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the family above mentioned, critical lectures on the New Testament were weekly delivered, which the students were permitted and encouraged to transcribe, to lead them to the better knowledge of the Divine oracles. These contained his remarks on the language, meaning, and design of the sacred writers, and the interpretations and criticisms of the most considerable commentators. Many of these he has inserted in the Family Expositor.*-Polite literature he by no means neglected; nor will it be despised by any but those who know not what it is: yet "he could not think it the one thing needful: he thought the sacred Scriptures were the grand magazine, whence the most important, and therefore by far the greatest number of, academical lectures were to be drawn.”—In the last year of the course, a set of lectures on preaching and the pastoral care was given. These contained general directions concerning the method to be taken to furnish them for the work of preaching; the character of the best practical writers and commentators upon the Bible; many particular rules for the composition of sermons, their proper style, the choice and arrangement of thoughts, and the delivery of them; directions relating to public prayer, exposition, catechising, the administration of the sacraments, and pastoral visits. To these were added many general maxims for their conversation and conduct as ministers, and a variety of prudential rules for their behaviour in particular circumstances and connexions in which they might be placed.t- -While the students were pursuing these important studies, some lectures were given them on civil law, the hieroglyphics and mythology of the ancients, the English history, particularly the history of nonconformity, and the principles on which a separation from the church of England is founded. The tutor principally insisted upon those laid down by Dr. Calamy, in his introduction to the second volume of his Defence of Moderate Nonconformity; being of the same opinion with Mr. Locke, who sent Dr. Calamy word, that "he had read his introduction, and that, while the protestant dissenters kept close to those principles, they would sufficiently maintain their ground, and justify their separation from any established national church, if that church should assume an authority to impose things which ought to be left indifferent."§

One day in every week was set apart for public exercises. At these times the translations and orations of the junior students were read and examined. Those who had entered on the study of pneumatology and ethics, produced in their turns theses on the several subjects assigned them, which were mutually opposed and defended. Those who had finished ethics delivered homilies (as they were called, to distinguish them from sermons) on the natural and moral perfections of God, and the several branches of moral virtue ; while the senior students brought analyses of Scripture, the schemes of sermons, and afterwards the sermons themselves, which they submitted to the examination and correction of their tutor. In this part of his work he was very exact, careful, and friendly; esteeming his remarks on their compositions more useful to young preachers than any general rules of composition which could be offered them by those who were themselves most eminent in the profession. In this view, he furnished them with subordinate thoughts and proper scriptures for proof or illustration, retrenching what was superfluous and adding what was wanting.

It was his care, through the whole course of their studies, that his pupils might have such a variety of lectures weekly, as might engage and entertain their minds without distracting them. While they were attending and studying lec

As another edition may soon be demanded, it may not be amiss to suggest that it would be extremely useful to enlarge the list of references, by introducing the names and productions of those writers who have treated upon the several matters in question since the Doctor's decease. To a person conversant in the history of controversies this would be no very difficult task; and it might, in particular, easily be executed by any gentleman, who, as a tutor, has made use of the lectures as a text book, and who consequently has been in the habit of referring to succeeding authors.

No inconsiderable advantage was derived from the Doctor's being himself a man of taste, and a master of elegant composition. Without much direct instruction, the remarks which he occasionally and frequently made on the best writers, ancient and modern, were of great utility. The students too, especially those of a classical turn, cherished in each other, by their discussions and debates, the principles of discernment with regard to the beauties of authors, whether in prose or verse.-K.

+ Such lectures might, I doubt not, be occasionally read; but they made no stated and regular part of the academical course. None of them, excepting those on nonconformity, were delivered during my residence at Northampton. I speak with the greater confidence on the subject, as I was

