YALE
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

THE

CORRESPONDENCE AND DIARY

OF

PHILIP DODDRIDGE, D.D.

VOL. V.

THE

CORRESPONDENCE

DIARY OF
PHILIP DODDRIDGE, D.D.
ILLUSTRATIVE OF
VARIOUS PARTICULARS IN HIS LIFE HITHERTO UNKNOWN:
WITH
NOTICES OF MANY OF HIS CONTEMPORARIES ;
AND A SKETCH OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF THE
TIMES IN WHICH HE LIVED.

EDITEn
FROM THE ORIGINAL MSS.
BY HIS GREAT GRANDSON,
JOHN DODDRIDGE HUMPHREYS, ESQ.

VOL. V.

LONDON:
HENRY COLBURN AND RICHARD BENTLEY,
NEW BURLINGTON STREET.
18SI.

C. WliiUitigluimj 21, Toolts Couit, Clmncevy Lutie.

CONTENTS.

VOL. V.

SECTION L Page
Retrospective Remarks: Modern Dissenters: Dr. Southey
and the Nonconformists : Orthodoxy of Dr. Doddridge.
LETTERS.  1747.
Nov. 4. From the Rev. John Barker  19
Sentiments on the Life of Colonel Gardiner ; the reproaches of the
low and malicious only worthy of contempt.
Nov. 8. From the Countess of Huntingdon   20
Expressive of Humility and Faith.
Nov. 18. From the Rev. Samuel Bates  22
On the povper of Prayer, and the consolation arising from a confidence
in God.
Nov. 21. From the Rev. Isaac "Watts, D. D  23
Congratulations on the flourishing state of the Academy at North
ampton.
Nov. 24. From Henry Baker, F. R. S. &c  24
Pleasing remarks on the devotional influence of philosophical stu
dies, and an interesting account of the accident which led him to
devote his attention to the instruction of the Deaf and Dumb.
Dec. 1 . From the Hon. Mrs. Scawen  30
Lamenting the death of a son.
Dec. 8. From the Rev. Alexander "Webster  32
Information relative to the scurrilous attack made on Dr. Doddridge
soon after the appearance of his Life of Colonel G aidiner.
1748.
Jan. 1 . To the Rev. Samuel Clark, D.D  36
Domestic and literary.
Jan. 3. From the Countess of Huntingdon  38
An allusion to the Moravians ; of the necessity of perseverance in
the service of God; &c.

vi CONTENT.S. Page
1748.
Jan. 11. From the Rev. Richard Grey, D. D  • • • • 40
Relative to his new translation of " The last Words of David."
Feb. 2. From the Rev. John Barker  41
Curious particulars relative to a scheme for the comprehension of
the Dissenters within the pale ofthe Established Church.
Feb. 10. From the Rev. David Longueville  45
Relating the great success of Dr. Doddridge's " Letters to the Pro
testant Inhabitants of the Low Countries, upon an extraordinary crisis
in their affairs."
Feb. 25. From the Bishop of "Worcester  47
Singular fact relative to the County Hospital at Worcester.
Feb. From Nathaniel Neal, Esq  48
Some valuable remarks on the danger of depending too far on the
feelings, in religious matters.
March 14. From Gilbert "West, Esq. LL. D  50
Parallel betwixt himself and Colonel Gardiner ; his " Translation
of the Odes of Pindar ;" the advantages, and duty, of religious candour.
March 22. From the Rev. David Fordyce, M.A  !". . 55
An important question, and a fair challenge !
April 12. To the Rev. Samuel "Wood, D. D  58
Devotional views, &c.
April 14. From the Rev. Thomas Hunt, D. D  59
Particulars relative to Mr. West, &c.
April 16. From the Rev. Samuel Bates  61
Some interesting historical remarks.
May 7. To Miss Doddridge  63
Aff'ectionate and pious, with a sketch of her character.
May 12. From "W. Oliver, M. D  66
On supernatural impressions.
June 4. To Miss Doddridge  g7
Expressive of parental anxiety and pious satisfaction.
July 2. To Henry Baker, Esq. F. R. S  69
Some remarkable facts in natural history.
July 12. From Henry Baker, Esq. F. R. S  71
A curious ease of mental delusion, &c.
July 30. To Mrs. Doddridge  72
An alarming accident, &c.
Aug. 4. To Mrs. Doddridge  75
Relative to an important conversation with Archbishop Herring.

CONTENTS. Vll
Page
1748.
Sept. 8. From the Rev. Francis Ayscough, D. D  77
A message from the Princess of Wales, relative to the third volume
of the Family Expositor.
Oct. 2. To the Rev. Samuel Clark, D.D  78
Remarks on the injurious effects of Moravianism at Northampton,
Oct. 27. From the Countess of Hardwicke  79
Pious observations, &c.
Nov. 22. From Mr. Parker  80
Interesting particulars relative to the last illness of Dr. Watts.
Nov. 24. From Mr. Parker  82
Pious sentences uttered by Dr. Watts shortly before his death.
Nov. 29. From Nathaniel Neal, Esq  83
The decease of Dr. Watts.
Dec. 15. To Mr. "Williams  85
Circumstantial detail of the mode in which Dr. Doddridge discharged
the pastoral duties, with his letter of instructions to the Deacons of his
Church.
Dec. 22. From Mr. Parker  94
Remarks on the character of Dr. Watts ; his moderation, &c.
Dec. 31. From the Rev. Nathaniel Lardner, D. D  98
On various readings of certain passages in the New Testament.
1749.
Jan. 7. From the Rev. J. Barker  101
Important opinion as to the authority of a Pastor in dispensing the
elements at the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
Feb. 8. From Nathaniel Neal, Esq  .-  103
A list of the Manuscripts left by Dr. Watts.
Feb. 9. From the Rev. R. Pearsall  105
On the great success of Dr. Doddridge as a preacher and practical
writer.
March 1 . To the Rev. Samuel Clark, D. D  108
Speaks of having been imposed upon ; literary remarks, &c.
March 5. From Nathaniel Neal, Esq  Ill
Observations on Dr. Watts's "Improvement of the Mind:'' notice
of au earthquake, &c.
March 20. From the Rev. Samuel "Wood, D.D  114
Counsel under religious despondency.
April 29. From Henry Cotton, M. D  117
Devotional sentiments under tlie pressure of domestic sorrow.

viii CONTENTS. Page
1749.
May 8. From R. Cruttenden, Esq  1 ^^
A playful dissertation on the advantages of vanity !
June 10. From the Rev. "W. "Warburton, D.D  125
Remarks on " Hervey's Meditations," &c.
June 10. From "W. Oliver, M. D  126
A cogent argument on a question of great importance.
June 17. From Gilbert "West, Esq. LL. D  129
The second marriage of Mr. Lyttelton, &c.
July 4. From the Rev. John Barker  132
On a reform of the Liturgy.
July 15. From the Rev. Mark Hildesley, D. D  134
Candid and pious sentiments.
July 21. From the Archbishop of Canterbury  137
Appointing an interview, &c.
July 27. To Mrs. Doddridge  138
Some curious remarks on dress.
July 30. To Mrs. Doddridge  139
Pious reflections.
July 31. To Miss Doddridge  142
Parental advice.
Dec. 12. From the Rev. James Robertson  145
Some particulars relative to the University of Leyden, &c.
Dec. 23. From John Fergusson, Esq  146
Curious account of his having thrown up stony secretions from the
lungs. 1750.
Jan. From the Countess of Huntingdon  148
Relates the circumstance of Mr. Whitfield's having preached at her
house before many of the nobility.
Feb. 13. From Henry Baker, Esq. F. R. S  149
Interesting particulars of the effects in London of the Earthquake
which had then recently occurred.
March 24. From the Bishop of London  153
The great importance of Christianity in a civil point of view.
April 11. From Nathaniel Neal, Esq  154
A caution.
May 10. From Nathaniel Neal, Esq  155
An important hint reltitive to the education of dissenting ministeis.

CONTENTS. ix
Page
1750.
June 5. From the Rev. John Barker  157
Notice of a scheme for the establishment of a Presbyterian Aca
demy in London.
June 6. From the Countess of Huntingdon  160
On the Love of God and the doctrine of Grace.
June 7. From the Rev. Mark Hildesley, D.D  164
Sentiments of humility and devotion.
June 15. From the Rev. W. "Warburton, D. D  167
Candid sentiments as to the propriety of a reform in the Church.
June To the Rev. Samuel Clark, D.D  169
Domestic particulars.
June 26. To the Rev. Benjamin Fawcett  171
Some account of an alarming accident.
July 3. From the Rev. John Barker  173
Playful remarks on the character of Dr. Doddridge.
July 30. To Mrs. Doddridge  175
Information from London.
Aug. 9. From the Archbishop of Canterbury  176
On some ecclesiastical matters.
Aug. 25. To the Rev. Samuel "Wood, D.D  178
On the propagation of Christianity abroad, &c.
Sept. 13. To the Rev. Benjamin Fawcett  181
Particulars relative to the Academy.
Sept. 15. From the Duchess of Somerset  184
Candid sketch of her own character.
1751.
Feb. 2. To the Rev. Mr. Tomes  187
On a plan for the aid of the Protestants in France.
Feb. 18. From the Rev. Samuel Bates  190
Oh a willing resignation to Providence.
Feb. 23. From Benjamin Forfitt, Esq  192
An account of the charity which formed the foundation of the " Bible
Society."
March 9. From Captain Hay  194
Thanking Dr. Doddridge for influence used with Lord Halifax, &c.
April 9. To the Rev. Samuel "Wood, D.D  195
An allusion to the marriage of Miss Scolt, &c.

X CONTENTS. Page
1751.
April 20. From the Rev. "William Andersone  197
On some particulars of Hebrew literature.
May 1 1 . From the Bishop of London  199
Some valuable remarks on the authority of the English bishops in
the colonies.
June 20. To the Rev. Samuel "Wood, D.D  203
Expressive of great esteem ; a notice of his cough, as alarming to
his friends in town ; and his sentiments on tlie occasion.
June 29. To Mrs. Doddridge  205
Particulars of personal interest, &c.
July 24. To Miss Doddridge  206
Interesting hints relative to the declining state of his health.
Aug. 5. From the Rev. John Barker  207
The consolations of religion and friendship in a season of dangerous
illness urged with great eloquence.
Aug. 6. From Nathaniel Neal, Esq  210
The deep affliction felt among the friends of Dr. Doddridge ou ac
count of his illness.
Aiig. 7. From the Rev. Thomas Yeoman  212
The general anxiety entertained for the welfare of Dr. Doddridge by
his people at Northampton.
Aug. 12. To Miss Doddridge  214
Confidence in prayer, and faint hopes of recovery.
Aug. 30. From Robert Cruttenden, Esq  216
Sentiments of tender friendship and exalted piety.
Sept. 1 . From Nathaniel Neal, Esq  '  218
Affectionate and judicious.
Sept. 1. From the Hon. Mrs. Scawen  220
Assurances of friendly sympathy.
Sept. 2. From Mr. Williams  220
The comforts of faith and holiness recommended with great force
and beauty.
Sept. 2. From the Rev. "W. "Warburton, D.D  222
Death, the triumph of a Christian !
Sept. 4. To Miss Doddridge  222
Lingering hopes of amendment.
Sept. 10. From the Rev. Caleb Ashworth, D. D  223
¦ Expressive of great piety and tenderness.
Sept. 11. From Nathaniel Neal, Esq.  225
Judicious advice.

GOXTENTS. XI
Page
1751.
Sept. 17. From Lady Erskine  226
Relative to some " Scriptural Dialogues," which Dr. Doddridge
had entertained a view of writing.
¦Sept. 21 . From Nathaniel Neal, Esq  227
A farewell, full of devotion and friendship.
Oct. 5. From Sir George Lyttelton  228
Pious and affectionate.
SECTION II.
Voyage to Lisbon, and Decease of Dr. Doddridge, with an
Introduction to his Diary  231
THE DIARY.
A general Model for Devotion, illustrated under three num
bers  249
1. A Model of Devotion for the morning  251
2. Offices of Devotion at the beginning of the afternoon. 256
3. A Model of Devotion for the evening  261
On the final determination of the affair at Nottingham, and
tbe first proposal of my immediate entrance on the em
ployment of a Tutor  262
On laying a more particular scheme till Christmas, 1729 . . 264
On my removal to Northampton  265
A particular account of my first private Fast  269
Memoranda, dated Northampton, Saturday, Jan. 31, 1730. 272
An imperfect scheme of business for the next half year;
that is, till the vacation  273
On the first Sacrament Day at Northampton  275
Some Reflections made at the beginning of June, 1730. . . . 277
Meditations on the third Sacrament; that is, that of June
7, 1730  279
A scheme of business for the ensuing half year  280
Memoranda before my fourth Sacrament, July 5, 1730  . 282
Some imperfect account of what passed at the Lord's Table
this day, August 2, 1730  283
Reflections on our fifch Sacrament, after a journey to Lon
don, August 2, 1730  286
Hints of some Meditations at the Table of the Lord  287

xii CONTENTS.
Reflections on the sixth Sacrament, September 6, 1730  288
Hints of some Meditations at the Table of the Lord, Sep
tember 6, 1730  289
A scheme of business against the next Sacrament Day, Sep
tember 6, 1730  290
On the Fast Day preparatory to the Sacrament of October,
1730  .292
Meditations at the Table of the Lord on the eighth Sacra
ment Day, October 4, 1730  294
Some Account of the business dispatched since last Sacra
ment Day, and of that which I propose before the next,
Monday, October 5, 1730  295
Meditations on the ninth Sacrament Day, November, 1730. 296
A scheme of business for those weeks immediately preceding
the vacation at Christmas, November 21, 1730  297
Meditations on the twelfth Sacrament Day, March 6, 1731. 299
Meditations on the thirteenth Sacrament, April 18, 1731 . . 300
A scheme of business to be dispatched if possible before my
birthday  305
Some Memorandums of what passed at the fourteenth Sacra
ment, administered May 16, 1731  306
Some Remarks on what passed at the fifteenth Sacrament,
administered June 19, 1731  308
Reflections on my last journey to London  310
Brief Memorandums of what passed at the sixteenth Sacra
ment, August 1, 1731  311
Some Account of what passed at the seventeenth Sacrament,
September 5, 1731  311
Memorandums of what passed at the eighteenth Sacrament,
October 3, 1731  314
Of what passed at the nineteenth Sacrament  316
Memoirs ofthe twentieth Sacrament, December 5, 1731 . . . 316
A Fragment  318
Reflections on the beginning of the New Year, 1732, Jan. 1. 318
Meditations previoiis to the twenty-fifth Sacrament  320
Meditations at the Sacrament, October 1, 1732  321
Meditations at the Lord's Table, March 4, 1733, which was,
I think, the thirty-third Sacrament  322
Meditations on the thirty-fourth Sacrament, April 1, 1733 . 324
Meditations on the thirty-seventh Sacrament, May 6, 1733. 325

CONTENTS. XIU
Page
Meditations on the fortieth Sacrament, August 9, 1733 . . . 326
Meditations on the forty-first Sacrament, Sept. 2, 1733 . . . 327
Meditations on the forty-fourth Sacrament, Dec. 2, 1733 . . 328
Meditations on the beginning of the New Year, 1734  330
Meditations on the forty-fifth Sacrament, January 6, 1744 . 331
Meditations on the forty-eighth Sacrament, May 5, 1734 . . 333
Meditations on the fifty-second Sacrament, Oct. 6, 1734 . . 335
Meditations on the fifty-third Sacrament  336
Reflections for New Year's Day, 1735  33T
Meditations on the fifty-fifth Sacrament, January 5, 1735 . . 337
Meditations on the fifty-sixth Sacrament, Feb. 2, 1735 . . . 339'
Meditations on the fifty-seventh Sacrament, March 2, 1735. 343
The fifty-eighth Sacrament, April 6, 1735  344
Memorable passages in providential occurrences relating to
the Wills of Pisford, as I collected them from their con
versation and united testimony, dated April 23, 1735 . . . 346
Meditation at the fifty-ninth Sacrament, May 4,. 1735  350
Memorandums of the sixty-fourth Sacrament, Sept. 7, 1735. 352
Memorandum ofthe sixty-fifth Sacrament, Oct. 5, 1735 . . 354
Meditations on the sixty-eighth Sacrament, Nov. 2, 1735 . . 357
Reflections on the sixty-ninth Sacrament, Dec. 6, 1735. . . . 358
The seventieth Sacrament, January 4, 1736  360
Reflections on the death of my dear child, and many mourn
ful Providences attending it, Sunday, October 3, 1736 . . 361
Reflections at the seventy-eighth Sacrament; dear Betsey
dead, October 3, 1736  363
Further Reflections after the Funeral of my dear Betsey,
October 4, .1736  365
A further Account of some things remarkable in the conver
sation of Mary Wills, October 22, 1736  366
Some remarkable passages which occurred to me in con
versing with Mrs. Goodwin and Mr. Bunyan  369
Reflections upon the Ordination of Mr. P— Oct. 22, 1736. 37 1
Reflections on the seventy-fifth Sacrament, Nov. 7, 1736 . . 373
Reflections on a Visit received from Mr. Jones, Nov. 9, 1736. 374
Reflections on the eightieth Sacrament, December 5, 1736 . 376
Reflections on the beginning of the New Year, 1737  377
Meditations on the eighty-first Sacrament, Jan. 3, 1787 ... 378
Meditations on the eighty-second Sacrament, Feb. 6, 1737. 379

XIV CONTENTS. Page
On the eighty-third Sacrament (curious particulars relative
to Mary Wills), May 8, 1737  381
Brief Meditations on my Birthday, June 26, 1737  382
A Meditation on the eighty-seventh Sacrament, July 3, 1737. 383
Meditations on the eighty-eighth Sacrament, Aug. 7, 1737 . 385
A conversation with a worthy clergyman, one of the best
men I have known, concerning the Providence of God,
and the pouring out of his .Spirit, September 10, 1737 . . 386
The ninetieth Sacrament ; dear Miss Bliss dying, October 2,
1737  .388
The hundred and fourth Sacrament, October 1, 1738  390
Meditations on the hundred and sixth Sacrament, Decem
ber 10, 1738  ¦  391 '
A Meditation on the hundred and seventh Sacrament, January
7, 1739  392
Meditations on the hundred and eighth Sacrament, January
4, 1739  395
Meditations on the hundred and ninth Sacrament, March 4,
1739  397
Meditations on the hundred and thirteenth Sacrament, June
3, 1739  398
Some Meditations on my Birthday, June 26, 1739  400'
Memorandums of a Conversation with Colonel Gardiner, and
his remarkable story, August 14, 1739  404
Some Memorandums as to impressions made on the minds
of some pious persons, which the present state of affairs
this August, 1739, occasioned me to recollect  408
Memorandums of the hundred and fifteenth Sacrament, Sep
tember 2, 1739  409
Meditations on the hundred and sixteenth Sacrament, Oc
tober 7, 1739  .411
A devout Meditation, in which my Soul was breathing after
God, Friday, November 2, 1739  413
Some Hints of Meditations on the hundred and seventeenth
Sacrament, November 4, 1739  4I6
Meditations on the hundred and twentieth Sacrament, De
cember 2, 1739  ' 4J7
Hints of some Meditations on the hundred and twenty-first
Sacrament, January 1, 1740  419

CONTENTS. XV
Page
Meditations on the Sacrament of March 1, 1741  421
Some Memorandums of poor Connell's affair, 1741  423
Brief Meditations on the Sacrament of April 5, 1741  426
Recollections of things said at a former Sacrament, the date
forgotten  427
Some brief Memoirs of my Interview with Count Zinzindorf,
September 7, 1741  428
Brief Recollections of what passed at the Lord's Table, Oc
tober, 1741  430
Recollections of what passed at the Lord's Table, *** 1741. 432
Some Account of what passed at the Sacrament, December
6, 1741  436
Some Account of what passed at the Sacrament, January
3,1742  437
Meditations af the Sacrament, April 11, 1742  439
Meditations at the Lord's Table, August 15, 1742  442
Meditations at the Lord's Table, October 3, 1742  445
Meditations at the Lord's Table, October 31, 1742  447
Meditations at the Sacrament, December 5, 1742  449
Some Memorandums of New Year's Day, 1743  450
Meditations on the Sacrament, January 2, 1743  453
Meditations on the Sacrament, in February, 1743  456
Meditations on the opening of the New Year, 1 744  458
Meditations on the Sacrament, March 11, 1744  460
Meditations on the Sacrament, April 8, 1744  462
Meditations on the opening of the New Year, 1 745  464
Reflections on a Sacrament, almost two years after the for
mer, December 7, 1746  466
Reflections on the beginning ofthe New Year, 1747  468
A scheme of Business, which by the Divine assistance J pro
pose to do during the next year, January 2, 1747  472
Hints of a remarkable experience, April 5, 1747  473
Remarks on what passed on a Sacrament Day,. September
13, 1747  475
Reflections on the opening of the New Year, 1749  477
Some Schemes for the service of the future year, if God
should be pleased to continue my Life through it, 1 749 . . 482
Hints of Meditations on the Sacrament in February, 1749 . 483
Hints of the Sacrament in March, 1749  484
Hints of the Sacrament in April, 1749  485

XVI CONTENTS. Page
Reflections on the close of the year 1749  487
Some Reflections on the opening of the New Year, 1750 . . 491
Meditations on the Sacrament, March 4, 1750  493
Meditations on the Sacrament, April 8, 1750  494
Meditations on a Sacrament, May 6, 1750  495
Memorandums relating to June 2, 1750, a day spent in
solemn fasting and prayer  497
Meditations attending the Sacrament, June 3, 1750  499
Memorandums relating to September 1, 1750, a day spent
at the Vestry in secret fasting, humiliation, and prayer . . 500
Memorandums ofthe Sacrament, September 2, 1750  502
Memorandums relating to a season of solemn prayer, Octo
ber 5, 1750  504
Hints of Meditation at the Sacrament, October 7, 1750 . . . 505
Memorandums relating to a devotional Day, observed No
vember 3, 1750  507
Memorandums of the Sacrament, November 4, 1 750  508
Memorandums relating to a devotional Day, Dec. 1, 1750 . 509
Hints of Meditations at the Lord's Supper, Dec. 2, 1750 . . 512
Reflections on the close of the year 1750  513
Reflections at the opening ofthe New Year, 1751  516
A Season of Retirement for Prayer at the Vestry, January
5, 1751  517
Recollections of a Season of Retirement at the Vestry, March
2,1751  518
A Season of Retirement, April 6, 1751  521,
An Account of several of those Maxims, upon which I pro
pose to proceed in future Life  523
Some Account of a Season for Retirement in the Vestry,
May 4, 1751  524
Some Account of a Day of Retirement in the Vestry, June
1'1751  526
Meditations at the Sacrament, June 2, 1751  529

SECTION in.
P.xRTicuLARs relative to the Family of Dr. Doddridge : His
Will : List of Gentlemen educated under his Care, &c. . 531

THE

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

PHILIP DODDRIDGE, D. D.

SECTION I.

Retrospective Remarks: Modern Dissenters: Dr. Southey and the
Nonconformists: Orthodoxy of Dr. Doddridge.
Having now to introduce the Reader to the conclud
ing volume of this Correspondence, I may, perhaps,
be pardoned in reverting to some circumstances
which have attended the progress of its publication.
Impartiality is a duty so imperative on a biogra
phical writer, that, without it, if he awaken our
attention, it is but to betray our confidence.
If, from tenderness to the deceased, he conceal
what he may deem the foibles of his character ; if,
from subserviency to a dominant party, he suppress
sentiments which might offend ; or if, from a want
of manly feeling, he fear for himself, lest he should
encounter the obloquy and insult which honesty and
candour ever have, and ever will receive from those
who fatten by practising on the amiable weaknesses
VOL. v. B

2 diary and CORRESPONDENCE
of their fellow men, and to whom prejudice is more
important than truth ! he is unqualified for the task
he has undertaken.
The example furnished by the experience and
conduct of the great and the good of past generations
is of the first importance to the living. It is a chart
by studying which we may guard against the hidden
dangers which lurk beneath the ocean of life, and are
most perilous when all is tranquil in the joyous
moming of our youth. What would be said of a
mariner, who, on going to sea, threw overboard the
compass which would indicate his course ? He,
however, who gives us but half a character when he
affects to paint the whole, does worse ; he teaches us
to form a false estimate of human nature, and a
delusive idea of the providence of God ! From the
prevalence of this error half the fruits of virtue have
fallen prematurely, and the characters of good men
have appeared of so abstract and spiritual a nature,
that they have defied imitation, and given a pretence
for designing writers to represent them as specious
hypocrites, or amiable enthusiasts.
The ample nature of the materials, and the deco
rous lapse of time have given me an opportunity of
doing justice to the example of Dr. Doddridge, by
presenting his character at large before the world.
As one who entertains a tender respect for the
memory of that eminent Man, and still more, as his
immediate descendant, had there been one question
able circumstance to have sullied the honourable
record of his name, no consideration should have

OK DR. DODDRIDGE.

induced me to have betrayed its existence ; but tliere
was none. I had the opportunity of looking into
the inmost recesses of his character, and I found it
clear as a vase of crystal ; while the more I regarded it,
the brighter became the light that beamed around it.
To give a full and impartial picture of such a
man, was, therefore, a task of unmingled satisfaction ;
and the only question worthy of consideration, was
as to the number of letters which should be printed
illustrative of any leading feature of his mind.
The peculiar tenderness of his heart, and the
innocent vivacity which marked his social character,
were the traits most likely to alarm the prejudices of
many worthy and pious persons who had unfortu
nately imbibed the cautious formality of the modern
religious world. Accordingly I felt it desirable that
those amiable qualities should appear in their natural
order. In early youth glowing with ardour, but
ever governed by the dictates of conscience and
religion ; while, in the riper years of manhood, they
throw a peculiar charm over a life of indefatigable
exertion in the causes of practical piety and of public
usefulness. With regard to those letters of this cha
racter which contain records of a tender nature, as
any concealment in such matters might have excited
unfounded and injurious suspicions, I felt the pro
priety, or rather the necessity of printing the whole.
Nor was I unwilling to do so, as they are highly
interesting, and present not only an amusing picture
of the playful gallantry of a former age, but show
that the natural ardour of youthful emotions may be
b2

4 diary and CORRESPONDENCE
freely and yet innocently entertained, when under
the command of religious principle. Of the pathetic
and beautiful devotional letters, every where inter
mingled, no difference of opinion can arise ; but the
Cynic, who, while he renders these the ungracious
tribute of his praise, affects to contemn the former,
betrays no less the sterile coldness of his bosom than
his utter ignorance of human nature. Had not the
heart of Doddridge drunk so deeply of the sympathies
of humanity, it had been incompetent to entertain
those divine sentiments of an ecstatic piety, which,
combined with the argumentative force of his practi
cal writings, has thrilled the hearts of thousands,
and will continue to do so till time shall be no more.
In fulfilling the editorial duties of this work, a
much greater portion of my attention has been con
sumed than I had anticipated. Yet, notwithstanding
much labour, I am aware that some errors have
escaped notice ; they are such, however, as I flatter
myself, every candid reader will excuse. I have
been fully sensible of the responsibility of the office
undertaken, and I am thankful in having been enabled
to discharge it conscientiously.
Upon the whole, I felt myself authorised to antici
pate the satisfaction, if not the gratitude of the more
enlightened and sounder portion of the religious
public ; and I have the pleasure of knowing that I
did not judge amiss, notwithstanding the atrocious
attack which the self-interested champions of reli
gious party have levelled against the Work and its
Editor. The periodicals to which I allude have, in

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 5
Other instances, exposed themselves to just chastise
ment, but, in the present case, they have exceeded
the usual measure of misrepresentation, which reveals
the nature of their spiritual wrath.
The personal hostility they have manifested is a
matter of little moment; but nothing can be more
amusingly absurd than the cool effrontery with which
these nameless people affect to sit in judgment on
the character of Dr. Doddridge. The reputation of
that good and learned man did not depend upon the
system of pious fraud and artful concealment they
advocate; nor would he have thanked them for the
hollow professions and needless apologies with which
they have honoured him.*
Many worthy persons have expressed their chagrin
• The party leaders of what are called the orthodox dissenters,
have secretly been, for many years, in a sad dilemma with regard to
Dr. Doddridge. His works were too important, and their value
already too well appreciated, by men of real piety and learning, to
render silence safe. At the same time the manly, critical, and can
did examination of the scriptural records, of which his Expositor
presents an example, was a humiliating contrast with their own
practice of dogmatical assertion, and unchristian reproach in matters
cf biblical inquiry.
The remarks of these people on the Family Expositor are, accord--
ingly, full of that self-contradiction, specious adulation, and depreci
ating insinuation which show that the writer has far more cunning
than honesty, and that his object is to pervert the better judgment
of his reader.
Among much trash ofthe same sort, we have a striking specimen
of this puritanical duplicity in the Eclectic Review for November,
1829, page 418. " His (i. e. "Dr. Doddridge's) Lectures and Family
Expositor have procured him an extensive celebrity as an accom
plished divine and biblical critic." " No part of Dr. Doddridge's fame
is derived from any peculiar elegance or nervousness of style, any

6 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
at the conduct alluded to, but to me it has proved,
in one sense, a matter of satisfaction.
In proportion as these volumes exhibit the merits
of the old Nonconformists, and may thus awaken the
present race to a sense of those fanatical innovations,
which, while the Dissenters have infinitely increased
in wealth and number, have actually lowered their
rank and influence as a class in society, so far was
I prepared to expect, and in this sense am I happy
to find that these pages are obnoxious to the self-in
terested zealots who have abused their confidence.
The former Nonconformists were attached to the
National Church, from which the Act of Charles the
brilliancy of genius, or commanding reach of thought !" " Nor is he
an expositor who can always be safely followed. His Family Expo
sitor has been of immense practical utility in promoting very mate
rially the study of biblical criticism, and the spirit of religious in
quiry. But Dr. Doddridge's excessive candouu, and his educational
bias, have often led him to adopt criticisms of t>eri/ doubtful pro
priety !"
It is almost unnecessary to inform the reader that this declaimer
has not ventured to quote a single word, or referred to a single line
of the learned work he has slandered, in confirmation of opinions so
arrogantly expressed. It, however, happens that, in the succeeding
page, he throws off the Lion's hide in which he had roared so melo'
d'lously, and stands in his own words, convicted of more than assinine
stupidity. " He (i. e. Dr. Doddridge) lived in an age barren oJ
greatness ; and his name serves to cast a ray over a dark and cheer-
tes portion of our ecclesiastical annals." One would suppose that the
most purblind among the provincial disciples of this orthodox oracle,
the far famed Eclectic, would be somewhat startled with this sweep
ing sentence, which has consigned the once honoured names of
Lardner, Neal, and Watts to an eternal silence ! and asserts that nei
ther they nor Warburton, nor Seeker, nor Wesley, nor Whitfield,
who, with many other eminent men, were the contemporaries of
Doddridge, could even (winkle distinctly in that stygian darkness to

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 7
Second had divorced their founders, and which
they hoped to rejoin, on a revision of its articles and
canons compatible with their just ideas of Christian
liberty ; their loyalty and patriotism were not only
sincere, but ever active principles; they fostered a
system of general information and of candid theolo
gical inquiry ; their piety was practical and unobtru
sive ; their manners affectionate, hospitable, and
cheerful ; and their orthodoxy attempered with that
charity which " thinketh no evil."
The effects of that enthusiastic extravagance of
religious conceit which followed in the train of Me
thodism, has been before alluded to. We have
which the goose-quill wand of this critical magician had transformed
one of the most brilliant ' portions of our ecclesiastical annals.'
Perhaps a more signal but less amusing instance of the dread of
that renovated spirit of candour, and that abhorrence of party dis
tinction with which a general knowledge of the liberal sentiments
of Dr. Doddridge, would inspire the dissenting world was betrayed
by this, and most of the other religious periodicals, in their mode of
noticing his Posthumous Sermons published in 1826.
It is hardly possible to imagine that any work could be more in
teresting to the religious world than these four volumes, the printing
of which was enjoined by their pious author, in his will, with touch
ing solemnity. " Which I would not appoint, (i. e. their publication)
if I did not hope that it might le yet more for the benefit qf the world;
and that fruit may thereby abound to me in the- day qf the Lord."
This clause is in itself their best recommendation; but these sermons
were examined, previous to their publication, by some dissenting
ministers of distinguished worth and character, and by a learned
divine ofthe established church, of high literary reputation, who all
concurred in expressing the strongest opinion of their great practical
value. Yet, on their appearance, these journals, some of which
now shower their hollow adulations on the name of Dr. Doddridge,
scarcely vouchsafed, to these his important Discourses, a single page
of churlish notice.

8 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
found that, in some instances, it excited infidelity,
and its injurious influence on the character of the
Dissenters, has been pointed out. With regard to
the growth of an intolerant spirit, in any religious
community, nothing can be more evident than the
mode of its production, where the seeds of fanaticism
have been already sown.
The solemn mummery which disgraced the Puri
tans, during the usurpation of Cromwell, evidently
arose from the arrogance of vulgar persons, who,
having wealth and power " thrust upon them,"
sought at once to gratify their pride, and conceal
their native insignificance, by a profane assumption
of superior sanctity. The intolerant cruelty of the
early Protestant refugees in America, towards their
unfortunate brethren of rival creeds, had much the
same origin ; and if we recollect the great and sudden
changes in the aspect of society, which the artificial
state of mercantile affairs in this country, during the
late war, induced, we can feel but little surprise that
" zeal without knowledge" hath abounded.
Yet, after all, the pharisaical spirit we deplore is
already on the wane ; in excess it grows ridiculous :
people become ashamed of it, and it dies a natural
death. Nor are the great body of the Dissenters to
be estimated by the tone of a few ill supported
periodicals, or busy partisans. They are uninflu
enced by them, and, in a round of happy duties,
pursue " the noiseless tenor of their way."
In the great essentials, the Nonconformists are
yet the same. " Glory to God, and good will to

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 9
men" is still the motto on. the banner they follow
into action. They remain the staunch friends of civil
and religious freedom, and are loyally and sincerely
devoted to. the happy Constitution of their country.
Their energies have been somewhat misapplied, but
not exhausted ; and were some few trifles reformed,
and were they again directed by such men as Dr.
Doddridge and Dr. Watts, they would step forward
in the practical service of society, as a giant refreshed
from his slumbers. Knowing this, and it is no
more than what a little reflection would force every
honest man to admit, I want words to express the
astonishment with which I read the following passage.
" The principle of nonconformity in religion is
very generally connected with political discontent;
the old leven is still in the mass, and whenever there
is thunder in the atmosphere, it begins to work. In
the time of the American war, they were wholly with
the Americans ; and during the French Revolution,
their wishes were not with the Government, nor their
voice with the voice of the Country. At contested
elections, their weight is uniformly thrown into the
opposition scale ; at times when an expression of
public opinion is called for, their exertions are always
on the factious side. They are what Swift called
them, schismatics in temporals, as well as spirituals.
The truth is that, as Burleigh said of the English
Papists, they are but half Englishmen at heart ; for
they acknowledge only one part of the two-fold Con
stitution under which they live, and, consequently,
sit loo.se in their attachment to the other. Of the

10 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
two Strands of the cable, one has been cut through ;
yet it is pretended that the existence of the Dissent
ing Interest, as it is called, is advantageous to the
Nation ; and the paradox has been so often and so
confidently advanced, that it is now one of those
received fallacies by which the people are deluded*."
The surprise I have expressed, was not excited by
the ideas embodied in this passage, for the whole is
nothing more than a paraphrase of the old fanatical
cry of " Church and King." They are the very
sentiments by which the Birmingham incendiaries
were incited to their unmanly atrocities, and which
the great body of the established clergy were then,
and are still the first to disavow. No ! my astonish
ment arose from finding that language so extravagant
could fall from the pen of so grave a writer, and
that a mind so richly embued with the noble feelings
and high imaginings which poetry inspires, could be
the victim of prejudices so gross and futile. Nor
less, that one of our most distinguished ecclesiastical
and civil Historians could be led, by party feelings,
to draw inductions, unwarranted by facts, and betray
ing a precipitancy of judgment, which creates a doubt
as to the validity of his statements in other instances.
In the present case, a few words will be sufficient
to evince that Dr. Southey is, at least, self-deluded.
As a whole, the passage quoted, implies nothing less
than a sweeping charge of constant political disaf-
* See " Sir Thomas More, or Colloquies on the Progress and Pros
pects of Society," by Robert Southey, Esq. L.L. D. Poet Laureate,
&c. Vol. ii. p. 44, 45.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 1 1
fection against the Nonconformists as a body, and
asserts that traitorous feeling to be the natural result
of their nonconformity. The loyal and patriotic con
duct of Dr. Doddridge and his dissenting brethren,
in the year Forty-Five, as related in this Correspon
dence, has shown the latter part of this charge to be
as unfounded as the inference is absurd. With
regard to the first portion, an examination of those
particulars which Dr. Southey has adduced in its
support, will prove it to be equally destitute of foun
dation, " In the American war they were wholly
with the Americans." That a majority of the Dis
senters held those sentiments on the point in ques
tion, which the immortal Chatham advocated with
his almost dying breath, and which the decision of
Providence recognised in the ultimate event, is to
their honour ! If, on the other hand, any thing in
compatible with their strict allegiance is implied, it
cannot be contradicted too strongly. " During the
French Revolution, their wishes were not with the
Government, nor their voice with the voice of the
Country." The only meaning of this remark in this
connexion must be, that the Dissenters countenanced
the enormities and popular tyranny of that ill-con
ducted affair, and if so, the charge is totally un
founded. " At times when an expression of public
opinion is called for, their exertions are always on the
factious side." The direct injustice of this remark
was shown, even just before it was made, by the cor
dial support rendered by the Nonconformists to his
Majesty's ministers, on the glorious settlement of the

12 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
Catholic "Question! The rest of the matter is too
declamatory to require minute attention, and to these
words, the Nonconformists may oppose their conduct
on every political emergency since the Act of Settle
ment. During the Irish Rebellion, did not the Dis
senters in every way support the Crown ? and when
the threat of foreign invasion rang in our ears, were
they not, almost to a man, in arms, and ready to
shed their blood in defence of that country which is
here represented as being but half their own !
This confutation might be carried still farther;
and when Dr. Southey says that the Dissenters
are " ashamed" of the ancient grounds of nonconfor
mity, and that their separation from the church arises
in " temporal considerations, not in perversities,
freaks, and infirmities of crooked, crazy, and queasy
consciences ;" he might be asked to reconcile the
vassalage of mind which the imposition of an arbi
trary creed enforces, with that freedom of conscience
the Gospel enjoins ; and still more, to point out the
use of articles which are believed in opposite senses
by those who subscribe them ! In a future edition
of the Colloquies, it may be hoped that such un
founded and injurious assertions will be withdrawn.
In the mean time, I would remark that something
more than a poetical license has been taken in one of
the similies. A " cable," instead of " two," has
three strands, and the third in that to which Dr.
Southey alludes, is the sound sense of the People of
England, which is far too firm to be injured by the
unfair twist he has condescended to employ.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 13
That such reproaches have been advanced in such
a form. Can only be accounted for by the degenerate
and Pharisaical spirit of those dissenters, who, from
fanatical views, have coalesced with a certain party
in the Established Church, and aim, by that suspi
cious union, ultimately to obtain a preponderance in
the state.*
In these party arrangements, orthodoxy has proved
a very convenient stalkinghorse ; and, as no term in
our language, is more offensively used, or less under
stood, it may be interesting to ascertain the senti
ments of Dr. Doddridge on so delicate a question.
We have already seen that, during his life, his doc
trinal views were suspected by the ultra canvinistical
party, who, since his death, have so loudly boasted
of his perfect agreement in such points with them
selves. His own declarations are undoubtedly the
best authorities we can consult, and they show these
good people to be, in both instances, mistaken.
When vindicating himself from charges of such a
nature. Dr. Doddridge observes, " I do, indeed,
desire to give as little offence as, honestly, I can ;
and I have great authorities for it ; and though I am
in my judgment, greatly against the imposition of
human phrases, yet, as some can hardly be avoided,
on one hand or the other, I choose to adopt, and use
* Ofthe blessings which would follow a second Reign ofthe Puri
tans in England, some idea may be formed from the fact, that these
plausible people have lately requested the Secretary for the Home De
partment, to close the Parks on Sundays; though, to do this, would
be to deprive a large portion of the confided inhabitants of London
of their best opportunity of performing the moral duty of preserving
their health.

14 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
some that are ambiguous, in what I take to be a fair
sense, though not the only sense they might bear." —
" I may, likewise, in many instances, have seen, or
thought I have seen, things not to be inconsistent,
which warm men on one side the question and the
other have thought to be so ; and it is possible, too,
that, in some of these cases, they may have thought
right, though, I believe, in more, they have been on
both sides wrong."* — A variety of such passages might
be cited, rendering it evident that Dr. Doddridge did
not fully accord with the ideas of either of the parties
in question. By examining the points in dispute, we
may, therefore, obtain some clue, as to the shades of
private opinion, which he conscientiously attached to
the doctrines alluded to.
During the early life of Dr. Doddridge, the tug of
theological war was between the Christians and the
Deists, but no sooner were the latter discomfited,
and the Christians relieved from the dread of a com
mon enemy, than each began to pry for a mote in the
eye of his brother ; and the disputes, relative to the
person of Christ, were carried on with an animosity,
little creditable to either side, when both admitted
the divine authority of his mission. One party
asserted the full, essential, and independent Deity of
the Messiah ; and the other, in maintaining the
dependency of the Son, proceeded to infer his mere
humanity. If an intermediate path can be pointed
out congenial with the language of scripture, as
admitted on both sides, it is probably the one which
* See Memoirs of Dr. Doddridge, by the Rev. Job Orton, from
page 261 to 266.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 15
Dr. Doddridge pursued, A variety of undisputed
texts might be cited for this purpose ; but, as there
are two which appear in themselves decisive, it may
be sufficient to quote them alone. — John xii. 49,
" For I have not spoken of myself, but the Father
which sent me. He gave me a commandment what I
should say, and what I should speak," John xiv. 10.
" Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the
Father in me ? The words that I speak unto you, I
speak not of myself; but the Father that dwelleth in
me He doeth the works." — In the verse first quoted,
we have an unquestionable declaration of the depen
dent character of Christ, in his personal capacity;
and, in the second, an explanation which renders it
evident that terms and phrases, implying direct Deity,
when addressed to the Messiah, refer essentially to
God, without any intervention of separate persons,
and as a being unlimited by space, and then under a
peculiar manifestation.
These are known to have been the sentiments of
Dr. Watts ; and, from the following passage, in his
letter to the Rev. David Longueville, when referring
to Dr. Doddridge, a strong collateral proof is af
forded that they are now correctly ascribed to him
also : " Nor is there any person of my acquaintance
with whom I more entirely agree in all the sentiments
of the doctrine of Christ,"* A farther evidence
occurs in the following passage from Dr, Doddridge's
plan for daily meditation, as quoted by Mr, Orton,
page 278 : " Evangelical views : — bless God for
Christ, and the Spirit : exercise faith daily in Christ,
* Memoirs of Dr. Doddridge, by the Rev. Job Orton, p. 149.

16 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
as Teacher, Atonement, Intercessor, Governor, Ex
ample, Strength, Guardian, Forerunner:'
As, in accordance with these views, it may be
observed that there is a remarkable delicacy and
caution evinced in the works of Dr. Doddridge, when
ever the subject approaches the disputed points of
theology. The genuine expressions of the sacred
writers are then employed, and the reader is allowed
to draw his own conclusions, unbiassed by the preju
dices of human authorities. Those portions of his
Theological Lectures, which treat on the matter
alluded to, substantiate this statement .* And to this
admirable practice of his friend and tutor, Mr. Orton
bears witness in the following remarks.f " It grieved
• From the great importance of the subject the following passages,
extracted from Dr. Doddridge's Lectures on Divinity, cannot but be
interesting to the reader.
" The Christian scheme directs us not to terminate our regards in
the Mediator, but to address our petitions to God, through him, and
every where represents it as his office to bring us to God." " It is
to be remembered, in all the Christian doctrines relating both to the
atonement and intercession of Christ, that we are to consider him
as a person graciously appointed by QoD to this purpose : which, if it
be duly attended to, will prevent the apprehension, as if God were
the less gracious, or our obligations to the Father at all diminished
by those we are under to the Son :" 1 Cor. i. 30. 2 Cor. v. 18. Eph. i.
3—6, 9, 11, 12. 1 Pet. i. 2—5. Heb. v. 4, 5. Lect. clxxxvii. —
" The Scripture represents tbe Divine Being as appearing in, and
manifesting Himself hy the distinct persons of Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, each of which has bis peculiar province in accomplishing the
work of our redemption and salvation, and to eacb of which we owe
ati unlimited veneration, love, and obedience." — " If it be inquired
in what sense the word -person is used in the proposition, we answer,
it must at least be true in a, political sense, yet cannot amount to so

t Memoirs, page 195, 196.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 17
him to see impositions upon Conscience any where,
especially among Dissenters, as they were so evi
dently contrary to their own principles, ' Our in
terest,' saith he, ' hath received great damage by un-
scriptural impositions and uncharitable contentions
with each other,'" " It appears, from what was said
above, of his behaviour to his pupils, that he thought
it unjust in itself, and very injurious to the interest of
religion, to be rigorous with young Ministers and
Students about their particular sentiments, and to tie
them down to profess their assent to Formularies,
much as a philosophical personality, unless we allow a plurality of
Gods : and if there bg any medium between these, which we cannot
certainly say there is not, we must confess it to be to us unsearch
able; and the higher our notions of distinct personality are carried,
the more difficult does it appear to our feeble reason, to clear up the
supreme divinity of each, and vice vers&. We must acknowledge
that Scripture seems sometimes to neglect this distinction of persons ;
and God dwelling in Christ, is sometimes called the Father, and
sometimes tbe Holy Spirit: vide John xiv. 9, 10. Matt. xii. 28.
John i. 32. Heb. ix. 14. 1 Peter iii. 18. Acts x. 38." Lect, clxi.—
"Mr. Baxter seems, as some ofthe schoolmen did, to have thought
the three divine persons to be one and the same God, understanding,
willing, and beloved by himself, or Wisdom, Power, and Love; which
he thinks illustrated by the three essential formalities (as he calls
them) in the soul of man ; viz. vital active power, intellect, and will;
and in the sun, motion, light, and heat.*
" Dr. Clark's scheme is, that there is One Supreme Being, who is
the Father, and two derived, dependent beings : but he waves call
ing Christ a creature, as the ancient Arians did, and principally on
that foundation disclaims the charge of Arianism.f
" Dr. Thomas Burnet maintains one self-existent and two dependent
* Baxter's End of Contr. c. ii. Works, vol. ii. p. 132. Ibid.
vol. iii. p. 568.
t Clark on Trin. part ii, prop. 7, 12, 14, 16, 19, 22.
VOL. V. c

18 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
containing Points of a very abstruse, or a very doubt
ful nature." — " It was an inviolable maxim with him ;
' never to condemn his brethren, as having forfeited
all title to the name of Christian, because their
Creeds, or Confessions of faith did not come up , to
the standard of his own ; yea, he thought, that if it
were a matter that seemed of such great importance,
as to give some room to suspect that the mistake was
fatal (which, surely nothing can be, which does not
beings, but asserts that the two latter are so united to, and inhabited
by the former, that, by virtue of that union, divine perfections may
be ascribed, and divine worship paid to tbem.*
" Dr. Wallis thought that the distinction between the three persons
was only modal; which seems also to have been Archbishop Tillot-
son's opinion.!
" Dr. Watts maintained one Supreme God dwelling in the human
nature of Christ, which he supposes to have existed the first of all
creatures; and speaks of the Divine Logos as the wisdom of God,
and the Holy Spirit as the Divine Power, or the influence and effect of
it ; which, he says, is a scriptural form, i. e. spoken of figuratively in
Scripture, under personal characters.!
" Dr. Jeremiah Taylor says, ' that he who goes about to speak of
the mystery of the Trinity, and does it by words and names of man's
invention, talking of essences and existences, hypostases and personali
ties, priorities in coegualities, &c. and unity in pluralities, may amuse
himself, and build a tabernacle in his bead, and talk something he
knows not what ; but the good man, that feels the power of the Fa
ther, and to whom the Son is become wisdom, sanctification, and
redemption, in whose heart the love of the Spirit of God is shed
abroad, this man, though he understands nothing of what is unin
telligible, yet he alone truly understands the Christian doctrine ofthe
Trinity.'" — Taylor on the Trinity, part i. pass, prces. — Lect.clxiii.

* Burnet's Scripr. Doct. p. 173, 174.
t Wallis's Lett, on Trin. Tillots. vol. i. p. 492 — 494.
X Watts's Diss. No. vii.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 19
greatly affect meti's temper towards God and each
other,) even that consideration should engage us to
gentleness and tenderness, rather than severity, if,
peradventure we might remove their prejudice.' "*

FROM THE REV. JOHN BARKER.
DEAR AND REV. SIR, Walthamstow, Nov. 4, 1747.
I SHALL not be able to think well of myself till I have
told you how well I think of Col. Gardiner's Life ; I mean,
not only as it was exemplified by him, but as represented
by you to the world.
I own, my dear Doctor, I was not without my fears lest
your love to that excellent person should have overcharged
some of your pages with panegyric, and the extraordinary
manner of his conversion have given some occasion to the
present age to charge him or you with enthusiasm. But
in reading the book I was agreeably surprised, and exceed
ingly pleased ; and I have the satisfaction to acquaint you,
that your friends here are of opinion, that you have per
formed what you have undertaken in a most excellent man
ner, and that it is suited to do a great deal of good.
As for the unmanly flirts, and ungenerous reflections of
those who are not worthy to carry your books after you, it
puts me in mind of a dog barking at the moon, who, after
all his impotent anger, shines, and is still very far out of
his reach, Happy, my dear friend, are you in the Divine
approbation, in the esteem of the best men in and out of
the Establishment ; the best, I say, for wisdom, piety, and
candour; and in the excellent use you make of those ad-
" Dr. Doddridge's Sermon on Candour. Tracts, vol. iii. p. 219.
c2

20 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
mirable talents with which God hath blessed you, I most
heartily rejoice in your prosperity, health, and usefulness,
and commend you to the continual care of Providence, and
the daily influence of that Divine Spirit who, with the
mediation of our dear Saviour, is the glory and distinction
of the Christian dispensation.
Pray commend us, in the most affectionate manner, to
Mrs. Doddridge and to your children.
I am. Dear Sir, most affectionately yours,
J. Barker.

FROM THE COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON.
Bath, Nov. 8, 1747.
I HOPE you will never care about the ceremony of time
in your letters to me; they will always oblige me, but
most when attended with the greatest ease to yourself: as
we both agree in this sentiment, that the one thing worth
living for must be the proclaiming the love of God to man
in Christ Jesus ; so all calls for that end will secure my
approbation for your silence.
I am nothing — Christ is all : I both disclaim, as well as
disdain, any righteousness but his. I not only rejoice that
there is no wisdom for his people but that from above, but
reject every pretension to any but what comes from him
self. I want no holiness he does not give me ; and I
could not accept a heaven he did not prepare me for: I
can wish for no liberty but what he likes for me, and I am
satisfied with every misery he does not redeem me from ;
that in all things I may feel that without him I can do
nothing. To sit at his feet and hearken to his saymgs, is
an honour worthy of Gabriel, who is always in the pre
sence of Gpd ; to behold the glory of such a Saviour, even
the seraphs might veil their faces : — such love and honour,

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 21
I say, as this, ought to make us breathe his praises from
pole to pole.
Many are our enemies, and of these, not only our own
sins, but the spirit of that world in which dwells nothing
but wretchedness; but while it is through his love that
we are to conquer, let the patience of his saints be seen in
us ; let our prayers and labours be useful (instruinentally)
in obtaining crowns of pure gold to be placed on the heads
of our most cruel foes ; that the finite evil of the worst may
serve only to raise our hearts to heaven for their infinite
good. Did we enough take root downwards we should bear
more of this fruit upwards: 'tis humility must make us
ascend by the fiery chariot; that divine object (whom my
soul most delights in) shows me my lesson in these few
words, " Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly."
My family consists of two sons and as many daughters;
for all of them I have nothing to do but to praise God.
The children of so many prayers and tears, I doubt not,
shall one day be blest, your prayers for us all helping.
The hint you give me is great matter of joy to me. My
soul longeth for grace. To preach Christ and his blessing,
upon repentance, over the earth, is the commission, the
event must be with him ; all else is from man, and of man :
He must gather and unite the faithful, since it is he alone
who sits in Heaven that may instruct the heart for his pur
poses. At present the more the little leaven is hid in all,
the more of the whole will be leavened. Parties and divi
sions have ever been the stumbling blocks of the weak.
If we were all to gather with the Lord, as watchmen for
him, calling day and night, in order only to prepare the
materials we need not be fearful, for the New City would
be established and prevail upon the earth ; but this having
always been attempted by man's power, and so little in
grace, it hath come to nought. May the Lord give us all

22 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
such love, to live and die to him, and for him alone, I
am, with most kind respects to Mrs, Doddridge,
Your most sincere, but weak and unworthy Friend,
S. Huntingdon.
P. S. As I write from my heart, and not from my head,
you may more easily forgive incorrectness where you meet
with it.

FROM 'IHE REV. SAMUEL BATES.
DEAR AND REV. SIR, Warminster, Nov. 18, 1747.
I THANK you for your kind remembrance of me who stand
in so much need of it, and I can truly say there has not
been a day since my last to you, but that I have had you,
and all in your church and family, on my heart when at
the throne of mercy : may you " see the travail of your
soul," and have cause to rejoice, though you should not be
fully satisfied, while some attempts are unsuccessful.
I perceive you have your trials and your fears ; and who
knows what mercy there may be in them ? We ourselves,
and all we have, are in the hands of an infinitely wise God,
who ever proposes the best ends, takes the best means to
accomplish them, and the fittest time. There is often so
much good arising, even in this life, out of troubles, as may
fill the heart with raptures of joy, and make the soul ciy
out " It was well for me that I was afflicted,"
Had it not been for David's troubles, the church would
never have been blessed with David's Psalms : and had it
not been for Jacob's fears, we should never have had the
noble story of his wresthng and prevaihng with God, to
encourage us in the same method, when under the like cir
cumstances. There are many now alive, who have found

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 23
more benefit by their sorrows than their comforts; and
what is the design of all this, but to keep us from being
afraid of evil tidings, and to give us a heart fixed and trust
ing in the Lord ! God loves to see his people live by Faith ;
and why should not we love it too, when it is the best life
upon earth, and makes it as much like heaven as we can
expect to find it while here below !
What a cloud of witnesses have we, in sacred writ, to the
truth and power, the victory, triumph, and joy of Faith ; and
what a sacred ambition should we entertain to press after it,
when we see how many have attained it ; and what room
we have to hope that we may do the same, especially under
a gospel dispensation !
Let us then stir ourselves up to take hold of God in
Christ; be daily storming heaven by our prayers, for our
selves and others, and then rest satisfied that all will do
well in God's time and way. These are the desires and en
deavours of. Dear and Rev, Sir,
Yours, I hope in the bonds of an everlasting covenant,
Samuel Bates.

FROM THE REV, ISAAC WATTS, D. D,
DEAR SIE, Stoke Newington, Nov. 21, 1747.
I RECEIVED your last favour, and pay you my thanks for
the friendly expressions you use therein towards me, and
rejoice for the flourishing prospect of your Academy and
Church. Yesterday my Lady Hertford gave me the honour of a
letter, wherein she expresses a very high esteem and respect
for you, as the author of the Rise and Progress, and for
your account of Col, Gardiner's Life, which pleased her
very much, and she tells me that I should let you know it.

24 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
My lady and Mrs. Abney make you their compliments ;
they are pretty well ; I am much as usual, rather growing
weaker than stronger: but with much esteem and affec
tion. Your humble Servant,
Isaac Watts.

FROM HENRY BAKER, F. R.S. ETC.*
DEAR SIE, London, Nov. 24, 1747.
I AM extremely obliged to you for the honour you have
lately done me; but should be unable to answer it, either to
the public or to myself, were I to take up any portion of
that time, which you so generously and assiduously devote
to the service of mankind, in the support of religion and the
enforcement of morality, did I not hope that your favours
to me may prove a relaxation from more serious and im-
* A spirit of philosophical inquiry and of rational devotion were happily
blended in the character of this eminent naturalist, whose life was spent
in a delightful interchange of scientific investigation and of active philan
thropy. In early life, Mr. Baker sacrificed to the muses, and was the author of
" Original Poems, Serious and Humorous," in two Parts ; " The Uni
verse," a Poem ; and " An Invocation to Health.'' These productions,
though not of signal excellence, show a grace of versification and command
of language sufficient to evince that riper efforts might have obtained
attention. They are very much in the style of Prior, and are coloured
with the spirit of gallantry then in vogue.
The incident mentioned in this letter, and which, by the by, does not
appear to have been known to any of the biographical writers who speak
of Mr. Baker, turned his attention into another channel, and also inclined
him to relinquish the bookselling business, to which he had been bred.
His own remarks are sufficient to prove the great importance and success
of his professional exertions, and I would observe that I had some time
since an opportunity of perusing some highly interesting letters, addressed
to him by deaf pupils who owed their social comforts and best hopes to his
skilful care. These letters formed a portion of the valuable MSS. which
Mr. Baker left, with his other property, to his grandson, and which, it
may be hoped, will ultimately be placed before the public.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 25
portant studies. And, in order to make them so, I earnestly
entreat, that you would never trouble yourself about me,
but at your leisure, and then direct your amanuensis
to pen down whatever may come first into your thoughts,
without regarding the style ; for the esteem and good
wishes of so benevolent a mind will always be judged
by me as of infinite value, in whatever manner they be
expressed. I hope that philosophical inquires into Nature may not
be wholly without their use, even to the good purposes you
are pursuing ; for the more we know of Nature, the more
elevated ideas we shall attain of Nature's God, and become
the more likely to imitate that universal beneficence, which
we behold flowing to all his creatures through an infinity
of streams.
There are, perhaps, but two ways whereby we can arrive
at the knowledge of a Deity, the Creator of all things : the
one is, that particular Revelation he has been pleased to
For nearly thirty years Mr. Baker was one of the most distinguished
Fellows of the Royal Society, whose Transactions teem witli his valuable
communications. Most of his discoveries in natural history are, however,
detailed in his two works, " The Microscope made Easy," and " Employ
ment for the Microscope ;" both illustrated with plates, and full of curious
and entertaining particulars.
The correspondence of Mr. Baker with the literati of Europe was most
extensive, and became the means of furnishing us with two favourite
domestic plants, the Alpine strawberry, and the true rhubarb, or rheum
palmatum. The seeds of the first were sent him in a letter by Professor
Bruni of Turin, and those of the latter by Dr. Mounsey, Physician to the
Empress of Russia.
Besides the Royal Society, for which Mr. Baker founded a lecture, which
bears his name, he was, also, a most active member of the Antiquarian
Society; "and one of the earliest, most assiduous, and zealous members
of that patriotic institution, ' The Society for the Encouragement of Arts,
Commerce and Manufactures.' " He married Sophia, youngest daugh
ter of the famous Daniel Defoe, who brought him two sons, both of whom
he survived.
His death occurred on the 25th of November, 1774, at about the age of
seventy-one.

26 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
make of Himself, to a few only of the nations upon the
earth : the other, that universal evidence of an Almighty
Cause, whereby His works declare his glory, and every
thing that has existence proclaims His power, wisdom, and
goodness. To say nothing of the regular courses of the heavenly
bodies, and particularly of the Sun, whose brightness and
influence has spread the belief of a God throughout the
world, there is no part of the animal, vegetable, or mineral
kingdoms but what serves to the same purpose. Every
animal that lives, and every plant that grows, shows the
hand that formed it to be divine ; and if we search the
bowels of the earth, the variety of gems, metals, ores, and
minerals are no less expressive. The earth also affords
innumerable proofs in support of revelation ; of that part
of it, I mean, which informs us of its having been over
flowed by a deluge : for those innumerable shells, and
other marine bodies, which are every where found in the
highest mountains, upon the continents, as well as in this
island, are incontestable proofs, that those places must
heretofore have been sea, or at least, that these bodies must
have been brought thither by an overflowing of the ocean:
and as ancient coins and medals struck by mighty princes,
in remembrance of their exploits, are highly valued, as
evidences of such facts, no less ought these fossile marine
bodies to be considered as medals of the Almighty, fully
proving the desolation he has formerly brought upon the
earth. But I forget that I am writing to a gentleman more
capable than myself of making just reflections on eveiy
part of the creation : instead, therefore, of being farther
impertinent, I shall endeavour to be grateful, by acknow
ledging the great obligations I lie under for your many
generous, and Christian expressions of good will towards
me and mine ; which I can no otherwise return, but by

OF DR, DODDRIDGE. 27
assuring you of a sincere friendship, that would rejoice
to find any opportunity of becoming serviceable.
As you, good Sir, have been pleased to inform me of
your engagements, I shall give you some little account of
mine. When I was about twenty years of age, having a relation
(a girl) who was born deaf (and consequently dumb), it
came into my thoughts, that such a person might be ins
tructed to write, read, and speak. I immediately made the
experiment ; and my scholar, in about a year, could read
in any book distinctly, speak very inteUigibly most common
words, and understand a great deal of language. This
success brought people about me, who were under the
same misfortune; and the handsome offers that were
proposed, led me, contrary to my first intention, to give
the same assistance to others ; and new ones still applying
from time to time, this has been my employment for
twenty-five years ; during which, I have brought several,
under those unhappy circumstances, to speak the English
language fluently, and converse easily, from understanding
what others say, by only observing the motion of their
organs of voice while speaking ; to read and comprehend
all common books, and to write their mind, either by letter
or otherwise, in as sensible, and in a better and more
correct style than people usually do. Along with this, I
have also assisted great numbers to get rid of hesitation,
stammering, lisping, and various other impediments in
speech; and have constantly some sufferers of such a nature
under my direction, who come. from different parts, and
whom I spend all my mornings.in attending where they are
lodged ; for no persuasions could ever induce me to take
any home ; the attention and fatigue of teaching them
making it necessary that I should be quite undisturbed at
all other times ; so that after four or five o'clock my day's
work is over : but then, what with visits of friends, attend-

28 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
ing the Royal Society, answering correspondents, prepar
ing one thing or other for the press, and other necessary
avocations, I can seldom command an hour. But I have
troubled you with too much of this, and come now to
request, that you would make my compliments and good
wishes acceptable to your Society ; the date, and regu
lations of which I shall be glad to have some account
of, as likewise of some of your more remarkable minutes.
It gives me no little pleasure to observe, that societies
for inquiring into the productions of nature, and the im
provements of art, are forming in different parts of the
King's dominions : there are such established at Edinburgh,
Dublin, York, Bristol, Peterborough, Spalding, and seve
ral other places. When ingenious people meet to commu
nicate their several observations, with a sincere desire to
discover truth, great advances may be made in knowledge.
No doubt the members of your society have made some
experiments in electricity, a subject which has lately
engaged all the curious world, from the discoveries lately
made ; though the principle itself has probably existed as
long as matter and motion, and been the chief agent in
many of the most surprising phgenomena in nature.
Few have been more busy in this affair than myself, and
therefore I shall describe to you two experiments you have
probably not yet heard of. Several gentlemen of the
Royal Society, conveyed the electric power through the
river Thames, by means of a wire carried over the new
bridge at Westminster : one end thereof was held by a
person on this side of the river, whose other hand sustained
an iron bar that hung into the water. A person, on the
opposite side, held the other end of the wire, which was
fastened to an electrised phial ; and, on his touching the
water of the river with a poker held in the other hand, the
shock was felt by the persons on both sides, the river
making part of the electric circuit.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 29
An experiment has also been made to ascertain, if possi
ble, the difference or proportion between the progression
of sound, and that of the electric power. To perform this,
a wire was carried a mile and a quarter, at the end of
which some people were placed, with second watches
exactly regulated, to observe the time between their feel
ing the stroke, and their hearing the sound of a pistol
fired at the instant of the touch at the other end. Sound
is now generally allowed to pass at, or nearly at, the rate
of one mile in four seconds : and what is very remarkable
in this experiment (which, as well as the former, was
many times repeated), the shock was constantly felt, as
nearly as could be computed, exactly five seconds before
the sound was heard : so that, according to our concep
tions of things, it may be said to have passed instanta
neously, I am got almost to the end of my paper before I have
returned you thanks for mentioning my son so kindly, who
desires your acceptance of his best services, - He has,
indeed, been somewhat more forward than boys usually
are, from a constant conversation with men. At twelve
years old he had translated the whole twenty-four books of
Telemachus from the French : before he was fifteen, he
translated from the Italian, and published a treatise in
Physic, of Dr. Cocchi, of Florence, concerning the diet
and doctrines of Pythagoras ; and last year, before he
was seventeen, he likewise published a treatise of Sir
Isaac Newton's Metaphysics, compared with those of Dr.
Liebnitz, from the French of M. Voltaire, He is a pretty
good master of the Latin, understands some Greek, is
reckoned no bad mathematician for his years, and knows
a great deal of natural history, both from reading and
observation ; so that, by the grace of God, I hope he will
.become a virtuous and useful man.

30 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
And now, dear Sir, begging pardon for detaining you so
long, I assure you that I am, with the utmost esteem and
respect. Your much obliged and affectionate humble Servant,
H. Bakee.
P, S, I communicated your account of the singing lady
to the Royal Society : it is judged a very extraordinary
case, and I was ordered to thank you for it in the Society's
name, which I do with all my heart.*

FROM THE HON. MRS. SCAWEN.t
Maidwell, December the 1st, 1747.
It has been a real concern to me that I could not have one
visit from you, my good and dear friend, in this awful dis
pensation. * I find the matter alluded to related as follows, in the Philosophical
Transactions ofthe Royal Society, for the year 1747.
" Postscript of a Letter, from the Rev. Dr. Doddridge at Nortliampton, to Mr.
Henry Baker, F.R.S.—Read, Nov. 12, 1747.
" I hardly know whether it be worth while to mention a little event
that happened iu our neighbourhood some time ago, which yet appeared
to me something singular in its kind.
" A clergyman's lady (whose husband is of some eminence in the
learned world) in a frenzy, after a lying-in, which was quickly removed,
found, during its continuance, such an alteration in the state and tone of
her nerves, that, whereas she never had before or since any ear for music,
nor any voice, she was then capable of singing, to the admiration of all
about her, several fine tunes, which her sister had learned in her presence
some time before, but of which she had not then seemed to take any
notice." " Northampton, Nov. 3, 1747."
t It is impossible to read this pathetic letter without deploring the ex
istence of religious feelings so far perverted, that the only fountain of

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 31
It is, indeed, a great breach, and a grievous blow on
the head of our fat valleys; and at first I was so over
whelmed with surprise and confusion, that I freely own
that I pronounced a harsh conclusion on the departed
spirit of my deceased child, by the original sin he was
corrupted with from us, &.c. but since his decease my
eldest daughter has acquainted me with several alleviat-
¦ ing circumstances, and his great delight in reading the
130th and 139th Psalms, and one thing I must add, that
my daughters have heard him often repeat the third
letter wrote by Mrs, Rowe ' To the Countess 
from her son, who died when he was but two years old ;'
and my dear Tommy used to wish he was capable to write
such a one to comfort me, and those who mourned for him.
His death was very sudden; and though my fears were
great, yet Dr. Stonhouse, giving me assurances that he
was in no danger, gave me hope, to make the shock the
more severe. Oh ! Sir, the pangs I bore in bringing him
and the other children into the world, were nothing to be
compared to what I felt for my child when he lay on his
dying bed, and when I heard his expiring groans: — but
my tears prevent me.
I beg the continuance of your prayers for a right frame
of spirit under this rod, and a sanctification of it to all
comfort, in the moment of parental bereavement, nearly became the source
of hopeless anguish.
The pernicious influence of those severe and discouraging attributes,
with which the Calvinistic scheme disguises the benevolent religion of
Christ, hardly admits of a more signal illustration.
We have before us a lady of valuable character, and who enjoyed every
means of information, on the point of believing that her deceased child
was an outcast from the mercy of its God, at an age when the laws of her
country, and the common sense of mankind, would agree in viewing it as
an inefficient agent from intellectual immaturity.
How strongly are such sentiments contrasted with the beautiful lan
guage of the Messiah, " Suffer little children to come unto me, — for of such
is the kingdom of heaven."

32 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
concerned; and that our only surviving son and my three
fine daughters may be spared in mercy to us. And now
I can acquaint you, that we shall be glad to see you when
it best suits your conveniency and the weather is more
favourable, so as not to endanger your health.
I am.
Your much afflicted Friend and Servant,
T. Scawen.

FROM THE REV. ALEXANDER WEBSTER.*
REV. AND DEAR SIR, Edinburgh, Dec. 8, 1747.
I WROTE sometime ago concerning the scurrilous letter
addressed to you, and see, by your last, that you received
a copy of that libel before it was possible for my letter
to reach you.
* Mr. Orton has given so satisfactory an explanation of the facts al
luded to in Mr. Webster's letter, that I have thought it best to subjoin the
whole of his note on the subject.
" Two pamphlets were published, one at London, the other at Edin
burgh, containing remarks on the " Life of Colonel Gardiner." The first,
which bears the name of John Kennedy, is too trifling to deserve farther
notice. The second is a very short one.
" The Writer's principal d,esign is to charge our Author with great
want of candour and integrity ; and the passage to which he thinks that
charge applicable is this, — 'The most plausible objection that I ever
heard to Colonel Gardiner's character, is, that he was too much at
tached to some religimis principles, established, indeed, in the churches
both of England and Scotland ; but which have of late years, been much
disputed, and from which it is at least generally supposed, that not a few
in both have thought proper to depart ; whatever expedient, they may
have found to quiet their consciences in subscribing those Formularies, in
which they are plainly taught. His zeal was especially apparent in op
position to those doctrines which seemed to derogate from the divine ho
nours of the Son and Spirit of God ; and from t\ie freedom of Divine Grace,
or the Reality and Necessity of its Operations in the conversion and sal
vation of sinners.
" By ' being too much attached to some religious principles, Sfc' it appears,
from what he adds afterwards, and by what I have heard him intimate,

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 33
The attack made upon me, and the other defenders of the
divine operations in the West, gave me no pain ; and it af
fords me sensible pleasure to understand, that you likewise
despise all that such enemies of the Grace of God can say :
I have long ago felt them to be but stingless insects,
I would have inserted your answer in the Evening Cou
rant, but as it seems a very delicate point, and as you
are pleased to ask my advice, I have delayed publishing it
until I hear from you again ; and shall take the liberty to
observe, that every sober minded man here, and even those
who do not approve of what you have said, judge the Letter
writer entirely beneath your notice : besides, it appears to
me, that your answer places your suspicions (which by the
by are too well grounded) of several of the Scots clergy,
in a plainer and stronger light than the passage excepted
that he only meant that the Colonel expressed himself with too much dis
pleasure against some ministers who denied these principles ; especially
such as had most solemnly professed to believe, and engaged to teach them ;
and he might, in the warmth of his zeal, drop some words which might be
injurious to them on that account."
" But the passage which this writer most highly resents is what fol
lows, concerning some ministers departing from these principles. He
calls this ' a murdering stroke ;' — ' a murdering stroke indeed, if the tra
ducing them as arrant knaves may be reckoned so ; representing them as a
set of men who subscribe that they believe doctrines Cfrom which they
have thought proper to depart) to be agreeable to the Word of God, and
founded thereupon (for in those terms does the subscription of the minis
ters of the Church of Scotland run), and then are employed in, flnding out
eocpedients (which you cannot so much as guess at) to quiet their con
sciences in so doing.' He represents this to be an insinuation as grossly
false, as it is maliciously and artfully thrown out. He denies this to be
the case in the Church of Scotland, with the clergy of which he saith he
hath a pretty general acquaintance ; and asserts, that there is a regular
and strict discipline in that Church, which would soon pass sentence of
deprivation on any one who should, by overt-acts or declarations in
words, show that he was departed from any of their establislied principles."
« It is sufficient to say, in answer to this charge, that our Author
grounded his supposition on what the Colonel himself had informed him,
from his own observations, of the artful manner in which tenets, contradict
ing the established formularies, had been maintained and insinuated by
VOL. V. D

34 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
against, and may tend to fix the charge more against them,
and so cannot be supposed to satisfy those who have taken
offence on that account ; but on the contrary, will probably
increase their spleen and ill humour. I have also a great
doubt as to the expediency of the method proposed for jus
tifying your assertion : — for suppose the author of the scur
rilous letter refuse to publish his name, and cannot find six
men to declare as you require, he may answer — that his
name is of no consequence in the present question — that
the character of the Ministers of the Church of Scotland
does not need the testimony of any set of men — that the
conduct of her judicatures, in not prosecuting any of her
members, is a declaration that the plurality of the Church
esteems the whole as adhering to their subscriptions — that
you have demanded what you have no right to, and that the

some ministers of that church ; or what he had heard from other persons
of judgment and integrity, who were either Ministers in Scotland, or had
spent some time at the Universities there ; and on what he had personally
known of, and heard from, some divines of that communion ; and, indeed,
this writer allows it to be a supposition made by some among themselves J
That it has been, and is the case with many divines of the Church of Eng
land, their writings evidently show. To which I may add, that some
writers of both communions flx the charge upon some of their brethren,
and blame their dissimulation and hypocrisy for such a departure, though
the reader will allow that our author speaks very tenderly of them for it.
He greatly lamented those unhappy terms of admission into the Ministry in
both Churches, which exposed men to the danger of prevarication andfalseliood
or led themjo such quieting Eocpedients, as he could not but fear sat uneasy
on their Consciences. He thought these were ' fetters, under the weight
and straitness of which, however they may be gilded over, the worthiest
persons who wear them must secretly groan.' "
" The candid reader will see from these few remarks on this letter, why
our author chose to take no public notice of it. The affair was too delicate
to have been canvassed in print, especially as the characters of some per
sons might be concerned for whom he had a great esteem : to which may
be added, that some of his friends in Scotland, and some too who did not
quite approve of the passage objected to, advised him to take no notice of
this piece, as it had met with the general contempt there which it deserved
on account of its virulency." — Memoirs of tlie Life of Dr. Doddridge, p.
134, .'), 6.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 35
burden of the proof lies upon you — that suppose one should
assert, that many in the House of Commons are rogues,
and be challenged on that account ; it would not be suffi
cient for him to say, that if six men, in or about London,
will declare that they are all honest men, he will retract
his charge ; for having called them rogues, he must prove
it : nay, I doubt much, that suppose he was able to bring
a proof of his charge, this would assoil him in case an
action was brought against him, because the law does not
allow private men to publish the bad things they may
know of one another : but, on the other hand, suppose six
men should be got to declare as you require, I humbly ap
prehend what you promise in that event might have very
disagreeable consequences ; for as it is beyond all question,
that several of our clergy have departed from some reli
gious principles contained in the formulas which they sub
scribe, your retracting what you have said would contradict
truth, give a sanction to such dissemblers as subscribe what
they do not believe, and occasion no small offence to the
most religious people here. I am, therefore, on the whole, of
opinion, that silence is the most proper answer ; at least,
that he should be attacked only by a nameless author ; and
if you think proper to draw an answer in that view, it shall
be published with all secrecy.
These are the loose sentiments which occur at present;
time scarce allows to read what I have wrote. I wait your
command whether to publish your answer or not; and am,
with undecaying esteem.
Rev. and Dear Sir, your aff'ectionate Brother, and
faithful humble Servant,
Alexander Webster.
P. S. My compliments to Mr.. Robertson.
d2

36 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

TO THE REV. SAMUEL CLARK, D.D.
REV. AND DEAE SIR, Northampton, Jan. 1, 1748.
We heartily thank you for your very kind present of so
fine a side of house lamb, which made a feast for my family,
of which I was very sorry that Mr. Clark could not partake,
as he and his cousins had determined on a little tour into
Leicestershire, and we could not persuade them to alter
their plan.
We are much troubled to hear that you and your excel
lent lady have both been attacked with the gout; these
renewed afflictions call for the sympathy of your friends,
and those who cannot sympathize with you must not
deserve the name. I believe no man living owes you so
much as myself, and I wish I may always find it as easy
to pay all my debts as it is to maintain a constant grati
tude of heart to you, though it is impossible my services
should bear any proportion to it. I think I have no friend
on earth whom I more frequently recommend to the divine
blessing, and I hope God will graciously answer our peti
tions for you, as he knows particular circumstances require
it. Were we to judge, we should think few persons in the
world needed afflictions less than Dr. Clark and his lady;
but our heavenly Father is the competent judge ; and, con
sidering his beneficent designs, they are no doubt to be
often understood as tokens of special favour, rather than
as intimations of displeasure.
I bless God I am now finely recovered from my late
indisposition, but I still feel an unusual sensibility of cold,
which hinders me from rising so soon as I used to do, and
so prevents my despatching my usual business. I feel
this the more, as the charge of distributing so large a part
of .Sir Joseph Jekyl's charity increases my employment,
although it gives me a pleasure which makes it a refresh
ment rather than a fatigue.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 37
Dr. Watts's late book of the Constitution of the Chris
tian Church is just come to my hands, but I have not had
an opportunity (as it was not two hours ago that I received
it) of looking into it so as to re^d one section. A friend tells
me that it contains some very curious and judicious things.
I thankfully own the goodness of God in the kind re
ception which Colonel Gardiner's Memoirs have met with,
at which I wonder much more than at the faults found by
some, or even at the virulent Scotch pamphlet addressed
to me on the occasion, in which I am treated as the pest of
human society, and the murderer of reputation and useful
ness, and insulted, as envying the preferments of an esta
blishment, as grapes that hang beyond my reach. I have
the satisfaction to hear that the rude libeller is held in
great contempt at Edinburgh, even by those of his own
sentiments in general ; but it is a much greater satisfaction
to hear that a blessing seems to have attended the book to
some military men of considerable rank, and to some
persons of quality about the Court. Of this I am informed
by a very obliging anonymous letter, which I may, perhaps,
give to Mr, Clark to transcribe, but I must beg you would
not make it public. They are translating the " Memoirs"
into Dutch, in which language " The Rise and Progress"
is already published, and I believe a French translation
will soon follow, I hope it is a better principle than the
desire of applause that makes these last advices so com
fortable to me as they are.
But I have written till it is so late that I must finish
with our best services and wishes of health and prosperity
to the dear heads and members of your family, and all
friends at St, Albans, I am. Reverend and Dear Sir,
Your most obliged and affectionate humble Servant,
P. Doddridge.

38 ' DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
P. S. I am much pleased with Mr. Gibbons's serious
Discourse on the Sanctification of the Sabbath, and think
it is calculated to do good. I shall on Monday send to
London the last sheets ofthe index to my Family Expositor,
which I hope nothing will now retard. I am also sending
up some serious sermons of Mr. Shepherd's. The loss of
so promising a youth, just as he was appearing in public,
was a great affliction to me, but I hope God will bless
what he has left behind him, in some measure to supply
the want of his further personal service.
I will trespass upon your patience no longer than while
I recommend myself to your prayers, though I cannot for
bear telling you in one word the great satisfaction I have
in my son, who, though he was but twelve years old last
August, reads Homer very prettily, manages Horace and
TuUy with ease and pleasure, and with very little prepa
ration can render a passage from Racine's Tragedies into
good English. He discovers, also, a good disposition of
mind, with regard to religion, and will, I hope, be a great
comfort to us.

FROM THE COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. London, Jan. 3, 1748.
My being ill has interfered with my answering yours, and
with it some interruptions arose you would, I know, be
much pleased with. Religion was, I believe, never so much
the subj ect of conversation as now. Some of the great of this
world hear with me the gospel patiently ; and thus much
seed is sown by Mr. Whitfield's preaching, and I need not
tell you, some of the best ; oh ! that it may fall in good
ground, and bring forth fruit abundantly. I am sorry to
find that you are still interrupted by the Moravians : many
good souls are among them, and by and by our Lord will

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 39
separate them from the chaff". I have sent Christian salu
tations to the Count Zinzendorff", and expect to see him. If
the Lord will allow me, I hope to speak a word in the
spirit of love and meekness, but with plainness to him,
upon many points he establishes as fixed, on which, in
some particulars, the scripture is silent, and, in many
others, it is absolutely contrary to most of their avowed
principles. A hymn book is lately published by them,
which, to speak as I feel towards them in love, can be
thought of no other way but as the product of the most
wild enthusiasts upon the earth.
I had the pleasure, yesterday, of Mr. Gibbon and Mr.
Cruttenden's company, with that of Mr. Gifford, to dine
with me. Lord Lorthan and Lady Frances Gardiner gave
them the meeting, and we had truly a most primitive and
heavenly day ; our hearts and voices praised the Lord ;
prayed to him, and talked of him I had another lady
present, whose face, since I saw you last, is turned Sion-
ward. Of the honourable women I trust there will be not a
few: patience shall have its proper work, and if we love our
Lord, we must be tender over his lambs, and lead those
gently, who yet appear not to be so. I trust he will assist
us to keep fanning the flame in every heart : this, my
friend, is our joyful task for the best Master we can serve,
either in time or eternity. Do not let your hands hang
down ; we must wrestle for ourselves, and for all dead in
their sins, till the day break, and the shadows of time flee
away. Many will be our attacks from a world lying in the
way of the Wicked One, from our evil hearts, and the
infirmity of our flesh ; but let us remember we know in
whom we beUeve, and that the Captain that leads us is
nothing less than an Almighty conqueror over all these,
and that nothing is too hard for Him. Remember it will
soon be over ; and let us withstand for a moment, eyeing
the recompense of reward.

40 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
My kind respects attend Mrs. Doddridge. My family
are obliged by your kind inquiries. I am, Sir, beseeching
your constant prayers.
Your most sincere and aff"ectionate Friend,
S. Huntingdon.

FROM THE REV. RICHARD GREY, D. D.*
DEAR SIE, Hinton, Jan. 11, 1748.
YouE letter did not come to my hands till my return last
week out of Leicestershire. It is a satisfaction to me to
find, that my attempt to restore the Last Words of David
meets with your approbation ; and I shall be still more
pleased, if it is in any degree acceptable to the rest of the
learned world. But I by no means deserve the compliments
you are pleased to bestow upon me, nor do I pretend to any
other merit, than that of a sincere desire to promote the
study and knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, in such a man
ner as may procure them the veneration which is justly due
to them. You are sensible what small encouragement is
given to works of this kind ; I cannot, therefore, pretend to
determine at present how far I shall proceed in what I have
* Dr. Richard Grey was educated at Lincoln College, Oxford. His
first preferment in the Church was to the living of Kilncote, Leicester
shire ; he afterwards obtained that of Hinton, Northamptonshire, and was
made a Prebend in Saint Paul's. The degree of Doctor in Divinity was
conferred upon him in 1731, in consequence of his " System of English
Ecclesiastical Law." He was also the author of an anonymous pamphlet
called " The Miserable and Distracted State of England on the Downfall
of the Church Established," Svo. Among his better known works are
the " Memoria Technica," " A New Method of Learning Hebrew
without Points,"—" Liber Jobi," — " The Last Words of David,"— some
Sermons, &c.
Dr. Grey died February, 1771, at the age of seventy-eight, having
adorned his Christian profession by a life of learned labour, and pious
benevolence.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 41
begun. If I should not, I hope some other person may, as
the way is pointed out, and a specimen given, of what use
it would be to religion and learning, if rightly pursued,
I am, with great respect. Sir,
Your most humble Servant,
R, Geey,

FROM THE REV. JOHN BARKER.
MY DEAR friend, Walthamstow, Feb. 2, 1748.
My concern about your indisposition increases in propor
tion to your usefulness, and the fears I have lest this should
be interrupted ; and did I not now and then, hear of you
by Messrs. Jackson and Neal, you would be in danger of
being oftener interrupted by me than you are : neither bu
siness, friends, nor any thing would make me easy or pa
tient long, without hearing how you do and how you go on.
Mr. Jackson will tell you how much Mrs. Raymond is
obliged to you for your present, and that he was charged
with a message from her to you soon after she received it ;
but I can tell you better than he how easy and well she is,
and that at this time she enjoys very good health, and
much tranquillity of mind.
As to Mrs. Bates, she is the now only surviving daughter
of a very revered and deserving man ; very poor, and very
imprudent; out of prison now, but always in debt ; who has
been my care for many years, but in whom I have no com
fort; but still, for her father's sake, I always recommend
her as an object of charity where I have opportunity.
As for the Comprehension,* so much talked of in town and
* The following interesting extract from Birch's Life of Archbishop
Tillotson is sufficient to show, that a comprehension of the more liberal
Dissenters was a scheme which had not only been before sanctioned by

42 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
country, the utmost ofthe matter is this:— Mr. Chandler,
while his meeting-place was shut up, made a visit to his
friends at Norwich, and there happened to hear the Bishop
give a charge to his clergy, which he thought not very can
did. One expression appeared to him invidious, viz. that
the heads of the rebellion were Presbyterians, as appeared
by those lords in the Tower sending for Presbyterian con
fessors. Upon Mr. Chandler's return to London, he wrote
a letter to Dr. Gooch, complaining of his charge, and par
ticulariy of that expression. His letter was written very
handsomely, and it brought a very civil, respectful answer.
After Gooch came to town. Chandler, at his desire, made

some of the best and wisest men on either side, but would in itself, in one
sense, have been no more than an act of political justice.
" But the Dean's" (i. e. Tillotson's) " concern for the essence of pure
and uncorrupted Christianity, was attended with a proportionable mode
ration of temper and principles with respect to the lesser differences
among Protestants, and especially those of our own country. Hence fol
lowed a constant desire in him of a more entire union of them, not only
on account of the general advantage of it, but likewise of the particular
one of forming a stronger barrier against the perpetual encroachments of
the See of Rome. He therefore joined with Dr. Stillingfleet and Mr. He
zekiah Burton, in the treaty proposed by Sir Orlando Bridgman, Lord-
keeper of the Great Seal, about January 166|, aud countenanced by the
Lord Chief Baron Hale, for a comprehension of such Dissenters as could
be brought into the communion of the Church, and a toleration of the rest.
Dr. Bates, Dr. Manton, and Mr. Baxter, being called for on the side of
the Presbyterians, a project was prepared, consisting chiefly of those
things which the King had promised by his Declaration from Breda, in the
year 1660 ; only in the point of reordination this temper was proposed,
that those who had Presbyterian Ordination should be received to serve
in the Church by an imposition of hands, accompanied with words im
porting that the person so ordained was received to serve in the Church
of England.
" But this treaty becoming the subject of common discourse, a clamour
was raised against it (especially by the followers of the Earl of Claren
don, disgraced in August, 1667, and now in banishment), that the Church
was undermined and betrayed. When a bill, drawn up by Lord Chief
Baron Hale, was to be presented to Parliament, a resolution passed
against admitting any bill of that nature."^Lj/e of Archbishop Tillotson,
p. 42, 43.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 43
him a visit, in which they had much discourse ; and amongst
other things, there was talk of a Comprehension, This visit
was followed, at Gooch's desire, with another, when the
Bishop of Salisbury * was present, who soon discovered his
shrewdness, but said, " our Church, Mr. Chandler, consists
of three parts, — Doctrine, Discipline, and Ceremonies : as
to'the last, they should be left indiff"erent, as they are agreed
on all hands to be: as to the second, our Discipline," said
he, " is so bad, that no one knows how, or where to mend
it: and as to the first, what is your objection?" He an
swered, " Your articles, my lord, must be expressed in scrip
ture words, and the Athanasian Creed be discarded." Both
the Bishops answered, they wished they were rid of that
creed,f and had no objection to restoring the articles into
scripture words ; " but what shall we do about reordination ?"
To this Mr, Chandler made such a reply as he judged pro
per, but I think granted more than he ought : he said, none
of us would renounce his Presbyterian ordination ; but if
their lordships meant only to impose their hands on us, and
by that rite recommend us to public service in their society
or constitution, that, perhaps, might be submitted to : but
when he told me this, I said, " perhaps not — no, by no means;
that being, in my opinion, a virtual renunciation of our or
dination, which I apprehend not only as good, but better
than theirs," The two Bishops, at the conclusion of the
visit, requested Mr. Chandler to wait on the Archbishop,^
* Dr. Sherlock.
t Bishop Sherlock did not at all approve ofthe Athanasian Creed. See
Dr, Nicholl's Sermon at the Temple, on occasion of the Bishop's death.
" As to the Athanasian Creed," says the late leamed Dr. Tucker, Dean of
Gloucester, " it is really superfluous in our present service ; because the
very same doctrine is as strongly, though not as scholastically, maintained
in the Nicene Creed, the Litany, and in many other parts of our public
offices ; and as the damnatory clauses are seldom rightly understood, and
therefore, too liable^o give offence, it were to be wished that the whole
was omitted." See Dr. Tucker's " Apology for the Present Church of Eng
land," page 58.
i Dr. Herring.

44 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
which he did, and met Gooch there by accident. The Arch
bishop received him well, and being told by Gooch what
Chandler and he had been talking on, viz. a Comprehen
sion, said a very good thing ; he wished it with all his
heart, and the rather, because this was a time which called
upon all good men to unite against infidelity and immo
rality which threatened universal ruin ; and added, he was
encouraged to hope, from the piety, learning, and modera
tion of many Dissenters, that this was a proper time to
make the attempt. But, may it please your Grace, said
Gooch, Mr. Chandler says the articles must be altered into
the words of scripture : And why not ? rephed the Arch
bishop; it is the impertinencies of men, thrusting their
words into articles, instead of the words of God, that have
occasioned most of the divisions in the Christian Church,
from the beginning of it to this day. The Archbishop added,
that the Bench of Bishops seemed to be of his mind ; that
he should be glad to see Mr. Chandler again, but was then
obliged to go to Court,* And this is all. I have smiled at
some who seem mightily frighted at this aifair, are very an
gry with Mr. Chandler, and cry out " We wo'nt be compre
hended — we wo'nt be comprehended." One would think
they imagined it was like being electrified, or inoculated
for the smallpox. But most of your fault finders, I appre-
* "About this time Archbishop Herring wrote a letter to Dr. Benson,
tlianking him for a volume of sermons which the doctor had published,
which, as it shows the amiable and candid disposition of the good Arch
bishop, the following extract is taken from it."t
" I think it happy, that I am called up to this high station at a time
when spite and rancour, and narrowness of spirit, are out of countenance ;
when we breathe the benign and comfortable air of liberty and toleration ;
and the teachers of our common religion make it their business to extend
its essential influence, and join in supporting its true interest and honour.
No times ever called more loudly upon Protestants for zeal, and unity,
and charity." Feb. 2, 1747-8. Letters from Archbislwp Herring to WiUiam
Duncomh, Esq. t Note by the Rev. Thomas Stedman.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 45
hend, are angry with Mr, Chandler for an expression he
used in the second visit. When urging the expediency of
expressing the articles in scripture words, he said, it was
for others, not himself, he suggested this, his conscience
not being disturbed by them as they now stood, for he freely
owned himself a moderate Calvinist.
The sermons I send you I say nothing of; they are the
fruit of serious labour; but had it not been for the assist
ance of my friends, they could not have been published
now, if ever; my late and present affliction and trouble,
by my brother's death in no good circumstances, having
taken up so much of my time, and filled my mind with so
much perplexity; but I thank God I am well, and do
long and desire to be useful. Mrs. Barker joins with me
in sincere and tender respects to you and Mrs. Doddridge.
My best wishes always attend you.
I am most aff"ectionately yours,
John Barker.

FROM THE REV. DAVID LONGUEVILLE.
Amsterdam, Feb. 10, 1748.
MY dear and MUCH ESTEEMED FRIEND,
YouE loving and faithful Address to us here has met with
uncommon acceptance, and has been warmly recommended
from the pulpit by several of the Dutch ministers; and Mr.
Tinon says, that he does not remember that for many years
there has been such a large demand for a small treatise of
any kind.*
* " I wrote two letters to the Protestant inhabitants of the Low Coun
tries upon the extraordinary crisis in their affairs. These letters were
translated into the Low Dutch, and dispersed, especially the former, with
some good effect, but they were never printed in English ; and, I think,
that only the first was translated into French." — Dr. Doddridge's Letter to
Mr. WUlbaum.

46 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
Though the Address was subscribed A, B. yet it is now
generally known to have been written by Dr. Doddridge ;
and, indeed, I never scrupled acknowledging who the author
was. One of the French ministers of this city has trans
lated it into French, with the addition of a large marginal
note tacked to the advertisement ; this note is taken out of
your letter to me which recommended the address to my
perusal; there are expressions in it so tender and aff'ect-
ing, that I could not help desiring they might be inserted
in the French edition, though this did not present itself to
my mind till it was too late for the Dutch edition.
Mr. Tinon, after assurances of his most sincere and ho
nourable respects, presents you with the Low Dutch edition
of your Treatise upon the Rise and Progress, &c. with
one copy of the Dutch, and twelve copies ofthe French edi
tion of your Address. He desires me to acquaint you, that
your Sermons on the Power and Grace of Christ are sent
to the press ; and as these gentlemen are resolved to give a
Dutch edition of all your small treatises and sermons, he
therefore desires you would send him all those sermons and
small treatises which you would desire to have translated
into Low Dutch, and to intimate in what order you would
have them published.
I am sorry there are still such vipers in my country ; but
you know, my dear friend, all they are fit for is only to bite ;
and I am glad your Divine Master, after he has qualified
you for the post, honours you by singling you out to es
pouse the cause of piety and practical Christianity. Be not
discouraged, you have many engaged on your side : keep
your eye attentively fixed upon that encouraging promise,
which you judiciously made choice of as the subject to
direct your meditations upon the death of that eminent Saint
of God, Colonel Gardiner, " Be thou faithful unto death,
and I will give thee a crown of life." These excellent and
useful Memoirs were published in the Low Dutch, at Rot-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 47
terdam, before I received your generous present of that book,
for which I owe you I know not how many thanks.
My kindest services to your good lady ; and after recom
mending you both, and your dear children, to the covenant
mercies of a covenant keeping God, I remain, with the
deepest sincerity. Your faithful Friend and humble Servant,
David Longueville.

FROM THE BISHOP OF WORCESTER.*
REV. SIR, Spring Gardens, Feb. 25, 1748.
I TAKE this first opportunity to return my best thanks for
your very obliging letter (though, indeed, my hands are
this day pretty full), that I might immediately deliver you
from the uneasiness you are under, that my Protestant bre
thren, the Dissenters, were intended as the party that op
posed the charitable design that is carried on in Worces
tershire, You will see by the list of subscribers, that the disregard
of that charitable undertaking lies in another quarter ; for
you cannot but miss the names of the principal persons of
a very different class.
This morning, my good friend and brother, the Bishop of
Gloucester,^ did me the favour of a visit, when I received
his commands to express the great regard he justly enter
tains for you, in which I cannot but most heartily concur ;
being with true respect. Sir,
Your very affectionate humble Servant,
Fea. Worcester.
* Dr. Maddox. t Dr. Benson.

