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prominent part; and he was frequently called to the discharge of extraordinary ministerial services. But, as life advanced, he was obliged to relax his diligence. The effects of intense mental application appeared in a broken constitution, and a completely disordered and debilitated nervous system. He was greatly distressed by continual wakefulness. For several nights successively he could obtain no sleep, except such as was forced by medical preparations; and even the strongest opiates lost their virtue, by repeated use, and only served to aggravate his malady. Of himself his language is, "Methinks the grave should be ready for me, and the house appointed for all living. What can I further do for God or for men here on earth, since my nature pines away with painful sickness, my nerves are unstrung, my spirits dissipated, and my best powers of acting are enfeebled and almost lost?" When active service is no longer possible, on account of weakness and pain, the continuance of life seems scarcely desirable. Dr. Watts entered into rest, Nov. 25th, 1748, aged 74. The property which he left behind him was not very considerable; because, as he had not much motive for accumulation, and as his disposition was liberal, he gave much, during his life. According to one account, he regularly appropriated

"The history of Brentius furnishes a warning to students; he having contracted a distressing and injurious habit of sleeplessness, which continued to the end of his days, by accustoming himself to rise soon after midnight to pursue his studies."

Scott's contin. of Milner, Vol. 2, p. 139.

one fifth, and according to another one third, of his salary to charitable purposes.

Our opinion of a man who lived in former times, may be regulated by observing what those thought of him who knew him most intimately, and were most competent to form a right judgment of him, by their discernment and sagacity. The value of Dr. Watts appears from the strong and steady affection of his people, though they were tried so much by being so often deprived of his services; and from the attachment of such men as Sir Thomas Abney, Sir John Hartopp, Lord Barrington, Bishop Gibson, and Dr. Doddridge; and of such women as Lady Abney and her daughters, the Countess of Hertford, Lady Huntingdon, and Mrs. Rowe. It appears, also, from the eagerness which various parties have manifested to claim him. The Arminians claim him as a disciple of their creed, Abraham Booth has claimed him as a Baptist, and Belsham as a Socinian! As well might Dr. Johnson have claimed him as a Churchman; and these claims only prove that "such he was as every Christian church would rejoice to have adopted."

Mr. Milner's life of Dr. Watts is a book that was much wanted, and the want of which was much regretted. It is the result of great research, and is written with superior ability. A larger store of materials is collected, and more information communicated, than could have been anticipated at this distance

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of time. Some parts of the work might be improved by retrenchment and compression, but it is unquestionably the best account we have of a man to whom the religious and literary community are deeply indebted, and to whom all succeeding generations will look with reverence and gratitude.

DR. DODDRIDGE.

WRITTEN AFTER READING THE MEMOIRS OF HIM BY ORTON AND KIPPIS, AND HIS CORRESPONDENCE AS PUBLISHED BY STEADMAN AND HUMPHREYS.

"Doddridge is now my prime favourite among divines."

Robert Hall.

Dr. Doddridge rose to high distinction among dissenters, and acquired great influence over them; for he was the minister of a considerable congregation, the tutor of a flourishing academy, the author of many popular and useful works, the soul of many public spirited undertakings, and the friend and correspondent of the most eminent men of that age. His connection with the great must be ascribed, in part, to the spirit of the times in which he lived. Dissenters had displayed such loyalty and zeal in the rebellions in 1715 and 1745, that they were considered as the firmest friends of the House of Hanover; and, as such, were cheered with the rays of court favour; and their leading men were honoured with the friendship of the nobility and the dignified clergy, in a greater degree than at any other period.

But the principal reason was his personal merit. In some respects he might be inferior to others with whom he may be compared: but in the extent and

variety of his knowledge; in the number and diversity of his attainments; in sweetness of temper and captivating manners; in piety to God, benevolence to man, and exemplary diligence in duty; he stands conspicuous in the first rank of human beings. In his youth, indeed, he seems to have been chargeable with levity of spirit, and laxness of doctrinal sentiment; with unwarrantable conformity to the world, and some impropriety of conduct, which, on the review, he deplored with humility and contrition; but his character improved by time; not a year was added to his life which did not add to his worth, to his graces as a Christian, and his gifts as a minister; and in the decline of his course he seemed like a saint about to take wing to a better world. This was the visible effect and the happy influence of those devotional exercises in which he delighted to engage, in which he enjoyed his happiest feelings, and which gave a lustre to his religious profession.

In a letter to Mrs. Doddridge, he thus describes the state of his mind. "I have had more of the presence of God, of late, with me, than I remember ever to have enjoyed before. He enables me to live for Him, and to live with Him. When I awake in the morning, which is always before it is light, I address myself to Him, and converse with Him; speak to Him while I am lighting my candle and putting on my clothes; and have often more delight, before I come out of my chamber, though it be hardly a quarter

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