tures of the greatest importance, some of less importance, though useful in themselves, were given in the intervals. These had generally some connexion with the former, and all were adapted to make the man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. He contrived that they should have as much to read, between each lecture, as might keep them well employed; allowing due time for necessary relaxations, and the reading of practical writers. He recommended it to them, and strongly insisted upon it, that they should converse with some of these daily, especially on the Lord's day, in order to subserve at once the improvement of the Christian and the minister; and he frequently reminded them, that it argued a great defect of understanding, as well as of real piety, if they were negligent herein. He often examined what books they read, besides those to which they were referred in their lectures; and directed them to those which were best suited to their age, capacities, and intended profession: and in this respect they enjoyed a great privilege, as they had the use of a large and valuable library, consisting of several thousand volumes: many of them the Doctor had purchased himself; others were the donation of his friends, or their several authors; and each student at his admission contributed a small sum towards enlarging the collection: the student's name was inserted in the book or books purchased with his contribution, and it was considered as his gift. To this library the students had access at all times, under some prudent regulations as to the time of keeping the books. The tutor was sensible that a well-furnished library would be a snare, rather than a benefit, to a student, except he had the advice of a more experienced friend in the choice of those he should read; as he might throw away his time in those which were of little importance, or anticipate the perusal of others, which might more properly be reserved to some future time. To prevent this, he sometimes gave his pupils lectures on the books in the library; going over the several shelves in order; informing them of the character of each book and its author, if known; at what period of their course, and with what special views, particular books should be read; and which of them it was desirable they should be most familiarly acquainted and furnished with, when they settled in the world.** His pupils took hints of these lectures, which at once displayed the surprising extent of his reading and knowledge, and were in many respects very useful to them.

The Doctor's manner of lecturing was well adapted to engage the attention and love of his pupils, and promote their diligent study of the lectures. When the class was assembled, he examined them in the last lecture; whether they understood his reasoning; what the authors referred to said upon the subject; whether he had given them a just view of their sentiments, arguments, and objections, or omitted any that were important? He expected from them an account of the reasoning, demonstrations, scriptures, or facts, contained in the lecture and references. He allowed and encouraged them to propose any objections which might arise in their own minds, or which they met with in the authors referred to, of which they did not think there was a sufficient solution in the lecture; or to mention any texts that were misapplied, or from which particular consequences might not be fairly drawn ; and to propose others, which either confirmed or contradicted what he advanced and if at any time their objections were petulant or impertinent, he patiently heard and mildly answered them.

He was solicitous that they should thoroughly understand his lectures, and what he said for the illustration of them. If he observed any of them inattentive, or thought they did never absent from a single lecture, till the last month of my course, when I was prevented from attending on two or three Mondays, in consequence of having been engaged at a distance, as an occasional preacher. Mayo's Funeral Sermon for Dr. Calamy, p. 26.

But no such homilies, as distinct from orations and theses, occur to my recollection. Indeed, I am convinced that the distinction did not take place in my time.-K.

Few things can more effectually contribute to improve the understanding and mend the heart, and to fit a young man for ministerial duty and usefulness, than a large acquaintance with that most valuable part of literature, the great body of English sermons, and of compositions which have a similar nature and tendency.-K.

His observations were not only instructive but pleasant; being often intermixed with anecdotes of the writers who were mentioned. My mind still retains with advantage and pleasure the impression of many of his remarks.-K.

** These will be found in the course of the present edition of the author's works.

not sufficiently understand what he was saying, he would ask them what he had said, that he might keep up their attention, and know whether he expressed himself clearly. He put on no magisterial airs, never intimidated nor discouraged them, but always addressed them with the freedom and tenderness of a father. He never expected nor desired that they should blindly follow his sentiments, but permitted and encouraged them to judge for themselves. To assist them herein, he laid before them what he apprehended to be the truth with all perspicuity, and impartially stated all objections to it. He never concealed the difficulties which affected any question, but referred them to writers on both sides, without hiding any from their inspection. He frequently and warmly urged them not to take their system of divinity from any man or body of men, but from the word of God. The Bible was always referred and appealed to upon every point in question to which it could be supposed to give any light. Of his honesty and candour in this respect, the world has had a sufficient proof in his theological lectures. He resolutely checked any appearances of bigotry and uncharitableness; and endeavoured to cure them by showing the guilty persons the weakness of their understandings, and what might be said in defence of those principles which they disliked; reminding them at the same time of the great learning and excellent character of many who had espoused them. He much discouraged a haughty way of thinking and speaking; "especially when it discovered itself in a petulant inclination to employ their talents at satire in ridiculing the infirmities of plain serious christians, or the labours of those ministers who are willing to condescend to the meanest capacities, that they may be wise to win souls."