48 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

FROM NATHANIEL NEAL, ESQ.
DEAR SIR, Million Bank, Feb. 1748,
Forgive the last hasty letter I wrote you, and that I
have been so long in acknowledging your condescending
answer, I confess, I see so many resting in devout frames and
external forms, and so few set in earnest about subduing
their passions and amending their lives, who would melt
into tears under an affectionate or awakening sermon, that
I am, perhaps, too jealous of every thing that has the
remotest tendency to leave them easy in such a state ; —
and though your observing, that if the desire of divine
blessings be real, it will put us on endeavours to obtain
them, and that such promises are to be taken in their
connexion, is sufficient to justify you from any impropriety
of expression ; yet the question still remains, whether it
be explicit enough to guard against the abuse of a doctrine
so liable to perversion, and the abuse of which may be
attended with such dangerous consequences.
The passions are the surest hold to be taken of many
persons, to lead them to a religious life ; but yet they are
too uncertain to be long depended on ; and the vast incon
sistency of character with which many (I was going' to
say most) persons are chargeable, arises I apprehend from
this — that their religion depends too much upon the mood
they are in. And many truly good persons are often dis
tressed, because, either through the natural decay of the
springs of affection, from age or infirmities, or the sitting
under a less powerful ministry, they do not find themselves
in such lively frames, as they were wont to be, though,
perhaps, their conversation is more becoming the gospel of
Christ, Methinks, when I recollect our Saviour's triumphant

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 49
entry into Jerusalem, and the crowds that followed him
with their hosannas, and afterwards hear the same people
calling out to crucify him, and hissing him to his cross ; —
a most instructive lesson is read me, on the instability of
human passions. Or, to come to our own times, when I
see persons, who, for a while, had forsaken all to follow
Mr. Whittield, who were frequently drowned in tears under
his preaching, and so zealous as to be rebaptized by him,
now amongst the most careless and stupid sinners — when
I see such events, and hear infidels and libertines triumph
ing in them, as if all religion was enthusiasm, and observe
that some ministers are so weak as therefore to avoid any
address to the passions (which, in my opinion, is an extreme
equally pernicious, and shows them to be unacquainted
with human nature), I feel an anxiety of mind, whenever
the affections are set afloat by a religious discourse, if they
are not instantly and vigorously turned into such a chan
nel, as may show they were addressed chiefly to awaken
our attention, that we might give the gospel of Christ a
favourable hearing, in order to our becoming what it re
quires and enables us to be. And I consider the not
giving the affections such a direction, the loss of a most
favourable opportunity for doing the greatest good, as well
as the possible occasion of slander ofthe gospel.
I know, dear Sir, how much your heart elates with
humble thankfulness, in any evidences of your usefulness,
and there is no one who more sincerely rejoices than my
self, in the abundance of these evidences, wherewith you
are surrounded, and which I pray may be daily increasing :
and, though I know you vi'ould as soon serve the meanest
disciple of Christ as the greatest, yet give me leave . to
remind you, that he has called you to move in the highest
sphere ; your usefulness in which depends on your fulfil
ling your part with distinguished judgment, as well as with
distinguished humility. Forgive me, therefore, if knowing
VOL. V. E

50 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
your character to be as envied as it is eminent, I am jea
lous over the remotest outlines of it, to keep it as clear
from aspersion, as I am sure you will be to keep it (under
divine aids) from any real pollution ; and if, at any time, I
discover an officious zeal in the correspondence with which
you indulge me, you will remember at least in my favour,
that it is not to be imputed to any want of that affection
which becomes,
Rev. and dear Sir, your most faithful humble Servant,
N. Neal.
P. S. I have had the pleasure of perusing your beautiful
Paraphrase of David's last words ; and, though unac
quainted with the Hebrew language, and consequently no
competent judge of the criticisms, yet, I think, the version
given by Dr. Grey so natural, consistent, and honourable
to David in his prophetic character, that I could not help
being pleased with it ; and I really thiuk, there is as much
poetry in your paraphrase, as I ever met with in the same
number of hnes.

FROM GILBERT WEST, ESQ. LL.D.*
SIR, Wickham, March 14, 1748.
Upon my going to town some time ago, I received, by
your order, a present of your Memoirs of Colonel Gardiner,
for which mark of your regard I return you my particular
thanks, over and above those which are due to you from
every one, who wishes well to Christianity, for this and
• " The character of Mr. West was truly amiable and excellent. In
him the Christian, the scholar, and the gentleman were happily united.
His works exhibit sufficient evidence of his learning ; and the influence
of his piety hath, it is to be hoped, been far extended by his ' Observations

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 51
your many other useful and zealous labours in that noble
cause. Example has always a greater influence upon the gener
ality of mankind than precept, though founded upon the
strongest reason, and enforced by the highest authority :
it cannot, therefore, but be very serviceable to the men of
this world, and particularly of this age, to show them, from
the instances of Colonel Gardiner, and the three excellent
brothers, whom you treat of in your appendix, that it is
possible for a man to be a sincere Christian, and, at the
same time, a soldier and a gentleman ; characters that are
but too commonly thought inconsistent. All I am afraid
of is, that the example of Colonel Gardiner should be
looked upon as too bright for imitation. Men of cool
hearts are apt to suspect those degrees of zeal which they
never felt, to be unnatural and affected : for which reason,
I could wish that you had not inserted so many of those
rapturous strains of piety, which Colonel Gardiner poured
into the bosoms of those friends to whom he opened all his
heart. Those Christians, indeed, whose piety is wound up
to the same exalted pitch, may be touched and thrilled by
them, and, like unisons, answer in the same key ; and I
am persuaded there are many such. But to the generality
on the Resurrection,' and would doubtless have reached farther, had he
lived to complete what he had for some time meditated, the Evidences of
the Truth of the New Testament. His private virtues and social qualifies
were such as justly endeared him to his friends and acquaintance. In
his manner of life he was regular and exemplary. He read the prayers
of the public liturgy every morning to his family ; and on Sunday even
ing he called his servants into the parlour, and read to them first a sermon,
and then prayers. Crashaw (as Dr. Johnson observes) is now not the
only maker of verses to whom may be given the two venerable names of
Poet and Saint. See Cowley's verses on the death of Mr. Crashaw, which
begin thus :"
" Poet and Saint ! to thee alone are given
The two most sacred names of earth and heaven."
Select Works of Mr. A. Cmvley ; in two volumes : vol. i. p. 121.
e2

52 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
of men, especially men of the world, I am afraid these
strains, the genuine effusions only of those hearts which
are smitten with the love of religion, will give the whole
character of Colonel Gardiner an air of enthusiasm ; an
effect which the goodness of your own heart, the warmth
of your affection for that excellent man, and your intimate
knowledge of him, kept you, I dare say, from suspecting.
This and a few peculiarities of expression, are the only
exceptionable things in your book : but they are abun
dantly outweighed by the many strokes of piety and good
sense, which appear in almost every page. One, I cannot
help taking notice of to you upon this occasion, viz. your
remarks upon the advantage of an early education in the
principles of religion, because I have myself most happily
experienced it; since I owe to the early care of a most
excellent woman, my mother (whose character I dare say
you are no stranger to) that bent and bias to religion,
which, with the co-operating grace of God, hath at length
brought me back to those paths of peace, from whence I
might have otherwise been in danger of deviating for ever.
The parallel betwixt me and Colonel Gardiner was in this
instance too striking not to affect me exceedingly ; I hope,
therefore, that you will pardon me for mentioning it, I
should also beg your pardon for delivering so freely my
sentiments of your book, could I imagine that speaking
truth would be offensive to a lover of truth, and did I not
think that general praise, or a total silence on this occasion
was inconsistent with the character of a friend ; a character
which I am ambitious of deserving at your hands.
I know you will expect to hear something from me about
the work,* which you recommended to me so earnestly,
when I had the pleasure of seeing you at Northampton.
At present I can only say, that I intend to try what I can
do upon that subject, with the assistance which you so
* Observations upon Celsus.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 53
kindly offered me, as soon as I have rid my hands of some
papers, which have lain by me many years, and which I
am now revising and preparing for the press : the Transla
tions of some Odes of Pindar, and some other pieces, both
in verse and prose, translated from the Greek : to which
will be prefixed a Dissertation on the Olympic Games,
which yet wants something of being finished. Though
I look upon these subjects as mere trifles in comparison
with the other, yet I am sensible they have a weight, in
deed too great a weight, in the opinion of the world.
Hae nugae seria ducent
In bona, laudatum serael, acceptumque benigne.
Works of this kind sometimes gain a man a reputation
and authority, which may serve him upon better and more
useful subjects. You will not think I am either too vain
or sanguine in my expectations, when I tell you that these
papers have passed their examination, and received the
approbation of Mr. Lyttelton, the best critic, the best friend,
and the best man in this world.
I have frequent 'letters from that admirable friend of
ours, Mr. Jones,* of Alconbury, which give me great plea
sure, as they breathe the true benevolent spirt of Christi
anity, and show him, at the same time, to be a man of
parts and learning. He hath given me some insight into
his scheme, mentioned in a letter of his to you, communi
cated to me by Mr. Lyttelton, and has promised me a
fuller delineation of it, which I expect with some impa
tience. I am glad to find that Christianity begins to be
so well understood, and taught by so many men of parts
and learning in all sects ; the fruits of which appear in a
candour' and charity unknown to all the ages of the church,
* The Rev. John Jones, of whose scheme for the condensation of
the Evidences of Christianity, as explained by his letter at page 475
of the fourth volume of this work, Mr. West would appear from this
passage to approve.

54 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
except the primitive, I had almost said the apostolic age.
Does not this give you a prospect, though, perhaps, still
very distant, of the completion of the famous prophecy,
that speaks of the hon and the lamb lying down together
in the kingdom of the Messiah. Lions there have been
hitherto in all churches ; but too many, fierce, greedy, and
blood-thirsty lions, though often disguised like lambs : and
some lambs have there been simple enough to think it ex
pedient for the flock to assume the habits and terrors of
lions. But I hope, they now begin to undeceive them
selves, and to consider Christianity as intending to bring
back the world to that state of innocence which it enjoyed
before the fall, when in one and the same paradise, to use
the words of Milton, " Frisking, play'd
AU beasts of the earth, since wild, and of all chase.
In wood or wilderness, forest or den :
Sporting, the lion ramp'd, and in his paw
Dandled the kid."
To attain this happy state, all Christians should unite
their endeavours; and, instead of looking out for, and
insisting upon points of difference and distinction, seek
for those only in which they do, or may agree. They
may, at least, sow the seeds of peace and unity, though
they should not live to reap the fruits in this world.
" Blessed are the peace makers," says the Prince of Peace,
" for they shall be called the children of God" — an appel
lation infinitely more honourable than that of pastor, bishop,
archbishop, patriarch, cardinal or pope, and attended with
a recompense infinitely surpassing the richest revenues of
the highest ecclesiastical dignity.
That you and all sincere Christians may deserve this
character, and attain its reward, is the sincere and hearty
wish of, Sir, your most affectionate humble Servant,
G. West.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE.

FROM THE REV. DAVID FORDYCE, M. A.
DEAR DOCTOR, Aberdeen, 22d March, 1748.
I ought sooner to have acknowledged the favour of your
obliging letter, which gave me great pleasure and enter
tainment, I rejoice to hear that you have health and spirit
to go on with such a variety of works for the service of the
public, to which I am confident they are sincerely devoted.
I heartily congratulate you on the success they have al
ready had abroad, as well as at home, and do not ques
tion, but that they will increase the savour of true religion
and virtue.
I have read Colonel Gardiner's Life, and felt my heart
melted in many places, I cannot see that there was any
impropriety in publishing his letters, but rather think they
redound greatly to his honour. He was a most amiable
man; and I believe the glorious fruits of his piety will
abundantly screen him from the imputation of an ill-in
formed enthusiasm, even among those who dare not re
proach, though little disposed to imitate his exalted piety.
Perhaps there is too just ground for your reflection in the
third Section ; but I must be so frank as to tell you, that
it has brought your orthodoxy into question among many
who cannot see what plausibility there is in the objection
against the Colonel's character, for his adherence to the
principles in which he was educated, i. e. those of the
Church of Scotland, which are the same upon that matter
with those of England, unless upon the supposition of
those principles being false or pernicious. If they are nei
ther, where was the harm of adhering to them, especially
as you intimate that the Colonel did not seek to impose or
persecute ?
That infamous libel did not reach this place, and I think
you are right to take no notice of it ; though perhaps, it

56 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
had been better not to have thrown out so shrewd a hint,
which the freest inquirers in both churches will surely
think levelled at themselves. The subscription to such large
formularies is undoubtedly a grievance in most establish
ments. But do Dissenters enjoy, or dare they use, in
fact, in the full extent of the thing (not the word), that
liberty of which they boast 1 Are they exempt from
expedients and salvos, and from phrases of ambiguous or
equivocal meaning ? I am afraid. Doctor, we must always
make some concessions to ihe foibles of the creature if we
mean to do him good ; which, if rigidly examined, need
to be understood cum granos salts. And are assemblies
of creatures wilh such foibles to be less respected than
individuals ? When you can produce a perfect individual,
then will I show you a perfect society !
I hope you will judge candidly of this freedom, which I
would not have taken, had not some here who sincerely love
you been soniewhat offended at the smartness of the remark.
You have greatly obliged me by the rich store of literary
news you have taken the trouble to send me, and I shall
always be glad to sow a few grains of seed, when I have
the prospect of being repaid by so plentiful a harvest. I
wish I could return the favour, but it is poor gleanings
only I can pick up. I am much pleased to hear you cor
respond so intimately with the amiable Mr. Lyttelton, and
doubt not but that you will suggest further works for
his fine Christian pen. An eminent lawyer in Edinburgh
(Mr. Harry Hume) talks of writing against his pamphlet,
and says it puts him in mind of the pleadings of lawyers,
which appear strong till their antagonist rises and takes
up the other side of the argument. He is a very acute
clever man, and published some ingenious treatises, imme
diately after the rebellion, on Hereditary Right, &c., and
is a strong whig. I shall be prodigiously glad to see
Mr. West's Pindar, &c., of which I heard before. I re-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 57
member a beautiful poem of his, some years ago, in imita
tion of Spenser. I dare say you will be glad to hear that
Thomson's " Castle of Indolence," which has lain so long
indolent, is in the press. I have got Lowman, but have
not yet had leisure to read him. Dr. Sykes writes me that
he read him with great eagerness, expecting to have his
own work on sacrifices superseded ; but he was disap
pointed, and went on boldly in his own way. He adds
that his is a philological, rather than a theological work.
He writes me of an odd book, called ' A full and perfect
View of Christianity,' written by one Deacon, of Manches
ter, a non-jurant ; which he calls one of the most consist
ent books he ever saw, and very extraordinary to come
from a non-jurant, who differs but little from .a papist :
he would have it considered by a good hand.
Have you read Roderick Random ? It is done by a
Scotch surgeon, one Smollett, (who has written a pretty
good tragedy) and, I am told, is well liked. What is this
new play of Dr. Hoadley's ? You do not mean the Suspi
cious Husband 1
I think Mr. Lyttelton was right not to accept of the
Oxonian Diploma. Your freethinking wits would have
said ' the man wrote for a plume.'
My mother offers her best compliments to you and good
Mrs. Doddridge, as I do. She still recovers very slowly.
I expect your candid and unreserved criticisms on the Dia
logues, for, verily, you are a good judge; and, heartily
wishing you health and success in serving mankind, I am
very sincerely. Dear Sir,
Your affectionate Friend, and obhged humMe Servant,
D. FOEDYCE.

58 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

TO THE REV. SAMUEL WOOD, D. D.
April 12, 1748.
Let twenty affiairs lie by neglected — Sermon, Family Ex
positor, letters, visits, the care of our nearly approaching
and warmly contested election — I will write to my dear
friend, Mr. Wood ; and if I cannot finish a letter to him to
day, or the next day, or week, I will do something, at least
five lines a day, till I have filled up these three pages. Oh !
that instead of this, I could steal myself from all my other
business, to throw myself into his most friendly arms, and
abscond from the importunity that is every hour pressing
upon me.
Your letters always delight me; but they always con
found me too. I bless God, I feel more and more that I am
unworthy the least of those affectionate things you say of
me ; unworthy, indeed, that you should speak or think of
me, otherwise than as charity might sometimes recommend
me to your prayers, as one whose weakness and unworthi
ness, in connection with the station in which Providence
has placed him, makes him the just object of your compas
sionate remembrance when interceding before the throne
of our Heavenly Father. What a wretch were I, were it
not for that all-atoning, all-healing blood, and all-perfect
righteousness ! You may, my dear friend, say what you
please, but it is the grace of the Gospel to the chief of sin
ners that is all my confidence and hope. This grace, in
deed, I have found, and I will endeavour to celebrate it to,
and with, my last breath. That God should give my poor
writings such a degree of esteem in the eyes of such per
sons as you are is very astonishing to me : I think it shows
what grace can do in one view, and what friendship can do
in another. Indeed, the Rise and Progress, and Colonel

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 59
Gardiner's Memoirs, have, so far as I can judge, been
owned of God far beyond my hopes ; and God has, I verily
think, put it into the heart of many who were before, quite
unknown to me, to impart it to me, that I might be ani
mated to go on in the midst of many discouragements
arising from other quarters, , I go on with my Family
Expositor every day, and have ended the Paraphrase and
Improvement of the twelfth of Hebrews. What a Divine
portion of Scripture ! Read it over again, my dear friend,
you will see more in it than you ever did — *

FROM THE REV. THOMAS HUNT, D. D.
DEAR AND WORTHY SIR, Christ-Church, April 14, 1748.
I FULLY intended to have thanked you for the pleasure of
your last kind letter many months ago, but was prevented
by the death of my predecessor ; the news of which hurried
me to London, where I was detained above six weeks.
When I returned hither, I had many forms and ceremonies
to go through on account of my new preferment; many
congratulatory letters to answer; innumerable visits to re
turn, &c, not to mention the trouble and hurry of remov
ing to Christ-Church, and furnishing a large empty house,
I hope you yourself. Sir, are as well as every true lover of
religion and virtue wishes you to be; and that your dear
children go on to answer your best expectations. Indeed,
it is scarcely possible for the children of such parents to do
amiss. Would to God, that every branch of the rising ge
neration were as well secured, as those happy young per
sons who have the good fortune to be placed under your
* The conclusion of this letter is, unfortunately, wanting.

60 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
care, whether as father or preceptor ! There would then be
some prospect of better men and better times.
Many thanks for your kind intentions with regard to my
Egyptian History. I have been forced to lay that work by
for some time, on account of the preparations I have been
making for my Hebrew lectures ; but I hope to bring it on
the anvil again, and finish it very soon.
Yesterday was fortnight, the University conferred the
degree of L. L. D. on Mr. West, in consideration of the
great service he has done the Christian religion by his book
on the Resurrection of our Saviour. It is said, that the
same honour was offered to Mr. Lyttelton for his piece on
St. Paul's Conversion, but that he declined it in a hand
some manner, by saying that he chose not to be under any
particular attachments ; that, if he should happen to write
any thing of the like kind for the future, it might not ap
pear to proceed from any other motive but a pure desire of
doing good.
The Dean, Mr. Merrick, and the rest of your friends
are well, and desire you to accept their best respects. We
have now a good house here, which I hope you and Mrs.
Doddridge will make your home when you come to Ox
ford. I thank God, the air at Christ-Church agrees with
my wife perfectly, and she has not been better in health
than since she came to Oxford. She desires that her
best respects to yourself and good lady may attend those of.
Dear Sir, your most affectionate
and obedient humble Servant,
T. Hunt.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 61

FROM 'THE REV. SAMUEL BATES.
DEAR AND REV. SIR, Warminster, April 16, 1748.
I READILY embrace this first opportunity of telling you
how much I think myself obliged to you for the favourable
sentiments which you have expressed concerning me and
my letters, and the materials you have furnished me with,
for rejoicing in the Lord.
It really has been and is with me, joy to find the
comfortable evidences you have given of piety and can
dour, in such men as Messrs. Lyttelton and West ; espe
cially, as such instances are seldom found, fOr " not many
rich," &.C. were called in the apostle's days, or have been
since : may the God of all grace continue them to be
what they are, and increase their number ! It is, also,
a joy to see that primitive Christianity begins to be a
little better understood, and that a spirit of moderation
prevails among some divines of the Establishment, but I
believe it has not prevailed far enough to bring about such
a union as has been talked of; and when I consider the little
good and much bad use we have made of our liberty, I am
rather inclined to think that we shall have an humbling
time from enemies without, or from the coldness and se
cession of friends from within. But it is my desire and
endeavour to be always in readiness for every coming pro
vidence, of what kind soever it may be. I believe many
among the laity have a good opinion of our cause, but the
grand thing that discourages them from joining us is, as
they say, because we cannot agree among ourselves ! I
believe and hope some of our conforming divines are sin
cere in their professions of charity ; though I know not
how to reconcile them with their damning all that do not
believe the Athanasian Creed. They may say they are
forced to it, but let them do as our fathers did, in 1662.

02 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
They may rid themselves of that force, and keep their con
science clear, as others have done before them.
I never, in all my time, heard more professions of moder
ation, than a little before Sacheverell's appearance on the
stage ; but as soon as the design was answered, and a
change in the ministry effected, the mask was pulled of,
and moderation disappeared ; and so I fear it would be
again, if the civil magistrate let loose the reins. All are
professedly for moderation, when it is not in their power
to be otherwise. A Jesuit, within twelve miles of me, told
a friend of mine, that their party were now against perse
cution, and I fear too many protestants talk in the same
strain, with as little sincerity ; I would not be unchari
table, nor yet too credulous. My Master bids me beware
of men, and take heed that none deceive me; for there
will be wolves in sheep's clothing. It was the protestants'
excess of credulity, made way for their massacre in France
and Ireland ; it finished their ruin in the one, and it was in
a fair way to do the same in the other. Our fathers trusted
to the fine words of Charles the Second, and those about
him : the consequences of which we know,
I will venture to say what has long been my deliberate
opinion ; some men finding they cannot ruin our cause by
persecution, endeavour to do it by flattery, and fawning
upon us and our people, and I fear with too much success.
Our rising generation, not having lived long enough to
know mankind, are apt to think all true which some say ;
especially, when accompanied with flattery, which is very
agreeable to corrupt nature, and I have, therefore, seen a
necessity of preaching against it.
Forgive my tediousness, and accept for your whole self
the hearty service and best wishes of
Yours, &c, &c.
Samuel Bates.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 63

TO MISS DODDRIDGE.*

MY DEAR CHILD, Northampton, May 7, 1748.
I CANNOT let the anniversary of your birthday pass with
out one line of most aff'ectionate congratulation, I have
been blessing God for his goodness to you, my lovely girl,
and to me, and your mamma, in you, I have been ear
nestly recommending you to the Divine blessing, and pray
ing that the years of your life may be multiplied long be
yond the boundaries of mine, and that they may all be
crowned with loving kindness and tender mercy. And
now, my dear, let me tell you, if a hasty word can tell you,
how much I love you — how much I delight in you — how
earnestly I long to see you — how much pleasure I take
even in every expense which may contribute to your im
provement and satisfaction. Indeed, I believe there have
* The Reader will be pleased to learn, that the delightful sketch which
paternal affection has here given was not overcharged ; and that the vir
tues, which bloomed so early, became lasting and mature.
Although frequent indisposition had deprived my grandmother, Hum
phreys, of much of that personal beauty which she was said to have en
joyed in early life, yet there was a gentle dignity in her carriage, a meek
intelligence in her eye, and a feminine delicacy in her manner, which have
left a strong impression on the minds of those who remember her.
Of her affectionate tenderness, her piety, and her benevolence to the
poor, the recollections of my boyhood, after a lapse of thirty years, are
still vivid. Her religious sentiments were of what is termed the ortho
dox character ; but of the Christian liberality with which they were at
tempered, the following anecdote, for which I am indebted to the late es
timable and accomplished Miss Wesley, affords a pleasing proof.
Some illiberal reflections being cast on the late Dr. Lindsey, Mrs.
Humphreys vindicated his sincerity, and right of private judgment:
a gentleman present remarked, with more asperity than truth, that he
wondered Dr. Doddridge had not rendered his family orthodox ! — she
replied, with perfect serenity, " Sir, the orthodoxy my fatlier taught his
children was charity."
Some of the valuable traits in her character are so appropriately de
scribed in the following lines of the beautiful little poem written by Mrs.
Barbauld, on the death of her grandmother, the Mrs. Jennings so fre-

64 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
been few instances in which a child has been dearer to her
parents, or has deserved to be dearer. You have, from your
very infancy, been all duty and tenderness, and we ought
to thank God, and to thank you, for the comfort we have
had in you. Above all does it delight us to think there is
room to hope that you are a child of God ; that you love
him as a father, and have sought and found that salvation in
Christ which is more than ten thousand worlds. It is this,
my dear love, it is this, that comforts my heart in the midst
of that solicitude, which so much affection as it feels would
inspire, when I think of the tenderness of your constitu
tion, and of the possibility there is at least, that you may
be taken away from us in early life ; — a thought which
would otherwise distress me extremely ; but I have given
you to God : I hope you have given yourself to him, and
that you will quickly do it at his table; where I should
also be extremely delighted to meet with dear Miss Ekins,
if, as I hope she be, by Divine grace prepared for it. Think
of it, however, and pray that you may be advancing in fit-

quently mentioned in the two flrst volumes of this Correspondence, that I
am tempted to extract them.
" 'Tis past : dear venerable shade, farewell !
Thy blameless life thy peaceful death shall tell.
The truest praise was hers — a cheerful heart.
Prone to enjoy and ready to impart.
An Israelite indeed ! and free from guile.
She showed that piety and age could smile.
Religion had her heart, her cares, her voice —
'Twas her last refuge, as her earliest choice.
To holy Anna's spirit not more dear
The Church of Israel, and the House of Prayer :
Matur'd at length for some more perfect scene.
Her hopes all bright, her prospects all serene.
Each part of life sustain'd with equal worth.
And not a wish left unfulfill'd on earth.
Like a tir'd traveller, with sleep opprest.
Within her children's arms she dropp'd to rest.
Farewell ! thy cherished image, ever dear.
Shall many a heart with pious love revere."

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. &5
ness for that great honour and privilege; and renew the
dedication of yourself tb God every day, and labour to ap
prove every action and every thought to him. I hope, my
dear, your determinate and established piety will be a bless
ing to the younger children ofthe family, and a joy to us
to the latest day of our lives. May you see many of these
days, and may they be days of growing comfort and useful
ness : forgive me, if I say, may you see many of them with
us, or near us, for truly I long to have you near us again ;
and have found your absence the only part of the price of
your education which I have thought dear. I rejoice to
think I am likely, if Providence spare our lives (yet how
precarious are they) to see you, and my other much-beloved
child, so soon. Yet, to a papa that loves you so well, even
these few weeks will seem long ; you must, therefore, on
receiving this letter, indulge me in the pleasure of a line :
and write me your heart, and I will not stand with you for
the elegance of the hand. Above all, pray for us every day.
Your sisters and your brother are vvell : he grows a fine
scholar, and will, I hope, be worthy to be called -the brother
of so amiable a girl,
I wish I could convey any little present to you on the
agreeable occasion of my writing to-day; but take our
love, and our blessing, and any thing else will follow as we
have opportunity. Farewell, my dear child, and believe
that I shall think myself happy in any occasion of showing
you how much I am Your affectionate Papa,
P. Doddridge.
To Miss Doddridge, at Mrs. Linton's,
in the Fore Gate Street, Worcester.

VOL. V.

66 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

FROM W. OLIVER, M.D.
DEAR SIE, Bath May 12, 1748.
I THINK your " Life of Colonel Gardiner" is written with
a most lively spirit of religion and friendship, and contains
many excellent things; which I doubt not will prove useful,
as you designed them. As to the extraordinary impressions
and particular interpositions, I am not very clear what to
believe about them. They must be admitted to be possible,
but I do not find that we are encouraged by Scripture to
hope for them : the written word, and the secret operations
of the Holy Spirit being, I suppose, sufficient for us.
Nay, are we not assured that such particular interpositions
would be fruitless, when we are told, that if the writings
of Moses and the Prophets could not convince us of the
evil of our ways, neither should we believe though we
were admonished by one who rose from the dead ! The
spirit of man, assisted by a lively imagination and warm
passions, is capable, we know, of working strong delusions
in the mind, even to the hearing of voices never uttered,
and seeing visions without real objects. In such cases it
is very difficult to distinguish whether the overheated
imagination of the man, or the particular operation of the
Holy Spirit has most to do : the first is generally to be
suspected, because we find it common, the last seldom to
be admitted for want of sufficient evidence. If we differ
in our sentiments on this subject, I know your charity will
bear with me.
I hope your family enjoys good health, and then I am
sure you want nothing to make you as happy as this state
permits. Your vacation, as well as ours, is now approacli-
ing; I wish you may have thoughts of directing your
summer tour this way. I should think myself very happy

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 67
in enjoying your conversation, with good Mrs, Doddridge's,
if but for a week ; and no light matter could prevail with
me to lose it, by being from home at such a time.
I am, with true esteem. Sir,
Your most obliged and most obedient Servant,
W. Oliver.

TO MISS DODDRIDGE.
MY DEAR GIRL, Northampton, June 4, 1748.
You may easily imagine that I was very much charmed
with your wise and obliging letter of May 28 ; and yet, to
say the truth, I paid pretty dear for the pleasure it gave
me, for never did I long so much to see any of my children ;
and I am the more sensibly touched with the disappoint
ment of the hope I had entertained, as I am very much
afraid I shall be obliged to set out for my London journey
about the time of my dear girl's return. But the satisfac
tion of heart which it gives me to see how rightly you
judge of things, and how cheerfully you acquiesce in our
desires, for we did not here pretend to exert our commands,
is something superior to the fondest delight an interview
with you, amiable as you are in my eyes, could have given
me. It shows how much you are mistress of yourself, and
that is a great happiness and a great honour.
May the favour and love ofthe most indulgent Provi
dence ever surround you. I hold you so dear that I feel
a daily solicitude on your account, and find, to a strange
degree of sensibility, that love sometimes makes me a
coward where your health and safety are concerned : but I
comfort myself with thinking that the peculiar blessings
promised to dutiful and pious children will assuredly attend
you, and so that your days will be long and your comforts
f2

68 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
many. But if it were otherwise ordered by Providence as
to this mortal life, I hope and believe my dear child has
chosen her portion above, and will infallibly find it there.
May that blessed hope grow every day stronger in both our
bosoms, and may we feel its efficacy to purify our hearts, and
cause them to overflow with love to our heavenly Father and
our Saviour. And I cannot forbear adding. Oh, that I may
ever be as willing to be disposed of by infinite Wisdom and
Goodness as my dear child is to acquiesce in what I, whom
she has too little reason to call her wise and good, though
I am assuredly her affectionate papa, think proper for my
daughter ! In this instance my good girl may, at least, be
sure it is for her advantage that I deny myself, for truly
a month under so religious, prudent, and kind a governess
is always valuable, and the last month, probably most of
all so, as the value of it is so much the better known.
Your obligations to my worthy friend Mr. Stokes are
beyond all our acknowledgements, but I know you will
either say or write something to him which shall testify
the real sense you have of them. But whither am I run
ning; I sat down only to ease my heart with writing you a
line, and I am got to the third page. Indeed I think I
could spend half the day in thus chatting to .you, and not
think it long. But the duties of life call me to draw
towards a close. Farewell, my dearest girl, I know not
how to express the tenderness with which I pour out my
soul to God for you better than in the words in which he
taught his priests, such was his infinite condescension, to
bless his people; "The Lord bless thee and keep thee.
The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gra
cious to thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon
thee and give thee peace;" that peace which passeth all
understanding, that great peace which they have who love
his law, and only they: in one word, the peace which
Christ calls his own, " my peace I give unto you."

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 69
Your dear mamma is much as usual. Your brother who
has made very great improvements in his learning, and your
sisters are well. They join with your many friends here
in the kindest salutations to you and dear Miss Ekins.
Your most affectionate Papa,
P. Doddridge.

TO HENRY BAKER, ESQ. F. R S.
DEAE SIE, Northampton, July 2, 1748.
The occasion of my writing to you now is to inform you
of a remarkable fact, which I have just heard from a mem
ber of the church of which I am pastor, and in whom I
can entirely confide.
He tells me that he has in Upper Heyford Field, about
four miles from this town, a wether sheep which now
suckles a lamb. I know not by what accident the lamb
sometime since ran after it and fixed upon its paps, draw
ing hard, milk followed. The lamb has subsisted very well
upon what it sucked, and at the late shearing time he
himself pressed the teats and milk came out in a consider
able quantity.
This reminds me of what Mr. Ray tells us, from Bocconi,
that a countryman in Umbria nourished his child by milk
from his own breast, and Florentinus and Malpighius are
quoted on the same occasion. Bartholinus, in his Ana
tomy, p. 215, has some remarkable passages to this pur
pose: he quotes a passage in Aristotle concerning a he
o-oat, in Lemnos, which had a great quantity of milk.
I shall add to this a short account of a monstrous lamb,
which was weaned in a field near Newport Pagnel, about
the middle of last March, and was brought to me soon after
it died. It had two perfect heads, and two long necks.

70 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
each as large as that of a common lamb, but sucked only
with that of the left side. So far as I could learn, the
organs of both were complete. It walked only on four
legs, but had a fifth hanging down between the two necks,
rather longer than the other four, and the bones and hoof
were double, and had four claws ; the concave side of it
was turned upwards, and whenever the creature walked
this leg moved up and down, as it seemed, spontaneously,
and in a, manner answerable to the other four; it had two
tails, but no vent ; it had also two distinct spines, but they
met about five inches above the tail, and then divided
again, but where they met were not as one entire spine,
but as two adhering to each other. There were two sets
of ribs, only those that met upwards, where the spine should
regularly have been placed, were rather shorter than the
other : and it seemed that the bladebone belonging to the
double leg that grew between the necks was larger than
the rest, and seemed to be two bones but not entirely dis
tinct ; it had two hearts of equal size, lying over each other,
almost like a St. Andrew's cross, or, as we should say in
heraldry, saltire wise. There were two oesophagi and two
asperse arterise, four small lobes of lungs, but the two gul
lets were inserted into one common stomach. I am not
master enough of the formation of ruminating animals to
inform you further what was peculiar in this. We found
nothing preternatural in the formation of the intestines,
but the tails grew so near that the return of both seemed
to point to one vent, though, as I observed, the anus
was deficient. It had three kidneys, one of them very
large in proportion to the other two, so that, I apprehend,
there was. a conjunction. I send you this account while
the matter is fresh in my memory ; and am.
Dear Sir, yours, &c.
P. DoddRidge.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 71

FROM HENRY BAKER, ESQ., F. R. S.
DEAR S 1 E, London, July I2th, 1748.
I MUST depend on your good-nature to excuse my long
silence, which I assure you has given me many an uneasy
reflection. I can, indeed, truly plead the close attention
my business requires, and the difficulty, and oftentimes
the inconvenience of drawing my thoughts another way ;
especially at my beginning with new scholars who are deaf
and dumb, of whom I have lately had two, who, with four
I was before engaged to, and several for different impe
diments, who are continually going and coming, are suffi
cient to require all the abilities of a mind much more
vigorous than mine. I might, I say, plead this and many
other things in my excuse, but I rather choose to rely
entirely on your goodness, which, I hope, will permit me
to send together (what ought to have waited on you sepa
rately) my hearty thanks for your two most obliging let
ters, and for all the curious particulars contained therein ;
which I must beg the liberty of deferring to enter upon fur
ther till I shall enjoy the pleasure of your company at
London, I must not, however, omit to express my obli
gation for Mr. Brown's extraordinary Dedication:* the
mention of which has procured me a letter and poem of
his from my good friend Dr, Miles, and also a Sermon
preached at his funeral by Mr. Anthony Atkey, who gives
therein a History of his Case ; which is, in short, that
upon the loss of a wife and son, he seemed at first to lose
his reason, and became very melancholy. And from that
time he imagined that God had gradually annihilated his
thinking substance, and divested him entirely of con-
* That to Queen Caroline, which is printed in the Adventurer, No. 88.

72 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
sciousness; so that, notwithstanding his retaining the hu
man form and the power of speech, he had no more notion
of what he said than a parrot. He continued thus ten
years, during which time he wrote several learned books,
and especially (within the two last years of his Hfe) that
Defence of Christianity for which he intended the dedi
cation I received from you. I now inclose the letter and
verses I was favoured with from Dr. Miles, and request you
to retum them, after you have taken a copy, if you shall
choose to do so.
Mr. Folkes desires me to return your civilities, and when
you come to town I shall hope to introduce you to him.
In the meanwhile accept of every good wish, together with
the utmost esteem and respect of.
Dear Sir,
Your most obliged and affectionate humble Servant,
H. Bakee.

Td MRS. DODDRIDGE.
MY DEAREST, London, July 30, 1748.
The long letter which I inclose to Mr. Bunnyan, and send
open for your perusal, prevents me from being able to an
swer that charming one which I received from the best of
wives and of friends, by the last post, in the particular
manner I could wish; but permit me most affectionately
to thank you for it, and to assure you, that it was a great
cordial to my heart. I can truly say there is nothing in the
world which gives me so lively a relish of the remarkable
deliverance I received on Monday, when I was within a
hand's breadth of being lost, as the thought of the escape
which you, my dearest, had from a calamity, which would,
in those circumstances, have borne so hard upon you, and

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 73
the hope that my life is spared to make yours happier, than
your love to me would permit it to be without me. I
doubt not, but that as your prayers have long contributed
to my safety and comfort, so they did, in that moment of
extremity, greatly conduce to my deliverance. I bless God,
I was not terrified with any amazement, and could cheer
fully have acquiesced in whatsoever Providence had ap
pointed.* I think I told you Mrs. Waugh is undertaking
a fifth edition of The Rise and Progress, large octavo,
though the fourth, in duodecimo, be not quite gone off;
but she judges it proper to have them always ready in both
sizes. The piece which Dr. Wishart has sent against Co
lonel Gardiner's Life, or rather, against the poor Author of
it, is in London ; and application was made yesterday to
Mrs. Waugh to sell it, but she refused. I expect a great
deal of virulence in it ; but hope integrity and upright-
* The accident alluded to occurred on the Thames, when a boat, in
which the Doctor had embarked, was nearly swamped. The water is so
tempting and fatal in a variety of ways, that the reader will perhaps
pardon a momentary digression, while I describe a little invention which
may be the means of preserving the lives of persons in jeopardy, from the
manly and salutary practice of bathing.
In accidents of this nature, although several persons are usually pre
sent, their efforts to recover the body in time are generally unavailing.
In fact the struggles of the victim, in the act of sinking, even if there is
no stream, remove him to a distance from the spot where he disappeared,
which deceives the eye of a spectator.
When reflecting on'these circumstances, it occurred to my mind, that if
a small line, say a piece of whipcord, twelve feet long, had a ball of cork,
painted white and about the size of an orange, fixed at one end, and at
the other a cotton belt, made to buckle over the shoulders, and passing
round one arm to prevent its slipping, it would, if worn by a person who
sunk when bathing, not only immediately show where the body lay, but
also furnish a safe and ready means of drawing it out of deep water.
This simple apparatus is so easily made, and at so little cost, that it
may be expected that fathers, and schoolmasters, will insist upon its use,
while the good sense of " the bold swimmer" will lead him to adopt the
use of THE LIFE BUOY, which may preserve him if seized by cramp, and
will be no check to his amusement.

74 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
ness will protect me, and bear up my spirits, as well as
my reputation, against all its venom. Many tokens of un
deserved esteem do I receive; shall I wonder at some re
proaches ? God hath set the one over against the other,
that I may neither be exalted nor dejected above measure ;
and I bless Him, I do find it in a sober and sweet equani
mity. May I promote my Master's honour, and be found
fit for his kingdom ; and while I am on this side of it, may
I have your love to delight me, your prudence to advise
me ; and may I be able to keep you free from any thing
that would corrode and distress your tender, generous
heart, and I shall be contented and thankful whatever may
happen. Saturday night.
I can conclude, my dearest, with teUing you that I am
now come to the conclusion of one of the most pleasant
days I shall ever spend without you. After an hour's
charming conversation with Lady Huntingdon and Mrs.
Edwin, I preached in her family by her express desire, and
met Colonel Gumley, who is really a second Colonel Gar
diner. Such a monument of the power and sovereignty of
Divine grace as, truly, I have hardly ever met with, since I
was acquainted with his story. After dinner, the ladies
entertained us with their voices, and a harpsichord, with
which I was highly delighted ; and I have stolen a hymn,
which I steadfastly believe to be written by good Lady
Huntingdon, and which I shall not fail to communicate to
you. Lady Huntingdon is quite a mother to the poor ; she vi
sits them, and prays with them in their sickness ; and they
leave her their children for a legacy when they die, and she
takes care of them. I was really astonished at the traces
of religion I discovered in her and Mrs. Edwin, and cannot
but glorify God for them. More cheerfulness I never saw

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 75
intermingled with devotion. Lady Frances Gardiner sets
out on Tuesday next : I have taken my leave of her, as for
the present I must do of you, my dearest, assuring you
that I am. Most entirely yours,
P, Doddridge.

TO MRS. DODDRIDGE.
MY DEAREST, AValthamstow, Aug. 4, 1748.
I HAD SO very little time on Tuesday that I could not give
you any particular account of my visits that day ; though,
perhaps, you might have a little curiosity to know them.
Indeed it was a very busy one, for after rattling on the
stones for more than an hour and a half to Kensington Gra
vel Pits, where I breakfasted with Sir John Thorold, and
spent an hour or two in very agreeable conversation, I
went to the Archbishop,* and was received by his grace in
a very obliging manner. I sat a full hour with him alone,
and had as free a conversation as I could have desired.
It turned on Archbishop Leighton ; on the Rebellion ; on
the late debates in the House of Lords, about the Scots
non-j uring clergy; and especially on the aff"air of a Compre
hension ; concerning which I very evidently perceive, that
though his grace has most candid sentiments of his Dis
senting brethren, yet he has no great zeal for attempting
any thing in order to introduce them into the Church,
wisely foreseeing the difficulties with which it might be
attended : but when I mentioned to him (in the freedom
of our discourse) a sort of a medium between the present
state, and that of a perfect coalition, which was that of
* Dr. Herring.

76 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
acknowledging our Churches as unschismatical, by per
mitting their clergy to officiate among us, if desired, which
he must see had a counterpart of permitting Dissenting
ministers occasionally to officiate in churches, it struck him
much, as a new and very important thought ; and he told
me, more than once, that I had suggested what he should
lay up in his mind for further consideration. If Providence
spare our lives, I question not but I may have an opportu
nity of resuming the subject, perhaps, with some advan
tage, for his Grace has been so good as to desire that I
would visit him whenever I am in town ; and he is going
to live so near Mr. West, that it will be easy for me to go
over with that gentleman to visit him, for there is likely to
be a great intimacy between them. After this I dined
with Mr. Calamy, in the heart of the city, and then came
hither, with good Mrs. Raymond, in Mr. Barker's chariot.
With what kindness and tenderness I have been received
it is not for me to express; indeed, yesterday, which I
spent entirely here and at Mrs. Snell's, was a charming
day. Mr. Barker was well enough to walk in the garden,
and to pray, as nobody else in the world can ; or at least,
so far as I can judge, very, very few. I shall preach at St.
Albans, God willing, on Thursday, and hope Matthew will
be there that night, that we may return- the next day. This
is my present scheme ; and extending my time to this, its
utmost length, I shall find it very difficult to adjust my
affairs so as to gratify half the friends who invite me to
their houses. I must conclude abruptly. With due salu
tations, always very much yours,
P. Doddridge.

OP DR. DODDRIDGE. 77

FROM THE REV. FRANCIS AYSCOUGH, D. D.
Cliffden, Sept. 8, 1748.
I TOOK the first opportunity after my return to present the
third volume of your Expositor, with your most humble
duty to her Royal Highness, and I have her commands to
return you her thanks for it; and I must beg you to accept
of the same from myself for that which you sent me, and,
indeed, I think it a very good and useful performance : did I
not really think it so, God forbid that I should tell you so ;
for I think no compliment should be made in any thing
which relates to, or is to direct the faith and morals of man
kind. Let this a little explain my taking no notice to you of
the book you sent me last year.* I assure you my omitting to
write did not proceed from disrespect, for I really look upon
you as my superior, in every respect in which superiority
is to be valued, in knowledge, in piety, and good works.
But what could I have said to you had I wrote to you?
Could I have told you that I thought it a good perform
ance, and such as would be of use to the world ? That I
could not, after the many reflections that I had heard the
world make upon it, I could only have told you how much
I wished that you had never published it, and how vain
and useless would those wishes have been at the time I
must have sent them to you. But I must say no more. I
am almost ashamed of the freedom I have already taken
with you, though I assure you it proceeds from the sin
cerity with which I am
Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant,
F. Ayscough.
P. S. I thank you much for your prayers for the young
* Memoirs ofthe Life of Col. Gardiner.

78 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
Royal Family, I hope they have been eff"ectual, for I can
most truly assure you that they go on very well, and pro
mise to be a future blessing to the nation.

TO THE REV. SAMUEL CLARK, D.D.
EEV, AND DEAR SIR, Northampton, Oct. 2, 1748.
I BLESS God I continue very well, and have at present
considerable encouragement both in my Academy and con
gregation so that, on the whole, we do not, in an afternoon,
much miss those we have lost of late. And I find several
young persons awakened to a serious sense of religion,
which is a great comfort to me ; but two circumstances of
affliction are mingled : the one is the death of an excellent
young woman, whom God had evidently given me as a seal
of my ministry, who died on Monday last; the other is
a greater still, I mean the spread of Moravianism, which
has infected several weak but affectionate people of my
flock, and now appears, in spite of long dissembling, to
have effected rank Antinomianism in principle, joined with
a contempt of almost all external ordinances, and an entire
alienation of affection from me, though among persons who
have always had great reason to love me. Under these
troubles, as well as under continual labours, I greatly need,
and earnestly desire, your prayers, I sometimes think
these things are partly the effect of too great a remissness
in visiting my flock as a pastor, and partly a Providential
rebuke for it. The variety of offices which I sustain make
it really difficult to know how much time Providence calls
me to allot to each, and I find a backwardness to personal
apphcations, especially by way of reproof, which I need
and desire more wisdom and grace to conquer,
I have, this evening, ended my Paraphrase on the First

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 79
Epistle General of John, and hope to finish Revelations
before the end of the year. You see, dear Sir, on how
many accounts your prayers are needed by
Your most obhged, faithful,
and affectionate humble Servant,
P. Doddridge.

FROM THE COUNTESS OF HARDWICKE.
SIR, Oct. 27, 174S.
I WAS favoured with your letter just as I was leaving the
country ; and since my coming to town, I have found so
much business in settling my family for the winter, that I
have really wanted time to return my thanks, not only for
your obliging letter, but also for the two books you were
so good to send me. I most sincerely wish that more of
our writers employed their pens in endeavouring to better
their own hearts and those of their readers, and then the
press would not abound, as it does, with books calculated
to destroy both our civil and religious liberties. I was
very glad to learn from you that Mr. Scawen and his
family enjoyed their health under the late trying affiiction,
and I hope Providence will bless their future endeavours
in the education of those that remain. I have seen Mrs.
Dicey, since my return to this place ; she appeared in
health and tolerable spirits, and told me they were going
to settle in Northamptonshire, and that they removed their
goods from Maidwell; which, I told her, I was glad of,
since it was, I thought, the only expedient that could be
thought of, to make her parents happy in their own house,
I wish her well ; but much fear that this one fatal step
will make her unhappy for life.
My son Charles is much obliged by your kind inquiries

80 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
after him, as well as by the favourable representation Mr,
Lyttelton was pleased to give you of him. I have only to
add my best wishes of health and prosperity to you and
your family, being, with great regard.
Sir, your much obliged and faithful humble Servant,
M. Hardwicke.

FROM MR. PARKER.*
REV. SIR, Stoke Newington, Nov. 22d, 1748.
I RECEIVED yours yesterday, in the afternoon, when I had
actually finished a letter to you, except the filling up a
blank, which I left to insert the hour and the manner of my
Master's dissolution, apprehending he could not survive
many hours, for I concluded from the intimacy and cordial
affection that has for so many years subsisted between
you, that it might not be improper to inform you (heavy
and melancholy as the tidings would be) of his death.
And I did not know what capacity I might have of doing
it immediately after so solemn an event.
Several of the last weeks of his life were intermingled
with much pain of body, and he was reduced to a state of
great feebleness, and has been confined to his chamber
almost three weeks, but has been able for the most part
every day to sit up three or four hours. He wanted much
* Mr. Parker was, for a long period, the amanuensis and confldential
attendant of Dr. Watts. It may be remarked that the collectors of
autographs have been frequently led into a mistake from the first circum
stance, as almost all the letters of Dr. Watts were written as immediately
from him by Mr. Parker. Of the letters in my possession, only one is in
the hand of the Doctor ; and that has a note on the back, by Dr. Dodd
ridge to that effect. The writing is feeble, disjointed, and tremulous,
as might be expected from a person suffering from nervous debility. It
may be added, that the signature of Dr. Watts is very closely imitated
bv Mr. Parker.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 81
to get up yesterday morning, and accordingly we gratified
him, but one hour tired him, and we put him to bed again
for the last time.
Dr. Clark, his physician, was with him about two hours
ago, and told us he was going off apace. Through the
goodness of God he lay tolerably easy, and fell into a doze,
in which he spent the night ; would not receive any cordial,
but half a spoonful once or twice ; took no notice of any
body, yet answered rationally when any question was
asked. I fulfilled your request last night at five o'clock ; he
took notice of it, but in such broken language that I can
not inform you in what manner. I never knew his mind any
other than calm and peaceful, and so it will remain, I trust,
to the time of his departure, which we think must take
place in a few hours, at least before it is possible this can
reach your hands. And I doubt not he will have a tri
umphant entrance into the heavenly kingdom of his Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ, after almost fifty years of
painful, yet delightful and successful labour for the gospel
of Christ, and in the seventy-fifth of his age.
I can say no more, only I would request a letter from
you to my Lady, who cannot but be much aff"ected, as we
all are, upon this melancholy occasion. I should be thank
ful if you would put up one petition for me who am so soon
to be bereaved of one of the best of masters and kindest of
friends, whom I have served upwards of twenty-one years,
and have it now to bewail that I have improved no more
by such an uncommon favour of Providence.
Lady Abney pays you and Mrs. Doddridge her compli
ments. I am, honoured Sir,
Your afflicted Servant,
Joseph Parker.
P. S. I will give you a line by the next post.
vol. v. ^

82 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

FROM MR. PARKER.
REV. SIE, Stoke Newington, Nov. 24, 1748.
I WROTE you by last post, that we apprehended my master
very near his end, and that we thought it not possible he
should hold out till the letter reached your hands, and it
greatly surprises us that he is yet in the land of the living.
Last Monday he was up for an hour, and we thought he
would have expired before we could get him to bed. Mon
day night he took two or three spoonfulls of panada. On
Tuesday morning we began to make use of the teaspoon ;
and perhaps he has taken since, at different times, by two
or three spoonfulls at a time, the quantity of two tea cups
of liquid. He is quite sensible, and his mind in a state of
great serenity. I told him this morning that he had taught
us how to live, and was now teaching us how to die. He
replied, "Yes." I told him I hoped he experienced the
comfort of those words, " I will never leave thee nor for
sake thee." He answered in these words, " I do so." It
was his desire, since this last confinement to his cham
ber, that he might behave so as to teach us all to die,
and God has granted his request. His animal powers
have been for a good while gradually impairing, and he
says comparatively but little now to what he has said
in times past, when he has dropped such expressions as
these : " I would be waiting to see what God will do with
me ; it is good to say, as Mr. Baxter, ' what, when, and
where God pleases.' The business of a Christian is to do
and bear the will of God, and if I was in health I could
but be doing that, and that I may be now. If God should
raise me up again, I may finish some more of my papers,
or God can make use of me to save a soul, and that will
be worth living for. If God has no more service for me to

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 83
do, through grace, I am ready. It is a great mercy to me
that I have no manner of fear or dread of death ; I could,
if God please, lay my head back and die without terror this
afternoon or night." At another time " My'chief supports
are from my view of eternal things, and the interest I have
in them. I trust all my sins are pardoned through the blood
of Christ. I have no fear of dying ; it would be my great
est comfort to lie down and sleep and wake no more." I
was willing to communicate these few sentences out of
many more, which were minuted down soon after they
dropped from his lips. I am going to transcribe them all
into long hand ; probably some of them may be made use
of hereafter. My Lady is mercifully supported ; she desires
her compliments to you and Mrs. Doddridge. I know you
will not think it troublesome or impertinent if I write you
another letter by the next post, which I purpose to do
when his warfare is fully accomplished. God grant him
a peaceful passage to happier realms than these. Me
thinks we hear him say, " Ye shall seek me in the morning,
but I shall not be." But God only knows, bywhose power
he is upheld in life, and for wise purposes no doubt.
I am. Sir, your afflicted Servant,
Joseph Parker.

FROM NATHANIEL NEAL, ESQ.
DEAR SIR, Million Bank, Nov. 29, 1748.
As I knew your high esteem and veneration for Dr. Watts,
who has taken his last farewell of the abodes of mortality,
and am apprehensive that you may be wishing for certain
information concerning some particulars that necessarily
ensue on his decease, I thought I could not, in friendship,
g2

84 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
avoid writing you a line, to inform you that the Doctor
has made his brother Enoch and myself executors of his
will, having left the bulk of his estate to his brother Enoch
and sister Brackstone and her children. The will bears
date the 23d of July, 1746, and contains the following
clause : " And as to all my Manuscripts of every kind, I
give the same to Mr, David Jennings and Dr, Philip
Doddridge, in order that they may publish such of them
as I shall, by any paper or memorandum, signify my desire
should be published ; and as to the remainder, either to
publish or suppress them, as they shall judge best. But
I desire that such as shall be published may have the
attestation of their names prefixed, to satisfy the world
they are genuine : and I empower my executors to make
them such acknowledgment and recompense out of my
estate for their trouble in revising and publishing such
manuscripts as they shall think proper." I question whe
ther there are any left which he has ordered to be published.
He has desired to be buried in Bunhill Fields, deep in
the earth, amongst the relics of many of his pious fathers
and brethren, with whom he desires to be found in the
resurrection ; but with as little show as possible : and has
expressly directed that no rings shall be given, and that
his funeral be attended by two Independent ministers, two
Presbyterian, and two Baptist,
The Doctor having no where directed who should preach
his funeral sermon, and Mr. Price* having declined it,
from the strong affection he bears to the Doctor's memory,
which renders him incapable of it, I have, this day, with
his and Lady Abney's approbation, desired Mr. Jennings
to do it, as the only man on the spot, proper to be asked,
and he has undertaken it ; but, as the funeral will not be
* The Doctor's assistant.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 85
till next Monday, the sermon will not be preached till
Sunday sevennight.
When one thinks of the death of so great a man as Dr.
Watts, it strikes a damp to the heart, like the setting of
the sun : though I cheer myself with this thought, that he
is risen on some happier world, with a new and more re
splendent glory. Oh, may the scattered rays he has left
behind him, in our benighted hemisphere, light and cheer
us onward in our ascent to the regions of everlasting day,
where the system of universal nature will be. unveiled to
our view, and where the firmament is filled with stars, that
are risen never to set any more ! I am,
.Dear Sir, your most faithful and affectionate Servant,
N. Neal.

TO MR. WILLIAMS, OF KIDDERMINSTER.*
DEAR SIR, Northampton, Dec. 15, 1748.
I THANK you heartily for your kind and truly friendly
letter, which I perused with deep attention, and have been
sincerely asking myself the questions you so properly sug
gest ; and I will as freely tell you the result of that exa
mination. I cannot and dare not vindicate myself with
regard to them all, nor absolutely as to any one of them.
And yet my conscience testifies, in the sight of God, if the

* As the system of religious discipline countenanced among the Non
conformists has, on the one hand, been grossly misrepresented by their
enemies, and, on the other, been carried to an extreme, incompatible with
christian freedom in some modern instances, I am happy in having it in
my power to lay before the reader the following letter of instructions,
furnished by Dr. Doddridge to the Elders of his own congregation.
As a perusal of this document will render the reader perfectly master
of the subject, I would only remark that those inquisitorial and priestly
powers, which ill-informed persons are apt to ascribe to dissenting pastors.

86 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
prej udices of self-love do not impose upon me, that, with
with regard to most of the things you refer to, I have, in
some degree, endeavoured to discharge my duty to the souls
under my care.
are altogether foreign to the nature of their situation ; these ministers are,
in fact, too often the passive instruments of their own church societies.
" To the Rev. Mr. Evans, the Rev. Mr. Orton, and Mr. John Brown, Elders of the
Church of Christ at Northampton, under my Pastoral Care ; together with
Mr. Hayworth, their associate in that good work."
My dear and Worthy Friends, beloved in the Lord, permit me, with all
possible sincerity, to assure you that I esteem the relation in which you
stand to the Church as its Elders, in the number of the many valuable
mercies which I enjoy in my present veiy comfortable situation. I doubt
not, but that from the word of God, and the reasonings of your own minds
upon that relation in general, you are in the main acquainted with the
duties of your office, and I well know there are those of you who have
been active and faithful in discharging them. Nevertheless, as you desire
some further advice upon that head, I, who also am an Elder, and your
companion as well as your leader in the service of our common Lord, have
thought it incumbent upon me to comply with this your request, and, in
doing it, I shall use great plainness of speech, humbly hoping that He, iu
whose name I set about this work, will assist me to write what may be
as a nail fixed in a sure place, and may be useful to others as well as to
yourselves. I apprehend, my dear brethren, that the duties of your office may be
considered, partly as ordinary, that is, due from you to all the members
of the Church,* whatever their circumstances are, and partly as peculiar
and extraordinary, in consequence of something singular in the condition
of some persons who may come under your consideration.
First, the great, common, and ordinary duty, which you owe to the
Church in general, and which must indeed be the foundation of all the
rest, is that you carefully inspect them, and for that end that you visit them ;
for, without that care, it will hardly be possible to judge thoroughly of
the state of religion amongst them. For the better regulation, therefore,
of this important affair, I would humbly offer you the following advice.
1st. G et a list of all the heads of families at least, and, if you can, of all
other persons belonging to the Church. I present you with such a list,
together with this letter, and I desire that each of you would transcribe
it, and sometimes review it, suppose once a year, that you may recollect
» It will be observed that Dr. Doddridge employs the word Church in
the catholic and truly Christian sense, as comprehending the whole con
gregation worshiping together under his care.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 87
I know nothing in the world I have desired so much as
" the glory of God and the conversion of souls," in the pro
secution of my ministry. I have been " looking up to
God," I hope sincerely, though I confess not so fervently,
what notice is taken of the several persons who stand upon it, and it will
be easy for you to .make proper additions to it as new members are ad
mitted amongst us.
2dly. Let this be distributed into different classes, and each class
assigned in a more particular manner to one of you, not as the only per
sons you are to regard, but as those of whom you are to take the chief
care. This should be done by mutual consent, and a catalogue of them
written out by the Elder, to whose special care they fall. And I think it
would be proper this should be done on a sheet of paper, in such a manner
that there may be room to write over against every name the time when
the person was solemnly visited last, and, perhaps, some little memoranda
concerning further business to be done with or for him; or, if such
memoranda be too long, a little book may be reserved for them, the arti
cles of which may be easily referred to in this paper, by setting them
down under distinct numbers.
3dly. Let the families and persons thus taken upon the list of each, be
visited as you have opportunity, taking the most important first, but on
the whole neglecting none, and endeavour to make your visits as service
able to them as possible. For this purpose call the heads of families
apart ; inquire of them how it fares with them and their families as to
their religious state ; give them such exhortations, instructions, and ad
monitions as you judge proper ; and, especially, endeavour to engage
them to a strict observation of family worship, and a spiritual care of their
children and servants.
4thly. Observe how they are furnished with good books, and especially
with Bibles, and what provision is made for teaching the children and
servants to read.
5thly. Take an opportunity of addressing the children and servants of
the family with some short but serious exhortation, and endeavour to im
press your own hearts with a deep sense of the importance of their cha
racter. For be assured that, under God, the children of godly parents are
the great hope of the Church for future generations. Remember, therefore,
that they are committed to your charge, and that you, as well as I, are to
feed the lambs of Christ, if we would approve our love to him. And, in
this view, if you and the Deacons were to visit the Charity School at
certain times, to talk to, and to pray with the children, it might, perhaps,
turn to good account.
6thly. Conclude your visits with prayers where you can do so con
veniently, and this not merely in ignorant, or in less considerable families,
but even when you come to the families of those who are most eminent in
religion. It will quicken your own hearts, and may quicken theirs.

88 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
and constantly, and humbly as I ought, " to direct me
in the choice of subjects, and in the method of handling
them ;'' and, perhaps, you could hardly name a man living
who "Aas less studied the artifices or excellencies of style
7thly. When you return from visiting your brethren, recollect their
cases, consider what petitions are to be offered up to God for them in the
next return of secret duty, what care is to be taken of them, and particu
larly what information it may be proper to give me concerning any thing
encouraging, or otherwise, which you may have observed in them or their
families. Secondly, I would now remind you of some of the more particular
duties of your office with relation to those whose case may require a dis
tinguishing notice, and here —
1st. Take notice of those who are under any serious impressions, or any
spiritual distress, and make your visits to them more frequent ; remember
that these are tender times, and that it is of great importance to work to
gether with the Holy Spirit when he seems to begin his gracious operations
on the soul.
2dly. Where you judge any are prepared by divine grace for Church
membership, and are not yet come to the Lord's table, visit and exhort
them to an approach ; endeavour to remove their difficulties and discou
ragements, and inform me that I may put their names ou the list which I
keep of such persons.
3dly. Visit and pray with the sick, and deal seriously with them about
their eternal interests. And here stay not always to be sent for, but go
and offer your services where you have reason to think they will be accep
table ; and, as it will not be probable that you can see them so frequently
as their case requires, endeavour to engage some pious neighbour to visit
them, so that they may be seen every day while their illness continues ex
treme, and, if I am informed and be near them, I shall always be ready to
join my labours with yours on this occasion.
4thly. If any are under remarkable afflictions, or have received remark
able deliverances, make them a visit upon the occasion. And I have
sometimes thought that if those who have children to be baptized were
visited by an Elder a little before, with some serious admonition, it might
turn to valuable account.
5thly. Where you hear any behave in a disorderly manner, make an
immediate application to them ; and, where any are offended and come to
you with their complaints, do not immediately engage yourselves in the
quarrel,but put them upon proceedingregularly according to the wise direc
tion of our blessed Lord, that is, if it be matter of private offence only, let
the party offended go to the offender, and tenderly expostulate with him,
and then if he will not hear, let him take two more and repeat that ad
monition; and let these be persons o{ discretion, humility, and tenderness. And
if the offender will not hear these, then let the matter be brought before the

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 89
in his compositions for the pulpit." I did indeed, in my
younger years, study the English language with great care,
and I have reason to believe that it was under a secret
direction of Providence that I did so, considering the
Church ; and here let it be observed, that good order seems to require that
one of the Elders should be the person to state the case, for he is likely to
speak more wisely than the person offended, who is often himself also much
to blame. AndasdebatesinaChurchmeeting aredangerous,if not managed
with great prudence, I think, in such cases, all the Elders and the Pastor
ought to be previously acquainted with the facts, that they may take coun
sel together, and ask farther counsel from the Lord, who, in that case will,
I hope, guide us in judgment. But as for cases of public scandal, I think
the offender ought to be publicly admonished, and if he does really repent,
I apprehend that he ought to express that repentance by such confession and
humiliation as may be satisfactory, not to the Elders alone, but to the
Church in general ; till he has done which, I cannot be free that such a
person should sit down with us at the table of the Lord. This I take to
be the regular method of proceeding with offenders; yet I must add, that
I think it proper that the Elders should examine the case, and deal with
every offender privately, before public admonition is solemnly given.
6thly. I think it incumbent on the Elders to take notice of the temporal
necessities of those whom they visit, and to give proper information to the
Deacons, and also to give them such exhortations relating to the discharge
of their duty from time to time, as may be subservient to the good of the
whole. And as God has blessed the Church with Deacons of such distin
guished worth, and such approved wisdom and fldelity, I hope I need
not remind you, my brethren, how proper it will be to join their counsel
with yours in all matters of importance.
7thly. The Elders should cultivate an intimate friendship with each
other. Remembering that the whole Church is in some degree the province
of each, and proper times should be assigned, in which they and the Pastor
may consult together in cases of difficulty and importance, and in which
the result of their mutual observations should be carefully communicated
to him ; though, indeed, the more frequently something of this kind passes
in occasional meetings the better it may be.
8thly. As the pastor is with peculiar care to watch over the Elders, and
to admonish and exhort them, so are they likewise, in the spirit of humility
andlove,towatchoverhimin the Lord. And I do hereby entreat and charge
you, my brethren, that if there be any thing in my temper and conduct,
which appears to you to give juSt and reasonable offence, you would re
mind me of it plainly and faithfully, and I hope you will always find
that I shall receive advice with meekness, and endeavour to be an ex
ample to others of a readiness to reform as God shall enable me.
And thus, my dear friends, I have laid before you, with all freedom, a
variety of hints relating to your office, and if you think it would be for

90 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
number of writings which, very contrary to my expecta
tion, I have been led to publish; the fruit of many of
which, I bless God, I have seen very far beyond my most
sanguine hopes. But 1 have rather been chargeable with
negligence than with an excess of accuracy in the style of
the service of the Church that these things should be done, then permit
me to charge and entreat you that you be careful in these respects. I
would not be an idol shepherd, and I would not have you images of Elders,
bearing so honourable a name while the duties of the office are neglected;
it would, therefore, be much better to throw up the name than not to an
swer it by vigorous and correspondent services. But if you apprehend the
province too large, and desire, in order to making it easier, to increase your
number, I shall heartily approve it, and will join with you in a proper
application to the Church for that purpose : only I desire that, before £Uiy
are actually invested with the office,which, I think, should be doneby solemn
prayer, they may read or hear this letter, and declare their acceptance of
the office upon these terms. I am sensible, my dear brethren, that it may
seem a heavy burden that I lay upon you ; but remember that God is able
to make all grace to abound to you, to strengthen you for all these la
bours, and for more than these. It will demand some share of yoiir time,
as well as thought ; but remember he can bless you in your affairs, so as
to give much more than you take from them in such labours of love, and,
be assured of this, that you will find the reward of all. While y9u water
others you will be watered yourselves ; and grace will be strengthened in
your hearts by the endeavours you use to quicken and confirm your
brethren : and as you share in a part of the work, you shall also share in
the glorious reward which faithful ministers shall receive when the Great
Shepherd shall appear. The wisdom of this world is foolishness with
God; but those who have been wise to win souls shall then shine forth as
the stars ; yea, they shall shine for ever as the Son in their Father's King
dom. And therefore gird up the loins of your mind, apply with vigour
to the office assigned you, and watch over your hearts and lives in such a
manner that you may always be fit to engage in this service with spirit and
authority, and may that God, who led Jacob like a flock, be with you and
bless you ; may his counsel guide you, may his grace quicken you, may
his strength fortify you ; and be assured of this, that, as I am thoroughly
persuaded, you will often be praying for me, and the Church, with great
earnestness and importunity, so you will have, if that can be any encou
ragement to you, a share in our petitions at the Throne of Grace, and par
ticularly in those of, my dear Friends,
Your very affectionate Brother and Fellow Labourer,
And your faithful Servant, for Jesus' sake,
P. DOOURIDGE.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 91
my sermons ; sometimes having hardly written for many
months one complete sentence for the pulpit. " As for
a weakness, and fear, and much trembling joined with de
monstration of spirit and power," I question whether they
do not rather refer to something peculiar to the Apostles ;
though, to be sure, there is a sense in which we declare
" the testimony of God," yet not just the same with that
which St, Paul spoke in, who there undoubtedly refers to
inspiration on the one hand, and probably to an impediment
in his speech on the other. I have often " in as melting a
manner as I could, and as knowing the terrors of the Lord,
entreated my hearers to he reconciled to God ;" and, perhaps,
few preachers have abounded more in addresses of that
kind. " Nor have I ever knowingly and deliberately kept
back from them any thing ivhich I considered as the counsel
of God to them ;"' though I have indeed in many instances
waved controversies, from principles of conscience, and
not either of indolence or of cowardice, if I have known
my own heart. But I freely own, / have not " warned
from house to house, with a zeal and tenderness" like that
which I could wish; though many houses, and I suppose
I might add, many scores of houses, have been witness
to tears of tenderness with which I have, at different times
admonished or entreated particular persons. But here I
think has been my greatest defect, that there are many
whom I have not so warned, and many days, and some
weeks, in which I have done very little this way; and
though, I believe, I have done much more that way than
most ministers do (I speak not, however, of such as Mr.
Fawcett and Mr. Darracott), yet I believe in my conscience
I have done much less than my duty required, and I desire
to be humbled before God on that account. / have " la
boured most earnestly to procure their assembling frequently
for the purpose of serious prayer and general edification ;"
but I am sorry to say, there arc few instances in which I

92 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
have prevailed; though I believe we have three or four
societies of this kind, consisting perhaps in all of about
thirty persons, perhaps more. If by " the lambs of Christ"
you mean the children, / have been careful in catechising
them, assigning some part of more than half the weeks in
the year to this care, either public or private, " in the
plainest manner I possibly could," and this " with earnest
prayer for, and humble dependence upon the grace and spirit
of Christ, to add efficacy to such endeavours." All this I
write as I would do with a dying hand, and as if my life
were to end with my letter. But as to your last query, I
frankly acknowledge again, that / have -not spent " three
hours in a week," nor two, if you except the persons of my
own family, " in treating personally with souls as to their
spiritual concerns ;" the cases of the sick also excepted, for
that included, I have spent much more. On the whole,
therefore, the view I have of the matter is this, that the
multitude of necessary business as a tutor, added to that
as a writer, and above all, my business as a correspondent,
in the multitude of letters which I have had to write, often
more than twenty in a week, and some of them large, toge
ther with those critical researches which have been neces
sary to furnish out my Family Expositor, a work which I
verily believe may be of great importance for the service
of the Church, has taken me off too much from the imme
diate care of souls in private, and has often prevented my
spending so much time in secret devotion as I should other
wise have done. And I believe that God, by the present
uncomfortable situation of our affairs, has rebuked me for
not having used greater care and resolution in redeeming
my time for this purpose. For this I desire to be humbled
before him ; and, indeed, I see his hand stretched out in a
remarkable degree, for since the year 1741, I find more
than four hundred persons belonging to our congregation
have been removed. Several of these have been numerous

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 93
families transplanted by Providence into other places, and
several of these were excellent persons, and persons to
whom, as a minister, I was remarkably dear, and very
useful. Many others have been taken away by death, and,
which was particularly affecting, several of them young
persons, who had been wrought upon by my ministry but
a little before, and promised considerable usefulness in
their place. The number of those who have deserted my
ministry totally, though continuing in town, has been
comparatively but very small.
I have met with some encouragement, though I find my
courage and zeal very deficient, especially where I ought
to go to such as I have reason to fear are unconverted,
which are very far from being the greater part of the audi
tory, and pleading with them as I ought. I fear there are
several families in which prayer is neglected ; and I am
engaged by promise, at the beginning of the year, to write
a letter to a head of a family upon that occasion, which is
to be printed and translated immediately into Dutch, and
probably into French too, so that many thousands of it,
one way and another, will soon be circiilated, I desire
your particular prayers for me, and those of Mr. Fawcett,
and your praying society in this view, I shall be glad of a
¦ letter from my good friend Mr, Fawcett, to whom I con
sider myself as here writing, containing an account of his
present success, for which I shall glorify God, as I often
pray very expressly for it; and I shall be glad both of his
advice and yours, in the present circumstances of affairs,
which I have let you into as plainly as possible. I must
add one thing, which is that I have a secret hope that
these many discouraging circumstances have of late occurred
partly to awaken my spirit to greater zeal in labour and
fervency in prayer, and partly to make the hand of God
the more remarkable in reviving our Sion in its low state ;
and as it has been very-apparent, from many circumstances

94 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
in my public ministrations, and private converse of late,
that I am under peculiar dejection, as some think, more
than I ought to be ; this I think will stir up the zeal of
some of my brethren, and in that respect, may, I humbly
hope, be a means of good.
We join our best regards to your family, and I remain.
Dear Sir,
Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant,
P. Doddridge.*

FROM MR. PARKER.
EEV. SIR Stoke Newington, Dec. 22, 1748.
I SHOULD have wrote, in answer to your obliging letter,
much sooner, but that a cold has settled in my eyes, which
has rendered it necessary to spare them, as much as possi
ble, for business of absolute necessity.
Mr. Enoch Watts has desired my assistance in looking
over the papers, &c. belonging to my late master. His
MSS., which are not many, are left to your care and Mr.
Jennings's, as you have been informed, no doubt, long ago.
His funeral sermon, preached by Mr. Jennings, with some
short memoirs of his life ; and the oration, by Mr. Chand
ler, at the grave, will be published the beginning of next
week. The catholic appearance at the Doctor's funeral
was ordered according to his own desire.f You know. Sir,
* An explanation of the circumstances which occasioned this letter
will be seen by referring to Dr. Doddridge's letter to Dr. Clark, dated
March 1st, 1749.
t The testimony here borne to the catholic spirit of Dr. AVatts, by an
individual so familiar with his feelings, is a valuable addition to the
evidence of liberality his works present. Another circumstance in the
conduct of this eminent divine deserves notice. I allude to the noble
efforts he made, even towards the close of his life, when every thing was
become a labour, to counteract the narrow sentiments then encroaching,

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 95
it was his study in hfe to endeavour to reconcile the seve
ral parties of Christians, and when he could no longer
speak, his grave read a lecture of moderation.
In looking over his papers, I am' truly amazed to find
what indefatigable pains the good man has taken ; his
by a clearer exposition of his views of the doctrine of the Trinity. His
remarks on this subject excited at the time the usual explosion of igno
rant virulence ; and, since his death, the bigots who could not rebut the
force of his arguments have foisted a trumped-up stoi-y of his having
suffered from mental imbecility, upon the world. His letters in this work
evince his great bodily weakness and consequent inability of mental ex
ertion for many months before his death ; but they show, with equal force,
that the integrity of the mental faculties of this great and good man re
mained to the last moment unimpaired.
It appears that only a portion of the MSS. left by Dr. Watts passed
into the hands of Dr. Doddridge, and were prepared by him for the
press ; of these the most important were " The Second Part of the Im
provement of the Mind," and " An Essay on Education." His works
were finally arranged by Dr. Jennings, and published in 1753, in six
quarto volumes, containing about eight hundred and forty pages each.
To this work a sketch of his life is prefixed, and another is given by Dr.
Johnson in his Lives of the Poets ; and, as these are the best authorities
on the subject, the reader will be gratified by the following extracts.
" It is not because there is no surviving friend of the Doctor's, who
would willingly pay that respect to his memory as to write the history of
his life, that the reader is not gratified, in this respect, with so large a
narrative as he would probably desire, but because the Doctor himself,
while living, disapproved of it." — " Besides, as the Doctor's feeble state
of health, through the greater part of his life, obliged him to pass the
most of his time in retirement from the world, not so many incidents and
changes occurred in his life (which was, for the most part, led on in one
even tract) as generally furnish out a good part of such histories ; (and,
by the way, makes it truly wonderful how he acquired such a knowledge
of the world and of mankind, as appears in his writings ; and it shows
him to have been a very curious and judicious observer of every thing
that lay within his notice)." — " 1712 — In the month of September he
was visited with a violent fever, which broke his constitution, and left
such weakness upon his nerves, as continued with him, in some measure,
to his dying day. Upon this occasion prayer was made, without ceasing,
ofthe church unto God for him ; several days of prayer were kept on his
account, in which many of his brethren in the ministry assisted, and
wrestled earnestly with God for the continuance of so valuable a life ;
and God has been graciously pleased to answer their prayers, by adding
to his life more than thirty-six years ; the most of them years, though of

96 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
labours are almost miraculous, considering the weak
frame and constitution of his body. And it is here that
I meet with many strengthening proofs of the perfect
integrity and uprightness of his heart in every concern he
transacted, both with God and man ; and in this view I
feeble health, yet of eminent usefulness to his church and to the world."
— " In the year 1728 the Universities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen did,
in a most respectful manner, and without his knowledge, confer the degree
of Doctor in Divinity on him." — " The natural strength of his genius,
which he cultivated and improved, by a very considerable acquaintance
with the most celebrated writers, both ancient and modern-, had enriched
his mind with a large and uncommon store of just sentiments and use
ful knowledge of various kinds : for his soul was too noble and large
to be confined within narrow limits. He could not be content to leave
any path of learning untried ; nor to rest in a total ignorance of any
science, the knowledge of which might be for his own improvement, or
might any ways tend to enlarge his capacity of being useful to others." —
" Pure and undissembled piety was the settled habit and constant dress
of his mind ; and, although he loved and enjoyed much retirement, yet
did he not thereby contract any thing of an effected stiffness or monkish
austerity ; but, on the contrary, the satisfaction and pleasure that he
found in communion with God in solitude made him the more easy and
cheerful in his converse with men, and seemed to enlighten his very
countenance." — " In close connexion with the grace of humility were
to be seen his candour and charity, for which he was remarkably emi
nent." — " No party name, nor variety of sentiments in matters of doubt
ful disputation, nor of practice in modes of worship, could divide him
in affection from such as he had reason to hope loved our Lord Jesus
Christ in sincerity." — " Though his stature was low, and his bodily
presence but weak, yet his preaching was weighty and powerful. There
was a certain dignity and spirit in his very aspect, when he appeared in
the pulpit, that commanded attention and inspired awe ; and, when he
spoke, such strains of truly Christian eloquence flowed from his lips,
and these so apparently animated with zeal for God and the most tender
concern for souls and their everlasting salvation as, one would think,
could not easily be slighted or resisted." See Preface to tlie Works of Dr. Watts.
" His (i. e. Dr. Watts's) proficiency at school was so conspicuous, that
a subscription was proposed for his support at the University ; but he
declared his resolution to take his lot with the Dissenters. Such he was
as every Christian church would rejoice to have adopted. He therefore
repaired, in 1690, to an Academy, taught by Mr. Rowe, where he had
for his companions and fellow students Mr. Hughes, the poet, and Dr.
Horte, afterwards Archbishop of Tuam. Some Latin Essays, supposed

OF DR. DODDRIDGK. 97
desire, especially, to imitate him, that my end, like his,
may be peace.
I find the Northamptonshire ministers have taken the
alarm of this awakening providence, and suitably improved
it. Neither have the pulpits in London been silent, God
to have been written as exercises at this academy, show a degree of
knowledge, both philosophical and theological, such as very few attain
by a much longer course of study."—" His method of study was to impress
the contents of his books upon his memory, by abridging them ; and by
interleaving them to amplify one system with supplements from another."
— " He was one of the first authors that taught the Dissenters to court
attention, by the graces of language."—" To stated and public instruc
tion he added familiar visits and personal application, and was careful
to improve the opportunities which conversation offered of diffusing and
exercising the influence of religion." — " His tenderness appeared in his
attention to children, and to the poor. To the poor, while he Hved in
the family of his friend, he allowed the third part of his annual revenue ;
and for children he condescended to lay aside the scholar, the philosopher,
and the wit, to write little poems of devotion and systems of instruction,
adapted to their wants and capacities, from the dawn of reason through
its gradations of advance in the morning of life. Every man acquainted
with the common principles of human action, will look with veneration
on the writer, who is, at one time, combating Locke, and at another
making a catechism for children in their fourth year. A voluntary
descent from the dignity of science is, perhaps, the hardest lesson that
humility can teach." — " Of his philosophical pieces his logic has been
received into the universities ; and, therefore, wants no private commen
dation." — " Few books have been perused by me with greater pleasure
than his Improvement of the Mind. * » * * Whoever has the care of
instructing others, may Ije charged with deficiency, if this book is not re
commended." — " Few men have left behind such purity of character or
such monuments of laborious piety. He has provided instruction for all
ages, from those who are lisping their first lessons, to the enlightened
readers of Malbranche and Locke ; he has left neither corporeal nor
spiritual nature unexamined ; he has taught the art of reasoning, and the
science of the stars." — " As a. poet, had he been only a poet, he would,
probably, have stood high among the authors with whom he is now asso
ciated. For his judgment was exact, and he noted beauties and faults
with very nice discernment ; his imagination, as the Dadan Battle proves,
was vigorous and active, and the stojes of knowledge were large, by
which his imagination was to be supplied. His ear was well tuned, and
his diction was elegant and copious." — See " The Lives of the most Eminent
English Poets, with Critical Obsenations on their Woilcs, by Samuel .Johnson,"
vol. iv.
VOL. V. II

98 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
grant that we who value the memory of this great and
good man, by his remove, may be more weaned from our
attachment to the world which he has left, and more
animated in our preparations for that to which he is gone.
I am, honoured Sir,
Your very obliged though unworthy Servant,
Joseph Parker.
P. S. Lady and Miss Abney are well.

FROM THE REV. NATHANIEL LARDNER, D. D.
REV. AND DEAE SIR, London, Dec. 31, 1748.
I THINK I did as good as make a promise to send you
some remarks upon the third volume of your Family Expo
sitor. I hope you will, of your own goodness, apologise
for the long delay of performing it. You have happily
thrown a great deal of light upon the Acts of the Apostles.
I am particularly obhged to you for the honourable mention
which you have been pleased to make of me upon many
occasions. I likewise thank you for asserting and confirm
ing the opinion, that the Jews had not Jus Gladii in the
time of our Saviour. I am, also, well pleased to see how
clear you keep of the now common opinion about Prose
lytes of the Gate, and how you, at sometimes, overthrow it
by good reasons. Nevertheless, I shall take the liberty to
observe a few particulars, about which I hesitate, as also
some other things.
Page 18. Note (k.) You say, with many others, that
there was then no must, or new wine. But where wines
are made, they have two sorts of must, that very new, and
some a little older, but not so fit for drinking as when a

OF DR. DODDRIDGK. 99
year old, or more. I shall refer to a passage or two of
Augustin. de Hares. Maniclmorum, c, 46 : Nee musti ali-
quid vel recentissimi sorbent. Therefore there were two
sorts of must. And De Morib. Manich. 1. 2, c. 44, Nam
musto recentiore perversitas sensuum citius solet accidere.
Page 56, 57. « Holy Child Jesus." Methinks, that would
be better rendered holy Son Jesus, or sacred Servant Jesus.
The original word naturally bears those senses. You know
how the Romanists frequently paint Jesus in arms : and
that they pay a wonderful devotion to the child, or irfant,
Jesus, Whereas, at speaking those words, Jesus was
exalted. Page 78, Neglected: napedeiapyvTo. 1 have a notion
that word signifies overlooked, or quite omitted and neglected ,
But I want authorities for that sense, and shall be glad, if
you meet with them, to be favoured with an account of
them by you.
Page 82, There is an interpretation of libertines, which
you and I, and all our authors have neglected. But I may
not stay to give a particular account of it.
Page 130. Note (1.) I do not see any proof, that the
eunuch was baptized by immersion. Nor were you under
any necessity of allowing it. He and Philip went out of
the chariot to the water, and stood in the water, and Philip
poured some of the water upon him. To be baptized in
the chariot was unbecoming the solemnity of the ordinance.
It was proper to go out, and stand, and make a solemn
profession of faith, and be initiated by Philip, All the
reasonings of Mr. B. and others, for immersion, taken from
the eunuch's getting but of the chariot, have appeared to
me inconclusive, not to say weak and trifling. Nor do I
see reason to think that John the Baptist used immersion,
but rather otherwise. The frequent use of bathing in those
countries is a consideration of little moment here. Men
might so wash themselves. But among all the washings
H 2

100 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
and purifications in the Old Testament, there is not, I
suppose, one instance of any person being dipped or im
mersed by another. It is contrary to decency, and to the
respect we owe to one another. As for the baptism of Jewish
Proselytes, I take it to be a mere fiction of the Rabbins,
by whom we have suffered ourselves to be often imposed
upon. Page 130. Note (m.) Concerning the Spirit's falhng
upon the eunuch. I take that to be a bold addition, or
interpolation of the critic that modelled the Alex. MS., or
the copies from which it was taken. I refer you to R.
Wetstein's Praef page 4, to the second edition of Mas-
tricht's, or Wetstein's New Testament, Amst. 1735, who
says of the writer of that manuscript, omnia denique pro
lubitu interpolarit, Sfc. Whatever probability there may
be that the eunuch did then, or sometime after, receive the
Spirit; I think that clause not to be any part of the New
Testament. Notwithstanding what I have said, undoubt
edly the Alexandrian Manuscript is an invaluable treasure.
Page 243. Ch. xv. v. 29. Note (s.) I think you justly
look upon that equitable rule to be an interpolation in that
place ; and I believe that, if you had recollected what I
have offered relating to it, in the chapter of St. Cyprian,
vol. iv. pages 771, 772, and page 780 — 798, particulariy
from 798 to 810, you would have referred to it. I thought
then that I had good reason to take a great deal of pains
about the right reading of that text.
Page 2 of Addit. Notes, No. 3. is a beautiful passage,
but, perhaps, too severe upon the ancient heretics. You
remember the words there cited are not the words of Euse
bius himself, but of another writer of no great importance.
And the persons, whom he treats so roughly and harshly,
admitted the New Testament and the Christian Revelation,
though they had difficuhies about the Old Testament,
which they were not able to solve, and which, perhaps.

OF DR. DODDRIDGIC. 101
were not well solved for them by others. Yea, as it seems,
there were not many of them who totally rejected the Old
Testament. I have taken notice of this passage, vol. iii. p.
43—48. I have now written a long letter, which, if you please,
you may look over at some leisure hour ; and even then I
wish it may not prove tedious. You will be so good as to
excuse bad writing.
I have not yet read Dr. Middleton's new book about the
Miraculous Powers in the church. I was of a different
opinion from him, but must review it. I imagine you can,
without difficulty, refer me to some passages in Eusebius
relating to that matter, with regard to extraordinary assis
tances of martyrs in his time, and some other things, I
should be glad of the favour of your references to what
you judge the most material passages of this kind in that
author. I have read the first volume of Mr. Bower's History of
the Popes, and am much pleased with it. I am.
Dear Sir,
Your sincere and affectionate Friend and humble Servant,
N. Lardnee.

FROM THE REV. J. BARKER.
REV. and DEAE SIE, Jan. 7, 1749.
It is no small satisfaction for me to hear, that in any thing
I comfort you, who have so many times instructed, refreshed,
and comforted me. I know nothing in this world more
suited to teach, consolate and enlarge a pious mind, than
your Epositor, and feel a sensible joy at hearing you have
completed it.* A noble work, my dear friend, to be
* That is, the first copy of it. " In reflecting upon the series of events
of the last year (1748), I find great reason to acknowledge the wonder-

102 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
" squeezed out of a stone, or spawned by an oyster." I
should much sooner expect to see blood squeezed out of a
post, or believe the miraculous feats of Simeon Stylites.
Well ! since what I say has such an effect, as to extort
from you what nobody can beheve, I will have done with
my humiliations before you, and make them where I am
sure they can never be low enough.
The success of your labours, and the spread of your
writings in this and into far distant countries, my dear
friend and fellow-labourer in the service of our common
Lord, I most heartily rejoice in, and both entreat and charge
you to accept the honour done you by your great Master.
Take the comfort of it, and set it against the envious efforts
of low and little minds, and the feeble darts of straw which
they shoot against your person and character, and use it as
a visible encouragement to proceed with vigour and resolu
tion in a cause where your service is so acceptable.
Had you diihinished yourself into any thing alive, ever so
little removed from a vegetable, I know not whether you
had not made me vain, when you likened me to Mr, Howe :
not for piety, learning, and greatness of mind (for they
admit of no comparison), but for " his manner of preaching,
only with a more natural and easy style :" if what I do will
admit of any comparison, then I have not laboured altoge
ther in vain, that having been the ambitious endeavour of a
great part of my life,
I am much disappointed in Mr. Jennings's sermon : I
think, instead of taking a most noble opportunity of doing

ful goodness of God to me in various respects, as to my person, in the
continuance of my health to such a degree, that since this day two years,
when I began the Family Expositor on Romans, I have, through the
divine goodnpss,been enabled every day to do something at that great and
important work; so that most exactly, according to my computation,
I finished it last night; that is, finished the first copy of the translation,
paraphrase, and improvements, and have proceeded in the notes as far as
Ephesians." From Dr. Doddridge's lUflections on the opening ofthe new year, 1719.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 103
our mourning hearts good upon that sad occasion,* he has
put us off with a dry, if not even with a doubtful criticism,
Mr. Cutler acquainted me with Dr. Stonhouse's taking
his place with you and your Church at the Lord's table
without your knowledge. An action somewhat singular,
and perhaps not quite orderly. But suppose he had come
into your vestry, and not asked, but demanded a place at the
table of our common Lord, upon the foundation of our com
mon Christianity, I fancy you would not have refused him.
I think in like circumstances I could not have dared to
have done it ; for that table is not mine, or yours, or any
man's, but Christ's.+
But now, dear sir, as for you, and my other good friends,
who so kindly and piously pray for me, and the dear partner
of my cares and joys, I most affectionately and gratefully
commend to God, and pray for you all, that he would bless
you with the benefits of Christ's redemption, the sanctifying
influences of the Divine Spirit, a comforting sense of his
special love, a convenient passage through the world, a calm
and easy passage out of it, the immediate happiness of your
departing spirits, a blessed resurrection, and a glorious im
mortality. I am Yours, faithfully and most affectionately,
J. Barker.

FROM NATHANIEL NEAL, ESQ.
DEAR SIE, Million-Bank, Feb. 8, 1748.
Mr, Jackson just now calling in, and informing me he had
an opportunity of conveying a letter to Northampton in a
* The death of Dr. Watts.
+ The Nonconformist will feel this passage to be important ; his prin
ciples will not admit him to question the truth of the last observation ;
and, it will be recollected, that a precedent is given, which, if followed in
certain instances, would effectually crush that inquisitorial spirit, which
even Dissenting Church Societies may sometimes betray.

104 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
parcel that he was sending thither, I immediately deter
mined to send you a list of Dr. Watts's manuscripts,* in
order that you may consider with- yourself and consult
Mr. Jennings, when and how they shall be delivered to
you. Our united very affectionate salutations attend yourself,
lady, and family, and I am. Rev. Sir,
Your most faithful, humble Servant,
N. Neal.

* List ofthe Manuscripts of Dr. Isaac Watts, which are disposed of in
covers or cases, under the following titles, viz. —
I. Psalmody.
II. Of the Trinity, a modest defence of inquiries into truth.
III. Two Essays on the Lord's Prayer.
IV. Essays and Remarks on Texts of Scriptjire. The words in which
we should confess our Faith. The Diamond painted. Of Catechisms.
A Case of Conscience. Figure of a Cherub.
V. Essays relating to the Trinity, viz. — 1. An Inquiry into the Scrip
tural Representation of the Father, the Word, and the Spirit. 2. Of the
proper Athanasian Scheme of the Trinity. 3. The Holy Spirit the true
God. 4. The ill Effects of incorporating the Divine Doctrine of the
Trinity with the human Explications of it.
VI. Remnants of Time employed in Prose and Verse, or short Com
posures on various Subjects, viz. — 1. Of Human Knowledge, and the
various kinds of it. 2. The Rake Reformed in the House of Mourning.
3. An Apology for enlarging Dr. Young's Description of the Peacock.
4. Justice and Grace. 5. Bills of Exchange. 6. The Ever blessed God.
7. Vanity inscribed on all Things. 8. The Day of Grace. 9. God and
Nature unsearchable. 10. The Repeal. 11. The Saints unknown in this
World. 12. Complaint and Hope, a Poem. 13. Heathen Poesy Chris
tianized. 14. General Song of Praise to God. 15. To Amyntas, an Ode
to Lady Sunderland. 16. To Philanthropus. 17. The Windmills. 18. A
Sinner Tempted to Despair. 19. Redemption, a Poem. 20. Of Confine
ment to set Forms of Worship. 21. Appendix to foregoing Essay.
VII. A Faithful Inquiry after the Ancient and Original Doctrine of
the Trinity, taught by Christ and his Apostles. In two Parts. The first
part inquires so far as is necessary to Salvation. The second part so far
as may improve our Christian Knowledge, and establish our Faith ; and
the objections of both are answered in a plain and easy manner, derived
only from the Word of God.
VIII. Tlie Improvement of the Mind, second Part.

OF DR. DODDRIDGii. 105

FROM TOE REV. R. PEARSALL.*
REV. AND VERY DEAR SIR, Taunton, Feb. 9, 1749.
My good brother Darracott- having communicated to me
what you have written to him, and telling me at the same
time that he was to write to you under a frank, you will
excuse my indulging myself in writing to you; and if I
only express a little of the honour and affection with which
my pulse beats high, and lay myself before you as one
that needs, desires, and puts a high regard upon your
prayers, a purpose may be answered.
As the complaints you make carry in them the marks of
sorrow, I have learned to sympathise with you ; though I
think, at the same time, you have abundant cause for
thanksgiving. God has greatly advanced you by the situ
ation he. has given you in his church, which is his house;
he has set you high above most that he has made stewards
there, and there are a great many who will call you their spi
ritual father at the great day of manifestation ; — remarkable
power, has gone forth with many of the Gospel reports
which you have uttered ; — if He now withholds the effica
cious influence, sure he may do what he will with his own ;
and you know such dispensations may subserve very im
portant ends, I do not say it is to humble, but it may be
partly to keep low. How much pride is there in some ? and
in the best, is it not a poisonous weed, that will spring up
unless ever trampled down ? We all allow, that in the suc
cess that attends our ministrations the power is of God,
and not of man ; and yet, if any other heart is half as bad
as mine, how ready is it to assume something to itself that
does hot belong to it ? Perhaps the Lord may see that the
* The circumstances of which Dr. Doddridge had complained, and
which occasioned this letter from Mr. Pearsall, are related at page 109.

