Archer, James, an English missionary priest, b. in London, 17 November, 1751; d. 22 August, 1832. While employed at a public house called “The Ship”, in Turn Stile, Lincoln’s-Inn-Fields, where Catholics secretly assembled for Divine service, he attracted the favourable notice of Dr. Challoner and was sent, in 1769, to study at Douai College. He returned in 1780, after his ordination, to carry on the mission in the public house where he had formerly been employed. He was for many years Vicar-General of the London District and received the papal degree of Doctor of Divinity at the same time with Drs. Lingard, Gradwell, and Fletcher. His published works are: “Sermons on Various Moral and Religious Subjects” (London, 1787, 1788, 1816); “Second Series” (London, 1801, 1822); ‘Third Series’? (London, 1827); “Sermons” (London, 1789, 1794, 1817); “Sermons on Matrimonial Duties, etc.” (London, 1804); “Letter to J. Milner, Vicar-Apostolic of the Midland District (Being a Reply to a letter in which he accuses the author of immorality)” (London, 1810); “Sermon on Universal Benevolence, —Some Reflections on Religious Persecution and the alleged proceedings at Nismes” (2d ed., London, 1816). His portrait was engraved by Turner after a painting by James Ramsay in 1826.
GILLOW, Bibliog. Dict. English Catholics.
Thomas Walsh.