It was his great aim to give them just and sublime views of the ministry for which they were preparing, and lead them to direct all their studies so as to increase their furniture and qualifications for it. To this end he endeavoured "to possess them with a deep sense of the importance of the gospel scheme for the recovery of man from the ruins of the apostasy, and his restoration to God and happiness, by a Mediator; to show them that this was the great end of the divine counsels and dispensations; to point out what Christ and his apostles did to promote it; to display before them those generous emotions of soul, which still live and breathe in the New Testament: and then, when their minds were warmed with such a survey, to apply to them, as persons designed by Providence to engage in the same work, to support and carry on the same interest, who therefore must be actuated by the same views and imbibe the same spirit. He thought such as these the most important lectures a tutor could read; tending to fill the minds of his pupils with noble and elevated views, and to convince them that the salvation of one soul was of infinitely greater importance than charming a thousand splendid assemblies with the most elegant discourses that ever were delivered. He thought such a zeal and tenderness would arise from these views, as would form a minister to a popular address abundantly sooner and more happily than the most judicious rules which it is possible to lay down. He frequently inculcated upon them the necessity of preaching Christ, if they desired to save souls; of dwelling much upon the peculiarities of the gospel scheme, and the doctrines of Christ and the Spirit; of considering their own concern in them, and endeavouring to feel their energy on their own spirits, that they might appear to their hearers as giving vent to the fulness of their hearts on its darling subjects. He was desirous that his pupils should be experimental preachers, and have those peculiar advantages which nothing but an acquaintance with cases and an observation of facts can give. That they should be well acquainted with the various exercises of the soul, relating to its eternal concerns, by reading the best writers upon the subject, and carefully observing the workings of their own hearts. He recommended it to them, frequently to handle these subjects with seriousness and tenderness, which would increase a people's esteem for them and their labours, encourage them to be free in communicating the state of their souls, and contribute to edify and comfort their pious hearers. To qualify them for this part of their work, he not only gave them the best directions, but often took them with

⚫ Sermons and Tracts, vol. ii,

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him, if the circumstances of the case and the family rendered it proper, when he went to baptize children, to visit persons under awakenings of conscience, religious impressions, or spiritual distress; or those that were sick and dying; that they might see his manner of conversing and praying with them, and have their own hearts improved by such affecting scenes. With the same view he introduced them to the acquaintance of some serious persons of his congregation. He thought a knowledge of their hidden worth and acquaintance with religion, and hearing their observations concerning the temper, character, and labours of deceased ministers, would improve the minds of his pupils, and increase their esteem for the populace in general. He imagined that from their remarks on books and sermons, and their account of the various exercises of their own minds, where politer persons are generally more reserved, they might learn how to address to those of a low education, and be formed to an experimental strain of preaching. It was his frequent caution, that they should not despise the common people, nor think condescension to them to be mean and unworthy of a scholar; that they should not refuse settlements, where they might be useful, because there were few wealthy, judicious, and polite, in the congregation: it was his advice, that, in such situations, they should endeavour to improve the understandings of their hearers, and make company of them; assuring them, from his own observation and experience, that they would find plain serious christians some of their most steady, affectionate friends, and their greatest joy. He exhorted them to study the temper of their people, that they might, so far as they could with conscience and honour, render themselves agreeable to them in their ministrations and converse. Thus they might hope gradually to bring them off their attachment to particular phrases and modes, prevent differences, and so far secure their affections, that they would not be disposed to differ with or complain of a minister who showed himself moderate and condescending, and at the same time applied himself diligently to his great work, though their sentiments and his should in some respects disagree. That they might be qualified to appear with esteem and honour in the world, and preside over politer societies with acceptance, he not only led them through a course of polite literature; but endeavoured to form them to an agreeable behaviour and address; maintaining the strictest decorum in his own family, and animadverting upon every trespass of it. To this end, likewise, he observed their way of speaking, instructed them in the proper manner of pronunciation, and laboured to prevent their contracting any unnatural tone or gesture: and while he was cautioning them upon this head, he had the humility to warn them not to imitate himself in an error of this kind, which he was sensible of, but could not entirely correct. To assist them herein they often read to him; and he was desirous that they should sometimes preach before him, that he might put them into a method of correcting what was improper in their manner, before it was formed into a habit.