106

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

most thorough conviction is to be attained by us in the
experience of grief for a time ; and when the most inti
mate fibres of this accursed, sacrilegious corruption are ex
tirpated, and we are brought to preach the pure Gospel,
with the most single' eye, and the most explicit and steady
dependence, the God of all grace may draw nigh, and cause
a good minister to see that he comes in the fulness of the
blessing of the Gospel of Christ.
When I consider the thing in jtself, I am induced to
wonder that any, who have a savour of piety, should desert
your ministry. But then, I think, had not the blessed
apostle the same trial ? Were there not many that had re
ceived him as an angel, and would have even plucked out
their eyes, and have given them to him, who were estranged
from him? But your soul has been carried above these
things ; may it be so more entirely. May your faith fix your
eye most attentively Upon your Lord, who bore so much
contradiction, and upon his dear Apostles, who preached
the Gospel with much contention. May you ever feel
yourself most deeply impressed by the eye of your Master,
as it is ever upon you ; your soul spirited by the testimony
of a good conscience, and your breast warmed with love to
Jesus, and a sense of his love ; and thus may you proceed,
ever abounding in the work of the Lord, My dear friend,
even you, with all your superior light, judgment, and grace,
must know a little, that the place in which you labour is a
soil wherein there are clods, for which your arms are too
weak ; some that will not be gathered even by you ; and
thus it has ever been with the choicest ministers. I dare
say, those discouragements have already answered a good
purpose ; perhaps, they have been the means of seasoning
your spirit to some farther degrees of spirituality ; perhaps,
they have made you to speak more in the way of a holy
simplicity when preaching the cross of Jesus Christ; and,
perhaps, you have entered deeper into hearts when preach-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 107
ing the experiences of souls. But, perhaps, if we go no
farther for a reason, we may find it in the account you had
received, or were to receive, from abroad, of the spread of
your printed works. The Apostle himself, when he was so
highly favoured with visions and revelations, soon found a
thorn in the flesh, which some have, not improbably, ima
gined might be the rising of the false apostles ; and this,
even that humble Apostle looked upon as designed to pre
vent pride ; " Lest I should be exalted above measure, S^c."
Consider, Sir, the Lord has done you more honour than
even any man in your day ; there is no one whose works
have been translated into such various languages, and have
had so wide a spread. Methinks, I cannot but apply to
you those words, " Thou art a chosen vessel unto me, to
bear my name among the Gentiles," Among the Dutch,
the French, and Germans ! O, Sir, while this honour is so
extraordinary, it is a great trial of your humility, I know
you will adore, with a profound prostration of soul, and say,
that by the grace of God you are what you are ; that every
part of your furniture, both in head, heart, and elocution,
comes from on high : go on to do so, and it will be a token
for good, that the Lord will do more still by you.
Still you say, while God has so owned you abroad,
yet you would be the immediate instrument of converting,
&c. And I doubt not but it is a noble ambition that glows
in your breast, and I trust the Lord will gratify you in your
gracious desires : but if he should not, comfort yourself
with this, that he has not only wrought by you this way
already more than by most, but is peculiarly, in two ways,
making you extensively useful : the one is by your printed
works, both in England and beyond the seas, so that no
one living can so properly apply those words, qua regio in
terris nostri non plena laboris ? By these you are not only
preaching with a loud voice indeed, but will be doing so
after your own translation to Heaven, The other is, by

108

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

your being the instrument of begetting so many fathers, if
I may use the expression. And if you look no farther than
Mr. Fawcett, and Mr, Darracott, you may say, " My heart
is glad, and my glory rejoiceth." The greater things God
does by them, the more exuberant may your joy be, as your
blessed, happy, honoured hand, formed and fashioned them
for the service of the sanctuary : I think two of the most
successful ministers among us.
O, Sir, if there are any bowels of mercy for others (and
I know you have a large heart), pray for me ; do it by name.
God has not left us, but graciously gives us some tokens of
his presence ; entreat that he will quicken my soul, fill it
with the most pure and ardent breathings, strengthen my
hands, and. if he sees best, recruit frail nature, which is evi
dently sinking, and causes me to think of Gideon's motto,
" Faint, yet pursuing."
I am almost ashamed of the freedom I have taken ; but
you know I love you, and should be glad to sit at your
feet as a learner. Humble service to your lady, and to
young Mr. Middlecott. O, take pains with that young
man, to form him to Gospel principles and real holiness.
I am, most Worthy Sir,
Your most Respectful Servant,
R. Pearsall,

TO SAMUEL CLARK, D.D.

REV. AND DEAR SIR, Northampton, March 1, 1749. ,
What you wrote in your last of Moore's conduct surprised
and grieved me. He was strictly examined by two of my
pupils, who well knew Professor Hutchinson and his family,
and he gave them such satisfaction, that, believing him to

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 109
be a relation of that celebrated person, I too readily took
the rest for granted, and, moved by the tragical story he
told me, carried my regard for him farther than I wish I
had done. Indeed I have been so often imposed upon,
that I am the less excusable in this instance, and have
very little but the goodness of my intentions to plead in my
behalf The letter which I sent you from Mr, Williams was
occasioned by one of mine to good Mr. Darracott, of Wel
lington, in Somersetshire, which I wrote under some dis
couragements that I met with at my return from London,
by the desertion of five of our members to the Moravians,
who have left their places at the Lord's table, and have,
most of them, entirely withdrawn, as another of our mem
bers has done, who is gone to College Lane. So very
few had also been admitted to the Lord's table for many
months, and so many breaches had been made by deaths
and' removes that it struck me very much; and the great
regard I have for the prayers of Mr. Darracott and Mr.
Pearsall, of whose great success in their ministry I had
just heard, engaged me to open myself so much the more
freely to them, nor did the plainness which Mr. Williams
used with me on this occasion displease me.
I bless God I have had some encouragement of late,
which, in some measure, balances those complaints; and
would by no means deny the reason I have always had to
bless God on account of several of my people, in whom
there is as much of the power of religion as I have any
where known in such circumstances of life: and it was plain
to me that Mr. Williams considered the matter as worse
than it really was. Four persons stand now proposed to
our communion, and I hope more are near coming in. One
of these is the good widow Stevens, and a most valuable
and amiable Christian.

110

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

I am much better pleased with Mr. Milner's Funeral
Sermon for Dr. Watts, than Mr. Jennings's.. Mr. Gibbons's
Elegiac Poem has undoubtedly some very striking beauties,
but I think it had been better had Gabriel spoken less.
Having now received the translation of my First Letter
to the Protestants of the United Provinces, I beg your
acceptance of it. I have also one of Colonel Gardiner's
Life, which is very literal, and generally elegant ; but the
French version of the Rise and Progress is to pass under
an accurate examination before it is published, which,
though it will of course retard it for some time, will, I
doubt not, on the whole, make amends for the delay.
I supped last night with Sir Thomas Birch, who is come
hither to hold the assizes. He tells me that several of the
Bishops endeavoured to have White's Third Letter sup
pressed, as unfriendly to the scheme of a Comprehension,
which he thinks they desire, but that Sherlock insists on
having all the objections brought in at once. I think it
would be much better to reform things certainly amiss in
the Establishment, whether any Dissenters are brought in
or not.
I am so pressed with business, and straitened for time,
chiefly through the multitudes of letters I am obliged to
write, that I have not had an opportunity of despatching
two or three little things which I intended for the press
about this time ; particularly a Sermon to Children, and a
Letter on Family Religion. It is very little I can read,
and how I shall prepare for the press the second volume of
Dr. Watts's Improvement of the Mind I cannot imagine;
but Mr. Neal seems to think it must devolve on me to finish
it. Should it be so, I shall beg your assistance, and hope
you will come and read the manuscript here, and give me
your thoughts of it, that I may note them down without
giving you the trouble of writing. I shall carefully distin-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. Ill
guish the additions from the original ; but Mr. Neal thinks
it will be necessary that some hints he has left should be
taken up, and the book finished, and not published as a
Fragment, Since I wrote this I have received news of your amend
ment, and we are rejoiced to hear it. I know how to pity
the pain of the toothache, though I am no judge of its
comparative acuteness in respect of the gout. May all we
suffer advance us in our preparation for that world where
there is no more pain. But I have detained you too long,
and am summoned away, and must therefore take my leave,
hoping, that as you can now ride, we shall have the plea
sure of your company before the vacation begins, which
will be very highly welcome and delightful to us all, and
particularly to. Reverend and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate and obliged
P. Doddridge.

FROM NATHANIEL NEAL, ESQ.
DEAR SIR, Million Bank, March 5, 1749.
This morning I was with Lady Abney on the subject of
your writing Dr. Watts's life; and am now to acquaint
you with her sentiments, in concurrence with my own;
which are, that very few materials are likely to be found,
and those that may be, must not be communicated to you
immediately; Dr. Jennings having declined writing the
life merely, or principally, for want of materials, which he
has inquired for, particularly of Lady Abney. The book
sellers therefore must have patience, or they will precipi
tate us into a crude and imprudent conduct. In the mean

112

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

time, be assured we shall not be unmindful of assisting
you in the execution of the design, and are well pleased
with the hands it is fallen into ; and propose you should
take an opportunity of letting Dr. Jennings know, in a
letter, that being informed he and Mr. Price have declined
it, you have agreed to undertake it, provided you can be
furnished with any materials proper for the purpose ; and
the rather, as you have been already solicited on this head
by some of your friends in foreign countries.
I was very sensible the second part of Dr. Watts's Im
provement ofthe Mind would fall short of your expectation,
as a finished piece, and therefore was the more desirious
it should be soon conveyed to you. And now it is in your
hands, I can more freely say that I think it, in all respects,
imperfect, in matter and form. Taken together, it wants
to be digested, in some parts reduced, in others (it may
be) enlarged, in all methodized, connected, and polished.
There appeared to me to be many minute things (particu
larly under the head of education) dwelt upon, that ought
to have been only lightly touched, if at all mentioned.
There is no supporting an author's character with men of
parts and genius, if observations are introduced for the
sake of those who have none ; and, perhaps, there is no
greater delicacy to be discovered in all the compass of
writing, than by preserving a becoming dignity of senti
ment and style in the treating of a trite or familiar subject.
High as Dr. Watts's talents were esteemed by me, I
think you should make no difficulty of taking such liberties
as may seem to you necessary; nay you seem expressly
warranted to do it, by the paper left with the manuscripts.
You are not laying before the world his opinion on doubtful
and disputed points, but his illustrations of acknowledged
ones; and the defects in those illustrations did not arise
from his want of ability to discern or rectify them, but to

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 113
the works remaining unfinished, till the decays of his bodily
constitution disabled him from exerting those abilities.
The second shock of the earth, which was felt this day
sevennight has given a great alarm in the city. I could
only wish that those who have most reason to consider it
as a judgment did not merely dread it as a melancholy
event, that has no particular voice in it. Many families
are flying out of town to their country houses, so that the
places of public diversion are likely to be less frequented ;
not because they are dangerous to their virtue, but (as they
apprehend) to their safety ; and in hopes, as it should
seem, that their guilt will be too swift or remote for the
Divine vengeance. However, some, I would hope, who
are using the same means of safety (for there is a prevail
ing expectation of another earthquake in a month's time)
have a juster sense of their own duty and God's omnipo
tence. The shaking was felt every where in London, and
seven or ten miles around it, and was undoubtedly very
violent, and some lights, or flashes of fire, were seen in the
heavens for some time before ; but so few people, except
of the lower sort, were up to observe them, that I cannot
get any very particular and certain account concerning
them. The notion of its being merely an airquake I can
by no means embrace: for, supposing the convulsion to
have been in the atmosphere, it certainly shook the earth
also ; and as to the noise that is said to have accompanied
it, I cannot yet satisfy myself, from any person who was
in the open air, that the same noise was heard by them,
as we apprehended, who were in the buildings that were
shaken, I am as destitute of ability to return the praise you
bestow on me, as I am undeserving of it ; though had I
any talent of that kind, I have so superior a subject, on
which to exercise it, and in your correspondence such mas
terly instruction.
VOL. v. I

114 lilARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
I rejoice in Mrs. Doddridge's recovery. Our united
salutations wait on your whole faniily. I am.
Reverend and dear Sir,
Most faithfully and affectionately yours,
N. Neal.

FROM THE REV. SAMUEL WOOD, D.D.
Norwich, March 20, 1749.
MY DEAR AND HONOURED FRIEND,
Were it not for the great demands of duty which grow
upon me, I should not be able to bear the reproaches of my
own heart, for having suffered my dear Dr. Doddridge's
last affectionate letter to remain thus long unanswered, I
wonder frequently, my dear friend, how you, in your
elevated station, where the demands of duty are so various,
can be able ever to go through them with that exactness
and fidelity with which I know you do. But, as Providence
has called you to such distinguished services, God has given
you equal furniture of mind, and made his grace sufficient
for you. In this I greatly rejoice, for notwithstanding your
own humility, your friends know of how great importance
your life and labours are to the world ; a Henry, a Watts,
and a Doddridge, are not found in every age to bless the
Church, I will not say how much we have of the two
first eminent Christian ministers in our dear Doddridge, but
I am sure of this, that while he lives we shall not very sen
sibly know their loss or that of any other eminent divine ;
I know it will give your heart uneasiness to be mentioned
with such company, and yet I cannot help saying what I
do : I am sorry that a treasure of so iriuch importance to
religion depends upon the uncertain life of one dear gentle-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 115
man, and sometimes' the thought overpowers me till I can
gain respite enough to derive consolation from the per
petuity and all-sufficienCy of a glorious Redeemer, who is
compassionately concerned for his own interest, and is able
to qualify others with abili€ies to carry it forward as seems
good to his infinite wisdom. The loss of such as Mr. Scott
once was, Mr. Hobden, Dr. Watts, and to you I will not
scruple also to mention with these honoured names, my
dear uncle, of Woodbridge. I say, dear Sir, the loss these
and other ministers of celebrated note has frequently made
a painful impression upon my heart, and, in such gloomy
rtioments, my thoughts (whether I would or not) have im
mediately gone to Northampton. Oh ! my dear friend,
may the God of Heaven bless you in all that variety wherein
you want the blessings of the Almighty ! May your health
be continned, may your happy yamiY?/ be blessed, may your
academy be prospered, may your ministrations among the
people be succeeded, and may all your labours be crowned
abundantly, to the enriching the souls of many thousands
in these and other countries. Often, dear Sir, do I hear
your name mentioned with gratitude and joy for the in
struction and important services which your books have
yielded. We are sensible. Sir, to whom the honour is
principally due ; but then we also bless that Divine goodness
which has raised up such an instrument, and it is both
na,tural and lawfttl for us highly to love and venerate any
one who is the means of so much benefit.
I think of you every day, and fail not to recommend you,
in my feeble way, to the Father of mercies. If, indeed,
any one could hope to escape the virulence of censure, I
truly think a g^elitleman so candid and catholic as Dr.
Doddridge might put in a claim for exemption; but no
general ever yet headed an army and led them on to the
charge without being peculiarly exposed ; and it is natural
I 2

116 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
to conceive that any one fighting in the front, who stands
nearer an enemy, and to fuller view, is more open to inju
ries than others. Oh, dear Sir, may a good God grant
you all seasonable supplies of grace, and endue you with
strength, courage, and ability, as hitherto, to sustain
bravely, and repulse all the attacks of your enemies !
There is one observation which I have made; that of
late years (and, I think, at Norwich more than any where
I ever was) there are multitudes of very disconsolate Chris
tians: i, e. I find that both in our churches and out of
them, there are those who carry about with them the most
pregnant marks of an undissembled piety, who are yet
very gloomy and melancholy, and subject to the most
painful hesitations with regard to their eternal interests;
I have always met with such, but I think never in so great
an abundance as of later years. I have often been puzzled
at such a disposition ; and though I could find many ends
to be answered by it, yet I could not but apprehend
that there might be some standing reason with God for
all this, which I had not yet met withal, and which I
could not but apprehend must be judged a sufficient rea
son, when found out. I know very well how much indo
lence and supineness of heart introduce indifference, and this
brings on a spiritual decay; and I have, in my own case
(alas ! too often) found, as well as by observations made on
the case of others, that the committing of sin, or omitting of
duty, has drawn a cloud over a person's evidences, and
obliged God, in vindication of his injured honour, awfully to
withdraw and hide his face: but then, dear Sir, I have
often and daily found it (of late years especially) to be
the case with some most diligent, watchful, and wakeful
Christian to walk much in darkness. It is very manifest
that these forms of treatment produce much increase in self-
knowledge, and this self-knowledge leads into deeY> abasement

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 117
and self condemnation (the very essence of an evangelical
humility), and such a view of ourselves must needs inform
us of our own weakness and insufficiency. These things,
I think, are true ; I have, therefore, lately been thinking
concerning these methods of God's treatment.
Adieu, adieu, dear Sir ! May God, from on high, bless you !
Nathaniel Wood,

FROM HENRY COTTON, M. D.*
dear and honoured SIR, St. Albans, April 29, 1749.
I AM very much obliged to you for your late tender in
stances of condescension and friendship. The comfort and
advice which you most kindly administer are extremely
acceptable, and I heartily pray God to give them their due
weight. For my own part, I am, and have long been, abun
dantly persuaded that no system but that of Christianity
is able to sustain the soul amidst all the difficulties and dis
tresses of life. The consolations of philosophy are at best
only specious trifles — all cold and impotent applications
indeed to the bleeding heart ! But the religion of Jesus,
like its gracious and benevolent Author, is an inexhausti
ble source of comfort in this world, and of everlasting rap
ture in the next.
I presume humbly to hope that the Supreme Being will
support me under my affliction ; and I most earnestly en
treat that he will sanctify my sorrows to every gracious
purpose. What the mind feels upon such a painful divorce, none
can adequately know but those who have had the bitter ex-
* Dr. Cotton was the author of " Visions in Verse, for the Instruction
of younger Minds," and some other pleasing poems. He died at St.
Albans, August 2, 1788, where he had long resided, beloved and respected
as a skilful and attentive physician.

118

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

perience of this sad solemnity. However, dehcate and wor
thy minds will readily point out to themselves something
unutterably soft and moving upon the separation of two
hearts, whose only division was their lodgment in two
breasts, I am extremely indebted to your lady for her kind sym
pathy with me in my sorrows ; and the only retum that I
can make, either to herself or her consort, is my hearty
prayer that the dissolution of their happy union may be at
a very distant period.
I am, with the highest esteem, dear Sir,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
H. Cotton.

FROM R. CRUTTENDEN, ESQ.
EEV, AND DEAR SIR, Bunhill Fields, May 8, 1749.
I HAD the pleasure of receiving your very obliging letter;
and find by it that you are resolved, whether we will or not,
to make a couple of very vain, and, consequently, very silly
creatures of my wife and myself: and, to confess the truth,
at least with regard to one, the ease with which you are
likely to succeed in this design will very much lessen your
reputation in effecting it. To persuade a person to what
he has no mind to believe will, indeed, require some skill
and address ; but to cultivate such a passion in a heart so
susceptible of it as mine may be done by a much weaker
hand than Dr. Doddridge's, and, therefore, is not worth the
pains you have been at about it. To assist nature in the
production of a weed, which a wise man, if he knew how,
would rather wish rooted out of his ground, seems to me
a very unlikely way to raise the character of a gardener,
however the noxious thing may thrive under his cultiva-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 119
tion. You will not therefore take it amiss, that I assure
you 1 can be proud enough without your assistance.
However, since you are resolved that I shall have quali
ties which I have never been able to discover, let it be so ;
and for the future I will endeavour to believe that I do not
yet know my own abilities so well as you do ! This resolu
tion has led me, this morning, to consider what advantages
a man might derive from a good opinion of himself, for
till I am convinced that it is likely to be of some service,
I shall hardly venture the ill consequences which frequently
attend such a temper of mind. Now here I have not been
a little assisted by a maxim often practised by physicians,
that " one poison may be applied with success to drive out
another ;" as this is an agreed case in the disorders of the
body, so I please myself that I have found out a way to
render it equally useful in the distempers of the mind, of
which pride is certainly a very dangerous one. I am con
vinced it will be a vain attempt to destroy this passion,
especially in a heart where it has taken such deep root as
in mine: the next thing then is, since it will thrive, to
inquire what use we can make of it for the destruction of
some other disorder. It may perhaps require a more skilful
hand than mine to regulate the dose; but I cannot help
thinking that a proper proportion of this passion may,
with good success, be applied to eradicate another yet
more destructive to the peace ofthe human mind, and more
fatal to the good of society. The distemper I aim at is
generally known by the name of envy; a vile, torment
ing passion, which, as it is founded in an idea of another's
supposed superiority to me, must necessarily decrease as
the principle which first gave it being, and the food which
afterwards- nourishes it, is removed. To justify this method
of practice, I am obliged to have recourse to another phy
sical maxim, which will equally hold true in the diseases of
the mind. " Take away the cause, and the effect will cease

120 DIARY AND CORRKSPONDENCE
of itself." If this be true, I think the consequence I would
draw from it cannot be denied, that the higher any man
rises in the opinion of his own abilities, the less danger he is
in of being uneasy at those of others.
It is not that my neighbour is handsome, or wise, or
eloquent, which gives that pain which I feel from this
passion; he may be so, and much good may it do him,
without hurting me, so long as his beauty and wisdom and
eloquence preserve a proper subordination to mine : let me
only maintain the superiority, and he shall shine, and wel
come, in these or any other gifts of nature and endowments
of mind. Now as, perhaps, it may be difficult for me to
attain this superiority in reality, all that remains to be done
is to fill up the deficiency by throwing into the contrary
scale a sufficient quantity of pride, a commodity always at
hand to supply any defect, thus the cure will be effected,
" And Envy gnaw her forky tongue, and die."
Now, dear Sir, does not that man richly deserve to be
sick, who has so easy, so cheap, and, at the same time, so
pleasant a remedy always at hand, and yet will not take it ?
For my own part I am already grown so fond of my
nostrum that, if the public papers were not already preen-
gaged by my brother quacks, I should be in danger of
appearing in print for the good of my countrymen, or, at
least, with views quite as disinterested as theirs ; but this
avenue to fame and public service is unhappily stopped up ;
give me leave to go on in the praises of my medicine.
I say then in the next place that as it is cheap, and plea
sant in the taking, so it is likewise quite safe and inno
cent in its operation ; at least all the damage that can arise
from it can only affect myself. What injury can Mr. Pope's
memory receive by my imagining myself a much better
poet ? or will Sir Isaac Newton's reputation in any way suf
fer if I should tell the world that he did not understand ma-

OF DR, DODDRIDGE. 121
thematics quite so well as I do? or to ask a more interesting
question, can the character of our late dear and honoured
friend Dr, Watts be in any real danger, because Mr, Brad
bury rails at him in the pulpit, and is preparing to attack
him from the press ? It is true, the world possibly may
not entirely enter into his sentiments or mine; but that
only shows the harmlessness of the remedy, which gives me
peace in my own mind, and at the same time hurts nobody.
This brings to my remembrance the story of a philosopher at
Athens (the ignorance or envy of his contemporaries has
handed him down under the opprobrious character of a
madman), who used to suppose himself a man of great
wealth, by taking an account of all the ships which arrived
in port, with their respective cargoes, and supposing them ali
to be his own. Now, Sir, let me ask those detractors from
this great man's reputation, whether, in the first place, he
was not quite as happy as if they had really been so? and,
secondly, whether any person was the worse for his happi
ness, which cost nobody a groat ?
If then any real detriment attends the encouraging a vain
opinion of a man's self, it can possibly affect none but him
self. And if even that objection (the only one that can be
urged against my present scheme) be fairly weighed in the
balance, even that will be found wanting. It has been
asserted, indeed, that self conceit, arising from some ima
ginary qualities, which we really have not, will be an effec
tual way to prevent our ever attaining them : for why should
a man give himself needless trouble in the pursuit of a
thing he takes it for granted he has already? To clear
up this difficulty, let it be considered in the first place,
that without this good opinion I am contending for, and
which a man must previously form of himself, there will
be no encouragement to industry : for why should a man
be at the pains of seeking a thing, which he is already con
vinced he has no talents to obtain ? What man, who feels

122 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
himself invincibly a blockhead, would undergo the fatigue
necessary to make him a scholar !
But let the inconvenience objected to be allowed, the per
sons who can possibly suffer by this mistaken apprehension
of themselves are so few, that it can never balance the
advantages which result from the remedy I am recom
mending, and that for this obvious reason. Such as have
generally the greatest share of self-conceit are really in
capable of obtaining any other excellence than what they
thus form out of their own imagination ; and, consequently,
the supposition I am contending for, that they are very
wise, and learned already, only saves them the needless
trouble of spending their time to no purpose, and conclud
ing the vain laborious attempt with the words of a very
great man upon his death bed. Heu 1 vitam perdidi, operose
nihil agendo. It was a just observation of Socrates, that as
his mother, though a skilful midwife, could not deliver a
woman who was not with child, so neither could he, by
all his instructions, teach that man wisdom who wanted the
first stamina on which any improvement could be grafted.
If this be the case, and, I believe, I may appeal to expe
rience for the truth of it, the persons in danger of suffering
by their pride can be but very few; as this passion will
seldom thrive any where but in an empty head incapable
of any real excellence, or better quality. Mr. Pope, I think,
in his Essay on Criticism, calls pride " the never-failing
vice of fools." It seems, indeed, designed as an equivalent
for their being so.
These reflections naturally lead me to consider another
advantage arising from this temper of mind, and that of
the highest consequence to human happiness. It recon
ciles a man to himself in every circumstance of life. It may
not, indeed, be in my power to be rich or wise, or witty or
learned, just as I have a mind to it, but by the help of this
innocent imposition, I can not only make myself master of

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 123
all these advantages, but in any degree too that I choose
to possess them. I have soniewhere met with two lines
which express what I mean in stronger terms than I can
myself. The author, indeed, applies them to madness in
genei-al, but I shall take the liberty of making use of them
for my present purpose.
 " There is a pleasure sure in being mad,

Which none but madmen know."
I have the honour to be acquainted with a gentleman of this
happy turnof mind, and it has carried him with great serenity
and comfort through a life of extreme poverty and contempt.
The first of these evils, which proves so insupportable to
vulgar minds, he despises with the temper of a philoso
pher; and when (as alas! is frequently the case) he does
not know where to get a dinner, he can make a hearty
meal on the contemplation of his own merit ! He has just
learning enough to know that this has been the fate of
great men in all ages, and therefore esteems it a necessary
tax paid for the superiority of his understanding to those
favourites of fortune who enjoy the luxury of a hot dinner
every day in the wepk. The benevolence of his mind has led
him to several attempts in his younger years for the refor
mation and improvement of the world, as (to make use of a
phrase of his own, in one of his most boasted performances)
" he esteems himself sent into it to teach men the use of their
reason,'^ It is true he ha^ hitherto failed in his expecta
tions of service either to others or himself: most of his
productions being reserved, as he himself says, for the in
struction of future ages, when he expects a race of men will
arise, wise enough to understand and value what the pre
sent race, for want of these qualities, despise. Supported
by such generous principles as these, a^d the posthumous
glory that awaits him, he^-bears-up^nder the pressure of
old age and infirmities. Undismayed at the treatment he

124 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
meets with from an ungrateful world, his breast still glows
with plans of future labours, for which he expects his
reward in some unknown sera of light and learning suffi
cient to do justice to his memory. And, if after all, as
sometimes it will happen for want of taking a sufficient
dose of my medicinei, he seems to entertain any doubt that
such a period may never happen, he has still one resource
which can never fail him, and which I will express in the
words of the most elegant writer of our age,
 " 'Tis not in virtue to secure success,
But we'll do more, my Fortius, we'll deserve it."
I should now. Sir, come to the proper business of the
present letter, the acknowledgment of our obligations to
you, your lady, and the whole family, but as these are not
of a nature to be dispatched in a few lines, and my time
will allow me no more, I am obliged, though very much
against my will, rather to say nothing till I have the plea
sure of writing again, than omit what I am sure will make
the best part of my next letter, I thank God a good night's
rest has pretty well recovered my wife's spirits, which, I
hope, a day or two more will confirm, if she do not spend
them too freely in telling all the company that come how
agreeably she has passed the last three weeks.
You will pardon me. Sir, that I conclude this, which I
could not possibly delay to another post, with our most
sincere respects to every branch of your amiable family ;
and to assure Dr, Stonehouse, Mr, Harvey, and all whom I
have had the pleasure of knowing whilst with you, of my
esteem and affection, and in particular to accept yourself
the largest share of both, from, Dear Sir,
Your most obliged, most obedient Servant,
R. Cruttenden.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 125

FROM THE REV. W. WARBURTON, D. D.
Bedford Row, June 10, 1749.
Me. Allen has just sent me your kind letter ; and tells me
I am obliged to yoji for your Sermon,* which he commends
extremely. Your Essay on Inspiration is a well reasoned
and judicious performance,
I think you do not set a just value on yourself, when
you lend your name or countenance to such weak, but
well meaning rhapsodies as Harvey's Meditations, This
may do well enough with the people ; but it is the learned
that claim you. And though the intermixing with works
of this cast, sober books of devotion of your own composing,
becomes your character, and is indeed your duty, yet your
charity and love of goodness suffer you to let yourself
down in the opinion of those you most value, and whose
high opinion you have fairly gained by works of learning
and reasoning inferior to none. Forgive me this freedom.
I am proceeding with the Divine Legation in good earnest.
I have been a little diverted upon an important subject ;
viz. in writing a Discourse to prove the miraculous Inter
position of Providence in defeating Julian's attempt to re
build the Temple at Jerusalem. It is in three parts. The
first to establish the truth by human testimony, and the
nature of the fact. 2. An answer to objections, 3, An
inquiry into the nature of that evidence which is sufficient
to claim a rational assent to the miraculous fact ; — it is in
the press, but will not be published till winter,
I imagined I had communicated my grief to you for the
greatest loss I ever had, in that of the best parent and
woman that ever was.f It yet hangs heavy upon me, and
' That on the Peace then concluded with France and Spain.
+  " I have lived some time in the world; and, blessed be God,
without giving or taking offence. This time has been spent in my parish

12G DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
will do SO while I live. God preserve you in the possession
and enjoyment of all the blessings most dear to you,
which brings me to remember, with my best compliments,
good Mrs. Doddridge, and to assure you that I am, with
the highest esteem, Dear Sir,
Your very faithful, and affectionate, humble Servant,
W. Warburton.

FROM W. OLIVER M. D.
Bath, June 10, 1749.
My good friend Dr. Doddridge's letter gave me great
pleasure, for it showed me that I held that place in his
regard, which nothing but a grateful return for the just
esteem I have for him could have placed me in. Most
gladly should I have pressed you to have spent a summer
mOnth amongst your friends in this country, could I have
enjoyed your company; but though I cannot have it here,
I am in great hopes that I shall not return, from a tour I
am setting out upon, without seeing you.
I do not wonder that the great variety in Dr. H. — 's
book should affect you very variously. He is so far from
apprehending that the scheme of universal restitution will
harden sinners in their iniquity, that he fears that the
opinion of eternal misery has made more infidels and
church, for I am a country clergyman, and reside constantly on my cure,
in the service of my neighbour, in my study, and in the offices of filial
piety," " With lenient arts t' extend a mother's breath,
Make languor smile, and smooth the bed of death.
Explore the thought, explain the asking eye,
And keep awhile one parent from the sky."
Bishop Warburtmi's Wo7-ks, vol. vi. p. 12, 13.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 127
hardened more sinners than any other tenet broached by
heretics. He thinks it highly destructive of the moral
character of God to imagine that he would have brought
any thing into being without its knowledge or consent,
whose fate he then foreknew, and was certain that, by its
own mismanagement of the faculties he was then about to
endow it with, it would be rendered exquisitely miserable
to all eternity. Place before your eyes a creating God,
speaking forth myriads of beings under these deplorable
circumstances, and try if you can imagine him reviewing
his works, and declaring them all to be good! Can he
knowingly have brought these beings into existence so ill-
fated ? (For to a being, who knows the final misery they
will be plunged in, it is the same, whether it be by their
own misconduct or another's tyranny.) Can he have put
an instrument into their hands, which they did not ask
for, which he knows they will abuse to such horrible pur
poses? But the same Creator has put eternal happiness,
likewise, within their reach. Should you give a knife into
the liands of a madman, and tell him it was to cut his
bread and butter, when you were sure that the moment it
was in his possession he would cut his throat with it, you
would hardly escape being charged with the blood of that
man, as much as if you had stabbed him, ' Does not (the
Doctor may say) the influence of every doctrine depend
upon its credibility ? and has any rational creature, using
its faculties, ever failed of being shocked at a doctrine
which implies the highest injustice in the most jw5^, inflict
ing punishments as disproportional to the crimes committed
as finite is to infinite, and without proposing any end by it,
but exquisite misery to the creature punished, by which
the very idea of punishment is changed into useless revenge
and implacable malice ? God forbid that we should enter
tain opinions full of such horrid blasphemy, which would
make the soul shrink with trembling and astonishment.

128 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
and choose rather to repose itself in atheism than to live
under the government of a being, in whose ears the eternal
yellings of his miserable creatures, who had been set by
him in slippery places, knowing that they would fall, though
there was a possibility that they might stand, is not inhar
monious. Whereas, says the Doctor, when punishments
are proportionable to the crimes of the delinquent, who
can deny the justice of the infliction? — they are then the
chastisements of a kind father ; the end of whose correc
tion, be it ever so severe, is the good of his offending
child, sufficient to bring about his reformation, and to
deter his brethren from committing the same crimes? All
rational creatures would kiss the rod and adore the good
ness and mercy of him who thus kindly leads through
deserved misery into unmerited happiness; in which, alone,
we can suppose him to take pleasure? This idea is amiable
and lovely; it draws us, by the gentle cords of affection, to
obedience, and deters us from committing crime, which
both reason and scripture assure us shall have its due and
just reward; — we shall all most certainly, if we run in debt,
be cast into prison, from whence we shall not escape till
we have paid the uttermost farthing, or till that our Lord
Jesus shall be pleased, from his infinite love, to pay it
for us.
But the orthodox have a short answer to all difficulties.
— " The scriptures positively pronounce eternal misery to
all impenitent sinners." The Doctor would answer, that
if he could perceive that clearly, it would greatly stagger
his faith ; but, says he, I cannot let my clear and settled
idea of ih.QJu.stice and goodness of God depend on a doubt
ful and critical meaning of words and phrases. I meet
with the word eternal frequently, meaning, in scripture
language, an indefinite time. If I take it in that sense,
when it relates to future punishments, our ideas of God's
moral character remain holy and perfect ; if I take it in

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 129
the other sense, I dread to let myself conceive how they
are changed. But I hope my good friend will be able to
set all these things in a clear light.
I return you my hearty thanks for your sermon. Mr.
Allen and I talked it over yesterday, and we think that
the true state of the case, and the real motives to thanks
giving on that particular occasion are set forth in a much
better light in your sermon than in any we have seen ; and
we have both of us reviewed several from eminent hands.
I shall be very glad when that on education is published,
as I have had much occasion to consider that subject.
My best respects, and those of my whole family wait on
Mrs. Doddridge. I congratulate you on your children's
great proficiency, especially your son's, which is extraor
dinary. I am, dear Sir,
Your most obliged and affectionate humble Servant,
W. Oliver.

FROM GILBERT WEST, ESQ. LL. D.
Wickham, June 17th, 1749.
Though I have for some time recovered the use of my
hand, yet the sudden changes of the weather, almost from
one extreme to another, " Extremes by change more fierce,"
threw me back a little, and rendered my advances to entire
health more slow than they would otherwise have been ; and
this must be my excuse for not sooner answering your last
kind letter : though I think, that having supplied you with
enough of my writing to last you even longer than the time
which has passed since my receiving yours, I might have
held my hand, and spared you for a longer season ; which,
probably, I should have done, out of indulgence to myself
at least, as I am too indolent to love writing, had I not
thought it necessary, upon the intimation of your intention
VOL. V. K

130 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
to make me a visit at Wickham, to acquaint you, that I shall
be extremely glad to see you, having many things to talk
with you about, and to consult you upon ; so that I am re
joiced to hear that you design me the pleasure of your
company for a longer space than your business would
allow you to give me last year. I hope, therefore, you will
carry this part of your promise also in your mind, and so
order your affairs as to be able to perform it to my satis
faction. The Archbishop is not yet settled at Croydon,
and, I believe, will not reside there before next summer;
however, he will be there sometimes incognito, when I
shall endeavour to catch him, and acquaint him with your
intention of waiting upon him there. I have not seen Mr.
Lyttelton since I had your letter. He has been much
taken up with very important affairs, parliament, 8cc., and
settling matters in order to a second marriage. The lady
he has pitched upon is Miss Rich, the eldest daughter of
Sir Robert Rich : she was an intimate and dear friend of
his former wife, which is some kind of proof of her merit ;
I mean of the goodness of her heart, for that is the chief
merit which Mr. Lyttelton esteems ; and, I hope, she will
not in this disappoint his expectations : in all other points
she is well suited to him ; being extremely well accom
plished in languages, music, painting, &c. very sensible,
and well bred. I thought this short account would be
acceptable to you, who interest yourself so much in every
thing that concerns Mr. Lyttelton.*
* " While he was thus conspicuous" CaUuding to his exertions in Parlia
ment agaiiist the measures of Sir Robert Walpole), "he married (1741) Miss
Lucy Fortescue, of Devonshire, by whom he had a son, the late Lord
Lyttelton, and two daughters, and with whom he appears to have lived
in the highest degree of connubial felicity : buthuman pleasures are short ;
she died in childbed about five years afterwards, and he solaced his grief
by writing a long poem to her memory. He did not, however, condemn
himself to perpetual solitude and sorrow ; for, after a while, he was con
tent to seek happiness again by a second marriage with the daughter of
Sir Robert Rich ; but this experiment was unsuccessful." — Lives of the
Poets, by Dr. Johnson, vol. iv. p. 492.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 131
I am glad to find, that what you have read of my book
hath met with your approbation : though I cannot but ob
serve, that your impatience to look into it shows that you
came to it with a favourable prejudice; which, though it
might bias your opinion, is however a proof of your friend
ship for the author, and, as such, very agreeable to me:
latus sum laudari (and I will add), et amari a laudato viro.*
I have received and read your dedication to Mr. Hervey,
with which I was indeed, as you very rightly imagined I
should be, very much pleased : and I doubt not, but I shall
have the same satisfaction from the perusal of your sermon,
which I have not yet received. But I shall say no qiore at
present upon these and many other points, which I want
to talk with you upon, as I hope soon to have the pleasure
of seeing you here. In the mean time assure yourself that
I love, honour, and esteem you, and that I am.
Dear Sir,
Very sincerely and affectionately yours,
G. West.

* On the Translation of the Odes of Pindar, and on the poetical talents
of Mr. West, the following observations are made by Dr. Johnson. " Of
translations I have only compared the first Olympic Ode with the original,
and found my expectation surpassed both by its elegance and its exact
ness." He does not confine himself to his author's train of stanzas, for he
saw that the difference of the languages required a different mode of ver-
siflcation. " A work of this kind must, in a minute examination, discover
many imperfections ; but West's version, so far as I have considered it,
appears to be the product of great abilities. His Institution ofthe Garter
is written with sufficient knowledge of the manners that prevailed in the
age to which it is referred, and with great elegance of diction ; but for
want of a progress of events, neither knowledge nor elegance preserve
the reader from weariness." His Imitations (tf Spenser are very success
fully performed both with respect to the metre, the language, and fiction ;
and being engaged at once by the excellence of the sentiments, and the
artifice of the copy, the mind has two amusements at once."

k2

132 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

FROM THE REV. JOHN BARKER.
Walthamstow, July 4, 1749.
I HAVE several reasons for writing so soon again to my dear
and reverend friend, the first of which is to congratulate him
on his birthday: what you say of it is hardly civil; had
you said it to an enemy, it had been exceptionable, but to
a friend it is intolerable. What! have you prayed, and
preached, and written so many useful, learned, profitable
books, at forty-seven years of age, and yet call your next
birthday " the forty-eighth year of an unprofitable and sin
ful life ?" Give me leave. Sir, to bless God for your life and
labours, and to tell you, that I know not a more profitable,
or a less sinful life than yours in this world ; and I pray
God may prolong it for his glory and the good of his
church. The Disquisitions you mention I have read very carefully,
and I suppose they will hardly fail of gaining the attention
of the public* The authors have laboured a point which
is plain, and even obvious ; strange, that it is still a point to
be laboured. I wonder, very shame has not long ago re
formed the liturgy; for convenience sake, it need not be
* I find the work here referred to thus mentioned by the Rev. William
May, author of The Family Prayer Book, in a letter to Dr. Doddridge,
dated June 7th, 1749, " I suppose you have heard of a book, published
this week, entitled, ' Free and Candid Disquisitions, relating to the
Church of England, and the Means of Advancing Religion therein, ad
dressed to the Governing Powers in Church and State, and more immedi
ately directed to the two Houses of Convocation.' If you have not been
apprised of the authors, I believe myself to be very well informed when
I say, that the book is the performance of Gilbert West and George
Lyttelton, Esquires."
Mr. West and Lord Lyttelton were both sincere and zealous church
men, and advice from them on such a subject is, therefore, the more im
portant. The following extract from a letter of Mr. West's to Dr. Dod
dridge will show the truly catholic cliaracter of his sentiments on such
subjects.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 133
done so long as ministers will read it, and people endure it.
Endure it, did I say? — are they not fond of it? — do they not
defend it ? — and on the whole say it cannot be mended ? — •
are not all governors so sensible of the pleasure of rest —
so apprehensive of the danger of innovation — so selfish,
slothful, luxurious, and careless, as to avoid every thing
that looks like pain and danger. They all practise upon
the late Lord Orford's principle, viz. " Never to disturb
what is at rest." Governors, I say, both civil and ecclesias
tical (for revenues, large and profitable revenues, are an
nexed to that government). But though many of the
multitude of the defects, excrescencies, blunders, and ab
surdities pointed out in these Disquisitions have not been
long ago reformed for conscience sake, I cannot say but
that I much wonder the bishops, or convocation, or states
men, have not done it for their own sake, and for the sake
of common sense and good manners. But the matter is,
any thing will do for religion : — the great are above it ;
and as for the vulgar, a little sense and a good deal of
superstition does best for them. The conscientious and
devout clergy I heartily pity, and I heartily blame; for
though they know better, they cannot do it : they, there
fore, appeal, you see, to their governors, to ease their scru-
" I look upon your joining any thing of mine to your works, and those
of Archbishop Leighton, as a great honour done to me ; and shall rejoice
with you, if I can contribute, though in ever so small a degree, to the
glorious enterprise of promoting catlwlic Christianity ; for an enterprise it
is of great difficulty and very little hope, if carried on by human means
alone. I would not be understood by this, to suppose that God either has
been, or will be wanting on his part. All who will attend to it may per
ceive his good Spirit operating in those who are engaged in this labour of
love, so directly contrary to the spirit of this world, which is sensual, car
nal, and selfish. What I would say is, that the multitude, the bulk of
mankind, is so divided into sects and parties, and so attached to them from
prejudice, ignorance, and interest, that it seems as if nothing less than a
striking, and almost miraculous, operation of the Divine Grace could con
vert their hearts to that unity of spirit and bond of peace, which we pray
for eveVy day in our liturgy."

134 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
pulous consciences ; so, having been tempted by the bait
of a good living to conform, either inadvertently, or with
some violation of conscience, they now pray they may not
be forced to continue in sin : for though I hope a concern
for religion may induce these authors to write this book,
yet those of them who are pious clergymen certainly mean,
by this Address, their own case, and to make conformity
more palatable and less exceptionable.
Thus, dear Sir, I have entered farther into this affair
than I intended, and told you my mind before I have heard
yours; I will now only add, that it is a masterly per
formance, and will do great credit to the authors, whether
they do, or do not, succeed. But whether their consciences
will be fully satisfied, or their conformity fully justified, if
they should not succeed, is an awful question, which they
must answer.
I will send to town for you when it best suits your
affairs, and it shall not be my fault if you have not the
addition of Dr, Grosvenor's company to that of
Your obliged and affectionate,
John Barker.

FROM THE REV. MARK HILDESLEY, D.D.*
REV. SIR, July 15, 1749.
I PRAY you to permit me, an unworthy but well meaning
fellow-labourer in the great vineyard of our common Lord,
though an entire stranger to your person, to address you
* Dr. Hildesley was, for many years, distinguished for the unaffected
piety and cheerful benevolence which marked his character as a parish
priest ; and when, on the death of Dr. Wilson, he became Bishop of Sodor
and Man, his conduct as a prelate continued to do honour to his profes
sion as a Christian divine.
" During the seventeen years in which Dr. Hildesley presided over

OF DR, DODDRIDGE, 135
with my sincerest acknowledgment for the pleasure and
profit which the produce of your head and heart have
afforded me.
The satisfaction and comfort of hearing of the success of
your excellent labours, even from those of much more
consequence than myself, may, I think, be very consistent
with that modesty and humility, which, I am persuaded,
you are eminently endued with. But were you never so
liable to vanity, you are in no danger of being tempted to
it, by the applause or approbation of so inconsiderable a
bestower of it, as is the author of this epistle, who is no
more than a little country vicar ; though the charge which
has, for many years, been committed to him is, indeed,
large and important.

the diocess of Man, he proved himself a most diligent, faithful, and
affectionate pastor of his flock." — " The most efficacious measure which
he adopted for that purpose, and which entitles him to the lasting grati
tude of the inhabitants of that island, was that of procuring an entire
translation of the Old and New Testament to be made into the Mank's
language. This work had been projected, and begun by his predecessor.
Bishop Wilson, who, at his own expense, had printed the Gospel of St.
Matthew, and prepared for the press the other Evangelists, and the Acts
of the Apostles. These were delivered by his son to Bishop Hildesley,
who undertook the laudable task of completing the design. For this
purpose he obtained pecuniary assistance from the Society for promoting
Christian Knowledge, and many persons of eminence, who patronised the
generous undertaking. He was enabled to indulge his own liberal
spirit in contributing to the expense of the work, by receiving from the
Bishop of Durham the mastership of Sherburn Hospital, worth between
four and five hundred a year." — " The bishop had this work so much at
heart, that he often said he only wished to see it finished, and that then
he should be happy, die when he would. On Saturday, November 28,
1772, he received the last part of the translation, when he emphatically
sung Nunk Domine Dimittus in the presence of his congratulating family.
On the next day he officiated in his own chapel, and preached with
unusual energy on the uncertainty of human life. On tlie Monday, after
dining and conversing cheerfully with his family and one of the neigh
bouring clergy, he was attacked with a stroke of apoplexy, which soon
deprived him of his intellectual powers, and proved fatal to him in a few
days afterwards, in the seventy-fourth year of his age."

136

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

The genuine piety which shines in every page of your
writings cannot fail of warming the heart of every reader,
of what sort or denomination soever, who is not proof
against all impressions of religion; and I think myself
happy in not being under the dominion of prejudices, too
often found in people of far greater abilities than I can
pretend to, against reading books published by such as
chance to differ from them in some points of doctrine or
modes of worship.
The first performance of yours, good Sir, that fell into
my hands was, I think, a small piece upon Education;
wherein the affectionate manner with which you recom
mend the instilling early notions of Christianity into the
minds of youth pleased me so much as to induce me to
place it in some families, and, I hope, with good effect.
A neighbour of mine, of our order, has lately favoured
me with a perusal of your Exposition, for which I think
myself much indebted to him, and that it is my duty to
pay my tribute of thanks to the worthy author, on whose
precious time (for the sake of the public good) I shall not
further trespass or intrude, than to desire the titles of what
ever Dr. Doddridge has published, and (if it be not too
much for a stranger to ask) what he is soon about to pub
lish ; and that he will do me the favour to transmit the
same by the post, to be left for me at the Rose Tree, in
Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London.
I am (with the deepest sense of your signal services to
religion). Sir,
Your much obhged, though (to you) unknown Reader,
Mark Hildesley.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 137

FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY.*
BEV, SIR, Lambeth, July 21-, 1749.
I HAVE been, since I received your letter, in a very disa
greeable situation, moving my family to Lambeth.
I have a very true regard and honour for you, and shall
be most sincerely glad to see you, whenever your affairs
bring you to London. I have objection but to two days
within the time you mention, from the 24th instant to the
10th of August, which are Wednesday, July 21, and the
Saturday following. I am always at home, and the sooner
my friends call upon me in the morning so much the better.
I am at leisure, constantly, by nine.
I must beg the favour of you to give my service to Mr.
and, if you please, Mrs. West. I cannot go to settle at
Croydon this summer, for reasons very apparent to a man
that knows any thing of cleaning and furnishing houses
called palaces. I am, with most sincere esteem.
Rev. Sir, your obliged and assured Friend,
T. Cantuar.
• Dr. Jortin, in his Life of Erasmus, has taken an opportunity of in
troducing a sketch of this eloquent and distinguished prelate, which is
at once so comprehensive and just that I am happy to quote it. " He
Ci. e. Dr. Herring) was generous without prodigality, magnificent without
profusion, and humble without meanness. His religion was that of the
purest and noblest kind which true Christianity inspires ; it was piety
without superstition, devotion without hypocrisy, and faith which worketh
by love. Conscious of the uprightness of his own heart, and of the sin
cerity of his belief of the doctrines and precepts of the gospel, he was
willing to think the best of other people's principles, and to live the
friend of all mankind."
Like most men of commanding talent, who have been distinguished
for their piety. Dr. Herring held doctrinal points as of secondary impor
tance, and shrunk from the soul-debasing rancours which too often attend
theological disputation. Among a variety of passages to that effect, the
following may be quoted from one of his letters to Mr. Duncomb. " Your
friend, Dr. Carter, is greviously teazed by folks who call themselves the
orthodox. I abhor every tendency to the trinity controversy. Tlie manner
in which it 'ts always managed is the disgrace and ruirrof Ch-istianUy ."

1.38

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

TO MRS. DODDRIDGE.
MY dearest, London, July 27, 1749.
I FOUND Mr, West as hospitable as I could wish. He
came to meet me at Croydon on Monday, carried me to
Wickham in hie chariot, and sent me to London in it to
day. We spent almost the whole intermediate time in
religious and philosophical discourse, chiefly in one or
another of the elegant retreats in his garden, and the result
is, that our hearts are very much twisted together, and we
were truly sorry to part, I was the more so, as the Bishop
of Rochester, who intends to spend a part of every summer
in Northamptonshire, sent his chaplain last night with a
very obliging message, to desire my company to dine with
him to-day ; but I was engaged to Mr, Roffey, and I kept
my engagement the rather, as I have another with Dr.
Scott for to-morrow morning, which must also have been
sacrificed if I had failed in the former. I should be very
much inclined, if my time would permit, to give you a
description of Mr, West's gardens, which are extremely
pretty, but that I must defer till I have the much wished
for pleasure of seeing you.*
I have met with a pamphlet called " A Familiar Epistle
to the Most Impudent Man Living," which is really ad
dressed by my Lord Bolingbroke to Mr. Warburton, on
occasion of his vindicating poor Pope, and is the most spite
ful thing I ever saw. It led me to reflect on the great
advantages of candour and moderation, if it be but to pre
serve one from much outrage, under which severe people
* Dr. Johnson alludes to these gardens in the following passage. "He
(i. e. West) was often visited by Lyttelton and Pitt, who, when they were
weary of faction and debates, used at Wickham to find books and quiet,
a decent table, and literary conversation. There is at Wickham a walk
made by Pitt ; and, what is of more importance, at Wickham Lyttelton
received that conviction which produced his Dissertation on St. Paul.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 139
are ready to fall unpitied, even when, as here, they are
really injured.
Poor Mrs. Roffey looked dreadfully, in consequence of
the abominable manner of dressing the head, which some
evil demon has introduced to destroy the works of God.
The foremost plait of the fly cap is nearer the back of the
head than the forehead ; the hair on the forehead and sides
of the face is all combed up straight, and that behind is
tucked up under the cap ; and the wings of the fly are
pinned back, and stand up, that it may seem as if the wind
had blown the cap off, or at least turned it quite back ; and
poor Miss Roffey was in the same monkey form. May you,
my dear, and my sweet girls, be preserved from the detest
able fashion, though all the rest of your sex should be cor
rupted with it. I most heartily thank you for your prayers,
and I thank God for that protection he was pleased to give
me in answer to them. You judge very rightly, that Lady
Hardwicke's letter grieved me not a little. Poor Mrs.
Dicey I her mother will kill her, and then go distracted. I
am also much concerned to think that I shall not be able
to see Doctor Oliver : I beg that when he comes you would
make much of him and his lady, and make my best com
pliments to him, and assure him how deeply I regret an ab
sence which it is out of my power to prevent. I am.
My Dearest, yours, beyond aliybrras of salutation,
P, Doddridge.

TO MRS. DODDRIDGE.
London, July 30, 1749. — Lord's Day morning.
MY DEAREST LOVE,
I BEGIN a few lines to you this morning, before I enter on
my public work, to let you know that by the divine good
ness I am very well, having had a refreshing night, and
being greatly comforted by the good account I have re-

140 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
ceived from Bristol and Northampton concerning persons
so dear to me, as those who at both those places have been,
under the affiicting hand of God. In how many instances
does a gracious God hear our prayers, and what an encou
ragement is it to us to continue our correspondence with
him — ^because he hath heard the voice of our supplications
— to call upon him as long as we live. And what an unut
terable delight is it to think of our interest in him as our
God and Father, and as a friend of whom no evil accident
can deprive us, but who will live and stand by us, and com
fort us, whoever may droop and die, and when we are dying
ourselves. It comforts us greatly ; — I feel it even now at my
heart, that God should raise up, as it were from the dead,
dear Doctor Stonhouse, or the Countess of Huntingdon:
but, oh! what is this cause of rejoicing when compared
with that which makes our Christian sabbaths so illus
trious? — the resurrection of Christ from the dead. What
a revival was there! and how should our hearts rejoice in
it ! and how should we remember the day ! I perceive, my
dear, you had, though not very apt to remember days,
noted the 25th of July, on which I was exposed to, and
delivered from, so much danger under Westminster Bridge ;
how then should either of us have noted and remembered
that in which the other had been raised from the dead, if
we had lived in the great age of miracles, and God had by
one of his prophets, or by his Son, granted such an astonish
ing favour, in compassion to the tears and sorrows of the
survivor. And yet how much greater, beyond all possible
comparison, was the blessing of this day, the resurrection
of our Saviour. Then, indeed, were we both raised, and
with us our dead, and our living children, so soon to be
joined with them and us in death, and all our friends who
are, or ever have been, dear to us in the bonds of the Lord,
which are such tender and strong bonds, that his love will
make l;hem immortal. I hope, therefore, we shall learn to
begin all our Lord's days with joy ; and as the daily burnt

OF DR, DODDRIDGE, 141
offering was on the sabbath day to be doubled, or trebled,
in the temple, that so we shall double and treble those
grateful acknowledgments which we owe to God every
day. But have we not vvith them reason to increase our hu
miliations proportionably, to think how easily our thoughts
are dissipated amidst the hurries of the world, and the
course of good affections diverted from the channel in
which they ought to flow. You, my dear, are better than
I, and you feel not so much of it, but truly I have great
reason to lament it; and though I am not just now quite
so much in a hurry as I often am in London, yet the mul
titude of visits to be made and received, dnd of letters to
be wrote, and the want of some good opportunities which
my pastoral work at Northampton brings, and, indeed,
enforces upon me, almost whether I will or not, make
these reflections much more seasonable than I could wish.
I am now going out to my public work with a heart
too little prepared, according to the preparation of the
sanctuary, yet I hope with a sincere heart that aims at the
great ends intended by the institution of that sanctuary ;
and it is a great encouragement to me, that I have the
prayers of so many friends here, and especially at Nor
thampton, which I hope God will remember, and fortify
me with strength, both of body and mind. At least, I am
sure this will be a comfortable and improving day to you,
and the divine presence will be with my dear Northamp
ton friends, if my prayers may be remembered. But I will
break off here. — I am, with all services as due.
My Dearest,
Most affectionately and invariably yours,
P, Doddridge,

142 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

TO MISS DODDRIDGE. Monday night,
MY LOVELY GIRL, Walthamstow, July 31, 1749.
YouE dear mama, for being related to whom, both you
and I shall have reason to bless God as long as we live,
will, I am sure, have the goodness to excuse me that I fail
writing to her this post, that I may pay my respects to
you and relieve her from the trouble of answering this,
which will naturally fall to your share. As I have but little
time, it happens very well that I have not much to say,
more than to assure you of my tenderest love and great
joy that you are, through the divine goodness, so well
recovered. Indeed, you are so dear to me that every thing
that looks like danger to you afflicts me sensibly in its most
distant approach. It has pleased God so to form my heart
that I question whether any man living feels more exqui
sitely on such occasions ; the life of either of my children,
and of such a child, is more to me than the treasures of
a kingdom ; and there is hardly any thing in which your
excellent mama is not immediately concerned, which I so
much desire as that you may all live to bless the world
many years after I have left it. Now, when I feel this
tender affection sO warm in my heart, it is a great pleasure
to me (as it should be to you) to reflect that " as a father
pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him."
My dear child, you live by the divine compassion, to you,
and to me ; indeed I may say to both your parents, for you
are exceedingly dear to us both. Let me earnestly entreat
you to bear the sense of it upon your heart, and to consider
that every instance in which God is pleased to afflict you,
or to remove the stroke of his hand, calls for serious
recollection as well as grateful acknowledgment. It calls
for a solemn inquiry into the reasons of the divine conduct,
wherefore it is that God contends with us, and what

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 143
returns he expects from us when he delivers us from going
down to the grave. It gives me, my dear, unutterable joy
to think that you have deliberately chosen the service of
God, and solemnly given yourself up to Christ at his table,
that you have there taken refuge and sanctuary in his
blood, and entered yourself into the number of those who
profess themselves his faithful disciples ; I pray God you
may be ever faithful. I would not flatter any one, espe
cially my child; and I hope I do not flatter myself in the
many good things I think of you. I truly think that you
have many excellent dispositions by nature, if I may be
allowed the expression ; great Humanity, great Sweetness
of Temper and Tenderness of Conscience, ready Compas
sion for the distressed, a remarkable willingness to oblige
others and a grateful sense of obligations to them, adorned
with native Modesty and Humility, which really adds a
great lustre to all. These are lovely qualities, and I bless
God who hath given you so much of them, and, I trust,
sanctified them all by his grace. Your next question will
naturally be, ' and what do I want to complete my charac
ter ?' Shall I, my dear, tell you plainly ? I think it is
Resolution, Diligence, and Activity. Indolence and a dis
position to trifle seem to me your great snares. ' You will,
therefore, not only to oblige your parents, but to please
God, and, in some measure, to repay his benefits, guard
against them. Remember, my love, I entreat you, that
we were all made to do good; and though that gracious
Being, who knows our frame and our circumstances, requires
no more than he has given us a capacity to perform, yet
he requires that, even in the most private station of life.
You will, I hope, often remember what, indeed, my dear,
you sometimes seem to forget more than from your na
tural good sense I should expect ; — that the years of child
hood are now past, and that you are entered upon the
responsibility of rational life; and you will, I persuade
myself, be solicitous that you may act wisely, of which

144 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
you have daily before you a most amiable and edifying
example in your dear mama, from whom all who are about
her may learn every thing that can, in private life, adorn
religion, and make those around us happy. Endeavour,
therefore, like her, to divide your time in a proper propor
tion between devotion, reading, working, and improving
conversation ; not overburthening your delicate frame, for
that would grieve me much, but always aiming at some
thing that is right and good ; in the pursuit of which that
strong understanding, with which it hath pleased God to
bless you, will direct you, and which you will find a thou
sand times more pleasant than a life of indolence can
possibly be ; especially, when you consider that every ca
pacity of doing good is a talent which God hath committed
to us, and for which we are accountable.
These, my dear girl, are hints which I have often given
you, and I now give them in writing, that you may review
them at your leisure, and communicate them, whenever you
think it necessary, to your sisters, that you and they
may see how very near your interest lies to my heart. I
must now conclude, only adding that, through the divine
goodness, I am perfectly well, and as happy in the friends
now about me as I can be, while absent from those who
must be dearest of all. I please myself with the hope that
a few weeks will bring me back to you again, and that the
day of my return comes nearer every hour. In the mean
time you and your dear mama and sisters may assure your
selves that you freely divide my heart among you, in such
a manner as that each has, at least, as large a share as she
ought, and it is well if each has not a larger, and the
necessary consequence is that you share my prayers too,
in which respect I hope you will endeavour to balance
accounts with, My dear Child, your ever affectionate Papa,
P. Doddridge.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 145

FROM THE REV. JAMES ROBERTSON.*
REV. and dear sir, Leyden, Dec. 12, 1749.
I NEED scarcely make any apology for my silence hitherto,
as my writing would only divert you from more important
business. Since I came hither I have enjoyed the agreeable con
versation of some of the most learned men in this univer
sity, and particularly that of the Messrs. Schultens, father
and son, who are men of piety as well as learning, and who
have expressed a very great and sincere regard for the
Reverend Dr. Doddridge,
By conversing with the young Mr. Schultens, who was
lately Professor of Divinity and of the oriental languages
at Herborn, in Nassaw, I understand that several of your
sermons, &c. are translated into the German language ;
and particularly I have the pleasure to inform you that
your writings find acceptance with some of the most con
siderable of the Lutheran clergy.
The Abbot of Sternmetz, in Magdeburg, who is a man
of great piety and of considerable character among the
Lutherans, proposed some time ago to translate the Family
Expositor into High Dutch; upon which the Lutheran
clergy were alarmed, and dreadfully afraid of your intro
ducing the leaven of Calvinism into -the Lutheran churches,
which obliged the good Abbot to translate your sermons
on the Nature and Efficacy of Grace, as a proof of your
moderation in these points ; which I believe by this time
has had the desired effect.
I am desired by the young Dr. Schultens to let you
know that his brother-in-law, Mr. Valentine Arnoldi,
* This gentleman was first a pupil, and then assistant in the Academy
at Northampton ; lie afterwards held a professorship in the University of
Edinburgh. VOL. V.

146 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
Pastor of Herborn intends to translate the Rise and Pro
gress into the German language, and begs your approbation
and a copy of the best edition.
Since I came to Leyden I have been hurried pretty
much, as I applied myself particularly to the study of the
oriental languages, and attended not only the public lec
tures but the private lectures also of three of the most
learned men in that way, I believe I may say with just
grounds, in all Europe.
I thought that, as in all probability, this was the last
time I might have an opportunity, and the pleasure of
residing in the seat of the eastern muses, that I should
endeavour to gain such a knowledge of the eastern lan
guages as might render me capable of teaching them with
some credit, and at the same time of providing against any
future disappointment I might meet with.
And now, dear Sir, I heartily recommend you and your
dear family to the divine blessing and protection, and pray
that God may bless your labours in every respect. Believe
me to be Your sincere Friend and humble Servant,
J. Robertson.

FROM JOHN FERGUSSON, ESQ.
rev. and dear sir, Edinburgh, Dec. 23, 1749.
I HAVE waited for the post with the utmost impatience,
that I might, with my own hand, give you some account
of my health, for which you have been so much alarmed.
You may remember that, in the summer of 1744, while I
had the happiness to be under your direction, I was seized
with a spitting of blood, at which time you sympathised

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 147
with me in an extraordinary manner, so that to yours and
Mistress Doddridge's care, joined with Doctor Stone-
house's skill, I in part owe my life ; since that time I have
had frequent returns of the same illness, though, till about
this time twelvemonth, the cause remained undiscovered ;
and, as it is a thing not common, you will excuse my
giving you a particular account of it. About a month
before I paid my compliments to you last year I spit up a
stone about the size of a small pea, this I showed to the
surgeon of the place I was then in, but he persuaded me
that I was mistaken, and that it must have got into my
mouth some other way. I thought no more of this till
last January, when, after riding very hard, I was taken with
a violent fit of coughing, which brought up three or four
pieces of ragged blue and white stone, so hard that they
were broken with difficulty ; I have since spit up a great
number, though not so frequently of late. These small
stones the physicians take to have been the cause of my
illness, and have prescribed me the use of soap and oyster-
shell lime-water, and sent me, for the sake of the air and
goats' milk, to our Scot's Montpelier, the rugged Isle of
Arran, where, by the goodness of God, my health, which
had suffered much by the damps of Arundell, is so well reco
vered, that I think of setting out in a few days for Shrews
bury, where it would be the greatest pleasure that could
fall in my way to hear that*
* The termination of this letter is wanting. Mr. Fergusson died from
consumption in the course of the following year. The singular secretions
spoken of in this letter were probably formed by those glands of the
lungs which are situated at the point where the air tube divides into its
two first branches (i. e. bifurcatim of tlie traehea). These glands are of a
very dark colour, and their substance is sometimes found changed into a
sac of inky-like fluid.

148 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

FROM THE COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON.
MY WORTHY FRIEND, 1750.
I COULD not let the bearer of this go through Northampton
without calling, and returning my most grateful acknow
ledgments for your kind and obliging letter. May the God
of grace repay all those sentiments of regard for me I
know I never can ; — esteem you very highly I think I
must do while I live ; and among those many unworthy
offerings to heaven, O, that the Divine Goodness may
accept but one petition that may reach you, and then how
greatly will he honour me ! I must just tell you that I have
had two large assemblies at my house, of the Mighty, the
Noble, the Wise, and the Rich, to hear the gospel by Mr.
Whitfield ; and I have great pleasure in telling you they
all expressed a great deal in hearing him. Sometimes I
do hope for dear Lord Chesterfield, and Lord Bath, Mr.
Stanhope, and one of the privy council of Denmark, with
a great many ladies and people of fashion, as well as of
quality. I know your warm heart will rejoice at this, and
your prayers will help with ours for an increase to our
blessed Lord's kingdom, even among these. I am in a
hurry, as it is very late. The person that brings this I
think you will like in talking with, he has charge of some
poor schools of mine in the country, and is a most worthy,
pious, and sensible man.
My kind services to Mrs, Doddridge.
I am, sincerely, dear Sir,
Your obliged Friend,
S. Huntingdon.

OF DR, DODDRIDGE. 149

FROM HENRY BAKER, F. R. S.
DEAR SIR, Catherine Street, Feb. 13, 1750.
The shortest apologies are best; and as you are, I hope,
convinced of my sincere respect, I shall not waste the little
time I can command in writing you the reasons of my long
silence, but come directly to the purpose of this letter,
which is to inquire if you felt any thing at Northampton
ofthe earthquake* that surprised us last week in London,
and to send you some account thereof.
On Thursday last, the 8th instant, as I was walking
along Chancery Lane, towards Holborn, at about forty
minutes past twelve at noon, people came out of several
houses to their doors in great surprise, complaining of the
shaking of their houses, and imputing it to the fall of some
building, large timber, or other heavy body, which they
imagined to have fallen at some little distance from them,
and which they came out to inquire after.
When I was got into Holborn I found the people there
under the same consternation, and expressing themselves
* It appears from a letter written in answer to this that at the moment
of the earthquake Dr. Doddridge, who was just returned from preaching,
did not observe any thing remarkable, and that if there was any such
sound as that described, it was mistaken for a coach passing at the time.
A female friend felt as if her heels were suddenly raised, and was near
falling forward. Dr. Stonhouse felt the shock so violently that it seemed
to him as if a heavy waggon had struck against the end of the house.
Other observations made at Northampton tended to show that the motion
was lateral.
The little damage sustained from the earthquake on this occasion
may, in a great measure, be accounted for by the substantial mode of
building used by our forefathers. Such a visitation at the present day
would, it may be feared, be followed with dreadful consequences, as
most of the heavy houses in London, the lower fronts of which have been
cut away to form shops, are only supported, on that side, by short iron
columns, which would immediately give way if thrown for a moment out
of the perpendicular.

150 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
nearly in the same manner. Going on to Gray's Inn,
many people were got together in the great square, talking
about the shock they had felt, and, in particular, a lamp
lighter was giving an account, that being on his ladder
pouring oil into a lamp, he was in great danger of falling
by the unexpected shaking of the ladder. I then went to
a friend's chambers under Gray's Inn library, where the
shock had been so great that they thought a clock would
have fallen down ; and fancied, at the time, that some
large box or vast heap of books had been tumbled down
over head. The people in all the streets, as I returned
home, were talking of this strange motion, which now
every body understood to be an earthquake, and many
women complained that it had made them sick, in which
their fright might probably be equally concerned. On
coming home, I found my own family had been no less
surprised ; and that Mrs. Baker had sent to the neighbours
to inquire if any thing had fallen down in their houses, to
occasion the shaking of mine, which she described as very
violent. She sat at the time in the dining room, on the
first floor next the street, and her supposition at the instant
was, that one of the servants had fallen all along with great
violence in a back room of the next story, had tried to get
up, stumbled, and fallen down again, thereby shaking the
house and making a great noise. My son was then at the
Tower, where the same shock was felt, and every body
was startled with the immediate apprehension of some ex
plosion of gunpowder, of which there are great quantities.
A gentleman who was sitting at a table writing, in his
house in the mint in the Tower, was tossed out of his chair
against the table with violence.
I inquired of many people in different streets, that by
comparing their accounts I might form a better judgment,
and I found them agree universally in the first supposition
of the fall of some ponderous body ; most said with a great

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 151
noise, but some few were not sensible of that. I endea
voured, likewise, to learn its course, and by comparing the
reports of people in different situations, it seems to have
lain east and west, and to have passed from the west east
ward. I felt nothing of it myself as I walked in the street, nor
do I find that many who were walking did, but that I
impute to the noise and shaking of the carts and coaches.
Our worthy president of the Royal Society had some
gentlemen with him at his house in Queen Square, who
were all surprised with something falling, as they imagined,
with a great noise, and at the instant the house seemed to
heave up, then to sink dovvn again, and totter sideways, till
it seemed to settle. Two coaches waiting at his door, the
coachmen found themselves lifted up, and almost tumbled
from their seats ; other people took notice also of this rising
and sinking. In Westminster Hall both the judges and
pleaders thought the hall would tumble on their heads;
and the judges, whose seats are contiguous to the wall, felt
it shake from its foundation. Doors were opened, pewter
and other things thrown down in many houses, and some
chimneys fell.
This day fortnight a most extraordinary light appeared
in the sky towards the south east, between six and seven
in the evening, and surprised the whole town with the
apprehension of a great fire; for the sky appeared of a
fiery redness at the beginning, and then a line of dark red
fire of about fifteen degrees in width seemed to form, which
continued for some time, was then diffused, and left a re
markable lightness in the sky during the whole night after.
One cannot, I think, let such uncommon phsenomena
pass unheeded : if these terrors of the Almighty will not
excite reflection, surely nothing will. I hope, therefore,
this short account will prove acceptable, and that you will

152

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

excuse my great omissions towards you for a long time past,
which I assure you have often given me uneasiness,
I have several times been thinking of the two instances
you mentioned, when I saw you last, of the effect some
wounds have on the jaws and nervous system, by locking
up the mouth as it were, and thereby bringing on death.
As such cases are very little known, and we have none of
them among the many papers sent to the Royal Society,
you would oblige us much by an account thereof, espe
cially of the last case, which, happening in your own
house, you can more particularly speak to ; and if you
shall not judge it proper to mention the gentleman's name,
if you call him only a young gentleman, it will be (from
you) sufficiently satisfactory.*
I have just received a letter from Dr. Miles, informing
me that the earthquake was felt at Tooting, though not by
his family : it was felt pretty strongly at Greenwich, and
at Darking in Kent, at Hampstead, at Kilburn, at Rich-
ford, and Kingston in Middlesex, and also at Enfield.
Other places I am as yet uncertain of A line from you
* Mr. Baker probably alludes to some circumstances which attended
the death of Mr. Worcester, one of the pupils at Northampton, and of
which the following account is abstracted from a letter of Dr. Doddridge's,
in other respects of little interest.
Mr. Worcester was playing at football with some other students, when
tlie ball struck against a piece of broken bone (which was sticking up in
the ground) in such a way that it cut through his shoe and wounded him
in the great toe. No attention was paid to the accident at first ; but after
a few days the wound became troublesome, and a pain arose in the chest,
attended with rigors, anxiety, and fever, which proved fatal.
His death was a sudden affliction to his friends, as he had written to
his father to say that he was only indisposed ; but it so happened that his
sister, dreaming that he was dead, felt anxious about him, and sent to in
quire how he was, just at the time of his decease.
After his death a Sermon was found which he had written in five hours,
to which a note was added to the effect that it might perhaps be the only
one he should ever write, and that he hoped it would not be deemed pre
sumptuous that it was written in so short a space of time.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 153
will always give me unspeakable satisfaction, and I hope
you will do me the justice to believe that I am, with the
most cordial wishes for the prosperity of you and yours, in
which Mrs. Baker and my sons join most heartily.
Dear Sir,
Your most faithful and most affectionate humble Servant,
H. Baker.

FROM THE BISHOP OF LONDON.*
rev SIR, Temple, March 24, 1750.
It was with great pleasure and satisfaction that I received
and read your very excellent and seasonable sermon, pub
lished upon the occasion of the late earthquakes, I pray
God it may have a due influence upon the minds of all
who read it ; and I wish all would read and consider it.
Though I am a stranger to your person, yet I am not so
to your character and abilities, which I have been made
acquainted with by many, and particularly by my worthy
friend Dr. Grey.
Whatever points of difference there are between us, yet
I trust that we are united in a hearty zeal for spreading
the knowledge of the gospel, and for reforming the lives
and manners of the people according to it, I have lived
long enough to know by experience the truth of what we
are taught, " That there is no other name by which we
may be saved, but the name of Christ only." I have seen
the true spirit, and the comfortable hopes of religion lost in
the abundance of speculation, and the vain pretences of
setting up natural religion in opposition to revelation ; and
there will be little hope of a reformation, till we arc
* Dr. Sherlock.

154

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

humble enough to be willing to know Christ and him cru
cified. In this necessary and fundamental point I am fully
persuaded we do not disagree ; and I earnestly beg of God
to bless our united endeavours to make his ways known.
Recommending you and your Christian labours to his
gracious protection, I am. Sir, with great truth.
Your affectionate and humble Servant,
Thomas London.

FROM NATHANIEL NEAL, ESQ.
DEAE SIE, Million Bank, April 11, 1750.
The interposing between yourself and Dr. Jennings, in
relation to Dr. Watts's MSS, is to me by no means an
agreeable undertaking; but if he requests it (and if he
does not it can answer no purpose) I shall be ready to do
what I am able for the honour of the MSS. as well as to
prevent a misunderstanding between the Doctor and you.
Allow me to say that I am very glad you have found out
at last, that many, much talked of amongst the dissenters,
are poor creatures; and though I am satisfied if you judge
as right in the application of that general observation to
individuals, as you do in making it, that it will set me and
many other of your friends some degrees lower in your
esteem with regrad to our talents ; yet if it does not affect
us in the professions we make of esteem for you, I shall
greatly rejoice, in that it will make you more moderate in
the opinions you take up of men, and in the compliments
which, in consequence thereof, you pay them, and which,
in some instances, I fear you have found cause to retract.
As to the principles you act upon, I am as fully per-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 155
suaded of their goodness as any man living ; but as it is
generally known you have within the last two or three
years increased your acquaintance with some of the most
eminent members of the establishment, let not your worst
enemy have a pretence for saying that you are paying court
to them, in hopes of increasing their esteem of you, and
your own interest amongst them ; for, although I think
that a charming collect which you have selected, yet I am
free to say the whole liturgy together is so very exception
able, that one ought to be cautious in paying a compliment
to any part of it, unless one was professedly considering
which was to be commended and which to be censured.
Excuse this hasty line, and believe me to be, in bonds of
the most inviolable friendship. Dear Sir, ever yours,
Nath. Neal.

FROM NATHANIEL NEAL, ESQ.
Million Bank, May 10, 1750.
I SHOULD not venture with so much freedom to apprize
you of the censures that have been cast on you, if I did
not think they were undeserved. I wish I knew my own
intentions and views to be as uniformly right and benevo
lent as I firmly believe yours to be. Yet, when a great
character is exhibited to view, upon the whole deserving
wonder as well as applause, an inconsiderable looker on
may discern a defect, and make a remark that may be
worthy attention and regard ; and I sometimes flatter
myself, that if being your adviser does not make me vain,
nothing that is likely to fall to my lot will.
The reading your Expositor in manuscript, before it goes
to the press, will afford mc both so much improvement

156 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
and entertainment, that, for my own sake, I should desire
it if I have time. But my conceptions are really so slow,
that, in order to do any thing well, I must not undertake
too much. And I sometimes fear that, by attempting
things out of my own sphere, I am in no small danger of
being justly despised.
You make me smile when you say that you think " the
dissenters too stiff'." I am afraid we are all so, when we
are thwarting any thing besides our own follies, passions,
and vices ; there we are too apt to be pliable, and every
where else stiff. We can bear with no folhes but our
own ! and those we magnify into virtues. He that is very
wise for, or against modes, and rites, and forms, and specu
lations, must be very stiff", or he will make no figure ; and
he that knows the difficulty of attaining true wisdom and
real goodness of heart will have little leisure to attend to
other people's follies, that he may get time to subdue his
own. There is so little hope of curing these mad sailors,
that the most we can attempt is to steer clear of them.
The chaplain's post which I want to fill I shall be
extremely cautious of recommending to, for it is a difficult
one, and many a youth, who might make a very reputable
and honourable figure in a congregation, might make a
contemptible one there. And it is a misfortune to our
interest, that our ministers are so generally taken out of
the lower families, where they have had neither instruction
nor example of any degree of polite behaviour, are then
carried through a course of studies on the foot of a chari
table exhibition, which will not allow of the least expense
or opportunity for improving in a genteel deportment, and
are immediately forced into the world, decked in a low
bred familiarity and confidence, or a sheepish awkward
manner, which is as ridiculous, as the former is offensive.
Perhaps I speak in terms too strong concerning these
external qualifications; but you, who know the world as

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 157
well as the Scriptures, also know the truth of that observa
tion. That man looketh only at the outward appearance, &c.
and, perhaps, it may suggest to you some expedient for its
gradual correction.
But I forget the number that receive their intellectual
food from your hands, whilst I thus long detain you. Yet,
before I conclude, I must inquire whether you and Dr.
Jennings esteem the profit of Dr. Watts's manuscripts a
sufficient recompense for the trouble you may have in
preparing any of them for the press, because I am called
on to settle the account of his estate by his residuary
legatees, which if I do, it will prevent my making you and
him any further acknowledgment. Yet I have no other
reason, nor any inclination to delay it. I have sold Dr.
Watts's copies to Mr. Waugh, for six hundred pounds. I
have seen Mr. Bradbury's sermon just published ; the
nonsense and buffoonery of which would make one laugh
if his impious insults over the pious dead did not make
one tremble, I am perfectly yours, dear Sir,
In the sincerest esteem, and warmest affection,
Nath. Neal.

FROM THE REV. JOHN BARKER.
DEAR AND EEV, SIE, Walthamstow, June 5, 1750.
You may be more sure of my esteem and affection than of
most things in this world of which you have not an abso
lute infallible certainty; nor is it easy for you to conceive
how much joy I reap from your labours in the church, and
usefulness in the world ; and with this preface I introduce
the following account of what is now under consideration
at London : —
In April last I made a motion at our synod for an altera-

158 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
tion of the second of our rules relating to students, which
stood thus : —
That the students encouraged by this synod be sent only
to Lindern, or Kendal, in England, &c. I proposed it to
be altered thus — That the students, &c. be sent to L  ,
or K  , or any other academy in England, which shall
be approved by the managers of this synod. I took some
pains with the speech I made, and made use of your letter,
among other things, to enforce it, and was so happy as to
succeed, and obtain a unanimous consent to the alteration
of the rule. The fruit I hoped to have gathered from this
was, to send at least some of our pupils to you and to Dr.
Jennings ; but the present turn the thing seems to take is
an attempt to set up an academy in London, under the
direction of the managers of the Presbyterian synod ; and
in the present scarcity of ministers, and complaint for want
of them, it may, perhaps, be best for the whole interest, and
therefore, fit to be attempted.
In short, our case is this — Rhotheram, in my opinion, is
no proper tutor — Latham is not a competent one. The
principles of the former I do not like ; the abilities of the
latter I question; but if they were unquestionable, his
practice in physic renders him unfit for that service. And
the pupils from both these persons do no honour to us, nor
are any of them near us, nor have we comfort or credit
from them. Yours and Dr. Jennings's academies are
fountains I highly prize and rejoice in ; but your streams,
though pure and refreshing, are not sufficient. We have a
share of them, but not enough. We languish, and are in
many places ready to pine away. Had not you supplied
our Presbyterian churches for many years past, what would
have become of us ; nay, it is certain, that what is called
the Presbyterian interest in England has been supported
by Independent tutors. 'My dear friend, while I mention
these party names I mean nothing by them ; I admire your

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 159
wisdom and candour in laying them aside, and wish you
to go on and to supply the churches with Gospel ministers,
and great will be my pleasure and your reward. The result
of all this is to try to set up an academy in London, and
to make Dr. Williams's library the seat of it ; not in oppo
sition to yours, far from it ; my heart is too much with you
to mean that, and my own concern will always be to serve,
encourage, and assist you all I can. But I hope another
academy, in concurrence with yours, will be a means of
reviving our sinking interest ; and if, as Mr. Neal expresses
it, it provokes Mr. Coward's trustees to emulation, there
is no hurt in that. But, alas ! this I foresee will be a work
of difficulty — of time, and, perhaps, come to nothing at last.
However, a committee is appointed to consider about it, of
which I am chairman. We have met twice, and shall con
tinue to meet all the summer, till we have agreed upon a
report to be made to our principals after the adjournment.
The freedom I have now used with you shows the confi
dence I have in you, and the degree, as well as truth, of
my friendship for you. It is no matter how little you say
of this, nor how little you believe about it, besides what
you hear from me, there being no end of suggestions,
imaginations, reports, 8cc. on such an affair as this.
I hear you intend a journey into Suffolk and Norfolk
the ensuing vacation ; you will find, I fear, many vacancies
in those counties. I must remind you that Epping waits
for a line — a hopeful, comfortable line from you ; and how
happy were it for us if you could supply all our destitute
churches as well and as easily as you could wish.
I should have thought myself unworthy of the sacred
name of friend if I had not communicated the subject of
this letter to you, and I know you -so well as to be tho
roughly persuaded that it will rejoice your heart to hear that
attempts are also making amongst us to promote the cause

160 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
of truth, liberty, and practical religion. It is your honour,
dear Sir, to have supplied the churches with so many faith
ful and eminent pastors — go on to furnish us with many
more. How needful and beneficial is the public worship of
God, for preserving the sense of religion amongst men,
promoting the life and power of it amongst Christians,
for endearing the blessed God and Redeemer to our souls,
for withdrawing our affections from this present world —
arming us against the temptations and sorrows of life and
death, and suiting and disposing us to the service and hap
piness of heaven : and how shall this be done with honour ?
how shall this be kept up with spirit ? unless we have a
succession of truly Christian ministers.
We join in the most affectionate and respectful services
to yourself, Mrs. Doddridge, and your children,
I am. Dear Sir,
Most sincerely yours, while I am
John Barker.

FROM THE COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON.
Ashby Place, June 6, 1750.
MY MOST EXCELLENT FRIEND,
I KNOW no one who, without intending it, seems more cal
culated to betray me into a spirit of partiality than your
self; for as your friendship and great kindness to me binds
by obligation, so your piety and abilities obtain both my
love and highest estimation; and were I to judge of all
by you, that think with you, I should have more to say for
my partiality than has fallen to the share of any particular
denomination ; and yet, by looking a little farther, I find to

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 161
distinguish is my best privilege, as it ever will be one of
yours to be most eminently distinguished, and thus, my
preference honours and admires in you only what it would
rejoice to see in all; but this is reserved for heaven, and a
few pledges of it are given us, to show how worthy it
will be to all eternity of our friendship.
Your candour is such a blessedness about you, that I fear
it will make you too soon fit for heaven, and leave us
mourning followers of your example. It is what my whole
soul aspires after — it is my reigning object, as well as sub
ject of delight ; yet how do the fetters of prejudice, weak
ness, and ignorance, contend with me ; and still Hope assures
me that feeling these so strong will but occasion my bolder
springs for liberty ; and while my chains thus oppress me,
my longing heart paints the deliverance, and sighs after
the happy prospect of breathing love upon the whole crea
tion. I live satisfied,yor this, to be despised, mistaken, and
reproached; rejected by all, yet rejecting none; from the
unwearied labours of my life and love hoping all things,
and in conformity to Heaven's best gift to man, the Son of
God, ready to yield up these prison garments of flesh and
blood a humble offering to testify it. For such a para
dise in man it was that Jesus Christ paid the penalty — •
for this blessed reality he died. O, this high price ! Happy
am I, though but a redeemed slave, and following my
mighty conqueror, in the bonds of guilt, fear, and shame ;
the multitude does not make him forget me, though so far
behind them all ; and as his' pardon, the captive's liberty,
has reached my rebellious heart, he will yet delight to listen.
Thus does divine compassion show me the extremes of love
in him, and by it best discovers the depths of misery in
myself, and that nothing but a sad insensibility to the
one can exclude me from the other. That watchful care
follows every unguarded tliought, and with those eyes,
which are as a flame of fire, pursues all our enemies, and
VOL. V. M

162 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
drives them out before us, so will he prepare the habitation
of his creatures for himself, till from the charity of their
souls he can rejoice in them, by the view they have received
of his complacency in them ; for it is through this trans
parency alone we can behold him, for "blessed are the
pure in heart, for they shall see God ;" and, indeed, when
we reflect upon the price of our ransom, we can join in the
reasonableness of the Apostle's argument, and expect un
boundedly from such liberality. " He who spared not his
own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall he not
with Him freely give us all things ?" and yet by man a
guilty heart is thought too much to offer him. Oh ! had
he not the love of a God, even earth could not bear us,
heaven could not receive us,' and then our miserable, but
just portion in eternal banishment would be to enjoy only
our own horrid natures, — all we could have left, and hell
enough. I can say for one, mine would be so were I left to it,
and that, my worthy friend, I find myself a miserable being,
existing in time out of eternity, but that only in order to
, become, by an infinite redemption from' evil, a glorious,
happy, and immortal creature, by an acquaintance, and re
semblance of nature, with the God and Lord of all heaven
and earth; and I do now, in. part, by actual possession,
rejoice in the hope of that glory with God for evermore.
These truthswant no metaphors : that well of living water
is ever springing up, and will eternally abound with fur
ther displays of these infallible truths; and thus a Chris
tian can never have cause to despair, or ask any one if the
promises in the Bible belong to him ; — he has got them,
they are wrote with the spirit of the living God within him,
and each hour serves but to make the characters more
legible. Of this divine knowledge my soul now breathes
with the force and ardour of anticipated glory, in Hallelu
jahs with those blessed spirits who are permitted to rejoice
for us, though not with us; they are strangers to the joys

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 163
of redemption; and oh ! they must long to have come from
Abraham's loins, since the humility of Jesus took upon him
his nature; and who, being thus lowly, makes them the
blessed beings they are. Alas ! what a lesson of humility
have they come from;' rather, how must they see their
glory in this respect to be nothing, by reason of that which
so far excelled in the Son of God ; they gaze and admire,
but these depths exceed the capacities of their natures. But
how, or where am I looking myself? even in a mystery
the angels are not counsel worthy to look into: forgive the
eager adoration and high sensibility of the love of Jesus
Christ, which carries my transported heart to forget what
I am, from the view of what his love is resolved to make
me ; and from my great poverty do not wonder that this
exaltation seems too much for me ; it is literally taking the
beggar out of the dust and seating him for a moment with
the Princes of his people.
But I must now beg you to return my kindest respects
to Mr. Lyttelton. I honour his sentiments of universal love
to all good men ; may the choicest of divine blessings rest
upon him, I own I should be glad to hear he was out of
those trammels his vast parts and knowledge may make him
liable to continue in long; his heart none ever doubted of
being truly upright; but, under such his great temporal
advantages, these humbling condescensions, of becoming
simple, and quite unknown before God, as a child, perhaps
his whole life has been calculated to destroy ; books, men,
friends, earthly pursuits, with the wise man's ambitious
heart, all serve but to hold that humility cheap which is to
exalt God above all these; and, till He is depended uponybr
all, as the ignorance and helplessness of a little child
makes his parent the object of all its hopes and fears,
there is no help for man, that can yield him a rational joy,
or a secure hour upon earth, I suspect you have spoken
of me to him with that partiality of the friend I have felt
m2

164

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

you to be ; this is owing to your knowing me but little, as
well as the goodness of your heart, that makes you hope
all things.
Assure Mrs. Doddridge it is I must sustain the disap
pointment, by not having the pleasure of seeing her. How
am I bound to your prayers ! it is these have again lifted
me from the gates of death. Do thank and bless for me
the kindness of those charitable souls who so entreated for
me; may heaven, with eveiy prior joy upon earth, be
their reward,
I am, my most excellent friend, with the truest respect,
and most affectionate regard, your companion in the Gospel
of Jesus Christ,
S. Huntingdon.

FROM THE REV. MARK HILDESLEY, D. D.-*
REV. SIR, June 7, 1750.
The same reason that suspended my first address has
protracted also the acknowledgments due for your kind
favour ofthe 12th of October, 1749, viz. my unwillingness
to intrude upon your attention, which is always so much
better engaged than it can be by any thing I have in my
power to offer to you ; not that I can wholly acquit myself
of culpable neglect, when I consider your kind invitation
and encouragement to write to you again. But indeed.
Sir, I can by no means allow myself to think I am worthy
of such a correspondent as Dr. Doddridge, even if he had
more time to bestow upon me than he has. I have, it is
true, the honour of being distinguished by a very high
and important trust, in the care of a large flock ; which,
not by any personal merit or favour, but by lot in the rota-
* Afterwards Bishop of Sodor and Man.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 165
tion of vacancies of the college livings, I was removed to
from my fellowship about twenty years since ; yet, how
unequal to it ; alas ! when I consider, I am afraid and
ashamed to say. All my comfort is, that, as in general
estimation the temporal emolument is too disproportioned
to the extent of the spiritual charge, a person of greater
abilities would probably scarcely have consented (I had
like to have said submitted) to the undertaking. I must
beg leave to attribute your compliment, for such I must
call your writing me the ingenious, to that habitually cour
teous manner of treating all mankind,.which, I have heard,
you are remarkable for. It is enough for me that I admire
and relish your writings. Sir, as I sincerely do, for their
genuine and judicious piety; at the same time I am as
ready as you to give the chief glory where it is due — to
the great Author and fountain of all that is wise and good.
For though, when at every turn we praise the brightness,
or rejoice in the genial warmth of the sun, we chance not
in so many words as often to mention him that made it
what it is, yet the connection or implication always accom
panies the mind that is used to contemplate the works of
the Almighty. As God has been pleased to make you an
instrument of much good, all who are the better for you
will, I dare say, never fail to be thankful to him who has
raised you up ; and I do, among many more, pray for the
continuance of your life and health, so far as it is con
sistent with divine wisdom to prolong them ; and then, I
think, the rest will follow — that you will continue to do
good, and be a most useful member of Christian society.
I am not insensible of the number of worthy and signifi
cant correspondents you must needs have, and which still
enhances the favour of your writing so long a letter to so
obscure and little a man as I am, who have no sort of title
to any notice from any part of the literary world.
In the great building of the Church of Christ all the

166 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
constituent materials are not fitted alike for pillars or chief
comer stones ; nor are all, who are appointed to direct and
oversee the work, equally qualified to be master builders
or principal agents; but as every one, according to his
place and appointment, may be more or less proper and
necessary, so, I trust, by a diligent application of my
moderate talents (though I be only fit to carry mortar to
the head workmen), I may in some respects be usefully
employed; and, through the abundant mercy and favour
of the infinitely gracious proprietor, receive my proportion
of wages at the great, day of reckoning.
I am extremely obliged to you, dear Sir, for your ardent
prayers for the success of my ministry ; the large share of
prudence and discretion, as well as of courage and piety,
requisite for so important a trust and employment as I am
engaged in, I scarce ever think on but with awful fear.
But, insufficient as I am cf myself, I know that the divine
Master, whose I am, and whom I serve, and who has
hitherto wonderfully supported me under, and carried me
through the burden and difficulties of my station, is ever
able and willing to help and assist all, who are zealous to
advance his kingdom and glory.
I must not forget to acknowledge the favour of your
kind invitation to call on you, in case I should come your
way. I shall think it a particular honour and satisfaction
once in my life to take Dr. Doddridge by the hand ; and
should be glad to be so fortunate as to be in London wheu
he is there ; which, I believe, will be the most likely and
favourable opportunity for our meeting.
It is now high time to release you, which without farther
apology I shall do, by subscribing myself.
Worthy Sir,
Your greatly obliged Friend and Servant,
Maek Hildesley.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 167

FROM THE REV. W. WARBURTON, D.D.
DEAR SIE, j„„e 15^ 1750
Your favour of the 17th of May was sent me to London,
where I then was, and shall be till to-morrow, when I
return to Prior Park.
I am greatly flattered by your thoughts of Julian, be
cause I know the sincerity of your professions.
Some people of consideration would persuade me to take
to task, at the end of the second volume of Julian, a
chapter of one Hume on Miracles, in a rank atheistical
book called Philosophical Essays; and as the subject ofthe
second part may be a httle ticklishj perhaps it may be pru
dent to conciliate warm tempers by such a conclusion.
I was very sincere in the hint, which you are pleased to
call advice, of my last letter, as I am in saying that I do
not know of any thing which your abilities and application
are not capable of
As to the " Disquisitions," I will only say, that the tem
per, candour, and charity with vvhich they are wrote are
very edifying and exemplary. I wish success to them as
much as you can do.* But I can tell you of certain science,
that not the least alteration will be made in the ecclesias
tical system. The present ministers were bred up under,
and act entirely on the maxims of the last. And one of
the principal of his was not to stir what is at rest. He
* The sanction which the learned Bishop has here given to the plan
then proposed, for an improvement iu the services and regulations of the
Established Church, is an important fact, in evidence that some reforma
tion in that system is still desirable.
It is an inherent principle in all human institutions to require renova
tion in accordance with the progress of popular knowledge ; and it will
be well for the cause of religious freedom, if the liberal portion of our
clergy perform their duty, in that particular, while they have the power,
and before their calvinistical brethren have rendered the episcopal fold top
narrow for themselves.
The following extract will show the opinion of Mr. Neal on the publi-

168 diary and CORRESPONDENCE
took a medicine for the stone that killed him: and on
his deathbed he said, he fell by the neglect of his own
maxim. Those at the head of affairs find it as much as
they can do to govern things as they are, and they will
never venture to set one part of the clergy against ano
ther; the consequence of which would be, that in the
brigues of political contests one of the two parties would
certainly fall in with the faction, if we must call it so,
against the court.
Your truly divine labours are not only inore excellent,
but will certainly prove more fruitful.
But above all, I join with your friends in encouraging
you to a subscription, which, I make no doubt, will tum
out a considerable benefit. Books of infinitely less im
portance have lately done so. And I ardently wish, that
one who has deserved so greatly of our common Christianity
may not have to wait for the whole of his reward in ano
ther life.
To understand that all your good family are well gives
me extreme pleasure. My truest respects to all : and par
ticularly to the young gentleman who is beginning his
studies. I must now begin to call him my learned friend,
and have sent him a magnificent edition, which no money
will buy (I mean they are not to be sold), of the Essay on
Man, and Essay on Criticism. Believe me to be ever,
with the truest esteem.
Your most affectionate Friend and Brother,
W. Waebueton.
cation alluded to ; it is taken from a letter to Dr. Doddridge, dated 1750 :
" I have read the ' Disquisitions,' and admire the unequalled prudence
that is conspicuous through the whole performance. If any thing can
induce men of power and dignity in the Church to hazard some share of
their ease for' the sake of piety, truth, and charity, surely so much can
dour and deference ought to do it. If good men will not be prevailed
upon to restore the institutions of religion to their genuine simplicity
and lustre, can we wonder if weak men mistake and reject, or if wicked
ones pervert and despise them."

