In 1681 he was chosen prebendary of Ripon; but, on refusing the oaths at the Revolution, he quitted his preferments and went to St. John's College, Cambridge, where he died, February 16, 1702. Dr. Milner was a prolific writer, and published several controversial theological tracts and critical dissertations upon various portions of the Scriptures. Of his numerous works we mention the following: Church History of Palestine from the Birth of Christ to Diocletian (1688, 4to): — Conjectanea in Isaiah 9:1: — De Nethinin sive Nethinceis: — Defence of Archbishop Usher against Drs. Cary and Vossius: — Account of Mr. Locke's Religion: — Animadversions on Le Clerc's Reflections upon our Saviour and his Apostles. See Watson, Halifax; Thoresby, Vicaria Leodensis, page 114 sq.; Wilford, Memorials; Cooper, Biog. Dict. Page 869; Allibone, Dict. of Brit. and Amer. Authors, 2:1293.