Another method taken to render them able ministers of the New Testament was this: the senior students for the ministry, before they began to preach, used, on the Lord's day evenings, to visit the neighbouring villages, and hold private meetings for religious worship in some licensed houses there. Two of them generally went together: a serious sermon on some uncontroverted and important subject of religion was repeated, and one of them prayed before and the other after it, with proper intervals of singing. This custom was very useful, both in exercising the gifts of the students; giving them a proper degree of courage when they appeared in public assemblies; abating the prejudices some have entertained against the way of worship amongst dissenters; spreading the knowledge of divine things; and instructing and comforting some, whose circumstances prevented their attending where they would have chosen to spend the sabbath. When the assembly was dismissed, a few serious people would often stay, and spend some time in religious discourse with the persons who had been officiating. In such schools as these they learned what no academical lectures alone could have taught them with equal advantage.

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It was an instance of the Doctor's great concern for his pupils' improvement, that, as often as his other business would permit, he allowed them access to him in his own study, to ask his advice in any part of their studies, to mention to him any difficulties which they met with in their private reading or the lectures, and which they did not choose to propose in the lecture-room. He encouraged them to ask his opinion of any texts of Scripture they did not understand; and he explained them, and directed them to particular commentators, who threw light upon them.He was solicitous to improve all those moments which he spent with them for their advantage. He therefore used frequently at meals to inquire of them, in order, what they had been reading, or what texts they had, according to his general direction, chosen for the subject of that day's pious meditation; and would make such reflections upon them as might be serviceable to them all as students and christians. From these particulars it appears what pains he took that they might be qualified for usefulness in the ministry, or other stations for which they were intended. He sometimes expressed his fears lest some of his pupils, who were intended for trade, should be so fond of books and studies, as to neglect a proper application to it; he gave them many friendly cautions upon this head, and often suggested to them important maxims, by attending to which they might carry on their business with honour and success, and at the same time improve in a moral and religious character.*

But his main care, and what he apprehended essential to their usefulness, was, that they might be pious and holy men. With this view the strictest regard was paid to their moral character, and their behaviour out of the hours of study and lecture was narrowly inspected. Inquiry was made, both of them and his friends in the town, what houses they frequented and what company they kept. No student was permitted to be from home after ten o'clock at night, under the penalty of a considerable forfeiture. When he found any thing irregular in their behaviour, or thought they were entering into temptation, he privately admonished them in the most serious, affectionate manner; and, to enforce the admonition, prayed with and for them. If these private admonitions had not the desired effect, the offender was admonished before the whole society at family worship; and if this proved ineffectual, he was publicly expelled the society.

On one such occasion I find him thus writing: "A very melancholy scene opened this day. We had some time spent in fasting and prayer, on account of an unhappy youth, whose folly and wickedness hath obliged me to dismiss him. I pronounced the solemn sentence of expulsion upon him before the whole academy. I thank God, I was carried through this sad work with spirit; yet greatly afflicted to see all that I had endeavoured to do for his

As more of the young persons intended for trade enjoy an academical education now than formerly, it may be useful to such to read some advices, which, in the year 1796, he wrote to a young man, who had a taste for reading and learning, and was entering into a merchant's countinghouse, after he had left the academy." You urge me to send you some directions about the management of your studies. I may hereafter give you some hints upon the several subjects which I suppose you would be inclinable to touch upon. I may open to you a magician's palace, which I myself have as yet taken but a transient survey of, without visiting each of its apartments, to examine the curiosities contained there. But when I consider how rich the furniture is, and how exquisite a relish you have for the entertainment which it contains, methinks I am afraid you should grow too fond of it. The business therefore of this letter shall be, to entreat you to endeavour to bring your studies under such regulations, that they may not be injurious to health, or trade, or devotion. As your constitution is not very athletic, if you should bear hard upon it by too close an attention to books or thought, the consequence would probably be, that, as soon as you had begun to adjust your ideas and fix your schemes for the future employment of life, you would find yourself incapable of prosecuting them, and may languish away the remainder of your days in absence from your study, when a small acquaintance with it bath made you sensible of its charms, and perhaps allured you to expect a great deal more satisfaction in it than you would ever in fact have found. However, you would regret the loss in proportion to the expectation you had formed, whether regular or extravagant. I may add, that, by impairing your health, you would become in a great measure unfit for that sphere of life in which Providence hath placed you.-Let us remember, my dear and prudent friend, that we are to place our point of life, not in an attempt to know and to do every thing, which will certainly be as unsuccessful as it is extravagant; but in a care to do that well which Providence hath assigned us as our peculiar business. As I am a minister, I could not answer it to God or my own conscience, if I were to spend a great deal of time in studying the depths of the law, or in the more entertaining, though less useful, pursuit of the nicest criticisms of classical writers. I would not be entirely a stranger to these; but these, or twenty others, which I would just look into, would each of them alone, or indeed any single branch of them, be the employment of a much longer life than I can imagine that Providence hath assigned to me. Should I suffer my few sheep in the wilderness to go on in ignorance of their Bibles, and a stupid neglect of their eternal salvation, while I am too busy to endeavour to reclaim them, God would call it but laborious idleness, and