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 169

TO THE REV. SAMUEL CLARK, D.D.*
EEV. AND DEAR SIE, Northampton, June, 1750.
Miss Claek's company is so agreeable to me, that I
cannot persuade myself to lose any minute of it that I can
yet enjoy; but I must take a few moments to renew my
thanks to you and your lady for the pleasure of enjoying it
so long, and to renew my congratulations on the signal ap
pearance of Providence for you, which makes her return so
joyful beyond what was once apprehended. We are often
praising God on this account, and praying that the deli
verance may be completed. It would have given me great
delight to have been myself her attendant on this occasion,
for I never longed so sensibly to see you, but engagements
not to be dispensed with, forced me another way. I hope,
however, to wait on you about the end of the vacation, and
* From the year 1749 Dr. Clark had suffered from paralysis, in ad
dition to a gouty affection, and the benefit he had derived from the
waters of Bath, as alluded to in the above letter, was but of short dura
tion. On Sunday, Dec. 2, 1750, while in the act of administering the
sacrament to his people at St. Albans, he sustained a second shock of
paralysis, which deprived him of speech, and proved fatal on the fol
lowing Tuesday, in the sixty-sixth year of his age.
Dr. Clark was the great-grandson of the Eev. Samuel Clark, pastor of
Benet Fink, London, and an ecclesiastical historian of some note ;
his mother was the daughter of the Reverend Samuel Clark of Ayles
bury, whose Annotations on the Bible have been spoken of as highly
meritorious. The reader of these volumes is already so well acquainted with the
learning and piety of Dr. Clark, that it is unnecessary to enlarge upon
those points of his character. He was a man of unusual force of intellect,
and soundness of judgment ; and, as a natural consequence, his religious
sentiments were in the highest degree catholic and enlarged. The cant
terms of theological parties, and arbitrary systems of faith, were evidently
the objects of his aversion ; and, when speaking of such matters, he was
wont to say, " that all the heresies which had corrupted and afflicted the

170

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

in the mean time send Polly to spend a month with you,
according to your kind invitation. She must then go to
Enfield for a while, and will probably make you another
visit on her return, if it please God to preserve her life, and
to bless her joumey.for the reestablishment of her health.
Mercy has not forgotten our promise to her, nor must we
forget to perform it. We expect the coach every minute,
and I must therefore conclude, with our united and most
cordial salutation to you all; and am, with all possible
respect. Dear good Sir,
Your most obliged and affectionate humble Servant,
P. Doddridge.
church owed their origin to men's departure from the simplicity of the
gospel." Dr. Clark left one son and three daughters. — ^The former has frequently
been mentioned in this Correspondence as one of Dr. Doddridge's most
promising pupils ; and he was no less distinguished in mature life as the
able and pious pastor of a presbyterian congregation at Birmingham, at
which place he was unfortunately killed by a fall from his horse in the
forty-second year of his age. The memoirs of Dr. Doddridge, by Mr.
Orton, were revised and, in some instances, improved by Mr. Clark, who
was also the editor of the first edition of the Doctor's valuable Lectures.
Of the daughters, Ann was married to her father's successor, the Eev.
Mr. Hirons ; Elizabeth to the late Dr. Griffith, so well known as the pro
prietor and editor of that excellent periodical, the Monthly Review ; and
the third to the late Dr. Rose of Chiswick.
Of Dr. Clark's admirable work, entitled, " The Christian's Inheritance,
being a Collection of the Promises of Scripture," &c. an excellent edition,
with an interesting life of the author, has been recently edited by the
Eev. David M'Nicoll.
It would be an act of injustice to the memory of Dr. Clark were I to
close this mote Without stating that he was the founder of the first dis
senting charity school out of London. At this institution thirty boys and
ten girls were instructed in reading, writing, and arithmetic, by voluntary
subscription. '

OF DR, DODDRIDGE. 171

TO THE REV. BENJAMIN FAWCETT.
Northampton, June 26, 1750.
I am this day forty-eight years old ; but, O, how unworthy and unpro
fitable a creature !
MY VERY DEAE FRIEND,
I THANK you for yours, and bless God for its contents.
Still may you go on in his name and strength conquering
and tb conquer. I approve your scheme as to Brainerd's
Life and Journal, and think Mr. Ashworth the proper per
son to execute it. I rejoice to hear you have your praying
society for the purposes mentioned. Surely, if we can
believe, we shall see the salvation of God.
I am sorry for any abatement in your well earned pos
sessions ; but when all we have is devoted to the Lord, we
bear losses as stewards, rather than as proprietors. I
bless God this earth is less and less to me, and I could
willingly have done with it should it please my master to
give me leave. Yet for him I would live and labour, and,
I hope, if such were his will, suffer too.
Lady Huntingdon, for whom I desired your prayers, is
wonderfully recovered. She walked with me in the garden
and park, and almost wearied me ; such is her recruit of
strength : but the strength of her soul is amazing. I think
I never saw so much of the image of God in any woman
upon earth. Were I to write what I know of her, it would
fill your heart with wonder, joy, and praise. She desired
me to educate a lad for the dissenting ministry at her ex
pense, till he be fit to come into my Academy on an exhi
bition ; and this is but one of a multitude of good works
she is continually performing. I must tell you, however,
one observation of hers which struck me much : " None,"
said she, " know how to prize Christ but those who are
zealous in good works. Men know not till they try what

172 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
poor imperfect things our best works are, and how deficient
we are in them ; and the experience of that sweetness which
attends their performance makes us more sensible of those
obligations to him whose grace is the principle of them in
our hearts." She has God dwelling in her, and she is
ever bearing her testimony to the present salvation he has
given us, and to the fountain of living waters which she
feels springing up in her soul, so that she knows the divine
original of the promises before the performance of them to
her, as she knows God to be her creator by the life he has
given her.
As I was setting out on my blessed journey to her,
for such indeed it was, yesterday was sevennight, a ter
rible accident happened in my study, which might have
been attended with fatal consequences: I had been seal
ing a letter with a little roll of wax, and I thought I had
blown it out, when fanned by the motion of the air, as
I arose in haste, it was rekindled. It burned about a
quarter of an hour while we were at prayer, and would
have gone on to consume perhaps the closet and the house,
had not my opposite neighbour seen the flame and given
an alarm. When I came up, I found my desk, which
was covered with papers, burning like an altar; many
letters, papers of memorandums, and schemes for sermons,
were consumed. My book of accounts was on fire, and
the names at the top almost burnt through, a volume of
the Family Expositor, the orignal MSS. from Corinthians
to Ephesians, surrounded with flames, and drenched in
melted wax ; the fire had kindled up around it, and burned
off some leaves, and the corners of the other books, so that
there is not one leaf entire : and yet, so did God moderate
the rage of this element, and determine in his Providence
the time of our entrance, that not one account is rendered
uncertain by what it suffered, nor is one line which had
not been transcribed destroyed in the MS. I have to addj

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 173
that all my vouchers for Miss Ekin's money, all my Ser
mons and MSS. intended for the press, and among the rest
the remainder of the Family Expositor, were all in such
danger, that the fire, in another quarter of an hour, had
probably consumed them. Observe, my dear friend, the
hand of God, and magnify the Lord with me.
I earnestly beg your prayers, and entreat you to salute
my praying friends with redoubled salutations in this view,
and with this message : ' The grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ be with all your spirits, and with your families.' I
cannot say how affectionately I am.
Dear Sir,
Your ever faithful Friend, Brother, and obliged Servant,
P. Doddridge.

FROM THE REV. JOHN BARKER.
DEAE DOCTOE, London, July 3, 1750.
Yesteeday vve met as a committee for the last time, and
agreed upon a Report to be made to the Managers of the
Presbyterian Synod, at our first meeting in October next,
concerning erecting an Academy here.
How much my heart has been set upon an Academy in
London you may perhaps remember, when I invited you
almost twenty years ago to Hackney, and would gladly
have resigned the congregation to you, and have seen your
Academy transplanted hither. I am still of opinion that
there is no place in England like it, either for making
scholars or preachers, as there are great advantages of
conversation, preaching, and books.
I carefully attended to what you say about your Expo
sition on the Romans ; and strongly suspected how matters

174 diary and CORRESPONDENCE
there would come out ; but respect must be paid to truth
and conscience, without regard to events. If ever it should
happen that Northampton should become unworthy of
your labours, there are places enough that would gladly
receive you; but I am much more apprehensive of your
death, than of the danger of your losing the esteem of that
place, not you only, but your memory, will surely be
blessed there. But are you aware what a creature you
are? I love you beyond expression, and admire your
abilities, furniture, and spirits, more than you imagine ;
and not a man in the world rejoices more in your use
fulness than I do, and yet I often make myself merry with
your character and conduct : I will give you a sketch of it.
You are so entirely devoted to God, to truth, and holiness,
that it is very easy to impose upon you under the ap
pearance of any of these ; and are so perfectly made up
of candour and good nature, that a pious enthusiast, or a
godly dunce, is welcome to your table, and heart. You are
so good yourself that you think every body else ten times
better than they are; see merit in the darkness of mid
night ; cannot see faults without a noonday sun ; forgive
injuries before they are confessed; confer favours as a re
ward for affronts, and will never believe but that all who
are in good earnest in religion, and enter into the belief,
practice, life, and spirit of it, are to be embraced by you,
because Christ receives them, let their opinions or denomi
nations be what they will : now how should you be a party
man, or be likely to have your Academy supplied by people
who live upon notions, phrases, and external ybrms .' You —
but I will not oblige you any further now, but thank you
for that Sermon on Candour, which is the very picture of
your mind, and highly relished by
Your faithful and affectionate
Beothee Baeker.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 175

TO MRS. DODDRIDGE.

MY dearest, Clapham, July 30, 1750. Monday Morning.
I HAVE now the happiness of writing to you from our
incomparable friend, Mr. Neals, who brought me hither
last night, after having preached in the morning for Mr.
Price, and in the afternoon at Mr. Langford's. I thank
God the weather was so moderate that I preached with
great ease at both places, and was very well all the even
ing. I had a fine night's rest, and so could very well
afford to rise at six, having waked at five this morning.
My head was full of schemes relating to a philosophical
tutor ; which, on the whole, I am encouraged to think of
introducing into our academy, on a foundation which I
may have a more convenient opportunity of making you
acquainted with. I find it is most probable the Presbyterian
academy will go on, but I have no anxiety about it. I do
not question but providence will support us at North
ampton ; and, if otherwise, if I may but do what is right, I
shall be very ready to retreat whenever my master shall
appear to give me the signal ; for I do not merely talk of
it, but I feel it at my heart, that the only important end of
life, and the greatest happiness to be expected in it, consists
in seeking in all things to please God, attempting all the
good we can, and leaving our little weak schemes to be
overruled by his infinite and unerring wisdom. I dined
with Mr. Jackson, where I saw that excellent Mr. Barker,
and pleasant was the momentary vision; and I also saw
that plump, smiling, handsome widower, Mr. Spilsbury,
who, I think, would do very well for our fair friend, whom
the wise Doctor has driven from. Northampton, and who
I find has dropped some hints at Woburn, greatly confirm
ing your conjecture as to the wounded' hearts, all which

176

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

confirms me in the propriety of St. Paul's advice, 1. Tim,
V, 14,
I fear that, after so many hindrances, I shall be forced
to leave a great deal of my business undone, and many of
my friends unseen; but I am determined that, if God
grant me life, health, and opportunity, nothing shall pre
vent my setting out for St. Albans on Monday fortnight,
and I hope nothing will prevent your indulging me and
your other friends in the pleasure of meeting yoii there.,
At present, with due salutations, I must take my leave ;
and am. My dearest. Your ever affectionate
P. DODDEIDGE.

FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY.*
REV. SIR. Lambeth, Aug. 9, 1750.
I ESTEEM the part of your letter relating to Mr. Finne
as a real act of friendship, of which nothing can be a
greater proof than an honest and prudent endeavour to
vindicate an injured character. I remember well, and have
in my custody authentic evidence of my whole intercourse
with Mr. Finne. The application to me consisted of two
parts, first, to see what could be done by the favourable
countenance of the great men in aid of the Protestants at
Breslaw ; and, secondly, what prospect there was of the
assistance , of the clergy, by an application to the bench
of bishops. An answer to the first of those inquiries
naturally required a long time, I did my best in it, but
* Dr. Herring.

OF DR, DODDRIDGE. 177
had a negative at last. The other way required time too.
The letter from Breslaw to me was dated the 13th of July,
and consequently could have no proper answer till I saw
the bishops, nor a satisfactory one till I saw them all to
gether. The first opportunity I had I communicated to
them all the abovementioned letter, and it was the ge
neral judgment, that the case was not a proper object for
a collection here. Mr. Finne had this answer as soon as
I could conveniently give it ; and I remember upon that
occasion, on his pressing me for my particular benefaction,
I answered him, that what I could do would be quite
inconsiderable, unless in conjunction with my brethren,
meaning, that as I could not exert myself alone, in a
manner becoming my station, I should desire to be ex
cused; and I think it a little hard to be pressed to do
otherwise. This is the true state of the case, and I am
most positive, that I never promised Mr. F. that at all
events; whatever the other bishops did, I would alone
contribute to the assistance of the Protestants at Bres
law. I will not charge Mr. Finne with misrepresenting
me wilfully, but he certainly mistook me. The words of
my letter, which I transcribe to you, as sent to the gen
tlemen of Breslaw, will show that I thought and spoke
of myself in this affair as joined with the rest of the
bishops. They follow in the enclosed,
I am. Reverend Sir, your obhged Friend,
T. Cantuar.

VOL. V.

178 diary and CORRESPONDENCE

TO THE REV. SAMUEL WOOD, D. D.
MY very DEAE FRIEND, August 25, 1750.
When I quitted you with so much tender regret, after
having received so many engaging favours, and spent so
many delightful hours with you, I retained a secret hope,
that I should long ere this have renewed the converse in
such an imperfect manner as pen and paper would allow ;
but the continued hurry of every day and hour, that I
spent in and about London, gave me no opportunity of
doing it in a manner that would have been in any degree
satisfactory, I was desirous, when I did write, to give you some httle
intelligence as to the state in which I found things in
London, and the probable success of the schemes which
you knew I was forming. Now here in the general, I
have to tell you, that (according to your repeated pray
ers, when I was with you, and I doubt not since I was
separated from you) the hand of my God hath been upon
me for good, and that withersoever I have gone I have
prospered. You may remember that there were three
affairs of a public nature which were the objects of my
particular solicitude. The procuring a third tutor for riiy
academy, the providing for lads, not yet fit for academical
education, and the doing something for the service of New
Jersey, in the propagation of Christianity abroad. Provi
dence has accomplished the first of these schemes by the
unexpected success of the second ; and has opened some
promising hopes concerning the third, beyond what had
entered into my mind when I parted with you. The want
of ministers and students is so seen and felt, and the neces
sity of the scheme for educating lads not yet ripe for aca
demical studies is grown so apparent, that between three
and fourscore pounds per annum have been, by well disposed
persons, without any pressing solicitations from me, sub-

OF DR, DODDRIDGE, 179
scribed for that purpose in and about London ; and out of
that, it has been determined, that besides Mr, Clark, who,
with a salary of forty pounds per annum and his board, is
to be tutor of philosophy, another tutor is to be maintained
with a salary of thirty pounds, besides his board, who is to
teach the languages ; and as his salary chiefly arises from
this scheme, he is also to superintend the education of
these lads in their grammatical studies ; who are, in devo
tional exercises, to attend with my pupils, and to be under
my inspection, though not under my personal instruction.
As for the scheme of the New Jerseys, Mr. Allen, who
came over on purpose to negociate it, was unhappily smit
ten by that fatal infection at the Old Bailey, and is dead ;
but I have had large conversation with Colonel Williams,
who was the second man in the expedition to Cape Breton,
and by whom, indeed, it was chiefly projected; and he
encourages me to hope that Mr, Pemberton, the minister
at New York, on my favouring the scheme, as I certainly
shall, will come to Britain, and make a tour over its nor
thern and southern parts, carrying along with him two
converted and civilized Indians, as a specimen of what has
been already done,- He proposes to attempt a collection
in the chief congregations which he may visit on this
journey; after which he may very properly write such a
letter in his own name to the dissenting ministers in
England, as I expressed my thoughts of writing; and
may, with yet more propriety, recommend and enforce the
advice laid down in my preface to my Sermon at Kettering.
As for the affair of Breslaw, the good Archbishop of Can
terbury did all he could to procure a brief for them, or
a contribution some other way.
You will, perhaps, be surprised to hear that application
has been made to me from a son of Lord William Manners,
brother to the Duke of Rutland, to desire admission among
my pupils, though intended for a clergyman in the Estab-
n2

180 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
lished Church ; and if he be willing to acquiesce in' the
terms and orders of my family I shall not refuse it,*
I wonder at Mr. — 's purpose of removing his son from
me : I fear it is either on some misrepresentation or
foolish behaviour of the young gentleman, for I have
always treated him with the fidelity of a real friend, and
with the tenderness of a parent ; and I am well satisfied
that, especially on the improvement which, by means of
a third tutor, will be made in our course, there is no
place of education in England where, if a youth would do
himself justice, greater advantages might be found.
But you see how I have run on. Were I to begin a
second sheet, I should fill it before I had emptied half my
heart. Let me conclude, with the most affectionate and
grateful services to all my good friends at Norwich, and
those at Yarmouth, when you see them. My wife joins
with me in these salutations, of which you and your
charming lady claim a very distinguished share. Oh,
that we could see you here, and give you both, as a poor
* This circumstance, with many other facts of a similar nature, might
be appealed to as a proof of the high character for catholic Christianity
which Dr. Doddridge possessed, and of the perfect confidence in his theo
logical impartiality which it inspired. The reader will also observe, that it
confirms the account I have given of ths former Nonconformist Academies,
in which it is said that they were ^ far from being the sectarian schools of an
exclusive and peculiar denomination.' It was this high-minded liberality
and contempt of party distinctions which rendered Dr. Doddridge an ob
ject of dislike to the pharisaical zealots of his day ; and it is the expo
sure of these circumstances which has rendered these volumes an object
of alarm to their successors.
On looking over a list of the pupils educated by Dr. Doddridge, I ob
serve that there were mingled with the theological students, besides the
Earl of Dunmore, twelve gentlemen of fortune, not intended for the libe
ral professions ; and of those who were, it appears that five afterwards
held commissions in the army, four became physicians, and two entered
the law. Three others were elected members of parliament. Of the theo-
^og^cal pupils, six conformed to the Episcopal Church, while the great
body remained liberal and conscientious Nonconformists. Of these,
many were distinguished for their piety and learning ; and among others,
the names of Akin, Ashworth, and Kippis, of Darracott, Taylor, and
Fawcett, will naturally present themselves to the mind ofthe reader.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 181
grateful child expressed it, . " all your care again." Mr.
Neal and Mr. Barker are particular in their salutations
to you. I am, with more affection than can be expressed.
My dear Friend, yours, blessed be God, for ever,
P. Doddridge.

TO THE REV. BENJAMIN FAWCETT.
Northampton, Sept. 13, 1750.
MY SINGULARLY DEAE AND GOOD FEIEND,
Peehaps I should not have written to you so soon, if it
had not been that I am just now in a crisis that needs your
prayers; and to whom should I go when I want prayer
but to you, and some of my friends with you, for in that
you are mighty men. — You have a tender heart towards
your friend on earth, and a great interest in the Great
Friend above, and it is in an affair relating to His cause
that I am now to desire your interposition.
I have then to tell you, that the hand of God has been
upon me for good in my late journey in a very extraordi
nary manner. Never did I observe such a coincidence of
events to make my way pleasant and prosperous ; never
did I perceive all my councils more under a divine direc
tion ; so that events occurred I know not how, which I
should have been glad to have contrived, and must then
have adjusted with great pains and application, that they
might have been in the state in which I found them.
Among other things some of my friends, unknown to me,
had raised a subscription for maintaining a third tutor in
my Academy ; who, while I am employed in theological
studies, and Mr. Clark in philosophical, might teach the
languages, not only to my academical pupils, but also to
some lads who are forming their first acquaintance with
them, or who, though they may have made some progress,
are not yet of an age, standing, or attainments fit to be

182

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

ranked with any of our classes. This marvellously secured,
as you see, two important objects at once, that of improv
ing our academical course of education, and of providing
for the scheme of the youths, which lay so near my heart.
And it has had such an effect already, that whereas at
Midsummer we had four vacancies on Mr. Coward's list
that we could not fill up ; candidates are now offering
faster than we can provide for them, both as pupils and as
scholars (you will easily understand the distinction), so
that whereas we have hitherto been calling for vessels, I
am now beginning to fear for the oil. In plain terms, your
errand to the thrOne of grace is this, that a suitable person
may be found tO set over this important office, and that the
hearts of Christians may be opened to establish such a fund
for the scholars as may be sufficient for their subsistence.
As to the first of these, my eyes were upon Mr, Rose,
private tutor to Mr. Murray, nephew to the Earl of Dun
more ; a most ingenious, learned, active, prudent, faithful
man; and one for whose fidelity and friendship I could
have ventured my life. He is a lover of God and goodness ;
though I cannot say all I could wish. But Lord Dunmore
will not consent to his undertaking the additional charge,
though it would have saved twenty pounds per annum, for
the benefit of the scholars. I am now therefore at a loss ;
I have sent every way to inquire, but get no answer; and
whereas the plan was to have been executed before Michael
mas, the putting it off as a thing only projected, may, as
you will perceive, be attended with hazardous consequences,
and so much the more so, as the scheme of a Presbyterian
Academy at London (which I think can answer no end but
that of keeping up a party) is just now to be determined.
They intend three tutors, and nothing could be so effectual
to procure at least a delay of it, as if my friends had it to
say that there were three already at Northampton. On
this account I would most earnestly entreat that God would
appear, and make no long tarrying.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 183
As to the other, I am now sending out circular letters to
engage all the ministers in the country in this scheme, and
by their assistance the people of their several congregations.
This will occasion an association among us, which is a thing
I have long wished ; and I enclose in my circular the plan
of their associations in Norfolk and Suffolk, in consequence
of which six very promising youths are now being educated.
But here now is a work for prayer, to entreat that God
would touch their hearts with a right sense of things, that
they may see of how great importance the scheme is, and
what a crisis we are now come to with regard to it. I trust
in God, that he will appear, but then we must seek it in a
way of humble prayer. I am getting all the assistance for
this purpose I can, and I bless God my mouth is often
opened and my heart enlarged, when I am endeavouring to
plead his cause ; and I see souls hanging on my lips, and
drinking in the truth as it is in Jesus.
Indeed, my dear friend, I have lately been not only pray
ing for you, but solemnly blessing God upon your account;
that there is such a minister, that I have such a friend,
that I have been the honoured instrument of training up
such a pupil, and that I have such a joyful hope, though
separated from him now, of dwelling with him for ever,
and of seeing him with the angels of God.
I have a thousand things to write, but have no time, I
received eleven letters yesterday, and am so covered with
cares, that they almost bear me down ; but if they may but
be cares for God, they are welcome,
I bless God dear Mr, Taylor goes on excellently well,
he has much more prudence than many ministers; and
improves his time and opportunities, so that I have very
high expectations from him,*
* Those persons who have the advantage of knowing the Rev. Thomas
Taylor are perfectly aware that his future reputation realized the high
opinion expressed by his tutor, and will read with pleasure the following
extracts :
" This venerable minister," says Mr, Jf-'ilson, " was born in the neigh-

184 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
I beseech you to present my kind salutations to all my
Kidderminster friends, and particularly to Mr. WiUiams.
Grace and peace be ever with you.
I am, dear Sir,
Your affectionate Friend, and humble Servant,
P. Doddridge.

FROM THE DUCHESS OF SOMERSET.*
SIR, Percy Lodge, Sept. 15, 1750.
I WAS yesterday very agreeably surprised with the favour
of your letter, and had purposed writing to you by this
post, whether I had received it or not, to return you my
sincere thanks for the valuable present which our last
bourhood of Kidderminster, in Worcestershire ; and was a great-grandson
of the Eev. Richard Sergeant, who was ejected by the Bartholomy Act)
1662, from the living of Stone, in that county. Of Mr. Sergeant, the
famous Mr. Richard Baxter, to whom he was many years an assistant,
has left behind him this testimony : ' That he was a man of such extra
ordinary prudence, humility, sincerity, and self-denial, and of such an
unblamable life, that, during all the years he was his assistant, no one
person was against him, or even accused him of saying or doing any
thing amiss.' " Mr. Wilson adds, that Mr. Taylor " inherits the distin
guished virtues of his ancestor ;" and in so saying has given an estimate
of his character as appropriate as language could convey. During his
long services as pastor of the Presbyterian Church, at Carter Lane, Mr.
Taylor was remarkable " for the affectionate and serious style of his
preaching." Some other particulars relative to Mr. Taylor may be met with by con
sulting that truly excellent work, " The History and Antiquities of Dis
senting Churclies and Meeting Houses in London, Westminster, and Southwark,
including the Lives of their Ministers, from the Rise qf Nonconformity to tlie
present Time ; with an Appendix on the Origin, Progress, and Present State
of Christianity in Britain ; in four volumes, by Walter Wilson, qf the Imter
Temple.'' * " This lady, as eminent for her virtues as her rank, was the eldest
daughter of the honourable Henry Thynne, only son of Thomas, Lord
Viscount Weymouth. She married Algernoon, Earl of Hartford, son of

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 185
waggon brought me. I had not the pleasure of being
acquainted with any of your writings till I was at Bath,
three years ago, with my poor Lord, when an old acquaint
ance of mine, the Dowager Lady Hyndford, recommended
me to read the Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul ;
and I may with great truth assure you that I never was
so deeply affected with any thing I ever met with as with
that book, and I could not be easy till I had given one
to every seiYant in my house who appeared to be of a
serious turn of mind. I immediately sent for the two first
volumes of your Family Expositor, which were the only
ones out at that time ; since I have got that upon the
Acts, your Sermons upon Regeneration, those preached for
the peculiar use of young people, and in short every thing
of your writing which I could meet with. It is with great
pleasure that I hear you are going on with the rest of the
New Testament, and must beg that you will give me leave
to add my name to the list of your subscribers. My dear
Lord read your former volumes with great attention and
satisfaction, and frequently spoke of them as the best
books he had ever seen upon the subject.
I must now come to the most mortifying and difficult
part of my letter, which is to give you some account of
myself. And I must begin by entreating you not to
ascribe to modesty or humility what is extorted from me
Charles Seymour, Duke of Somerset, who succeeded to the title and
estate of his father, December 2, 1748. She died July 7, 1754, leaving
an only daughter, who was Duchess of Northumberland. Her Grace,
as one observes, appears to have been a truly pious, amiable, and accom
plished lady. Mr. Thomson, in his poem entitled the Spring, thus ad
dresses her :"
" O Hartford, fltted or to shine in courts
With unaffected grace, or vvalk the plain
With innocence and meditation join'd
In soft assemblage, listen to my song,
Which thy own season paints ; when nature all
Is blooming, and benevolent like thee."

186 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
by the force of truth. I dare not, I would not deceive
you, by pretending to deserve any part of the character
which the partiality of my friends has inclined them to
give me. Nay, I am conscious that even that partiality
proceeds from a natural flexibility in my temper, which I
sorrowfully experience to be one of my greatest hindrances
in the pursuit of the one thing needful. An over great
anxiety for the welfare of my friends has too much occu
pied both my time and thoughts ; and the afflictions with
which it hath pleased God to visit me have, I fear, been
too bitterly regretted by me, and have made me often
incapable of addressing myself as I ought to the only
fountain of comfort. Yet I trust I do not deceive mygelf,
when I think I never once murmured against the Almighty
power who deprived me of those blessings which I was
unworthy of; but who has still spared to me great comforts
in a most affectionate and dutiful daughter, whose choice
in her marriage he has mercifully directed to one of the
most worthy men I ever knew, and whose kindness to me
does not fall short of that of the best of sons, whose loss
he repairs to the utmost of his power by every mark of
duty and affection. I think myself happy in the offer of
your prayers, and will beg you in a most particular manner
to present them at the throne of Grace, that I may obtain
fortitude to struggle with the great enemy of souls, and
receive sanctification through the merits of our ever blessed
Redeemer, and faith in his sufferings and promises ; for I
extremely need it, and extremely desire it. It is now time
for me to put an end to this long letter, by assuring you
that I am, with the greatest esteem.
Sir,
Your most obliged and faithful humble Servant,
F. Somerset.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 187

TO THE REV. MR. TOMS.

Northampton, Feb. 2, 1751.
MY DEAR AND WORTHY FRIEND,
Your letter, received in a chamber of illness, has revived
my heart, and awakened my joy and thankfulness. Blessed
be you of the Lord, and blessed be your counsels; and
may he, in whose cause you have exerted a zeal so truly
Christian, not only accept it, as undoubtedly he will, but
anticipate the reward that awaits you above, by giving you
to see the happy success of your scheme. I remember
my fault this day ; — ^I have read and heard a great deal of
the sufferings of our Protestant brethren in France; I
have conversed with those who saw their assemblies dis
solved, their temples ruined, and their dead torn out of
the graves and given to the fowls of the air. I have read
the letters of their pastors, and their martyrs; and the
incomparable discourses of Superville and Saurin, which
so pathetically represent their sufferings ; and one of the
last was before me when your letter came ; and yet, alas !
I have in a great measure forgotten the afflictions oi Joseph ;
now and then a transient prayer for them, or the telling
of their sad sorrows (with a few tears) to my pupils, chil
dren, and friends, has been all the fruit of my compassion ;
while you — but I will say no more of that, by the grace of
God you are what you are, and I hope his grace will be
abundant to you to preserve this matter upon the imagina
tion of your heart, and to guide your counsel, with regard
to it. I trust your letter to me will not be entirely in
vain ; it has, in some measure, awakened my compassion
and my prayers, and you will find me ready to act in my
little sphere to promote the good end you propose. I have
considered of the matter seriously, and I have looked up
to God for direction, and the result is this : — 1 cannot take

188 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
upon myself the conduct of the general design. My want
of leisure, especially in this present crisis, when I am so
hurried with preparing my Family Expositor for the press,
is something ; but it is more that I am but one minister
in the Country, and it would be a great presumption to
expect that my brethren in London and elsewhere should
act under my direction. The plan that has offered itself
to me is this : — That you should go to London, and consult
with some of the principal ministers of all denominations,
particularly with Mr, Barker, Mr. Stennet, Dr. Guyse,
and Mr. Burroughs. You see I take in general as well as
particular baptists, and though I mention these four,
whom I look upon as men of distinguished wisdom and
piety, I mean not to exclude any other. You may, if you
think it will be of any avail, communicate to them what I
now write, and you may learn whether they in general
approve of the design, and are ready to join their counsel
and efforts for bringing it into execution. If they approve
it, and will authorize me, I will then apply to some of the
principal ministers of Edinburgh, and to the Earl of Leaven,
and the General Assembly, acquainting them with what is
working in our hearts, and desiring that they would attempt
to procure a motion in the Assembly for a day of fasting
and prayer on this account to be ordered throughout Scot
land ; and if timely notice be given of it, I think the
influence of those gentlemen, in concurrence with several
leading men in the country, to whom with this foundation
we may reasonably apply, will certainly make it as general
a thing as we can reasonably suppose any thing of this
sort can be among the Protestant Dissenters ; and our
concurrence with our brethren of the Scotch establish
ment, for which, as an Establishment, we have something
of a regard, will make the thing less exceptionable. And
on this foundation it may be extended to Ireland, and our
plantations in Ameriba, If God spare my life I will

OF DR, DODDRIDGE. 189
preach, and, if if be thought proper, will publish the Dis
course, which, in consequence of my correspondence with
some of the Walloon ministers in Holland, I can easily
have translated into the French, as several of my writings
already are (and especially one, which was never yet pub
lished in England, relating to the state of the Church in
Holland, which, if I may judge by the many thousands
dispersed through that country, was remarkably blessed in
a very peculiar crisis). Perhaps God will send this sermon
into France, and it may be introductory to some greater
and better attempt; but this last part of the scheme I
would choose at present to conceal, the rest communicate
as you judge proper, and please to favour me with the
result as soon as you can, that I may write to Scotland
without delay, and set the machine in motion. In the
mean time let us lift up our hearts to God daily for its
success, and let him do what seemeth good in his sight.
I may in consequence of this, in some future letter, lay
before you another scheme of great importance, as I appre
hend, for the service of religion, in the propagation of the
gospel of our Blessed Redeemer, which lies much on my
heart, and to which I think the providence of God is
opening a way by some remarkable occurrences. In the
mean time let me recommend to you the reading the Life
and Journal of Mr David Brainard, if you know where to
get it in large. Quick's Synodicon I have. The Icones I
shall be very glad to see, when you can conveniently spare
them, but I think whatever views we may have secretly,
with regard to their publication, it will be proper to reserve
them in our own breasts till the first grand part of our
scheme is brought into full execution, which may prepare
a way for the other. I have but one thing to add, which
is, that whereas I have hitherto only thought of you as a
worthy brother, whom I have sincerely joined with others
in the general prayers I have been offering for persons of

190 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
your character ; I have now (touched to the heart by your
excellent letter) inserted your name in a hst of a few select
friends, whom I especially, esteem, as the excellent of the
earth, and whom I remember before God, in seasons of
solemn intercession. Let me conclude with presenting
you both with our united salutations, and entreating you
thus to remember. Reverend and dear Sir,
Your affectionate Brother, and faithful Servant,
P. Doddridge.

FROM TIIE REV. SAMUEL BATES.
DEAE AND EEV. SIR, February 18, 1751.
I HAVE often had yours of September 29 before me, but
never found an opportunity, nor scarcely a capacity of
making a reply without some difficulty, since the all-wise
God hath afflicted me for some months with such a flow
of water from mine eyes as hath occasioned a very great
dimness, without any relief by bleeding, or the use of
spectacles. It is but little I can write or read, but I have
the more leisure to pray; and I think with grief and
shame on the little improvement I have made of that noble
faculty of seeing which my good God continued to me so
long ; and if I cannot converse with my friends so much
in an epistolary way as I have formerly done, I am in
humble dependance on Divine grace, endeavouring to
converse with my God, and with them at the throne of
Mercy, which may be done, though we have no eye to
see, nor tongue to speak, nor hand to write.
I have for some years past often begged of my heavenly
Father, that if it be his will, I may not outlive my capacity

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 191
for usefulness, but be called home to rest when that is
gone : :but we know not what to desire in this or in
any respect, and therefore I would not prescribe to the
Almighty, who hath' chosen for me better than I could
have done for myself; but I have long ago given up
all my senses, health, strength, and ease, reputation,
friends, usefulness, — all into the hands of Christ, to be
continued or taken away as he pleases. Dear Sir, help
me by your prayers to stand to what I have done ; for it is
hard work when the trial comes : but I know who was
(and hope I shall be) able to do all things through Christ
strengthening me ; my heart (as far as I know it) does at
present say, "if he slay me, yet will I trust in him."
Though I am tempted and tried never so far, can I have
but the light of his countenance it is enough, and more
than I deserve,
I sincerely rejoice, and have given my God all the
glory of the many mercies you enjoy, in conjunction with
many other of your friends and acquaintance, on a tem
poral and spiritual account. Your account of Christian
friends in Huntingdonshire, and of the worthy Dr, Ston
house, in your town, together with his excellent book,
hath tended to raise my drowsy heart in praise and
prayer. My service and thanks to him for his valuable
present of Archbishop Leighton's Works, and to you for
your labour, in preparing them for the press. But my
eyes fail, and I must conclude, with respec.ts to all as due
from Your real Friend and unworthy Brother,
Samuel Bates.

192 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

FROM BENJAMIN FORFITT, ESQ.*
DEAR AND EEV. SIE, London, Feb. 23, 1751.
The gentlemen received, with pleasure, your kind appro
bation and good wishes to their attempts to promote the
interests of religion ; and I have the satisfaction to inform
you, that, since the time we began, which was in August
last, we have forty-two pounds yearly subscriptions, and
have received between thirty and forty pounds occasional
contributions, and have the agreeable prospect of consider
able additions. I have taken the liberty to send you an
account of our design, and something of the method
wherein it is proposed to carry it on, that any worthy
persons, to whom it may approve itself, may know where
to direct their benevolence ; and I think I may assure
them that it will be very faithfully applied. I do not
know, dear Sir, whether justice does not oblige me to
inform you, that if the world receives any advantage from
this design, I think, under God, it is indebted to Dr, Dod
dridge for it, as the sacred fervour which animated your
addresses from the pulpit, when last in town, kindled a
spark of the same benevolence to the souls of men and in
the breast of one, who could no longer retain his desires
of usefulness within the compass of his own small abilities,
without exciting others to the same views.
Believe us. Sir, we honour, I had almost said envy,
the happiness of faithful and successful ministers of the
blessed Jesus, in being made his instruments to rescue the
precious souls of men from the bonds of sin and Satan, and
of forming them to a meetness for everlasting happiness :
• When it is remembered that the charity to which Mr. Forfitt alludes
was the Bible Society in its infancy, this letter becomes highly inte
resting.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 193
but we can by no means be contented that they should
possess this honour alone; and rejoice when our poor at
tempts afford any assistance in this great work. May you,
dear Sir, long live, if I may be allowed to be so bold as to
wish you a long absence from your highest hopes and joys ;
may you long continue to see the increasing accomplish
ment of your services ; and when the solemn hour comes,
may you enter into the port of bhss, like a gallant ship
laden with the spoils of victory ; and may I, though un
worthy, be a spectator of your triumph, and a partaker of
your joys. Amen, even so come Lord Jesus,
I rejoice. Sir, to hear of the success that attends your
design of preparing youths for ministerial studies, and
humbly pray that you may receive growing satisfaction in
it. Pardon, good Sir, the trouble I have given you, and
accept for yourself and honoured lady the best compliments
of my good brother and sister, together with his, who, in
the love and hope of the gospel, desires to subscribe him
self. Sir,
Your affectionate Friend, and very humble Servant,
Benj. Forfitt.*
* Rules ofthe Charitable Society for promoting Religious Knowledge
among the Poor.
I. The design of the Society is to distribute Bibles, Testaments, and
other books, which may be judged useful, gratis among (he poor ; and
particularly to send such books to such ministers and gentlemen in the
country, as the Society may have reason to believe will faithfully distri
bute them among those that most need them, and may be most likely to
improve them.
II. That this charity be carried on by a quarterly subscription of the
members, and such other contributions, as well disposed christians may
assist the Society with from time to time.
III. That every subscriber be desired to attend the meetings of the
Society, and shall have the liberty, in his turn, to direct the disposal of
as many books as the Society shall think proper.
IV. That when books are sent down to any minister or gentleman in
VOL. V. O

194 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

FROM CAPTAIN HAY.*
SIE, London, March 9, 1751 .
As few men of my occupation are now a days Juhus'CBesar's,
I shall not pretend to be master of words of sufficient energy
to express my grateful resentment of the favour I have
received by your means from my Lord Halifax, and shall
only say, that the easy, generous manner in which his
lordship conferred the obligation, made it of double value.
Dr. Hughes desires to be remembered to you ; and may
he, you, and Lord Halifax, and all your family, be as
happy as you have made mine, is the sincere prayer of.
Sir,
Your most obliged, most obedient, and humble Servant,
Geo, Hay.
the country, it will be expected from him, that he shall send an account
of the receipt and disposal of them ; and that the account be delivered to
the secretary, by the person that recommended him.
Those who are willing to encourage this design, are desired to send
their contributions to either of the gentlemen undermentioned :
The Reverend Mr. Chandler, Old Jewry.
The Reverend Mr. Stennett, Charterhouse Square.
The Reverend Mr. Gibbons, No. 2. Bunhill Row.
The Eeverend Mr. Thompson, Barnaby Street, Southwark.
Mr. Benj. Forfitt, Leadenhall Street.
Mr. Edward Nicklin, in the Cloisters, Smithfield.
Mr. Thomas Holmes, Newgate Street.
Mr. John Ward, Cornhill.
* This letter shows that Dr. Doddridge's intimacy with the Earl of
Halifax remained unbroken ; he had probably, on this occasion, used his
influence with his lordship to obtain promotion for this correspondent,
and this little incident evinces the readiness and zeal with which he
promoted the welfare of even his acquaintance in all proper instances.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 195

TO THE REV. SAMUEL WOOD, D.D.
dear SIR, Northampton, April 9, 1751.
I HAVE written such a multitude of letters of late, and have
received so many, that, not having always been so exact as
I ought to have been in making memorandums, I hardly
know what I have and what I have not answered ; * and
with regard to you I am the more uncertain, as I may
mistake some particular messages sent to you in Colonel
Williams's letter some time since, for an answer to that of
yours, which informed me of his marriage ; f but of this I
am sure that every way I am in your debt, and always
shall be so.
My heart has been much set on promoting the youth's
scheme, but to my great grief I have not found in many of
our Congregations that encouragement which I hoped.
Something, however, is done, and much more in proportion
from London than from the country. There are, however,
nine lads, some of them very promising, who are supported
by it ; I sometimes think two of them will offer themselves
as missionaries to New York, to plant the gospel among
the Indians there, and glad at my heart should I be if my
only son were desirous of being the third.-
I am, at present, under" great concern for the illness, I
fear the dangerous illness, of my generous, faithful, endeared
friend, Mr. Lyttelton, It is the smallest part of this con
cern, that it prevents him from doing that service to my
* On another occasion, when writing to this friend. Dr. Doddridge
says : — " I marshalled my unanswered letters, and found them one hun
dred and six, near one quarter of which reached me since Friday noon,
and it was then Monday evening, and all this, though I have written
between fifty and sixty letters the last fourteen days with my own hand,
having no secretary."
t Colonel Williams had then recently married the Doctor's highly
valued friend, the amiable and pious Miss Scott, of Norwich.
o*2

196

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

subscription to the remaining; volumes of the Family Expo
sitor, which he was resolved to have attempted, and which,
with so great an interest, he might probably enough have
effected. The greater part of that disappointment to me
is, that it may prevent its coming into the hands of some
in higher life, to whom it may otherwise have no access :
but God limits or extends all such prospects at pleasure;
and I desire to refer it to him, with what degrees of encou
ragement the work shall be published, and, indeed, whether
it shall be published or not. The three volumes will hardly
be published at so small a price as a thousand pounds,
and I shall j udge it the part of prudence, and therefore of
duty, not to send them to the press on any terms on which
I shall not be secure ; and if there be such a number
subscribed for or bespoke by booksellers as to effect that,
I shall go on with the publication as fast as I can ; and
bless God for such an opportunity of doing my public
homage to his word, and endeavouring, with all integrity
and simplicity, to make it understood, and to enforce it on
men's consciences, according to the little ability he has
been pleased to give me; which truly I think so little,
that I am sometimes almost ashamed of having undertaken
so great a work.
I have of late been much indisposed with a cold, which
is returned again, but not with so much violence as before,
I know I have your prayers, and I delight in the thought.
We are tending to one blessed home. Our interview at
Norwich was pleasant, how much more so will that be which
we expect in our Father's house. This poor letter has been
written raptim at several times, I have filled my four
pages, and yet seem but to have begun. But I must
conclude with every good wish for you and yours that the
tenderest friendship can form ; nor can I hope ever to tell
my dear Mr. Wood how faithfully and affectionately I am
his,
P. Doddridge.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 197

FROM THE REV. WILLIAM ANDERSONE.
REV, AND DEAR SIR, Glasgow, April 20, 1751.
The kind reception my papers met with from you, and the
promise made me ki your last, have emboldened me to
trouble you with these few enclosed sheets. In them I
have attempted to carry up the history of the Jews to the
time in which they fell under the administration of kings.
I am heartily sorry my circumstances hive been such that
I must either have sent nothing by the hand of my friend,
Mr. John Hamilton, or these few chapters, wrote and laid
together as they are. However, I hope to have them
better wrote over when set right by your judicious cor
rections, both as to style and sentiment, for I hope you
will not grudge me your friendly assistance in this impor
tant affair. And may the divine wisdom and mercy, as
manifested to his own people the Jews, and by them to
the rest of mankind, appear in its clearest light, by what
stands recorded in his word, which is, that truth, a clear
understanding and firm belief of which is alone able to set
us free from our fatal slavery, both to error and to vice.
In your kind and judicious remarks of last year I see
you supposed that I meant by the great and lesser chroni
cles of the Jews their Talmud and Mischna; but Meyer,
whom I quoted, in his learned edition of these chronicles,
fully shows them to be no part of these writers you fancied
I took them for. Both Meyer and Wolfrus, in his Biblioth.
Hebrsea, fully show that the Seder Olam, or great chro
nicle, was wrote by R. Jose Chelpetha, who was teacher of
R. Judah the Holy, and so flourished before the Mischna
was written, viz. about the year of our Lord 120. This
Rabbi was a tanner by trade, but of so high a reputation

198 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
amongst his countrymen, that in all controversies his de
cision was ordinarily rested in. And wherever R, Jose
is simply named in the Gemara, &.c, this R, is always
understood, though there have been several more of that
name, and this as his writing is often appealed to by the
best of your subsequent writers. As for the lesser chroni
cle, most authors agree that it was wrote only about the
middle of the twelfth century ; see Meyer and Wolfrus,
Bibl, Hebrsea, T. i. p. 491, &c, it is, in many places, only
an abridgment of the great one. As for that quoted from
Majemonides, who lived in the twelfth century, it appeared
to me of importance, because it expresses, in the word of
that admired Rabbi, what the joint testimony of that
widely scattered society do fully agree in, and what their
testimony plainly proves.
As the last corollary of the second chapter now sent you
is intended to show the mercy of God in that ample reve
lation of his will made to mankind, by scattering the Jews
through the whole world before the destruction of Jerusalem.
I ought for that purpose to have copied out some part of
Agrippa's moving letter to Caius, which I cited in that
chapter. But my amanuensis left no place for it, and this
bearer gave me no time to supply that defect ; so that all
I can do at present is only to assure you that I am, in
haste, Reverend and dear Doctor,
Your most humble and obliged Servant,
Will. Andersone.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 199

FROM THE BISHOP OF LONDON.*
REV. SIR, London, May 11, 1761.
I AM very much obliged to you for the open and candid
manner in which you have communicated to me the case
of Mr, Davies, with an extract of his letter upon the sub
ject, I wish all cases of this sort could be as fairly stated;
it would exclude frivolous complaints, and bring the other
to be understood, which, oftentimes, they are not. The
best return I can make is to send you extracts, verbatim,
from the account I received from Virginia, and from the
answer I returned. You have them enclosed.
The question upon Mr. Davies's case, as far as it appears
yet, relates to the meaning and construction of the Act,
commonly called the Toleration Act. What I conceive
the meaning to be appears in the extract from my answer.
If you consider the Act, and the circumstance under which
it was granted, you will not, I believe, see reason to think
me mistaken, if you judge the liberty granted not suffi
cient, and that every body has a natural right to propa
gate their opinions in religion, in such manner as they
themselves approve, that is quite another point, and one
in which Mr. Davies, who claims under the Act of Tolera
tion, has no concern.
If you suppose the church of England to be (which I
am persuaded you do not) in the same state of corruption
as the Romish church was at the time of the reformation,
there wants, indeed, no license or authority from the Go
vernment to justify the methods of conversion which Mr.
Davies is pursuing, and which the Methodists now do, and
long have pursued. But if the Act of Toleration was der
sired with no other view than to ease the conscience of those
who could not conform ; if it was granted with no other
" Dr. Sherlock.

200 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
view, how is Mr. Davies's conduct to be justified, who,
under the colour of a toleration to his own conscience, is
labouring to disturb the consciences of others, and the
peace of a church acknowledged to be a true church of
Christ ? He came three hundred miles from home, not to
serve people who had scruples, but to a country where the
church of England had been established from its first plan
tation, and where there were not above four or five dissenters
within a hundred miles of it not above six years ago.
Mr. Davies says, in his letter to you, ' We claim no other
liberties thaii those granted by the Act of Toleration ;' so
that the state of the question is admitted on both sides to
be .this, how far the Act of Toleration will justify Mr.
Davies in taking upon himself to be an itinerant preacher,
and travelling over many counties to make converts, in a
country, too, where^ till very lately, there was not a dis
senter from the church of England,
You will observe, in the extract from my letter, that I
promised to take the opinion of lawyers upon the case, but I
have not done it ; which I tell you, that you may not think
I have an opinion, and conceal it from you,
Mr. Davies says, ' Sundry ofthe people have been indicted
andfined^ and it is upon this information (I suppose) that
you express yourself apprehensive, that methods of severity,
not to say of oppression, may be used. Of this I have
heard nothing. But give me leave to set you right in one
thing, and to tell you that my name neither is nor can be
used to any such purpose. The Bishop of London and his
commissaries have no such power in the Plantations ; and
I believe never desired to have it ; so that, if there be any
ground for such complaint, the Civil Government only is
concerned. There is another part of Mr. Davies's letter which gives
me great concern, I mean the character he gives of the
clergy and laity 'in Virginia. I dare say you have so much

OF DR, DODDRIDGE, 201
candour as to deduct something from the general character,
knowing how hard it is not to suspect and charge corruption
of principle upon those who differ in principle from ourselves.
I have had no such account of the clergy of Virginia as will
justify that character, though there may be reason, in some
cases, for very just complaint ; and how can it be expected
to be otherwise, considering the state of the church of Eng
land abroad ? the care of it, as an episcopal church, is sup
posed to be in the Bishop of London ; how he comes to be
charged with this care I will not now inquire ; but sure I
am, that the care is improperly lodged : for a bishop to live
at one end of the world, and his church at another, must
make the office very uncomfortable to the bishop, and, in
a great measure, useless to the people. With respect to
ordinations, it has a very ill effect. The people of the
country are discouraged from bringing up their children
for the ministry, because of the hazard and expense' of
sending them to England to take orders, where they often
get the smallpox, a distemper fatal to the natives of those
countries. Of those who are sent from hence, a great part
are of the Scotch or Irish, who can get no employment at
home, and enter into the service more out of necessil;y than
choice ; some others are willing to go abroad to retrieve
either lost fortunes or lost characters. For these reasons,
and others of no less weight, I did apply to the king, as
soon as I was Bishop of London, to have two or three
Bishops appointed for the plantations, to reside there ; I
thought there could be no reasonable objection to it, not
even from the Dissenters, as the bishops proposed were to
have no jurisdiction but over the clergy of their own
church, and no more over them than should enable them
to see the pastoral office duly performed. And as to New
England, where the dissenters are so numerous, it never
was proposed to settle a Bishop in the country. You are,
probably, no stranger to the manner in which the news of
this proposal was received in New England ; if you are, I

202 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
will only say that they used all their influence to obstruct
the settling Bishops in the Episcopal Church there. Was
this consistent even with a spirit of toleration? would
they think themselves tolerated if they were debarred the
right of appointing ministers among themselves, and were
obliged to send all their candidates to Geneva or Scotland
for orders ? At the same time that they gave this oppo
sition they set up a mission of their own for Virginia, a
country entirely episcopal, by authority of their synod.
And in their own country, where they have the power,
they have prosecuted and imprisoned several members of
our Church for not paying towards supporting the dis
senting preachers, though no such charge can, by any
colour of law, be imposed on them : this has been the case
in New England. I am sorry to add, that some here, for
whose characters and abilities I have due esteem, have not,
upon this occasion, given signs of the temper and modera
tion that were expected from them.
I do not willingly enter into these complaints, even to
you, who, I am confident, will make no ill use of them ; I
wish there was no occasion for them : in this wish I am
sure (^ your concurrence, from the love you bear to our
common Christianity. I am, Sir,
Your affectionate Friend and very humble Servant,
Tho. London.*
* Extract from a Letter from Virginia, dated July 27, 1750.
" Seven Meeting Houses, situated in five counties, have been licensed by
the General Court for Mr. Samuel Davies. In these counties there are
eight ministers of the Established Church. The Justices of New Kent
county lately granted him a license to have a meeting house in St. Pe
ter's parish. Brit their order has been superseded by the General Court,
it being judged that this affair is not within the jurisdiction of county
courts. The instruction alluded to in the answer of Peyton Randolph,
Esq., Attorney General of Virginia, to the first question, is as follows :
' You are to permit a liberty of conscience to all persons except Papists,

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 203

TO THE REV. SAMUEL WOOD, D.D.
MY DEAR FRIEND, Sudbury, June 20, 1.751.
Hard LY any disappointment of the kind ever hung heavier
upon me than that of not seeing you here ; the expectation
of which, with the hope of an interview with good Mr.
Frost, gave me resolution to break through the strong
importunity of my friends in London; and through the
discouragements arising from a very bad cold, which such
a journey was likely to increase, that I m,ight once more
see and embrace him who has so much of my heart, that I
think, if love could inscribe a name there, yours would be
found on mine when it beats no more. But a regard to
duty keeps you at home, and therefore I ought to love you
the better for it. I was the more earnestly desirous of
so they be contented with a quiet and peaceable enjoyment of the same,
not giving offence or scandal to the government,'
" I earnestly request the favour of your lordship's opinion, whether, in
licensing so many houses for one teacher, they have not granted him
greater indulgence than either the King's instruction, or the Act of Tole
ration intended. It is not to be dissembled, that several of the laity, as
well as clergy, are uneasy, on account of the countenance and encourage
ment he has met with. And I cannot forbear expressing my own concern
to see schism spreading itself through a colony which has been farmms for
uniformity of religion. I had almost forgot to mention his holding forth on
working days to great numbers of poor people, who, generally, are his
only followers. This, certainly, is inconsistent with the religion of
labour, whereby they are obliged to maintain themselves and families :
and their neglect of this duty, if not seasonably prevented, may, in pro
cess of time, be sensibly felt by the government."
Extract from the Bishop of London's Letter, in Answer to the foregoing,
dated December 25, 1750.
" As to Davies's case, as far as I can judge, your Attorney General is
quite in the right, for the Act of Toleration confines the preachers to a
particular place to be certified and entered, and so the practice here has
been ; and it was so far admitted to be the case, that the dissenters ob
tained a clause, in the 10 Q. Anne to impower any dissenting teacher to
preach occasionally in any other county but that where he was licensed.

204 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
seeing you, as I had several things to talk over with you
of great importance. A restless night, or rather many
restless hours in it, in connexion with the view of labour
before me this day, for which I am but ill qualified, has
detained me in bed so long that I have now but a few
minutes to write to you. As to Colonel Williams's scheme
for the Indian school, I shall refer you partly to Mr. Frost,
who will inform you of what passes in reference to it, and
partly to some future letter, if God permit, in which I will
furnish you with the memorial of this important affair,
which the good colonel sent me by the last post; and,
perhaps, I may also send you a copy of the Bishop of
London's letter to me, in reference to Mr. Davies's affair
in Virginia. I paid in your noble donation to Mr. Wilson
for the church of Breslaw last week, a sacrifice of a sweet
smelling savour. Go on vigorously with the youth's
I observe that in one of the licenses (a copy of which you sent me) Davies
is permitted to assemble, &c. at several meeting houses to be erected on
the lands of Joseph Skelton, &c. Now the Act of Uniformity requires
that the places of meeting shall be certified and registered ; but how
houses that are not in being can be certified and registered I cannot
understand. The Act of Toleration was intended to permit the dissenters to worship
in their own way, and to exempt them from penalties, but it was never
intended to permit them to set up itinerant preachers, to gather congre
gations where there were none before. They are by the Act of W. and M.
to qualify in the county where tliey live, and how Davies can be said to live
in five different counties they who granted the license must explain.
In the Act of W. and M. the justices of the peace can admit of the
teacher's qualification, which is the reason, I suppose, of your justices
acting in the present case. If this power be lodged with the Governor,
as your Attorney General takes it to be, I do not see how the justices can
interfere, unless they suppose that they can do whatever the justices in
England can do under the special authority of an Act of Parliament,
which in many cases would be an absurd claim.
Since I received yours I have been confined at home, and as the ships
are soon going out, I have not time to gain advice upon this subject ; and
therefore what I have said must be taken only as my private opinion, but
¦as this case concerns the Church abroad very much, I will soon learn
the opinion of our lawyers here.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 205
scheme. It is our sheet anchor, and I see congregations
falling so fast into wretched lay-hands, or utterly perish
ing for want of supplies, that I am more than ever solicitous
that it may be extended as far as possible.
The frequent returns of my cough alarm my friends,
and those in town say I am grown many years older since
they saw me last, I leave the event with God ; but for
my own part apprehend no immediate danger, unless it be
that of being obhged to allow myself more rest than suits
either with my inclination or the demands of my business.
My second daughter was ill when I heard last from home.
Pray for her, and continue your prayers for him who is
more than he can express.
Your affectionate Friend, and obliged humble Servant,
P, Doddridge.

TO MRS. DODDRIDGE.
From Col. Williams's Lodgings, June 29, 1751,
If there be any consideration in the world, next to the
honour of God, and the edification of the church, which
could make me wish to see many future years, it is that I
may enjoy your delightful friendship, and repay it by every
act of gratitude, and expression of tenderness, I know not
how sufficiently to thank you for the charming letter which
I received from you last night; and, I think, I have been
better ever since. The extreme lightness and dampness ofthe
air yesterday, when it rained almost from morning to night,
did indeed affect me a good deal, irritating my cough, and
making me very low spirited, and extremely weary all over.
I dined at Mr, Cruttenden's, however, very heartily on a
fine rump of beef, drank tea, in good time, at Mr. Jack
son's, and spent the evening with that great lover of us, at

206 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
Northampton, good Mrs, Jennings, -retumed in good time,
and had a pretty comfortable night, I have been pure weU
all the day, and my cough has been very civil ; it hardly
disturbed me at all during the two hours which I spent this
morning with the good Archbishop of Canterbury, who
treated me with very great kindness, and looks most char
mingly well ; I think several years younger than when I
first saw him, as, perhaps, your Methuselah may do some
years hence, Mr. Pott does not prohibit my riding, and,
I believe, it is like to do me good ; but whether it will not
be rather too much for me to ride in one day from St.
Albans to Northampton, especially as I have not been on
horseback so long.
Excuse me to Miss Ekins for not having written to her.
I suppose she is going to Daventry. Assure her that I
shall do every thing the tenderest love and most faithful
care can do for her happiness. Due salutations to my
Northampton friends, and the dear children, in whose con
tinued health I rejoice. My dearest, farewell ; and believe
me to be Your ever faithful and affectionate
P. Doddridge.

TO MISS DODDRIDGE.
MY DEAR CHILD, Salop, July 24, 1751.
Through the good hand of Divine Providence we got
well hither on Lord's day about noon; the violent rain
which fell on Saturday hindering us from completing our
joumey, though we got within seven miles of this place
before dinner. We had the pleasure to find Mr, Orton
and our other friends well ; and they do all they can towards
making our abode here agreeable, and subservient to the
purposes of our visit.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 207
Pray tell Dr. Stonhouse that, according to the advice of
Mr. Jones, I have been let blood. The Doctor would have
been astonished to have seen how extremely my blood was
inflamed. There was what he calls a btiffwpon it half an
inch thick. I began yesterday morning with asses' milk,
and it agrees very well with me. I hardly eat any thing
but vegetables ; and I do not drink the quantity of a glass
of wine in a day. My cough is rather better than worse ;
but I got so terrible a hoarseness at the ordination at
Bewdley that it is no virtue in me not to preach, or so
much as pray in the family, for, really, I do not think I
should be capable of it ; but I hope to mend ; and I pro
mise myself that I shall do it the faster for the prayers of
my dear children, as well as of my other Northampton
friends, to any of whom you will present my proper saluta
tions as you have opportunity.
Recommending you, my dear, and all friends to the
Divine blessing and care, I subscribe myself
Your ever affectionate Papa,
P. Doddridge.

FROM THE REV. JOHN BARKER.*
August 5, 1751.
Leesingham, Neal, and Barker, are too nearly interested
in that precious life, which now appears in danger of being
cut off in the midst of its days, to hear of its waste and
languishment without great concern and fervent prayer to
* " Dr. Doddridge," says Mr. Stedman, " was at Shrewsbury for the
benefit of air, exercise, and an entire recess from business and company,
when he received this letter : and Mr. Orton tells us, that he was so af
fected, and melted into tears of gratitude and joy, with the friendship ex
pressed in it, and the divine consolations which it administered, that he
was apprehensive his tender frame would have sunk under the emotion."

208 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
God, How your letter affected my heart in public your
friends are witness ; but what I felt for my dear brother,
and the Ministers and Churches of Christ, God and myself
only know.
I will not now say, Why did you not spare yourself a
little sooner? I will rather heartily thank you, that you
use all the means you can to repair your frame, and restore
and prolong your usefulness. It is the kindest thing you
can do, and the highest instance of friendship you can
now show us ; and I acknowledge your goodness to us in
this point with tears of joy. Consent and choose to stay
with us a while longer, my dear friend, if it please God.
This is not only needful to Northampton, and its adjacent
towns and villages, but desirable to us all, and beneficial
to our whole interest. Stay, Doddridge, Oh, stay, and
strengthen our hands, whose shadows grow long. Fifty is
but the height of vigour, usefulness, and honour. Do not
take leave abruptly. Providence hath not yet directed
thee on whom to drop thy mantle. Who shall instruct our
Youth, fill our vacant Churches, animate our Associations,
and diffuse a spirit of piety, moderation, candour, and
charity through our villages and churches, and a spirit of
prayer and supplication into our towns and cities, when
thou art removed from us? especially, who shall unfold
the sacred oracles, teach us the meaning and use of our
Bibles, rescue us from the bondage of systems, party-
opinions, empty, useless speculations, and fashionable forms
and phrases, and point out the simple, intelligible, con
sistent religion of our Lord and Saviour? who shall — but
I am silenced by the voice of Him who says, " Shall I
not do what I will with my own ? — Is it not my prerogative
to take and leave, as seemeth me good? — I demand the
liberty of disposing of my own servants at my own pleasure.
He hath laboured more abundantly. His times are in my
hand. He hath not slept as do others. He hath risen to

OE DR. DODDRIDGE. 209
nobler heights than things below. He hopes to inherit
glory. He hath laboured for that which endureth to
eternal life ; labour, which the more it abounds, the more
it exalts and magnifies, and the more effectually answers
and secures its end, — It is yours to wait and trust, mine
to dispose and govern, — On me be the care of ministers
and of churches. — ^With me is the residue of the Spirit, —
Both the vineyard and the labourers are mine. — I set them
to work, and, when I please, I call them and give them
their hire." With these thoughts my passions subside,
my mind is softened and satisfied, — I resign thee, myself,
and all, to God, saying, " Thy will be done !"
But now for the wings of faith and contemplation. Let
me take thy hand, my dear brother, and walk a tum or
two in yonder spacious regions. Yes, it is so : we read it
in the book of God, that word of tmth and gospel of our
salvation, " that as in Adam all die, even so in Christ
¦ shall all be made alive." The one ruined his posterity by
sin, the other raised his seed to immortality! The first
poisoned the dart and inflamed the wound of death ; but
Jesus Christ redeemed us from this captivity. See, thou
Christian minister, thou friend of my bosom and faithful
servant of God, see the important period, when the sur
prising signs and descending inhabitants of heaven proclaim
the second coming of our divine Saviour ! the heavens open
and disclose his radiant glory. — Hear the awakening trump.
See, the dead in Christ arise glorious and immortal; — leave
corruption, weakness, and dishonour behind them, and
behold their Lord, and head, seated on his throne of judg
ment, attended and surrounded with the ministers of his
power, and shining in all the fulness of celestial glory; —
and not only see, but share his victory, and partake of his
image and influence. And behold the demolished fabric
reared again, stately, illustrious, and permanent, to demon
strate how entirely Death is vanquished, its ruins repaired,
VOL. V. P

210 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
and what was once meat for worms become the companion
of angels : for when this corruptible shall have put on in-
corruption, and this mortal immortality, every eye will be
fastened on the mighty Conqueror, and every voice and
harp be tuned for that transporting song. Oh, Death, where
is thy sting? Oh, Grave, where is thy victory? Yes,
Doddridge, it is so. The fruit of our Redeemer's sufferings
and victory is the entire, the eternal destruction of Sin and
Death. And is it not a glorious destruction? a blessed
ruin ? No enemy so formidable, no tyranny so bitter, no
fetters so heavy and galling, no prison so dark and dismal ;
but they are vanquished and disarmed : the unerring dart
is blunted and broken, the prison pulled down, and our
Lord is risen as the first fruits of them that slept !
How glad should I be to hear that God is pleased to
prolong your life on earth to declare these glorious truths,
and teach us to improve them ! In this your friends, with
you and many more in every place, join, and make it their
common petition to the Great Disposer of all events. Use
every means you can for the recovery of your health, for
the sake of your friends, among whom is
Your faithful and affectionate
J. Baekee.

FROM NATHANIEL NEAL, ESQ.
DEAE SIE, August 6, 1751.
I DID not receive your favour till Saturday, when it met
me at Clapham, The next morning, being Sunday, I com
municated the contents, as far as they related to the state
of your health and spirits, to Mr, Barker, before he went
into the pulpit. You may be sure that we are all greatly

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 21 1
affected with the danger that threatens a life so univer
sally desirable, and to us so peculiarly endeared ; and our
invaluable friend dissolved not only us, but great part of
his numerous audience into tears, by the almost inspired
eloquence with which he offered up strong pleas and cries
for your support and revival to Him who is able to deliver
from death ! God grant ouy supplications may be effectual,
as they are unfeigned and continual : and if the mercy be
delayed, may divine consolations in the meantime descend
upon you, I trust in God they may be heard, and that
many years will yet be added to so important a life. To
this end, my dear friend, I beseech you not to think of re
turning to Northampton, even though you should receive
all imaginable benefit at Shrewsbury in the ensuing fort
night, till you have visited Bristol; and in preparing for that
expedition, I conceive no time should be lost, as the season
for the waters, as well as of the year, is so far advanced,
I should tremble for your return to Northampton at present,
notwithstanding some encouraging symptoms ; for a relapse
could hardly fail being fatal, and in such a circumstance
would be almost certain, considering your various engage
ments and active temper. The examination is not worth a
thought, and, if my advice might be offered, I should wish
it turned into a day of prayer for your recovery. However
that may be, Mr. Clark, I am persuaded, is able to do what
is fully sufficient ; and I should much rather hear the Aca
demy was disbanded, than that you should read a single
lecture between this and Michaelmas. In one word, your
whole duty to God, and man, is comprehended in the care
of your health.
The cheerfulness of your mind will afford great satisfac
tion to your friends, and do honour to religion ; and I con
sider Mrs. Doddridge's confirmed health, whereby she is
capable of ministering unto you under your infirmities, as
a matter of great thankfulness. May she receive the best
p2

212 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
direction and support ! 1 rejoice that she has vvith her so
faithful and able a friend as Mr. Orton, to whom I beg
the tender of my best respects.
We all salute you with the tenderest affection, consider
ing ourselves also as on the borders of eternity, and referring
it to divine wisdom, whether we are to learn to die by the
gentler lessons of your repeated instruction, or, once for all,
by your great example. I am, reverend and dear Sir,
With the tenderest sympathy, Mrs. Doddridge's and yours,
N. Neal.

FROM THE REV. THOMAS YEOMAN.*
Northampton, August 7, 1751.
MY DEAR, honoured, AND REV. FRIEND,
I RECEIVED your letter with sorrow of heart, and assisted
your people in an evening of prayer upon your account last
night ; and, indeed, it was a sorrowful assembly, I hope
the presence of God was with us ; and you may depend
upon an interest in the prayers of all your dear friends
here, so long as there is hope, and that is as long as there
is life ; for the Lord killeth and maketh alive, and he often
baffles all human means that he may have the glory of the
salvation, I humbly hope that this will be the case with
* " While he continued at Bristol," says Mr. Orton, " some of the
principal persons of his congregation came to visit him, with an affection
not to be expressed : they brought him an assurance of the highest esteem
and tender sympathy of his people, and informed him that prayer was
made for him by that church three evenings in every week, and that some
ether churches were engaged in the same work on his account. This
afforded him great satisfaction and refreshment. He knew their prayers
would not be, upon the whole, in vain, though he considered his own

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 213
you, although you give me so little hope. But if the blessed
God hath otherwise ordained, praised be his holy name for
the comfortable support you have already enjoyed in your
severe affliction, and I heartily pray that it may continue
with you until the end; and although I know not how to
part with you, yet, should your work be done, and the
decree gone forth, I need not tell you that you will be far
happier than your Christian friends who are left in the
wilderness. I need not tell you that you will join your
dear friends Some, Watts, and Clark, who are triumphantly
singing the song of redeeming love : but what am I writing?
you will join the whole assembled church of the first born ;
and what adds the crown of joy of every Christian, you will
have, the full enjoyment of your ever blessed Redeemer;
he who once in vision came to you, but only to the door,
will come in and sup with you,*
I heartily pray that good Mrs, Doddridge may be sup
ported under so severe a dispensation ; and that her will
may be wholly bowed to the Divine, Let not one anxious
thought of your dear children abide with you. Your God
and Father, the Guide of your own youth, will provide for
them, I am. Dear and reverend Sir,
Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant,
Thomas Yeoman,

case as desperate, and said, that unless God should interpose in such an
extraordinary manner as he had no reason to expect, he could not long
continue in the land of the living. He ascribed to the efficacy of the
prayers of his friends the composure and joy he felt in his own soul, and
the preservation of Mrs. Doddridge's health, amidst incessant fatigue
and anxiety."
* An allusion to the dream given at page 354 of the fourth volume.

214 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

TO MISS DODDRIDGE.
MV DEAR POLLY, Salop, Aug. 12, 1761. Monday Morning.
YouE pious and affectionate letter was a great pleasure
and comfort to us both. We are much obliged to you and
our kind friends at Northampton for the solicitous concern
expressed for us, and the fervent prayers offered : offered,
as I hope and trust, not in vain: for, through the great
goodness of God, I have found a great alteration for the
better in the state of my health since the season of prayer
on Tuesday night, for I observed myself better on Wednes
day, and have been rather mending ever since. And this
I desire you will let Mr. Browne and Mr. Francis Butlin
know, with my most affectionate thanks, and desire them
to return thanks solemnly to God ; — and to make my most
cordial and respectful acknowledgments to my praying
friends on this occasion. Nevertheless, though I am greatly
better within these six days, my cough and hoarseness is
such, that it is judged advisable that we should try Bristol,
which has, sometimes, been wonderfully serviceable in such
cases; and we have, on much deliberation, judged that the
trial should be made ; and accordingly, I desire you would,
with my best services and thanks, inform good Dr. Ston
house, Miss Ekins, if she be not gone, and my other friends,
that we shall, if God permit, leave this hospitable abode
to-morrow morning, and set out for Bristol in a chariot and
four, and four days' journey it will be.* So many hazards
* It appears' that Dr. Doddridge made the journey from Shrewsbury to
Bristol without much inconvenience. On his arrival he was gratified by
finding that his old friend Dr. Maddox, the Bishop of Worcester, was
then there. Another pleasing circumstance was, that a clergyman of the
Establishment, " with whom he had before only a slight acquaintance,
entertained him in tlie most hospitable manner, and with a fraternal af
fection, till he could be accommodated witb a lodging near the Wells."

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 215
will attend it, though you see we do our utmost to take
the safest way ; we shall particularly need prayer at that
season, and so tell our friends.
And now, my dear, farewell. It is so late that I must
The pulmonary derangement had, however, proceeded with such rapidity,
that even at this period his weakness was so great that the little walk to
the pump-room was too fatiguing, and he gladly availed himself of Dr.
Maddox's kind offer of taking him thither in his carriage. No amend
ment arising from the use of the waters, he desired his physicians to give
hiin their judgment faithfully, and " he received their report of the great
hazard of his case with that fortitude, resigna:tion, and cheerfulness,
which never forsook him to the last, in any place, or on any occasion."
Of this serene and happy state of mind the following extracts, also se
lected from Mr. Orton's Memoirs, are characteristic and instructive proofs :
" While the outward man was so sensibly decaying, that he used to say
to his friends, ' I die daily,' yet the inward man was renewed day by day.
The warmth of his devotion, zeal, and friendship was maintained and in
creased ; his physicians had directed him to speak and write as little as
possible, but he could not satisfy himself without sometimes writing a
few lines to some of his friends whom he could address in shorthand,
without much fatigue ; aud the frame of his heart iii the views of death
will appear by the following extracts from them : ' I bless God I have
the powerful supports of Christianity ; nor is it any grievance of heart
to me, but, on the contrary, an unspeakable pleasure, that I have spent
my life among the Protestant Dissenters, and sacrificed to Honour, Li
berty, and Conscience those considerations which persons devoted to
avarice and ambition think great and irresistible.' To another friend
he writes, ' I see, indeed, no hope of recovery, yet my heart rejoiceth in
my God, and in my Saviour ; and I can call Him under this failure of
every thing else its strength and everlasting portion. I must now thank
you for your heart-reviving letter to strengthen my faith, to comfort my
soul, and assist me in sivallounng up death in victory ! God hath, indeed, been
wonderfully good to me ; but I am less than the least of his mercies, less
than the least hope of his children. Adored be his grace for whatever it
hath wrought by me; and blessed be you of the Lord, for the strong
consolations you have been the instrument of administering ; let me desire
you to write again, and to pour out your heart freely with all its strong
cordial sentiments of Christianity ; nothing will give me greater joy ; —
what a friend you will be in heaven ! how glad shall I be to welcome you
there, after a long, and glorious course of service, to increase the lustre of
your crown ! May you long shine, with your light, warmth, and influ
ence like a sun upon the earth, .when there remains not any united parti
cles of that poor wasting, sinking frame, which enables this immortal
Spirit to call itself yoiir Friend in everlasting bonds,' " P. Doddridge."

216 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
only add our kindest salutations to you all. Grace and
peace be with you. I made shift, this morning, to pray in
the family ; and it was only the third time I had .done so.
It must be long ere I can expect to be restored to a
capacity of pulpit service, if I am restored at all ; but I
desire to commit to God my usefulness and my life, and to
await the decisions of his wise and gracious will, with all
humble resignation. I am, my dear Child,
Your ever affectionate Papa,
P. Doddridge,

FROM ROBERT CRUTTENDEN, ESQ.*
DEAR MADAM, August 30, 1751.
In the present distracted situation of my mind I am abso
lutely at a loss how to address you, or, indeed, whether I
ought to write at all, as I am sensible you are as little fit
to read as I am to indite an epistle on the melancholy
subject which must constitute this : but as I am so un
happy as to have nobody near my dying friend with whom
I can consult on a resolution which, though I long to
execute it, must entirely depend on your approbation, you
will forgive a direct application to yourself. Persons at
ease may consult propriety, and act by forms, but that,
alas, is far from being my case ; my soul, in its present
state of doubt and uncertainty, feels an anguish words
were never made to describe.
I long to see him once more before he puts on his robes
of immortality, and from the best, the dearest of men,
commences a perfect spirit. Oh, could I have thought,
when I took my leave of him at St. Albans, that it was to
* To Mrs. Doddridge.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 217
be the last time I should ever see my dear, my honoured
friend, I should have better employed the hours we were
alone in our journey thither. Now, Madam, all I want is
your leave to wait on him once more ; I long to receive his
dying blessing; but would not purchase that satisfaction
by giving him one uneasy moment, or hastening a loss
which I think I could sacrifice my own worthless life to
prevent. He loved me. Madam, though I know not why ;
and perhaps my name is not quite a stranger to his dying-
bed. Amidst the glories that are opening upon him, per
haps he still pities the distress of those he leaves behind ;
and surely, if distress can excite compassion, not one of
all his numerous friends has a stronger claim.
How fast is Providence stripping me of all my comforts
here ! a few friends were all my worldly treasure, and I
desired no more, but, alas, how do they drop away : poor
Mr, Andrews is gone ; and it is not many days ago that I
expected Mr, Harvy would have had no more complaints
to make of a crazy tabernacle, in which he groans earnestly
for deliverance. Yesterday I took leave of Mr, Whitfield,
who is embarked for America, with little prospect, as his
constitution is quite worn out with labour, of my ever
seeing him any more : and now I am every day waiting for
a loss yet more distressing, in proportion to my friend's
more extended usefulness.
Teach me, gracious God, the lessons thou wouldst have
me learn by such awful dispensations. Perhaps they have
done their work, and are, therefore, gone, or going to their
Master's rest ; if so, by the grace of God I will endeavour,
by greater diligence to finish mine, to get a dismission too.
Pardon me. Madam, that my thoughts thus ramble; and
give me leave to return to all I proposed in this letter;
which was only to know your sentiments, whether I may
be permitted to wait on him once more.
I dare not write directly to him, lest I should tempt his
dear trembling hands to waste any of their little strength

218 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
in attempting an answer ; and I shall leave it entirely to
you whether to own the receipt of this, as I shall await
your directions, which, dear Madam, will absolutely de
termine the resolution of him who is, with the truest sym
pathy, a sharer in your distress, and
Your most obliged, most obedient Servant,
R. Cruttenden.

FROM NATHANIEL NEAL, ESQ.
DEAR SIR, Tunbridge Wells, Sept. 1, 1751.
I FEEL a struggle in my breast whilst I deliberate whether,
considering the feeble state of your health, I should break
or keep silence ; but such is the officiousness of friendship,
anxious, though impotent, to afford relief, that inquiry must
be made after an afflicted friend, though at some hazard of
disturbing his slumbers.
How affected we all were (in which number I include
Mr. Barker and his lady, for in our love, and in our dis
tress for you, we are all one) with those various events
which befel you in your progress to, and on your arrival at
Bristol, I choose not to mention; yet I trust in God, it will
be seen in. the issue, that it was the kind hand of his pro
vidence that conducted you thither, as to the waters of
life : for though to you it were a matter of choice, not to
revive at all, till you obtain a part in the better resurrec
tion, yet, in compassion to us, in compassion to the world,
it is my daily prayer (Oh, forgive me this wrong!) that
you may not yet increase the number, and inhance the
triumphs of the blessed.
I persuade myself, my dear friend, that you have left
all your cares as well as all your business at Northampton,
and that you will be inaccessible to every uninvited guest.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. • 219
Ceremony is the bane of solitude ; and even the draught
of pious or cheerful converse should be taken in measure,
where the appetite of the soul is so eager, and every kind
of exercise has been found so fatal.
I presume you know before this time that the examina
tion of your pupils on Monday last (as far as was consistent
with your absence) proceeded with signal honour to Mr.
Clark, ahd satisfaction to the trustees, of which Mr, Price
has, by letter, since his return, given me a most obliging
account. But whence have you your remittances to Bristol ?
The settling accounts is a trouble of which you should now
be eased : I desire, therefore, that either you or Mrs. Dod
dridge will draw on me for any sum you want, without any
other ceremony than advising me of it by a line ; or if you
can devise any other method to prove my friendship, it will
be a kind relief to one who is oppressed under a sense of
his inability, in this season of difficulty, to do you service.
And now, my dear friend, though I am no advocate for
the sleeping of the soul, yet methinks I could wish that
you, who are all soul, having so nearly worn out the frail
vehicle in its service, could for- a while suspend the thinking
power, that the body might have time to revive. We all
submit to deny ourselves the expectation of hearing from
you, that the time a letter would cost you may be devoted
to rest. A line from any hand will satisfy us, if you are
better ; and, if otherwise, a word will be more than we can
well support. Compliments are vain whilst you possess
our hearts ; and as for Mrs. Doddridge, while as minister
ing to you she shares the office, may she partake of the
refreshment of angels !
Adieu, Be God ever with you ; which is the most com
prehensive good that can be wished you by
Your most affectionate Friend and humble Servant,
N. Neal.

220 DI'ARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

FROM THE HON. MRS. SCAWEN.
Maidwell, September 1,-1751.
Tu E concern I have been in for my dear friend's illness is
not to be expressed. I never thought I had so great a
value for you as when I had some forebodings of losing
you. Many prayers and tears have I poured out for your
recovery ; and, to use your own expression, in a letter to
my mother* when she lay on her dying bed, at Reading,
" if the most importunate prayers can keep you out of
heaven, you must live, you might dread to think how long."
I have commenced an epistolary correspondence with
your eldest daughter, and had a letter last Friday from
her, which acquainted me that the waters agreed with her
dear Papa, and I hope the same healing qualities will
continue, and restore you to your health and usefulness.
But pray do not hurry away from Bristol too soon, which
I fear may be the case, before the cure is perfected,
I beg my compliments to Mrs. Doddridge, and remain,
with sincerity, good Dr. Doddridge's most affectionate
sympathising friend and humble servant,
T. Scawen.
P. S. Mr, Scawen and my daughter present their com
pliments.

FROM MR. WILLIAMS.t Kidderminster, Sept. 2, 1751.
DEAll, AND MUCH HONOUEED SlB,
Whither you are going perhaps I shall not follow you
just now, but I trust, through the riches of adorable Grace,
I shall follow you hereafter. I am grieved for myself and
for many dear friends, for the church militant, and particu-
* Lady Russell. t Of Kidderminster.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 221
larly for your own dear charge, and most sensibly of all for '
dear Mrs. Doddridge and your children. But I dare to
congratulate you, dear saint, that having fought a good
fight, yOu are so near the end of your course, and will
quickly receive a glorious crown. I rejoice that your
evening sun has no cloud ! God is faithful! Those who
know his name will .put their trust in him. Jesus, our
almighty friend, is full of compassion, is afflicted in all
your affliction, and will not fail to succour you in the
darkest hour. Human nature, perhaps, cannot be quite
fearless of approaching dissolution ; but Faith will obtain
the victory. God sees fit to hold his dear children in a
state of dependence to the last; but the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ is sufficient for you, and will be ever near.
You have had many a Pisgah view ; and if it be best, you
shall have another, a clearer than ever yet, before you pass
Jordan, And doubt not, my dear Sir, but He who cut off
the waters from before the ark, and caused his chosen people
to pass dry shod into Canaan, can do as much for you.
It will be the joy of my heart to hear you had a trium
phant passage into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. It will also be the joy of my heart
if I may have opportunity and ability any way to serve
and promote the interests of your dear surviving relatives.
And it shall be my daily prayer that your faith may not
fail. But I am a poor intercessor. It is well you have
many many others, and One that is infinitely better.
I am deeply sensible, dearest Sir, that I can add nothing
to you ; yet I had a mind to give you this renewed testi
mony of how much I am, with the tenderest respect.
Dear Sir,
Your sympathising Friend
And greatly obliged humble Servant,
Jos. Williams.

222 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

FROM THE REV. W. WARBURTON, D.D.
DEAE SIE, Prior Park, Sept. 2, 1751.
YouE kind letter gave me, and will give Mr.'Allen great
concern ; but for ourselves, not you. Death, whenever it
happens, in a life spent like yours, is to be envied, not
pitied; and you will have the prayers of your friends, as
conquerors have the shouts of the crowd. God preserve
you ; if he continues you here, to go on in his service ; if
he takes you to himself, to be crowned with glory.
Be assured the memory of our friendship will be as
durable as my life. I order an inquiry to be made of your
health from time to time ; but if you fatigue yourself any
more in writing, it will prevent me that satisfaction. I am.
Dear Sir,
Your most affectionate Friend and Brother,
W. Warburton.

TO MISS DODDRIDGE.
Bristol Wells, Sept. 4, 1751.
I THANK my dear Polly for her affectionate letter and
prudent care of my affairs ; and I thank God that I have
such a daughter. I can write but httle, but I give you the
pleasure of telling you that I am really and certainly a httle
better, and that I have great hopes that God will hear the
many prayers offered, and conduct me home, in due time,
with joy. In the mean while let us leave ourselves with
God, — submit to his providence, and hope in his mercy.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 223
Present my most affectionate love to your dear Brother,
and dear Mercy, and Caelia, in which your mamma joins.
I cannot say with what endearments I am yours,
P. Doddeidge.

FROM THE REV. C. ASHWORTH, D. D.
London, Sept. 10, 1751.
I HAVE been near a fortnight in town, and have scarcely
heard any news inquired for but " How is Dr. Doddridge!"
You will believe I have been not a little pleased with the
concern that every person I have met with, and even some
whom I suspected of being too indifferent, have discovered.
It was, indeed, a very sensible satisfaction to me, not only
as a proof of respect to a person so deservedly dear to me,
but also as it gave encouragement to hope that God would
hear those prayers which his people seemed disposed so
universally to offer on this account. God did not surely
design to give that shock to our faith in the benefit of
prayer, which the denial of those addresses would have
been, which he had put it into our hearts to present ! I
say which he had put into our hearts ; for, though we
could never part with Dr. Doddridge without great reluc
tance, I do verily believe there was much of God's influ
ence in that earnestness which we found ourselves inclined
to use upon the occasion.
The fatigues and fears which you, Madam, must have
had, and the awful prospect before you, have awakened a
very tender sympathy, and excited the utmost fervour of
prayer. I had intended this very post to have sent you a
letter of condolence ; in which it had been my design to
suggest some of those consolations of the gospel which
alone can support the mind under such a bereavement, as
the frequent discouraging accounts we received gave us

224 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
too much reason to fear you were going to suffer; and I
had therein designed to acquaint you with the design I
had formed of coming to Bristol the next week, to have
paid my respects to a person to whom I am under unspeak
able obligations, and for whom I think I may modestly,
and I am sure I can justly say, I have a proportionable
value. But, blessed be God ! your letter to Mr. Cruttenden
has, I hope, rendered my journey needless, and changed
the subject of my letter. I congratulate you. Madam, on
the favourable symptoms you relate, which I hope will be
the opening of a complete deliverance. I bow my knee to
the Father of Mercies in the most sincere and affectionate
gratitude for his goodness to you, to your family, to me,
to the Doctor's friends, and to the church, in giving us
ground to hope that we may still enjoy a life so peculiarly
precious. And for you, dear Madam, may the eternal God be your
support, and give you proportionable strength under all
the sympathy you feel, the labours you are called to under
take, and the fears you may at any time have occasion to
entertain. These are prayers daily offered up with un
feigned importunity ; and which, I trust, it will endear the
methods of providence to me to find answered,
I beg my cordial salutations to the Doctor, and that you
will tell him I was scarcely ever more desirous to see my.
own father, and that I conceive great joy in the hope of
meeting him at Northampton, and of joining my brethren
in praising God on his account, with a feiYcncy equal. to
that with which we united in pouring forth our hearts in
prayer for him, I am. Madam,
Your very obliged humble Servant,
Caleb Ashwoeth,

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 225

FROM NATHANIEL NEAL, ESQ.
Tunbridge Wells, Sept. U, 1751.
Me. Johnson came into Mr. Barker's lodgings with your
letter whilst I was there to-day with my family at dinner,
and after the contents of it had been read and considered,
I was desired to put our united opinion (which you know,
where a consultation has been held, is the province of the
youngest) into writing.
We all agree, that the single point which must deter
mine the expedience of your making trial of a warmer
climate, is the probability of its restoring your health, of
which your physicians are the only competent judges.
The accounts you have had of its success in like cases is
undoubtedly a strong testimony in favour of their judg
ment; and Mr. Barker mentioned it to me last Sunday,
as what he apprehended might prove the most probable
means of your speedy and perfect recovery.
The objections arising in your mind, from your connex
ions with your Academy, Church, or Family, must not be
suffered to deter or perplex you. If we cannot supply
your place for six months, how shall we supply it if you
go to the place from which there is no return? Be as
sured, my dear friend, that so far from being dismayed,
we spring forward in the hope of being instrumental in
keeping alive the many precious interests that lie near
your heart, till you return, and cherish them again under
your own tender wing.
May God Almighty (the alone all-sufficient friend and
counsellor) inspire you and your dear lady with wisdom
and magnanimity equal to every einergency ; and be assured
that, whilst we have any heart or breath remaining, our
VOL. V. Q

226 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
prayers and our affections will follow you, though you
should remove to the ends of the earth. I am, my dear
and worthy Friend, faithfully and entirely yours,
N. Neal.

FROM LADY ERSKINE.
SIR, Houghton Park, Sept. 17, 1751.
I eeceived your obliging letter, for which I return you
many thanks. I have read over the Discourse and Dia
logues with so much pleasure that I could not forbear
sending them directly to my children. I hope the same
hand will oblige the world with a continuation of the
Dialogues; and I no less wish that you, Sir, may have
leisure to accomplish your design of the Scripture Prints,
with Proper Dialogues to each, for I know of few things
likely to do so much good ; for, as far as I have had
occasion to observe, both pictures and dialogues take the
fancy of children most. I found Mr. Basnage's prints of
great use to my children some years ago, and I wish I had
gone on longer with them ; but the explanations are too
tedious for children, at least I found them so with mine,
when they were last at home.
But I beg pardon. Sir, for taking up so much of your
time, though I know you will excuse it, as also my asking
you what commentary of the Old Testament you would
recommend to me for my own reading. I believe I asked
you this question once before, but I am ashamed to say I
have lost the memorandum I then took of your answer.
My mother is not quite well, but better than she has
been. Lady Kintore went to Scotland with her father six
weeks ago, when they were both well. I beg my comph-
ments to Mrs. Doddridge, and am. Sir,
Your most humble Servant,
F. Erskine,

OF DE. DODDRIDGE. 227
FROM NATHANIEL NEAL, ESQ.
DEAR SIE, Million Bank, Sept. 21, 1751.
I peay God the measure advised by so great a body of
the College may be as successful as, with such a sanction,
it was apparently irresistable.
Your provision for the Academy, I can already assure
you, is very satisfactory to Dr. Jennings, Mr. Price, and
myself, and I have no doubt will be so to Dr. Guyse, to
whom I shall communicate it the first opportunity; We
had a meeting on the day before your last letter arrived ;
at which the trustees unanimously, and with the warmest
affection, agreed to desire your acceptance of thirty guineas,
as a present towards your expenses at Lisbon, and in your
voyage thither.
And now, my dear friend, I cheerfully accept the office
of your banker and steward ; and though I undertake for
nothing more, yet, from the generous ardour many of your
friends express towards you, do not despair of receiving
your stock entire, if it be the mil of God that you return
to us again. You go with a full gale of prayer, and I trust
we shall stand ready on the shore to receive you back with
shouts of praise. But it becomes us also to be prepared
for a more awful event ; and I think it needful to desire
you to tell Mrs, Doddridge (though, God forbid the hand
should wound that fain would heal) that we, as it were,
forget you, I had almost said forget ourselves, whilst we
think of her : that she is heir to every heart that is yet
yours ; above all, that she is sure of an interest in that
God, whose arms are everlasting, whose presence is uni
versal, and whose compassions never fail. He is the
creator of the ends of the earth, who fainteth not, neither
is weary, and there is no searching his understanding.
Oh, Sir, the time is hastening, when these ways of his,
which are now so unsearchable, shall appear to have been
q2

228

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

marked out by the counsels of infinite wisdom ; and we,
who may be left longest to lean upon, and support one
another by turns in this weary land, shall fix our feet on
those everlasting hills, where our joys shall never leave us,
nor our vigour ever fail ! There, my dear friend, may we
be one in that union which cannot be dissolved ! In this
blessed hope I am affectionately yours,
Nath, Neal,
P. S. I cannot enumerate the solicitous inquiries that are
daily made concerning you. Pray be sure that Mrs. Dod
dridge has some suitable companion with her, that may be a
solace and support to her in any event. I take it for granted
that some person knows where your will is deposited.

FROM SIR GEORGE LYTTELTON.*
DEAR SIR, Hagley, Oct. 5, 1751.
My concern was so great on the account I received from
the Bishop of Worcester of the ill state of your health,
that in the midst of my grief for the death of my father,
* Of Sir George (afterwards Lord) Lyttelton an interesting ac
count has been given by Dr. Johnson (in his Lives of the Poets), from
Which I have subtracted the few following particulars. " George Lyt
telton, the son of Sir Thomas Lyttelton, of Hagley, in Worcestershire, was
born in 1709. He was educated at Eaton, where he was so much dis
tinguished that his exercises were recommended as models to his school
fellows." — " From Eaton he went to Christ Church, where he retained
the same reputation of superiority." — " His ' Progress of Love,' and his
' Persian Letters,' were both written when he was very young." — " In
1728 he began his travels, and saw France and Italy. When he returned,
he obtained a seat in parliament, and soon distinguished himself among
the mosteager opponents of Sir Robert Walpole." — "The Prince of Wales,
being (1737) driven from St. James's, kept a separate court. Mr. Lyt
telton was made secretary, and was supposed to have great influence in
the direction of his conduct. Mallet was made under secretary, and
Thomson had a pension." — " He married (1741) Miss Lucy Fortescuej
of Devonshire, by whom he had a son, the late Lord Lyttelton, and two
daughters, and with whom he appears to have lived in the highest degree
of connubial felicity : but human pleasures are short ; she died in child
bed about five years afterwards, and he solaced his grief by writing a

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 229
when I had scarce performed my last duties to him, I
wrote to you at Bristol ; which letter, I find, you never
received. Indeed, my dear friend,, there are few losses 1
should more sensibly feel than yours, if it should please
God to take you from me; but, I trust, he will be so
gracious tb your family and your friends as to prolong
your life, and defer your reward for some time longer ;
and I am persuaded no human means can be found better
than those which have been prescribed to you of removing
to Lisbon, and passing the winter in that mild climate ;
only let me entreat you to lay by all studies while you are
there, for too much application (and a very little ih your
state is too much) would frustrate the benefit which we
may hope from the change of air. The complying with
this injunction will be the best recompense you can make
Mrs. Doddridge for all the obligations you have to her ;
and if I have any authority with you, as I flatter myself I
have, I would employ it all to enforce this upon you, for I
do verily think your life may depend on it. You have
brought on your distemper by too continual study and
long poem to her memory ."^ — " At length, after a long struggle, Walpole
gave way, and honour and profit were distributed among his conquerors.
Lyttelton was made (1744) one ofthe Lords ofthe Treasury." — " Politics
did not, however, so much engage him as to withhold his thoughts from
things of more importance." — " He found that religion was true, and
what he had learnt he endeavoured to teach (1747) by ' Observations on
the Conversion of St. Paul,' a treatise to which infidelity has never been
able to fabricate a specious answer." — " 1751, by the death of his father,
he inherited a baronet's title, with a large estate ; which, though perhaps
he did not augment, he was careful to adorn by a house of great elegance
and expense, and by great attention to the decoration of his park." — " As
he continued his exertions in parliament, he was gradually advancing his
claim to profit and preferment, and accordingly was made in time (1754)
cofferer, and privy counsellor ; this place he exchanged next year for the
great office of chancellor of the exchequer."" — " About this time (1755)
Lyttelton published his ' Dialogues qf the Dead.' " — ¦" The inauspicious
commencement of the war made the dissolution of the ministry unavoid
able. Sir George Lyttelton losing his employment with the rest, was
recompensed with a peerage." — " His last literary production was his
' History of Henry tlie Second,' elaborated by the researches and delibera
tions of twenty years." — Lord Lyttelton died August 22, 1773.

230 DIARY AND. CORRESPONDENCE
labour in your spiritual functions ; and an entire remission
of mind is absolutely necessary for your recovery. I there
fore request it of you not to write the Preface to Bower's
¦Book ; it will do more harm to you than good to him :
the merit of the work will bear it up against all these
attacks ; and as to the ridiculous story of my having dis
carded him, the intimate friendship in which we continue
to live will be a sufficient answer to that, and better than
any testimony formally given.
My poor father met death with so noble a firmness, and
so assured a hope of a blessed immortality, that it has
raised our thoughts above our grief, and fixed them much
more on the example he has left us, than on the loss we
have sustained. It is also a comfort to us, that, upon his
body being opened, as he ordered it should be, we found
the cause of his violent pains was of such a nature as
death alone could remove or relieve.
Let me know by every mail how you do, and depend
upon it, that if providence shall call you away to the
crown prepared for you, nothing in my power shall be
wanting, as long as I live, to show the affection I had for
you in my regard to your widow and family ; but I hope
your life will be preserved for their sake, to be an ornament
to the Christian Church, and a support of religion in these
bad times. May God Almighty grant it, and may we
meet again with the pleasure which friends restored to
each other feel after so alarming a parting. But if that be
denied, may we meet in the next world to part no more,
through his power, who will, I trust, blot out my offences,
and make me worthy to be a partaker with you of his
heavenly kingdorn.
My wife desires me to assure you of her sincere and
affectionate concern for you, and so do all your other ac
quaintance here. I am, with the tenderest regard and
affection, dear Sir, your most faithful Friend and Servant,
George Lyttelton.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 231

SECTION IL

Voyage to Lisbon, and Decease of Dr. Doddridge, with an Introduction
to his Diary.