good thrown away upon him. I had an opportunity of seeing in him the treachery of the human heart, the necessity of keeping near to God, and the tendency of bad practices to debauch the principles. God has exercised me in this instance with great trouble and disappointment: but the disciple is not above his Master. Lord, may I approve my sincerity and zeal in thy sight, though it should be in every instance unsuccessful! Let me but hear thee saying, Well done, good and faithful servant! and none can hinder my joy." But it pleased God so to succeed his pious care, that there were very few instances in which he was obliged to have recourse to so painful an expedient to secure the honour of his family, and the safety of his other pupils. But he could not be satisfied with their external regular behaviour, except he saw in them the genuine evidences of real religion. He thought no one ought to be encouraged to undertake the christian ministry who was not a pious man therefore he advised some of his pupils, of whose real character he was doubtful, to apply themselves to secular business; while he grieved that any, who had this best qualification for ministerial usefulness, should decline it. He often inculcated upon them the absolute necessity of a heart thoroughly engaged for God and holiness, in order to pursue their work with comfort, acceptance, and success.+ "It is my heart's desire and prayer to God," saith he, "that not one may go out from me without an understanding enlightened from above, a heart sanctified by divine grace, quickened and warmed with love to a well-known Jesus, and tenderly concerned for the salvation of perishing souls. What are all our studies, labours, and pursuits, to this?" For this purpose he endeavoured to bring them early into communion with the church under his care, if they had not been admitted elsewhere, that they might renew their baptismal engagements, and publicly avow their resolution to be the Lord's. He took pains to prepare them for an intelligent devout approach to the Lord's supper, and often reminded them of their consequent privileges and engagements.-In order to preserve and increase vital religion in their hearts, all common lectures were omitted on the Saturday preceding the Lord's day on which the sacrament was administered; and the greatest part of that day was spent in devotional exercises. All the pupils assembled in the lecture-room, he prayed with them, and then delivered a devotional lecture, or a discourse particularly suited to their circumstances, concerning the nature, duties, difficulties, encouragements, or rewards of the ministry; the nature of christian communion; their obligations to diligence, prayer, watchfulness, brotherly love; or such other topics as were most proper for such an assembly. His discourse on "The evil and danger of neglecting the souls of men was delivered on one of these occasions. After this lecture was finished, and singing, he concluded with prayer. Never did his heart appear more strongly

I must give up my account with great confusion. The thought, with a very little variation, may be applied to you. It is in the capacity of a tradesman that you are to serve your family and country, and, in that, your God. Therefore, though I would not have so fine a genius entirely discouraged from entertaining itself with the refined pleasures of a student; yet it would be imprudence to yourself, and an injury to the world, to spend so much time in your closet, as to neglect your warehouse; and to be so much taken up with volumes of philosophy or history, poetry, or even divinity, as to forget to look into your books of accounts.-Above all, Sir, let it be your constant concern, that study may not interfere with devotion, nor engross that valuable time which should be consecrated to the immediate service of your God. He is the Father of our spirits, and it is upon his sacred influences that they depend for improvement in knowledge as well as in holiness. If we are abandoned by him, our genius will flag, and all our thoughts become languid and contused. It will be in vain that we seek the assistance of books; for, when he ceaseth to act by them, the most sprightly writers will appear dull; the most perspicuous, obscure; and the most judicious, trifling. Whereas if we maintain a continued regard to him, in the constant exercises of lively devotion, we shall enjoy his assistance and blessing in our studies; and then our profiting will quickly appear to ourselves and others; the most difficult task will be easy, and we shall despatch more in an hour than we could otherwise have done in a day. But, which is still more desirable, when we are conversing with God, we are preparing for that world of light, where our capacities will be most gloriously improved where we shall be surrounded with the wisest and best company, who will be daily opening new scenes of knowledge; and where God will reveal objects by another kind of influence upon our spirits than that which we have yet known in our brightest or serenest moments. Let us be constant and zealous in the service of God, and we shall be excellent scholars ten thousand years bence; while those who have made the greatest improvements in human knowledge, yet have lived in neglect of God and religion, are forgotten upon earth, and consigned over to the gloom of everlasting darkness. Let us remember, that, by every hour which we take from God to give to our books, we forfeit some degree of future happiness, which might have been the reward of that hour, had we spent it aright; and when we consider that knowledge is a part of the happiness of heaven, we shall certainly find, that, upon the whole, we lose a great deal more knowledge than we get by such sacrilegious encroachment, even though our studies should succeed inore prosperously than we have reason to expect they will."

+ See his Theological Lectures, Introd. ad fin.

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senting congregations in that town and neighbourhood, and two of them were ordained there.

When he had published some hints of his method of education, in his short Memoirs of Mr. Steffe's Life, he received letters from some eminent divines of the church of England, expressing their high approbation of his plan, as affording students, intended for the ministry, superior advantages for appearing with honour in the ministerial cha- | racter, than were enjoyed in some more public seminaries. Before I conclude this chapter, it may be proper to observe, that the account here given of the Doctor's lectures and plan of education, is taken from what they were between twenty and thirty years ago. He might, in some circumstances, change his method afterwards; but I believe in no material point. I mention this, lest any, who have been under his care since that period, should perceive that my account does not exactly correspond with their knowledge of his academy, while they belonged to it.

Thus have I endeavoured to give some idea of the manner in which this excellent person filled up this difficult and honourable station; and I am persuaded the pious reader will, from this survey, be inclined to join with me in acknowledging the wisdom and goodness of Providence, which gradually prepared him for, and, by the several steps already pointed out, led him into, so large a sphere of usefulness. May the same Divine hand, that so richly endowed him with those gifts, which qualified him for this important service, raise up, through every succeeding period of the church, others, who may discover a like spirit; and who may be honoured as the instruments of forming the minds of their younger brethren, and, by this means, of transmitting the knowledge and power of religion through the most distant ages!

CHAP. VII.

Dr. Doddridge's genius, learning, and writings. THOUGH I am chiefly solicitous, in this work, to represent Dr. Doddridge under the character of a christian and a minister, as an example worthy the imitation of others; yet I cannot, without great injustice, pass over in silence his character as a man of genius and a scholar. Nor will this view of him be foreign to my main design; as it will tend, in the opinion of many, to set his other qualities in a more striking light; and will prove, if indeed it needs any proof, that very high attainments in piety and devotion are no way inconsistent with great eminence in learning and knowledge.

The Doctor was possessed, in a very high degree, of two qualities, which are rarely united, viz. a natural activity and ardour of mind, joined to invincible resolution and perseverance. The one led him to form an acquaintance with the various branches of science; while the other secured him from the evils attending a boundless curiosity, and kept him steady to those pursuits which he thought deserved his principal attention. His uncommon application, even with moderate abilities, would have enabled him to lay up a large stock of knowledge: it is no wonder, therefore, that, when it was joined with great natural quickness of apprehension and strength of memory, it should enable him to make distinguished advances in the several parts of useful learning.-His acquaintance with books was very extensive. There were few of any importance on the general subjects of literature which he had not read with attention; and he could both retain and easily recollect what was most remarkable in them. As he cautioned his pupils

I do not know that genius can be ascribed to Dr. Doddridge, taking that word in its highest signification, as implying either a great inventive faculty in science, or that boldness of imagination which is productive of original imagery and combinations.