The late pathetic letters have indicated the rapid progress
of the consumptive disease under which Dr. Doddridge
suffered, and little now remains but to trace the few do
mestic incidents which attended the close of his valuable
Ufe. The visit to Bristol had not been productive of any alle
viation of symptoms ; and yet, in deference to the advice
of his physicians, and to the wishes of his fiiends, and with
that lingering hope which, in this too fatal malady, is,
perhaps, in mercy given to the patient, he resolved to seek
the advantages of a milder climate. This last resource was
not without its difficulties; and he, whose benevolence had
extended succour to every surrounding child of sorrow, had
thought so little of himself, that Prudence almost forbad a
step on which his only chance for life appeared to depend.
When speaking of this crisis, Mr. Orton says : " While
he was deliberating on the scheme of going to Lisbon, his
principle objection to it was the great expense that must
necessarily attend it. He doubted in his own mind whe
ther, with so precarious a hope of its being beneficial to
him, he should pursue it ; when his family, which, in case

232 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
of his dreease, would be but slenderly provided for, would
suffer so much by the expense of the voyage. It will, I
hope, appear to every considerate reader a glorious circum
stance in the Doctor's life, that it was sacrificed to the
disinterested service of his Great Master, and benevolence
to mankind ; that, with the advantages of a genius and
qualifications equal to the highest advancement in the
Establishment, and without being chargeable with want of
economy, he should find himself under the necessity of
preserving the little remainder of his life, by an expense
disproportionate to the provision made for his family, dear
to him as his own life."
The cause of this demur was no sooner discovered, than
it was most handsomely intimated to him, that his friends
would supply any loss which might occur from a measure
in which they felt so deep an interest. Accordingly, on
the 17th of September, Dr. Doddridge left Bristol, and
after a journey of ten days, which unfavourable weather,
bad roads, and his . increasing weakness, rendered mOst
fatiguing, he arrived at Falmouth. He had been intro
duced by his former medical attendants to Dr. Turner, of
that place, who very kindly insisted upon his becoming
his guest until his embarkation. Of the state of his mind
at this period, the following extracts from a letter, written
at Falmouth, give a delightful picture : " I am, upon the
whole, better than could be expected after such a joumey.
Let us thank God, and take courage. We may yet know
many cheerful days. We shall at least know (why do I
say at least) one joyful one, which shall be eternal." — " I
have trespassed a great deal on your time, and a little on
my own. strength. I say a little, for when writing to such
a friend, as I seem less absent from, him, it soothes my
mind agreeably. Oh ! when shall we meet in that world
where, we shall have nothing to lament, and nothing to

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 233
fear for ourselves, or each other, or any dear to us ! Let
us think of this as a momentary state, and aspire more
ardently after the blessings of that. If I survive my
voyage, a line shall tell you how I bear it — if not, all will
be well; and (as good Mr. How says) I hope I shall em
brace the wave, which, when I intended Lisbon, would
land me in heaven ! I am more afraid of doing what is
wrong than of dying. "
The cheerful hopes expressed in the fij:st of these extracts
were soon dissipated ; Mr. Orton writes : " His most pain
ful and threatening symptoms had been suspended during
his journey and stay at Falmouth, but returned with greater
violence the night before he sailed ; so that Mrs. Dod
dridge thought it necessary to propose, that he should
either return home, or stay a while longer there; to which j
haying some hope from a change of climate, he returned
this short answer : ' The die is cast, and I choose to go.'
It showed no small degree of faith and courage in him
to venture, amidst such weakness and through so many
perils, on such a voyage, especially into so bigoted a
country as Portugal ; where, if his profession was known,
and his writings had been seen by any of the Romish
priests (as they probably might, being in several hands at
Lisbon), it might have been attended with deplorable con
sequences to himself and to his friends."
The 29th of September, 1751, being the sabbath, was
the last day Dr. Doddridge spent in England. On the
following morning, after an affectionate farewell to his
friends, he went aboard the packet, and commenced the
voyage ; during which he had the advantage of the exclusive
use of the captain's cabin, who did not go to sea on that
occasion, in consequence of the influence which had been
kindly used by Dr. Warburton and Mr. Alien, at the Post
Office.

234 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
The fond regrets and solemn thoughts which the fast
fading shores of a land, for which he had cherished the
love of a patriot and of a Christian, were gradually lulled
in the fresh emotions the scene around excited. The
' multitudinous ocean,' that emblem of the might and
majesty of God, with its waste of heaving waters, rekindled
his drooping imagination, and his spirit seemed to regain
its buoyancy under the free breezes of an unbroken hori
zon. His strength in some degree appeared even to return,
which enabled him, in a great measure, to do without those
cares which Mrs. Doddridge and her attendant could at
first with difficulty fulfil, from the indisposition they suf
fered. The greater part of his time, during the voyage,
was spent in an easy chair in the cabin; and, as study
was forbidden, his religious contemplations had full scope.
Here, in a solitude only broken by the tender assiduities
of his anxious and devoted wife, he felt the power of those
holy consolations which he had so often extended to others.
On such occasions he frequently said to Mrs, Doddridge ;
" I cannot express to you what a morning I have had :
such delightful and transporting views of the heavenly
world is my Father now indulging me with, as no words
can express," The sacred calm and glow of gratitude
which, at such times, appeared in his countenance, Mrs,
Doddridge described as reminding her of those pathetic
lines in one of his hymns :
" When Death o'er Nature shall prevail, "
And all the powers of language fail,
Joy through my swimming eyes shall break,
And mean the Thanks I cannot speak."
This little interval of amendment was soon past, and as
the vessel was unhappily becalmed in the Bay of Biscay,
while the weather was intensely hot, his colliquative per
spirations returned with faintness, and respiration, so labo-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 235
rious that his dissolution appeared approaching. A gentle
gale, however, arose, and these sufferings were so far
alleviated that, as the vessel gUded up the Tagus, he was
sufficiently revived to enjoy the magnificent view of Lisbon,
as it raises ife^gay amphitheatre of gardens, palaces, and
churches above the bosom of the water. " The fineness
of the day, the softness of the air, and the delightful
prospects that surrounded him (says Mr. Orton), gave
him a fresh flow of strength and spirits. He went on
deck and stayed about two hours, which afforded him
such sensible refreshment as raised a flattering hope of
his recovery." — " He landed at Lisbon on Lord's day,
October 13th. The next day he wrote to his assistant at
Northampton, and gave him a short account of his voyage ;
the magnificent appearance of Lisbon from the sea, and
what he observed in passing through it ; which showed
the great composure and cheerfulness of his mind. After
m.entioning his great weakness and danger, he adds :
* Nevertheless, I bless God the most undisturbed serenity
continues in my mind, and my strength holds proportion
to my day. I still hope and trust in God, and joyfully
acquiesce in all he may do with me. When you see my
dear friends of the congregation, inform them of my
circumstances, and assure them that I cheerfully submit
myself to God. If I desire life may be restored, it is
chiefly that it may be employed in serving Christ among
them ; and that I am enabled by faith to look upon death
as an enemy — that shall be destroyed; and that I can cheer
fully leave my dear Mrs. Doddridge a widow in this strange
land, if such be the appointment of our heavenly Father.
I hope I have done my duty, and the Lord do as seemeth
good in his sight.' "
" At Lisbon he was kindly received and entertained at
the house of Mr. David King, an English merchant. His
mother was one of the congregation at Northampton, and

236

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

he had now an opportunity, which he little expected, but
cheerfully embraced, of repaying the many services which
the Doctor had done for his relations in England. In
this worthy family he found the most cordial friendship,
and every accommodation. Here he met with Dr. Watts's
Treatise, ' On the Happiness of separate Spirits,' and told
Mrs. Doddridge with the greatest joy that he had unex
pectedly found ' that blessed book ;' and in reading that
book. Dr. Watts's Hymns, and especially the sacred
volume, he used to employ himself as much as his strength
would admit. Still his mind enjoyed a delightful calm,
full of joy and thankfulness, which was often expressed
by his words and always by his looks. Here he found
a family related to Mrs. Doddridge, and other kind friends,
who, having heard of his character, and received letters of
recomrnendation, sent, unknown to him, by his friends in
England, showed him all the civility in their power, and
seemed to strive who should discover the most assiduous
regard." — " About a week after his arrival, on Monday,
October 21st, he was removed into the country, a few miles
from Lisbon, by the advice of his physician. Dr. Cantley."
— " The rainy season, which, in that climate, usually sets
in about the end of October, coming on with uncommon
violence, cut off every hope his friends had entertained,
from air and exercise; and, by the manner in which it
affected him, seemed the appointed instrument of Provi
dence to cut short his few remaining days." — " On Thujs-
day, October 24tb, a colliquative diarrhoea seized him, and
soon exhausted his little strength. This night, which
seemed the last of rational Life, his mind continued in the
same Vigour, Calmness, and Joy which it had felt and
expressed during his whole illness. Mrs. Doddridge still
attended him; and he said to her that he had. been making
It his humble and earnest request, that God would support
and comfort her; tliat it had been his Desire, if it were

. OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 237
the divine will, to stay a little longer upon the. earth to
promote the honour and interest of his beloved Lord and
Master; but that now the only pain he felt in the thought of
dying, was his fear of the Distress and Grief which would
come upon her, in case of his removal. After a short
pause, he added, ' but I am sure my heavenly Father
will be with you. — It is a joy to me to think how many
friends and comforts you are returning to. — So sure am I
that God will be with you, and comfort you, that I think
my death will be a greater blessing to you than my life
hath ever been,' He desired her to remember him in the
most affectionate manner to his dear Children, his Flock,
and all his Friends ; and to tell them of the gratitude his
heart felt, and the blessings he wished for them all, on
account of their kindness to him ; nor was the family
where he lodged, nor even his own servant, forgotten in
these expressions of his pious benevolence. Many devout
sentiments and aspirations he uttered ; but her heart was
too much affected with his approaching change to be able
to recollect them. After lying still some time, and being
supposed asleep, he told her that he had been renewing his
covenant engagements with GOD, and that he had a cheer
ful well grounded Hope, through the Redeemer, of being
received to his everlasting Mercy. He lay in a gentle dose
the following day, and continued so till about an hour
before he died ; in the last moments he appeared restless,
filched several deep sighs, and quickly after obtained his
release from the burthen of the flesh, on Saturday, October
26th, O, S, about three o'clock in the moming, his soul
mounting to that felicity to which he had been long aspir
ing ; and the prospect of which had given him such strong
consolation during his illness and decay." — " It was a cir
cumstance which afforded much satisfaction to Mrs, Dod
dridge, and her friends at Lisbon, that he was not molested
in these last scenes, as they feared a person of his profession

238

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

and character would have been, by any officious priests of
the Church of Rome ; who, it is well known, are fond of
intruding on such occasions, and had been the means of
adding to the distress of many protestant families in Lis
bon and its environs, during the sickness, and at the death
of their relations." — " When his body was opened (as by his
ovm desire it was), his lungs were found in so ulcerated a
state, that it appeared wonderful to the physician, that both
speaking and breathing were not more difficult and painful
to him, and that he suffered so little acute pain to the
last." — " He had often expressed a desire of being buried
in his Meeting-place, at Northampton, with his children,
and so many of his people and friends. But during his
illness he spoke of it as a matter quite indifferent to him,
and desired to be buried wherever he should die, as he
would not increase the distress of his afflicted consort.
As it was found, upon inquiry, that removing the body to
England would have been attended with a very great ex
pense, it was judged most prudent to decline it. Accord
ingly his remains were interred in the buryingground be
longing to the British Factory, at Lisbon. Most of the
gentlemen of the Factory attended his funeral, and did him
honour at his death. On the following Lord's day Mr.
Williamson, their chaplain, preached a funeral sermon for
him from 1 Timothy, iv, 8, ' Godliness is profitable unto all
things, having promise of the Ife that now is, and of that
which is to come.' He gave him a high and honourable
character, founded on what he had heard from many of his
worth, and seen of it during the opportunities he had
had of conversing with him. A handsome monument was
erected to his memory, in his meeting-place, at Northamp
ton, at the expense of the congregation (who also made a
generous present to his widow), and the following epitaph
was inscribed upon it, drawn up by his much esteemed
friend, Gilbert West, Esq. L. L. D."

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 239
To the Memory of
PHILIP DODDRIDGE, D.D.
Twenty-one years Pastor of this Church,
Director of a flourishing Academy,
And Author of many excellent Writings ;
By which
His pious, benevolent, and indefatigable zeal
To make men wise, good, and happy,
Will far better be made known,
And perpetuated much longer.
Than by this obscure and perishable marble ;
The humble monument, not of his praise.
But of their esteem, affection, and regret.
Who knew him, lov'd him, and lament him.
And who are desirous of recording.
In this inscription.
Their friendly but faithful testimony
To the many amiable and christian virtues
That adorned his more private character ;
By which, tho' dead, he yet speaketh,
And still present in remembrance,
Forcibly, tho' silently, admonisheth
His once beloved and ever grateful flock.
He was born June 26, 1702,
And died October 26, 1751,
Aged 50.
" Though Mrs. Doddridge returned without a friend, and
in these destitute and melancholy circumstances, yet she
preserved the fortitude and serenity of her mind ; and was
through the voyage and upon her return to her family
strengthened and supported beyond what could have been
expected. Her friends could not but see and adore that
kind providence, which these scenes, especially the last,
occasioned."* • The following pious and excellent letter, written by Mrs. Doddridge
to her children on this trying occasion, cannot but be read with a feeling
of that sorrow which maketh the heart better.
MY DEAR cmLDREN, Lisbon, October, 1751.
How shall I address you under this awful and melancholy providence !
I would fain say something to comfort you, and I hope God will enable

240 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
" It was an addition to her affiiction, that by his dying
abroad she lost a considerable annuity, which he had provided
for her in case of widowhood, and to which she would other
wise have been entitled. It was happy that he never knew
that this would be the consequence, or it would have in
creased his embarrassment." It was not to be imagined that
the numerous and wealthy friends of Dr. Doddridge would
me to suggest what may, in some measure, alleviate your deep distress.
I went out in a firm dependance, that if Infinite Wisdom pleased to call
me out to duties and trials aS yet unknown, he would grant me those
superior aids of strength that would support and keep me from fainting
under them ; persuaded that there was no distress nor sorrow into which
he could lead me, under which his gracious and all-sufficient arm could
not support me. He has not disappointed me, nor suffered the eyes and
heart directed to him to fail. God aU-sufficient, and my only luype, is my
motto ; let it be yours. Such I have, indeed, found him, and such I
verily believe you will find him, in this time of deep distress. O, my
dear children, help me to praise him ! such supports, such consolations
as he granted to one of the meanest and most unworthy of his creatures,
that my mind is at times held in perfect astonishment, and is ready under
its exquisite distress to burst out into songs of praise. As to outward
comforts, he has withheld no good thing from me, but has given me all the
supports that the tenderest friendship was capable of affording me, in
this time of great extremity, and which, I think, my dear Northampton
friends could hardly have exceeded. Their prayers are not lost, and I
doubt not but that I am reaping the benefit of them, and I hope my dear
children will do the same. Such a solicitude of friendship was scarcely
ever known as I meet with here ; I have more offers of kind service
than I can employ, and it seems a real concern to many that they can
find out no way to serve me. These are great hon6urs conferred on the
dear deceased, and great comforts to me. It is impossible to say how
much these mercies are endeared, by coming in such an immediate man
ner from the Divine hand. To his name be the praise and glory of all !
And now, my dear children, what shall I say to you — ours is no common
loss ; I mourn the best of husbands and of friends, removed from our world
of sin and sorrow to the regions of immortal life and glory. What a
mercy is it that my thoughts are enabled with joy to pursue him thither!
You have lost, my dear children, the dearest and the best of parents, the
guide of your youth, and whose pleasure it would have been to have in
troduced you with advantage into the world. Great, indeed, is our loss,
and yet I really think the loss the public has sustained is still greater.
I am ready to say the glory is departed; — ^but God will never want
instruments to carry on his work. Let us be thankful that God ever
gave us such a friend, and that he continued him so long, though every

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 241
suffer his widow to become the victim of her Own generous
conduct, and that in an instance where she had acted in
accordance with their own advice. Accordingly a subscrip
tion was opened among them, which, under the zealous care
of Mr, Neal, amounted to a sum more than equivalent to
the annuity lost, although it was principally confined to
London.

hour and day has only tended the more to endear him to us. Indeed,
had we been to judge, we should have thought that neither we nor the
world could ever less have spared him than at the present time. But I
pee the hand of Heaven, the appointment of his wise providence in every
step of this awful dispensation. It is his hand that has put into ours
this bitter cup, and what does he now expect from us ? a meek, humble,
and entire submission to his will ; we know this is our duty, let us pray
for those aids of his grace, which may enable us to attain it. A father of
the fatherless is God in his holy habitation ; as such may our eyes be
directed to him, he will support and comfort you ; that he may, is not
only my daily, but my hourly prayer ; we have never deserved so great a
good as that which we have lost, and let us remember that the best res
pect we can pay to his memory, is to endeavour, as far as we can, to fol
low his example, and to cultivate those lovely qualities which rendered
him so justly dear to us, and so much esteemed in the world.
It is impossible for me to say how tenderly my heart feels for you all,
how much I long to be with you, to comfort and assist you. Indeed, this
is the only inducement I have now left to wish for life, that I may do
what little lies in my power to form and guide your tender youth. For
this purpose I take all possible care of my health, cat, drink, sleep, and
converse at times with tolerable cheerfulness. You, my dear children,
as the best return you can make, will do the same, that I may not have
sorrow upon sorrow. The many kind friends you have around you will
not, I am sure, be wanting in giving you all the assistance and comfort
in their power. My kindest salutations attend them all. I hope to leave
this place in about fourteen or twenty days, but fear that I cannot reach
Northampton in less than six weeks or two months ; may God be with
you, and give us, though it must be a mournful, yet a comfortable meet
ing. For your sakes I trust my life will be spared ; and I bless God,
my mind is under no painful anxiety, as to the difficulties and dangers of
the voyage before me. The winds and the waves are in his hands, to
whom I cheerfully resign myself, and all that is dearest to me. I know
I shall have your prayers, and those of my dear friends with you. Fare
well, my dear children,
Your afflicted, but most sincere Friend, and ever affectionate Mother,
Mercy Doddridge.
VOL. V. K

242 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Orton observes that " his pupils remained together
till the next vacation, when the Academy was removed to
Daventry under the care of the Rev. Caleb Ashworth, D.D.
whom the Doctor in his Will had expressly recommended
to succeed" him, and (as he there expressed it) * to perpetuate
those schemes which I had formed for the public service,
the success of which is far dearer to me than my life.' "
To the able and interesting chapter from which these
extracts have been made Mr, Orton has prefixed a poem
of very considerable merit, which was written to the Me
mory of Dr. Doddridge by his late pupil the Rev. Henry
Moore, whose elegant Fables have been justly admired.
The whole poem would occupy too large a space, and the
following lines are quoted as a fair, and pleasing speci
men: " Who to the Temple of eternal Truth
Shall guide with skilful care our wandering Youtli,
O'er darken'd Science shed unclouded day,
And strew with flowery sweets her thorny way ?
Quench'd is our prophet's fire ; — those lips no more
Religion's pure and sabred treasures pour ;
To holy rapture wake the languid frame.
And through the breast impart celestial flame.
No more o'er guilty minds he shakes the rod,
Arm'd with the awful terrors of his God ;
While chill'd with horror starts the conscious soul.
And hears appalled th' avenging thunder roll ;
Sees visionary lightnings round her glow.
And trembles o'er the gulf that burns below."

Of Dr. Doddridge's Diary, to which the reader is about
to proceed, I have to observe, that the original short-hand
MS., in the first instance, passed into the hands of Mr.
Orton, together with the Sermons and other MSS. in
tended for the press, and was afterwards returned, with
the rest of the family papers, by him to the Doctor's
widow, and by her lent to Mr. Stedman, who took the

OF DR, DODDRIDGE. 243
opportunity of transcribing it into long-hand, witli that
studious accuracy and faithful care for which he was re
markable,* From this MS, (which is beautifully written,
and forms a handsome volume) it is here printed with
only such little verbal corrections as are always required
in the typographical process.
It has been observed, in the preface, that this Diary is
not that daily record which the name implies. It contains,
in the first instance. Memoranda of Remarkable Incidents
in the life of Dr, Doddridge ; and in the second, his Sa
cramental Meditations. Of the latter devout reflections no
difference of opinion can exist, they are full of that holy
fervour and deep humility for which their pious author
was so preeminently distinguished.
Of the Memoranda it may be desirable to speak a little
more at large ; they are narratives of what Dr. Doddridge
considered the especial dealings of Providence, with regard
to himself and some persons of his acquaintance. The
reader is already aware that he believed not only in the
constant superintendance of God, in the course of natural
events, but also in an occasional direct interference of the
divine power, in consequence of prayer, and on other oc
casions, and he will learn from a perusal of this Diary
that Dr, Doddridge thought he had reason to suspect that
this interference sometimes assumes a supernatural cha
racter, I am perfectly aware of the shallow sarcasms with which
it is the fashion to meet every idea of this nature. On
metaphysical subjects men too often reason from theories
as if they were facts, and consequently become positive
without being sure. Mental habit has much to do in these
• Since this work has been in the press, the Rev. S. Wood, B. A. has
favoured the public with a very accurate and beautiful edition of "Riche's
Short-Hand as improved by Dr. Doddridge." The great advantage of this sys
tem is, that it is always capable of being literally transcribed, a character
istic which will maintain its reputation with literary men.
r2

244 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
matters ; mathematioians, and other students of the more
perfect sciences, draw the magical circle of system accord
ing to their preconceived ideas, and forget that Nature has
a worid beyond it. My own attention has been principally
devoted to physiological inquiries, where, as I find, in the
animal organization, some of the most essential principles
inexplicable, I am ready to admit all positive results in
action unquestioned. On the same grounds I am willing
to confess that I view the matter of supernatural agency as
depending solely upon evidence, and as one in which, all we
can do is to scrutinize supposed facts.
A belief in a preternatural influence from God was al
most universal in the times of Dr. Doddridge. Many cele
brated names might be referred to in support of this asser
tion ; I will only mention two or three. Dr. Watts believed
that miracles had not ceased. I have in my possession a
very curious little book, relating three apparently miraculous
cures. The first is a MS. in the hand of Dr. Watts, who
has also added notes, confirming the second, and has writ
ten in the fly-leaf of the book, " Modern Miracles, con
firming the Gospel and the power of Christ." It may be
proper to add, that the more recent advance of science
affords an explanation in these instances, which could not
be before obtained, so that the belief of Dr. Watts was not
credulity.* Bishop Warburton had faith in a modern power
* The contents of this little volume are as follows : First, " This Manu
script gives a more full and particular Account of the Miraculous Con
version and Cure of David Wright Shepherd of Offley, near Hitchen,
in Hertfordshire, who had been many years greatly diseased with the
king's evil, extracted out of the letters printed on that occasion." {This
MS. is in the handofDr. Watts.) Secondly, " A True Relation of the Won
derful Cure of Mary Maillard (lame almost ever since she was born), on
Sunday, 26th of Nov. 1693," &c. &c. London : printed 1694. Thirdly,
" A Narration of the late extraordinary cure wrought in an instant upon
Mrs. Elizabeth Savage (lame from her birth), without using any natu
ral means," &c. &c. London : printed 1694.
On the cover is written, " P. Doddridge of Northampton." — " If it
be lost by accident, let it be carefully restored, and if lent to any friend

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 245
of prophecy. This fact is shown by his acute and striking
observations on the circumstantial predictions of Rice
Evans, at the time of the death of Charles the First, rela
tive to the restoration of the Monarchy, and the second
Revolution. Dr. Johnson's opinion on the matter in ques
tion is well known ; I will, however, quote his expressions,
as given by Boswell. The family ghost of the Wesleys
had been mentioned, when the Doctor observed : " I am
sorry John did not take more pains to inquire into the evi
dence for it. Miss Seward (with an incredulous smile),
"What! Sir, about a ghost?" " Johnson (with solemn ve
hemence), " Yes, madam ; this is a question which, after
five thousand years, is yet undecided ; a question, whether
in theology or philosophy, one of the most important that
can come before the human understanding." Dr. Jortin,
the learned author of the " Remarks on Ecclesiastical His
tory," may be also quoted on this occasion. After speak
ing of magicians, he says, " Setting aside these sorts of
divination as extremely suspicious, there remain predic
tions by dreams, and by sudden impulses upon persons who
were not of the fraternity of impostors ; these were allowed
to be preternatural by many of the learned pagans, and
cannot, I think, be disproved, and should not be totally
rejected. If it be asked whether these dreams and im
pulses were caused by the immediate inspiration of God,
or by the mediation of good or evil spirits, we must confess
our own ignorance and incapacity to resolve the question."
" There is a history in the Acts of the Apostles, which
seems to determine the point in favour of divination. ' A
certain damsel' (says St. Lulie), ' possessed with a spirit
of divination, met tis, which brought her masters much gain
by soothsaying : the same followed Paul and us, and cried,
let it be sent back to me in a week's time." On the other side, " I. Watts,
1695.^-1 value this book at a guinea, being quite out of print, 1738,
and the first part is my own manuscript."

246 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE.
saying. These men are the servants of the most high God,
which show unto us the way of salvation. And this she
did many days ; but Paul being grieved, turned and said
to the spirit, I conmiand thee in the name of Jesus Christ,
to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.' "
These instances are sufficient to show how very generally
such ideas of Providence were then entertained ; and even
in the present day, that sometimes prejudiced, but highly
talented and manly writer. Dr. Southey remarks, in his
late work,* "My serious belief amounts to this; that
preternatural impressions are sometimes communicated to
us for wise purposes : and that departed spirits are some
times permitted to manifest themselves."
* Sir Thomas More, &c. p. 11.

THE DIARY.

THE DIARY.

A GENERAL MODEL FOR DEVOTION,
illustrated under the following numbers : 1, 2, 3.
In the moming,. after I have endeavoured to possess my
soul with a sense of the divine presence, and to work it up
into a frame suitable for communion with God, I will apply
myself to devotion. And here (1.) I will in gefteral invoke
the aid of the Divine Spirit, under a sense of my own in
sufficiency. (2.) I will begin with praise to God for what
he is, and for what he hath been to me; acknowledging
the mercies of my former life, and particularly those of the
proceeding night ; but above all for Jesus Christ ; for any
hope of pardon by him, and for any influence of his grace
upon my heart. I will then solemnly renew my dedication
of myself to his service as under a sense of his many favours.
(3.) I will particularly pray that I may be in the fear of
the Lord all the day long, and that, as I have begun the
day with him, I may fulfill every action of it, as under his
presence; and regard him, in devotion, business, recreation,
providential occurrences, in watchfulness against tempta
tion, and as depending upon his influence in the govern
ment of my thoughts in solitude, and of my discourse in
company. (4.) Concluding with a desire of ending the
day well, I will particularly pray for success in my studies.

250 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
scriptural, theological, philological, and entertaining; par
ticularly for a blessing on the three great designs of Com
mentary, Academy, and Sermons,
At noon I will begin with an acknowledgment of the
mercies and sins of the morning, and renew self-dedica
tion, (2,) I will pray over the four great subjects, and
endeavour to impress them on my soul, (3.) I will inter
cede for others, public and private, this family, my rela
tives, sister, and cousin. And here I will mention any
particular case that lies upon my mind. (4,) I will com
memorate sacramental engagements.
In the evening as a review, (1,) I will repeat an act of
humiliation and gratitude like that of the morning. (2.) I
will more particularly confess and bewail the sins of my
past life, and renew my applications for an interest in
redeeming blood. (3.) I will acknowledge the uncertainty
of life, and solemnly warn myself to prepare for my great
dissolution, which must be very near.
On the Lord's day I will set apart some peculiar time
for begging a blessing on my ministerial labours, and for
prayer for the general success of the gospel. (2.) I will
have a prayer for the revival of a spirit of piety, when it
begins to decay. (3.) One of solemn penitence when I
have fallen into any aggravated sin. God grant I may
never have occasion to use it ! (4.) Of solemn dedica
tion to God, when I have gone through any work for the
public. I verily believe, that an exactness in these particulars
will be attended with very good consequences. Yet I would
not absolutely confine myself to this method. Nor when
I do attend to it would I consider it as the whole of my
duty ; but rather would remember that practical religion
is to be the end of this solemnity, and the means of pro
moting it in my soul. God grant that it may !
August 10, 1728.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 251
No. l.—A MODEL OF DEVOTION FOR THE MORNING.
A general invocation of the aids of divine grace for my
assistance in this, and the other duties of the day.
O God, I am now going to perform an exercise of great
importance and of great difficulty. The external form may
be easily dispatched ; but it is exceedingly hard for a crea
ture so inconsistent to fix its thoughts on so spiritual an
object, and to attend upon thee without distraction. In vain
do I attempt the preparation of my own heart, if thy Divine
Spirit does not add efficacy to my endeavour. I own, that
the numberless errors of iny life would abundantly justify
the equity of his proceeding should he abandon me with
disdain, and leave me entirely cold and unaffected, or
sealed up under such obstinate hardness, As even the very
externals of devotion should be wholly omitted. But I
entreat his gracious return, and continual and more lively
influences. Quicken me, O Lord, to call upon thy name !
Enlarge my heart, that I may run in this sacred course
with delight. And may the present service be advantage
ous, as well as pleasant, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
A general act of praise, and of self-dedication.
O HOLY, holy, holy Lord God ! Thou art great, and thou
art greatly to be praised. Who can utter the mighty acts
of the Lord ? Who can show forth all his praise. I own
myself utterly incapable of doing it, and admire thy bound
less condescension, that thou wilt incline thy gracious ear
to so mean and so sinful a creature, when surrounded with
the humblest adorations and rapturous services of all the
shining inhabitants of heaven. Worthy art thou, O God,
to receive all the homage and adoration they pay thee, and
more excellent homage and adoration than that ; — for thou
art the greatest and the best of beings. From everlasting
to everlasting thou art God, and thy years fail not ; thpu

2.52 DIAIfV AND CORRESPONDENCE
art the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. I praise thee
as the source and Lord of universal nature ; by whom were
all things created, and by whom they are supported and
governed. And that as the whole creation displays an
irresistible power, it contains equally apparent marks of
consummate wisdom, and inexhaustible goodness. I ac
knowledge the unspotted holiness of thy nature, the in
variable truth of thy declarations and engagements, and
the uneqiialled equity of all thine administrations. Great
and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty, just
and true are thy ways, O thou king of saints. But while
I celebrate thy justice, I must humbly acknowledge J;hat,
with regard to me, thou hast not exercised it with a strict
severity ; I should then have been sunk far from the foot
stool of a throne of grace into the lowest regions of misery'
and despair. But thou art the Lord, the Lord God, merci-
"ful and slow to anger. Under these characters, O God, do
I praise thee, and rejoice in thee with all my soul. I thank
thee, that thou hast spared my guilty life through so many
months and years of provocation and rebellion. I thank
thee, that thou hast preserved me in my going out and
my coming in : that thou hast graciously provided for my
returning necessities, and hast not only given me my food
and my raiment, but surrounded me with so many bounties
of thy providence, which make life pleasant and delightful.
I thank thee for all my days of health, cheerfulness, and
plenty ; and for all my nights of security and repose. I
particularly praise thee for the rest of the last night : that
I had a quiet and a comfortable habitation to repose my
self in ; that I laid me down in peace and slept ; that I have
been preserved from danger, and preserved from sin, and
behold the light of the morning with redoubled pleasure.
I thank thee, that I now find myself in health, and fit for
the services of life that are before me. But above all, would
I praise thee, for that great Redeemer, without whom

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 253'
health and life were but inconsiderable blessings, and would
prove only, but a short respite from the agonies of the
second death. I praise thee with all the united powers
and faculties of my soul, for that amazing dispensation of
wisdom and of grace, which is opened to me in thine ever
lasting gospel. I praise thee, that thou didst send thine own
beloved and only begotten son to assume a mortal form, and
to dwell upon the earth, and to die on the cross for sinful
men. And that thou hast sent to me the tidino-s of this
great salvation, and inclined my soul to attend to it, and I
hope, through grace, sincerely to accept it. I thank thee,
that by him the forgiveness of sin is offered, and thy spirit
imparted. And I particularly praise thee for those emotions
of thy spirit on my heart, which engage me now to direct
my eyes and my soul to thee as the God of my life, and the
father of my mercies, while so many of my fellow-creatures
are stupidly neglecting thee, and I myself am so strongly
inclined to do so. I thank thee for the prospect of ever
lasting glory, which thou hast set before me in thy sacred
word, I thank thee for the dear transporting hope, of an
eternal abode with thee, in purity, in vigour, and in joy,
when this mortal body shall moulder into dust, and when
all this lower world shall sink into dissolution, I own my
self unworthy of this blessed hope, and I earnestly entreat
the influences of thy grace, whereby I may be made meet
to possess it. And under a lively, overflowing sense of
my infinite obligations to thee I do now, O God, humbly
renew the dedication of myself to thy service, and call thee
to record upon my soul, that with the entirest consent, I
choose thee for my God in and by a redeemer; and I resign
myself to thee as thine in the bonds of an everlasting cove
nant, I determine, by the assistance of thy grace, from
this time forward, to deny all ungodliness, and every
worldly lust, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in
this present evil world, to employ all the faculties of my

254 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
soul,, all the members of my body, all my time, all my pos
sessions, and all my influence on others for thy cause and
interest. And this is what I particularly resolve for the
ensuing day; beseeching thee to confirm this resolution,
and to accept my poor and imperfect attempts, through the
merits and mediation of thy dearly beloved son, the Lord
Jesus Christ, my righteousness and strength, to whom with
thee and the Holy Spirit be everlasting glory. Amen,
A Prayer that I may be in tJiefear ofthe Lord all the
day long.
I PRAISE thee, O God, that, by the influence of thy grace,
thou hast engaged me to begin this day with thee. May 1
continue in thy fear all the day long. May all the devo
tions of this day be conducted with the greatest seriousness
and fervency, whether public, domestic, or secret. May I
read and pray, and join in singing thy praises with a heart
full of the most ardent affection to thee, and be earnestly
solicitous to approve myself in thy sight. May I engage in
these sacred exercises with due preparation. May I dili
gently watch over my own. heart in them; and may none
of them be passed over without pleasure and advantage.
In the business of the day may I be faithful to thee, and
to my own soul. May I endeavour to redeem my time for
it, to pursue it with an intention for thy glory, and in an
humble dependance upon thine assistance. And as for
recreation, may it be well chosen, the time prudently
moderate ; and may every relaxation of nature be used in
subordination to the great design of its being for the more
important services of life. May I observe thine hand in
every providential occurrence. May every mercy of this
day lead me to the return of gratitude and love. May I
see thy goodness in the refreshments of my table, the con
versation of my friends, the entertainment of my books,
the continuance of my health, the serenity and cheerfulness

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 255
of my mind. And if in any instances thou shalt exercise
me with affliction, may I quietly submit; acknowledging
thy justice, depending upon thy goodness, and discerning
thine interposition in every disagreeable accident of small
import, as well as in events of more considerable moment.
May I be prudent to foresee the temptations I am sur
rounded with, and diligently upon my guard against them.
And in every circumstance of the day may I be sensible of
my entire dependance upon thee, and be lifting up my
heart to thee, for that powerful influence, which is abso
lutely necessary to enable me to mortify corruption, to
oppose temptation, to improve my enjoyments, to bear my
afflictions, and to discharge my duties. When I am in
conversation with others, may I endeavour to give the
discourse a tum that may be both entertaining and im
proving. And when I am in solitude, and my thoughts
are not necessarily engaged another way, may they be
directed towards thee ; and may I be delighting myself in
the Lord. Thus may the day pass over my head, a day
of innocence and of peace, of pleasure and of usefulness ;
and in the evening, may I review my actions with devout
care, and conclude it in thy fear, and under a sense of thy
favour, through Jesus Christ, in whose name and words I
humbly call upon thee. " Our Father," &c,
A Collect for the assistance of God in my studies.
O GoD, I would humbly thank thee for that most favour
able and indulgent interposition of providence, which has
fixed me in the employments of a student, and a minister.
As I would devote all my studies to thee, I beg thou wilt
direct and assist me in them. Do thou, O God, give me
a solid judgment, and a comprehensive understanding, a
lively imagination, and a tenacious memory. Whether I
read thy word, or examine the records of former ages, or
study the writings of the moderns, for my edification in
practical religion, or for my improvement in human litera-

256 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
ture, may I plainly perceive that thou art with me by the
prosperous success of all my undertakings. Particulariy
grant, if it be thy blessed will, that the three great engage
ments of a Preacher, an Expositor, and a Tutor, which I have
in prospect for the remainder of my life, may be all con
siderably advanced by the studies of this day ; that glory
may redound to thee, and benefit to the world, as well as
entertainment to my own mind by what I am now about to
engage in, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
No. 2.— OFFICES FOR DEVOTION AT THE BEGINNING
OF THE AFTERNOON.
O Lord God, thou most holy and just, thou most faithful
and powerful, most wise and most gracious of beings ! 1
humbly approach thee to renew my daily adorations, and
to offer thee my praises for the mercies of the day thus
far; and to humble myself before thee for the particular
sins of it, I would again repeat the act of self-dedication,
which my morning devotions were attended with. I would
humbly resolve, by the assistance of thy grace, that I will
endeavour to act more faithfully upon it. That I may do
so, I beg thou wilt revive upon my soul such important
thoughts, as have the greatest tendency to awaken me
from sinful security, and to animate my soul to a diligent
discharge of my duty.
May I always remember that, wherever I am, thou, 0
God, art with me; that thy presence surrounds me, and that
thine eye observes me. May I remember my obligations
to redeeming love, and consider how it becomes me to act,
for whom Christ, thine eternal and ever blessed Son, des
cended from heaven and died upon the cross ; and for
whom he is now appearing in the presence of God, and
using his interest in the court of heaven. May I remem
ber that I am an ambassador for Christ, and a steward of
the mysteries of God, that I luay act with a dignity and

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 257
sanctity answerable to a relation so honourable, and so im
portant. And to enforce all, may I seriously consider, that
it is but a little time, and I must give an account of my
stewardship. May I remember that Death is approaching
upon me, and will quickly trarfsport me into thine immediate
presence, to undergo a strict trial, and to have my condition
unalterably fixed for eternity itself May I seriously re
flect, that within a few years, and, perhaps, within a few
days, I shall infallibly find myself either in heaven or in
hell, surrounded with infinite transport, or with everlasting
despair. And since the determination of this important
concern depends upon my behaviour in this mortal life, may
I manage with the most exact caution and prudence, and
never, for any consideration of a temporal nature, hazard
my hope of heavenly felicity, and expose myself to the dan
ger of so dreadful a destruction. And as it is impossible,
that any of the most serious thoughts should operate upon
my mind any farther than thou, O God, art pleased to en
force them, I earnestly entreat that thou wilt command
upon me the constant influence of thy grace ; and that thou
wilt help me to maintain a continued dependance on thy
Sacred Spirit, as to be communicated through the hands of
the great Redeemer. Now to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
be everlasting praises. Amen.
An Intercession for others, public and private.
O Lord, I thank thee, that thou wilt allow me the privi
lege of interceding with thee, on the account of others, as
well as for myself; and I humble myself before thee, that
my secret prayers have not been animated by a more pub
lic spirit.
I entreat thee to remember my relatives, and my friends ;
those that are allied to me in the bonds of nature, or of
love, and those that are committed to my ministerial care.
May my dear sister, and the companion of her life, walk
VOL. V. s

258 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
together as heirs of the grace of life, in favour with God
and man. And do thou make gracious provision for the
supply of their wants. Continue their health, and bring me
at a proper time to see them again with mutual cause of
satisfaction and joy. May the unhappy wanderer from
God, and his duty, be reclaimed by the influence of thy
power, and taught to behave with sobriety and decency,
and in a manner that will give some encouragement to hope
tliat he will be happy for time and for eternity. May all my
dear friends iu this family be remembered by thee. And
particularly may thine handmaid at the head of it, be
spared to many years of usefulness and of comfort. And
may every one of her children be brought into the bonds of
thy covenant, and be a comfort to her, and a blessing to the
world. So far as I am concerned in their education, do
thou give a blessing to my care, that I may repay some
part of that debt which I owe to the friendship of their pious
mother, and to the memory of thy dear and excellent ser
vant, whom for wise, though unknown reasons, thou wert
pleased to remove by so early and so lamentable a stroke.
Remember all those of my generous benefactors, who are
now within the reach of prayer ; and may all that they have
imparted to me be repaid into their bosoms a hundred fold,
in the bounties of thy providence, the influences of thy
grace, and the consolations of God, that are not small.
May the dear flock, that is committed to my care, be
happy with the influences of thy spirit, as well as the in
structions of thy word. May unconverted sinners be
awakened and regenerated; and may the many among
them, whom, through thy great goodness, we have reason
to look upon as sincere christians, be carried on in their
way, rejoicing. May those that are declining be restored.
May those that are mourning be comforted. And may
those that are going on with cheerfulness and vigour be
still supported, and carried forward in new attainments.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 259
And may every opportunity that we have of worshiping
thee together, concur to the improvement both of minister
and of people ; that they may have reason to bless God
upon my account ; and thus may be a foundation laid of
an eternal friendship.
May all that are in affliction be mercifully remembered.
Relieve the necessitous ; heal the sick ; succour the tempted ;
be a father to the fatherless, and a husband to the widow,
O God, in thy holy habitation. And give me a heart ten
derly touched with the sorrows of my fellow creatures, and
make me solicitous to do my utmost for their relief.
May thy priests, O God, be clothed with righteousness,
that thy chosen people may be joyful. May those that ap
pear under the character of ministers answer the obligation
of such a relation by zeal, fidelity, and exemplary holiness.
And do thou add efficacy to their pious care, that there
may be a revival of thy work in the midst of these years.
May our national tranquillity and happiness be con
tinued, our health, our peace, and our plenty. May those
that govern us be directed by thee, to the most proper ad
ministration, and animated with a concern to contribute
their utmost to the happiness and prosperity of their coun
try. In particular, do thou bless the sacred person of our
King. May he act under the influence of piety, as well as
of generosity and honour. And may he have the pleasure to
see that thou art making him a glorious Prince over a happy
people. May the Queen be long continued, as an ornament
to the throne, and a blessing to the kingdom. And may
their lovely branches be the defence and the glory of future
generations, as they are the ornaments and delight of this.
And do thou, O God, pour out more and more, of a spirit
and holiness, and of a spirit of peace, upon all professing
orders of christians among us, that animosity and wicked
ness may not involve us in a common destruction.
May all Christian Churches be protected by thee, so far
s 2

260 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
as they are built upon the apostolical model. And may all
the corrupt additions of weak, or of wicked men, be taken
out ofthe way. May anti-christ be dethroned, that Christ's
religion may shine forth in its native purity and glory ; and
so may it charm the eyes of those who are now its avowed
enemies. May the Jews be recalled, and may pagans and
mahometans be convinced of their errors, and engaged to
embrace the truth as it is in Jesus, that the Lord may be
one, and his name one ; that a religion so glorious to God,
and beneficial to mankind, may be universally known,
embraced, and obeyed. Hasten, O God, that happy time,
and engage us all in our respective places, to do our utmost
to subserve a work so glorious and so happy. Hear these,
my weak and imperfect intercessions, for the sake of that
great Intercessor, into whose hand I would humbly com
mend my person and my services ; and to whom, with thee
and the Holy Spirit, be everlasting glory. Amen.
A serious recollection of my sacramental engagements.
O God, I am thine by ten thousand obligations; and I
would now particularly set myself to recollect how fre
quently I have sworn to observe thy covenant by the
solemn memorial of a blessed Redeemer. It is my crime
and my shame, that I have remembered it no more. And
I own, thou mightest punish me with a destruction answer
able to the dignity of that blood which I have trampled
under my feet, and the awful solemnity of that oath which
I have violated. But as I humbly entreat the pardon of
my former prevarications, and as I am well aware, that the
obligations of each do still remain in their full force, I now
seriously renew them ; and I charge it upon my soul in the
most solemn manner. I declare by that body that was
broken, and that blood which was shed for the satisfaction
of thy justice and the redemption of my soul, that I will
renounce every sin, and that I will make thy service thc

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 261
business of my life ; depending upon it, that thou wilt,
with regard to that great atonement, forgive all my number
less and aggravated offences ; that thou wilt take me under
the conduct of thy spirit now, and receive me, at length,
to thine heavenly kingdom. Amen, for Jesus' sake,
A MODEL OF DEVOTION FOR THE EVENING.
1. General praise for the mercies ofthe day, and humiliation
for the sins of it. To follow immediately after self-
examination.
O MY God, thou art ever merciful and gracious. Thou
causest the outgoing of the morning, and the return of the
evening to rejoice with me. I now offer thee my repeated
tribute of praise. May my prayer come before thee as
incense, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening
sacrifice, I heartily thank thee, that my forfeited life hath been
lengthened out another day; and that every period, and
every moment of it, has been crowned with the instances of
thy care, and thy bounty. I thank thee for my food and rai
ment. I thank thee for my health, for the enjoyment of
my friends, for the success of my studies ; and, above all,
for opportunities of conversing with thee, and of offering
thee my humble services, though I acknowledge them infi
nitely beneath thy regard.
I earnestly entreat thy gracious forgiveness with regard
to all the sins which I have this day been chargeable with.
Innumerable evils compass me about. And in the most
innocent, and most faithful days of my life, I see abundant
need to forfeit thy favour, and to awaken thy displeasure.
May the blood of Christ Jesus be sprinkled upon my soul,
to cleanse me from this new guilt which I have contracted, as
well as from all I have formerly contracted. For his sake
continue thy gracious protection this night. Deliver me
from all dangers and temptations. Give me speedy, sound,
and refreshing sleep; and awake me in due time, fitted and

262 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
determined for the duties of the day. And never leave me
nor forsake me till thou hast brought me to that happy
world, where these revolutions of nature shall be known no
more; but where there shall be one everlasting day of
glory and of joy, through Jesus Christ, Amen,
2. A deep humiliation from the recollection of former guilt.
O MOST holy, holy, holy. Lord God, the reflections I have
been making upon the irregularities and follies of this
day may naturally lead me to reflect upon those innumer
able evils, which have compassed me about in the former
part of my foolish, wicked, and abused life: and though I
have humbled myself in thy presence upon the account of
them, and humbly hope that I have obtained forgiveness,
yet would I remember them to my shame and confusion,
and renew my lamentations and my prayers for forgiveness.
It is with amazement and astonishment, as well as with
regret, that I seriously think what I have been doing for so
many years in life. Thou hast given me the knowledge of
thy word, and hast made it my peculiar business to study
it : so that few have had more clear notions of duty, and of
the obligations to the performance of it. Thou hast sur
rounded me with innumerable mercies, both of a temporal
and a spiritual nature. Thou hast sometimes visited me
with affiictive providences. Thou hast striven with me by
the operations of my conscience, and of thy blessed spirit.*
ON THE FINAL DETERMINATION OF THE AFFAIR AT NOT
TINGHAM, AND THE FIRST PROPOSAL OF MY IMME
DIATE ENTRANCE ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF A TUTOR.
La St night I wrote a letter to my dear and most obliging
friends at the castle-gate meeting at Nottingham, in which
I gave them my final answer in the negative. There were
many delightful and recommending circumstances in the
* This article appears to have been left in an imperfect state.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 263
prospect I had there ; but these particulars brought me to
this determination. (1.) Many of their places wanted filling,
and had they continued empty, it would have been a discou
ragement to me, and would have given those who are my
enemies in that town some occasion of insulting me. Had
they been filled from the high-pavement, that would have
provoked the resentment of Mr, Hughes, who triumphs in
a persuasion to the contrary; and I must have lived in per
petual broils, which would have impaired the pleasure, and
perhaps the usefulness of my life. (2.) Mr. Some had
hinted some uneasiness at the free declaration I had made
of my catholic sentiments on the head of the Trinity;
which I am afraid would have given some further dis
gust. Had I been suspected on that head, it would have
been a fatal entanglement, and might have ended in the
loss of all the interest I have among my Independent
friends ; and the Presbyterians would not perhaps have had
it in their power to have done me much service, as to a
settlement in a congregational church — this, thought im
pressed Mr. Some so much, that he earnestly dissuaded
me from going. Whether I were right or not, I cannot cer
tainly tell ; but I hope that I acted in the sincerity of my
heart, and I should have been ready to have exposed myself
to any uneasiness had I been convinced that duty required it.
I committed the affair to God. He gave that sudden tum to
Mr. Some's mind, of whom I asked advice. If I have done
wrong, I hope God will forgive me; and I most tenderly
recommend to his pastoral care that truly amiable and va
luable flock.
In the process of this affair, another proposal was made,
viz. that I should immediately begin the work of a Tutor,
with Mr. Saunders's two brothers and some other young
gentlemen, I pleaded my own incapacity for the present,
Mr. Some did not allow the plea, and thought that I might
improve my time in this retirement to greater advEintage,

264 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
when engaged in such a work with them than I could
otherwise have done. I do, indeed, believe, that it will be
the means of keeping me at home, of fixing me down to
a regular course of labour, and of cutting me off from many
vanities and impertinences, which I then insensibly fell
into. And I am willing to hope, that it may not be a loss of
time to my pupils, if God should bring any of my younger
brethren into that relation. But I humbly refer it to him,
and am heartily willing that this scheme should be disap
pointed, if it be not consistent with the greater purposes of
his glory, and will not be remarkably subservient to them. I
would, according to my own directions, this day, humbly
refer this event to God. I would depend on him for direction
and success in it, if I undertake it, and would refer the
issue entirely to his determination. However, I would se
riously and deliberately resolve, by the divine assistance,
that I will set myself more diligently to my business ; and
as to-morrow is the vernal equinox, I would learn from that
time to rise earlier to my studies than I have yet done, and
would review the rules I have laid down to myself in some
former instances for the regulation of my future conduct.
Sunday, March 9, 1728.
ON LAYING A MORE PARTICULAR SCHEME TILL
CHRISTMAS, 1729.
I HAVE now reason to reflect upon myself with grief and
with shame for renewed instances of a careless and irre
gular behaviour. I have again relapsed into all my former
faults; many of which I have been humbling myself for,
and resolving against. More than ten years, as appears
by some papers, which I have lately seen of a longer date
than that, it has often been a snare to me to defer my re
formation till some remarkable period of time occurred, and
particularly till the beginning of a new year. To prevent
this, I have been laying a very accurate scheme of business

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 265
to be done, during the remainder of this year ; in which I
have allotted a proper share to every week. I am resolved,
if possible, to abide by that scheme : and that I may do it
the more effectually, I propose, (1.) To rise every morning
at five o'clock, and not to lie dreaming awake as I have
often done. (2.) To watch over my own spirit, to prevent
the intrusion of any improper thought, and to consecrate
to God the beginning of the day. (3.) I propose taking a
survey of my behaviour at proper seasons and periods at
home or abroad. (4.) To humble myself deeply before
God for the first beginning of a revolt. (5.) To keep the
record of my actions very exactly, and besides all the other
memorandums which I make, to write some reflections here
every Saturday night, concerning my conduct during the
preceding week. May God arm me with all might and
power in the inner man, that these resolutions may be as
efficacious as most of the rest have been frail and unpro
fitable. Saturday, November 15, 1729.
ON MY REMOVAL TO NORTHAMPTON.
It is too sad an instance of my negligence and folly, that
I have written no memorandums in this book since last
November; though not only another year is ended and
began, but although the most important occurrences of my
life have happened since that time. I little thought when
I dated my last, among my dear friends at Harborough,
how few days would lead me to a determination to remove
from them. But Providence had its own secret designs at
that time, which were invisible to me. I went to North
ampton the last Lord's day in November, with an intent, as
I expressed it, to lay down my good friends there as gently
as I could, and preached two sermons to dispose them to
submit to the will of God, in events which might be most
contrary to their views and their inclinations. In the even-

266 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
ing I happened to be in company with Mr. Bunyan, who
engaged me to promise to preach his father's funeral ser
mon, on timely notice after his father's death. We did not
then imagine it to have been so near. But God removed
him that very night, which kept me in town till Wednesday
morning. Going to some places, where I had been before
a stranger, and receiving visits from others, whom I had
not so much as heard of, I was convinced, beyond all dis
pute, of the earnest desire of my friends here, to have me
settled among them ; and I saw those appearances of a
serious spirit which were very affecting to me. Several
from different churches came among us to attend the fune
ral, and expressed the greatest satisfaction in my labours,
in which I had very extraordinary divine assistance. On
Wednesday, before I went away, the young people came to
me in a body, and earnestly entreated my coming among
them, promising to submit to all such methods of instruc
tion as I should think proper. Upon the whole, I was
persuaded in my conscience, that it was my duty to remove
and accept the invitation they gave me. And God is my
witness, that when I did accept it, which was the Satur
day night after, it was with the utmost reluctance, and I
should have rejoiced from my soul to have seen a conve
nient way of coming off. Nothing ever went nearer me
in my life. But I thought there would be an eminent
prospect of doing good at Northampton, as much as I could
ever hope to have as a minister ; and I was much afraid,
that if I declined it, the congregation would be broken to
pieces, or at least much injured. Besides that, there were
some steps in the leadings of Providence, which appeared
to me exceedingly remarkable, so that I could not tell how
to refuse them without offering the most apparent inj ury to
my own conscience. I did indeed go almost without the ad
vice of any of my friends, and directly contrary to that of
some of them for whom I had a very high regard ; but I

OF DR, DODDRIDGE, 267
thought I was obliged in conscience to act according to my
own views, as it is certain that I must answer for myself
another day. When I had given my consent, and so was en
gaged too far to retreat, I was in the greatest anxiety that
could be, I never was so near being utterly distracted, Mrs,
Jennings accused me of having served her basely.* Miss
Jennings looked upon me with a silent scorn and indifference,
which pierced me deeper than any reproaches could have
done, for she was then incomparably the dearest object that I
had in life, Mr, Some and Mr. Saunders blamed me exceed
ingly; and the latter said a thousand most discouraging
things relating to the success of my undertakings, both as a
minister and a tutor. This hurried me so, that I could take
no comfort in any thing ; and in a kind of wild distraction,
instead of going nearer to God, I fled farther from him
than I had ever done. I never spent any days in my life
in such deep, bitter, uninterrupted anguish, as those which
preceded my removal from Harborough ; only I happily
took shelter at Welford for two days, and had a little more
tranquillity and self-enjoyment than before. My favourite
scheme for removing Mrs, Jennings along with me could
not be brought to bear, and I am now sensible, it was the
mercy of God that disappointed it. Had she brought Miss
Jennings along with her, with that irreconcilable aversion
to me and excessive fondness for Mr, Grew, which I am
persuaded she had, I had been the most unhappy creature
upon the earth. I came to Northampton for a week about
the 17th of December ; but quite removed my books and self
from Harborough, the 24th ; and just before that day I had
a most severe struggle which almost broke my heart. We
talked over that dear affair, in which my whole soul was
then so deeply engaged. Nothing could be more steadily
* The pecuniary loss which Mrs. Jennings anticipated, by the removal
of Dr. Doddridge and his pupils from her house, was guarded against by
the congregation at Northampton. — See vol. 3, section 1.

268 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
and composedly cruel than Miss Jennings's behaviour. I
went away overwhelmed with distress, and whatever respite
I might have for a few moments, my heart was, as it were,
eat up with fervent anguish, and pining with a self-consum
ing sorrow. I had little rest for several nights, through my
excessive concern on account of her, who of all creatures
upon earth least deserved so much as one friendly thought
from me. And-whiefe- was the necessary consequence of
such an idolatrous passion ? my heart was entirely alienated
from God, and I had hardly any regard to him. I made a
j ourney for about a week after the new year began, which was
commenced without any of its usual solemnity, not so much
as one memorandum of my religious reflections and purposes
being made. In that journey my sorrows were renewed,
and towards the close of it, they were something increased
from another quarter ; for 1 saw the dear excellent creature
who is in almost all respects the reverse of Miss Jennings,
but was incensed to the highest degree at my regard for her.
She intimated that she thought of marrying very quickly,
and that if she were ruined she would charge it upon me.
I then came to Northampton, where I had not been a long
while : and the Monday afterwards, which was about the
13th of January, began housekeeping. I came to lodge
at home on the Wednesday after, and the Wednesday fol
lowing, January 21, I took possession of that chamber in
which I hope to spend most of the remaining studious
hours of my life. As it was evident, that religion had been
very much on the decline, and I resolved upon taking one
method for the revival of it that I had never yet done. The
account of which I shall throw into the next article, having
already drawn out this to so great a length.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 269

A PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF MY FIRST PRIVATE FAST.
A private fast had often been recommended to me by
others ; and I resolved for once to make an experiment of
it. It was a thing I was entirely unaccustomed to ; and
accordingly I went very awkwardly about it. I took but
little care in preparation the night before. I went to bed
late, and waked late too, and so lost some of the most
sprightly moments of the morning. I had a great deal of
other business to do ; particularly the morning's exposition
to prepare, and a sermon to get ready for the afternoon.
When I first got up, I spent some time in prayer for the
presence and blessing of God ; but did not implore it so
particularly as I ought, for the various particular circum
stances of the day. I then read my usual lesson, and pre
pared an exposition for it ; whereas, methinks, it might have
been better to have read something more peculiarly season
able to the purpose of the day. I eat something at break
fast, when I think it might have been better only to have
drank two or three dishes of tea. I meditated partly before
breakfast, and partly after upon my late conduct. I find
many things very much amiss, which I shall take notice of
in the next article. I humbled myself before God for them
again and again, but it was in a poor broken manner. I
read some penitential cries and some of Mason's hymns ; but
I did not select either of them so properly as I might have
done. I gave my pupils a lecture on self-examination, and I
managed it much to my satisfaction. My heart was appa
rently in it, and I hope that God was with us. Immediately
after dinnertime I went to the Meeting, and there preached
of the regard whic'n Christians ought to maintain towards
the Lord's Supper, even when they cannot have an oppor
tunity of attending upon it, from Psalm xiii. 6. 0 my God,

270 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
my soul is cast down within me ; therefore will I remember
thee from the land of Jordan, and ofthe Herrnonites from the
hill Mizar; but not with a great deal of spirit, and it was
wrong to fix on a day for this extraordinary secret devo
tion, in which the former part was to be employed in
preaching to my pupils, and the latter in such a public
service. In the afternoon I went to see Mr.  , which
was wrong; because it was not a family where I could
take so much freedom of religious discourse, as I might
conveniently have done at some other places. And then I
went to sup with Mr.  , where I did not take a be
coming care to improve my discourse. Besides, I staid out
so late, that some of the family missed the opportunity of
being present at family prayer ; the fault of which was in
part chargeable upon myself. This likewise threw me so
late into the evening, that I was forced to dispatch family
prayer at home in a very hasty manner, and to sit up abun
dantly too late for secret devotion, which was dispatched
something better than usual, but not entirely with a be
coming care. From these indiscretions in the management
of this day, which yet, as I hope, answered some valuable
end, I would learn the following.
Pules for the better observance of a secret fast.
I GENERALLY propose, for the time to come, to observe the
Saturday immediately preceding the sacrament as a day of
extraordinary secret devotion. On the Friday night I will
endeavour to have dispatched whatever is necessary for
my preparation for it ; particularly will have read over all
my diary, and what other memorandums may be of use to
me in the fast itself I will rise in moderate time, neither
excessively early nor remarkably late ; I suppose generally
about six o'clock. I will endeavour to fix upon my mind
a sense of my own unworthiness while rising ; and then

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 271
will solemnly address God for his assistance in all the
particular services of the day, of which I will have a plan
more particularly than this drawn up. I will then read, and
afterwards expound in the family some portion of Scripture,
which is more peculiarly suitable to such an occasion as
this, and will take care to make a collection of such lessons.
After having prayed it over, and seriously read some suit
able psalms, I will set myself as seriously as I can to review
the memoirs of my past conduct ; and especially from the
last monthly day of this kind. I will put such questions
to myself as those I used yesterday, and will record my
sins with their peculiar aggravations, that I may humble
myself before God for them ; and my mercies, with the cir
cumstances that set them off, that I may return solemn
thanks to God for them. Having made a catalogue of
hints on both these subjects, I will then go into the pre
sence of God, and particularly confess my sins, owning the
demerit of them. After I have spent some time in previous
meditation upon them, I will read some sacred poems, which
may properly speak the language of that godly sorrow. I
will then solemnly renounce them in the Divine presence,
and renew my covenant again, and consider what methods
it is proper to take, that I may avoid them for the time to
come, I suppose a devotional lecture with my pupils will
come in as a part ofthe work of this day, and an important
part it will certainly be, and which I shall endeavour to dis
patch as diligently as I can. I will afterwards generally
spend some time in prayer to God for them and my people
and family. The remainder of my work shall be praise,
with which I think I ought to conclude even humiliation
days ; though sometimes I shall allot a larger and some
times a smaller share to it, as peculiar circumstances of
time and place require, I will then, perhaps, about three
o'clock, take a little refreshment, but it shall not be too

272 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
much. I will perhaps employ a little time in talking with
my pupils about inward religion ; which I may possibly do
with peculiar advantage, after I have been lecturing to them
on such a subject, and praying for them in so particular a
manner. The evening I will spend in the grave conversa
tion of some pious friends, with whom I can use great
freedom, as to the state of their souls, and I will take care
neither to eat nor drink too freely at supper, nor to hurry
over family or secret devotion, and will keep in this book
an account of 
[The continuation of this article is wanting in the MS.}
NORTHAMPTON, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 1730.
My relish for the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel has
been too low and small. I have very often been talking
of them, never more frequently than of late, but God and
my own conscience know how little I have been affected
with them. O that God would give me a deeper sense of
my own guilt and of my own weakness, which hardly any
body upon earth has more reason to be sensible of, that
Christ and the Spirit might be dearer to my soul !
On the whole, I cannot apprehend that I have im
proved in religion the last year, nor that I have made any
considerable improvement even since my removal hither,
though I promised myself great matters from it. However,
I hope, by Divine grace, it is not yet too late, and I do
now solemnly renew those resolutions which I yesterday
repeated again and again in the presence of God, and I
will endeavour to search and try my ways, and to turn my
feet to his commandments. May the fulness of his Divine
grace add efficacy to these resolutions, and prevent a relapse,
which, after what passed yesterday, will be attended with
peculiar aggravation.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 273
AN IMPERFECT SCHEME OF BUSINESS FOR THE NEXT
HALF YEAR, THAT IS, TILL THE VACATION,
I AM now to consider myself in the treble view, of a Pastor,
a Tutor, and a Student ; and my scheme must be laid with
a regard to the duties of each,
I am sensible it will be difficult to unite them all. I
apprehend my course in general must be this : I will usually
rise at about five o'clock, and study till the time of morn
ing prayer, which will be half-past eight. The forenoon
will generally be employed in lectures. If I dine very
moderately, I may secure a little time before I go out in
the afternoon ; but the business from two till six will be to
attend upon my people. I shall generally read a lecture in
the evening, and will retire as early as I can ; but will take
care to give the family prayer so soon, as to have a little
retirement between that and bedtime. On this scheme
I proceed as follows :
1, As a Tutor, I propose generally to read about ten lec
tures in a week ; allowing one morning and one afternoon
vacant. And accordingly, for geometry, I propose to pro
ceed with the first geometrical class to the end ofthe 12th
Book of Wetstein's Euclid ; and perhaps to enter them a
little on Archimedes, With the other class to carry them
through the first four Books of Euclid and algebra.
2, For Hebrew, I hope to go through some little part of
Genesis, select prophecies, and a sentence at the end of
Robertson ; besides the paradigms of the verses, and the
index of those roots, which occur more than twenty times
in the grammar,
3, I hope to end our oratory, and to have some exercises
of reading and speaking. And to go over a short scheme
of logick, as preparatory to Mr. Jennings's, which will be
the work of the next half year,
4. I propose to end geography, and to proceed about six
VOL. V. T

274 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
lectures in civil history, reserving the rest to the next half
year, perhaps we may attend to ancient geography, con
sulting Wells on that subject.
6. I propose to spend some time every day in reading
the classics, the Latin one day, and the Greek the next.
We shall probably be employed in reviewing some satires
of Horace and Juvenal, with select passages from Virgil,
Pliny, and perhaps of Plautus, Sallust of the Jugurthian
war, and if possible, the rest of Persius. For the Greek,
the select passages in Dilectus Tabularum, and perhaps a
little of Homer, and, at least, one oration of Isocrates,
6. For academical exercises, translations of some scenes
in Terence, of Tally's Book of Friendship, some select ora
tions in Sallust, and epistles from Pliny, with some pas
sages in the Spectator and Guardian, to be turned into
Latin. 7. Devotional lectures every month.
II. As a Pastor, I will visit my people, both in town and
country, throughout the whole congregation, allowing, as I
before said, the afternoon for that purpose, and generally
going into the country on Thursdays. I will have a pecu
liar regard to the young people, for whom I propose to
draw up a catechism ; I will expound on Friday nights
at the vestry; perhaps I may also expound before the
morning service, and catechise before that of the afternoon.
I cannot ascertain all the subjects I shall touch upon : but
I propose to go over some of those concerning the know
ledge of Christ, which I laid a scheme for at Nottingham.
It may be reckoned as a part of this work, that I am to
draw up my Thesis and Confession of Faith.
III. As a private Student, I must be making some pre
parations for the lectures of the next half year ; particularly
by reading over Watts's Logic, and Locke, besides attend
ing to Mr. Jennings's Logic. I must also complete the
Hebrew vocabulary, and read some of the classics by myself.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 275
particularly, if it be possible, Lucan's and Plato's Dialogues.
For divinity, I hope to end Cradock on the Old Testament,
and make some pretty good progress on Beza on the
New, and to be every day reading some little portion of a
practical writer, though I am sensible it can be but little.
Besides others, I hope to dispatch Mr. Philip Henry's
Life; Dr. Owen on the Mortification of Sin in Believers ;
Tillotson to page 620; Howe's Carnality of Religious Con
tention, and Discourses of Union among Protestants, and
the other tracts in his works to the end of his Reformation
Sermon ; Baxter of making light of Christ ; of Faith and
Judgment; of Repentance, and Right Rejoicing ; besides
the review of his Gildas Salvianus ; Burnet's Pastoral Care ;
Chrysostom on the Priesthood; and Bark's Pastor Evan-
gelicus. To these I may perhaps add Lucas's Sermons,
and some other little tracts that I do not just now recol
lect ; besides Dr. Bates's Miscellaneous Sermons, and that
on the Death of Queen Mary, and Dr. Manton's. Add to
these Clarke's Sermons,
ON THE FIRST SACRAMENT DAY AT NORTHAMPTON.
I AM now going to approach to Christ at his table, and I
never appeared before him under a burthen of deeper and
more aggravated guilt ; and, consequently, I never came
with a greater need of his assistance. He has been multi
plying my engagements to a life of strict and exact holi
ness, and since my last approach to him, some of the
niost important circumstances of my life have happened. I
have been removed from my dear friends at Harborough,
and brought to settle here at Northampton ; I have been
solemnly devoted to God in the work of the ministry : and
since that time, I have been visited with a great illness,
which seemed to threaten the destruction of my life : and
yet by all these awful and melting engagements, my soul
has been too little impressed. How many sins and follies
t2

276 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
have I fallen into since I was last at the Lord's Supper at
St. Albans ; all the long train of distracted and extrava
gant passion to Clarinda ; all the undue concern for quit
ting Harborough ; all the forgetfulness of God in my new
settlement at Northampton. The same sins have been
committed here as elsewhere, in all their circumstances.
What reason have I to wonder, that I am suffered to live ;
that I am alive to continue in the ministry; that I am
enabled to officiate in public ; and that I am called this
day, not only to receive, but to distribute the Bread of
Life ! Methinks I am almost ashamed to present myself at
that solemnity. Lord, I do verily believe, that there is
none who less deserve thy favour ; no one who has more
exposed himself to thy wrath. Yet I hope thou wilt still
pardon me. Grace that abounds to the chief of sinners,
and freely flowing from the bleeding heart of a Redeemer,
will, I hope, be my refuge. At his feet would I lay myself
On his merit and righteousness would I repose my hope.
To Him would I devote my life, and refer the continuance
of it, and the disposal of all my concerns. Lord, it is my
earnest expectation and my hope, that thou mayest in all
things be glorified in me, whether by my life, or by my
death ; that yet to me, to live may be Christ, and to die
unspeakable gain. I renew my resolutions for thy service,
under the character of a minister, and of a tutor, and beg
thou wilt make me useful in both ; and in both wilt enable
me to discharge my duty to thee, and to those who are
immediately committed to my care. I resolve, by thy
grace, to mortify all inordinate desires, to abound in the
performance of secret duties with greater constancy, in
which of late I have been extremely deficient, to study the
improvement of morning and evening time, as well as that
in the advance of the day. And upon the whole, what I
know not, I desire thou wilt teach me, and whatever I can
discover to be displeasing to thee, I will on the one hand

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 277
endeavour to avoid, as on the other, whatever I apprehend
thou requirest of me, that will I do and be obedient. -This
I resolve in thy strength, and humbly hope that thou wilt
admit me once more to renew a covenant which, by the
assistance of thy grace, I will never more wilfully and deli
berately break. Amen, For Jesus Christ's sake,
Sunday, April 12, 1730.
I HAD a sweet flow of thoughts from those words, it is
finished. Our Lord Jesus could then say so with regard
to his sufferings. And for almost seventeen hundred years
he has never known one moment's anxiety or pain. But
the time will come, when we shall say so too. We may
already say it with regard to covenant transactions with
God, it is finished. The affair is concluded. We have opened
our mouth to the Lord, and we cannot go back. And in a
little time more, God will help us to say it in another sense,
when we are brought to Heaven. Yet there, of our eternal
glory, we shall never say it is finished ; throughout all the
rising and succeeding ages of eternity it will still be but
as if it were beginning. These were all affecting thoughts.
But how little does it signify to be as I was affected with
them in a transient manner, when there is no abiding sense
of them upon the soul. God only knows, whether I shall
ever be spared to see another sacrament day. But I must
record it for my humiliation and shame, that he is just, if
he bring me to hell before the return of it.
SOME REFLECTIONS MADE AT THE BEGINNING OF
JUNE, 1730.
How lamentable a thing is it that I should have perpe
tual reason to complain of myself, and should, with all
that capacity which some so highly admire and extol, be
ever learning, yet never able to come to the knowledge of
the most easy and obvious truths, never able practically to
know and regard them. I have been extremely negligent

278 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
in my conduct of late, never more formal in devotion, never
more indisposed not only to secret, but to family and
public worship. The Bible has been to me as a sealed
book. I have seen no beauty, I have felt no energy in it ;
and all the respect I have paid to it has been a form rather
than a reality. I have been under great temptation to
doubt the truth of Christianity itself, and even the first
foundations of moral good and evil, and the divine govern
ment. My passions have been exorbitant; and I have
ventured to live as idly and unprofitably as would consist
with any tolerable care of the congregation and of my
pupils. Nor can I yet say, that I find any impression
of ingenuous sorrow. The Spirit of God seems to have
deserted me, and to have left me under blindness and hard
ness. I know I have acted a very unworthy part. I con
demn myself for it. I resolve against it. But these are
operations of the understanding rather than of the heart ;
and with regard to any lively, sensible impression of Divine
things, I am like a block or a stone. Lord, I am weary
of such a frame. O that my heart were enlarged ! O
that it were melted under a sense of sin ! O that it were
drawn out in desires after thee ! I resolve, by divine
grace, to spend this vacation well. But, alas ! I sus
pect the force of this resolution, I much fear that I
shall trifle it away. However, I have been laying a scheme
for business, I began with rising at five this morning,
and if I can go on to do so every morning, it will be a con
siderable step gained, Reading the Scriptures I resolve
to attend to : and I will seek the assistance of the Divine
Spirit in the exertion of my own industry, I will particu
larly attend to self-examination, and be careful in keeping
my memorandums, and setting things in order. O God,
assist me in these resolutions, and make them effectual to
answer these ends, and to be a means of keeping myself
closer to thee. Monday, June 1, 1730.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 279
MEDITATIONS ON THE THIRD SACRAMENT, THAT IS
THAT OF JUNE THE 7th, 1730.
I KNOW not that I have spent a Sabbath at Northampton
m public duties with less pleasure to myself Yet I hope
it was not entirely useless to those that attended with me.
I preached two sermons on the Sufferings of Christ, an
swerable to the occasion of the day : but, alas ! my heart
was little affected with them. I spoke of Christ's dying
love ; but I felt nd more of it at my heart, than if I had
known it was all a well contrived tale, except one tear or
two of humanity that I shed when speaking of Peter's
ingratitude, and ofthe goodness of Christ to the dying thief
At the Lord's supper I discoursed on the fountain opened
for sin and uncleanness. I confessed my sins largely before
God, and mentioned some circumstances of aggravation,
but felt little melting of soul upon account of them. I
believe it was in a great measure owing to a neglect of a due
preparation : and I must indeed observe, that it was a just
token of the displeasure of God against those sins which I
have lately committed, I have no reason to wonder that
the blessed Spirit deserts me, and has deserted me for so
long a time, but much more if he ever returns. Two or
three observations I made at the Lord's table which were
something affecting to me. The one was, that the great
ness of the salvation was so far from making it incredible,
that it was the more credible upon that very account, since
it is not to be thought that Christ would have died on any
light occasion. Another on those words, I will take the cup
of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. Lord, I
take it as the cup of salvation. I bless thee for it. I plead
it with thee, and entreat that thou wilt make it a cup of sal
vation to me. It might have been a cup of trembling. I
likewise addressed myself, with some life and spirit, to the
spectators. Are there any of you that are unconcerned ?

280 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
If there be any that believe not the truth of Christianity,
he has nothing to do at this table. If there be any that
dare deliberately reject this atonement, he has nothing to
do here : but every one that believes Christ able and wil
ling to save, if he is desirous of being saved by him, he
will be as welcome as any soul here. I heartily wish that
I may remember the engagements of this day much better
than those of the last month, otherwise I am confidently
sure that I had better have been any where else than at
the table of the Lord.
A SCHEME OF BUSINESS FOR THE ENSUING HALF
YEAR.
I HAVE been projecting my scheme as accurately as I
conveniently could, but I fear I shall find myself mistaken,
as I did the last half year, in which I failed of a very con
siderable part of what I intended to do ; though, by the
goodness of God, I was enabled to go through a good deal
of it.
I. That for my business as a Tutor I shall be principally
employed on the following articles. Monday and Wed
nesday mornings I shall lecture on geometry, algebra, and
trigonometry. Tuesday and Friday, on logic. Saturday,
short hand and civil history. Monday, Wednesday, and
Saturday evenings, French. Tuesday and Friday, Hebrew,
and a little of the classics every night : so that of geometry,
algebra, and trigonometry we shall have about forty-two
lectures, of logic forty-two, of French sixty-three, of He
brew forty-two, of civil history twenty-one, and of the clas
sics eighty-four, in all about one hundred and sixty-eight.
For geometry, I hope, with the upper class to go through
all Euclid, and with all but the last book with the second.
To end algebra with both. For trigonometry, I propose to
use either Keil or Eamer, I cannot certainly tell which.
For logic, to go over Mr. Jennings's Logic, with some con-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 281
siderable improvements, and some additional lectures, in
particular about syllogisms.
For French, I beheve we shall only get through the
grammar, for we shall have an opportunity of reading but
little of Telemachus. I shall be glad if the Dialogues are
well understood.
As to Hebrew, I propose their learning all the rest of
their vocabulary, and much of the * * *, besides the sen
tences at the end of Robertson, as perfect as possible.
For civil history, we will go over Tallints's Tables. But
it will be, at present, a very imperfect survey.
I cannot exactly determine which of the classics I shall
begin with, but I think to read some select passages of
Horace, a little of Juvenal, Virgil's Account of Eneas, and
some other entertaining episodes ; especially the Death of
Dido; Terence's Adelphi, and perhaps some of Pliny's
Epistles. And for the Greek, one oration of Isocrates, and
perhaps a little of Homer and Anacreon. I have a little
question whether we shall read Tully's Discourses of Old
Age, or Friendship.
The exercises will still be principally translations out of
English into Latin, and perhaps composing some orations
and translations from Hebrew into Greek, with criticisms
upon translations of the classics.
With Jennings, I propose to read Cornelius Nepos, and
part of Caesar's Commentaries, and to keep him every day
to the business of translating English into Latin till he has
finished Clarke's Exemplis ; and then Latin into English,
and Wilmot's Particles. I shall give all my pupils devo
tional lectures, on the improvement of time and some other
moral subjects.
II. As a Pastor, I propose first a general visitation. To
inquire particularly after servants, young people, children,
and those under serious impressions, that I may improve
my catalogue of catechumens and intended communicants.
I also intend to catechise about once in a fortnight in the

282 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
vestry, and besides occasional sermons, to enter upon two
courses, one on the knowledge of Christ, the other the
scheme of Christianity.
In my private studies I fear I shall not be able to dis
patch all the business I intend. However, if I have time,
I propose to read something more in the classics than I
have yet done, or shall do with my pupils; and shall
attempt, if possible, to read at least two tragedies of So
phocles, and the three first books of Zenophon; and for
Latin, perhaps Lucan's Pharsalia, with the rest of Plato
and Dionysius.
For practical divinity, besides Beza and Cradock, I pro
pose to read over Baxter to page 328, that is, his Discourse
on Union among Protestants ; Man created in a Holy but
Mutable State ; Love of God ; Enemies and Reconciliation ;
and his Reformation and Thanksgiving Sermons ; Tillotson
to page 608 ; Bates's Funeral Sermon for Queen Mary ;
and Baxter's Death, Judgment, and Repentance ; Life of
Faith, and Faith in Death.
For Miscellanies, Prideaux's Connection, and Rapin's Dis
sertations, Burnet's Archseologia, May's Travels, Hoadly's
Tracts, and Translation of Zenophon's Life of Cyrus, and
some other society books. In order to finish my logical
lectures with greater advantage, I intend to end Locke's
Essay, to read Malbranche's Inquiry after Truth, and if I
can Oldfield's Improvement of Human Reason ; and Lon-
gius. And I intend that these books should be some of
my first employment. June 26, 1730, Friday.
BEFORE MY FOURTH SACRAMENT, JULY 5, 1730.
As I am preparing for the table of the Lord, and my in
tended journey, I would seriously think of my business with
God in regard to each. I come to the sacred table humbly
to receive a renewed pardon for my renewed and aggra
vated transgressions. I come to seal those sacred engage-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 283
ments into which I have entered myself on my birthday.
I come to get a lively view of Christ by faith, that having
him crucified and set forth before me, I may thereby be
engaged to obey the truth, according to the exhortations
I am giving to others ; which I eamestly pray God to seal
home upon my own soul. I come to refer to him all the
future concerns of my life, and particularly the continuance
of it, and of my health and capacity for usefulness. I
come to ask his assistance in the cultivation of the several
branches of learning which lie before me, and in that great
design for the defence and improvement of Christianity,
which has been the subject of so many late thoughts. I
come to commit myself to his care in this journey ; to beg
preservation from all the snares and temptations of it, and
a continued adherence of soul to him. And I come to
ask his direction in the great concern, the choice of a
companion for life. May he preserve me from being misled
by any of those foolish passions to which I know I am
naturally so exceedingly obnoxious. I would solemnly en
gage myself to a care in secret devotion, to be watchful over
my thoughts, my heart, my appetites, my words; and I
huiribly depend upon him to lead me and guide me, to
prosper my way before me, and to make such provision
for the supply of my wants as he knows I need. He is
my covenant, father, and friend, may he never leave me nor
forsake me ! may I never depart from him !
SOME IMPERFECT ACCOUNT OF WHAT PASSED AT THE
LORD'S TABLE THIS DAY.
God favoured me with very uncommon enlargement of
soul ; which I desire to mention to the glory of his grace.
I began with that question of God to Elijah, What dost
thou here ? and observed how careful we should be to be
able to answer it in every circumstance of life ; and with
what peculiar pleasure and cheerfulness we might answer

284 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
it here; since we come to eat the flesh and drink the
blood of the Son of God; that flesh which is meat indeed,
and that blood which is drink indeed. And then from
these words I proceeded to consider, that having briefly
explained what it was, with what expectations, and with
what resolutions we should feed upon this divine banquet.
For the expectations, they may be founded on the promises
connected with that passage of scripture, where Christ
tells us, that if any man thus eat and drink, I will dwell
in him, and he in me: which signifies the most intimate
union and delightful communion. It is a pleasure on both
sides. Christ will dwell in that soul ! To have been
visited by Christ in the days of his flesh, how great an
honour ! Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come
under my roof; but if thou wilt come, no prince shall
be so welcome. Now he comes ; and comes not like a
wayfaring man, that turns in but for a night, but as a
constant inhabitant. And he adds, and he in me, I do
not only give him a transient look ; entertain a kind
thought of him in the hour of my conversion, or at the
time of my entrance on the world of spirits, but he has a
constant possession of my soul. He dwells in me, even
while I dwell in glory. How delightful a thought, to think
we are at this moment dwelling in Christ ! Again, — / will
give him eternal life ! Life eternal ! How vast the im
port ! Not one day's, one year's one age's enjoyment ;
but an immortality of happiness ! It is tme the body must
die. These bodies that are now going to receive this
sacred food shall soon fall into ruin, undistinguished from
that of those who never knew a Redeemer; undistinguished
from that of those who despised him. As the Israelites
eat manna in the wilderness and are dead, so shall we be
who are eating this bread of life. Yet it deserves that
name, for the soul shall live — live and look down without
terror, without sorrow, on the mouldering clay, especially

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 285
when it is secure of a glorious resurrection ! For that fol
lows, — I will raise him up at the last day I In consequence
of this blessed promise, we, when feeding upon Christ by
faith, may, apply to ourselves all the great and illustrious
things which scripture says ofthe resurrection. We shall
bear the image of the heavenly Adam ! We shall be
raised incorruptible ! This mortal shall put on immor
tality, and these vile bodies shall be changed. And it
surely increases the pleasure of the prospect, that Christ
shall effect it. I will raise him up ! Well then may He
say, my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink
indeed : as if there were nothing else that deserved to be
called meat and drink in comparison. With these expec
tations should we eat ; and these expectations may instruct
us in correspondent resolutions. Let us come with reso
lutions of maintaining this union ; of delighting in it ; of
using the faculties of our souls, and the members of our
bodies, like what are to be glorious for ever with God in
heaven. As for the returns of gratitude and of love they are
natural. Would Christ dispense with them, and give us a
liberty of sinning, the holy soul would decline it with
horror. While breaking the bread, I discoursed of the free
love of Christ. What could deserve all this ? I appealed
to Conscience in pouring out the wine. Had we shed
the blood of Jesus, what self-resentment would have at
tended it ! what the guilt of having drawn down such
agonies on the Son of God ! Let us not increase it by
trampling it under foot. When taking the cup I observed :
Shall I be ashamed of a public engagement ? No, Were
the whole world of men and angels assembled, I would
glory in it; that I am the disciple of a crucified Jesus;
and that I receive this sacred cup in token of my sincere
resolution of devoting to him all I am and have, of being
his for time, and his for eternity.

286 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
REFLECTIONS ON OUR FIFTH SACRAMENT, AFTER A
JOURNEY TO LONDON.
I CANNOT recollect that there ever was a journey I made
from these parts to London in which I received more re
markable favours from God, and made more ungrateful
returns to him. I have been obliged to his protecting
providence for taking care of me in my going out and
coming in; so that, in the midst of a great variety of
journeys, I have met with no fatal accident. And though
my horse threw me as I was riding through Stratford, and
fell upon me in such a manner as to endanger my being
crushed to pieces, and struck me with his heel on the side
of my head, so as to occasion a violent swelling, yet I re
ceived no considerable damage, I have been remarkably
assisted in my public ministrations, and never preached
better than in my last journey ; especially in some places,
on which much of my public character depended, I met
with remarkable kindness and respect among my friends ;
greater than I ever found before. I have got some new
acquaintance, particularly in the agreeable family of good
Mr. Waters, who has treated me with all imaginable friend
ship. The people at Dr. Evans's intimated their purpose of
inviting me ; which was certainly doing me a very great
honour. Mr.  made me a handsome present, which
defrayed a considerable part ofthe charges of my journey.
And what, indeed, pleased me as much as any of the rest,
my friends thought well of " The most proper Methods to be
taken for the Revival of the Dissenting Interest," which,
indeed, has met with the most favourable reception that
could be among persons of very different parties and senti
ments. On the whole, I apprehend my character has risen
much of late, and stands fairer and brighter than it ever
did. But surely if many of those that now hold me in the

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 287
greatest esteem knew what I am in secret, if they had
seen what the eye of God has seen, with what horror, with
what contempt would they behold me. I have lived a most
trifling, foolish life; have taken little care to dispose my
business, to redeem my time, to manage my expenses. I
have been extremely negligent in reading the scripture,
and in attending to the exercises of secret devotion. I have
not a heart to lament it. The spirit of God has justly
deserted me, and left me under the conviction of the most
aggravated guilt, without the least emotion of tender sor
row. O, God, I most humbly own that thou art just, and
will be so if I am hardened in this world, and condemned
in the next. Sunday, August 2, 1730.
HINTS OF SOME MEDITATIONS AT THE TABLE OF
THE LORD.
I HAv^E SO long neglected to write the hints of this dis
course, that I have almost forgot it. I know I began with
the words of Zechariah : " They shall look on him whom
they have pierced." I recommended to our consideration
the person pierced ; and who we are that have done it. How
deeply we have pierced him ; and how often we have pierced
him. We have looked upon him and pierced him; and
then looked upon him again, and pierced him again. He
might have pierced us : yet he is looking upon us as upon
Peter. O may our hearts feel that look ! Let us now
look upon him with a resolution of piercing him no more,
but rather of bringing forward his murderers, and of slaying
them before him. In breaking the bread, I used these
words : " Behold, here is the wood, and the fire, but where
is the lamb for a burnt sacrifice ? The sacrifices of God
are a broken heart; here are materials to set it on fire,
but where is the heart ? Lord, send down fire from hea
ven, or this will not catch. How cold are our hearts to

288 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
thee ! Then shall we offer, as we hope, a sacrifice accept
able through Christ," Several things were added, which I
have forgotten, and I must take more care for the future
to note them in time,
REFLECTIONS ON THE SIXTH SACRAMENT.
I PURPOSE to make weekly resolutions, or indeed to reflect
daily upon my conduct, . But now I would get time for it
from one sacrament to another. I have been very careless
in recording, and much more careless in conducting the
actions of the last month. I have done little for God ; I
have enjoyed little of him; I have sinned frequently against
him; and have, on the whole, gone on much as I did before,
only rather with less remorse, when I have fallen into some
shameful instances of self-indulgence. I have now the
Lord's supper again in view. Oh, that I might be brought
thither with a broken heart, and offer the sacrifice of a
contrite spirit for my many and deeply aggravated sins!
I have been lately reading of the life of faith. I want
more of that blessed principle, and then it would excite
repentance. O blessed Spirit ! graciously descend on my
polluted heart. Strike the flint, O thou almighty arm of
the Lord, that the waters may flow forth. I come to
humble myself before God ; I come to renew my resolutions
against sin ; I come to refer my concerns to him ; I come
to seal my engagements to be the Lord's, and to prosecute
with greater vigour the duties of a Pastor, a Tutor, a Stu
dent, and a Friend. Lord, do thou instruct me in them :
Lord, do thou animate me to them. O thou searcher of
hearts, I appeal to thee. Have I a wish so predominant in
my soul as this, that I may be thy faithful servant ? Would
I not ten thousand times rather be free from the corrup
tions of my own heart than from all the calamities of this
mortal life? Would I not rather live in the warmest
exercise of holy love, in the most vigorous prosecution of

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 289
thy service, than live in a round of sensual indulgences, or
in the pursuit of the most curious, speculative amusements,
though I were sure that I should be ever so successful in
them now, and be brought to no reckoning for them at
last ? My God ! when thou renewest the least taste of thy
love, when I find, though but for a few hasty interrupted
moments, the pleasure of conversing with thee, I say, it is
good for me to be here. Here, O Lord, would I pitch my
tabernacle ; and rather dwell in the meanest cottage with
thee, than in the most stately palace without thee. May
I not hope there is room, and that thou hast not yet for
saken me. Oh, return to me in love ; visit me this day at
thine house, and at thy table, and for thy namesake con
tinue to lead me and to guide me. Rescue me when I
am beginning to wander ; awaken me when I slumber ;
strengthen me when I faint ; and let not all my prayers*
my sermons, my private exhortations, my secret and public
transactions with thee, issue at last in my aggravated ruin.
Let me, if it be thy will, be separated from all that is
dearest to me here; but O my dear, my compassionate,
and forgiving father, let me never, never, be separated from
thee. Amen. Sunday, Septr 6, 1730.
HINTS OF SOME MEDITATIONS AT THE TABLE OF
THE LORD.
The principal part of my discourse at the table ofthe Lord
this evening was a meditation on these words. Behold the
Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world. He
is the Lamb. He is the Lamb of God; sent, appointed^
approved by Him. And he takes away sin; — not only
some little slight offences, but all sin : he has merit enough
to take away those of the whole world ! Behold him with
a sense of the malignity of that sin, which it needed the
blood of such a lamb to expiate. Behold it, with an ap-
VOL. V. u

290 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
prehension of the goodness of God in appointing him for a
sacrifice ; with a becoming regard to the Lord Jesus Christ,
who submitted himself to death for us ; and with an entire
dependance upon him. Lord, I lay my sins on the head of
this great sacrifice ; content to lie for ever under them, if
there be not merit enough in him to expiate them all.
Behold Him with a resolution to maintain becoming re
gards to him for the future; and in the expectation of
seeing the Lamb upon his throne, and of ascribing etemal
adorations to him.
In breaking the bread, I observed the goodness of God
in frequently repeating this solemnity. In pouring out the
wine, I said, suppose we had been present at the consul
tation in Heaven for the recovery of fallen man, and had
seen the Lord Jesus Christ in his effulgent glory, could we
have had the confidence to have proposed that he should
descend and die for us ! In the prayer, I considered it as
an engagement to live and die to the Lord ; and as an en
couragement to hope that we shall be the Lord's both in
life and in death ; declaring our dependance upon God,
that he would perform his part of the covenant, and upon
his grace that we might perform ours. Sunday, September 6, 1730.

A SCHEME OF BUSINESS AGAINST THE NEXT
SACRAMENT DAY.
I HAVE just been devoting myself to God; and I have
now been contriving what I shall do for him the next
month, as a Pastor, a Tutor, and a Student.
Under the character of a Pastor, I propose preaching of
the child of light walking in darkness ; and perhaps be
ginning a set of discourses on the knowledge of Christ:
and, in a private way, to visit all the people of my charge
in the town, and to complete, if possible, my list of those

OF DR, DODDRIDGE. 291
whom I intend for catechumens, and of those whom I hope
are serious Christians, and to propose for an attendance
upon the Lord's supper.
As a Tutor, I hope to end trigonometry with the first
class, and to read a little of mechanics ; with the second to
end algebra, and enter upon the second or perhaps the third
book of Euclid ; with both to read a few lectures of * * *
Logic, and some ofthe French Grammar, i. e. the examples
of the verbs, the rest of the vocabulary, and a little of the
dialogues. For the Hebrew, I hope to read some of the
sentences in Robertson, to enter them in the vocabulary,
which I will, if possible, complete. In the classics we
shall read part of the Story of Dido, and of Terence's
Adelphi, for Latin : and for Greek a little more of Homer's
three last books. With Jennings, I hope to proceed in
Cornelius Nepos to the Life of Hannibal, and to go on
with his translations every day from Latin and English. I
design to read one devotional lecture of our obligation to
improve time, especially as students. And for exercises
to put them on writing short hand, and the translating
of English into Latin.
As a private student, I very much question whether I
shall have time to read Ajax in Sophocles or not. Yet it
is what I propose if I can. However, I question not but
that I may make an end of * * * Logic, may read, at
least, one volume of Malbranche's Inquiry into Truth, may
end the Literary Journal, and Wilkins, and, perhaps, also
some of Slackford's Connexion, and work on Dying by
Faith, ,
For divinity, I shall proceed with Owen to page 204,
read Howe, of Man as Created in a Holy but Mutable State,
Bates's Funeral Sermon for Queen Mary, Baxter's Death
and Judgment, and, if I can, a few Sermons of TiUotson's
on the Miracles wrought in Favour of Christianity to page
514, If I can accomplish all this work, I think I shall
V 2

292 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
employ my time well ; and yet when I have done it, I shall
not have despatched half what I proposed in this half
year.* So does the negligence of one month lay a bur
then upon the remainder. May my heart be near to God !
May I approve the integrity of my soul to him in all that
I do, that the time I spend in those studies may not be
lost to any spiritual account. Amen. Sunday, September 6, 1730.
ON THE FAST DAY, PREPARATORY TO THE
SACRAMENT OF OCTOBER, 1730.
This was the second day that I ever spent in solemn fasting
and prayer before God in private ; and I would record some
circumstances of the manner of employing it, which may
be for my future advantage. I awaked in a good frame,
and arose in pretty good time ; but by a faulty negligence
the night before I had a letter to write to Mr. Saunders,
which I despatched before I proceeded to the rehgious
duties of the day, I then by solemn prayer in^foked the
Divine assistance; after which I read with some attentive
meditation the Fifty-first Psalm, on which I made some
profitable reflections, and afterwards repeated it in the
family in a manner which, I hope, was to the edifica
tion of others as well as myself I read several of Browne's
Penetential Poems, and humbled myself deeply before the
sight of God under a sense of sin ; yet I must confess that
I found but little inward melting of soul, I reviewed the
particulars of my late conduct, and found many things
grossly amiss, especially a forgetfulness of God, the omis
sion of self-examination, and prayer. All these things I
afterwards more particularly confessed, and read some forms
of devotion in Patrick ; — not finding my heart much im
pressed with a sense of them, nor much in a capacity to
* The reader will observe that the particulars mentioned in these
schemes of business were generally additions to the Doctor's ordinary
employments.

OF DR, DODDRIDGE. 293
represent them before the Lord, I was greatly straitened in
spirit, and found myself justly deserted by that sacred
agent whom I have so often grieved,' Besides that, bodily
indisposition, on account of a cold, added to my deadness,
and concurred to deprive me of much of that pleasure I
might otherwise have hoped for. I then prayed for further
grace, and referred to God that dear and important concern
which will speedily be determined, and with it, in all pro
bability, much of my future views of^ happiness in life. I
then read some excellent things in Baxter, about conquer
ing the fear of death, with which Iwas more affected than
by any thing that had passed before in the day. I con
cluded with a prayer for others, and a thanksgiving to God ;
after which I went and made some visits ; prayed I know
not how many times abroad with my sick friends, and spent
the evening in writing a letter to Mrs, Clark, expounded
in the family, and attended to secret devotion. I gave my
pupils a devotional lecture about the improvement of time ;
but had no discourse with them in the afternoon about
inward religion, which perhaps would have been the most
proper way in which I could have employed myself, for
my visits were too late. I breakfasted, which was a fault ;
I eat too much, and was disturbed by the conversation of
my pupils, I have considered of my affairs, and am come
to a determination, in the Divine strength, resolutely to
attempt the reformation of all that hath been amiss, I am
sensible that I deserve to be deserted of God ; but I fly to
him for his name's sake, for his mercy's sake, and I hope
that he will magnify the riches of his grace in my pardon
and salvation. -
I find myself at present very much indisposed with a
cold, and would humbly entreat that he would strengthen
me both in the outward, and in the inward man, that my
ministration in the house of God may be edifying and
refreshing to his people. Amen. Sunday, October 4, 1730.

294 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
MEDITATIONS AT THE TABLE OF THE LORD ON THE
EIGHTH SACRAMENT DAY, OCT. 4, 1730.
My seventh sacrament I celebrated at  with much
less satisfaction than I had ever attended that ordinance
either at home or abroad, for all I then said at the table of
the Lord was very defective.
This day, under great disorder, I had much more lively
communion with God ; yet not near so much as I could
have wished, I had in the pulpit been insisting on these
words. Lord, we would see Jesus. And God enabled me
to discourse from them in a very serious and affectionate
manner. At the Lord's table I principally fixed on these
words : the sacrifices of God, are a broken heart; a broken
and a contrite spirit, O God, thou wilt not despise. I
observed how reasonable it was, that we should approach
God at all times with brokenness of heart on account of
sin, of such aggravated sins as ours. I insisted on our
obligations to God, as the God of nature. Had we used a
human benefactor as we had used him, confusion would
cover us. Were he the most necessary friend we had upon
the earth, we should not choose to five at a perpetual dis
tance from him : but it is not so with regard to the great
God, — we cannot live without him. We must return. Let
it be with penitent sorrow ; especially considering, that
we by our sins have pierced Christ, and have injured the
known and acknowledged riches of redeeming blood. Let
us bless God, that the sacrifice^ of a broken heart may be
accepted, and acknowledge, that it owes its efficacy to the
blood of the Lamb of God, else our hearts had been broken
as thousands more are by the strokes of Divine vengeance,
and we had been plunged low into the pit of everlasting
destruction. In breaking the bread I remarked, when the
angels saw this act, though they had no immediate concern
in it, yet, surely, they were filled with admiration and love,
and perhaps might reflect, " How will the children of men be

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 295
touched by it ! Henceforward heaven will be peopled apace !
For the love of a dying Redeemer must surely conquer the
hardest heart," Blessed angels ! how were you mistaken !
we can behold it with little concern, or, if touched with it
at all, shall perhaps in a few hours forget it. In distribut
ing the -wine, I said, let not such a thought arise in any
heart as this — ' my sins are so great, that I fear Christ will
not forgive them, or that his blood cannot cleanse them.'
God forbid ! Make but a believing application to it, and
Thy sins are forgiven thee, let them be ever so great. In
the prayer. I observed, shall we offend thee, O God, if
after all that is past we presume to call thee our reconciled
Father? Shall we not rather offend tliee, if we do not
call thee so ? If we doubt whether the blood of thy Son
has merit enough to restore us to thy favour ?
I solemnly renewed my covenant against all sin, especially
that which most easily besets me. I engaged to a greater
diligence in self-examination ; to greater constancy, espe
cially in evening prayer ; to greater attention in singing
God's praises. And I humbly referred to the divine dis
posal that important event on which so much of the hap
piness and the usefulness of my future life depends.
SOME ACCOUNT OF THE BUSINESS DESPATCHED SINCE
LAST SACRAMENT DAY, AND OF THAT WHICH I PRO
POSE BEFORE THE NEXT.
Though I met with a great many interruptions this month,
especially from journeys, besides occasional visits made in
the neighbouring villages, yet I must acknowledge that
my academical business has gone on pretty well, even
though it was hindered in part by the horserace, while I
was at home. We have ended trigonometry, and made
some considerable progress in mechanics. We have begun
logic; though in that we have read biit one lecture.
With the lower class I have ended algebra, and most of the

296 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
two books of Euclid ; I have read with them some of
Isocrates in Greek, and of Virgil's Georgics in Latin. I
have given them a devotional lecture on the Improvement
of Time.
In the congregation I have visited the sick with dili
gence ; but have despatched little of the review which I
proposed to take for a catalogue of the children and ser
vants. I will visit my people as regularly as I can, and
will particularly endeavour to take more time for it than I
have of late done, getting out for that purpose something
earlier in an afternoon.
As a student, with a view of improving my lectures, I
will review Wilkins and Wells ; I will also read Oldfield's
Essay on Human Reason, and Browne on the Extent of
the Human Understanding ; I will finish my Vocabulary
in Hebrew, contract the logical references, and write out
the first twelve sentences in Hebrew ; and if I possibly can,
I hope also to read Shackford's Connexion, making proper
extracts from it, and the rest of the Ajax of Sophocles,
And for devotional writers, besides Pearson's Exposition,
about forty pages of Cradock ; Owen, to p. 320 ; Baxter
of Judgment ; Tillotson of Truth and Error ; Bates's Fu
neral Sermon for Queen Mary, and of the Love and the
Blessing of God. I fear I shall hardly accomplish all this ;
I am sure I shall not if I do not exert greater resolution
than I have this moming shown in laying aside unneces
sary and impertinent study. Monday, Oct. 5, 1730.
MEDITATIONS ON THE NINTH SACRAMENT DAY,
NOVEMBER, 1730.
The first subject of meditation was. Blessed are they that
shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. In every sense
they are blessed. After taking the bread I observed^
blessed are they who live in the Gospel day, and receive

OF DR, DODDRIDGE, 297
the common entertainments of life as subjects of the Re
deemer's kingdom. Blessed are they who are called to
the table of the Lord to eat the flesh of the Son of God,
and to drink his blood. Blessed above all are they that
feed upon it above in another manner, and that dwell for
ever with God there. Tbeir enjoyments are not inter
rupted like ours with worldly cares, and by the working of
inbred corruption. How many of our friends, once with
us at this table, are now there. Let us rejoice in it, and
be longing to follow them. Do this in remembrance of
Christ. [ When breaking the bread] — Lord, we hope we can
appeal to thee, we would remember thee, and enjoy our
selves most when we remember thee most. Would God
grant us our request, it should be this, that we might live
in the constant remembrance of Christ. Eat it with bitter
herbs. The sacrifices of God are broken hearts. He gives
it, therefore we will accept it. \_Before filling ihe cup] —
would we retract our engagement, if God would give it us
back again ? In the prayer I adored God for all his bless
ings, for Himself, his Son, his Spirit, and Heaven, and
cheerfully engaged to covenant duties. Thus we should
commemorate the death of Christ, but remember him as a
risen Redeemer.
A SCHEME OF BUSINESS FOR THOSE WEEKS IMMEDI
ATELY PRECEDING THE VACATION AT CHRISTMAS, 1730.
A SUMMONS, which I have just received from my Uncle
Hankins requires my attendance at Upton about three
weeks hence. I have been laying a scheme for the business
I am to endeavour to despatch in the meantime. And it
stands as follows :
With my pupils of the upper class I propose to end conic
sections. With those of the lower, to the end of the fourth,
and, if possible, of the fifth book of Euclid. With both I
will end the first book of Logic ; and, if I have one morn
ing to spare, I will in that give them a devotional lecture.

298 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
Jennings shall go on in Caesar's Commentaries ; and I
will endeavour to clear as far as I can all arrears in his
Latin, and some of his short-hand, which are yet behind.
In my private studies, I propose to read over the re
mainder of Ward's Conic Sections, and Mr. Eames and
Mr. H. to study and contract the rest of the logical refer
ences. To read Oldfield's Essay on Human Reason, and
Hallet of the Study of the Scriptures, and to finish the
Hebrew Vocabulary, and the solution of those sentences
which are at the end of Robertson.
For devotion, I will read Baxter on Repentance, Howe's
Reformation Sermon, Bates's Funeral Sermon for Mr. Man-
ton, the three volumes of Dr. Clarke's Sermons, and the
rest of Owen to the end of the third book, i. e. p. 320.
I have a great many letters to write, which I will dispatch
as soon as I conveniently can.
I intend a general visit round all the congregation, and
I will take occasion by the way to inquire into the charac
ters of the servants and children wherever I come; and
will, beforehand, make particular memorandums of the
business intended with each.
I am very well aware that I have cut out a good month's
work for three weeks ; I would, therefore, resolve upon the
following particulars : 1. I will never be in bed, if I can well
help it, after five o'clock, except on Lord's day mornings,
nor up after eleven at night. 2. I will keep up self-ex
amination at the four seasons of the day. 3. I will exactly
set down how I spend my time. 4. I will not make my
self a slave to any of my friends, so a& to throw away my
time out of mere ceremony, especially not to those who are
most intimately and frequently with me. 5. I will not, with
out necessity, do any thing different from what I have here
proposed to do. 6. I will keep up a lively intercourse with
God by prayer, and humbly seek his assistance to carry
me pleasantly through this business. Saturday, Nov. 21, 1730.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 299
MEDITATIONS ON THE TWELFTH SACRAMENT DAY.
I INTRODUCED the discouise with these words — Take
heed, lest there be in you an evil heart of unbelief, in depart
ing from the living God. Is the caution unnecessary ?
Do we not find in us the remainder of this evil heart?
Do not we depart from God, in our thoughts, affections,
and actions ? Have ye not since the last sacrament day ?
Well, here is comfort. Though we come to God in our
sins, yet the blood of Christ his Son cleanseth from all sin.
It is a credible, and it is a comfortable promise. It is a
credible promise, for it is blood of infinite value. Think
but whose blood it is, and you will see that ; and see reason
to hope every thing from it. It has atoned to the justice
of God. Do not entertain the least thought that your sins
therefore are too great to be atoned by it. He has pur
chased the Spirit to sanctify you ; and is not that Spirit
almighty ? What can oppose his sacred influences ? And is
not this a comfortable truth ? How cheerfully then may
we draw near to God, though our sins be great. Do not
we desire to be pardoned ? If we do not, it alters the case.
Let that soul dread the sacrament that can say I love sin,
and I would keep it ; but every soul that can say. Lord, I
desire to be washed from it in thy blood, if he says it
sincerely, is welcome to approach. If he wash us not, we
have no part in him ; but if we desire he should thus wash
us, we shall be entirely clean. Let us then apply to this
blood ; let us humbly plead it with God.
In breaking the bread I observed. Lord, who knows the
power of thine anger ? and who knows the power of thy
love, which supported thee under all those calamities ? We
are bold to enter into the holiest, by the blood of Jesus.
We are now in a sense, though, blessed be God, I hope
not in every sense, outward court-worshippers ; but there
is a most holy place. We have a confident hope of enter-

300 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
ing thither ; of seeing the mercy-seat, the cherubim, the
shachinah. And how ? By the blood of Jesus. This has
introduced thousands, who were once below in such cir
cumstances as we are. This wih introduce us. Let us
trust in it. And now approach the holy place by faith, as
those that hope shortly to make a more intimate, more
sensible, and more dehghtful approach.
When God confirmed his covenant with Abraham, Abra
ham added. Oh that Ishmael might live before thee ! So
will we, and while we rejoice in the privilege granted to
ourselves and Christian friends, we would bear our uncon
verted relatives on our hearts before God in prayer.
Sunday, March 6, 1731.

MEDITATIONS ON THE THIRTEENTH SACRAMENT DAY,
APRIL 18, 1731.
I BEGAN with introductory remarks on these words of the
apostle : Heb. x. 4, &c. It is impossible that the blood of
bulls and of goats should take away sin. As it is written,
burnt offerings and sin offerings thou didst not require.
Then he said, Lo, I come ! — The words lead us into some
affecting views of God and ourselves and of the blessed
Redeemer. We see ourselves as condemned creatures, in
the presence of a holy God ; and we see the divine justice
rigorous in its demands. It must have blood. Helpless
in ourselves, we had no atoning; blood to offer. In this
sense, Lebanon would not have been sufficient to bum,
nor all the beasts thereof for a burnt offering. And how
dreadful must our case have been, had it rested there, and
had we continued in the circumstances of those for whom
there is no sacrifice for sin? But God has provided a
lamb. T'hen he said, Lo, I come !¦ — ^It is affecting to think
to what purpose and with what temper he came. With
what purpose did he come ? He might have uttered these

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 301
words in another view. Had God declared from his awful
throne, Man, ungrateful Man is risen up in rebellion against
me, and I will make him the monument of my wrath, even
as the fallen angels are, and who of all the inhabitants of
this blessed world will rise up for me against these workers
of iniquity?- — into whose hand shall I put the flaming
sword, which is to be bathed in their blood, and the poison
of which is to drink up their spirits. In this sense might
our Lord have answered, Lo, I come ! — Father, I undertake
the work. But it was not so. He sent not his Son into
the world to condemn the world, but that the world through
him might be saved. A design directly contrary to that
which our guilt might have taught us to fear. He came
to deliver us, and that at a very expensive rate, even at
the price of his own life. Amazing goodness ! more than
can be uttered ! more than can be conceived ! And how
did he come ? With cheerfulness, and even with eagerness.
Then said he, Lo, I come. I delight to do thy will, O God,
and thy law is within my heart. It was wonderful that he
should ever say. Father, I consent to do it. " Yet if it
must be so, if the demands of thy justice be so inflexible,
and so that it seems good in thy sight, then I submit."
Had he said, as afterwards in the days of feeble flesh,
and under the struggles of human nature, " O, my Father,
if it be possible let this cup pass from me :" — But, behold,
he came with pleasure, " leaping on the mountains, and
skipping on the hills." He triumphed in a view that seemed
so full of horror, and doubled that favour by the cheerful
air with which he bestowed it. Lo, I come ! — Be the work
ever so painful, the consequence is so glorious ! the scheme
is so full of compassion, so merciful to Man, so honourable
to Thee, that I long to accomplish it ; as afterwards he said,
/ have a baptism to be baptized with, and how am I strait
ened till it be accomplished 1 With such a strong desire I
have desired to eat this passover. Many a passover had he

302 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
eaten before, in the thirty years of his abode upon the
earth. Some had he before eaten with his disciples ; but
none on which his heart was so set as on this, because
this was that at which he was to enter upon his suffer
ings, and to fulfill the great, the glorious design for the
redemption of fallen man ! It is delightful in this view
to look on this delight of Christ in such an undertaking ;
and it is delightful to see the consequences. " By which
will," says the apostle, " ye are sanctified." He might
have said, by which will ye are saved : by which will ye
are justified. But he says, by which ye are sanctified ; and
let us not imagine this to be less comfortable, for by a most
inseparable consequence it implies the rest, and so inti
mates them in a more affecting manner than if they had been
further expressed. Such is the connexion between holiness
and glory ; between sanctification in this world and com
plete salvation in the next, that when I have observed that
the offer of Christ is sufficient to accomplish the one, I
need not add that it will infallibly fulfill the other. How
joyful a reflection is this to those that find by divine grace
that they are already sanctified through this offering up of
the body of Christ once for all. A glorious work, without
which it would never have been accomplished. The design
was so great, so wonderful, it may well be introduced with
that mark of attention, Lo, I come ! — Let us behold it, and
let us behold it with wonder. And do thou behold it, 0
my heavenly Father. Nor did the all-Comprehending eye
of God ever see a sight more worthy its regard, Lo, I
come! — Ought it not, my friends, to excite some corres
pondent emotions in our hearts ; and should not our souls
echo back this gracious language ? Methinks we should
be putting ourselves in a waiting posture ; looking to God,
and to our blessed Redeemer for every intimation of his
pleasure with regard to what he would have us to do or to
bear; and that when he is as it were beckoning with his

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 303
hand, and pointing out the way, we should answer, with a
triumphant pleasure, " Lo, I come. I delight to do thy
will, O God, and thy law is within my heart." May the
ordinance we now attend be subservient to these pious
resolutions, and be the means of bestowing that grace,
whereby alone they can be rendered effectual.
In breaking the bread I said, thus was the body of Christ
broken ! As it is said, the Lord is risen, he is risen indeed :
so the Lord was crucified, he was crucified indeed. As
sure as this bread was broken, so sure was the body of
Christ extended, and his blood poured out on the cross.
And is this a sight to be seen with indifference ? Was it
thus that the Lord of Life was used ? One would have
imagined that he should have met with the most thankful
reception, and that after his appearing in the world all the
contentions among the children of men should have been
who should have done him the greatest honour ; who
should have offered him the most valuable tribute. And
was' he insulted and reviled ? was he tortured and mur
dered ? was he used like a villain, and like a slave, with
every circumstance of cruelty and of contempt ? And shall
our hearts behold this sight without some emotion ? espe
cially when we add, he thus loved us, and gave up himself
for us ? Why have we the power of remembrance, if not
to remember Christ? why have we hearts susceptible of
humanity and generosity, if not to be employed here ? why
have we tears to shed, if they are not to be poured out on
such an occasion? Better, O blessed Jesus, a thousand
times better, were it that we had neither eyes to see, nor
ears to hear, nor tongues to speak, nor power to breathe,
than that our hearts should not be filled with love to thee,
our tongues employed in thy praises, and all our powers
both of soul and of body for ever devoted to thy service.
In pouring out the cup I said, " Behold the Lamb of God
that taketh away the- sins of the world !" If we were the

304 .DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
first sinners that had ever ventured upon his grace, here
would be encouragement to do it, when we consider who
this Lamb of God is. But we are treading in a beaten way.
Oh, if the world of glory were thrown open to our survey,
what a surprising sight would it be ! We should there see
thousands of splendid and glorious creatures, concerning
whom, if the Divine revelation did not assure us of it, we
could never have imagined that they ever dwelt in clay ;
so bright, so glorious, so like to the angels, so like to God !
One could hardly imagine that they were once struggling,
mourning, weeping, and trembling as we are. And when
we wish to inquire into their change, let us ask the blessed
angels ; and they will tell us, " they have washed their robes
and made them white in the blood ofthe Lamb." Let us ask
them, and they will reply, Christ has loved us, and washed
us from our sins in his own blood. And is there not then
the greatest reason most cheerfully to repose ourselves upon
him? We are now conversing with that God who knows the
heart and searches the reins ! There is something awful
and delightful in the thought. Let every creature in the
assembly consider it. He knows the heart ! how awful a
thought to the careless sinner ! He knows that I am here
present in his house without any serious regard to him or
desire after him. The Lord knows that all the solemnities
of a sacrament day cannot warm and melt my frozen stony
heart. He knows that I prefer the amusement of every
vain thought to all those contemplations which might de
lightfully employ the mind of an angel ! But to the pious
soul it is a thought of comfort. My beloved, when we
have lively views of the Redeemer's love I am persuaded
that sentiments arise in our souls too great for the most em
phatical language to express, and we are forced to adopt the
words of David, And now. Lord, what should thy servant say
unto thee 1 How delightful is it to add, as he does, But

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 305
thou, Lord, knowest the heart of thy servant, and seest
those lively workings of gratitude, love, and duty, which
no language can speak.
When the communion was over, observing some of the
elements remain. — This is an emblem of the provisions of
the Gospel. Here is bread and wine enough and to spare.
Enough for all; enough for more than are here; and if
any perish, it is not for want of a sufficiency of grace, but
for want of a heart to use it. In giving at the collection. —
It is pleasant to think this is not merely to defray necessary
charges, but that it is an offering to Christ's poor members.
We have devoted ourselves, our all to him. I hope it is a
pleasant thought. It may add a relish to the meanest
offerings as it adds a worth to them in the sight of God.
Lord, I give thee this in token that I am ready, according
to my engagements, actually to give thee all when thou
shalt demand it of me. Sunday, April 18, 1731.
A SCHEME OP BUSINESS TO BE DESPATCHED, IF
POSSIBLE, BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY.
I HAVE a great variety of business before me, and have
need to use much greater diligence than I have done in
order to despatch it.
With my pupils, having already ended logic, I propose
to finish civil history, and then to enter upon Rohault's
Physics, reading about twelve lectures in them, which I
hope may be to the end of the twelfth chapter. I shall
probably conclude with Mr. Wilkinson's class, and hope
to make some progress in Archimedes. Not having dear
Jennings with me to pursue Caesar's Commentaries, I
shall, however, do something at the Greek with my new
pupil Henton ; and as for Hebrew, we must, by all means,
read the sentences and learn the vocabulary. In the clas-
VOL. V. X

306 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
sics, we shall only read TuUy and Plautus of Latin, and
Xenophon of Greek.
In my own study I shall have employment enough no
doubt ; for I intend to read over both volumes of Rohault's
Physics, Le-Clerc's Logic and Physics, the second volume
of Saurin, and the first volume of St, Evremond's Works.
And for divinity, shall end Owen on the Spirit, on Prayer,
Apostacy, &c, to page 202; Tillotson to page 614; Howe
to page 356; Bates to page 370; Baxter to page 846,
I also intend to make references to civil law, and Hebrew
sentences and the vocabulary; to finish conic sections,
compose a Sermon on God's Watering his Church, and to
transcribe that which I preached yesterday to young people,
and to contract the references to the remaining lectures on
logic, I hope to take a survey of the state of the congregation,
at least in town, and to write some account of it. After
this I will select some catechumens from among the
young people, and have a catechetical lecture at least once
a fortnight. If I can perform all this business in about
nine weeks, I shall have a great deal of reason to reflect
upon it with pleasure, and to own the Divine goodness in
carrying me through it ; but I much fear that a great deal
of it will be the employment bf the next half year.
SOME MEMORANDUMS OF WHAT PASSED AT THE FOUR
TEENTH SACRAMENT, ADMINISTERED MAY 16, 1731.
I INTRODUCED the discourse with acknowledging that
evil heart of unbelief which attends us at all times, and
follows us even to the table of the Lord. This hinders us
from profiting by providential occurrences, by ordinances,
even those of a sacramental nature. Let us endeavour to
conquer our unbelief by having recourse to the promises.
Observe how free, how full, how suitable they are. I par-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 307
ticularly directed my hearers to the blood of Christ, which
cleanseth from all sin. We have brought then to the table
of the Lord a multitude of sins, many committed since the
last time we came hither. These sins need expiation ; these
pollutions need cleansing. We are sensible of the pollu
tion of them, and therefore are unwilling that others should
be conscious to them ; had rather be caught in the greatest
disorder, in the foulest as well as the meanest dress, than
that all our sins, in all their circumstances, should be ex
posed to each other ; much more should we be ashamed of
them in the presence of the holy God. And it becomes
us at this time to loathe and abhor ourselves, and to repent
as in dust and ashes. But the blood of Christ cleanseth
from all sin, and procures not only pardon, but the sancti
fying Spirit, and by serious reflections upon it as a moral
means, our hearts are purified. Let none then dread the
sacrament because they are sinners : for our very coming
implies a confession that we are so, otherwise we should
have no. business here. The only question is, do we desire
cleansing? If we do not, we have indeed no business at it,
and can receive no benefit by it. In this instance Christ
does in effect say to every one of us, " If I wash thee not,
thou hast no part ivith me," But I hope we can appeal to
him, that it is our desire that he would wash our feet, hands,
head, and heart, that we may be entirely purified. And if
this be indeed our desire, then we are welcome guests to the
table of the Lord, Let us go into his presence, and plead
this blood in the hope of being purified and accepted by it.
In breaking the bread, such reflections as these arose in
my mind : " Lord," says the Psalmist, " who knoweth the
power of thine anger ?" It is known but to the damned in
hell ! They completely know it. Yet something we know
of it in other instances, especially in the humiliation and
death of Christ. But is there not reason, on the contrary,
to say, " Lord, who knoweth the power of thy love ?" we
x2

308 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
know much of it here ; but shall only completely know it
above. In pouring out the wine the meditations were as follow : —
We have boldness to enter into the most holy place by the
blood of Jesus. We are now, in comparison, but outer
court worshipers, I hope not so in every sense ; but we are
undoubtedly in some. Yet blessed be the name of God !
we have a hope of coming nearer, and have a confident
assurance of entering. Some of those that were once wor
shiping with us are already entered. We hope to go to
them by the same way. They have washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. So we
hope to wash ours. Lord, I would receive this sacred cup
as a token of my admittance to behold thee on the mercy
seat, not merely with an eye of faith, but in a more sensible
and illustrious manner.
I remarked afterwards, that when God conversed with
Abraham he mentioned two kind things he intended to do
for Isaac. He rejoiced no doubt in them. But he prayed
for poor Ishmael; methinks we should do so too. Some
of our friends are now partaking. It is delightful to think
that they, as well as we, are interested in the blessings. Oh,
that all were interested ! AVritten Sunday, August 1, 1731.
SOME REMARKS ON WHAT PASSED AT THE FIFTEENTH
SACRAMENT, ADMINISTERED JUNE 19, 1731.
I BEGAN with observing, that when God called the people
of Israel to appear before him at the Feast of Tabernacles,
he appointed them humbly to commemorate their mean
ness and unworthiness; and particularly to mention the
stock from whence they were descended. (" A Syrian ready
to perish was my Father, Sfc." ) So in our approaches to God,
we should consider what we were both by nature, as well
as what we are made by grace. We have heard that

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 309
Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. Let
us seriously reflect upon this.
Consider what we were. We were lost; lost to God;
lost to ourselves ; lost to all well grounded hope of a blessed
eternity; and the Son of man came to seek us. Whence
did he come? Whither did he come from ? Whom did he
come to seek ? What obscure, and what guilty creatures !
How far had we wandered ! How often had we wandered !
With what difficulty were we brought home ! Yet his love
conquered all. He came to seek us — and that in order
to save us. What a salvation is this ! Look upon a poor,
guilty, ignorant, sensual creature, and think such were we.
Look, in imagination, on the damned in hell, and think
such should we have been : and then consider how high
this salvation rises. It reaches to heaven itself. Think
what you now feel. Think what we should feel, if all
our corruptions were mortified, all our doubts scattered,
all our graces confirmed : and much more than these will
be our eternal portion. What a transporting thought!
What an abundant cause of gratitude, wonder, and love.
In breaking the bread. — Christ commands us to do this
in remembrance of him. But, alas, how little do we re
member him. Strange that we should need a memorial ;
but how much stranger that we should forget him with it !
Nay, sometimes, that we should be ready to forget him at
his table ; or remember him there in a manner little better
than forgetfulness : yet he remembers us in heaven itself.
. Blessed Jesus, may thy kindness to us, as it shames our
unkindness and ingratitude to thee, so cure it.
In giving the cup. — It is the cup of blessing — the cup of
blessings. O, what a variety of blessings ! Here is pardon ;
and strength ; and grace ; and the foretaste of glory ! We
bless it. May God bless it. So let us bless God that
gives Us this cup, and humbly pray that it may be indeed
a cup of blessing to us. May the taste of it refresh us !
and may the memory of it refresh us too !

310 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
REFLECTIONS ON MY LAST JOURNEY TO LONDON.
In this journey, as in the last, the hand of my God hath been
upon me for good ; I have been preserved in my going out
and coming in ; and my dear wife, in my absence, has been
the object ofthe divine care, and my love and respect for her
has been increased rather than diminished by this joumey.
I have met with many kind friends, and with some hand
some presents to my hbrary ; and it was with great pleasure
that I conversed with many, whom before I was very little
acquainted with. But, notwithstanding all this, my conduct
has been very ungrateful and thoughtless. I must confess
that, in one respect, I have been more cautious than usual,
for I have read a chapter in the New Testament every
morning and evening. I have preached several times, and
now and then with some spirit, though generally ill. But
as to keeping up a lively sense of God upon my spirit, I
must confess that I have exceedingly failed, and that my soul
has been strangely sunk into carnality. I am ashamed to
think how much I have been attached to flesh and sense ;
in how irregular a manner I have indulged my inclinations
and passions ; and how total a neglect there has been of
inward communion with God. Since my return home, I
have most shamefully trifled away my time by lying in bed
by far too late, by meddling with books in which I had
no concern, by neglecting self-examination, and making
proper memorandums. And even now, in the reflection
upon these things, my heart is strangely cold and un
affected. The Lord mercifully forgive me, and pour forth
something of his grieved and forfeited Spirit to cause me
this day to approach to him in his worship, and to enjoy
communion with him, which is a thing I now seldom taste,
and only know by report and by remembrance.

OF DR, DODDRIDGE. 311
BRIEF MEMORANDUMS OF WHAT PASSED AT THE
SIXTEENTH SACRAMENT, AUGUST 1, 1731.
I CAN give very little account of what passed at this ordi
nance, not having, as I certainly ought to have done, im
mediately taken any notes of it, I only remember that,
as we have solemnly excommunicated William Watts for
his scandalous behaviour, the discourse was peculiarly
suited to that circumstance ; directing them with regard to
those so separated from us, that we should pity them, and
pray for them, and encourage all appearance of repentance
in them. And then, as to ourselves, that we should bless
God who has preserved us, and not made us the reproach of
the foolish; and renew our caution, not being high minded,
but fearing. As for the thoughts that prevailed, when
breaking the bread and pouring out th^ wine, or in any
other circumstance of that solemnity, I have unhappily for
gotten them ; and which is much more melancholy, have
forgotten much ofthe solemnity itself. After this ordinance,
I observed a day of fasting and prayer, preparatory to the
next ; but most of it was taken up in employments of no
importance to the peculiar view ofthe day. I hope I shall
be for the future more upon my guard, and more careful
to maintain a becoming temper in such solemnities.
SOME ACCOUNT OF WHAT PASSED AT THE SEVEN
TEENTH SACRAMENT, SEPTEMBER 5, 1731.
I BEGAN the discourse with some meditations on these
words, " O how marvellous is thy lovingkindness, which thou
hast laid up for them that seek thee ; which thou hast pre
pared for them that trust in thee before the children of men."
I observed that here is a kindness immediately prepared ;
and a further lovingkindness laid up for them. It is as at
this table. Here is goodness prepared in this feast of love,
to which the words of David may be applied, thou hast pre-

312 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
pared a table: — It is prepared in the presence of our
enemies. The malignant host of hell see this remedy, and
that grace ofiered to us which was never vouchsafed to
them ! And it is intended to strengthen us against our
enemies, especially those of our own household, the cor
ruptions of nature, and the allurements of the world. And
I hope we have found it successful in each. God has
anointed our head with oil. Here he pours out his spirit
upon us. Here he regards us as a father, and fills us with
joy and peace in believing. I hope we can say, through
grace. Let us see thee, as we have seen thee in the sanctuary.
Here our cup runs over. This feast that is given to us is
an abundant supply. Here is enough — more than enough
for us — there is enough for the whole world. O delightful
thought !
But besides all this, here is rich mercy laid up for them
that hope in him. Our sacramental opportunities are com
ing to an end. But all our enjoyments of God are not to
end with them. O, my friends, whenever God shall say
unto us in his providence, that we shall drink no more of
this fruit of the vine, may we rejoice in this, that we shall
then drink it new with Christ in his Father's kingdom !
And what, therefore, if he were now to say so to us?
How joyfully would the tidings be received by some of us !
To think this is the last solemnity of this kind I should
attend — but where shall I be before another ? When my
brethren are meeting around this table here, I shall be in
my Father's presence above. When they see my Saviour
through these obscure typical representations, I shall see
him face to face. My sorrows, my fears, my complaints, my
trials, all would be come to an eternal period, and my soul
overflowing with eternal joy and triumph ! Well, Christian,
be comforted. It is near, even at the door. It is but a few
moments, and you receive this bread and this wine. And
it is at most but a few years, and God will give you a call to

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 313
the eternal world, and will put into your hand that cup of
complete salvation. And to a creature, conscious of eternal
duration, what so great difference is there between a few
years and a few moments ? Methinks, in the view of this,
our thoughts, as well as words, are swallowed up, and no
thing remains but to lift up our adoring hands and eyes to
heaven, and to say, " Oh, how wonderful is thy lovingkind
ness :" — Let it be our care to secure to ourselves the evi
dence of our interest in it, and to live like those that fear
him, and hope in him.
The first prayer was taken up in going over these
thoughts. And, when breaking the bread, I repeated my
address to the spectators from these words, is it nothing to
you ? — Is not your salvation concerned ? Is it not your duty
to remember Christ? And are not you undone without
an interest in him? But I persuade myself it is some
thing to some of you. And to those of us who have turned
aside to see this great sight, let me entreat you to think
how nearly you are concerned in it. There were all our
hopes suspended — there was our eternal fate concerned in
the atonement and death which we here commemorate.
Should not our hearts then be filled with reverence, inspired
with love, gratitude, and joy, and established in the firmest
exercise of faith.
When I came to pour out the wine, I particularly dis
coursed of it as the seal of the covenant, by which we give
ourselves to God ; and prayed over what I had said in the
pulpit of giving up ourselves, our lives, our possessions, to
him. And, Lord, if thou seest fit that these frail bodies
should not only be used, but worn out for thee, thy will be
done. We hope, when the frail machine of flesh and blood
is dissolved, that the immortal inhabitant, the spirit, will
spring with j oy into the presence of God. And we may say,
" Into thy hands we comrriend it, for thou hast redeemed it."
I particularly received it with this profession, and added

314 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
something of our dependance on Divine Grace to add effi
cacy to these purposes. The blood of God's covenant is
awful ; but much more when it is the blood of his Son too.
It is pleasant to think that God knows all the secret
language of our hearts, and with pleasure hears what no
other creature is witness to.
MEMORANDUMS OF WHAT PASSED AT THE EIGHTEENTH
SACRAMENT.
I BEGAN with some reflections on these words, " I am the
bread of life, that came down from heaven." I observed
what a resemblance there is between Christ and the manna
which the Israelites eat in the wilderness. That bread
came down from heaven ; so does Christ ; it was nourish
ing, and they lived on that when they had nothing else ;
it was sufficient to support life ; it was delicious bread ;
how sweet is Christ to the soul ; it was their only bread,
without it they had perished. But in this it differed;
that bread was lost with God's displeasure ; but if we
feed on Christ by faith, God is ever well pleased with
us. They died who eat of that bread ; but those that feed
on Christ shall live for ever. But it may be objected ; — -
Did not many of those so eat who now are dead ? Our
fathers, where are they, who loved and served him better
than we — the prophets, who spent their lives in studying
Christ themselves, and recommending him to others, where
are they ? Do they live for ever ? Yea, even so ! and it
would be an inj ury, and almost add grief to their blessed
spirits, to speak of them as an exception to the truth of
this important assertion. They are rather an everlasting
demonstration of it, for by feeding on this bread do they
not live for ever ? that if we feed upon it we may meet
death with comfort. O death, thou mayst strike me, but
thou canst not hurt me. Greater is He that is with me
than thou and all mine enemies. " O, death, where is thy

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 315
sting ? O, grave, where is thy victory ?" Let us adore the
goodness of God in giving us this bread — in giving it us
in a double portion on the sabbath, and in calling us now
to receive it. Lord, evermore give us this bread. In
breaking the bread, I alluded, as I had formerly done, to
those words of Mephibosheth to David, What am I, that
thou shouldest look on such a dead dog ? a dog — ^a dead
dog ; an impure creature. How low an image, if he said so
to King David ; how much more may we to the king of glory.
The vilest animal is not so contemptible compared with
David as we with the blessed God. We who are naturally
dead in trespasses and sins, who did not deserve to be set
with the dogs of his flock to gather up the crumbs that
are under his table. We are brought to feast at it, and
feed with his children ! When I came to pour out the
cup, my meditations principally dwelt on these words, who
has redeemed us; — It is remarkable, it is said, who has
redeemed us to God by his blood — not merely redeemed
us fi-om hell — redeemed us for heaven — but bought us for
the service of God, that is the heaven of heaven to a Chris
tian. And it is with his blood. He assumed a body with
blood, that he might shed it for our sakes. And, it follows,
has made us priests and kings to God. It is not ministers
alone that are priests, but every Christian. And if there
be a pleasure now in presenting spiritual sacrifices, how
much more above. We are kings, and that to reign for
ever and ever. As for the princes of this world, they are
mortal creatures, as their subjects are; although it is said
of them they are gods, and all of them the children of the
Most High, yet they shall die like men, and fall like one of
the princes ; but the children of God shall never die nor
fall, Sunday, Oct. 3, 1731.

316 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
OF WHAT PASSED AT THE NINETEENTH SACRAMENT.
I INTRODUCED it with somo short meditations on being
absent from the body and present with the Lord ; many of
which hints were taken from Mr. Baxter's funeral sermon;
and then were added some thoughts between the several
actions, which I do not now distinctly remember. I am
sensible I was much to blame in neglecting immediately to
make memorandums of them, and of many other things
which then happened. Mr. Allen sat down with us, and
I bless God it was a comfortable day.
MEMOIRS OF THE TWENTIETH SACRAMENT.
I BEGAN with some reflections upon Moses going up to
Mount Pisgah ; and observed, our prospect is vastly more
entertaining than his. The country we survey is more
excellent, and our own interest in it more important.
Moses saw Canaan, an agreeable sight, the stream of Jor
dan, the plain of Jericho ; rich pastures, painted meadows,
fruitful fields, beautiful cities ; but what are these to the
view of the heavenly Canaan ? Had he seen this, all the
beauty and grandeur of Jerusalem, as in David's time,
all the sacred and solemn magnificence of the temple, as
recorded by Solomon, what had it been to the heavenly
Jerusalem, to the temple of God above, which, through his
unmerited grace, is our prospect. He saw a city then
possessed by an enemy, where was once the home of some
of his pious forefathers. But we see a city possessed by
our best friend, the kingdom of our God. He saw a city
where the Israel of God were to have but a transient settle
ment, which they might lose, as they now have done ; but
we see that everlasting abode where they shall never die,
whence they shall never be expelled. Once more ; he
saw a country on which he was never to enter. God said
to him, thou shalt not go over to po.ssess it; but* he says
not the like to us. How sliould wc delight in thc assu-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 317
ranee ! How should we cherish the reviving thought !
And how cheerfully should we go up to the top of Pisgah
to view it ! How cheerfully should we die to enter Upon
it. There is Jordan between, and the passage may be cold
and difficult ; but there is the God of Israel before us ; he
leads us, and his right arm upholds us. After the prayer
I considered this as the Christian passover, and as such
applied to it. Lord, I come to be more completely rescued
from nature's dark bondage ; I come to be delivered from
the stroke of the avenging angel through this blood
sprinkled on my soul. I come, that every idol in my
heart may fall down, and that I may be led onward in
my way to the heavenly Canaan. Lord, we would eat
our passover with unleavened bread, with bitter herbs,
with loins girded and our staves in our hands, ready to
remove when thou givest us the dismission. Speaking
of seeing Jesus, I quoted Trail, and spoke of Christians
once commemorating this ordinance with us, and now with
Christ above. And how do they wonder their hearts were
no more inflamed with love ? Is this the Saviour I loved
so coldly— I served so weakly ? — Now the King of Glory
says. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Come in,
thou beloved of my heart ! Let the door be open — let
the wall be broken down rather than he excluded ; rather
let me die to admit Christ than live without him in my
heart. Addressing myself to those young people that were
spectators, I observed. If you ask the meaning of this
service, we tell you that we commemorate a dying Lord :
that we were once in bondage, and that He delivered us.
He saved us from wrath ; He is leading us to Canaan ; we
come hither for refreshment by the way ; is it not a noble,
a reasonable, an important service ? ought not you to
pray that you may have a right to it, and then a share
-in it ! Dec. 5, 1731.

318 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
A FRAGMENT.
— We come hither by appointment. This ordinance is an
institution of Christ; and"I verily believe that our attend
ance upon it will not be in vain. Let us come then that
we may obtain mercy : we need it every sacrament ; we
bring new guilt. But let not that discourage us. It seems
Christ was peculiarly concerned for our encouragement on
this head, when he said, " Take, eat, this is my body which
was broken for you : this cup is the new covenant of my
blood, which was shed for the remission of sins." And let
us come for grace to help in every time of need. Your ne
cessities are various ; you find yourselves weak, your duties
difficult, your trials heavy. Well, grace will be an all-suf
ficient remedy, apply to it ; earnestly seek it of God. Let
us now do this. After prayer I alluded, in breaking the
bread, to those words, we would see Jesus. Not so much
by an eye of sense — many did so see him that rejected him
— but by an eye of faith. Blessed is the womb that bare
thee: nay, rather they that hear the word of God, and
keep it. Let us look to Jesus with an appropriate view :
my Lord and my God. ( In pouring forth the cup.) Pre
cious blood of the son of God — the Lamb without blemish
— fit for a sacrifice — what transcendant love ! How should
we give ourselves up to him ! My Lord and my God !
REFLECTIONS ON THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW
YEAR, 1732.
I SET apart the first day of the year to some purposes of
extraordinary devotion, but did not prosecute them with
sufficient resolution, in which undoubtedly I was much to
blame. I found abundant matter of thanksgiving, and
abundant cause of humiliation; nor was there any thing
that lay upon my mind with greater weight than my neglect
of the due attendance to secret devotion, on which so much

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 319
of the life and power of religion depends. I have solemnly
devoted myself to God for the ensuing year : and I have
renewed my resolutions, in the divine strength, of supply
ing what has been defective, and regulating what has been
faulty; and proposed to be more careful in self-examination,
and in writing proper memoirs, as what may be very sub
servient to other things of great importance. I have not
laid any very accurate scheme of business for the next half
year ; but, according to the transient survey I have taken
of what lies before me, it is thus :
I intend, by the divine assistance, to read three lectures
of Pneumatology to my pupils every week, and two lectures
of Anatomy till I have gone through it ; and then will
proceed to Mr. Jennings's Chronology; and after that to
Jewish Antiquities. I propose to contract all the refer
ences in Pneumatology as I go along, but shall not end that
this half year. We shall pursue the Greek, and French,
and Latin lectures as usual ; perhaps reading one play of
Sophocles; with Seneca, and Pliny's Panegyrick upon
Trajan. With Mr. Farmer I will go on in Hebrew, teaching him the
sentences, which, therefore, I will endeavour to finish; and
going through Algebra with Mr. Palmer and Mr. Wilkin
son, I shall end Conic Sections and Mechanics.
In the congregation, I propose to go on with my Sermons
on Faith ; and after that of the Knowledge of Christ. Be
sides other occasional discourses, I will prepare for the
press my Sermons on Education, which will be a consider
able piece of work; and will prevent my reading what
perhaps I might otherwise despatch. However, I hope
to read over Tully's Tusculan Questions, to end Cheme-
nais's Works, to read Witsius's Egyptiaca, Stevenson on
Miracles, Watts's Historical Catechism, Clarke's Dis
courses on the Peing and Attributes of God, the fourth

320 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
and fifth volume of Clarke's Sermons, first and second
volume of Antiquities, the rest of Tillotson, all the Funeral
Sermons of Howe and Bates, the rest of Baxter's Practical
Works, with Allen's Reflections upon Scripture, and Rol-
lins's Ancient History. I will throw my congregation into
something of an order, and visit the chief of them in town
every month ; and in the country, if possible, every quarter.
I propose to go on catechising the children every week
while the lectures continue, and every fortnight when they
are laid aside. As for Italian, I shall probably end the Tes
tament, and perhaps read a little ofthe Grammar, or some
very easy author, that I may not forget that which I have
already leamed. With Jennings I hope to end Justian, to
proceed in the Greek Testament, and to read some of Ovid's
Epistles. If to these I can add The Minute Religious Phi
losopher, and Pembroke's View of the Newtonian Scheme,
I think I shall have done a great deal, and shall much- ex
ceed my present expectations. May I approve myself to
the eye of my great Master in all, and in all receive a
blessing from him ! Saturday, Jan. 1, 1732.
MEDITATIONS PREVIOUS TO THE TWENTY-FIFTH
SACRAMENT.
It is a very dissolute way of living into which I have fallen
for some months ; and an instance of it is, that I have kept
no memoirs of what has passed between God and my soul;
nor so much as a diary of my life, which I had not before
neglected for at least fourteen years. I spent some, though
too little, time yesterday in recollection ; and I find that,
besides this cause of complaint, I have very much neglected
self-examination, secret prayer, religious discourse, and
visiting my people in a pastoral view; and likewise that
serious converse with my servants and my pupils that might

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 321
have been expected. I would humble myself before God
on these accounts; and as I am now going to the table of
the Lord, I would renew my resolutions of new and better
obedience, and of greater caution with regard to each of
these heads. The Lord grant that I may be established in
this determination, and may with full purpose of heart
cleave unto him. O Lord, I would be found waiting for
thy salvation. When wilt thou come unto me ?

MEDITATIONS AT THE SACRAMENT, OCTOBER 1, 1732.
Though my violent cold hindered me from speaking this
day at the table with my usual freedom, yet, I bless God,
it was a very comfortable ordinance ; and in the midst of
the weakness, and even the distress of nature, I had some
delightful views of my everlasting rest. Having discoursed
on the abundance of mercy in a strain which was very com
fortable to myself in the preparation, and I hope in some
measure to my hearers in the delivery, I proceeded at the
table to some meditations on these words, " He that has
wrought us to the selfsame thing is God." That is, it was
the work of a God to bring us to it — he is God — none but he
could have done it — to work us to it — to such a thing as a
meetness for what we were naturally so very unfit for. O,
think what it is we are wrought to — think who we are —
what opposition God found — how few are wrought to it — all
may awaken our admiration as well as our joy. In breaking
the bread there were some believing views of Christ ; and
in receiving the cup a deep submission to the determinations
of Divine providence, and a readiness to receive any cup
from the hand of God, since, through grace, I am well per
suaded it cannot be a cup of wrath ; therefore, O my God,
I rejoice in saying thy will be done. I apprehended some
thing of the beginning of a fever, and recollecting it might
VOL. V. Y

322 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
be fatal, yet I cannot say that I thought of it with any
. terror, but rather found a sweet willingness to be dissolved,
and to be with Christ, which is far better than this present
life. I adore God for it as his own work. Behold, O
Lord, I am in thy hands. I would be waiting for thy
salvation, and doing thy commands. October 1, 1732.
MEDITATIONS AT THE LORD'S TABLE, WHICH WAS, I
THINK, THE THIRTY-THIRD SACRAMENT.
It has been a sad instance of my negligence and folly, that
I have taken no more notice of what has passed between
God and my soul on such occasions as this for many months ;
as well as that I have totally neglected my Diary for a con
siderable time. I began to be a little more careful towards
the beginning of the year ; and I plainly find that the time
I have since saved from those memorandums has been lost
in that carelessness consequent upon such instances of
remissness and folly. I was this day at the table of the
Lord, and I introduced the ordinance by some meditation
on those words, " He that spared not his own son, but
delivered him up for us all, how should he not with him
freely give us all things." I observed the title given to Christ,
his own Son. I hope we are the children of God, else we
have no business here. But he was so in a peculiar and
eminent sense, such as no creature was, yet God did not
spare him. He was so far from being excused that he was
not favoured, that the cup might not pass away from him.
Behold his severity as well as his goodness. He deli
vered him up. It was not merely a thing that happened in
the common course of human events ; but he was by the
determined counsel and foreknowledge of God given up;
there was the order of God in it ; there was the act of God
in it ; and he was sent into the world on purpose that he

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 323
might become a sacrifice for sin. And God delivered him
up for us, mean and worthless creatures as we are ; for all, .
even the meanest and the vilest of us ; gave him up to all
that heavy load of punishment and wrath for you and me.
How amazing was it ! Not because he needed us ; Christ
was in the enjoyment of eternal happiness and glory :
though ten thousand creatures are sentenced to everlasting
destruction ; and what, if we had been in their number, had
he not been still the same ; but God gave him for us, and
if so, shall he not with him freely give us all things ? temporal
blessings, so far as we need them; above all, the blessings of
his covenant. If he has given Christ to purchase them for
us, shall they be purchased in vain ; if reconciled by his
death, shall we not be saved by his life. Let us come with
boldness to receive these blessings. God will give them.
And let us come and give up ourselves to him ; shall we
not freely and faithfully give up ourselves to that God who
has given us so much ? In breaking the bread, I particu
larly considered how, in this dispensation, sin appeared
exceeding sinful. Few have just notions of it. It is the
great design of the devil to represent it as no very consi
derable evil, that sinners may be easily drawn into it, and
kept from repentance of it. But here God has contrived a
method to show how malignant it is. We must have low
thoughts of Christ, or we cannot have low thoughts of sin.
Could it have pleased the Lord to wound him, and put him
to grief, had not such an atonement been fit, and, if fit,
necessary? How odious and hateful must we appear to
ourselves in this view, as polluted with that which the soul
of God hated, and which the blood of Christ expiated.
In pouring out the cup — God prepared him a body on pur
pose that he might suffer in it — that he might have some
thing to offer. I have lost many other serious and good
thoughts for want of a timely recollection of them after I
y2

324 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
came home ; yet I remember to have pressed a renunciation
of all sin. The Lord grant I may act according to the
tenor of that discourse. Northampton, March 4, 1733.
MEDITATIONS ON THE THIRTY-FOURTH SACRAMENT.
This has been a delightful day. God gave me freedom
and boldness in delivering his word from the pulpit, and
sweet enjoyment in meditation at his table on those words,
" He that hath begun a good work in you will carry it on
till the day of the Lord." I observed the view given us of
the nature of religion; it was a good work in its nature,
and good in its consequences. It makes the soul good,
and makes it happy. We have also a view of its author ;
God begins it. He prevents, awakens, enlightens, subdues,
and he carries it on, and perfects it : that is, every step you
take in the ways of God, you take it by a divine influence;
every gradual ascent towards the mountain is as supported
by him. He also gives us the view of the security of it,
being confident he will carry it on, nor forsake the work of
his own hands; and this till the day of Christ; to that it
is referred. So may we here take our eyes from the table
of the Lord, and look on to his day. Oh, what a difference
in our appearance ! yet having this good work begun is a
pledge to us of all the rest : that we shall appear without
spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. Delightful thought !
In breaking the bread I represented the devil as accus
ing; and the soul as taking shelter in that thought; itis
God that justifies, who is he that condemns ? It is Christ
that died.
In pouring out the cup I said. Would you separate what
God has joined, and take the saving influence of Christ's
blood without its sanctifying influence ? If you would not,
you have an interest in both. Sunday, April 1, 1733.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 325
MEDITATIONS ON THE THIRTY-SEVENTH SACRAMENT.
I SET apart last Thursday for meditation, fasting, and
prayer ; and I hope I can say, that in the midst of many
interruptions and avocations I had something of the de
lightful presence of God with me in preparatory duties.
I saw the deepest reason to humble myself before my
heavenly Father, on account of many late negligences and
follies, particularly the omission, or trifling performance
of secret prayer, and reading the Scriptures, in many in
stances the interruption and neglect of my proper studies,
while I have been eagerly set on some mathematical
inquiries, in which God has been pleased very justly to
deny me success. My fault was aggravated in all these
instances by the repeated opportunities I have lately had
of attending the Lord's table now four times within six
weeks between our own sacrament days. For all this I
took shame to myself in the divine presence. I felt the
liveliest self-resentment, and formed humble and serious
resolutions for a more regular conduct in future, which I
hope and trust God will confirm. I did on this occasion
particularly recommend to the divine regard the case of
my dear wife, in daily expectation of an hour of sorrow,
and ofthe young gentlemen in my family, who have lately
entered into some stricter rules for maintaining and pro
moting religion in their own souls, and among others.
This day I preached from the story of Joseph's discover
ing himself to his brethren ; and at the Lord's supper my
meditations were fixed again on those words, " Go, tell my
brethren I am risen from the dead, and say unto you, I
ascend," &c. I observed the different style of Christ and
of the angel. The angel says, " Go, tell his disciples:"
Christ says, " Go, tell my brethren ;" graciously owning
the relation, lest they should fear, as the brethren of Joseph
did, considering the manner in which they had treated

326 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
him. Tell them I live, but am not to live here ; nor let
their hearts be swallowed up with grief upon that account :
tell them I ascend; let them rejoice for me, let them
rejoice for themselves. Now God is, through me, their
God and their Father : we share the same relation, though
not in an equal degree ; and the purpose for which I go
thither is not only most happy and delightful to myself,
but most happy to them.
I forgot to consecrate the bread in prayer, but afterwards
set it apart. In breaking it I talked of famine, the terror
which many have been driven to by it, the infinitely greater
value of the bread of life. In pouring out the wine I had
some lively meditations, which I cannot now particularly
recollect, and found my heart much drawn out in love to
my people, and in prayer for them while they were receiv
ing the elements. May a sense of the blessed enjoyment
of this day still remain upon my soul ; for I think it has
been one of the most delightful sabbaths of my life.
May 6, 1733.
MEDITATIONS ON THE FORTIETH SACRAMENT.
I OPENED the ordinance with some brief reflections on
these words: "If one died for all, then all were dead,"
&c. and observed, we have in them a view of the state in
which we naturally were : we were dead, dead in trespasses
and sins, dead under the condemning sentence of the law
of God, and under the power of our own corruptions. But
we are redeemed ; we live ; our lives are reprieved ; they
are given to us, and we are inspired with a principle of
new life ; and this is by the death of Christ, which engages
us not to live to ourselves, to make ourselves the end of
life, but to him that died for us and rose again. I hope it
is the temper, sentiment, and desire we have brought with
us to the table of the Lord in our various capacities and
relations of life. When breaking the bread I said. Our

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 327
fathers are dead, yet those that eat this only live for ever ;
death to such is not to be called death. In pouring out the
cup — " My blood was shed not only for you, but for many :"
that is a joyful thought. Many other reflections I have
forgotten, but these were the substance. August 9, 1733.
MEDITATIONS ON THE FORTY-FIRST SACRAMENT.
I DESIRE thankfully to own it, that I have been enabled
to keep closer to God for some time towards the close of
the last month than ordinary. Yesterday was a season of
sweet communion with God. I found it good for my soul
to draw near to him, and to converse with him by fasting
and prayer. This day I have been endeavouring to pro
mote the interests of practical godliness by my preaching
and exhortation from those words, " Let every one that
nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." At the
table of the Lord my meditations were fixed on those words
of Isaiah, " I will pour out water on him that is weary, and
floods on the dry ground," &c. I observed the persons to
whom the promise was made. It represents naturally what
we are, dry ground ; what we are by grace, thirsty ; longing
for gracious assistance and spiritual communications. And
God's spirit is represented by water, to signify how refresh
ing and how fructifying it is ; and for the effects, it was to
make them grow as the grass, and even as willows by the
water courses, the flourishing of which is very remarkable.
I referred to the promise also to the rising generation, and
recommended fervent application to God through prayer.
In breaking the bread, I particularly insisted on the obli
gations we are under to depart from all iniquity. And oh,
how contemptible and vile does the dearest lust and cor
ruption seem when compared with the Lord Jesus Christ !
In pouring out the wine, I spoke particularly of resolution
for Christ, and that we should look around in our various
circumstances to find opportunities of serving him. And

328 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
just before I received, I had such views of approaching
glory as I have seldom known ; so that I even longed to
lay down my head in the bosom of Christ, and to die there.
I record it, admiring the riches of divine grace therein to
so vile a creature. God has lately owned my ministry to
the conversion of several souls ; and now he meets me in
ordinances, and gives me more than ordinary communion
with him. The Lord grant that I may not be high-minded,
but' fear, and may quietly wait for the salvation of God.
I am sure if I ever performed any action of life with a full
consent of soul, it was that by which I this day gave up
my soul unto the Lord ; and it is that with which I now
record my humble resolution in his strength of being
invariably and eternally his. Amen.
Written at Northampton, Sept. 2, 1733.
MEDITATIONS ON THE FORTY-FOURTH SACRAMENT.
The many inconveniences which I have found to arise from
omitting the reflections of what has passed at the table of
the Lord, as well as of laying aside my Diary, have deter
mined me to resume both.
I opened the ordinance with some meditations on those
words, " God forbid that I should glory in any thing save
the cross of Christ." — I observed the apostle's temper
with respect to the cross of Christ, and the reason of this
regard to it. His temper was that he gloried in it. To be
sure he had been often upbraided with it : " this babbler,
thou art beside thyself," 8cc. ; yet he was not ashamed to
own himself the disciple of a crucified Redeemer ; very far
from that. I hope we are not ashamed of that cause. If
every friend present were the most keen and inveterate
enemy to the gospel, I hope I should not be ashamed to
administer the ordinance or to receive it. Rather we glory
in that, and in nothing else ; not in ourselves, our wisdom,
learning, reasoning powers, morality; in nothing incon
sistent with coming as a naked, trembling, guilty creature.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 329
to shelter ourselves under the cross; which, though to those
that perish foolishness (as I had been showing this day
from the pulpit), is to the believing soul, Christ the power
and the wisdom of God. The effect follows. Oh, that it
may be found in us. Whereby the world was crucified to
me, and I to the world; that is, when I consider a suffering
Redeemer, methinks the world is as nothing. I am dead to
it, and it to me. It can no more relieve, help, delight, and
save me than a dying man. I have no more desire after it
than one expiring upon the cross ; but I live to him that
died for me. After deep humiliation, I proceeded to break
the bread, and in breaking it spoke of the love of Christ.
How affecting, if a friend had interposed between us and
one that came to assault us and destroy us, and had only
received a wound, how would it have impressed our hearts,
much more to die for us ; to die when it was in his own
power to have prevented it, which he took care to show,
by striking those to the ground that came to apprehend
him. See, too, the hardness and obstinacy of your hearts,
that they would still persist in that attempt, yet when our
Lord had given this testimony of his power, he submitted
himself, as if he had been quite weak and vanquished.
Admire his goodness. In pouring out the cup, I men
tioned the prophecy, " He shall see his seed." How com
fortable the thought ! It is fulfilled in us, and shall be
accomplished in those that come after. Christ shall have
a seed to serve him when we are in our graves, and we
and they shall, at the consummation of all things, be taken
up with the enjoyment of him, and drink new wine in our
Father's kingdom. I bless God I had a very dehghtful
day ; my tears flowed, I hope of love, as this fountain of
my heart was unutterably revived with a sense of my
covenant interest in God. Sunday, Dec. 2, 1733.

330 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
MEDITATIONS ON THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW YEAR.
I TOOK some time for extraordinary meditation and prayer
yesterday ; in which I endeavoured to consider myself as
the steward of God, and as shortly to give up an account
of that stewardship. I charged myself before him with
the many talents which I have received from his hands,
and humbled myself before him for the misimprovement of
them, particularly the powers of my soul — that my under
standing has been no more cultivated and employed in the
contemplation, in the highest and noblest objects, that
my memory has been stored with so many trifles, that my
affections have been so wretchedly disordered, fixed in the
fondest manner upon things seen and temporal, but cold
and dead to my Father and my God, to my dear Redeemer,
and to that eternal state of glory, which is so well worthy
my most ardent desires and most vigorous pursuits, and
that my conscience has been no more reverenced and con
sulted as the vicegerent of God, and that its dictates have
in so many instances been overborne. As to my bodily
powers and faculties, I humbled myself before God, that my
body has been so much indulged, and that the senses have
been no more the means of leading me to admire that God
that formed their organs in so wise and surprising a manner,
and has so suitably adapted them to the external objects
with which I am surrounded; that my eyes have seen, my
ears heard, and my hands acted, and my feet walked no
more for him ; especially that my tongue has been so often
silent where his glory and the instruction of others have
been concerned. I lamented that my possessions had not
been more regarded as coming from God, and that I had not
been more careful to regulate my expenses to his honour
and service. And as to my influence and authority over
others, that I had no more endeavoured to improve them for
his glory and their benefit. I lamented the misspending of

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 331
my time, especially by lying in bed, aijid by trifling below,
where I had no business, no pleasure in view of any im
portance ; and was deeply humbled under a sense of the
many extraordinary as well as common advantages I have
enjoyed for doing and receiving good ; yet God knows
many of them have been as a price put into the hands of
a fool, ordinances, providences, and mercies in delivering
me from death, in preserving me from the power of my
enemies and persecutors. I have also reason to own the
divine goodness in many gracious visits in ordinances, both
in preaching and at the table of the Lord ; and his good
ness in succeeding my endeavours in academical education
so well, that most of my young men that are coming out
meet with great acceptance, and most of the rest of them
seem very promising. Several have also been added to
the church this year, many more than have been removed
by death, in all sixteen. May God forgive me, that this
should have impressed me no more. Yet I bless God, I
have had a comfortable reflection on many days, and many
duties, in which I hope God accepted my labours. It is
my desire to retum to him from all my wanderings, and
my humble resolution in his strength to give up myself
more faithfully to his service. And the communion I
have had with him in reading, and in secret prayer, and
other duties of this day, and especially in public worship, is
a sweet token for good. As such I accept it ; and as such
I humbly adore the name of God for it.
MEDITATIONS ON THE FORTY-FIFTH SACRAMENT.
It is matter of humiliation and mournful reflection that,
though I had something of the presence of God in his
house and my own secret retirements, I found but little of
it at his table. My spirits were hardly composed — far
from being tenderly touched or enlarged. Perhaps it might

332 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
be a rebuke for the too confident expectation I had ; con
sidering that I had enjoyed so much of God the week
before, I was ready to say, especially yesterday, the mor
row shall not only be as this day, but much more abun
dant. And I was too remiss in my particular preparation,
in my prayer, and in my discourse just before it. For
this God justly rebuked me, and left me to a very unprofit
able frame. I introduced the ordinances with a few hints
from those words, " Return, ye backsliding children, and I
will heal your backslidings.'' Hear our Father's voice.
He calls us. We have backslidden the last year, the last
month, how often, how sinfully ; but he says, return. Re
turn. Hear the voice. The ordinance calls. We profess
that we are returning. Well, what do we expect ? Why,
that he will heal. This implies that we have a distemper, a
wound. We find it so. Let faith then look up for heal
ing ; for there is balm in Gilead ; the blood of Christ shall
heal. Let each of us say. Lord, I come. We come to thee
— come that we may be healed. Oh, draw us — oh, accept
us, thou art our hope. Surely in vain is salvation hoped
for from the hills and mountains, in vain we expect hap
piness from creatures — from ourselves. It is in the Lord
our God, in him is the 'salvation of Israel. Salvation for
the whole church, therefore for me, if I am one of it, one
of the church of the first born. Many of these thoughts
presented themselves in transcribing, which makes me
think it might be proper to do it before waiting at the
Lord's table. When breaking the bread, I remember little
more than general reflections. If a friend were to feed us
and clothe us we should love him. How much more when
we eat the bread of Christ; how should we abhor the
thought of lifting up our heel against him.
Before taking the cup, I discoursed largely concerning
good got in the ordinance. What though we are sinners,
God, though provoked, will attend, and as for our trans-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 333
gressions, he will purge them away. What though he
afflicts, he is still our God ; afflictions cannot break his
covenant — nay, they come in the covenant. After solemnly
devoting myself to God, I received the cup myself, and
appointed next Tuesday for a day of public fasting and
prayer. Sunday, January 6, 1743.
MEDITATIONS ON THE FORTY-EIGHTH SACRAMENT,
MAY 5, 1734.
As I had preached from those words, Isaiah, i. 18, "Though
your sins be as scarlet," Sec. I opened the ordinance with
some meditations on these, " Who is like unto the Lord, who
pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgressions of the
remnant of thine heritage, because thou delightest in mercy."
Great discoveries of divine grace are made in these few
words. God is described here by an illustrious title, yet
he pardons iniquity, agreeably to the proclamation that he
made of his name to Moses ; to which perhaps here may be
some reference. It is added, " the transgression of the rem
nant of thine heritage ;" perhaps referring to a desolation
formerly brought upon the Jews, which had reduced them
to a remnant, and so rendered their transgressions so much
the more aggravated. Yet these were forgiven, because God
delighted in mercy ; for it is to his free mercy and grace
that we are to trust. If we ask, why God forgives sin ?
we may indeed answer, because Christ made an atonement
for it. But if we go on to ask, why he was appointed to
such a work ? I answer plainly, for God has mercy, because
he will have mercy. It could not be in hope of an equiva
lent. It is worth millions of us, if we shrink into nothing;
when we compare ourselves, and all our most valuable ser
vices with the rich .blessings of the everlasting gospel ; then
how much more when we compare them with the Lord Jesus
Christ : yet grace gave Christ for a ransom. For ever blessed

334 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
be the name of God that it did. And now he calls us his
heritage. What a glorious title ! it is amazing, that we may
say, the Lord is my portion. How much more that God
should say, his portion is his people : as if we were some
valuable treasure ; therefore called his jewels, and a diadem
of glory in his hand. Just reason is there to say, who is like
unto thee. S urely, there is no such goodness among the chil
dren of men, nor among the benevolent spirits of the upper
world. Lord, the glory is entirely thine own ; and thou art
as much the best as thou art the greatest; as much the
most merciful as the most powerful of beings. This was
cheerfully acknowledged in the prayer before breaking the
bread, with a large address to Christ and the Spirit. And
in breaking the bread, mention was made ofthe sufferings of
Christ ; what he suffered in the flesh from the inhumanity
of his enemies, and much more in the spirit from God. And
why, blessed Jesus, wast thou arrayed in that purple robe, but
that by the sacred tincture of thy blood thou mightest take
out the stains of our souls ; and that by the redness of thine
apparel thou mightest prepare white raiment for us. Before
taking the cup, in prayer I considered the Lord's supper as
a covenant renewed, a solemn dedication to Christ ; hence
forth to receive such a cup, addressed myself to Christ as
taking it from his hand, resolved to yield myself to him,
and expressed my readiness to die for him, to live where he
pleases to appoint; all this was done with a peculiar refer
ence to the circumstances into which I am now brought
with regard to the proposal from Walthamstow, yet in sus
pense. I have this day solemnly left the matter with God.
I have cast that burden upon the Lord, and I hope and
trust that he will graciously sustain it. My spirits were
very low, but I hope I was sincere in the ordinance, espe
cially in self-dedication, and leaving my affair with God.
But I had very httle melting of soul, though I said many
very lively things. I observed some vacation of thought

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 335
and distraction arising from some passages in Burnet's
History that I had read, accidentally taking up the book
between the services of the day. Sunday Evening, May 5, 1734.
MEDITATIONS ON THE FIFTY-SECOND SACRAMENT.
With what sufficient expressions of gratitude shall I re
cord it, that this was one of the most comfortable days of
my life ? I had such views of Jesus Christ at his table as
even transported my soul. Perhaps some uncommon trial
is coming upon me ; if it be so, may God prepare me for it.
The introduction was from these words, " If any man love
me he will keep my words." It is to be hoped that at this
table we all love Christ, else doubly should be deserve the
anathema maran-atha that was pronounced on those that
did not love him. But how should we show it ? Let him keep
my words. Therefore I charge it upon you. Christians, make
the word of Christ familiar, keep it in your hearts, keep it
in your discourse, especially in your lives, and then the
Father will love you. Yes, the Father will love you too :
the love of God is a delightful thing. Lord, if all my pious
friends were to die, and the whole world were to rise up in
enmity against me, if thou lovest me, my soul would still
rejoice; I were safe and honourable and happy. We will
come unto him in secret, and in family prayer in the services
of the house and the table of the Lord ; and not make tran
sient visits, as a wayfaring man, but make our abode — make
our body the temple of the Holy Ghost ; and thereby secure
its resurrection and glory, ' I am the resurrection and the
life,' saith the Lord ! In breaking the bread, I remarked,
Isaiah the prophet says, " He was wounded for our trans
gressions," could an evangelist have spoken more plainly ?
our friends die, we eat this bread in remembrance of a
better friend. What were the resurrection of all our friends

336 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
at once, compared with that of Christ. Now we and they
are risen with him ; and we and they are made to sit in
heavenly places. In filling the cup I said, you see it is
the blood of Christ. Were a friend to shed his blood to
save us from danger, with what grateful regard and pious
sorrow should we have seen it. I concluded, after short
hints of drinking into one spirit, and of the expectation of
drinking new wine with Christ above. Oct. 6, 1734.
MEDITATIONS ON THE FIFTY-THIRD SACRAMENT.
Having preached from those words, " For their sake I
sanctify myself," I introduced the ordinance from those,
" He that sanctifies, and they who are sanctified are all of
one," that is, belong to one family, are related to one father,
wherefore Christ is not ashamed to call them his brethren.
On this occasion I observed, what reason we had to enjoy
the comfort, and to give God the glory. What an honour,
what an advantage to be the brethren of Christ ! In token
of it to be brought to his table. Behold Christ the guar
dian of the family. He supports, he advises, he dehvers,
his Father and our Father, his God and our God. Admire
the condescension of Christ, that in token of this we are
sanctified. Admire the goodness of God, why we rather
than others. Attend to the instructions of it. Let it teach
us zeal for Christ, love to God, and to each other, I re
collect no remarkable meditations in breaking the bread ;
except that Christ, when he gave himself for us, knew all
the instances in which we should forsake him. Nor in
pouring out the wine, but that I adored God's goodness in
this extraordinary sign. Had we seen an appearance as
Abraham did, God passing between the passover and the
sacrifice, what joy and wonder would have been produced.
God is as really dwelling with us.
Taking the cup I said. Welcome the promises of the

OF DR, DODDRIDGE, 337
covenant, welcome the tokens of God's love, and signs of
my devotedness to him, welcome every duty, welcome every
affliction in life, with the pleasing hope of drinking it new
with Christ in his Father's kingdom ! Two resolutions I so
lemnly recorded before God in the silence of the ordinance,
(1.) That I would endeavour to visit twenty heads of fami
lies this next month : (2.) to talk with each of my pupils
about inward religion, before next sacrament day.
REFLECTIONS FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY, 1735.
The disorder of the last night hindered my rising so soon
as I could have wished, and prevented some sweet exercises
of devotion ; and I sometimes fear lest the composing the
hymn, just when I did it, was a snare rather than an advan
tage. Yet, through grace, I can say I have had some sweet
communion with God this day, both in that sermon in
which I commemorated his crowning the year with his
goodness, and in conversation, and prayer for all my
friends, and by reflecting in my own mind on the divine
goodness when I came into my house. How much delight
ful enjoyment of God have I lost by neglecting occasional
meditation. I have renewed my engagements to be the
Lord's and the chief things I would in the divine strength
attend to are ; early rising, evening prayer, visits, religious
conversation, and habitual meditation. As a scholar, chiefly
philosophy and Greek, besides stated lectures. But the
main scheme, I refer to another memorandum, and conclude
this with renewed engagements to endeavour to walk more
carefully with God than I have done in former years.
MEDITATIONS ON THE FIFTY-FIFTH SACRAMENT.
As I was this day employed in meditations on Christ's com
passion to tempted souls, I introduced this sacrament with
some contemplations on those words, " He has spoiled prin
cipalities and powers, and made a show of them openly."
VOL. V. z

338 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
Our danger from the powers of hell was great, they foiled
our first parents, even in Paradise : and if such things were
done in the green tree, what would have been done in the
dry ? No doubt the devil triumphed in that victory. He
looked on mankind as his prey : but Christ took the spoil
out of the hands of the mighty. Little did the devil think
how his devices would end. Little did he think how God
would overrule them to his own glory, and to the advanced
happiness of his people : " how out ofthe eater there should
come forth meat, and out of the strong sweetness." As
little did he think, when he was tempting and triumphing
over Christ on the cross, that he was wounding his own
cause, and destroying his own kingdom ; but there Christ
despoiled him, there he covered him with confusion- and
shame. For there he recovered his people out of his hands,
" he bound the strong man armed, and spoiled his goods."
Then he led captivity captive, ascended in triumph, and
having broken the head of the dragon, gave him, as it were,
to be meat to his people inhabiting the wilderness. Now
the victory is begun ; ere long it shall be completed, and
the God of peace, he who though Christ became so, shall
shortly bruise Satan under our feet. Yet a little while, and
we shall trample upon him ; not only as a wounded, but as
a destroyed enemy : for by death Christ has destroyed him
that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Oh let us
celebrate the victory. In breaking the bread, I had some
reflections on the manner of Christ's making himself known
to his people, in the riches of his dying love, the power of
his resurrection, the prevalence of his intercession, the
stability of his covenant, and the glory of his kingdom.
Oh, how happy to see Jesus ! We rejoice to receive a letter
from a friend. But how much more do we rejoice to meet
that friend ; to converse with him. What will our meeting
above be, should this be the last sacrament. Before pour
ing out the wine, I said. By the cross of Christ the worid is

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 339
crucified to us, and we to the world. It makes us indifferent
to it, by filling our minds with other thoughts. When John
stood before the cross of Christ, as his soul was possessed
with the idea of his crucified master, how little was he im
pressed with earthly things. Surely, it would have been
much the same, whether he had been to return to a palace
or a cottage. It also encourages our dependence upon God
for what is necessary. If he spreads such a table, will he
not spread our own ? If my Prince allows and invites me
to come monthly and to sit down with him at his own
table, will he see me starve on other days ? Will he not one
way or another find bread for me and my family ? How un
worthy a suspicion ! After the prayer, just before I received
the cup, I fell into a pleasing reflection on these words,
"They all drank from the same rock," the apostles, the
martyrs, our remote ancestors, our fathers, our former com
panions in the ways of God. They came to this ordinance,
and were refreshed by it. Future Christians shall arise and
partake of it, when our places are empty. We are related
to all ! Methinks we should look back, look around, look
forward with delight, and make, as it were, the joy ofthe
whole church our own. But oh, that better assembly where
we shall all unite, all meet triumphantly around the board
of our Heavenly Father, and share in much nobler entertain
ments. In the prayer I had a pleasing view of God as one
without whom we should not know what to do, but be even
a burden to ourselves. Sunday, January 5, 1735.
THE FIFTY-SIXTH SACRAMENT.
This sabbath was very remarkable on account ofthe extra
ordinary pleasure that I had in attending both on the ser
mon in the morning, and the Lord's supper in the evening ;
nor can I forbear observing the connexion between them.
Mr. Wilkinson preached in the morning, perhaps the best
z2

340 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
sermon I ever heard, undoubtedly one of the best on the
duties and privileges of the children of God : a subject
from which I had preached a sermon that I thought la
boured : but when I saw the vast disproportion between
the two discourses, and the great advantage on his side,
and indeed considered how much superior it was to almost
any thing I ever produced, it shamed and humbled me ; and
yet I bless God it did not grieve me. If any stirrings of
envy moved, they were immediately suppressed. And as
soon as I came home I solemnly retumed my acknowledg
ments to God for having raised up such a light in his
church, for having honoured me with his education, and
recommended him to the divine blessing with meltings of
the tenderest affection, leaving myself in the hand of God,
acquiescing in the thought of being eclipsed, of being neg
lected if God should so appoint ; — at the same time adoring
him, that with capacities inferior to a multitude of others,
I had been led into services superior to many of those in
comparison with whom my knowledge and learning is but
as that of a child.
In the prayer I had much communion with God, in the
sermon little or none, but so much in the sacrament that
my very heart was almost swallowed up. A variety of
plain, solid, and natural thoughts sprung in upon my mind
like water from a fountain, and gave unutterable pleasure.
Many of them are vanished away, some few remain ; the
substance of which is as follows.
I introduced the ordinance with some meditations on
these words, " He has ascended on high, he has led captivity
captive, he has received gifts for men." We are met to
commemorate the death of Christ, but not only his death.
There was a sacred pleasure, after his resurrection, in be
holding the place where the Lord lay. But had he never
risen what a grief would it have been. On the fourth day
to have seen Christ lying there — in succeeding days and

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 341
ages ; what a reproach to Christians, if Christians had risen
in succeeding ages, to have said to them,, behold the sepul
chre of your Lord ! — ^But now the reproach of the cross
and of the tomb is ceased. He is risen, and that is a plea
sant thought. He is ascended on high, and that is much
more dehghtful. Had he risen and dwelt on earth, we
might have rejoiced and glorified in him, though we had
seen him in the same humble form in which he appeared
to Mary Magdalene, or to the disciples on the way to Em-
maus. But he is gone into heaven, and is at the right hand
of God. Let us look after him. When Elijah was taken
away, Elisha smote his hands and said, " Alas, my master,
the chariots of Israel and the horgemen thereof!" But is
there reason thus to lament an ascended Saviour? we
should rather rejoice. The disciples stood gazing up into
heaven ; but wherefore ; one would have thought, they
should have recollected it as a matter of joy, on principles
of gratitude and interest. Gratitude! how pleasant to think
of the triumph of our friends. If a kind generous friend
had exposed his life for us, and instead of perishing in the
attempt had found his own advancement in it, surely it
would give us peculiar joy ; perhaps even greater than our
own preferment could have done. It is matter of congra
tulation that Christ is ascended on high, and sat down
at the right hand of God ; especially when we consider
how our interest is concerned, both as he has led cap
tivity captive, and given gifts to men. He has led cap
tivity captive, that is, triumphed over those who would
have triumphed over us. Over our enemy, when he thought
to have the greatest advantage., Even on the cross he
triumphed over death, so that he has abolished it, and
quickly it will be swallowed up in victory. We view death
here as a conqueror ; he has made late depredations, for
within ten days two of our members have died (that is, Mrs.
Manning and Mrs. Cook) ; but yet we triumph over him

342 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
by faith in Christ. Arise, arise, and lead captivity cap
tive, O Son of God ! — we should raise our hosannas to
thee from earth. Especially considering the gifts received
for men; the extraordinary endowments of the apostles
and evano-ehsts, the benefits of which we now receive, and
other spiritual gifts which are given us in conversion, in
quickening, in carrying us on thus far. Why have we not
fallen by former difficulties ? We had never got thus far
without support. Had we seen them we should not per
haps have had the courage to encounter them. And he will
impart more comforts, so that we may now consider our
selves as risen and ascended with him. In the meantime,
let us go to the throne of grace.
In breaking the bread, I remarked, how highly should
we have thought ourselves indebted to Christ, if in the
days of his flesh he had invited us to sup with him : Lord,
if thou hast given me a crumb of bread, a cup of cold
water, as a token of thy love, it had been better to me than
wine ; better than a feast of fat things. Thou givest me this
bread : thou comest to sup with me, and invitest me to sup
with thee.
In pouring out the wine, I added, Christ suffered the
just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. It is
not said to heaven, but to God : to intimate that those
who share in salvation by Christ are reconciled to God;
reinstated in his favour; his love is shed abroad in your
souls, and they shall be brought to the eternal enjoyment
of him. In the mean time, in this dependence let us go to
God. To Him that has loved us. Pleasing gradation!
Loved me — gave himself for me. But when I look around
me at his table, what then ; could I then see all Sion, an
assembly of all men, in every nation, kindred, and language ;
above all, could I look within the veil? O what a joyful
universal hosanna will rise when all are assembled together !
Such as these were the workings of my heart at this most

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 343
delightful and edifying ordinance. Oh that it may not
prove only a transient blaze of spirits ; but that the happy
consequences of it may go along with me into all the devo
tions and all the services that lie before me this month,
and that I may be prepared for all the will of God.
February 2, 1735.
THE FIFTY-SEVENTH SACRAMENT.
This like yesterday has been a day of unmerited, un-:
bounded goodness. I can hardly express the sweet com
munion with God, which I had in his house and at his
table. 1 had been discoursing on communion with him,
and through grace I have felt it. A sermon composed
under great deadness, which when I composed it I thought
very meanly of, was delivered with great seriousness, spirit,
and pleasure. It was the language not merely of my
• tongue, but of my heart. I had comhiunion with God as
my compassionate, wise, almighty, bountiful Friend ; with
Christ as my atonement, righteousness, intercessor, head,
and forerunner; and adored the divine grace for such mani
festations to so guilty and wretched a creature. I opened the
ordinance of the Lord's supper with some meditations upon
the women weeping as they followed Christ. They did not
know all the ends of his death. They mourned a kind and
generous friend ; we mourn a Redeemer ; for the Lord laid
on him the iniquity of us all ; he laid on him mine iniquity;
perhaps mine alone might have sunk him as deep ; at least
mine were added to the weight. He died for me ; if I by
my folly had occasioned the death of a dear and valuable
friend, how would it have v/ounded my soul ; and if I had
seen his picture, how would it have revived my sorrows ; and
if when dying he had sent me some kind token of his for
giveness and his love, how would my heart have bled when
I had seen that token. Behold, it is here ! this is the token
that our dying Saviour sends to us, to tell us that he heartily

344 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
forgives our folly and wickedness, and^died that it might
be forgiven. What retum shall I make? Lord, I will love
thee. But it is a poor return ; but if I had more to give
thee, I would do it cheerfully. If I were the highest angel
in heaven thou shouldst have all my heart. In the mean
time, blessed be thy name, that I can say I love thee ; thou
that knowest all things ; as Peter when he could not appeal
to his actions, as he could have wished, appealed to his
heart, and to him that knew it." " Lord, I wish I could
say, thou mayest see by my conduct that I have loved thee :
that I have adhered to thee when all have forsaken thee :
and though I have been brought into danger of dying with
thee, yet that I have not denied thee." But in the failure
of this he appeals to Christ. " Lord, though I cannot
clear it up as I could wish to men, I hope I can clear it up
to thee." In breaking the bread, I said. Is it nothing to us? Why,
it is something to all around us. How much more to us.
Lord, I grieve I can grieve no more. I appeal to thee, I
would love thee ; and if my love might grow as affiiction
grows, I would bear as much as ever I could.
This I wrote as soon as I came home ; but, interrupting
the memorandums here, forgot what followed in pouring
out the wine, and only remember that it was on "the whole
a blessed day. March 2, 1735.
THE FIFTY-EIGHTH SACRAMENT.
I HAD been preaching on the humility with which Mephi
bosheth bowed down to David on receiving his favours;
and introduced this sacrament with a discourse on these
words of the virgin, " Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
be it unto me according to thy word." I observed that our
obligations were in some instances greater than hers; as
they that hear the word of God and do it are, in some sense,
more blessed than she who bore Christ merely considered

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 345
as his mother. Wg, should therefore say this, as words of
ardent desire; cheerful expectation; humble obedience;
ardent desire ; " may it be unto me according to thy word ;"
set me at thy table ; give me this heavenly inheritance ;
Lord, I give up other things ; what are they between thee
and us ? give me a child's portion, however I may be treated
in other respects. Cheerful expectation ; thou wilt do it,
though it seemed an incredible thing, this pious virgin
believed it, when Zecharias doubted; perhaps, she might
draw an argument even from the strangeness of the event ;
as it was fit that where the most extraordinary person was
to be introduced, it should be in the most extraordinary
way. So we, regarding gospel blessings as the purchase of
Christ's blood, may expect them to be very great ; were any
little temporal blessings given me as all that was to be
bestowed in this view it would shock my faith yet more.
With humble obedience, as the servants of the Lord, such
we would approve ourselves. Lord, it would lie heavy upon
our hearts to receive all this from thee, and to do nothing
for thee. For ever blessed be thy name, that we have op
portunities; that we have hearts for it. Continue it, O
gracious Lord, at all times upon the imagination of the
thoughts of our hearts.
In breaking the bread, I spoke of the compassion of
Christ ; he knew what a tendency it would have to impress
us; and have we not found it so. God has smitten the
rock, and waters have flown forth ; he that fed hungry mul
titude has fed us. Oh may we never lift up our heel against
him. When pouring out the wine, I said. Lord, hadst thou
only shed one tear for me, it had been more than I could
ever have repayed by all my tears, by all my blood. And
didst thou not only weep, but die for me ; not only die, but
in so dreadful a manner for me and for all thine.
Seeing my dear friend, Mr. Wilkinson, in whose preach
ing I had this morning unutterable pleasure, sitting at the

346 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
table, I could not forbear saying. Lord, hadst thou not died
for me, but only for some one dear friend, whom I cordially
love, to deliver him from death and eternal ruin, and raised
him as a useful instrument for thy glory, how dearly should
I have loved thee ; how highly should I have thought myself
obliged to thee ; much more when thou didst die for all the
most valuable of my friends, for thousands as yet unknown,
and also for me. Oh, how cheerfully would I give myself
to thee ; how thankfully receive the pledges of thy dying
love. April 6, 1735.

MEMORABLE PASSAGES IN PROVIDENTIAL OCCURRENCES
RELATING TO THE WILLS OF PISFORD, AS I COLLECTED
THEM FROM THEIR CONVERSATION AND UNITED TES
TIMONY.*
This day I visited this pious, though poor and afflicted
family, and I heard the following narrations, which I
thought so remarkable that I could not forbear setting
them down as circumstantially as I could recollect them.
Mary Wills was converted in an extraordinary manner.
Having determined to hear no more at the meeting, and
even stopped her ears against the word, an occasion hap
pened which obliged her to put her hand into her pocket,
and at that moment a word came which reached her heart,
and was the blessed means of bringing her home to God.
* I regret that it is not in my power to lay before the reader any cir
cumstantial account of the Wills family. From the allusions to Mary,
which occur in the letters of Colonel Gardiner, Lord Leven, Dr. Watts,
and Lady Huntingdon, it may be inferred that she was the most eminent
in a. family which were universally considered as singularly pious. Of
the extravagant accounts in the text the reader will judge for himself; I
would, however, observe that, so far as delusion might exist, these poor
people were doubtless deceived by their own imaginations, aud that the
attention of Dr. Doddridge, in, this instance, was excited by his pre
vious knowledge of some really extraordinary /acts connected with these
persons, and of which the reader will be enabled to judge, as they are
related in another part of the Diary.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 347
Some time after, a person, jealous ofthe regard which a
young person in the neighbourhood had for her, attempted
to poison her, by putting poison into some beer which she
was going to drink. In a moment she found the use of
her arm taken away, when she would have lifted the beer
to her head ; and having attempted in vain to give it to the
hogs, she threw it down into the sink. Some time after
wards Mrs. Spencer told her that the party whom she
suspected had confessed to her the design of poisoning
her, and that the attempt was made as above.
Some time afterwards she lived in the house of a profli
gate fellow, who having locked her in, attempted her chas
tity by violence. She prayed earnestly, and had those
words given in her mind, " only believe, and thou shalt see
the glory of God !" and immediately the ravisher fell down
with an oath in his mouth, and lay as dead, all night. She
had extraordinary communion with God all that night and
the next day ; but the wretch thus struck down in the very
act of his sin continued hardened, and waxed worse and
worse. Being once under some doubt as to her spiritual state,
she begged that God would afflict her with some sudden
judgment as a token of his love. Immediately she was
seized with a violent pain, and lost the use of one arm, in
which she greatly rejoiced. In the night she lost the use
of one side, and being brought home on horseback the next
day, lay many weeks so helpless that she could scarcely
turn herself in her bed, and they expected that every day
would be her last. On a sudden, while her sister was
standing by her, and apprehended her to be almost dying,
she confessed the rashness of her former prayer, entreated
the Divine favour, and begged an immediate cure in great
confidence of faith. Immediately all her bones cracked as
if they had been put in place again, and she rose up cheer
fully, and in two or three "sabbaths more was able to walk

348 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
to Northampton, being then cured in a moment. Her
sister declared she was present when this happened, and
her mother was in the house during the whole progress of
the affair.
The family was once reduced so low that they had
nothing left but a crust of bread and a little flour. The
two sisters prayed for supplies, and both of them felt a
strong persuasion that a brother of theirs, who lived ten
miles off, would that day come to their assistance; accord
ingly Mary determined to make a pudding for him, but
having nothing but flour, declared herself persuaded that
some assistance would come for making it. Immediately
after a neighbour brought in milk, and another eggs, and
before the pudding was baked the brother came in bring
ing corn and other presents, and declared he was so uneasy
about them that he could not forbear coming that very
day, although he had heard nothing of their difficulties,
and had particular business to engage him at home. (A
lamb caught in a thicket in answer to prayer; the ewe
brought a lamb every year after it.)
A while after, her sister continued ill, who could think
of eating nothing with pleasure but a pigeon. She went
to all the persons that kept dove houses in the town, but
could get none. Returning home with a heavy heart, a
pigeon flew into the house before her, which they took up
and killed as a supply sent immediately from heaven.
This both the sisters and the mother also attested.
As they were coming one day from Northampton, after
her sister was but just recovered from a fit of dangerous
sickness, they saw a cloud gathered about them, a thunder
shower came, and they were in expectation of being wet to
the skin, which might have been attended with the most
fatal consequences to Catharine, as being then in so bad a
state of health. Mary earnestly prayed to God that he
would appear for them. A wind came and broke the cloud

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 349
over their heads, so that part went on the right and part
on the left ; it rained violently all round them, but they, to
the amazement of the neighbourhood, came in dry. The
mother assured me that she warmed clothes for them, ex
pecting that they would be wet through, and saw them come
home perfectly dry, when it had rained almost all around.
In their late illness, which happened this winter, they
were assisted in an extraordinary manner. Mary, who
is a poor weakly creature, sat up with her sister seven
weeks, without any sleep but on the Saturday night, and
continued perfectly well ; and, which is very extraordinary,
their drink and their wheat, when they had but enough to
last for six weeks in the winter, lasted them six months,
though they eat and drank nearly as much as usual ; and
the miller that ground it taking notice of their having so
much more than they had bought of him, strongly sus
pected their dealing with some other person. In the
account of this they all agreed as positively as could be,
as well as in all the rest in which there was any room for
their testimony.
I confess I heard their stories with the utmost amaze
ment. The persons by whom they were told are all people
of eminent devotion, and of a very extraordinary life. They
live retired, are continually employed in prayer, praise, and
religious converse, and have, upon the whole, as much of
heaven among them as I ever saw in any persons whom I
have known. What shall we say to these things? or,
rather, why should we be so much astonished, considering
what God has done for his people in times past, and that
his power is still the same ? April 23, 1735.

350 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
MEDITATIONS AT THE FIFTY-NINTH SACRAMENT.
I OPENED the ordinance with some meditations on these
words : " Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual bles
sings in Christ Jesus, as he had chosen us in him before
the foundation of the world, that therefore we should be
holy, and walk without blame before him in love." Let us
bless God at all times, especially after such meditations as
we have been engaged in, that we who were afar off are
brought nigh. It is fulfilled in this very approach to the
Lord's supper, where the blood of Christ, which brought
us nigh, is in so peculiar a manner to be commemorated.
We have reason to bless God who herein has blessed us
with all spiritual blessings. There is a chain, and a con
nexion ; those that are blessed with one spiritual blessing
are blessed with all; and they are the blessings which
the Christian is most effected with, because in themselves
so noble, and because there is such a connexion between
them and heavenly things, for whom he predestinated, he
called, justified, and glorified. It is because he has- chosen
us in him that all those favours are bestowed upon us,
God does nothing without design ; known to him are all
his works from the foundation of the world : and it is a
pleasing thought, that we lay upon the heart of Christ
before the world was. God gave us to him by the cove
nant of redemption, when he chose us. It was of his free
grace that he chose us all in him ; and whatever favour he
proposed doing he did on his account; and this was that
we might be not only morally virtuous, but holy and reli
gious, upon Scriptural principles, and also that we might
be without blame ; cutting off occasion from those who
might seek to speak evil of us and religion ; and all this in
love, which must be the principle of our obedience ; love to

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 351
God, love to each other ; love the blessed abridgement of all
piety, which this ordinance has a most apparent tendency
to promote. In prayer we humbled ourselves deeply before
God, particularly reflecting that we could not have believed
the last sacrament day, that we should thus have forsaken
him before the return of this. When we came to break the
bread we observed, that God and the devil are represented
as Carrying on the work of bruising Christ, though with
most different aims and purposes, the one full of grace, the
other of malignity. Here he took the cunning in his own
craftiness, and " out of the eater came forth meat." In
stead of deterring us from trusting in Christ by what he has
suffered we are engaged to trust in him the more. Blessed
Lord, we commit ourselves to thee who wert thus reviled
to bring us to glory, and seek our lives from thee who
didst die. Before filling the cup I mentioned our having
access to the most holy place by the blood of Christ; in
token of which the veil of the temple, though thick with
embroidery, was rent asunder. Let us by faith look inward
to that which is within it, and draw nigh in a full assurance
of faith. Surely if we have boldness to enter into the
holiest by the blood of Jesus, we may have some peculiar
ardour when drawing near to God in this blessed and holy
ordinance ; and in this part of it, accordingly, the prayer
was principally taken up in pleading promises of pardon,
sanctification, conduct, direction, support, imparting every
good thing, perseverence, and glory ; and afterwards I said,
why should we doubt them ? because we are sinners ? those
promises are many of them such that they could be made
only to sinful creatures. I know not when I have remem
bered our concerns as a Church with more pleasure than
at this ordinance. On the whole it was a season of some
comfort, especially in the advance of it, though my mind
was greatly distracted at the beginning.