In a lower and more popular sense of the term, he might be said to have been a man of genius; for he had a quick conception and lively fancy. He had a comprehension of mind, that enabled him to proceed with celerity and vigour in the acquisition of knowledge, and that activity of his mental frame, which put it into his power to learn much in a little time, was happily accompanied with an invincible resolution and perseverance in the prosecution of his studies.-K.

+ Mr. Doddridge, in younger life, afforded various proofs of a poetical turn, most of which are in the possession of the present biographer.-K. Dr. Doddridge was well acquainted with the Greek philosophers and

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against that indolent and superficial way of reading, which many students fall into, so he took care that his own example should enforce his precepts. His usual method was, to read with a pen in his hand, and to mark in the margin particular passages which struck him. Besides which he often took down hints of what was most important, or made references' to them in a blank leaf of the book, adding his own reflections on the author's sentiments. Thus he could easily turn to particular passages, and enriched his lectures with references to what was most curious and valuable in the course of his reading.-But he was not one of those who content themselves with treasuring up other men's thoughts. He knew, and often reminded his pupils, that the true end of reading is only to furnish the mind with materials to exercise its own powers; and few men knew better how to make use of the knowledge they had gained, and apply it to the most valuable purposes. His mind was indeed a rich treasury, out of which he could, on every proper occasion, produce a variety of the most important instruction. This qualified him for lecturing to his pupils in those several branches of science of which his course consisted; it enriched his public writings, and rendered his private conversation highly instructive and entertaining.

In the younger part of life he took pains to cultivate a taste for polite literature, which produced a remarkable ease and elegance in his letters; and the marks of it appear in all his writings. And, considering the natural warmth of his imagination, which must have rendered these kind of studies peculiarly pleasing to him, it was a great instance of his resolution and self-denial, that he did not suffer them to engross a disproportionate share of his time and attention, but made them subservient to the more serious and important ends he had in view.-With regard to the learned languages, though he could not be called a profound_linguist, he was sufficiently acquainted with them to read the most valuable pieces of antiquity with taste and pleasure,‡ and to enter into the spirit of the sacred writings. Of this the world has had a proof in his Paraphrase and Notes on the New Testament, in which he has often illustrated the force and beauty of the original with great judgment, and in the true spirit of criticism. He had also nearly completed a New Translation of the Minor Prophets, in which he has shown his critical knowledge of the Hebrew language.-Though he seemed formed by nature for cultivating the more polite, rather than the abstruser, parts of science, yet he was no stranger to mathematical and philosophical studies. He thought it inconsistent with his principal business to devote any considerable part of his time to them; yet it appeared from some essays, which he drew up for the use of his pupils, that he could easily have pursued these researches to a much greater length.-He was well acquainted with ancient history, both civil and ecclesiastical; but he did not content himself with storing up a number of facts in his memory, but made such observations and reflections upon them, as tended either to increase his acquaintance with human nature, to exemplify the interpositions of Providence, or to explain and illustrate the sacred history.

But his favourite study, and that in which his chief excellency lay, was divinity, as taken in its largest sense. Whatever could tend to strengthen the evidences of natural or revealed religion, to assist our conceptions of the divine nature, or enable us more perfectly to understand the discoveries which revelation has made, he thought deserved the most serious and attentive regard. Though he made himself familiarly acquainted with what others had written upon these subjects, he was not guided implicitly by their authority, but thought for himself with that freedom which became a philosopher and a christian. There were perhaps

orators, among the last of whom he was particularly devoted to Demosthenes. To the poets of Greece he was far from being a stranger; but he was not, I think, deeply conversant with its tragedians. I remember, while I resided with him, his having read Pindar with much admiration. With the Latin classics he was largely acquainted. As became a divine and a theological tutor, he diligently studied the ancient fathers, especially of the three first centuries. He paid particular regard to the apologists for Christianity, and was a great master of Origen and Eusebius. Beyond the fourth century his knowledge of this species of literature did not, I believe, widely extend, though it did not wholly stop there.-K.

In this number was a Treatise of Algebra, in which the rules both of numeral and universal arithmetic were demonstrated with great conciseness and clearness.