352 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
Many acknowledged the presence of God with them in
the duties of the day : may all the praise be ascribed to
Him ! May 4, 1735.
MEMORANDUMS OF THE SIXTY-FOURTH SACRAMENT.
The ordinance was introduced with some reflections on
those words, " In him all the promises of God are yea, and
in him amen." I had been discoursing on the struggle
between faith and unbelief in. a precious soul, and thought
this a proper sequel. The promises of God may be said to be
yea and amen in Christ, as through him they are all made.
Whatever security they give us is to be ascribed to him,
because we had otherwise been treated as heirs of wrath ;
and that he takes it upon himself to see to the performance
of them, being exalted by God for that very purpose. And
though nothing can be a greater security than the Divine
fidelity, yet it sometimes suits our infirmities, and helps
our faith to see such a step taken towards performing the
Divine promises, that such a gracious instrument should
be raised up and endued with such extraordinary power.
Therefore our faith may justly take its rise from hence, and
we may encourage ourselves to hope for those blessings
concerning which else we might have been most ready to
doubt. Though my sins be ever so great when I look
on Christ's blood, I can believe they may be pardoned.
Whatever difficulties arise, his power and his grace can
support me ; and his wisdom can turn to good what
ever calamities I now endure. Where was any thing
over which one would have been more tempted to suspect
that Providence had slept, than this great scene of Christ's
death and sufferings, accomplished by the determined
counsel and foreknowledge of God, and overruled to the
most gracious purposes. And, surely, when we consider the
prornise of eternal glory, as sealed in the blood of Christ,

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 353
it is SO noble a price, that we may expect the purchase
will indeed be glorious ; and unworthy as we are ourselves,
we may hope for heaven in the worthiness of Jesus Christ.
In breaking the bread I remarked : " He was wounded
for our iniquities, and bruised for our transgressions."
Should not the thought grieve us. When Christ came
into our world, and behaved in such a manner in it, we
might have expected he would have been received with
the utmost affection ; that when the eye saw him the voice
should have blessed him, and that if there had been one
mouth that could have reviled him, one hand that could
have struck or wounded him, it had been grievous ; much
more that he should have been slain, though it had been
but by one person, how much more so when such vast mul
titudes were so concerned that every one made it his own
act to have killed the Prince of Life. Vast multitudes in
deed were the occasion of that crime, and we are of the
number yet ! and yet he spoke in mercy to those who were
his betrayers and murderers ; the word of this salvation by
him was even sent to them. Think of our own concern in
his death ; had the earth been only the scene of his suffer
ings, and had he died here for another order of beings, it
would have well become us to have thought often on so
wonderful a transaction, how much more so when it was
that he might redeem us by his own blood !
When pouring out the wine, I observed, that had a ma
lefactor been executed as Christ was for the murder of the
dearest and best of our friends, or the most horrible treason
against our country, we could hardly have borne to have
seen some circumstances of the rage and cruelty with
which he was treated; it would have turned even justice
into gall and hemlock; but if we had seen an innocent
person, if we had seen a friend thus handled, what indigna
tion, what distress would have arisen in our minds. Surely,
if a person of a very dissolute and abandoned character
VOL. V. A A

354 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
had, in a fit of intoxication, been drawn in to have been
a party in such a case, he must have been exceedingly
shocked in the review. Here then let our tears flow ; here
let our indignation arise, and that against ourselves !
I concluded this ordinance with an exhortation to the
greatest care that we may live as under the influence of
the dying love of Christ; and that it is our duty to recollect
the particular frailties and temptations of our more serious
relations in life, that we may be armed with correspondent
resolutions and engagements. Here the exhortation was
warm ; and speaking of the concern with which ministers
should declare these things, I mentioned the zeal of the
apostles when they came to preach a crucified, yet risen.
Redeemer ; and prayed earnestly that the like impressions
might by the same spirit be made upon our hearts.
Sunday, Sept. 7, 1735.
MEMORANDUM OF THE SIXTY-FIFTH SACRAMENT.
I OPENED the ordinance with some meditations on these
words, " Thou preparest a table before me in the presence
of mine enemies !" Here is a table spread, a table of pro
visions, which may, indeed, to an eye of sense, seem of
little value, but to the believing eye of faith, in connexion
with the purposes for which they are appointed, the value
of them is inestimably great, as that of parchment and
wax becomes in being made the conveyance of some vast
estate. God has prepared this table ; to spread it was not a
sudden thing, the work of an hour, or a day ; known unto
God are all his works from the foundation of the world,
and all seem to have centred in this ; therefore, was the
way prepared by so many prophecies, by so many types ;
but, through the singular goodness of God, the dearest
discoveries are reserved for us. ' Never did God say con
cerning the passover, this is the representation of my son,
who is to be made a sacrifice for sin ; this seals to you the

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 355
covenant of grace to be established in the blood of that
immaculate Lamb, the most excellent dispenser of this
most valuable covenant, which was happily reserved for us
to whom the ends of the earth shall come. And this table
is prepared for us in the presence of our enemies ; scripture
represents a band of formidable spirits as engaged for our
ruin ; they urged on the death of Christ, but found their own
disappointment and defeat in it; and, no doubt, they look
with envy and rage on the work of our redemption, and all
the memorials of it. God anoints our head with oil in this
ordinance; we receive the effusion of that blessed spirit
from Christ our head, of which it may be said, it is like
the oil poured out on the head of Aaron, which ran down to
his beard, and from thence to the skirts of his garment.
And we may truly say, that our cup runs over; God
bestows upon us not only a sufficiency, but a superfluity
of blessings. We might have had eternal reason to have
adored his goodness had he done much less than this ; had
he continued us in this present life free from the decays
and calamities of it, and favoured us with an eternal du
ration of those pleasures of friendship and devotion which
we here enjoy, it would have been matter of grateful ac
knowledgment ; much more had he given us the entertain
ments of holy separate spirits, though the body had been
lost in the grave ; but he graciously adds the happiness of
that to the happiness of the soul, and makes our whole
person completely blessed. How reasonably may we then
conclude, that surely goodness and mercy shall follow us
all the days of our hves; for what can we imagine so
valuable, that God would compare it with, or prefer it to
his Son ? Should our days be gloomy, afflicted, unprofit
able, and useless, still shall mercy and goodness follow
them ; and which is best of all, we shall dwell in the house
of the Lord for ever. It would be a great favour to be
allowed every day to spend an hour in God's house with
A a2

356 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
such delight as we have sometimes, and I hope this day
done ; much better than a great estate, or than any of the
delights of sense. But God will bring his children home,
and they shall dwell there for ever; — reviving thought!
we may arise from the table of the Lord with satisfaction,
nay, in this view we might take our last leave of it with
pleasure; with far greater and more reasonable pleasure
than the Jews took their leave of the Mosaic tabernacle
that they might go and worship God in his temple at
Jerusalem. In breaking the bread, I said, Blessed Jesus, had we only
seen thee in a mortal form, at a table with the children of
men, though it had been under a golden canopy, and every
thing of the luxury of Ahasuerus' feast had been renewed,
though the children of princes had been waiting upon
thee, and all the kings and emperors on the earth had been
sitting with thee, though the greatest delicacies of animal
nature had been exhausted for thine entertainment, what a
condescension had it been; especially, if thou hadst here
instructed them in a way of virtue and of happiness : but
how much more at a paschal table, when telling thy dis
ciples of thy body broken, and thy blood shed. How
important must the case be ! an angel would not have
descended from heaven, nor dwelt one day in a mortal form
on earth upon any^^ean and low occasion, how much less,
the Lord of angels.
In pouring out the wine, I said. We have boldness to
enter into the hohest by the blood of Jesus. To think
of the blood of Jesus poured out is wonderful ; to think of
it in this connexion, and that without it we might have
had no boldness. Had we arrived at the gates of the
heavenly Jerusalem, we might have stopped short, as
some poor naked beggar at the door of the presence
chamber of a king ; but now we are encouraged to make
our approach as those that may hope to worship there.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 357
In taking the cup, I remarked. We commemorate thy
death, blessed Jesus, nor would we be ashamed or afraid to
do it if we were surrounded with thy blasphemous and
persecuting enemies, and might be led out to share thy
cross, for we are ready to take it with thy crown. I ad
dressed the spectators with an expostulation on the folly
of continuing irresolute, and without due cause of absenting
themselves from the table of the Lord. I bless God I had
some comfortable communion with God this day, and could
say it was good for me to be there. Oct. 5, 1735.
MEDITATIONS ON THE SIXTY-EIGHTH SACRAMENT.
" If any man love me, he will keep my words, and my
Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make
our abode with him." Christians, you will observe that we
are not surveying the duties and privileges of the most
eminent and distinguished saints, but those of every
christian. It is his character who will keep the words of
Christ, who will receive them, who will retain them, who
will reflect upon them, who will act in humble subjection
to them ; and this very thought, that they are the words of
Christ, will be enough for him ; a divine power will attend
them, and humble obedience will immediately be produced.
I hope we know what this character means, if we do, happy
are we : "If any man love me, and keep my word, the
Father will love him;" amazing condescension, that the
great eternal Father should love a poor sinful worm ! but
this he will do, love him in such a manner -as to become his
invariable friend; and oh, what a happiness! Though
some slight me, though others censure me, though others
hate me, even though all the rage of earth and hell unite
against me, yet if God loves me it is enough; how much
more if he dwells with me, and Christ likewise! Yet this
is the promise, we will come to him ; I hope it is fulfilled ;
I hope Christ has come to us this day in meditation, re-

358 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
tirement, and prayer, and is coming to his table ; and " we
will come unto him, and make our abode with him .'" O this
crowns all, to have God, not as a transient visitor, but to
have him as our constant friend ; what a blessed boon dpes it
give us ! And has not God for some time made his abode
in our hearts ? surely, if he had not, we had drooped and
perished long ago, we may hope that he will dwell there
for ever ; and oh, what a delight it should be to us ! we
are ready to say, " Lord, they were happy to whom thou
didst come in the days of thy flesh ; with whom thou didst
make thine abode." How should we have rejoiced in that
happiness ! and loved the very house where thou didst
dwell, the very room where we had converse with thee.
But, upon the whole, Christ might answer to us, as he did
to the woman that fondly cried out, " Blessed be the womb
that bare thee, and the paps that gave thee suck ; nay, but
rather blessed be those that hear the word of God and
keep it."
In breaking the bread, I observed, among many other
things, the emphasis of those words, " by his stripes we are
healed." The cure is already begun in every gracious soul ;
and it is the pledge of an entire cure. Yet a little while
and all the remaining diseases of the soul shall entirely be
done away ; and all imperfection and sorrow shall give way
to the complete manifestation of the sons of God, in a
world of everlasting glory and of joy.
Other meditations were added, but being interrupted
when writing this, and not having made any other memo
randums of them, they have now slipped from my memory.
Sunday, November 2, 1735.
REFLECTIONS ON THE SIXTY-NINTH SACRAMENT.
This was the last Sacrament day in which my dear friend
and brother, Mr. Isaac Wilkinson, of whom the world is
not worthy, continued with me, under the relation of an
assistant. He preached in the morning from these words>

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 359
" We rejoice in Christ Jesus." And I preached in the after
noon of " God being glorified by Christ :" I introduced the
ordinance of the supper with some reflections on those
words in John, " Father, I will that those whom thou hast
given me be with me, where I am;" I observed the language
by which Christians are described, those whom the Father
has given him ; thereby probably referring to the covenant
of election. How happy a thought is it, if we are interested
therein. Christ prays, that they may be with him where
he is. To be with Christ in any circumstances must appear
delightful ; how much more so in heaven ! His faith was so
strong that he considered himself as already there, and
overlooked all the distance, all the darkness, and all the
sufferings that interposed. Amiable example for our faith
to follow, which the apostle assists, when he speaks of us
as raised up together with him, and set in heavenly places,
that we may behold the glory of Christ. It was not merely
out of ostentation, but as he knew the happiness it would
carry along with it, to see the Holy One in our own nature,
our great benefactor, and our almighty guardian; on ac
count of which we should look upon it as the pledge and
security of our own glory. With regard to this he speaks
in the most positive terms, and yet very consistently with
the most perfect submission, " Father, J will that those
whom thou hast given me be with me where I am ;" I do
not only pray it, but I claim it ; I humbly enter my de
mand on this head. Blessed souls, to whom this promise
is sealed ! gracious Saviour, that offered such a petition !
In breaking the bread, I observed, Christ instituted this
ordinance that we might remember him ; I hope we know
the pleasure of remembering him, and how our remem
brance of him has been assisted at it; our faith has
thus been helped, and all our other graces proportionably
strengthened. I particularly insisted, in drinking from the cup, on our

360 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
putting ourselves and all our concerns into the hands of
Christ; our covenant engagement is to serve Christ, our
covenant hope is to enjoy him; but whether it be in this
world or another is a matter not worth contesting between
such lovers and such friends. Sunday, December 6, 1735.

THE SEVENTIETH SACRAMENT.
I HAD discoursed in the pulpit from Rom. xii. 1, " I be
seech you, brethren, by the mercies of God !" I introduced
this ordinance with some meditations on David's reflection :
" Who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able
to offer thus willingly, for all things come of thee, and of
thine own have we given thee?" Who am I, that I should
have any thing to offer ? whatever we are, and whatever we
have, we owe it to God; and all endowments of genius,
and capacities for usefulness are as much to be ascribed to
him as any thing in our external form or circumstances ;
and whatever we have is chiefly to be rejoiced in and ac
knowledged, as it may be an instrument of his service.
It is of God also that we have hearts to offer ; the willing
mind proceeds from him ; how many are alienating them
selves from God, that have as great capacities, that have
as many calls ; even this day how many have heard that
call in vain, and will go away and be as far from him as
ever. How many are abusing extraordinary gifts for his
dishonour; while we offer them to him, let us not then
arrogate any thing to ourselves, but let us give him the glory
of all, and then we may take the comfort that we are
yielded to the Lord ; we are now his, and his people, and
he as such styles us, "my fiock, my friends ;" and as such
what a blessed change will be made in each of us.
My spirits were so exhausted with the warmth of my
exhortation in the afternoon, that I was too dead at the

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 361
table, and especially in what followed the introduction, nor
did any remarkable thought arise that I can remember to
deserve a place here. January 4, 1736.

REFLECTIONS ON THE DEATH OF MY DEAR CHILD, AND
MANY MOURNFUL PROVIDENCES ATTENDING IT.
I HAVE a great deal of reason to condemn my own negli
gence and folly, that for so many months I have entered no
memorandums of what has passed between God and my
soul, though some ofthe transactions were very remarkable,
as well as some things which I have heard concerning:
others; but the subject of this article is the most melan
choly of any. We lost my dear and reverend brother
and friend Mr. Saunders on the 31st of July last; the 1st
of September Lady Russel, that invaluable friend, died at
Reading on her road from Bath ; and on Friday, the 1st of
October, God was pleased by a most awful stroke to take
away my eldest, dearest child, my lovely Betsey. She was
formed to strike my affection in the most powerful manner;
such a person, genius, and temper, as I admired even be
yond their real importance, so that indeed I doted upon her,
and was for many months before her death in a great de
gree of bondage upon her account; She was taken ill at
Newport about the middle of June, and from thence to the
day of her death she was my continual thought, and almost
uninterrupted care. God only knows with what earnestness
and importunity I prostrated myself before him to beg her
life, which I would have been willing almost to have pur
chased with my own. When reduced to the lowest degree
of languishment by a consumption, I could not forbear
¦looking in upon her almost every hour. I saw her with the
strongest mixture of anguish and delight ; no chemist ever
watched his crucible with greater care, when he expected
the production of the philosophers' stone, than I watched

362 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
her in all the various turns of her distemper, which at last
grew utterly hopeless, and then no language can express
the agony into which it threw me. One remarkable cir
cumstance I cannot but recollect : in praying most affec
tionately, perhaps too earnestly for her life, these words
came into my mind with great power, " speak no more to
me of this matter ;" I was unwilling to take them, and went
into the chamber to see my dear lamb, when instead of re
ceiving me with her usual tenderness, she looked upon me
with a stern air, and said with a very remarkable deter
mination of voice, " / have no more to say to you," and
I think from that time, though she lived at least ten days,
she seldom looked upon me with pleasure, or cared to suffer
me to come near her. But that I might feel all the bitter
ness of the affiiction. Providence so ordered it, that I came
in when her sharpest agonies were upon her, and those
words, " 0 dear, O dear, what shall I do ?" rung in my
ears for succeeding hours and days. But God delivered
her ; and she, without any violent pang in the article of her
dissolution, quietly and sweetly fell asleep, as, I hope, in
Jesus, about ten at night, I being then at Maidwell. When
I came home, my mind was under a dark cloud relating to
her eternal state, but God was pleased graciously to remove
it, and gave me comfortable hope, after having felt the
most heart-rending sorrow. My dear wife bore the affiiction
in the most glorious manner, and discovered more wisdom,
and piety, and steadiness of temper in a few days, than I
had ever in six years an opportunity of observing before.
O, my soul, God has blasted thy gourd; thy greatest
earthly delight is gone; seek it in heaven, where I hope
this dear babe is; where I am sure my Saviour is, and
where I trust, through grace, notwithstanding all this irre
gularity of temper, and of heart, I shall shortly be.
Sunday, Oct. 3, 1736.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 363
REFLECTIONS AT THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH SACRAMENT.
DEAR BETSEY DEAD.
I HAD preached in the bitterness of my heart from these
words : " Is it well ivith thy husband and the child ? and
she said. It is well." I endeavoured to show the reason
there was to say this ; but surely there was never any dis
pensation of Providence in which I found it so hard, for my
very soul had been overwhelmed within me. Indeed some
hard thoughts of God were ready to arise ; and the appre
hension of his heavy displeasure, and the fear of my child's
future state, added fuel to the fire. Upon the whole, my
mind was in the most painful situation; but it pleased
God that, in composing the sermon, my mind became
quieted, and I was brought into a more silent, and cordial
submission to the divine will.
At the table I discoursed on these words : " Although
my house be not so with God," 8cc. I observed domestic
calamities may befall good men in their journey through
life, and particularly in relation to their children ; but that
they have a refuge in God's covenant ; it is everlasting, it is
sure, it is well ordered ; every provision is made according
to our necessities, and it shall be all our salvation, as it is
the object of our most affectionate regard.
One further circumstance I must record; and that is,
that I here solemnly recollected that I had, in a former sa
crament, taken the cup with these words : " Lord, I take
this cup as a public and solemn token that I will refuse no
other cup which thou shalt put into my hand." I men
tioned this recollection, and charged it publicly on myself
and my Christian friends, God has taken me at my word,
but I do not retract it; I repeat it again with regard to
every future cup.
I am just come from the coffin of my dear child, who
seems to be sweetly asleep there, with a serene, composed.

364 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
delightful countenance, once how animated with double life.
There, lo ! oh my soul ! lo ! there is thine idol laid stifl
in death ; — the creature which stood next to God in thine
heart, to whom it was opened with a fond and flattering
delight. Methinks I would learn to be dead with her —
dead to the world. Oh that I could be dead with her ! not
any farther than that her dear memory may promote my
living to God.*
I had a great deal of very edifying conversation last
night and this morning with my wife, whose wisdom does
indeed make her face to shine under this affliction. She
is supported and animated with a courage which seems not
at all natural to her ; talks with the utmost freedom, and
has really said many of the most useful things that ever
were said to me by any person upon the earth, both as to
consolation and admonition. Had the best things I have
read on the subject been collected together, they could
hardly have been better conceived or better expressed.
This is to me very surprising, when I consider her usual
reserve. I have all imaginable reason to believe that God
will make this affliction a great blessing to her, and I hope
it may prove so to me. There was a fond delight and com
placence which I took in Betsey beyond any thing living.
Although she had not a tenth part of that rational, manly
love, which I pay to her mamma and many surviving
friends ; yet it leaves a peculiar pain upon my heart, and
it is almost as if my very gall were poured out upon the
earth ! Yet much sweetness mingles itself with this bitter
potion, chiefly in the views and hope of my speedy removal
to the eternal world. May not this be the beauty of this
providence: — instead of her living many years upon the
earth, may not God have taken away my child that I might
* " I think I have heard that the doctor wrote his funeral sermon for
his daughter, or a part of it, upon her coffin."— The above note is written
in the margin by the Reverend Thomas Stedman.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 365
be fitted for and reconciled to my own dissolution, perhaps
nearly approaching? I verily believe I shall meet her
there, and enjoy much more of her in heaven than I should
have done had she survived me on earth. Lord, thy will
be done ! may my life be used for thy service while con
tinued, and then put thou a period to it whenever thou
pleasest. October 3, 1736.
FURTHER REFLECTIONS AFTER THE FUNERAL OF MY
DEAR BETSEY.
I HAVE now been laying the delight of my eyes in the dust,
and it is for ever hidden from them. My heart was too
full to weep much. We had a suitable sermon from these
words : " Doest thou well to be angry because of the gourd?"
I hope God knows that I am not angry, but sorrowful he
surely allows me to be. I could have wished that more
had been said concerning the hope we may have of our
child ; and it was a great disappointment to n^ that no
thing of that kind should be said by one that loved her so
well as my brother Hunt did. Yet I bless God I have my
hopes that she is lodged in the arms of Christ. And there
was an occurrence that I took much notice of: I yvas most
earnestly praying that God would be pleased to give me
some further encouragement on this head, by letting in some
new light, or by directing me to some further thoughts
upon the subject. Soon after, as I came into my wife's
chamber, she told me that our maid Betty, who had indeed
the affection of a parent for my dear girl, had just before
assured her that on the sabbath day evening Betsy would
be repeating to herself some things of what she had heard
in my prayers and in my preaching, but did not care to
talk of it to others ; and my wife assured me that she so
lemnly recommended herself to God in the words that I
had taught her a little before she died. Blessed God, hast

366 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
thou not received her? I trust that thou hast, and pardoned
the infirmities of her poor, short, childish, afflicted life. I
hope, in some measure out of love to me, as thy servant,
thou hast done it for Christ's sake ; and I would consider
the very hope as an engagement to thy future service.
Lord, I love those who were kind to my child, and those
that wept with me for her; shall I not much more love
thee, who I hope art at this moment taking care of her, and
opening her infant faculties for the duties and blessedness
of heaven.
Lord, I would consider myself as a dying creature. My
firstborn is gone ; — my beloved child is laid in bed before
me. I have often followed her to her bed in a literal sense,
and shortly shall follow her to that, where we shall lie
down together ; and our rest shall be together in the dust.
In a literal sense, the grave is ready for me. My grave is
made — I have looked into it — a dear part of myself is al
ready there ; and when I stood at the Lord's table I stood
directly over it. It is some pleasure to me to think that
my dust will be lodged near that of my dear lamb, how
much more to hope that my soul will rest with hers, and
rejoice in her for ever. But, oh, let me not centre my
thoughts even here ; it is a rest with and in God that is
my ultimate hope. Lord, may thy grace secure it to me !
and in the meantime give me some holy acquiescence of
soul in thee ; and though my gourd be withered, yet shelter
me under the shadow of thy wings ! October 4, 1736.
A FURTHER ACCOUNT OF SOME THINGS REMARKABLE IN
THE CONVERSATION OF MARY WILLS.
I OUGHT long ago to have made these memorandums,
though one thing and another prevented me. She made
me a visit the first sabbath day in August, which I think
was also the first day of the month, in which she appeared

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 367
under some extraordinary impressions of a tender and se
rious spirit ; and she then gave me an account of a very odd
scene which had passed, as I suppose, in her imagination.
One morning, when engaged in her secret devotions, she
thought a person came to her in the common dress of a
plain countryman, but of a grave and sweet aspect, and
seemingly advanced in years. He gave her great comfort
in his discourses as to the state of her own soul, and
dropped hints which have ever since been exceedingly use
ful and delightful to her. He talked of something concern
ing some very eminent professors ; and particularly told her
that a person who now lives at Pisford, and whose name is
Matthews, though an eminent professor then, should prove
an apostate, which accordingly he has done ; and added,
that he should come to miserable poverty and die in great
distress ; but hitherto he has continued in flourishing cir
cumstances, which have grown better rather than worse
since he has thrown off prayer and every thing else but
going to the parish church, which yet he seldom does. He
also warned her not to set her affections too much on Mr.
Tingey, then her minister, for that he would leave them,
and die quickly after, which accordingly he did. But she
assured me, that he added, I will send one among you, who
is yet a young man, and not fully entered upon the minis
try ; but he shall come when you are vacant, and this shall
be a sign to you that he shall preach upon those words,
" By whom shall Jacob arise, for he is small?" By him
will I revive my work among you ! I could not but take
particular notice of this circumstance, not only as it relates
so particularly to myself, but as I recollected two other
circumstances to lead me to believe it as extraordinary as
it seems. The one is, that just about the time when the
affair of my removal hither was thought of by some per
sons, though indeed not at all by myself, when I came to
preach occasionally among them, and had brought other

368 DIARY- AND CORRESPONDENCE
sermons, my mind was in an extraordinary manner im
pressed with those words, " By whom shall Jacob arise, for
he is small?" and I preached from two or three imperfect
hints, although before so large a congregation, neglecting
other sermons which were written at large. The other par
ticular was, that Mr. King told me that there was a very
pious young woman in that neighbourhood who told him
expressly that she was confident I would come among
them ; and continued in a steadfast persuasion of it against
all imaginable appearance of probability, and when she
was almost alone in the opinion. To which I may add the
following circumstance, which greatly confirms my belief
in the rest.
On Friday, October 15, 1 called upon her again, and she
asked me whether Mr. Some had not been under some ex
traordinary struggles and afflictions of one kind or another ?
I asked her why she imagined it ; and she gave me the fol
lowing account. The very morning in which she had visited
me before, that was, August 1, she was praying.for me and
my family ; not knowing at that time that dear Betsey was
at all dangerously ill, when an impression was made on her
mind as if a voice had spoken to her, "pray for him that
he may be supported under the affliction : for I will take the
child to myself. And pray also for him who is his chief
fellow in the ministry, for an hour of sore distress is coming
upon him .'" Now it is certain that this has been remarkably
fulfilled to Mr. Some, not only in the death of Mr. Saunders
the day before, of which she knew nothing, and of Lady
Russell on the first of September following; but also in
the sad scene which was immediately after opened, and
about which Mr. Some that very day had sent for me and
my wife, and had opened it to us, and which but five or six
people besides in the whole world knew of, none of whom.
could possibly discover it to her, nor were there any others^
from whom she could learn it. And it was further remark-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 369
able, that both her mother and sister, a pious girl then in a
languishing illness, and as I believe a consumption, assured
me, that immediately after she declared to them very con
fidently, that my child would die ; and that she has been
talking of some great trouble to come upon me and Mr.
Some, about which she has been praying for us daily for
these ten weeks and more.
I own this is wonderful to me ; and I cannot but think,
that God designed to humble me, by letting me see what
discoveries he sometimes makes to meaner Christians ; and
also to comfort me, by showing me what gracious purposes
he had concerning me in the former instance, and what
gracious care he takes of me in the latter. Nor has it been
any little encouragement to me with regard to the state of
my dear Betsey ; who I hope and believe is taken away from
the evil to come, and taken to a better Father's house,
though the dear lovely tabemacle of clay is indeed moul
dering in the dust.
I cannot forbear observing, that these words have often
been deeply impressed upon my mind of late, " Thou hast
showed me that I must shortly put off this tabernacle."
Which when I mentioned it to her, she startled, and looked
as if she had some secret intimation that it would be so ;
at least she intimated nothing to the contrary. May I also
be ready ; and then I shall cordially acquiesce in the will
of God. October 22, 1736.
SOME REMARKABLE PASSAGES WHICH OCCURRED TO ME
IN CONVERSING WITH MRS. GOODWIN AND MR. BUNYAN.
When talking with Mrs. Goodwin concerning Mrs. Thomas,
once of Petworth, my correspondent and friend, though
personally unknown. She gave me such an account of
her and her family as then struck my mind, though some
particulars have escaped it.

VOL. V.

B B

370 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
She said, that she never knew a more eminent Christian,
and yet that for sixteen years together she never saw her
one quarter of a year free from affliction.
She added, that among other afflictions, she lost an ex
cellent son, just entered upon the ministry ; from whom the
world had the highest hopes, as a second John Jane way,
whom, so far as I can remember, both in temper and in
circumstances, he greatly resembled. He had a great friend
ship with Mrs. Goodwin and Mr. Griffith of Wehs, into
whose heart God has lately put it to set up an Academy
there, for which I desire to be very thankful. Mr. Thomas
expressed his desire that these two friends might be with
him when he died, if it were the will of God ; and without
any previous appointment they happened both to meet at
his mother's house the day before, and continued there, I
think, until his funeral was over. His last words were, " The
glorious hour is come." And his pious mother standing by
him, closed his eyes with a steady countenance, and said,
" The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; — blessed
be the name of the Lord."
There was a daughter of this Mrs. Thomas, who was
once carried to Bath upon account of a lameness ; in which
the physicians discouraged her, telling her that neither the
water nor any method they knew of could help her. The
child retired one day alone into the parlour, being then
about twelve; and resting on her crutches, she thought
something said, " Throw away your crutches;" which she
did, and immediately was enabled to go without them ; and
I think from that time was perfectly well. But this is a
story into which I would gladly inquire further.
Mr. Bunyan on this occasion told me another, which I
cannot forbear recording, as having so great a resemblance
to it. He has an uncle belonging to Mr. Hunt's congre
gation, and a very pious man, who with his family make
lace. He had a fine child, that at six years old was struck

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 37 1
with a disorder in her foot, which not only rendered her
utterly incapable of setting it to the ground, but disordered
the whole nervous system, so as to quite take away her
understanding, so that she could neither read nor work,
nor did she know even her most intimate friends, nor the
way to her father's house, if she had crept out of doors in
the broad day. This continued for three years; and she
was at length given up by all the physicians and surgeons,
after great application to them. The matter was referred
to prayer. Many meetings were on that account kept;
and at last the child, standing on her crutches by her
mother, said on a sudden, with a cheerful countenance,
" Mother, I can stand without my crutches." And imme
diately after, " Mother, Ican walk." And in a few minutes
after, " Mother, I believe I can read." And in a few after
that, "Mother, I believe I can make lace." Accordingly
she tried at both; read a lesson very well; went to the
place where her pillow stood, then indeed mouldy and
much out of order, and went to work as well as the dis
order of the materials would give leave. Thus she was
cured in a moment ; and to this day continues perfectly-
well. What greatly increases the wonder to me is, that
this happened but about three years and a half ago, that
is, since my settlement here, and that I never heard Mr. B,
speak a word of it ; though, upon inquiry into it, I find all
imaginable reason to believe it to be true : and Mr. B.
thought he had told it me. I ascribe the mistake to my
being at London at the time it happened.
REFLECTIONS UPON THE ORDINATION OF MR. P.
This day we had a meeting of ministers at F, upon a very
solemn occasion; the setting apart to the work of the
ministry the pious Mr, P, He opened the work of the day
with a short prayer : then Mr. Drake prayed. I preached
from Heb, xiii. 17. " They wdtch for your souls," &c. A
B B 2,

372 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
plain, serious, awakening sermon, followed by a hymn,
which I composed on that subject. Then Mr. Some took
the ordination vows, confession of faith, and prayed. Mr.
Morris preached from these words, " It pleased God by the
foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." Then
Mr. Hunt concluded with prayer. It was a very solemn,
and I hope also a very useful day, and left some deep
impressions on my heart; improved by the preservation
received in our dark and dangerous journey home.
I would remember, that teaching others, I teach myself
I have many cares as a tutor, and an author. The Loijfl
forgive me, that in these I am so apt to forget those of a
pastor. I watch for souls ; therefore I would resolve, 1. To
take a more particular account of the souls committed to
my care. For which end I propose to look over the church-
book, and the book in which the subscription is contained,
and to keep an additional register of such persons as come
among us. 2. I will very quickly take a tour over the whole
congregation, to leam more particularly the characters and
circumstances of them, their children, and their servants.
3. I will make a list of unconverted, of unawaked, and
converted, and those fit for communion as well as actually
in it. 4. When I hear any thing particular relating to the
circumstances of my people, I will visit them and talk
with them. 5. I will visit the sick more carefully than I
have of late done. 6. For this purpose, I will generally
contrive to get out quickly after dinner, that I may not be
caught and detained by business at home. O my soul !
thy account is great ! It is high time that it be got into a
better order. Lord, I hope thou knowest, I am desirous of
approving myself a faithful servant of thee and of souls.
O, watch over me, that I may watch over them, and then
all will be well. Continue these things on the imagination
of my own heart, that my own sermon may not another
day rise up in judgment against me. Friday, October 22,

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 373
1736. Memorandum. I will use inspection over those
under my own roof, that I may with the greater freedom
urge other heads of families to the like care. October 22, 1736.
REFLECTIONS ON THE SEVENTY-FIFTH SACRAMENT.
I APPROACHED this Ordinance with solemn importunate
prayer for the divine presence in it. And I desire thank
fully to record it, that this prayer was not in vain. Per
haps I may say, I never knew what it was to enjoy more
bf God than I this day enjoyed. Perhaps more of heaven
is not to be brought down upon the earth. I write it with
some amazement, that I stood upon the grave of my dear
Betsey, and thought of that lovely creature that was once,
next to God, on the throne of my heart, with very little
emotion. The loss of so amiable a child seemed hardly
worth mentioning between God and my soul ; when I saw
before my eyes the memorials of a Redeemer's dying love ;
when I looked forward towards that heavenly world to
which I verily believe God is conducting me, to which I
apprehend he will shortly bring me ; — and I heartily sub
scribe my Amen to it.
Having discoursed in the pulpit on Christ, as the foun
tain opened, in which to wash from sin, and from unclean
ness, I introduced the ordinance with some reflections on
that petition of the leper, " Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst
make me clean." I observed that he was sensible of his
malady, apprehended himself polluted ; and the best souls
will apprehend it most. He applied therefore to Christ
with a full persuasion of his power: though it were pro
fessedly the work of a God to do it. It is of great import
ance to approach this ordinance, believing that Christ can
do it, and believing that he will do it. In the dying hour,
then he will lay his hand upon us and say, " I will thou
be perfectly clean, for ever clean." Blessed expectation !

374 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
Happy hour ! how well is it worth our while to pass through
every trial and agony in our way to it, that we may leave
these polluted garments of flesh in the grave, and arise
Holy and immortal into the Heavenly Presence.
When breaking the bread, I reflected that how, without
that breaking of Christ's body, we had been crushed with
the weight of the Divine vengeance. What was his love in
instituting the ordinance? perhaps particularly foreseeing
our pleasure in it, at least, seeing and causing it now, and
rejoicing in our joy. We are pleased to see our friends
cheerful at our table, pleased with our entertainment;
much more is Christ so : therefore is he represented with
amazing condescension, rejoicing as a bridegroom over his
bride, and as joying over us with singing.
When taking the cup, I particularly insisted on being
made free by Christ from the devil, from worldly entan
glements, corrupted affections, and the everlasting curse of
God. We have, perhaps, a warm sense of liberty, what
liberty can be compared with this ? "Lord, the desire of our
souls is to the remembrance of thy name ;" it is the great
thing that we would desire to have; a more affectionate
remembrance of thee. Were I to choose a text for my last
sermon, it should be this, that " Whether present or absent,
may we be accepted of him." Delightful thought ! that
this labour shall not be in vain in the Lord, November 7, 1736.
REFLECTIONS ON A VISIT RECEIVED FROM MR. JONES.
This day I enjoyed a great deal of the company of my
pious and worthy friend, Mr. Jones, of Abbots-Ripton, a
clergyman for whom I have the most sincere and tender
respect. He showed me several papers, especially relating
to Lady Price, which I read with pleasure and with con
fusion, when I observed her shining and eminent piety,
which I think as conspicuous as any I have ever seen;

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 375
her daily and nightly devotions, watching over her family
as a guardian-angel while they slept ; referring, as it were,
all her other passions into the love of God and her hus
band, passing through the world as a stranger in it, always
tending homeward. What also I heard of Mr.  , of
Mr. Bunbury, Sir John Price, and many other persons of
the Established Church, relating to their real goodness and
zeal for the glory of God, and the salvation of their own
souls, put me to the greatest shame, when I compared it
with my own unprofitable life ; particularly what I saw of
some hints which Mr. Jones had drawn up for self-ex
amination, which contained so much elevated and spiritual
devotion, and betokened a mind so thoroughly devoted to
the glory of God, and the good of mankind, that I thought
I had never seen any thing of the kind that equalled them.
On this, I began to consider from whence I had fallen ;
which was the more impressed upon my mind by some
wise and good, as well as very prudent, gentle, and res
pectful admonitions which my wife gave me, as to that in
dolence of temper which grief has in part brought upon
me, and which has been increased by the unusual burden
I have been under upon account of the Brixworth affair ;
that of Lady Russell, and many others. This has, indeed,
produced a most shameful neglect of visiting the sick, and
much more the rest of my people, or the promoting of
family religion among them, or taking any account of the
young persons, or of much conversation with my pupils
about inward religion ; nor have I made any considerable
progress in my Family Expositor, or in any kind of public
business. The reasons are too plain ; lying long in bed ;
passing over secret devotion in a hasty way ; omitting the
Scriptures or other books, except what were just necessary
to prepare the family expositions; trifling below stairs
after dinner and supper; spending the afternoons in visits
of pleasure and amusement, rather than of pastoral duty;

376 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
and the evenings too often abroad at entertainments, and
that sometimes at pubhc places ; as well as lately with Mr.
Spence; all these things have had their influence upon
this occasion, and have prevented my behaving in many
instances as a minister and a tutor, distinguished by so
many eminent and pecuhar obligations. May God, through
Christ, forgive all, as I, through grace, determine that all
shall be reformed, and that immediately, without waiting
for another year or month, another day or hour.
Thursday, Nov. 9, 1736.
REFLECTIONS ON THE EIGHTIETH SACRAMENT.
I HAD discoursed from the pulpit at the desire of a very
agreeable and amiable friend. Miss West, on confession
and pardon, from Psalm xxxii. 5. " / said, I will confess
my transgression to thee, and thou for gavest the iniquity oJ
my sin." I was interrupted between the services by the
warming of a little wine, which I drank before I went to the
table. If this was a help to animal nature, it was a much
greater hindrance to the inward man, and I found a great
deal of reason to repent it ; for I have seldom found less
composure, or less affection, than in the former part of the
ordinance : yet in that my good friend Samuel  told
me that he found most. The subject of the discourse was
these words, " The blood of Jesus Christ -his son cleanses
from all sin." I observed, that it was wonderful to think
that the Son of God appeared among us at all; especially
to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, and to shed
his blood for it. This evidently led to such reflections as
these : See our natural misery, that we need to be thus
cleansed. How deep the stain ! how aggravated the guilt !
which nothing but the blood of the Son of God could atone.
Leam how rich the grace of God ! how wonderful the love
of the Redeemer, that did not deny even this ! See the rea
sonableness of applying to God through this blood, which

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 377
to neglect must be a great affront to it. See also the en
couragement to apply to it, since it cleanses from all sins ;
which is an answer to the severest things that conscience
can say of our own hearts. In breaking the bread, I said —
Reflect upon the love of Christ. Had he secured such com
fort for us upon any terms, though by only speaking a word ;
what then, in the present case, when such blessings were
procured, not merely by care and intercession, but by
blood! I had sweet communion with God in the prayer;
and especially afterwards, in devoting and submitting all to
him. Perhaps some great breach is speedily to be made
upon me. Lord, here am I ; thy will be done. December 5, 1736.
REFLECTIONS ON THE BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR.
I AM just now come to the period of that which has un
doubtedly been the most afflicted year of my whole life ;
but I subscribe to the wisdom and goodness of God in all
those afflictions. I am come to the beginning of another,
which I am ready to believe will be the last. The Lord
grant, that whether it be so or not, it may be the best that
I ever spent ; a year of constant communion with God, of
steady devotedness of soul to him. I have been renewing
my covenant transactions with him this morning in secret,
though, alas ! in too cold a manner. But I must record it
to my shame, when I opened that treasure, of which my
heart is so fond, the book which contains the countenance
of my dear Betsey, as it was taken off from the poor corpse
when it lay in its coffin, then my passions were touched ;
then I found a flow of them, which I endeavoured to turn
at least into a right channel ; and after near and sweet com
munion with God, in the exercise of love to him and my fel
low creatures, I resolved to renew the following rules of life,
and to endeavour to despatch the following articles of busi
ness with the divine assistance. 1. To rise at six o'clock.

378 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
winter and summer, unless urgent occasion prevent. 2. To
begin the day on my knees wherever I am, and whatever I
have to do. 3. To read some portion of Scripture, and
if possible to write some of my Family Expositor every
moming. 4. To read something of a book of practical
devotion. 6. To despatch at least one letter every day,
and to be more careful in answering my correspondents.
6. To talk at least to one pupil a day, when with them,
about the affairs of his soul, more or less publicly or
privately. 7, To visit as often as I can, especially from
three iu the afternoon, beyond which I would seldom be
at home without great necessity, 8. To keep a more exact
account of my expenses, and to lay out as much as I can in
charity. 9. To eat more moderately, especially at supper,
than 1 have for some time of late done, and to be less soli
citous about the kind of my food. 10. To promote religious
discourse, inore. 11. To read some Latin and Greek, if
possible, every day. 12. To read the Scriptures in an
evening, at least what I had wrote in the morning. 13. To
examine myself. 14. To keep memorandums. 15. To
lie down in a good frame, and endeavour to rise with God.
16. To endeavour, as much as I can, to live by rule. 17.
To expect death every day. January 1, 1737.
MEDITATIONS ON THE EIGHTY-FIRST SACRAMENT.
After some comfortable communion with God in the pre
ceding duties of the day ; I opened the ordinance with
these words, strongly impressed as I was with them when
approaching to the table, " I will go the altar of God, io
God my exceeding great joy." I considered an approach
to this ordinance as coming to God, and also as being a
commemoration of the great sacrifice ! Let us own we
needed a sacrifice. Let us own the sufficiency of this
which God has provided ; and let us by faith apply to it,

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 379
and apply it to our souls, and so draw near to God by it,
to God as seated on a mercy seat, therefore, to God our
joy, our great joy, our exceeding great joy ! to God, whose
mercy is our hope and confidence, whose attributes are
now ours, and what can we wish for more. Let not any
affliction and sorrow prevent it. Return to thy rest, O my
soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with thee. In
breaking the bread, I considered Christ as broken to be
the food of our souls ; and told the story of Ignatius being
ground in the teeth of the wild beasts to be flour for
Christ's table. The enemies of Christ beset him around to
make him food for us. Before taking the cup, I mentioned
entire self-dedication, saying, I beseech you, brethren, by
the mercies of God, especially in Christ, his incarnation, life,
death, resurrection, ascension, glorification, and sending of
the Spirit, that ye yield your bodies, your whole selves
entirely to him. If you are not willing to do this, do not
receive the cup, pass it by to a fitter hand. You receive
not Christ if you are not willing to give all to him ; not a
part, but the whole of ourselves, all we are, and all we have.
I concluded with strongly enforcing charity. Would we
not be glad if God would direct us how to lay out every
farthing of our possessions ? How much more then should
we obey hiin in this instance ? Januai7 2, 1737.
MEDITATIONS ON THE EIGHTY-SECOND SACRAMENT.
I OPENED the ordinance with some reflections on those
words, " Come, see the place where the Lord lay." Look
into the grave of Christ. See how low the justice of God
laid him ! Amazing sight, that the Lord of Life should
thus become a dead corpse. Think how he lay in the
abasement of the tomb. This his lowest humiliation ; this
the lowest state in which the human creature ever appears
till putrefaction takes place. To this an eye of sense would
have thought he had been tending ; but see from whence

380 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
the faithfulness of God exalted him. He broke the bonds
of death, by which it was impossible that he should long
be held. Vain were the impotent attempts of sealing the
sepulchre, and setting a watch. The angel broke the tomb,
and dissipated the astonished guard, the sleeping con
queror arose ! Arose to return no more to death. Not
like Lazarus, therefore, coming forth in the dress of the
dead ; but, on the contrary, clothed with immortal life and
vigour. He lives ! He reigns ! and has the keys of death
and of the unseen world. Delightful thought! See the
place where we must lie. Be it so. Death has no terror.
The grave has lost its darkest o-loom since Christ was laid
in it. He left a perfume behind him, which instead ofthe
prison of the divine justice, makes it an easy bed to the
believer. Well may we be willing to lie down in it, for he
will surely bring us up again. He rose as a public signal ;
and when we have lain refining a while in it, he will surely
bring us up again. This table has often changed its guests;
many are fallen asleep in Christ, but they are not therefore
perished. God is their God, though they lie in the dust,
and will appear to be so. -O blessed assembly and congre
gation ! Thus shall the risen saint look down upon the
grave like Israel on the red sea. Come, see the place
where the people of Christ lay. See how entirely all the
spoils are recovered, and not a fragment left behind. In
breaking the bread, I mentioned those words, " He has
abohshed death." He has made it as nothing. Compare
the death of the saint, and the sinner. See the sinner
trembling like Cardinal Beaufort, who when he died did
not lift up his hand to express any hope; — with what we
have seen, and I hope shall feel of the saints' triumphing
over death, and rejoicing in Christ, when breathing out
their souls into his hands, and saying, " Lord, now lettest
thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen
thy salvation." February 6, 1737.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 381
ON THE EIGHTY-THIRD SACRAMENT.
The subject of my discourse was, " I, if I be lifted up,
will draw all men unto me." and the subject of my medi
tation at the Lord's table was, " Gather my saints unto me,
even those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
I observed, that the people of God are represented as saints.
This is an instructive thought ; they are separated from the
pollutions and vanities of the world, and entirely set apart
to God, that they may be for him alone, and not for ano
ther; they are consecrated to him. They have made a
covenant with him; a covenant in which they take him
for their covenant God, give up other expectations and
dependencies, and give themselves to him as his covenant
people. They make a covenant with him by sacrifice ; that
is, they join themselves to him by the sacrifice of his Son.
It is their very business at the table of the Lord, which is to
be considered as a feast on a sacrifice. God will gather
us together. He does it now; and it is a comfort much
greater than to eat and drink these elements in secret
would be. But then it is to be remembered, that there is
another general assembly. Lord, gather not my soul with
sinners. There a particular scrutiny will be made. May
our souls be bound up in the bundle of life. With what
joy shall we then appear together, when not one soul will
be wanting. In breaking the bread, I observed, Draw me,
that I may run after thee. May the Spirit sanctify, and
support us. On the whole, I found my heart too dead in
much of this service. And I said few things in it which
I can recollect as deserving a place here. Lord, forgive
me. Lord, reform me. Lord, raise me to thyself; and fit
me for thy ordinances on the earth, and for a state above
the want of them !
A remarkable accident happened the other day. Mary
Wills told me that she was afraid I was out of the way of

382 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
my duty in some thing about a child's picture, discovered
to her about two months ago. She then thought she said to
me. The grave is a forgetful place. These things are plea
sant, but bury them out of sight. What amazing corres
pondence ! For here was a secret of my life utterly un
known to her, relating to the image of my dear Betsey. I
look upon this in two united views. The one as a rebuke
of Providence for the too great tenderness with which I
have viewed and adored that image. The other as a con
firmation of the truth of some strange stories which I have
heard from that good woman. May 8, 1737.
BRIEF MEDITATIONS ON MY BIRTHDAY.
God has now brought me to a day which I never expected
to have seen, the conclusion of my thirty-fifth year, which
I thought would have been my last. Most awful things
he has shown me since my last birthday; such indeed as
that all the years of my life can hardly equal it. Four
such deaths, that I question whether the whole sum of my
remaining comforts could furnish out such another field of
slaughter, all things considered. First, good Mr, Saunders
died on the 31st of last July; then on the 1st of September
Lady Russell ; on the 1st of October my dear and long
lamented Betsey ; and, to close the sad scene, on the 30th
of last May, my most honoured and beloved friend, Mr,
Some, than whom I had none upon the earth more dear
and more useful. My hands are indeed weak this day,
and have long been so, God has pulled down the pillars
of the building. How soon he may add me to the number
of my fathers and brethren, and mingle my dust with that
of my dear child, he only knows ! I thankfully own, that I
am not solicitous about it. I trust, through his grace, that
I have in the sincerity of my soul devoted myself and my
labours to him. Him do I honour and love above all, and

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 383
it is the joy of my soul to serve him with my spirit in the
gospel of his Son. I endeavoured this day to improve the
occasion by that discourse from Psalm cxxxix. 17. " How
precious are thy thoughts to me .'" Sec. It led me into some
seasonable meditations on the divine goodness, in which
indeed God was pleased to favour me with in extraordinary
instances; bringing to my mind a variety of delightful
meditations with a readiness and cheerfulness that even
surprised me. I hope that He that searches all hearts,
knows that it was with a sincere desire to promote his
glory that I made such a commemoration of his favours.
O, that a sense of his love may be more and more shed
abroad upon my soul by his Spirit given to me. I this
evening renewed my dedication to God and my resolutions
for his service. And should the years of my life be doubled,
I desire they may all be spent in his service ; nor am I at
all unwilling to be removed, as I very probably may be
before another birthday, if I may find mercy of the Lord
unto eternal life, Sunday, June 26, 1737.
A MEDITATION ON THE EIGHTY-SEVENTH SACRAMENT.
Few days of my life have been crowned with greater mercies
than this, if I may reckon the preservation of my wife, the
birth of a child, and what is infinitely more than either,
the communication of the most delightful consolations of
God's presence, in the number of mercies.
I was much indisposed in the morning, yet not altogether
without suitable supplies of strength and comfort. This
evening I attended the Lord's table, and introduced the
ordinance with those words of Christ, " My flesh is meat
indeed, and my blood is drink indeed:" which in a literal
sense would be perfectly absurd, but in a spiritual, contain
the most excellent and important truth. Christ speaks of
objects as appearing in the light not of sense, but of faith ;

384 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
and therefore represents all other kinds of meat and drink
as nothing when compared with this. It is the most
excellent meat and drink. A man had better want any
kind of food than this. Does it appear thus welcome to
us ? Let us bless God that he gives us this food, and
that he gives us that communication of his Spirit whereby
we should be engaged to feed upon it with delight. Do
we owe our thanks to God for our daily bread? How
much more then for this ! What if we had been present,
and almost dying with a parching thirst when Moses
brought water from the rock, would not that have affected
us ? It would have become us to have owned the divine
goodness in that respect ; but oh, how much more in the pre
sent. Imagine yourselves standing around the rock. How
would it have impressed you, that God should have given
you that drink, much more may this. Nor is the way less
wonderful of this drink, that revives the soul. It was more
probable he should thus have smitten the rock than that
he should have smitten his own Son ! Who would at such
a cost have manifested his love? Would we have fed a
perishing friend with our flesh ? should we part even with
a limb, it would be great proof of love. Would we open
the vital sluice of our blood to give him drink ? Perhaps
we might. But for whom ? Surely only for one of a
thousand, and that the dearest and most amiable creature.
But Christ did this for us, when enemies, and rebels, that
he might give life to our souls, that we might not die. Yet
our fathers are dead that eat this bread, as well as those
that eat the manna in the wilderness. True. But yet
they all live to God ; and the Last Day will make it appear
that the blood of Christ has not lost its efficacy with regard
to any one of them. In breaking the bread, I spoke of
the pleasure of meeting Christ. When a friend has done
us a kind office, we rejoice to thank him; but oh, what are
all the kind offices of our earthly friends to those we

OF DR. Doddridge; 385
receive from Christ; let us thank him, let us adore his
goodness. O blessed day when we shall see him ! Nayj
but even now we may do it as well. We, and all our sen
timents and actions, are as open to the eye and observation
of Christ now as they will ever be ; let us then lift up our
hearts immediately to him, and breathe out all the grateful
sentiments of our souls before him. At taking the cup I
observed, There is something moving in the sight of human
blood, but how much more of the blood of a friend who had
been slain by treachery and cruelty ; and did we come to
the place, and see his blood lying there, would it not pe
netrate our hearts ? We should perhaps, in a transport of
tenderness, dip our handkerchief in the precious remains,
and bequeath it as a rich legacy to our children ; but here
is the blood of Christ ! ought it not to be dearer, infinitely
dearer ? Sunday, July 3, 1737.
MEDITATIONS ON THE EIGHTY-EIGHTH SACRAMENT.
I INTRODUCED the Ordinance with some scattered thoughts
on those words, " Ye shall leave me alone; but I am not
alone, the Father is with me." I began with observing the
uncertainty of human friendship. The disciples of Christ,
although under so many engagements to defend him, dis
persed. They left him alone. So may we fall. I then ob
served the support of Christ — " My Father is with me."
Here was great faith, to believe the Father invariably pre
sent, and to rejoice in him as sufficient, although deserted
by human friends ; so let us fix our hope in God, and place
our happiness in a converse with him. May He ever be
with us, especially in solitude ; then shall we never be less
forsaken than when we are alone. Among some other me
ditations in breaking the bread, this was one : If a Prince
were not only to send a pardon to a traitor, but to take him
to his table ; and not only so, but to admit him into his
VOL. V. c c

386 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
family to drink with him, and to add, " / will make thee
my child," it would be amazing, it would be almost incre
dible ; yet this the Lord does ! Let it melt our hearts.
How little does it signify what we lose, if we retain God,
and his favour.
It was no small affliction to me to resign the society of
that dear and amiable friend* who for now almost fourteen
months has been the ornament and delight of my family,
and in every circumstance during that time has behaved
with a tenderness of friendship almost unparalleled, as well
as with a strict and constant piety, from which the most
confirmed Christian might have learnt some useful lessons ;
but I have this day been enabled to resign her to God,
owning his goodness in having enjoyed her converse here
so long, and referring it to him whether our next meeting
shall be at Northampton, in Yorkshire, or in heaven.
August 7, 1737.
ON A CONVERSATION WITH A WORTHY CLERGYMAN,
ONE OF THE BEST MEN I HAVE KNOWN, CONCERNING
THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD IN GEORGIA, AND THE
POURING OUT OF HIS SPIRIT.
I HAD this day the great pleasure of beginning an ac
quaintance with Mr.  ,-\ a clergyman of the church
of England, in whom I think I saw as much of God as in
any person that in the whole period of my life I have ever
known. He was one of those who went over into Georgia
to propagate the gospel there. He gave me a most edifying
account of the state of things there in many particulars,
more than I can now recollect. He told me particularly of
a company of Moravians there, who came from the Church
* Miss Wilkinson.
t A blank is left in the MS. here, but the reader will readily dis
cover that the " Clergyman" in question could be no other than the cele
brated John AVesley.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 387
of Herrnhuth in Germany, and who have a Bishop among
them who is a carpenter. The Herrnhuth Church whence
they came was strangely raised ; it consisted of a few Pro
testants, who fled from persecution into the territories of
Count Zinzindorf, who having, by his fidelity and inte
grity, thrown himself out of the Court, and settled in his
hereditary estate, discovered them in a little hut they had
built in some of his grounds ; and entering into discourse
with them, formed such an intimacy as ended in the settle
ment of a Church in their way of worship, which is now
multiplied to above a thousand. The King of Poland in
tended to have cut them all off, but died in less than ten
days after he had signed the order, and before it could be
executed. Their discipline is extraordinary. They have
among them a Bishop, Presbyters, Deacons, and Deacon
esses ; they educate the children as the children of the
church ; have adult Christians, and Catechumens, and the
Illuminated, They have no system of doctrine, no decrees,
&c. among them, yet strict discipline ; and they remove from
the sacrament those who behave in any respect amiss, the
Bishop taking an extraordinary cognizance ofthe souls com
mitted to his care. This gentleman told me of a baptist he
met with in Pensylvania, who was a very holy man ; who,
after having been eighteen years under the hidings of God's
face, had a miraculous vision of a stream of light sent down
on his breast, not much unlike that of good Mr, Howe; was
raised to an extraordinary nearness to God, and lived often
many days and nights without sleep, having such extraordi
nary refreshments from inward communion with him. He
told me also that God was beginning his work not only at
Oxford, where it was advanced, but likewise in many other
parts ; and indeed expressed such a sense of divine things
in his own heart, such dependence upon the Spirit, such
deep and experimental religion, that it was almost unpa
ralleled. We both prayed with our friends before wc
c c 2

388 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
parted ; and I must say, I hardly know any conversation,
or any occurrence, that has brought my soul nearer to
Crod, or has made me more fit for my everlasting rest.
This dear brother in Christ afterwards told me another
story : that the Moravians had excommunicated a person
who was then seized with violent agony of mind and body,
which was removed upon the removal of that sentence.
That in . another Society a person receiving the sacrament
was seized with convulsions of the mouth, and cried out
" Spiritual pride ! " upon which he died. Another being
made at by an alligator, had an impression made upon
his mind that he should go and lay his hand upon his
head, which accordingly he did, and frighted the alligator
so that he sunk down. He mentions some among them
that have the gift of healing, and added some remarkable
circumstances in his own story of the wonderful manner
in which God had inclined his heart to undertake that
work among the Americans, in which I verily believe God
will make him as an apostle ; and may the blessing of God
go along with him. September 10, 1737.
THE NINETIETH SACRAMENT. DEAR MISS BLISS DYING.
The wise and gracious, though mysterious providence of
God, has so ordered it in many instances, that some of
the greatest trials of my life have preceded a sacrament
day : the death of Mr. Saunders, Lady Russell, my dear
Betsey, and the yet dearer Mr. Some ; and now, behold, a
fifth blow this day falls upon me. The flattering hope I
had conceived of the recovery of my dear friend and com
panion, I may say, of my sister Miss Bliss, for no sister
could be fonder of, or dearer to a brother, is taken away,
and this sorrowful day, October 2, at the distance of a
year, has shown me two of the saddest sights my eyes ever
beheld — the burial of my dear child, and the life's blood

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 389
of my dear friend, in whose kind arms she departed. My
heart has this day been almost torn in pieces with sorrow ;
yet, blessed be God, not a hopeless, not a repining sorrow;
but one so softened and so sweetened, that with all its dis
tress, I number this among the best days of my life, if that
be good which teaches us faith and love, and which cherishes
the sentiments of benevolence and of piety. I desire very
thankfully to acknowledge that days of the sharpest trial
have often been, to me, days of singular comfort. This day,
at the table of the Lord, I insisted a little on those words,
" Can we drink of the cup, and refuse the cross ?" putting
it to my fellow Christians thus : You come to arm your
selves here ; but boast not. Can you bear losses ? can you
bear to be separated from your friends ? can you leave life,
even though in a violent manner ? We would not imme
diately say. Lord, we are able ; but thy will be done. " We
can do all things through Christ that strengthens us."
Lea4 whither thou wilt, only let thine arm support us, and
make our trials subservient to our eternal advantage.
I afterwards dropped some hints from those words : " If
any man," whoever he be, " loves me, he will keep my
words." Lord, we desire to do so ; speak, for thy servant
hears. We come hither with a desire, not only to know,
but to fulfil thy commands. " My Father will love him."
Oh, to love God, and to be beloved by him, how desirable.
" And we will come." Welcome, blessed Jesus ! come into
our very souls. " Come unto him," and make our stated
and constant " abode with him ;" not being as a wayfaring
man that turns in for a night. Lord, if thou wilt dwell
with us, it signifies little with whom we dwell ; thy friend
ship, thy love, can make up the want of human friendship
in its sweetest endearments.
In pouring out the cup, reflecting on what I had seen, I
observed. That Christ died a bloody death to impress our
hearts ; because we are apt to be impressed with the sight

390 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
of a friend's blood if he be wounded. How did the remem
brance of that sad scene which the moming presented cut me
even to the heart. Why should not the blood of a Saviour
impress me more ? but such is the difference between sense
and faith. I hope the remembrance of what I have seen
and felt this day will long abide by me. My heart was,
and is, full of divine consolation ; and the supporting views
of my dear, I fear dying, friend, with whom I have prayed
three times this day, have comforted, rather than dejected
me. May the glory be his from whom the grace comes ;
who has wrought these good things in her, and sealed both
of us with his grace, as those that are to be companions in
eternal glory. A thought which now has a relish which
nothing can exceed, which nothing can equal. October 2, 1737.
THE HUNDRED AND FOURTH SACRAMENT.
I SEE it with some surprise, that I have not written any of
the memoirs of what passed at the Lord's table since this
time twelvemonth. It is impossible in a little space to re
count what singular scenes of providence I have passed
through since that time : but God has caused me in all to
sing of mercy rather than of judgment : and I record it
with all thankfulness.
This day I had been preaching, and, I bless God, with
great enlargement, from these words, " Although thy house
be not so with God," &c. The subject of my meditations
at the Table was, " Gather my saints together unto me," &c.
I observed, that God's people were saints ; they were those
who made a covenant with him by sacrifice. It was our
purpose in that covenant to devote ourselves to his service,
to submit ourselves to his disposal ; we are now gathered
together to do it. There is another gathering together yet
more important at the Great Day ; and we hope yet another

OF DR, DODDRIDGE. 391
in his Heavenly Presence. It is pleasant now to assemble,
how much more will it be so then ? It is disagreeable to
part with a dear friend who has been a while in our house ;
and how comfortable to think that there we shall never
part. In breaking the bread, I observed. This is bread from
heaven. How should we have been touched, if, being lost
in a desert, God had sent down bread from heaven of the
coarsest sort ; and here is angel's food ! Who are the crea
tures for whom this is done ? Is it for us ? For such poor
sinners as we are ? I remember not particularly what passed
in distributing the wine, only an exhortation to the specta
tors. Are you all strangers ? Are you all enemies ? In
making the collection I said. How much better to live on
alms than not to have a heart to give. God was with me
this day by the most evident tokens of his presence, October 1, 1738.
MEDITATIONS ON THE HUNDRED AND SIXTH
SACRAMENT.
I AM very sensible, that the want of regular retirement in
the evening has been a great detriment to my soul in many
respects, and particularly in this, that I have thereby lost
opportunities of recording the experience of my sabbaths
and sacrament days. The death of my dear and valuable
friends Miss Bliss and Mrs. Wingate, since the sacrament
in October, mentioned above, made a deep impression on
my heart, God is in an awful manner contending with us.
And the unhappy manner in which some of my pupils are
coming out, and the opposition to the Gospel which is
made among them, increase both my sorrows and my fears.
I had, however, this day some comfortable intercourse with
God at his table, after having discoursed on the protection
of God, from Psalm xviii. 2. " The Lord is my strength and
my fortress," &c. I opened the ordinance of the Lord's
Supper with some meditations on the parable of the Pro-

392 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
digal Son, especially his deep confession, " Father, I have
sinned against heaven, and in thy sight," He saw his sin
against his father, and against his God : was sensible of his
demerit, that he might be shut out of his family, or taken
into the lowest place of it. Do not the like sentiments be
come us? We are like this prodigal, received with love,
and yet rambling again ; yea, how many times. But what
says the father ? As one full of tenderness he speaks to his
servants, " bring forth the best robe," not only something to
clothe him, but the best in the house ; dress him up in an
elegant manner ; put on him a ring in token of honour, and
shoes in token of liberty, O God ! all this, and more than
this, dost thou say to thy returning children. Thou hast
given up thy Son as a sacrifice; hast clothed us in his
righteousness ; hast cleansed us with the grace of his Spirit,
hast brought us to this his table. Now, Lord, what shall
we do ? Shall we wander again ? Oh, never ! We yield
ourselves to thee. Father, we would delight to do thy will.
I have forgotten the particular observations which attended
the dispensation of the elements, I think with the cup they
tumed on the blessings coming along with it, and the con
scious desert of a cup of trembling. Towards the close I
urged thankfulness. What was it that transported the
apostles? not their peculiar miraculous powers. In this
they rejoiced not; but that their names were written in
heaven, begotten again to a lively hope. Oh, that there
might be among us the same triumphant temper and joyful
sentiment of soul ! December 10, 1738.
A MEDITATION ON THE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH
SACRAMENT.
There have not been many public days of my life which
have been more varied and mingled than this ; I began it
seriously ; and, indeed, considering the extraordinary time

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 393
that I spent in the devotions of the fast day and yes
terday, as well as that it was the first sabbath in the year,
and that I had a very experimental and useful subject as
signed me by my good friend, Mr. Browne, that is. Psalm
xxvii. 14, I expected something considerable ; and perhaps
that was one reason why I succeeded no better. Another
was, that I permitted myself to write some letters in the
morning, which, though in the main serious, were not ne
cessary, and thereby contracted the time of preparation in
too great a presumption on some late enlargements. The
consequence on the whole was, that my spirits were very
much straitened, and I preached to my own apprehension
very ill, though it pleased God to render it in the main
acceptable and useful to several that heard me.
The subject of my meditations at the table of the Lord
was, " The Lord will give strength to his people : The Lord
will bless his people with peace." His people have peculiar
reason to expect strength, I hope we find it given. Here
is an additional promise worthy our contemplation : " The
Lord will bless his people with peace ;" that is, peace in life,
calmness and serenity in their own consciences, as reconciled
to themselves, when they can look inward, and see a par
doned, sanctified, quickened spirit. Peace with God, and a
sense of peace. Whereas he might long ago have said,
" what hast thou to do with peace?" And peace at death.
Many of our dear friends (I particularly referred to Miss
Bliss and Mrs. Wingate) had in a remarkable manner a
sweet calm and serenity in that awful hour which might
throw nature into so much commotion and distress. And
peace to all eternity ; so that we should then enter into
peace : no more war, no more alarm, no more sorrow. Christ
is our peace ; in him we have it, and that even while we
have tribulation in the world.
In breaking the bread I said, " Herein is the love of God
manifested .¦" this is the most glorious display of it. Let

394 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
the Pagan, let the Mahometan say, what has on their prin
ciples been done for them comparable to it. Let the Jew
boast that he calls Abraham father, that he delivered his
fathers from Egypt, settled them in Canaan, wrought out
wonderful deliverances there, sent them Moses and the pro
phets, and gave them his laws. Nay, but he gives his Son to
live, to die for us ! He raised him to his own right hand,
and has seated him in glory, and made him head over all
things. Then I mentioned that text in pouring out the cup,
" We are come to the blood of sprinkling." Do we not come
to it ? Do not our souls apply to it, and desire to be washed
in it ? It " speaks better things than the blood of Abel."
And in consequence of it, we " are come to the general
assembly and church of the first-born." It is delightful to
think, that we are come to a church on earth ; to look round
on such an assembly. O how much more important to
look on " an innumerable company of angels !" To have
seen one would be a pleasant thing, but to converse with
them without any danger of idolatry ; yea, to be numbered
among their society, made equal to angels, and " The spirits
of just men made perfect." It was delightful to converse
with many saints now in glory, in the midst of all their im
perfections and sorrows ; but now they are complete in holi
ness and glory, what admiration and joy will it give " To
God the judge of all." We may now think with pleasure
of coming even to God as a Judge, because his righteous
ness and justice are engaged to accept us through Christ.
Just before I took the cup I said, " Thanks be to God,
who always causeth us to triumph in Christ," and turns the
greatest terror into comfort ; witness those three most dread
ful words to an impenitent sinner. Death — Judgment —
Eternity. Oh, what a source of pleasure ! Death — to get
rid of sin and sorrow, to fall asleep in the arms of Christ.
Judgment — to appear to be rewarded and applauded. Eter-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 395
nity — to dwell for ever, for ever with God, and Christ, and
holy angels, and saints. O blessed words ! Death, Judg
ment, Eternity ! They are so because the savour of Christ
has been spread abroad upon our hearts,
I concluded with the mention of one lively thing, which
I said in the sincerity of my heart. Were there a hundred
ofthe most polite and most accomplished persons in a car
nal state, I could be content, putting their guilt out of the
question, by the earnestness of my importunity to make
myself the scorn of the ninety nine to be but the means of
converting only one of the hundred, January 7, 1739.
MEDITATIONS ON THE HUNDRED AND EIGHTH
SACRAMENT.
The leading subject of our meditation was that text in
Micah (having been preaching on God's promise of giving
to his sheep eternal life), " He shall stand and feed in the
strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the
Lord his God ; and they shall abide : for now sha,ll he be
great unto the ends of the earth." In which words I ob
served — 1. A view of the diligence and piety of the Re
deemer. He shall stand and feed : intimating, he shall be
a watchful shepherd, and take care of his flock ; and he
shall do it in the strength of the Lord, and the majesty of
the name of his God ; implying a dependence on divine
assistance. This Christ showed in all his ministration. I
honour my Father ; — / seek not my own glory, but his that
sent me ; — the works which my Father has given me to do ;
— this command received I from my Father, &,c. — 2. The
glorious display ofthe divine power in him. "He shall stand
in the majesty of the name of his God." Christ's works
were very majestic; much of God appeared in them.
Were a man to cure one blind or lame person, to raise one
dead body to life, what a glory would it reflect upon him.

396 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
The miracles of Christ, for number, for excellence, were
unparalleled. — 3. The perpetuity of his interest. They shall
abide: that is, in Christ and his flock in all ages. Ac
cordingly, it is so. In vain the terrors, in vain the learning
and wit of the world, are armed against it. It is observ
able that most of the writers against Christianity have been
left to dishonour themselves by vile immoralities. — 4. The
extent of it. He is great to the ends of the earth. Accord
ingly, we see it. We live in a country then almost unheard
of, yet he is great among us. Perhaps idolatrous worship
was paid on the very spot of ground on which we now are ;
yet we honour him ; and we are gathered as into his fold.
He makes us to lie down in green pastures. Blessed be
his name that we are not in dry and withered pastures,
under dead ordinances ; we lie down by the still waters,
and are not troubled by persecutors; not obliged, as our
fathers were, to disguise our sacred table with common
meat, that, in case of a sudden surprise, it might not be
known. In breaking the bread I observed. Lord, we are
unworthy of a thought, a word, a tear of thine, much more
a drop of thy blood ; yet all is given for us ! Let us then
be deeply humbled before thee.
On drinking of the wine I said, Christ our forerunner is
entered within the veil. Joyful news, on his own account ;
but not only on that, he entered for us, entered as our fore
runner, intimating our quickly entering; therefore shall
we be raised up, and made to sit together in heavenly
places. I congratulate you. Look up to Christ your head,
enlarge your desires for the propagation of his kingdom.
Would you not receive the cup which is the communion of
the blood of Christ ? Have you not need of it ? Would you
not thankfully submit yourselves to it, and to that way of
saving grace in the gospel ? February 4, 1739.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 397
MEDITATIONS ON THE HUNDRED AND NINTH
SACRAMENf.
I INTRODUCED the Ordinance with a meditation on those
words in the Revelation, chap. vii. verse 9 and 10 : " After
this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could
number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues,
stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with
white robes, and palms in their hands, and cried with a loud
voice, saying. Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the
throne, and unto the Lamb." — Let us observe who this
blessed company were, how they were situated, and how they
were employed. 1, They were a vast multitude. Though
Christ's fold on earth is little, and the gate straight, yet in
heaven it is great, because it takes in infants. How many
little creatures, having a little while borne the image of the
earthly Adam, bear that of the heavenly. And in the latter
days many shall be brought in ; the way shall be wider, and
many shall say. Come, let us walk in it. It is a various
society, not confined to Jews, but of all nations and king
doms ; our own, through grace, is eminently distinguished.
Let us acknowledge the goodness of God therein ; and that
in our language a multitude of holy souls being dead, yet
speak. 2. In what a situation : clothed in bright robes of
purity, victory, and joy ; with palms in their hands, as
conquerors over sin, satan, the world, and death. How
joyful that triumph, and how completely secured by salva
tion appointed as its walls and bulwarks. 3. How they
are employed : in humble worship, ascribing salvation (not
wishing it) to him that sitteth upon the throne, to their
God. They consider him as on the throne ; they see how
lofty, how radiant, how firm ; and this God is our God.
The bands of nature are often broken, but those that ally
him to us shall never be broken. They also a^scribe sal
vation to the Lamb, remembering the obligation of suffering

398 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
love. How is humility mingling itself with all the honour
and joy of the heavenly world ; the Lamb feeds them, takes
them to the fountains of living water. In breaking the
bread, my meditations turned on the Lamb of God. How
wonderful, that His Son should ever be so represented.
And when this Lamb suffered, it was to take away the sin
of the world, to take away our sin. In pouring out the
cup, I alluded to the Jewish benediction : " Blessed be
God, who has created the fruit of the vine," What a vine
is ours ! how refreshing its shade, how sweet its fruit, how
strong its root ! No wind shall blast, no worm corrode it ;
we shall sit under its shadow for ever. I met with very
much of God this day, and my soul has been greatly es
tablished. March 4, 1739.

MEDITATIONS UPON THE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH
SACRAMENT.
Just as I went in to the ordinance, those words acci
dentally, or rather providentially, occurred to me : Zepha
niah iii. 14, 15, " Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O
Israel ; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter
of Jerusalem ! the Lord hath taken away thy judgments, he
hath cast out thine enemy ; the King of Israel, even the
Lord, is in the midst of thee; thou shalt not see evil any
more." I observed. The exhortation, and the ground of it ;
the exhortation to joy, and that of an extraordinary nature,
" To sing, to shout, to be glad with all the heart." Our
joys in this world are allayed, there is a great mixture of
sorrow in them all; a speedy end of the things we rejoice
in. There is little reason to be glad with all the heart ;
here rather a prudent reserve should be maintained. But
it is not so now ; here we may dilate our souls, we may
sweetly open our hearts wide to joy, if we have this foun
dation for it. Addressing himself to the believers, it is said.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 399
" He has taken away thy judgments," Not thine afflictions,
they continue ; but the sting is taken out, because the sen
tence of destruction is reversed ; and then if no condemna
tion, how hght may other things sit. O Lord, correct me,
but not in thine anger. " He has cast out thine enemy."
I know not, and I am not very solicitous to know, to what
enemy this immediately refers ; the great enemy is expelled,
Satan, falling like lightning from heaven, the accuser of
the brethren is cast out, " The King of Israel, even the
Lord, is in the midst of thee," God is become our king.
Pleasant thought ! " The Lord reigns, let the earth re
joice." He is still in the midst of thee ; he dwells with thee,
thy great Sovereign evermore. It was a great privilege to
dwell in Zion, where God visibly resided : his special pre
sence is of far greater importance ; separate that, and the
cloud had been but a vapour. " Thou shalt not see evil any
more ;" not unmingled evil, not such as thou hast formerly
seen — no more return to that condemnation, to that capti
vity; and thou shalt ere long be raised above the sight of
all evil whether of sin, or of punishment. Look around
and see what evil pains thy heart, and wounds thine eyes,
it shall then be entirely, and for ever done away : let us
encourage ourselves in the Lord our God, believe this, re
viewing the promises' again and again with greater confi
dence and joy. In breaking the bread, I remarked. The
covenant how sure ! if you had promised me a thing, I
should think it safe : can Christ forget to remember ? can
he want power and faithfulness ? I addressed myself to
God before the cup, as in self-dedication, and then to the
spectators: is there not one of you that loves Christ? is
there not one that desires him ? not one that would devote
himself to him ? yes, there are surely many, come then,
and welcome. Sunday, June 8, 1739.

400 diary and CORRESPONDENCE
SOME MEDITATIONS ON MY BIRTHDAY.
Having now, through the amazing mercy of my God com
pleted my thirty seventh year, I have been taking a httle
time to recollect the goodness of my God to me. But O,
how shall I express it, how shall I excite the sense I ought
to have of it. Blessed, for ever blessed be the name of the
Lord; in his name would I rejoice all the day long, and
set up my banners of faith with unutterable pleasure.
I have been praising, and I would praise him that made
me a man, a Christian, and a minister ; an author and a
tutor ; and has heaped numberless blessings on me under
all these characters; and as a husband, a father, and a
friend. Late mercies, by no means to be forgotten, are
great assistances in the ministry ; wonderful communica
tions of light and love have been made to my soul, in some
instances of secret meditation far beyond what I have com
monly known. The carrying me on thus far with my Fa
mily Expositor, and that so, that if he spares me to the end
of the year, I hope to have completed the second volume
of it; and the giving such uncommon acceptance to the
first, the raising up some of the most hopeful youths I ever
sent out, who are just now appearing in the world, parti
cularly the unparalleled Mr. Orton:* giving me another
* Mr. Orton was a nonconformist of the old school, and although con
scientiously firm in the first particular, yet so free from sectarian preju
dice, that his remains were laid by his own desire in the burial ground of
St. Chads, Shrewsbury; the service being performed by his highly valued
friend the lateRev. Thomas Stedman, then vicarofthatchurch. The "Me
moirs of the Life of Dr. Doddridge," the " Sermons for the Aged," and
his " Exposition of the Old Testament," have given Mr. Orton a lasting
reputation as a practical divine. In the varied relations of private life,
his labours were equally valuable, as the following extract from a letter
written by the late Dr. Johnstone, then an eminent physician of Wor
cester, to Mr. Stedman, will evince :
" Deaf Sir, February 26, 1786.
" Lord Bacon reckons it a great deficiency in biography, that it is for
the most part confined to the actions of kings and princes, and a few per-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 401
son : continuing the life of my dear wife, and making her
dearer unto me daily ; increasing my substance this year far
more, so far as I can recollect, than in any former year;
adding to me the friendship of some excellent persons,
among whom I must mention Mr. Whitfield and Colonel
Gardiner ; and giving me to see the prosperity of the Gos
pel in some remarkable instances, both at home and abroad.
These things impress my heart. Oh, may they melt it more
and more ! My God, I own thy goodness ; I record it that I
am thine ; and thou that knowest my heart, knowest that
thy service is the delight of my days. Whom have I in
sons of high rank ; while the memory of men distinguished for worth and
goodness in the lower ranks of life has been only preserved by tradition.
I rejoice, therefore, that you have undertaken to collect memoirs of the late
Rev. Job Orton, one of those excellent persons, who was as industrious
in concealing that worth which was so conspicuous to all who knew him,
as he was earnest and skilful in applying it to the best and most benevo
lent purposes. Indeed, my friend, we shall not see his like again : we
shall not see knowledge so extensive joined with such humility : such
wisdom and discernment of the human character, and of human life, so
determinately employed in doing good to all around him, and in diffusing
happiness to the large circle of human society. He truly had the wisdom
of the serpent, and the innocence of the dove. Of the seventeen years
which he passed in Kidderminster, I spent daily many hours in his com
pany, most usefully and happily : his counsel, always skilful, was faith
ful and benevolent ; I felt the advantage of it, and regret the irreparable
loss I have sustained. I do not remember that I ever spent ten minutes
in his company without being witness to some benevolent design, or some
benevolent action. He comforted and advised the opulent, he visited the
widow, and the fatherless, the sick, and the poor, in their afflictions. He
applied his fortune in relieving their wants ; and a mind, still more rich
in resources, than his fortune was in abundance, in contrivances, as well
as incitements to others, to administer relief. To such as needed, he gave
with that generous address, and that delicate skill, in which I think he
surpassed most persons I have ever known. I repeat it, I never was in
his company without perceiving that he was carrying on some useful de
sign, either of a public or private nature ; doing good himself, and impel
ling others to concur with him in executing some charitable work, or
some plan to relieve indigence, to alleviate pain, to inform ignorance, or
to check and reform vice. In arbitrating and settling differences, which
had any where taken place among his friends or acquaintance, he pos
sessed great influence, showed great address, and always gave satisfac-
VOL. V. D D

402 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
heaven but Thee ? and what on earth do I desire in com
parison with Thee ? eternal praises to thy name for it. My
times are in thy hand, and all the circumstances of my life
are at thy disposal. To thee do I refer it, whether I shall
end the year that I now begin in thy service on earth, or in
thy presence in heaven. I leave myself with Thee through
Christ ; and surely when I have done that, I can find no
difficulty in committing all my temporal interests to thee,
and intrusting thee with aU my relative concerns.
Since my last birthday God has taken away dear Mrs.
Wingate and Miss Bliss ; but I think no other consider-
tion by his interference. He possessed a happy manner of engaging the
affections and confidence of young persons, and he gave them advice in
such a manner as had generally a happy influence in forming their cha
racters to habits of virtue and religion. His ability, and his zeal, as a Mi
nister, I do not presume to mention ; his worth as a Man, his sincerity as
a Christian, need no such feeble testimony as mine. It is indeed an in-
j ury to so high a character to offer any testimony, But I cannot forbear
calling to your recollection, that though he was zealous as a Christian,
yet he possessed no warmth of zeal to any thing but real religion. A protestant
Dissenter he was upon principle, but he entertained the most liberal com
munication with many individuals belonging to the Establishment, dis
tinguished like himself by worth and talents ; and he had the most gene
rous and charitable sentiments concerning parties and persons of different
societies and persuasions in religion in every part of Europe.*
I need not inform you, that a bad state of health brought him to Kid
derminster ; and that I had the honour to be confided in, as his physician. t
His complaints were of the nervous and melancholy kind ; they often
* " It hath always been my endeavour and my happiness to be upon
good terms with all my brethren, whether conformists, nonconformists,
Calvinists, Arminians, &c. / valued them according to their real worth, aud
endeavoured to serve them ; and we were always social and friendly.
This affords me some satisfaction in the decline of life. Do you think our
great Master will blame me for such a conduct ?"
Extracted from a letter from the Rev. Job Orton to the Rev. Thomas Stedman.
t " I left Shrewsbury and came to Kidderminster (says Mr. Orton),
that I might have the advice of a very able and skilful physician (Dr.
Johnstone), who hath always proved himself a faithful and tender friend ;
to whose care as a physician I, under God, owe my life, and to whose
friendship I am indebted for some of the greatest comforts of it."

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 403
able breaches have been made either upon me, or our so
ciety ; but that of a late instance, in which my God has
humbled me, by the sad and shameful miscarriage both of
some of my pupils, and what is yet more grievous, by that
of some of my flock, especially James ***** *^ whose
name I must record as a thorn in my heart. O God, pre
vent the spread of iniquity, and direct us how we may put
it away ! June 26, 1739.
interrupted his ease and his usefulness ; but were prevented from con
fining him entirely to the house till the month of June, 1783. He had often
complained of failure of memory ; but yet, in particular instances, very
constantly gave proofs of his possessing it with unusual accuracy and
extent. . At length, however, the defect which he perceived appeared to
others, now and then in expressing an improper word, and in making a
pause before he pronounced the intended one. He complained of pain
and a growing confusion in the head. About a week before his death,
that confusion became apparent and complete. He knew every person,
but could not express what he intended. In three or four days more he
became lethai-gic, and died apoplectic the 19th of July, 1783, in the sixty-
sixth year of his age.
Thus lived, and thus died this servant of God ; — this good man ; — dear
to and revered by all : this counsellor and friend, whose loss we must
ever deplore. But, my friend, let us no longer view our loss. How sin
gular was our advantage ! He was our counsellor and comforter while
alive : his memory ever dear to us, and present with us, will still sustain
and protect us. If at any time malediction shall persecute us living or
dead — it will be replied, " No — this cannot be true, the most honest and
worthy of men was their friend." In books of piety, and in the lives of
pious men, we see the effect which Religion ought to have ; those who
knew Mr. Orton saw the influence it had, they saw its spirit and precepts
exemplified in his temper, and in his conduct."

Mr. Stedman remarks, " Were it necessary to add to the above, it
would be easy to produce the testimonies of a Kennicott, an Adams, a
Tucker, with several others giving by eminent men both of the Establish
ment and among the Dissenters : for, to use the language of the apostle,
' he had a good report of all men, and of the truth itself.' "
Dum memor ipse mei, dum spiritus hos reget artus.
Semper honos, nomenque tuum, laudesque manebunt. — Virgil.

D D 2

404 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

MEMORANDUMS OF A CONVERSATION AVITH COLONEL
GARDINER, AND HIS EXTRAORDINARY STORY.*
I HAVE this evening (August 14, 1739) been conversing
with the ingenious, polite, judicious, and eminently pious
Colonel Gardiner; and have again been receiving from
his own mouth the extraordinary story of his conversion ;
and therefore think it proper while it continues fresh in my
memory to write it down for further reflection, with all the
exactness of which I am capable.
This worthy gentleman, and brave soldier, was the son of
a very religious mother, and educated with great care ; but
soon outgrew all the influence of a religious education,
and lived from his childhood to the thirty first year of his
age, which I think was about the year 1719, without read
ing the word of God, without prayer, abandoned to all the
most profligate vices, and to every kind of debauchery and
wickedness consistent with a goodnatured temper, which
he always had ; and some grateful sense of human friends,
when most insensible of divine favours.
He had, before his conversion, been distinguished by two
most remarkable deliverances. The one was at the battle
of Ramilies, when, as he was planting his colours and
swearing violently at his men, he received a shot into his
mouth, which came out at his neck, and laid him appa
rently among the dead ; where he lay two nights, and part
* The reader will observe, that whether the impressions here related
arose from that irregular action of the imagination which constitutes a
waking dream, or were actually a vision ; their influence in a providential
point of view on the mind, and consequently on the conduct ofthe Colonel,
was the same. To the force of his understanding, and to the general healthy
state of his reasoning faculties, the following evidence is borne by Dr.
Doddridge : " No man was farther from pretending to predict future
events, except it were from the moral prognostications of causes naturally
tending to produce them ; in tracing which he had, indeed, an admirable
sagacity, as I have seen in some very remarkable instances. Neither was

OF DR. DOPDRIDGE. 405
of three days. From the time he received this wound he
thought there was something miraculous in his surviving
it; and while he lay among the dead he was persuaded
that God would complete his deliverance, yet even then, he
had no sense of duty, gratitude, or penitence.
About the year mentioned above, going over in the
packet back to France, when Lord Stair was Ambas
sador there, a violent storm arose, which tossed the vessel
from sea to sea, and from coast to coast, till the captain
came and told him, that they must inevitably be lost if the
wind did not immediately fall. Upon this he prayed ; and
on his doing it, even while he was so employed, the wind
fell, and turned into a favourable gale, which carried them
into Calais ; but instead of having any sense of the hand
of God in that deliverance, he only made a jest of it, and
said he prayed, because it was twelve at night, and so he
knew that his good mother was asleep.
From Calais he went to Paris, where he continued some
time in the Earl of Stair's family, and had an acquaintance
with all the gayest and most illustrious men in the court
of France ; and here, as well as elsewhere, he passed, on ac
count of the extraordinary vivacity of his temper, for one of
the happiest of mortals, while at the same time he sometimes
felt those inward agonies of conscience, which made him
once say within himself, on the sight of a dog, " Oh, that I
were that brute !" yet still he went on without any thought
of a return to God ; and when pleased with a fine poem on
gratitude, he attempted to praise God once or twice, he was
he at all inclinable to govern himself by secret impulses upon his mind,
leading him to things for which he could assign no reason but the impulse
itself. Had he ventured in a presumption on such secret agitations of
mind, to teach, or to do, any thing not warranted by the dictates of sound
sense, and the word of God, I should readily have acknowledged him to
have been an enthusiast, unless he could have produced some other evi
dence than his own persuasion to have supported the authority of them."
See " Remarkable Passages in the Life of Colonel Gardiner," page 48.

406 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
SO conscious that he did not desire to serve him, that from
a mere innate abhorrence of hypocrisy he left off prayer.
Among many other very irregular dispositions, the love of
women was his ruling passion, of which he has sometimes
said, that he thought the divine being himself could not
root it out of his constitution. He had one night an ap
pointment with another gentleman's wife, and was to go
to her chamber at twelve o'clock ; — breaking up from some
company at eleven, he retired into his chamber, and look
ing among his books for something to amuse him, till what
he wretchedly called the happy moment came, he took
down what a pious aunt had, without his knowledge, put
into his chest, Watson's " Heaven Taken by Storm ;" he took
up this book merely to make a jest of it ; but while he had
it in his hand, he found himself struck on a sudden, as by
an unusual lustre, and lifting up his eyes, he solemnly
declared to me, that he being then broad awake, if ever in
his life, he apprehended that he saw clearly and distinctly
Jesus Christ himself on the cross, with a strong impres
sion on his mind of these words, " 0 sinner, did I suffer this
for thee, and are these thy returns ?" The consequence was,
that he was struck into such confusion, that he sunk down
in his chair, and on his recovering himself a little, had such
views of the holiness, justice, and glory of God, as threw
him into the utmost confusion and abasement; and from
that moment, the whole tenour of his heart was changed,
and divine grace took such a possession of his soul, as he
assures me, has never been lost, and rendered him the very
contrary to what he was naturally before. He did indeed
look upon himself as so great a sinner, that he had no
hope; and apprehended, that the honour of divine justice
would require that he should be consigned over to eternal
destruction ; yet even then, he resolutely broke off from all
his sins, and set himself to defend the Gospel, by which he
apprehended himself to be condemned. Several instances

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 407
of his encountering and confounding infidels, and especially
Mrs. Hammond, widow to one of that name, who was
speaker to the House of Commons, he added, but I have
not time to mention them at length. Hd received comfort
from those words, " He is just, and the justifier of him that
believes in Jesus." The result of which was, that he was
enabled by faith to venture his soul upon Christ, and he
then received such extraordinary communications of divine
love and joy, as kept him in a kind of continued rapture
for seven years, excepting the time necessarily devoted to
the business of life, and the recruits of animal nature. The
consequence was, that he found all that strong propensity
to women, which had been the reigning passion, and had
made fornication and adultery the grand business of his life,
utterly mortified ; so that though he had struggles with
many other corruptions of nature, he had none with this,
but hated those lusts more than he had ever loved and in
dulged them ; which seems the most affecting comment on
the apostle's phrase of being sanctified in the whole body,
that I ever remember to have met with : and having put
his hand to the plough, he never looked back, but broke
through the trials of cruel mockings, as well as many
others; and he appears now to have attained to a most
confirmed state of piety, and seems on the whole, one of
the most loving and affectionate Christians that, in my
life, I have ever known : and when I consider all the mar
vellous things he has told me, I must reckon my acquaint
ance with hirn, and my share in his friendship, among the
most eminent and distinguished blessings of my life.
N, B, I have written this account with all the exactness
I am capable of, and could safely take an oath as to the
truth of it, to the best of my memory, in every circum
stance. I must add to all this, that he spoke of himself to
me with the deepest self-abhorrence, that he was no more
affected with the goodness of God to him, and he seemed

408 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
ashamed and grieved beyond expression, that his heart was
not hourly ascending to God in flames of love, and that he
did not maintain at all times an uninterrupted sense of his
presence and zeal to his glory, as the one and the only
business of his life. Tuesday, August 14, 1739.
SOME MEMORANDUMS, AS TO IMPRESSIONS MADE ON
THE MINDS OF SOME PIOUS PERSONS, WHICH THE
PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES OF AFFAIRS, THIS AUGUST,
OF 1739, OCCASION ME TO RECOLLECT.
Ihave been exceedingly cautious of listening to predictions
of future events, and especially in talking of them in such
a view as might carry in it any reflections upon the conduct
of our civil govemment : yet I cannot forbear mentioning
two cases which have occurred to my observation, concern
ing which I pronounce nothing; but I choose to have them
recorded, that I may observe the event.
Mr. Some assured Mr. and Mrs. Paul, that he knew a
pious clergyman, who was discoursing with him about ten
years ago of some future event, which he pretended to prog
nosticate, not from prophecy, or inward impression, but
from the moral appearance of things, who told him, that
he thought that before long France and Spain would erect
a kingdom in Italy, consisting of dominions there then in
the emperor's power ; and that we, growing gradually into
contempt as they strengthened by peace, should at length
feel the weight of their superior power ; and that probably
about the end of 1739, or beginning of 1741, things would
ripen so far, that the French and Spaniards would join in
invading England, which should bring the protestant reli
gion to a great crisis ; but that, nevertheless, God would
so appear for it as to protect it in its extreme danger, and
that there should come more prosperous times than had
ever been hitherto seen.
Mary Wills has often told me, and that some years ago.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 409
the same person whom she saw in that extraordinary cir
cumstance mentioned before, assured her that after some
events which have been accomplished, our king then reign
ing, should be deceived, and greatly injured by trusting to
a foreign prince, I think she said the king of Spain ; and
that the consequence should be, that England should be
in great danger and distress ; but that God would save it,
and especially his own people ; that a scourge should in
deed come, by which great numbers should be swept away ;
but that on the whole God would appear for us, and that
though the trial should be sharp, it should be but short :
that ministers should eamestly pray that it might be pre
vented or shortened ; and that it might not be in harvest
time, nor on the sabbath day. And many other intimations
have been given her that this great and dangerous trial
should be by the sword.
MEMORANDUMS OF THE HUNDRED AND FIFTEENTH
SACRAMENT.
Quickly after the date of the above article it pleased
God to afflict me with a violent fever, which, assaulted me
in such a manner, that had he not been pleased to put a
stop to its fury, it must quickly have ended in my death.
I have been detained from my public work two Lord's
days by it ; the last of them indeed by the importunity of
my friends rather than by any real incapacity. This day
I preached the sermon I intended then to have delivered
from Psalm cxviii. 17, 18. " The Lord hath chastened me
sore, but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to
me the gates of righteousness, and I will go in unto them,
and I will praise the Lord." I did then in a very solemn
manner commemorate the goodness of God to me ; and I
endeavoured to lead my people into a proper improvement
of the late instructive and affecting dispensation.

410 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
I introduced the Lord's supper with some meditations on
these words, "Fear not, little fiock, it is your father's good
pleasure to give you his kingdom." I observed, Christ both
commands down our fears, and argues them down : he
commands them down. Fear not, it implies, they were
ready to fear as to what they might want, or to what they
might suffer. But these fears were displeasing to him ; he
would therefore have them endeavour to conquer them.
And he puts the best weapons into their hand : he calls
them " his fiock ;" he had declared this before : he is a
shepherd to them ; and do we think he is such a shepherd,
that he will see us destroyed ? or do we think that he is
absent ? had Christ been on earth, how courageous should
we have been ; though he had led us through deserts and
the sea, we should not have feared winds or waves, serpents
or lions. His call would have answered our protection.
Shall we not rejoice in his spiritual presence? especially
as he adds, that God is our father. Will that father see us
worried and destroyed ? will he see us perishing with want ?
will he see us die unpitied and unassisted. Judge by his
final purpose. It is his good pleasure to give us a kingdom.
There is a heavenly kingdom intended. And oh, what are
all the kingdoms of the earth, and the glory of them, in
comparison with that. How transitory ! what slaves do they
leave their possessors ! and how soon do they leave them
helpless ! whose are the kingdoms of the earth now ? lately
one of them perished ! all shall perish ! fifty years hence,
and where shall their Princes be. But here is an everlast
ing kingdom, which it is our father's good pleasure to give
us. It is his sovereign will, though we are very unworthy
of it. But he will magnify his own grace. Go thy way,
they are chosen vessels. And how should this knowledge
operate upon our minds ? surely in producing love and
service, and when receiving a kingdom which cannot be

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 411
moved, we should at least have grace to serve God accept
ably, with reverence and godly fear.
In breaking the bread, I spake of Christ's delivering his
people from death. He has done it with respect to our
departed friends. O, what a difference between meeting
them under a sentence of wrath, and a welcome of love !
Before giving the cup, I mentioned. our having now bold
ness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus ; let us
then draw hear to God by this blood. September 2, 1739.
MEDITATIONS ON THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH
SACRAMENT.
God has been pleased to meet my soul this day in ordi
nances in an uncommon degree. As I was going to the
house of God I passed by my dear children, Polly and
Mercy, Phil, and Celia, and was lifting up my heart to
God for them, that they might every one of them be the
support and ornament of religion, when, I know not how,
. there darted into my mind, with a peculiar energy, as if
spoken to me, those words, which I knew were originally
spoken to my great Lord, in comparison of whom I am as
dust and ashes, "Thou shalt see thy seed; thou shalt pro
long thy days ; and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in
thine hand." What these words peculiarly intend I know
not, neither would I absolutely conclude from them that I
shall live many years, or see my children planted in the
church : but of this, through grace, I am well persuaded,
that I shall see my spiritual seed; that I shall prolong
eternal days of joy and glory in heaven ; and that God
will make the good pleasure of his grace in the conversion
and establishment of his chosen people prosperous in my
hand, both while I live, and when I am dead, by what I
shall leave behind me, written, I hope, in the spirit of the
Gospel ; written, I am sure, with an undissembled zeal for

412 diary and correspondence
his honour and interest, which he that searches my heart,
and sees all its secret workings, assuredly knows.
I preached on these words; " I. will not leave you com
fortless ; I will come unto you :" and I introduced the
ordinance with the foUowino; words: " Yet a little while
and the world seeth me no more ; but ye shall see me, and
because I live ye shall live also. Then shall ye know that I
am in the Father, and you in me, and I in you." I observed
that the true Christian sees Christ when invisible to the
world. The sight of him for a small part of forty days was
comparatively little ; the words rather refer to the vision
of his grace in heaven. Many of us know what they
mean, looking through his word, through his providence ;
we know what it is, through his ordinances, to see Christ,
we rejoice in the sight already given, and we are breathing
after that yet to be bestowed. " Because I live, ye shall live
also." This sight of Christ, as a living Redeemer, gives us
a derived life from him sure as his own. While he lives,
while he has grace and glory at his disposal, no true be
liever shall fail of either. O, blessed hope ! when it enters
the soul, how does it raise our thoughts of Christ ! When
we feel divine vigour communicated from him, then do we
know that he is in the Father: then do we possess his
participation of divine honours, and know that as he is in
us by the power of his grace, we also are in him; our
names are written upon his heart, and we are interested in
him as our covenant head, and our sure Redeemer.
Many comfortable though plain thoughts arose in break
ing the bread and in pouring forth the wine, especially
those of triumph in the text mentioned above, " Christ
shall see his seed." I hope this applies to us among the
rest, and that with us his days shall be prolonged to eternal
ages, and his cause go on successfully. Oh, that what I
have this day been saying and doing in the house of God
may confirm this. I have devoted myself to God in the

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 413
bonds of his covenant. May I ever retain it upon the ima
gination of the thoughts of my heart. I mentioned at the
collection, the case of the Heathen Emperor, that is, of
Titus, who accounted the day lost in which he had done no
good ! May I never more see that lost day ! but either in
spirituals or temporals, or rather, if it be the good will of
my God, in both, may I be doing good every day. This
was the birthday of my dear eldest daughter Betsey, whose
name continues written perhaps too deeply on my heart.
But blessed be God that gave her, and that hath taken her
away. I adore his love, as well as his j ustice, in the loss I
so much lamented, and rejoice in the cheerful hope that I
have of meeting her in a world of etemal glory. Amen.
Even so come Lord Jesus. Sunday, October 7, 1739.

A DEVOUT MEDITATION IN WHICH MY SOUL WAS
BREATHING AFTER GOD.
O, MY God, thou art my hope, and my help; my glory,
and the lifter up of my head. My heart rejoices in thy
salvation. When I set myself to converse with thee under
the influence of thine Holy Spirit, a thousand delightful
thoughts spring up at once ; a thousand sources of pleasure
are unsealed, and flow in upon my soul with such refresh
ment and joy, that they seem to crowd into every moment,
the happiness of hours, of days, and of weeks, I praise
thee, O Lord, for this soul of mine which thou hast created,
and which thou hast taught to say, and I hope to purpose.
Where is God my maker ? 1 bless thee for the knowledge
with which thou hast adorned it, I bless thee for that
grace with which I may, with humble wonder, say thou
hast sanctified it; although, alas! the celestial plant be
fixed in too barren a soil, and does not flourish to the
degree I could wish, I praise thee, my God, for that body
which thou hast given me, and which thou preservest as

414 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
yet in its strength and vigour, capable not merely of relish
ing those entertainments which thou grantest to each of
its senses, but what is, I hope, to me far more valuable,
capable of acting with some vigour in thy service, I bless
thee for the ease and freedom with which these limbs of
mine move themselves, and obey the dictates of niy spirit,
I hope, as guided by thine. I bless thee that the keepers
of the house do not yet tremble, nor the strong men bow
themselves; that those who look out at the windows are
not darkened, nor the daughters of music or the instru
ments of speech brought low. I bless thee, O Lord, my
God, that the silver cords are not loosened, nor the golden
bowl broken ; for it is thine hand that braces all my nerves,
and thine infinite skill which prepareth those spirits that
flow in so freely, and when exhausted are recruited so soon
and so plentifully. I praise thee for that royal munificence
with which thou providest for my daily support ; for that
various table which thou spreadest before me, and for the
overflowing cup which thou puttest into my hands. And I
praise thee that these bounties of thy providence do not
serve, as it were, to upbraid a disabled appetite, and are
not like messes of meat set before the dead. That no relax
ation of the nerves weakens my strength, so as to render it
incapable of digesting my food, nor cankers torture my
mouth, so as to render it incapable of receiving it. I bless
thee that I eat not my morsel alone, but share it with so
many agreeable friends ; that my affectionate wife and my
lovely children, and my hopeful and grateful pupils are
with me like olive plants set around my table. And I
thank thee for so many friends who are capable of serving
me, and so many whom I am capable of serving ; and by
conversing with whom, through the liberality of the former,
I know how much more blessed it is to give than to receive,
I thank thee for a heart that can feel the sorrows of the
necessitous, and a mind that can, as in this day, make it

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 415
my earliest care and morning refreshment to contrive for
their relief For this also cometh forth from the Lord of
Hosts. Thou awakenest my spirit to seek the way ; thou
graciously pointest it out, and I humbly hope that thou
wilt crown it with success.
And now. Oh, my God, what shall I say? what, but
that I love thee above all in the power of language to ex
press. While I feel thy sacred spirit breathing upon my
heart, and exciting these fervours of love to thee, I cannot
doubt of its influence any more than I can doubt ofthe truth
of this animal life while I exert the acts of it. Surely, if
ever I knew the appetite of hunger, — my soul hungers after
righteousness, and longs for a greater conformity to thy
blessed nature and will. If ever my palate felt thirst, — my
soul thirsts for God, even the living God ! and for a more
abundant communication of his favour. If ever my weary
body knew what it was to wish for the refreshment of my
bed, and longed for rest, — even so my soul, with sweet ac
quiescence, rests upon thy gracious bosom, O my heavenly
Father, and returns to its repose in the embraces of its
God, who has dealt so bountifully with it. And if ever I
saw the face of a beloved friend or child with complaisancy
and joy, — so I rejoice in beholding thy mercy, O Lord, and
in calling thee my Father in Christ, Such thou art, and
such thou wilt be for time, and for eternity. What have I
more to do but to commit myself to thee for both, and leave
thee to choose my inheritance, and order my affairs for me,
while all my business is to serve thee, and all my delight to
praise thee. My soul follows hard after my God, because
his right hand supports me. Let it still bear me up, and
I shall still press forward. Amen, Friday, November 2, 1739.

416 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
SOME HINTS OF MEDITATIONS ON THE HUNDRED AND
SEVENTEENTH SACRAMENT.
This has been a most delightful day. I had hardly ever
more sensible pleasure than in hearing my dear pupil,
friend, and fellow labourer, Mr. Orton, from these words,
" Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ." He spoke indeed like
a person of that character, and his words penetrated my
very heart.
In the afternoon I preached from those words of David :
" Remember thy word unto thy servant, in which thou hast
caused me to hope." And I bless God, I found .my heart in
a very powerful manner impressed with a relish and savour
of divine things ; and that I was enabled to speak as one
that had tasted that the Lord is gracious ; and as feeding
upon the promises in my own soul, while I was recom
mending them to the faith of others.
At the table of the Lord I had, also, especially towards
the ending of the ordinance, much of his gracious presence.
I began with those words, which were most sweetly brought
not merely to my memory, but to my heart this morning:
" / have waited for thy salvation." There is salvation
brought to poor sinners. We were miserable ; we needed
salvation, and it comes ; and comes in an extraordinary
way : a great salvation is already begun to us, and much
is done to lay a foundation for it; but it is not yet com
pleted ; salvation is nearer than when we first believed ; but
even this intimates that it is still future. Your redemption
however draweth nigh. Great things are already enjoyed
which may inchne us to say, it is good to be here. Yet as
if these things were nothing, salvation is spoken of as at a
distance. We must hope and long for it, and breathe
after it, though in these tabernacles being burthened. And
we are also to be willing to wait for it, for God knows best
when to bestow it. Afterwards I mentioned those words:

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 417
" My salvation is near, and my righteousness to be revealed."
Yet a little while, and it will come, not only to the aged
saint, but to the youngest among us. So come. Lord
Jesus !
- When breaking the bread, I discoursed of the dying
love of Christ, and of his agony. I could not see you;
you could not see me suffer such things without the deepest
remorse ; — yet all this did the Son of God endure for us.
November 4.
MEDITATIONS ON THE HUNDRED AND TWENTIETH
SACRAMENT.
Never have I been so frequently at the table of the Lord
within so short a period. I have now been four times
there within five sabbaths ; having administered the ordi
nance at Newport, and Welford, since the last time at
Northampton ; and I bless God, at both places with some
pleasure, and I hope with some improvement.
This day I heard dear Mr. Orton preach one of the best
sermons that ever was preached, of the service of Christ,
with unutterable pleasure. Blessed be God, who has given
him such gifts and graces ! My sermon was a very poor
thing in comparison to it. But I speak in the sincerity of
my heart, and in the sincerity of my heart have praised
the God of all grace, that the disciple was so much above
his master. May the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit
be multiplied ten thousand fold upon him, and may thou
sands yet unborn have reason to call him blessed !
I introduced the ordinance with some meditations on
those words : " Who being the brightness of his Father's
glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding,
8fc. when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down at the
right hand ofthe majesty on high." I had been preaching
of Christ giving himself for us, to redeem us from all ini
quity, and to sanctify to himself a peculiar people, zealous
VOL. V. E E

418

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

of good works. And this seemed well connected with that
text. It gives us a view of the grandeur of Christ's person;
and ofthe happy success of his undertaking. The grandeur
of his person ! he was the brightness of the Father's glory,
and the express image of his person; that is, the being
-who of all others bore most of the image of God. Much
indeed is reflected from good men here, and much more
from glorified spirits above, and more especially from the
angels. But oh, all these stars disappear in the presence
of the Sun of Righteousness ! He is the very effulgence of
his Father's glory, and as if none but he bore his image.
And He having created all things, does also by the word
of his power uphold them. He spake, and we existed. To
what purpose is he mentioned ? Even to this, that he by
himself has purged us from our sins. He did not assign
the office to any other ; he did not consign it over to any
meaner person; he did not say to the brightest chemb,
" Go, and become incarnate, and submit to death for the
redemption of sinful man. Go, and give thy back to :the
smiters; stretch out thine arms on the cross." No. He
did not substitute another, but he endured it himself, to
purge us from evil, and expiate our sins. And the con
summation is, he has sat down at the right hand of God,
which speaks the Father's acceptance of the atonement he
has made ; else he would never have released him from the
tomb, much less would he have set him down at his own
right hand. And it also speaks his honour and glory.
The Majesty on high has received him there. His human
nature is instated in a place of supreme dignity and glory,
of supreme joy and happiness. And thither he is gone as
our forerunner. Where he is, we shall be also ; that is, at
the right hand of God ! And there is fulness of joy, and
there are pleasures for evermore. Dec. 2, 1739.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 419
HINTS OF SOME MEDITATIONS ON THE HUNDRED AND
TWENTY-FIRST SACRAMENT.
This was the very day that my dear friend, Mr. Palk, died,
which was indeed a very sorrowful exercise to me, and my
fears of the approaching calamity were painful ; yet I bless
God that I had some comfortable impressions at his table
from those words in Psalm xxii. 26 : " The meek shall eat
and be satisfied : they shall praise the Lord that seek him :
your heart shall live for ever." I observed, that this united
in one express view the character and happiness of the true
christian. The character : — they are those that are meek
on earth, and that seek the Lord. They are meek under
provocation ; and this not through a meanness of soul, but
through true greatness. They do not think so highly of
provocation as many do. Self-interest they give up ; and
they see so much to pity in the offender, that they are
more ready to forgive the offence ; and that even where the
injury is greatest. And the view of their great Master pro
motes this. They remember, how he was brought as a lamb
to the slaughter. They think of his dying words, " Father,
forgive them, for they know not what they do .'" And they
carry this meekness so far as not only to pardon, but to
love, and pray, for their enemy. Think, Christians, are
there any that have injured and offended you ? May the
Lord forgive them : may the Lord bless them with spiritual
blessings. What do I wish more, than for the conversion,
reformation, and salvation of my greatest enemy : and that
not for the satisfaction of seeing him humbled before me.
Lord, if I, were sure he would forget that he had ever
injured me I should rejoice in the sight. Considering
meekness in general as humility, it is the Christian's cha
racter ; he quiets himself before God, and his soul is as a
weaned child, that if it cannot have the breast, soon grows
quiet without it, and reconciles itself to such food as it may
E E 2

420 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
have. A deep sense of meanness and of guilt before God
humbles the soul. And when is it more humbled than at
this ordinance, when it sees itself at table with the King of
Heaven, and looks forward to its complete felicity? Delight
ful, yet abasing thought ! and delightful because abasing.
Who am I, O Lord, and what is my service, that thou hast
brought me hither? They seek God through Christ; they
seek God ; they see how desirable his favour is, and they
long for it above all things ; they have a certain nobleness
and generosity of soul which engages them to long, to pray,
to cry for the divine presence, which they expect through
Christ ; they see grace dwelling in him, dwelling with men
for his sake ; they therefore seek an interest in Christ with
the greatest ardour, with none but Christ ; and they are
seeking him continually, well knowing what the presence
of Christ means. Then consider his blessing, " They shall
eat, and be satisfied" with the provision of their own table ;
and their own loaf; their table is blessed; wherever it be,
how mean soever their lot, they have what God has sent ;
they are in the condition which he has chosen, which is
always vastly better than we have deserved ; it is his great
goodness, they say, to choose thus ; and to choose nothing
for the present greater. Prosperity might have destroyed
me. Oh, sweet to think, that all comes from the hand of
my God. In this sense, the little, that a righteous man has,
is better than the abundance of many wicked ; yea, sweet
is a dinner of herbs with his love. The Christian is satis
fied still more with the provision of God's table. Royal
fare ! yet what to an eye of sense ? who has not every day
better — a morsel of bread, a little sup of wine, who would
purchase it by the time spent here. Lord, but thy loving
kindness is infinitely better than food. To feed by faith
upon Christ; oh, how tasteful is this heavenly manna!
Oh, how reviving in this sense is his blood ! This is meat
indeed, and this drink indeed. How often are his hopes so

OF DR, DODDRIDGE, 421
enlightened, and his soul so nourished, that he rises in the
streng'th of its expectation, and goes many days' journey
to the house of his God. They shall praise the Lord; and
how pleasant is that ; where the heart overflows with love,
it even revives our animal nature, and is, as it were, an an
ticipation of heaven ! Your heart shall live for ever. Short
words, but oh, how comprehensive, when the soul bears for
ward in its ideas, and launches into the ocean of eternity ;
when it presses forward through the immensity of space ;
when it measures its duration no more by days, by years,
by centuries, by ages, or by millions of ages, but finds itself
encircled, as it were, in the omnipresence of the eternal
God. When I fall into such contemplations as these, I
see these opening scenes, I think I am still with thee, that
still thou art my God, that still I shall praise thee : then
ever living, my heart shall beat high as it were with ever
lasting joy, and its motion never ceasing, its pulse shall'
never tremble nor grow faint, but spring on with everlasting
vigour. Delightful thought ! let this heart that shall thus
live for ever, now ascend in a flame of holy love to its God
and Father, and pour itself out in lively prayers to him.
The meditation and exhortation which followed I cannot
recollect, not having written this memorandum till long
after the time. January 7, 1740.
MEDITATIONS ON THE SACRAMENT OF MARCH 1, 1741.
f AM sensible that it was a great instance of carelessness
to neglect writing down any of my sacramental meditations
for more than a year, though in some of them I had as
much of the divine presence as perhaps in any of the
former; and many circumstances happened, particularly
in the last year, which are worthy to have- been had by me
in everlasting remembrance. But a cold, indolent spirit,
both in religion and in other things, often prevailed ; and

422 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
my absence from home in the summer brought me into a
bad habit in this respect, which has not to this day been
thoroughly reformed.
Nevertheless, I must with great thankfulness acknow
ledge the goodness of God to me, in that he has lately been
restoring my soul, and is, I hope, still leading me in the
paths of righteousness.
This day my meditation was upon those words in Acts,
" Of a truth against thine holy child Jesus," &c, I observed,
the view given us of Christ, He is God's child, his own
glorious Son, his holy child, glorious in holiness : holy in
his Father's image, holy in his conception, holy in his holy
temper and life, without any, even the least spot, which is
a great glory to our Christian profession, and a powerful
engagement upon us to endeavour to perfect our holiness in
his fear. We are, also God's anointed ; he being anointed
by the abundant effusion of the Spirit, to his prophetic,
priestly, and royal office, the Spirit of God being without
measure poured out upon him, from him it flows down to
us. Happy souls that receive it ! We see also the combi
nation formed against him. Herod, a Jewish prince, treated
him with injustice, which to every ingenuous spirit is very
painfid ; and with the most outrageous contempt. Pilate
condemned him, and that against his conscience, to avoid
the accusation of the Jews. The Gentiles, that is, the
Roman soldiers ; and the people of the Jews, were all con
federated against him. Strange, that so excellent a person
should be so opposed : but it teaches us not to lay too
much stress upon popular sentiments and affections, nor
to wonder if the cry of the multitude turn against his ser
vants, when Christ himself suffered so much ! Yet, I added,
it was all in subservience to the Divine designs. The Son
of man suffered, as it was predetermined concerning him,
yet without violating the free agency of those concerned,
for woe to him by whom he was betrayed. So be assured,

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 423
God will fulfill the things appointed for us ; but the depth
of his counsels being unfathomable, it does not become us
to judge of any thing before the time. In breaking the
bread this thought occurred; that we ought to behold
Christ with adoration and love, even though we had our
selves no concern in the redemption he wrought out. Had
God seen fit to redeem the fallen angels by this means,
and Adam in innocency had learnt the history of it, such a
display of benevolence and grace to another order of beings
would have impressed him deeply, and perhaps much more
alas than our own redemption impresses us. In pouring
out the wine, I remarked. His love is better than life;
witness John xvii. 14 ; Father, I will that they also whom
thou hast given me be with me where I am, — Father, I know
thou hearest Him always, therefore his will shall take
effect ; I shall be with him where he is. In the conclusion
I said, do you believe that Christ would impose upon us ?
and if you do not believe this, you need not doubt of his
presence among us even now ; for he has said, where two
or three are met together in his name there will he be in
the midst of them. You need not then say in your hearts,
who shall go up to heaven for us ? nor who shall carry up
our petition to him ? for God is ever nigh.
N. B. This was, through the divine goodness, as comfort
able a sacramental opportunity as I ever enjoyed, although
my preceding discourse did not impress me as it ought, but
left me in too dull and indolent a frame ; yet even there, I
hope the sincerity of my heart was approved to God, though
I had not a usual command, either of thought, or of words.
SOME MEMORANDUMS OF POOR CONNELL'S AFFAIR.
At our assizes last month, one Bryan Connell, an Irish
papist, was convicted of the murder of Richard Brymley of
Weedon, which was committed about two years ago ; and
the evidence against him seemed at his trial very full and

j424 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
strong; but yet it chiefly depended on the credit of an
infamous woman, who owned that she had been his com
panion in adultery for some years. The evidence was cir
cumstantially confirmed by that of one G — , living at Dun-
church, who swore that the prisoner was at his house the
evening before the murder was committed. The story as
told in court had many remarkable circumstances, in which
I thought that the providence of God was wonderfully ap
parent. The prisoner told a long story of himself; but it
was so ill supported, that I believe no one person in court
believed it. Out of mere compassion to him, though I had
the greatest indignation against him, and the greatest joy
in his conviction that I ever knew on such an occasion, I
visited him the Monday after; when, to my great surprise,
I found he solemnly denied the fact. He continued to deny
it the next day, with such solemn appeals to God, and such
earnest cries, that God would inspire some one with the
belief of his innocence, that I was much impressed. And
as he desired to leave with me after his death a paper, in
which he would give an account of the places where, and
the persons with whom he was when the murder was com
mitted, I was so struck with the affair, that I desired time
of the under-sheriff to make inquiry, and sent good Mr.
Fawcett to Whitchurch, and to West Chester, to examine
the evidence he appealed to ; and to my great surprise I
found every circumstance he had asserted proved; and that
on the concurrent testimony of five credible persons, who
all joined to prove, that it was impossible that he should
have committed the murder. These facts I laid before Mr.
Justice Parker, by whom he had been condemned, in the
plainest and most solemn manner, and repeated my solici
tations to him for the deliverance of what in my conscience
I believed, and do still believe, to have been innocent blood.
But I found him inconvincibly persuaded of Connell's
guilt, and absolutely fixed on his execution ; and accord-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 425
ingly the poor injured creature was, to my unspeakable
surprise and grief, executed on Friday, April 3, which was
the very day two years after the time of the murder, and
concerning which such clear proofs of his being at Whit
church were made out. I had laboured with unwearied
pains and zeal, both for the deliverance of his life, and for
the salvation of his soul. But I did not see the success that
I had desired, and which I had sought of God with an im
portunity of prayer which he himself seemed to have put
into my heart, and which I have seldom felt on any other
such occasion. What made the case to me the more pierc
ing was, that nothing could be more tender than the poor
creature's expressions of gratitude, and nothing more cheer
ful than his hopes of deliverance had been. Among other
things I remember he said, " Every drop of blood in my
heart thanks you, for you have had compassion upon every
drop ofit:" and he wished that he might before he died
have leave to kneel down at the threshold of my door to
pray for me and mine ; which indeed in the most earnest
manner he did on his knees just before he was taken out to
execution. " You," said he, " are my redeemer in one
sense," (a poor, weak, impotent redeemer) " and you have
a right to me if I live. I am your property, and I will be
a faithful subject." The manner in which he talked of what
he had promised himself from my friendship, if he had
been spared, was also exceedingly natural and touching;
and, upon the whole, I never passed through a more strik
ing scene in my life ; and it has left an impression upon my
spirit rfear rather too deep. But I desire that it may teach
me, 1. To adore the awful justice of God in causing this
poor creature thus infamously to fall by her, with whom he
had so scandalously sinned, having lived in adultery with
her for two years, to the ruin of a very loving and virtuous
wife. Thus hath God made his own law effectual, that the
adulterer should die. 2. To- acknowledge the depths of the

426 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
divine counsels, which, when I think on all the circum
stances in this affair, are to me impenetrable. 3, To con
tinue resolute in well doing, though I should be, as in this
instance I have been, reviled and reproached for it. Some
having said, that I am in heart an Irish papist, while others
have used very contemptuous language, and thrown out
base censures, 4. _May I learn gratitude to Him who has
redeemed and delivered me ; in which, alas ! how far do I
fall short of this poor creature. 5. I would learn how little
the most awful providences and tender addresses can do
towards converting the heart if God does not by his Spirit
work upon it,
BRIEF MEDITATIONS ON THE SACRAMENT OF APRIL 5, 1741.
I HAD been preaching upon a melancholy subject, 2 Cor,
xii. 20, 21, " For I fear," &c. " that my God will humble me
among you," &,c. And indeed there is great reason to fear
it from the present circumstances. Oh, that I may be pre
pared for whatever lies before me. I read at the table of
the Lord a letter from our elders and deacons to the church,
setting forth the necessity of removing from among us those
who are scandalous persons. And then I offered a few
meditations on those words, " Ye are not your own, ye are
bought with a price." I observed the foundation of the
claim, and the claim consequent on that foundation. You
are not your own: to be sure we are not; we are God's
creatures, continually supported, and continually blessed
by him. But moreover, we are bought with a price. We
were ruined and condemned; execution would soon have
been done upon us; and God gave his own Son to pur
chase us, is not it reasonable that we should own the pur
chase, unless we think the price not great enough for us.
What should be the consequence? To glorify God with
our souls and bodies, by thinking, speaking, and acting
for him ; to make it our whole business to honour him

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 427
who has thus graciously been pleased to honour us. Ad
mire this honour among the rest, that he has called us to
his table. The case of poor Connell, as mentioned in the
last article, furnished out many moving thoughts. How
eagerly did he receive the news of a reprieve for a few days.
How tenderly did he express his gratitude, that he should
be mine, and that I might do what I pleased with him ; I
had bought him : how he spoke of the delight with which
he would see me and serve me, and that he should be glad
if he might never go out of my sight : that he " would come
from one end of the kingdom to the other to see me, at least
once a year." Oh, why do not our hearts ovjrflow with
such sentiments on an occasion infinitely greater ? We were
all as dead men ; and he has redeemed us to God with his
blood. We are not merely reprieved, but pardoned. Not
merely pardoned, but adopted, heirs of eternal glory, and
near the borders of it. The hints that were given at break
ing the bread and pouring out the wine were nothing more
than obvious, and such as frequently occur on all such,
blessed occasions.
RECOLLECTIONS OF SOME THINGS SAID AT A FORMER
SACRAMENT. THE DATE FORGOTTEN.
1 SPOKE from these words, " The Lord of hosts shall make
unto all nations upon this holy mountain, a feast." Consider
whose feast it is, and for whom it was made; it exceeds
that of Ahasuerus, though that was made by an Emperor.
It is God's feast, and indeed none but he could make it.
The entertainments are satisfying, delicious, and refined;
fat things, therefore full of marrow ; wine upon the lees
well refined. Is it not so ? Must not you, who have tasted
that the Lord is gracious, own that it is? Do you not
now taste them, and is the taste transient like that which
affects the palate? Is it not enjoyed by reflection like
Plato's banquet, which left an agreeable relish the next
morning ? It is made for all nations ; for the heathens.

428 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
else we sinners of the Gentiles had never been called to-
it. In due time it shall appear to be made for all the
heathen, in a further sense. Those who never heard of
it shall be called to taste it, and they shall obey the call.
Oh, let us pray that the time may be hastened ; and since
the provisions are so ample, that the table, large as it is,
may be fumished with guests. Were the nations perishing
for hunger, and we had corn enough for ourselves and
them, could we bear to keep it in our own hands, and see
them dying around us ? Lord, scatter down this heavenly
bread r make windows in heaven, and pour it forth. Give
success to those generous souls — (here I particularly in
tended the Moravians) — who have quitted their easy plea
sant situation, and have put their lives in their hands to
carry the blessed invitation. In the meantime, now will I,
now should the Christian say, sit down with the Great
Master of it. He says, eat ; eat, O my friends. Lord, to
eat with thee, not as a stranger, but as a friend, delights
me. A dry morsel, and love therewith, would be pleasant.
How pleasant the love of God, with the feast of his Grace.
The meek shall eat, and shall be satisfied, and delight
themselves in the abundance of peace. Only let us re
member, that in this sense we live not by bread alone, but
by the blessing of God upon it ; therefore, let us look up
to God for a blessing upon it, as we are taught by Christ
to do.
SOME BRIEF MEMOIRS OF MY INTERVIEW WITH COUNT
ZINZINDORF.*
In the company of good Mr. Dixon, whom the providence
of God brought to Northampton the preceding day, I went
from Northampton to St. Albans on the day mentioned
* From the observations which occur at page 268 of the third volume,
the reader is already aware of the favourable anticipations which were
entertained by Archbishop Potter, and many other pious and learned
men of that period, relative to the religious character, and missionary

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 429
above, when I had the pleasure of meeting that celebrated
and faithful servant of Christ, Count Zinzindorf, and with
him the pious and honourable Baron Wattevil, as also
Mr. Spanindorf, once professor of the university of Hall,
and a most extraordinary person upon many accounts, with
whom I had very pleasant conversation this evening and
the next morning. I learnt a great deal of the progress of
religion abroad; and was particularly informed by the
Count, that no less than eighty French Protestant churches
have. put themselves under their protection. I have also
heard much ofthe progress ofthe gospel in Greenland, and
St. Thomas's Island, and New York, and various other
places ; in some of which the missionaries of it have been
in very great extremities, and yet have persevered with in
vincible resolution for God. I have several letters before
me which give an account of these things ; and, therefore,
I shall only add, that the Count himself is a gentleman of
a most graceful person, a sweet majestic aspect, perfectly
well bred, and exceedingly agreeable in his manner and
converse. He has an exceeding great regard for Christ,
and thinks our business is much more with him than with
exertions of Count Zinzindorf. The incorrect and dangerous views
which he propagated were, however, soon discovered ; and among others
Dr. Doddridge strongly expostulated with the Count, and otherwise
strove to check the errors of his system.
In the interview to which the above Memorandum relates, it appears that
the Count advanced some opinions which were totally opposite to those of
Dr. Doddridge, although the latter has not here made any remarks upon
them. It may indeed be proper to observe, that in a variety of instances,
matters mentioned in this Diary appear to have been introduced merely
as notes for future consideration ; and that such narrations were evidently
written down at the moment, under the glow of first impressions, and
would have changed their aspect on more-mature consideration.
This explanation to the attentive reader may appear unnecessary ; but
after the absurdities into which some of the periodicals have fallen with
regard to this work, — as, for instance, the Monthly Review, where, to
support some unfounded conceits of the writer, in a notice of the third
volume, poor Mrs. (Miss) Hannah Clark, who never was married, is at
once transformed into a widow ! I feel it right " to make assurance
doubly sure."

430 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
the Father : that he is our God ;* and that his Father has
given him this world as his property. He thinks the ex
cellency ofthe bible is, that it is the lowest and meanest of
all books, as to the manner of its composition; and that God
will generally make use of the lowest and meanest instru
ments to propagate the gospel, that it may evidently appear
to be his own work. The account that he gives of the
banishment of Christ from the Christian world abroad
shews, that other countries are growing much like our own
in that respect; and if just, is indeed lamentable. He
treated me with all imaginable respect; and when we
parted, it was with these words : Sit hoc symbolum myste-
rium, ama Christum. Baron Wattevil seems a very bene
volent man. He was ruined by the stocks ; and may God
make the shipwreck of his immense fortune a means of
saving his soul ! Both he and the good professor Spanin
dorf are exceedingly zealous for God, and I had great
pleasure in their company, and think that I have ever since
felt my heart the better. I have especially been growing in
simplicity of spirit, and deeper humility before God, than
I ever felt before. Those are the men, that in the midst
of many infirmities will build up the Church of God, and
carry his name to the Gentiles : and I am full of thought,
what I may do to be a labourer together with them, though
providence does not call me to leave my present settlement
to join them in their travels. Sept. 7, 1741.
BRIEF RECOLLECTIONS OF WHAT PASSED AT THE
LORD'S TABLE, OCTOBER, 1741.
This day was lamentably remarkable to me on one account,
though most pleasantly so on another. This day was the
last sabbath that I spent with my dear and delightful
friend, Mr. Orton, who preached in the morning from those
words, " / will never leave thee nor forsake thee." I, in
• The reader will observe that the word God is not used here, as syno
nymous with Jehovah.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 431
harmony with him, discoursed at the table from these,
" Lo ! I am with you always, even to the end of the world.
Amen." I considered in what circumstances the words
were spoken, and what they contained. They were spoken
by Christ, when he was leaving the disciples, and they
were grieved that his bodily presence, which no doubt was
very delightful, was to be with them no more. They were
spoken when he was but recently and triumphantly risen
from the grave, and was going into the presence of his
heavenly Father. His apostles were going out into the
world under many difficulties; but he intimates, his pre
sence in spirit should be sufficient ; as if he had said, I will
be with you — with me you can fear nothilig. " Lord, if it be
thou," says Peter, "command me to come to thee upon the
water," ' I can tread this stormy sea, if thou will lead, and
if thou wilt support me,' I am with you, says our great
Leader, to strengthen and succeed you in your work. O,
what delight did it give to the apostles, when he added,
even to the end of the world : Amen. But did he mean
his apostles alone ? Why should he mean that ? Would
not the same principle that engaged him to be tender to
them, lead him also to a gracious care of us ? Undoubt
edly it would. Then he speaks it even now : Lo ! behold
it ! attend to it ; reflect upon it with wonder, that Christ,
by a divine and spiritual presence, will still be with every
Minister, and that for the sake of the Church; which shows
his love to every Christian. Let us be bold in this ; put
our amen to it, and say, the Lord is my helper, I will not
fear labour nor suffering, nor the loss of my dearest friends :
he will support me ; he will be with me in life ; and after
my death, he will be with succeeding Christians and minis
ters ; yes, and with me too, — with me, in a literal sense, to
the end of the world : — with me, till this scheme of salvation
on earth be accomplished ; and at the end of the world he
will reanimate me, and receive me to glory, confessing me

432 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
before men, and giving me an abundant entrance into his
heavenly kingdom. O delightful view ! O blessed hope !
Let me, then, be ever with him, and do all in my power to
exert myself for his service ; and let me make myself easy
as to the support of his Church in the world ; for whatever
may rise up against it, Lo ! he is with us always, and then
greater is he that is with us, than all those that are against
us. That which can destroy the head shall destroy the
members; but while he lives and reigns he will support
them. RECOLLECTIONS OF WHAT PASSED AT THE LORD'S
TABLE, *** 1741.
The subject of my meditation was those remarkable words
of Isaiah, li. 16, which I considered as spoken by the
Father to Christ : " / have put my words into thy mouth. I
have hid thee in the hollow of my hand, that I may plant
the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say
unto Sion, thou art my people."* Observe the regard God
expressed to our Lord, and the purposes for which he
designed him. The regard expressed to him, " / have put
my words into thy mouth." God gave him plenary inspira
tion in the highest sense. The words he spoke were not
his own, but the Father's which sent him. He gave not
the Spirit by measure unto him, but anointed him with the
oil of gladness above his fellows. He therefore brought the
most perfect revelation of God to men, and opened the
most glorious scheme of salvation. He indeed brought
good tidings, and published peace, and said unto Sion, thy
God reigns. And God covered him in the hollow of his
hand: that is, he reserved him till the proper time, the
fulness of time, in which he was to be exhibited ; and then
* Dr. Doddridge appears to have introduced a new reading here. In
the common version the verse runs thus : " I have put my words in thy
mouth, and luive covered thee in the shadow of mine liand."

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 433
he protected him in the midst of danger by his secret but
ever watchful power, till the time came when he was deli
vered for our offences ; watching over him, even when he
continued among the dead, and at length raising him for
our justification. And what were the glorious purposes for
which all was accomplished. The immediate purpose was,
to say unto Sion, thou art my people ; but more remotely, to
establish the earth, and to plant the heavens. By him God
gathers a Church in the world. He raises that sacred edi
fice on Mount Sion ; chooses to himself a people in Christ,
and declares to them the happy relation in which they
stand ; gives them the promises, and the seals of his cove
nant; and even by these ordinances says, thou art my
people; admitting us into a degree of intimacy and freedom
of divine communion unknown in the institutions of Moses.
The high priest went within the veil but once a year ; none
but the priest within the house, none but the Levites
within the courts. But now, the way to the holiest of all
is laid open by the blood of Jesus ; and the foundations of
the earth are laid, or rather established. God would not
have maintained this earth to have been only the habitation
of accursed and ruined creatures ; therefore, that scheme
which insured to him a people, established it. All things
are done for the elect's sake. For them, he is made head
over all ; and might say, with infinitely greater propriety
than David, all the foundations of the earth are out of
place ; I bear up the pillars thereof And it is indeed his
Spirit, which supports all that piety which there is in the
world, and has been through all the past ages of his people.
In which respect he may possibly say to some, as he did
to Cyrus, I have girded thee, though thou hast not known
me. And all this is, that he may plant the heavens ; that
he may conduct thither a colony from earth, and fill those
vacant seats which the rebel angels left. All this is, that
VOL. V. F F

434 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
he may raise from this nursery here below, planted by his
hand, and watered by his word, ordinances, and spirit,
young plants to set in the heavenly world, where they shall
for ever flourish near the streams of the water of life. For
ever adored be divine grace, which has thus honoured us,
who deserved long since to have been rooted out of the
earth ; to have been east out of his garden with dishonour
as noisome weeds ; to have been cut down as cumberers of
the ground. Yet with us will he plant the heavens. He
will cause us to shine as the firmament; and as I trust,
many of us will be instrumental in turning many to righte
ousness, as the stars for ever and ever. Nay, the meanest
and weakest Christian may say more than that, as the
views of the gospel rise on those of the prophets ; for our
Lord tells us, they shall shine forth like the sun in their
Father's kingdom!
In breaking the bread, I mentioned the text of sitting
down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, &c, in the
kingdom of God. It would have been delightful to have
conversed with good old Jacob; to have seen him even on
his dying bed, acknowledging that God had fed him all
his life long to that moment ; delightful to have been with
him at Bethel, when in his prosperity there he recognised
the divine faithfulness, and accomplished his vows: de
lightful to have known pious Isaac, who, as a type of our
blessed Redeemer, so willingly surrendered himself to God,
and his father, and was stretched out with all the meekness
of a lamb, when appointed to be a burnt offering. And
who would not have been delighted to have had an inter
view with Abraham, the father of us all ; that holy man, to
whom God has done that signal honour, that all believers
of every age and nation should be looked upon as his seed ;
that holy man, who walked before God, and was perfect,
and is now a guest of distinguished glory at the table

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 435
above, as he had once the honour to entertain some of the
inhabitants of heaven at his hospitable board below.
To sit down, and not only with these holy patriarchs,
but with all the apostles of the Lamb, with those illustrious
soldiers and leaders in the army of Christ, to whom the
whole Christian world has been so much indebted, and to
whom we in particular have had such great obligations on
account of those memoirs of Christ, and that history of his
gospel which they have given us. And with John, who
leaned on the Redeemer's bosom, and whose benevolent
soul will find a place for each of his master's brethren.
With Paul, whose divine epistles we have so often read
with rapture, and something of whose spirit I hope we
have sometimes caught. It would have been delightful to
have met with any one of these in their travels, and to have
joined with them in breaking bread when they administered
this ordinance. But their knowledge of the mysteries of
the kingdom is now infinitely increased ; their manner of
communicating them will be unspeakably more advantage
ous. Then they saw through a glass darkly ; then they spoke
with trembling accents. Now they see face to face, and
have learnt the language of heaven. But O, let our souls
remember it with holy joy, and a fervent growing desire of
that blessed interview; — we shall there behold not only
the apostles of the Lamb, but the Lamb himself Yea, it
is said, the Lamb himself shall feed them, and lead them to
fountains of living water. How delightful will the relish
of this water be, which he shall give us ! How reviving
the wine, which we shall drink with him in his kingdom !
It will then be no grievance of heart to us, that we have,
according to his appointment, paid this humble honour to
his cross upon earth, and have devoted ourselves to him as
his covenant people in this holy rite of his own institution.
I then addressed myself to the spectators, expressing my
hope that they had communion with us, and in good wishes
ff2

436 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
that they might have more. I mentioned my own expe
rience before I sat down at the Lord's table, and my cheer
ful hope that God would draw them with a victorious
sweetness of correction.
SOME ACCOUNT OF WHAT PASSED AT THE SACRAMENT,
DECEMBER 6, 1741.
I OPENED the ordinance with some meditations on that
text : " Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the
strong came forth sweetness," (having preached from those :
" Though I walk through the valley of- the shadow of
death," &c.) Having mentioned the introduction, I ob
served, we may consider it as a parable taken up by our
Samson, that is, our Lord Jesus Christ, in allusion to his
conquest over death. What is sweeter than honey ? what
is stronger than a hon ? Yes, blessed Jesus ! the eater
that assaulted thee was strong; and the blessings thou
broughtest out of him far sweeter. I observed. Death is a
savage devourer; that Christ met and conquered him, and
that he feeds his people with his spoils. Death is a savage
devourer, how plain ? He has swallowed up all preceding
generations ; not one of their myriads is left. None that
are conquered by him recover their liberty. In many in
stances their memorials are perished with them. The :
memorials of others are indeed but the testimonies to the
victory of Death. He has devoured the mighty tyrants of
the earth, who were like young. lions. He has spread all
around a terrible carnage. O Death ! where is not thy
sting? O Grave ! where is not thy victory? But Christ
met and subdued him. He roared, rejoiced over our blessed
Lord ; our Lord fell before him. Humanly speaking, he
seemed to have been but a morsel for this devourer; his
sacred corpse was not to be distinguished from others, but
by ghastly wounds and inhuman bruises, which left upon
it those livid marks which might make it the more likely

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 437
to corrupt than most others. Yet, like Jonas, who, though
devoured, was cast up again. He proved a terrible captive.
He arose, and bore away the gates and bars of captivity ;
he vanquished Death, and him that had the power of it.
He arose with infinite might, as one that awakens out of
sleep with new spirits, with immortal vigour, and never
more to return under the power of death. He tore the
lion, as the lion rends a kid. He extracted spoils from
him, by which he nourished, and nourishes his people.
"Thou gavest him," that is, the leviathan "to be meat to a
people inhabiting the wilderness." He also fed them with
honey, and by their privations gave them an opportunity of
honouring God more than they could otherwise have done ;
and this will lay a foundation for their triumph in the
day of resurrection, and all the eternal honour and joy that
will succeed to it. Let us also praise our great deliverer,
and take a view of Death with the aspect which it wears
as under his conquest, influence, and command.
SOME ACCOUNT OF WHAT PASSED AT THE SACRAMENT,
JANUARY 3, 1742.
The subject of my meditation at the table ofthe Lord was
those words : Isaiah Ivii. 19. " I create the fruit ofthe lips :
Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near,
saith the Lord ; and I wilt heal him." We are now in a
circumstance of praise, which is the fruit of the lips. I
observed with what majesty God claims to be the creator
of these fruits that were offered to him. It may indeed be
said, of thine own have we given thee. It is a new creation
of his own. He has given the matter and the heart for it ;
especially in these instances. The Lord Jesus Christ had
redeemed his church with his blood ; this was the gift of
the divine bounty ; redemption by him was the contrivance
of the Divine Grace, and so is a disposition of soul to
accept this salvation, and to pray to God for it. Why are

438

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

we not like the mad herd that call themselves the wise
men of this world, despising this gracious Redeemer ? or
why are we rejoicing in his salvation, and not mourning
and lamenting, and fetching our arguments of sorrow and
distress from the very message that Christ has brought ?
It is God that has created this fruit of praise. He has
caused the wilderness to bloom with this plant of Paradise ;
and all the solemn desert, where no sound, but doleful
notes of sorrow and despair might have been heard, to
resound with anthems of social joy ! The blessed God
condescends to reckon this up as it were among his royal
prerogatives, and places the fruit of the human lips among
the tributes in which he particularly delights. Yea, he
utters it with a kind of sacred triumph, and repeats it to
express the certainty of the fact, and to express the delight
with which he publishes the tidings of it. " Peace ! peace !
unhappy creatures as you are, you have been at war with
me, but I grant you peace. I not only send you the tidings
of it, but I bring it myself; now I see you humbled in my
presence, in the breaking of your soul," for to such the
context speaks. " I assure you I am willing to be at peace
with you; willing to give you all the joys of prosperity.
Believe it from my own lips. Believe it, and echo it back
with a sacred pleasure; and let this be the first fruit of
your lips. Peace, peace ! I speak it to him that is afar
off, and to him that is near ; to Jews and Gentiles, to all
the world that will receive it." Peace is actually granted
to him that is come near. Peace is proposed to him that
is yet at a distance. This blessed peace is proclaimed to
you who have approached this table in the sincerity of
your hearts, to you that surround it, and to you who do
not partake of the ordinance, if you seek that Lord whom
we here commemorate, and do not absent yourself in con
tempt; though surely it will be your wisdom as soon as
possible more solemnly to declare your acceptance of his

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 439
grace. " I will heal him," saith the Lord (that is, the
afflicted humble soul, be he who he may). " My wounds
were the wounds of a friend, not those of an enemy. And
as I have wounded, so will I heal ; as I have broken, so
will I bind up," For all this let us return our praises ; let
us renew this covenant of peace ; let us devote ourselves to
God's service with greater determination than ever. Let
us, according to the free access which is given us, enter
into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by that new and
living way which he has consecrated. May the Holy
Spirit in this ordinance take of the things of Christ, and
show them unto us, a blessing for which the ancient church
used especially to pray at this holy ordinance.
MEDITATIONS AT THE SACRAMENT, SUNDAY, APRIL 11,
1742.
God was pleased in a very particular manner to indulge
me in all the duties of this day, drawing out my soul in
earnest desires after him, and melting me to sentiments of
uncommon gratitude in prayer and in the preaching of his
word ; when the approach of the day of Death and Judg
ment was urged with great life and zeal, as an engagement
to activity in good works and a holy conversation. Adored
be divine grace, that I then most deeply felt what I spoke,
and every word came from the soul.
At the table of the Lord my meditations were, by a
conversation with Mary Wifls, directed to those words,
" Times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the
Lord." I observed, that times of refreshing in a natural
sense had come, by the plentiful rain which God had just
been pouring out upon the ground ; but that nobler re
freshment was to be expected by the intercourse which the
holy soul has with God, when extraordinary communica
tions of his spirit are poured out upon his Church, and
much more, when he shall in his time send Jesus Christ

440 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
his Son from heaven at the day of the resurrection. Inter
course with God in ordinances is refreshing. His love
manifested to the soul is like a cloud of the latter rain ;
therefore he says, I will be as the dew to Israel, See how
the earth opens, and seems to breathe forth and to pant for
refreshing showers ; so does the pious soul long for God,
and his grace. The cool refreshing delights of his favour
nourish the soul, and the heart rejoices : like a bright
shining after rain, when the flowers open their sweets; so,
then, every ornament of piety grows more visible, and your
soul shall be like a watered garden. It is not by ordinances
alone that this is effected ; they are at best but streams of
water flowing near a garden, till he, as it were, by his own
hand pours them upon it ; or rather till he rains down the
refreshing influences of his grace from heaven.
There shall be times of refreshment, when the interest of
God shall be revived. The world is a barren wilderness.:
"But I will pour water on him that is thirsty, andfioods on
the dry ground," saith the Lord. It will be refreshing, if
this be upon our barren spot at home ; if God pours out his
spirit upon our seed, and his blessing upon our offspring.
And if he extends it round about us ; if he thus waters this
island of ours — a garden cultivated indeed, but which, alas !
wants rain ! If he pours it forth upon remote portions of
the world, and causes the wilderness to blossom like a rose !
On whom does not his sun arise? and on whom does not
his rain descend ? Oh, that it may be thus with regard to
gospel ordinances and the influences of his grace ! Oh,
that his people might be made willing in the day of his
power ! that so he might have the youth for his heritage, and
that in number the young converts might be like the drops
of dew, born from the womb of the morning. This would
be a delightful prospect. This would give our souls un
utterable pleasure. This would, indeed, teach us to exclaim,
" Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace."

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 441
But there is another time, and one of yet nobler refresh
ment, which shall undoubtedly come from the presence of
the Lord, and in which we shall each of us have our own
part; when Christ, whom the heavens are to retain till the
time of the restitution of all things, shall come to set all
things in order. Great disorder there seems to be, and it
seems a mystery, that so many millions of his servants
should die, and tum to dust. But he will roll away that
reproach. He will make their death the everlasting monu
ment of his power, and his grace. How finely is this
expressed in Isaiah ; " Thy dead men shall live," (speaking
to the Church), '5 even as my dead body shall they revive.
Awake therefore and sing, ye that dwell in the dust ;" Awake,
and tune your new made tongues to anthems of immortal
joy and thankfulness ; "for your dew is as the dew of
herbs ;" that is, a plentiful dew shall fall upon you, whose
bones have been scattered like chips of wood upon the
borders of the grave. A copious dew from the Lord shall
descend upon you, and the earth shall cast forth her dead ;
a sumptuous and a glorious harvest shall suddenly cover
the face of the earth ! O how delightful a view ! How
refreshing to behold ! How much more to partake of this
triumph ! Some have thought, that those who were raised
out of their graves at the resurrection of Christ ascended
to heaven with him. Suppose it had been so, that they
had all been assembled with him around the Mount, and
ascended to heaven in his train, what a pleasing sight to
his disciples ! How much more glorious a spectacle shall
this be, which we shall not only behold but share ! O my
friends, in the view of it we feel a refreshment, and we may
well believe it, for we see some things before our faces con
taining the memorial of a past fact, far more wonderful
than this. The wonder is, that Christ should be incarnate
and die ! not that he should rise and ascend ! and that
having died for his people, he should yet leave them for a

442 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
while under the power of Death! not that he should at
length redeem them from it ! Let us then commemorate
that great transaction, which throws so beautiful a light
upon the other, and lays so glorious a foundation for our
expectation of it.
At the Lord's table I urged grateful returns ; put in my
claim, in the name of Christ, to urge upon them the love
and service — the constant, faithful, zealous service, of all
that would indeed believe in him. What have you done
for him since last at the Lord's table ? What will you do
for him in the interval of time before the next ? What can
you contrive to do for his interest ?
(Memorandum.) After this ordinance I thought of an
expedient — to write a letter to Dissenting Ministers, to be
delivered after my death to those for the time being, the
places to be mentioned in a codicil to my will.
MEDITATIONS AT THE LORD'S TABLE, AUGUST 15, 1742.
This was the first sacrament after my return from that
long journey which I made this year through the southern
and western counties, in which I was present at the ordi
nation of Mr. Fawcett, Mr. R. Johnston, and Mr. John Jen
nings, as well as at the opening of the new meeting place
at Rochford in Essex, where I preached the first sermon.
There was a remarkable hand of providence upon me for
good, during the whole journey, but I have great reason to
be humbled under the many sins and follies of it ; especially
that sad estrangedness of heart from God, and attachment
to animal enjo)rments, which was too ready to prevail in
the midst of so many mercies. God was pleased to rebuke
this by several bitter afflictions : the death of Mrs. Francis
B. once my servant ; then that of Mr. G. that useful man,
from whom we had great, and, humbly speaking, very just
expectations for many years ; the foolish marriage of Mr.
Blanch ; all concurring to afflict me in my absence from

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 443
home; together with the illness of Mr. and Mrs. Evans,
and of Mrs. B.; and (which pierced me yet deeper than
any thing else) the dangerous illness of my dear wife, who
miscarried on the Wednesday before my return, and was in
such an extremity, that some about her thought she would
have died, which, if it had happened just as I was retum-
ing to her with too fond an affection, and too eager an
expectation, would, I fear, have proved fatal to me ; at least
it would have been a wound never to have been healed.
Nor could I be so insensible of the former impressions of
the most tender and endearing friendship, with which both
our hearts were too fondly possessed, as not to be struck
with the news which I received of the death of poor dear
Kitty,* who, while I am writing this, is carrying out to the
grave : but I doubt not but that her triumphant spirit is
with God in glory, and sharing those sublime pleasures to
which I once taught her to aspire ; though, alas ! I was the
means too of dragging her down to some inordinances of
affection, which proved the very occasion of its own dis
appointment, and planted painful daggers in both our hearts.
God grant, that the interview and endearments of the
heavenly world may at length counterbalance all the vanity
and vexation of spirit into which we were, through an un
bounded mutual passion, the means of leading each other.
With the pressure upon my mind, which this concurrence
of circumstances so naturally excited, I came to the table
ofthe Lord; and having preached from Jeremiah xxix. 11,
" I know the thoughts which I think towards you, saith the
Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an ex
pected end;" I introduced this solemnity with those in
Isaiah : " Hast thou not known ? hast thou not heard, that
the everlasting God, the Lord, the creator ofthe ends ofthe
earth, fainteth not, neither is weary ? There is no searching
of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint ; and to
• Then the late Mrs. Sharp.

444 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
them that have no might he increaseth strength." God
speaks to Israel when weary and weak ; speaks as if it were
news to them, that there was an almighty being, as if they
had not known it — and surely experience might have taught
them — as if they had not heard before, the most distant
report, that an eternal, self-existent being is also self-suffi
cient ; that He who created the whole world supports the
ends of the earth, and creation, in its utmost limits, fainteth
not : he cannot have exhausted all his power — cannot have
acted till he is grown weary, and so must sink under his
work, and remain incapable of supporting and taking care
of the creatures which he himself has made. Yet we can
not say, whether we do not too frequently behave as if this
were the case ; as if there were no God, and we had no
interest in him ; or as if he were weak and wearied out.
Neither is there any searching of his understanding. What,
wilt thou dare to arraign his conduct ? What is that but
saying, I have examined, and I find in this or that instance
my understanding superior to his ; in this or that particu
lar he has failed, has not done so wisely and so well as I
could have wished, and as he might have done. But who
has made that inquiry ? Who has sounded that unfathom
able sea, that he should say, thus far it reaches? But
know, O mistaken and inconsiderate creature, knowest thou
not, that God has not only strength for himself, but that he
is the fountain of all strength to all created nature ! He
gives strength to the feeble, and can make the feeblest as
strong as he pleases. He can speak strength into them by
one breath of his spirit, and diffuse an unknown energy.
Whence the strength of the angels ? They were brought
out of nothing ; and if they have any strength, it is that of
God working in them ; and if God makes a mortal man as
strong as an angel, it shall be. We may derive from hence
a kind of omnipotence, so as to be able to say, in faith,
/ can do all things. I am .sufficient for all things, through

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 445
him that strengthens me; can perform every labour, and
bear every affliction ! Let us therefore go to him, Alas !
we do not ourselves know what difficulties may lie before
us. Perhaps, before another month, God may take away
the desire of our eyes with the stroke of his power. He
may send as heavy afflictions on us, as those which the
hearts of our dear brethren are labouring under. But he
gives strength to the feeble. Let us, then, make God our
strength in the duties of life, I am returning to the la
bours of a Pastor, and a Tutor. It is a great work : but his
promise is not grown ineffectual ; it has not lost its energy
by the many thousand years it has continued in the bible.
" As thy day is, so shall thy strength be;" thy day, O
Christian, whoever thou art; and therefore I will say, as
my day is, so shall my strength be also. All this is to be
derived from Christ ; from him as our great head ; and we
are cemented to him by his blood, and nourished by that.
To that therefore let us come. The meditations at the
distribution of the elements were not peculiar, but consisted
of lively addresses to the spectators, and prayer for the
communicants ; which may God answer and succeed.

MEDITATIONS AT THE LORD'S TABLE, OCTOBER 3, 1742.
I MUST number this day, among the most pleasant of my
life, so far as the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was con
cerned. My meditations were turned upon those words,
" Thou art my servant, 0 Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten
by me. I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgres
sions, and as a cloud thy sins. Return unto me, for I have
redeemed thee." In these words, God owns Israel in the
relation of a servant ; and oh, what a happiness to be thus
honoured ! What title, but that of a child of God, so near
as his servant? Moses my servant ; My servant Job; and
here, Israel my servant. He looks on all his people in that
view ; he speaks of them all by that title.

446 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
While he commemorates their sins, he assures them he
had forgiven them, I will blot out as a cloud thy trans
gressions, and as a thick cloud thy sins. They were as
a cloud, which hid the face of heaven, obscured the lustre
of the sun ; such a cloud that thunder and lightning, death
and destruction, might break forth from it. Thine iniqui
ties have separated between thee and thy God, and caused
him to cover himself with a cloud, so that his sun shall not
pass through. But here is consolation: / have blotted
them out, caused them all to vanish, cleared them away.
The sun never yet shone upon that cloud, which was
so thick, that it did not at length disperse it, and get the
better of all, and in a little time break forth again with
renewed splendour. In consequence of this, he declares a
constant affectionate remembrance ; thou shalt not be for
gotten of me ; / have redeemed thee ; and when thou con-
siderest how I have redeemed thee, thou mayest be sure I
will not forget thee. It is much more, easy to imagine,
that having been redeemed I should be remembered, than
that I should have been redeemed. Thou shalt not be for
gotten by me in the poorest and most afflicted circum
stances ; when forsaken and forgotten of men ; of thy best
friends. Thou shalt not be forgotten by me in thy dying
moments ! Thou shalt not be forgotten, when a separate
spirit ! He will say to his angels, take care of that soul, it
is one of my redeemed- ones ; conduct it to my presence, for
there I have determined it shall be for ever fixed. I will
have it in my sight, and in my arms. Well may he, in con
sequence of all this, call them to return to himself. Return
to me, for I have redeemed thee : if thou hast forgotten me,
and wandered from my service and my love, come, I have
surely paid a sufficient price and ransom for thee. What
wouldst thou more ? I have redeemed thee vyith the blood
of my own son. Thou art mine, come back, and I will
receive thee ; come back, and serve me more faithfully and
more resolutely than ever.

' OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 447
In breaking the bread, I urged a constant and growing
zeal for Christ, lest he should say, O my dear servant, why
didst thou loiter? why did thy love and zeal flag? didst
thou discover any unwillingness in me, any thing to lessen
thy esteem for me, or hast thou found any new charms in
the world ? In prayer before the wine I was exceedingly
enlarged in self dedication, referring life, and all its con
cerns to God, and expressing a willingness to lie upon a
bed of sickness as long as he pleased, as well as for his sake
to leave the most pleasurable scenes Of mortal life. God is
my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of
his Son, that my soul was this day filled as with joy un
speakable and full of glory ; nor have I often known more of
heaven than I knew at this time. Oh, that it may continue,
impressed upon the imagination of my heart, and bear me
through whatever trials may lie before me. For I confess
this great enlargement made me apprehensive of some trial ;
and my hearing nothing from my dear wife, now at Bath,
by this post, after the silence of the two former, makes me
the more solicitous: but I would not be afraid of evil
tidings, since there is so much reason that my heart should
be fixed and trusting in God.
MEDITATIONS AT THE LORD'S TABLE, OCT. 31, 1742.
This was a delightful day; in the morning both in my re
tirement and in my attendance on public worship, I had
soul-ravishing communion with God. Mr. B. preached an
excellent sermon from being justified freely through his
grace by the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. That hymn
of Dr. Watts's, " Blood has a voice to pierce to skies," gave
me great encouragement. I preached upon the happiness of
Israel ; and connected a meditation at the Lord's table from
those words, " O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in
me is thy help." Israel is here described as destroyed.

448 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
self-destroyed, but helped by the Lord. As destroyed
terribly. Destruction from God may well be a terror;
as under a sentence of condemnation of wrath, alienated
from God, in the way to misery. What the world calls
being ruined is nothing in comparison with that; to be
impoverished, to be condemned : and this by ourselves.
It is not merely another's work, but I myself sold my own
soul : — O for what vile trifles ! So foolish have I been. I
have been as a beast before thee, much worse ; a beast is
incapable of such folly. Verily it is the madness of a
rational creature. Yet are we to lie down under this sen
tence of destruction ? No. Blessed be God ! there is help.
Help in God for the greatest sinner. There could be no
other help. I was sunk so low, no other arm could save
me. I was under a sentence that none else could reverse.
But God says, in me is thy help. Who but God could
have helped in such a way ? who but he could have said
to Jesus, descend and die ? We come now to commemorate
this help, and to praise God for it, and to give ourselves
to him, as self-destroyed sinners, whom he has recovered
and saved. When breaking the bread, I said we sometimes
wish to see Christ, and to make our acknowledgments to
him. Though I know not what we should say or do, save
only to cast ourselves down at his feet, and weep. I know
of nothing more. But we may now speak to him in the
language of the heart. He is here : our thoughts need not
utterance, in order to be known to him. He sees them in
the secret recesses of the soul. Speak then to Christ, and
say. Lord, I believe : help my unbelief! That thou shouldst
die, and purchase heaven for me with thy blood, (strange!)
but I believe it, I cannot judge of thee by myself. As
heaven is high above the earth, so are thy ways above
mine. Lo, I see it here above all. Earnest addresses were
then made to the spectators, as undone; and they were
called to apply to Christ for help. I had reason here to

OF DR. DODDRIDGE.' 449
bless God for his goodness to my dear wife, of whom I
have had comfortable accounts lately ; and also for his
wonderful mercy, in visiting me with the light of his coun
tenance so much as he did in the preceding parts of the
day, and in the course of the last month. For I know not
that ever I lived a month in greater nearness to God than
this. Adored be his grace to one of the most unworthy of
his creatures. Lord, continue thy loving kindness.
MEDITATIONS AT THE SACRAMENT, DECEMBER 6, 1742.
This, through the divine goodness, has been a delightful
day, though nature was so much fatigued in the evening
that I could hardly go through with the work of it. In
the morning I enjoyed so much of the divine presence and
love, that I was but just able to bear up under it, especially
when contemplating the resurrection of Christ, and the
tenderness he expressed for his disciples. Never did I find
more ardent transports of love to him since I have known
his dear and gracious name, which is indeed like ointment
poured out. I had a pleasant morning, when Mr. Sowden
preached of the pastoral care ; and though the public ordi
nances of the afternoon were not animated to the degree
they have sometimes been, yet when I came to the table of
the Lord, there indeed I did enjoy him, and rejoice in him ;
so that the shadows of the evening came upon me before I
was aware, and found me in a state of spirit, which I could
with great delight have exhausted for future hours in his
service. The subject of my meditations at the table of the
Lord was, " This is he who came by water and by blood;"
not by water alone, but by water and by blood. It plainly
alludes to the sight of Christ upon the cross, when John
saw the soldier piercing his side, and that "there came
forth blood and water." He came by water; and the apostle
saw the water distinctly, which was an extraordinary cir-
VOL. V. G G

450 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
cumstance, and signifying that it was the fountain opened,
in which we were to be washed. He sanctifies his people ;
and in this sense, if he does not wash us we have no part
in him. But it was not by water alone. There was blood
too, to intimate that it was not enough that we were sanc
tified: there was still a bar in the way to our justification;
and indeed God would never have sanctified those whom
he had made no provision to justify, for he would never
cast into hell a soul that loves him. Christ came by blood.
Justice demanded blood. And thus it was that he became
obedient to death, even to this death of the cross. And
the Spirit testifies this. And how do we receive this testi
mony ? Do not we desire to come to Christ in this view,
as he himself came, by water and by blood ? Let us then
draw near with a pure heart, and in full assurance of faith ;
having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience in this
blood, by which we have boldness to enter into the holy
place ; and having also our bodies washed with pure water,
as he came both by water and by blood, What followed
I do not particularly remember.
SOME MEMORANDUMS OF NEW YEAR'S DAY, 1743.
I HAVE this morning been calling upon God. I have been
renewing the dedication of myself to him, with as entire a
consent of heart as I think myself capable of feeling, and
with that calm acquiescence of soul in him as my portion
and &y happiness, which I would not resign for ten thou
sand worlds. And indeed I have great reason to hope that
he is come to take up his residence in my soul by his Holy
Spirit, and that he will shed abroad more and more of the
effusions.of his grace upon my heart.
I have in the last year received many favours froni him.
It was a year of health, which suffered very little inter
ruption, except about the beginning of February, the time

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 451
when good Mr. Lowe died, of whom I still retain an affec
tionate remembrance. This year I have enjoyed many and
great opportunities of usefulness, partly by writing, partly
by preaching, and partly by visiting. I have written the
third volume of my Family Expositor in the rough draft ;
and also Mr. Jennings's Charge, which I have published ;
and the Sermon preached at Crediton ; and Mr. Steff's Life,
and I have corrected his Sermons; and prepared two Letters
to the author of ' Christianity not founded on Argument ;'
and some of The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul ;
besides a great number of sermons, and more letters, and
more important proposals than in any one year of my life.
I have also had many opportunities of preaching besides
those, statedly in my own Meeting ; several in the west of
England, and in London, as usual, where, I bless God, I
find my labours exceedingly well received and attended.
I have also been engaged in preaching a set of lectures
upon the Influence of the Spirit, and a great many other
lectures in the country, which have been heard, I hope, with
some degree of eagerness. I have been enabled, by divine
grace, to take greater care of my family and of my congre
gation, especially since the vacation, than I have perhaps
ever before done. And God has given me as much encou
ragement in my ministry, and as great additions to my
church as I have ever known in any year. With these
many and great mercies have been intermingled afflictions,
which I must call mercies too, for such indeed they have
been to me, though some of them very painful. In the
beginning of the year indeed my heart was too much
alienated from God, and so it was yet more in the vacation.
My dear wife has been afflicted far more than in any former
year. I returned to her indeed, over desirous of seeing
and meeting her after my journey, and alas ! I found her
exceedingly ill. Soon after I was obhged to part with her
G G 2

452 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
to Bath, where she has continued above fourteen weeks,
and I do not certainly know how much longer she may
stay. This to be sure has been an expense of near a hun
dred pounds, illness, and hindrance of business and do
mestic cares included. Many of my servants have proved
unfaithful and ungrateful; and, above all, some of my
pupils, who have risen up against me, and endeavoured far
and near to destroy my reputation; in so much, that I
have been represented as treating them barbarously, and
have been told by one of them to my face that ten thousand
people in this kingdom have entertained a very ill opinion
of me. But God has sanctified all these things to me ; he
has made me more humble, more watchful, more mortified
by far to this vain world, and its interests and enjoyments
than I remember ever before to have found myself; and
he has visited me from time to time both in public and in
private with such strong consolations, and such delightful
effusions of his love and grace, that I am his debtor for all
those afflictions. In this connexion, and from this growing
experience of his goodness, I am encouraged, and deter
mined to leave myself with him ; desirous to have no will,
no interest of my own as separate from his. He is gra
ciously recovering my delightful companion in life, that
dearest, tenderest, and best of human friends, on whom
may the richest blessings of his providence and grace
descend. And he is giving me to see more and more of
the charms of her character, in proportion to the degree
in which she is exercised with affiiction, I also see my
dearest eldest children growing in an acquaintance with
religion, which gives me great hope concerning them. And
I see my Academy in a far more hopeful state with regard
to religion than I have ever yet seen it. In consequence
of all these instances of the Divine goodness I rejoice;
and I hereby renew the dedication of myself to my gracious

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 453
Father, whose goodness to me is so various and so mar
vellous. I desire to be waiting for his salvation, and doing
his commands. And I hereby leave it under my hand
before him, that I am his property, and that my great
ambition is to be like a little child in his hands, to be
carried out and brought in, laid down and taken up, just
as he pleases ; to be silent till he commands me to speak,
to watch his eye and hand for every intimation of his will,
and to do it as far as my little strength will carry me,
waiting for further strength in proportion to renewed diffi
culties. And all my interests and concerns I do most
cordially lodge in his hands, and leave myself and them at
his wise and gracious disposal.
MEDITATIONS ON THE SACRAMENT, JANUARY 2, 1743.
To-DAY I pursued the subject of redeeming time, which I
entered upon yesterday, attended with this awful circum
stance, that a person known to me, who was well last night
at five o'clock, died this morning before nine. This quick
ened me to struggle with my indisposition, which was
partly the effect of walking in the wind, and walking too
fast. Nevertheless, I bless God, that towards the latter
end of the discourse I found my heart much warmed, when
addressing my exhortation to those who were under pecu
liar engagements. These I further urged by the conside
ration of the dying love of Christ, at the table of the
Lord, and insisted upon this text, " Ye. are not your own,
ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God with your
bodies and with your spirits, which are the Lord's." I ob
served the claim entered, ye are not your own. We might
advance that claim in the name of God upon the angels, if
they are present in the assembly ! We say it, and their
hearts echo it back, " True, we are His ! His that made us,
and hath made us happy ; his that has preserved us so lorig,
and continued to us those songs which we began when

454 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
the foundations of the earth were laid," But to them we
could not add, as in the following words, ye are bought
with a price. To us it is applicable. The apostle says not
with what a price. He needed not. Surely, it must be in
the mind of every Christian here. But ye are not redeemed
with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the
blood of the Son of God, as a lamb without blemish and
without spot. Christ is the price sufficient and adequate
to the claim.- As in Zechariah, God commissioned his
prophet to demand a price. The price given was that of a
slave. And he speaks with indignation : " a goodly price
at which I was valued by these wretches !" * So in present
circumstances, it is a goodly price indeed. Do you refuse
it, when Christ says, ' Poor creature ! know that thou wert
undone : thou wast sold to be a bond slave : thou wert a
dead man before the Lord, and I redeemed thee : I gave
my blood for thee ; thou mayst remember what I suffered
for thee. What have I deserved ?' Would any of you
say, ' Lord, thou hast deserved something from me, and
something I will render. Thou hast deserved I should
consecrate to thee some of my time, some of my posses
sions ; that I should give up for thee some of my corrupt
affections, and observe some of thy precepts.' Christ will
not have such divided service. You must be entirely his,
or he will not own you to be his at all, ' Well, Lord,'
would some of us say, ' I avow thy claim ; in humble con
trition I am thine. I am astonished at thy grace : I know
not what to say; only receive me. Do me this honour;
add this further favour to all the rest, to take me, and to
dispose of me as thy property ; use me for thy glory as
thou pleasest. I will labour for thee; I will suffer for
thee, if it be for thine honour, I will submit to what may
be more painful in some respects than labour or suffering ;
* The common version reads thus : " A goodly price thut I was pr'ized at
of them." Chap. xi. v. 12.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 455
to be laid aside as a vessel in which there is no pleasure.
It imports not, if I may be thine, though I may seem for
the present a broken vessel.' This is reasonable. Well
then, while God continues your abilities and capacities of
service, glorify him with your bodies and your spirits,
which are the Lord's, Body and spirit are his. He gave
his body to be a sacrifice : his soul was exceeding sorrow
ful, even unto death. Thus has he purchased thy soul and
body. Let the faculties of the mind, the members of the
body be employed for him. And let this be your concern,
that Christ may in all things be glorified in you, whether
by life or by death. Let the circumstances of both be the
great Lord's of life and death. Dost thou wish it. Chris
tian ? If thou consentest, it shall undoubtedly be so. He
will accept the tribute which thou bringest him, humble
as it is, and worthless as it may seem. Thou shalt have
the honour and pleasure of glorifying God now in a certain
degree, and ere long thou shalt be glorified with him.
Amen. ' Gracious Lord,' will the Christian say, ' and in
token that I desire it shall be so, and hope and expect
that it will, I now come to thy table.' This sentiment was
expressed in a very lively and affectionate prayer. But
when I came to break the bread, I was taken exceedingly
ill, and rendered by faintness and a pain in my stomach
in a great measure unfit to proceed. Indeed, I was not
without some thoughts, but that I might have taken my
flight from the table of Christ upon earth to his presence
above. Cold clammy sweats were upon me: but if a
mortal paleness seemed fixed upon my cheek, as some said,
I hope I can say that glory was in my soul. I revived a
little, and felt an unutterable sweetness in singing the hymn
on good old Simeon, as rendered by dear Dr. Watts ; and
I must say, that all the pleasure which I might have had
in a better state of health and spirits in the after part of
the ordinance was far overbalanced by that unutterable

456 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
delight that I had in consequence of being so interrupted.
I cannot but think, that it was in some measure owing to
the great fervour of my spirit in the former duties of the
day, that this failure now happened, and I humbly hope I
may say that I was in some degree consumed with the love
of God. Gracious Lord, I thank thee for the visitation, and
for the support under it. I thank thee that I am thine, in
life, or in death. And I humbly renew the solemn dedi
cation of myself unto thee, as in a holy tranquillity of
soul and undissembled readiness to be disposed of as thou
pleasest in this world or in a better.
MEDITATIONS ON THE SACRAMENT, IN FEBRUARY, 1743.
I HAD been preaching from those words in Ephesians,
" Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it, that he
might cleanse and sanctify it, and present it a glorious
church," &c. Agreeably to this I spoke to-day from a
scripture which I believe has been the subject of my medi
tation before, but I am not quite sure. It was Isaiah
XXXV. 10. " And the ransomed ofthe Lord shall return, and
come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their
heads : they shall obtain joy and gladness ; and sorrow and
sighing shall fiee away." When the Church is perfectly
saved this shall be fulfilled. Observe under what character
God's people are described, whither they shall be brought,
and in what manner, and how this great transaction shall
end. Under what character God's people are described.
The redeemed of the Lord. Those whom he has ransomed
and bought. Are we not so ? This is a feast of his ran
somed ones, in which the price for the ransom is commemo
rated. Nor would any one who did not apprehend himself
in this view have any business here. It is sinners that
were once enslaved and condemned, then bought by the
Son of God, who are to seek their places at this board,
their part in this ordinance. Into thy hand I commend

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 457
my spirit, for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God ! They
shall return : return from their captivity in the grave. He
will say in another worid. Return, ye children of God.
And they shall come to Zion ; to the new Jerusalem, to the
city of our God. Now we are travelling towards it. Now
we are incorporated with that society. We have our free
dom, but not our habitation there, being no more strangers
and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of
the household of God, It is that Jerusalem from above,
which is the mother of us all. It is pleasant to come to
Zion below, our Lord loves it. But oh, how much more
do we love those heavenly gates. They shall come with
singing ; making a grand procession with anthems in their
mouths. What melody in each ! What harmony in all !
How pleasant to think of them, not singing with sorrowful
and broken voices, but in a full harmonious quire. Who
would not wish to have seen Moses and Aaron leading on
the Israehtes from Egypt with that sacred song of triumph?
to have heard the poor slaves, untaught in music, unless by
inspiration, and used rather to groans than songs ; yet on
so sublime an occasion as the deliverance of Israel and the
destruction of Pharaoh, their tongues were filled with notes
df triumph; it had been pleasant. But those songs of
Moses and the Lamb shall be in quite another strain. Oh,
that we could catch a little of the echo now ! And how
shall it end 1 They shall march on to heaven. Lift up
your heads, ye gates, and be. lift up, ye everlasting doors :
everlasting joy is upon their, heads. God pours out the oil
of gladness, and its fragrance is immortal. Sorrow and
sighing were once familiar, but now they are fled away, for
ever discomfited and defeated by the great Captain of our
salvation and his triumphant legions ; they dare not look
him in the face, dare not invade his followers for a moment.
How grand, and how dehghtful an image ! And now. Lord,
lead me not forth with the workers of iniquity, but with

458 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
this thy people. Methinks, thou hast this day begun to
fulfill this promise. I number myself among thy redeemed
ones. I come to thy Zion here ; come with pleasure and
dehght : joy is in my heart; a song is in my mouth. Let
sorrow and sighing retire, at least for a while, and give
way to that joy that becomes such a feast. And thou,
sacred Spirit, shed abroad a new effusion of faith, of hope,
of love, and joy in my soul. Come, Lord, for I wait on
thee with expectation and delight.
MEDITATIONS ON THE OPENING OF THE NEW YEAR,
1744.
My soul was employed early this morning in aspirations
after God, and I felt much of his delightful presence with
me when setting out to the duties of the day. I begun
them with humble applications to the throne of grace, in
which my soul breathed after God, and I hope I may say,
that I found communion with him. I then set myself in
a solemn manner to reflect, 1. Upon the mercies of the
past year, temporal and spiritual. In temporal mercies, I
reckoned first my safety and preservation in a variety of
journeys, in particular that to Gloucester, to London, to
Worcester; and I particularly recollected with delight the
seasonable interposition of providence on the 30th of Au
gust last, in preserving me, my wife, and daughter from
being crushed by a waggon, which we met in the chair as
we were coming into Birmingham. I then reflected on my
health, which has suffered but little interruptions, and those
short ones. The recovery from that illness in the beginning
of the last year claims an especial acknowledgment; and
that also of the middle of July. God has also been pleased
to smile upon my temporal affairs, so that they are in a
better situation than I could have expected, considering
the expense of my dear wife's journey to Bath. I recol
lected also my relative mercies, especially in my wife's

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 459
recovery from so extreme and dangerous an illness ; in the
continued life and health of all my dear children; in the
establishment of my Academy, notwithstanding so much
opposition of various kinds; and particularly the accession
of nine pupils, some of them very considerable on account
of the persons to whom they are allied, as well as remark
ably amiable and delightful.
In the list of spiritual mercies, I am grateful for revived
opportunities for religious improvement ; communion with
God; a growing love to him; submission to his. will; and
upon the whole a more prosperous state of soul than has
commonly been known by me in former years; with an
indifference to all worldly views, when compared with
those of building up the Church and glorifying the name
of God. I then reflected on the opportunities of usefulness
which I have enjoyed, that I have preached so many ser
mons, I think more than a hundred and forty, considerably
more than I remember to have preached in any former
year ; that I have written several things, particularly the
two last Letters in answer to ' Christianity not founded on
Argument;' the Verses for Children; and a great deal of
The Rise and Progress of Religion; and also my Hospital
Sermon ; together with some opportunities of doing good
in that charity. May I not also reckon in the number of my
mercies the opposition I have met with, I think very unde
servedly, in things well intended ; and, as I verily believe,
for bearing a faithful testimony to the truths of the gospel,
which has occasioned me many enemies, and will, I doubt
not, prove an occasion of verifying my Master's words,
great is your reward in heaven. I ought also in this place
to mention my encouragement in my Church, to which
God has added thirty members, and where I am well aware
there are not a few under very serious impressions; the
greatest I have known in any year since I have been a
pastor.

460 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
In reflecting upon the returns I had made to the good
ness of God this year, I found as constantly great cause
for humiliation; especially in three respects; that my
conversation had been no better improved on many oc
casions ; that I had been no more diligent in visiting
and inspecting my flock; and also, that I had been no
more exact in my evening devotions. I also found reason
to blame myself for too long intermissions of religious in
struction to the children, and sometimes of particular
instruction to the pupils ; but I was perhaps never in any
year more frequent with regard to some of these things.
I still greatly want much more of the love of God in my
heart to set these things right. And I desire now to re
peat my believing application to the blood of Jesus for a
renewed pardon of these things. Many other particulars
passed in the secret devotions of this season; to which
also was added a pathetic meditation at the table of the
Lord on those words, " looking for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ io eternal life," in which I considered eternal
life as the object of expectation. Life — Eternal life ! how
much in each word. This is looked for. It is expected.
And the eye of the soul is kept upon it as a great expecta
tion. And this is expected as mercy, as the mercy of
Christ to poor sinners who deserved Death, — Eternal
Death ! But not writing these memorandums so soon as
I should have done, many of the particular views passed
out of my mind. Yet they were unutterably sweet, and I
must reckon that among the best days of my life.
MEDITATIONS ON THE SACRAMENT, MARCH 11, 1744.
Having preached of the power of faith in our coming to
God, I fixed my meditations at the Lord's table on those
words in Peter : " To whom coming, as to a living stone,
disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 461
holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to
God through Jesus Christ." I here observed the view we
have of Christ, As looked upon by the generality of man
kind, he is disallowed. They slight him. Many openly
reject his gospel, and oppose it: others concern not them
selves about it. They do not make him the foundation of
their hopes. Either they have no foundation at all, no
evidences for eternity, or it is some other foundation, and
not Christ. But he is chosen of God. So chosen, that
the great God has passed a decree, that if ever any sinful
creature obtains salvation, it should be through Christ, and
as sought by him. If ever the gospel comes to a man,
Christ must be acceptable, or he shall not have eternal
life. Every other foundation shall undoubtedly fail, and
the hail shall sweep it away as a refuge of lies. He is
also precious in the sight of God. In this view, " My
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." It is pleasant to
view Christ as the foundation of his Church : in this view
also the eyes of the Lord are upon him. He is also pre
cious to every believer, incomparably so. And they come
to him as for something that passes between Christ and
the real Christian. He speaks to his Lord, speaks to him
from the heart. And is built up as a spiritual house, and as
lively stones. This of natural buildings would be absurd,
not so in spiritual. The building of the Father of Spirits
is a spiritual building. Spirits are active in it. It is their
language ! ' .Lord, let me be laid as a stone in thine house,
and be one of those whom thou wilt condescend to inhabit
as thy temple.' The simile is then changed, and Christians
are represented as a holy priesthood in this house, to
offer up spiritual sacrifices to God through Christ. They
are priests. They shall be so above. They are so now,
and as such holy ; they desire to separate themselves from
all impurities of flesh and spirit. And they attend to offer
prayers, praises, and alms-deeds. They are spiritual in

462 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
all ; all is done in the name and fear of God, from a true
spiritual principle which engages the heart. And they are
acceptable to God ; but it is all through Christ. He is
the Aaron, the representative of the whole body. And they
are chosen in him. And they shall at length be made
priests to keep God's charge,' for he will, as in the promise
to Joshua, give them a place among them that stand by.
Glorious hope ! In the mean time, let us offer the sacrifice
of praise, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks in his name ;
and commemorate that great priestly act of our Lord Jesus
Christ, by which we are consecrated ; and that blood
through which we have boldness to enter into the holy
place. MEDITATIONS ON THE SACRAMENT, APRIL 8, 1744.
Having preached on those words in Jeremiah, " How shall
I put thee among the children," &c. I introduced the ordi
nance with a meditation on these : " As often as ye eat
this bread, &c. ye .show forth the Lord's death till he come,"
in which I mentioned two leading thoughts. There is a
showing forth of the death of Christ to ourselves, to affect
our own hearts, and to the world, both enemies and friends.
To ourselves: we represent it before our own eyes, that
our thoughts may be fixed upon it and affected with it;
that Christ died, and that he died thus : that his body was
broken, that his blood was poured out. So miserable were
we as to need it. So merciful was our God as to contrive
it. So gracious was our blessed Redeemer as to submit
to it. Thus were we ransomed : thus our best services
were purchased : thus a lasting obligation was laid upon
us, an everlasting obligation, which we shall never outlive
in this world or in the next. We show it to ourselves in
this connexion, because wf desire to answer this obligation.
We show it forth to others ; to all, to the greatest enemies
of Christ. We are not ashamed of his cross. We do not

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 463
desire that his death should be forgotten. It is the lan
guage of this action, that Christ died, and we would show
it forth in the midst of Jews and Mahometans, though
they should deride it. We show it forth to his friends,
hoping it will strike their hearts. We call you, who are
present, to look up to it, and to consider it. This was our
Saviour; and not ours alone, but we trust yours too. Do
you not believe it ? Do you not consider it ? We also show
forth this death till he come. It is an ordinance always
to be continued in the Church; and the thought of his
coming is to be connected with it. It is an ordinance
always to continue in the Church. It has continued a
great many ages ; was instituted probably before the sab
bath, before at least that illustrious one, when the Holy
Ghost descended from heaven. It will continue to the
end. If it be rooted out in one church and nation, it will
continue in another till the Lord's day before Christ's
appearance. The last day of the Son of Man upon earth !
And oh, what a circumstance will that be for Christians
not aware of so sudden a change ! Having been at the
Lord's supper on the preceding sabbath, to see, before
the next, our Lord Jesus Christ descending in the clouds
of heaven, and to be caught up to meet him. Surely
the pleasure of that interview will be augmented by the
communion they have had with him on such an occasion
as this. We are also to consider this ordinance in con
nexion with the view of his coming. He will surely and
quickly come ! Many of our fellow communicants he has
come to take to himself Their places are empty; or rather,
we fill them. So will ours be emptied, and filled up, I
trust, by successors. Oh, that there may here still be a
seed to serve Christ, when you and I are in our graves.
Our Lord Jesus Christ will come to judgment, and we
shall be " gathered up together to him." It will perhaps be
thirteen or fourteen hundred years or more before the mil-

464 diary and correspondence
lennium probably will be ; — but Christ will then remember
us, and remember his servants who have already been
dead almost two thousand years ; nay, the people of God
that have been dead much longer. He will lose none, but
raise up all, Christ cannot forget> though our names be
forgotten in the church below, they with him shall live.
O blessed day ! In the expectation of this, let us, in obe
dience to his command, do our part this day towards
worthily transmitting this blessed memorial. I had many
addresses to the spectators, praying for the absent, espe
cially for those who were either confined at home, or in
foreign lands.
meditations on the opening the NEW YEAR, 1745.
It was some concern to see how long these meditations
have been interrupted, and that I now find myself so
straitened for time, considering the other businesses before
me, and my delay of rising till the bell rung, that I have
not time to pursue that which I have been this morning
entering upon in the manner I should have desired. But
I have this morning been meditating on the divine good
ness to me during the past year ; in which I observed the
following particulars. God has this year preserved me in
an extraordinary state of health, so that my public services
have been interrupted but one Lord's day in the whole
series of it, and that not by any extreme illness, God has
enabled me to go through many acceptable labours. I
apprehend that I have preached more than a hundred and
twenty times this year. I have also finished my work on
The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul, and a good
deal of the third volume of the Family Expositor. I have
had some opportunities of improving in some branches of
knowledge this year; and I have received extraordinary
tokens of respect from many worthy persons both at home
and abroad, particularly from our^stablished clergy, which

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 465
I thankfully acknowledge, God has also preserved my
family unbroken by death. I mean that my wife and chil
dren have been preserved ; for as to my pupils, God has
visited me in a most awful manner, taking away those dear
and amiable youths, Mr. Parsons, Mr. Gibbs, and Mr. W.
besides others who had finished their preparatory studies,
all of whom, had they been alive, would have been with me.
Mr. ¦  is also a fourth, having left me after a few days'
stay, and another who would have come is dead ; so that
my diminished family is five the less by death with respect
to the number of my pupils. God has however blessed me
in my worldly affairs, so that I think I have, so far as I
can judge, even with a smaller family than usual, advanced
more in them than in any former year that occurs to my
remembrance. I have also been reflecting on the conduct
I have maintained towards God in the midst of so many
mercies. And I find reason especially to charge myself
with two faults ; remissness in his worship both secret and
social, as to the temper of my heart, though God has been
wonderfully gracious to me in visiting me by his Spirit,
and that sometimes in an extraordinary manner, in expe
riences worthy of having been more particularly recorded ;
and also in negligence as to visits among my people both
in town and country, of which the effects have been too
apparent. I have been under rebukes both as to my Aca
demy, in its great diminution, so that now I think I have
but about twenty-four, which is less by almost one-third
than it has generally been ; and also with respect to our
Church ; as the number of its communicants has been little
if at all increased this year; fewer indeed having been added
than in most years since I have known Northampton, and
some agreeable persons taken away by death or other re
movals ; in that respect therefore I think we decline rather
than advance; yet the auditories continue generally in a
promising state, and our lectures at College Lane seem to
VOL. V. H H

466 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
be attended with some success. I have had reason to
acknowledge the neglect of self-examination, and of cor
responding with my friends abroad in such a manner as
politeness would have required, and indeed justice and
prudence in some respects might dictate. I have been
humbling myself before God upon these accounts, and I
have been renewing my purposes of new and better obe
dience, in an humble dependance upon divine strength,
longing earnestly to improve in grace, and advance more
eminently in religion than ever. Oh, that I may indeed
be steadfast and immovable, and always abound in the
work of the Lord, since I have such undoubted assurance
that my labour in the Lord shall not be in vain.
P. S. I must not forget, in reviewing the mercie's of the
last year, that sweet and joyful experience which I had
on Sunday, December 2, when I was meditating alone in
the morning before I set to any other business. Breathing
out my soul in love to God ;- — I then waited a while as it
were to hear from him, and remained in a kind of silent,
but lively ecstatic expectation, when these words came
down, as it were from heaven to my soul, in such a manner
as almost to overwhelm me with delight. " Because he
has set his love upon me, I will deliver him. I will set him
on high, because he has known my name. He shall call
upon me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in
trouble. I will deliver him, and honour him. With long
life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation."
REFLECTIONS ON A SACRAMENT ALMOST TWO YEARS
AFTER THE FORMER.
After a long interval, in which nevertheless some of the
most important events I have ever known have passed ;
after the rise of the Rebellion ; the death of my invaluable
friend. Colonel Gardiner; the deliverance gained by the
ever memorable victory at Culloden; the first of which

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 467
happened on the 21st of September, 1745, the other on the
16th of April following, and also just after the death of my
other most amiable friend, Mr. Scott, of Norwich; and
after a variety of other varying, and some of them very
memorable scenes, both in public and private ; in personal
and relative ; in civil and religious life ; after various jour
neys, deliverances, afflictions, reproaches, applauses, strait-
nesses, and enlargements; which, though deeply felt and
attentively revolved in my mind, have, though I know not
any cause for the neglect, been omitted here ; at length I
sit down to make some little memoirs of what passed this
day at the Lord's table.
I had preached in the morning a farewell to the soldiery,
from John's discourse to them, and in the afternoon of
profaning the altar. My subject of meditation at the
table of the Lord was Psalm xxvi. 11. " / will walk in my
integrity : redeem me, and be merciful unto me." I observed
the psalmist's resolution and his plea, as suitable to every
Christian in such circumstances. His resolution : / will
walk in my integrity. And indeed, where can the reso
lution be more suitable than at the table of the Lord, in
whatever view we consider it ? I will keep a conscience
void of offence, since here I commemorate the sacrifice
offered for my offences, and here also renew my obligations
to God. And what are these obligations? How can I
make good my dedication of myself to God, but by walk
ing in my uprightness? And, O Lord, redeem me, and
be merciful to me. I look to thee as my Redeemer. I
wait for thy mercy, O Lord ! Living and dying I cast my
self upon mercy ; and I expect nothing but from that. Oh
impart thy mercy, and I will celebrate it for ever.
In breaking the bread, I exclaimed, " O happy Christian,
who hast such a Saviour ! Happy, though thou dost carry
all thou hast about thee ; though thou hadst nothing but
the clothes on thy back, and after this morsel of bread
H H 2

468

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

didst not know when thou shouldst obtain the next. 0
gracious Redeemer ! who makest such provision. Ye are
come to the general assembly of the first born of the king
dom of Heaven. Strange ! What are ye ? What ! and can
such then as we are, come to such an assembly, come to
angels; — come to God; — to the Judge of the whole earth,
with any comfort ? Behold what unveils the mystery. Ye
are come also to Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant,
to the blood of sprinkling. Do you now come to it ? Per
haps a soul may say, ' 0 that I were assured that he gave
himself for me.' The resolution of that depends on another
question. ' Dost thou give thyself to him.' — I bless God,
this has on the whole been a very delightful day.
December 7, 1746.
REFLECTIONS ON THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR 1747.
Various, indeed, and very important have been the mercies
of God to me this year. The public deliverances which
God gave us from the power of our rebellious enemies will,
I hope, never be forgotten. To these many private mercies
have been added, which I desire to remember as long as I
live. Nothing more sensibly affects me in this review than
the favourable interposition of Providence for the preser
vation of my dear and valuable wife, when she was in such
great extremity, falling into labour of two children, one of
them a cross birth, ten weeks before her time, and with a
fever upon her. God also was pleased to deliver me from
a dangerous fever in June. Various journeys, some of them
through the extremities of bad weather, have been safe to
me. God graciously restored my wife's health, by his
blessing upon the waters of Bath ; and my good friend
Mr. B.'s place is filled up by Mr. Robinson, who is a most
excellent person ; and Providence has graciously given me
some accession to my worldly circumstances, by the death
of my good aunt Pool, for whom, nevertheless, had it been

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 469
the will of God, I should have most sincerely desired a
much longer life.
God has also made my ministry very acceptable; and
has given me the satisfaction of receiving from Holland
a translation of my Sermons upon Regeneration into the
Dutch language, with a preface speaking of the high
respect borne to me by some very worthy persons. God
has also supplied most of the breaches made upon my
Academy the last year in a comfortable manner, and gives
me very encouraging hopes, that several pupils now under
.my care will prove eminent lights in his Church. He has
also given me not only to publish a sermon on the suppres
sion of the rebellion, calculated, I hope, for some service,
though not so much taken notice of as I thought there was
some reason to expect, but he has also given me to finish
the third volume of the Family Expositor, now just ready
to be published ; and also to finish the first copy of good
Colonel Gardiner's Life, and to transcribe about a third
part of it, that is fifty pages ; and I hope that many as yet
unborn will have reason to bless God for it. God has also
been pleased to give me some tokens of uncommon respect
from persons of rank and distinction, particularly the good
Bishops of Gloucester and Bristol, some other clergymen
of the establishment. Lord Halifax, and some of our gentle
men in these parts; besides several letters which I have
received, giving me an account of the blessing which he
has been pleased in several instances to bestow upon my
writings, and especially upon the Rise and Progress of
Religion. Nor must I reckon among the smallest of my
mercies the opportunities I have had of seeing how emi
nently he has blessed the labours of good Mr. Fawcett,
and with what abundant anointing of the Holy Spirit, God
has been pleased to honour him ; in consequence of which
I can truly say, I should think all my labours, as a tutor,
well repayed to have been instrumental in raising up but one

470 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
such person to the service of the sanctuary ; for all these
things I praise and adore a gracious God, and desire to
erect a monument of humble thankfulness.
On the other hand, there are instances in which God
has in this year deeply afflicted me, though I confess in all
these things much less than my iniquities have deserved ;
in my temporal affairs, in my reputation, and what I par
ticulariy lament, in the success of some of my labours,
which is far from having been such as I could have wished.
As to my temporal affairs, not to mention one fit of ill
ness of my own, my wife's languishing and expensive ill
ness all the first five months of the year, is not by any
means to be forgotten, which was the occasion of her jour
ney to Bath ; nor the loss of those two children which God
gave me, but took away in the very first dawning of life.
Nor am I to forget my having at present fewer pupils and
boarders than I remember to have had since I came into
this house, insomuch that one table serves us for dinner,
when we have sometimes had two full. Some small losses
have likewise been sustained by bad debts, though provi
dence has generally been remarkably good to me in that
particular. God has suffered a greater number of enemies to arise,
and to persecute me this year than I have commonly
known, at least I have traced more of the effects of this
evil. My brethren have dealt most deceitfully and un
justly with me, and have been far more solicitous to
blast my name, and to ruin my capacity of usefulness than
to do any kind of good : they have so far succeeded, that
some other Academies have flourished, not so much for
their merit as from their opposition to mine; and some
hopeful youths have been by the credulity of parents, and
slanderous tongues, deprived of the benefit they might
have found by instructions here, as well as that I have been
deprived of the pleasure and credit of training them up.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 471
Mr. L., alas ! of whom I had once good hopes, is now gone
ihto secular life, Mr, T's foul miscarriages I must reckon
among my academical sorrows ; and the death of that ex
cellent person Mr. Shepherd ; to which has been added the
defection of Mr. Parminter, who when formed for eminent
usefulness, has been unhappily perverted by the Moravian
errors so far that all the prospects of his semces among
the Dissenters is lost. I have also been lately under con
siderable discouragement in the Congregation. We are
not so well attended as formerly; several places appear
empty on a Lord's day (though the lectures, are generally
pretty full ;) and which greatly troubles me ; we have had
very few additions to our church, only thirteen in all the
last year, and we lost twelve members, eight by removals ;
as indeed several then left us to live in London or elsewhere,
and none came in their room ; so that upon the whole, I
think it evident, that our interest declines, notwithstand
ing a great deal that I have certainly done to promote its
increase. To all this is to be added the great lukewarmness and
indifference of most professors, especially in any considera
ble stations, and the scandalous behaviour of some. My
good friend Mrs. K *** has given me cause of grief by her
conduct; and that most detestable wicked wretch John
C*****, by enormities of which I have lately heard, even
this day. Mr. E **** ^s having forsaken his place so ge
nerally among us, is also another lamentable circumstance ;
and so it is, that of those who have fallen and been cut off,
there is no return, though they have been solemnly called
to it. These things are matter of great grief to me : oh,
that I might bemoan sin more frequently before the Lord ;
and might go unto him with greater earnestness, who is
able to remove our captivity, and to make his Jerusalem a
joy and a praise ! The main things in which I find myself
deficient are, that I have prayed no more ; and that I have

472 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
visited no more : and that I have been no more careful to
keep a particular account of these things ; all which, by
divine assistance, I purpose to remedy this year.
,A SCHEME OF BUSINESS WHICH, BY THE DIVINE ASSIST
ANCE, I PURPOSE TO DO DURING THE NEXT YEAR.
I DESIRE to form all my schemes with an humble sense of
the great uncertainty of life ; I have been cautioning my
hearers against laying schemes in dependence upon a year
to come; but I desire to form the present plan, with a
sense of my dependence upon the God of my life, and with
humble resignation to his will should he please to cut short
the residue of my days in their midst; — whenever to his
infinite wisdom it shall seem meet ; only I desire, that while
I am continued here I may be found employed as the pur
poses of his glory and my own usefulness may require.
My work as a Tutor is already projected, only I deter
mine, by Divine Grace, to abound more and more in it ; so
far especially as relates to inspection, and to give eamest
and affectionate exhortations to those that are placed under
my care.
My work as a Pastor I cannot project, as to the sermons
I shall preach, only that I will, if God permit, go on with
the Parables ; that I will end the course On God mani
fested in the fiesh ; that I will endeavour to study some on
the Promises; and I will also promote some associations
among my people, and attempt to form the Society of the
young men in particular; I yill endeavour to visit more
dihgently, and will, if possible, before the long vacation,
write the history of the Congregation entirely, and with
some memoirs of the alterations made in it since the survey
taken in 1741, which will I am sure be a very humbling
scene ; for God has in that time made very great and
melancholy changes in its state. I purpose also to apply
to the heads of families at least, as to some of the soulfe

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 473
under their care, with those exhortations and advices which
I have projected in my pocket-book.
As for my writings, I hope that I may be able to finish
Colonel Gardiner's Life: it is possible, also, that I may
write my Dissertation upon Proselytes. I have, yesterday,
begun the fourth volume of my Expositor, and I fully pur
pose, by the divine assistance, to write something upon it
every day when I am at home, and generally a few verses
when abroad, while God is pleased to spare my health, so
as to be capable to take pen in hand : and this scheme I
purpose to pursue till the whole is finished.
These are the projects I form; I form them for God : I
desire to live only for his glory ; and I heartily consent to
die this day, or this hour, if he so determines, and thereby
declares he has nothing further for me to do. May he
mercifully forgive my former trifling. May he graciously
accept my sincere purposes for his service ; and whenever
he is pleased to take me away, may he raise up some more
valuable instrument for the honour of his Name and Gospel
among men, who may outdo even my schemes, as much as
they too frequently have outdone my execution.
Friday, January 2, 1747.
HINTS OF A REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE, APRIL 5, 1747,
WITH SOME ACCOUNT OF WHAT PASSED AFTERWARDS.
The last week, especially towards the latter part ofit, was
a week of uncommon deadness ; and most of all did that
deadness prevail yesterday, insomuch that I was hardly
able to keep myself awake in the service of God, or to feel
any- one thought of lively devotion. This morning as soon
as I was up, which was rather before six, I did apply
myself with some earnestness to the throne of grace to en
treat the communication of the Spirit to quicken me : and
I bless God that I felt some strong stirrings of spiritual
.life. And while I was praying, was directed to mention

474 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
those words, " 1 am come, that ye might have life, and that
ye might have it more abundantly ;" which accordingly I
chose for the scripture of the day. After a short prayer, I
returned to my secret devotions, and pleaded for the pour
ing out of the spirit of God upon his Ministers and his
Ordinances; when it came into my heart, I know not
how, to beg that as a token of it, God would shed abroad
something sensible and peculiar upon me this day; par
ticularly exciting in my heart some powerful sentiments
of his love ; and yet more particularly speaking to me be
fore I arose from my knees in some encouraging language
that might reach my heart. I feared I had displeased
God in this petition; for after it, instead of finding my
frame better, it grew worse ; and I felt myself in a sort of
mental entanglement, fearing that I had offended in a peti
tion so very circumstantial, as I had seldom allowed : never
theless, I was determined I would lay there waiting upon
God, and crying to him till I was called away by provi
dence to some other riecessary duty. And I had hardly
formed the determination before those words of God to
Joshua came strongly into my mind, " Wherefore liest thou
thus upon thy face? Israel has sinned ; up and sanctify the
people." Words which had the greater weight with me, as
Mr. John Cooper's most unhappy and scandalous affair,
which has given, I may say, an unequalled degree of of
fence, is this day to be determined by the church. On this
it seemed to be my duty quickly to arise and to return to
other services; but yet I thought I felt my soul inclined
to remain a few moments before the Lord, and behold the
scene suddenly changed ; many sweet promises were on a
sudden brought to my mind, and particularly that " light
is sown for the righteous ; him that overcometh I will make
a pillar." Promises so long sealed had a new sweetness ;
and above all these two. Son, thou art ever with me : And
then when I seemed to ask for something yet more personal.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 475
"In that day I will take thee, O Zer abbabel, my servant, saith
the Lord, I will make thee as a signet ; for I have chosen
thee, saith the Lord of hosts." And now I durst ask no
more ; for, indeed, I had no more to ask. I arose with
tears of joy ; and though I found an hour had passed in
this address, I did not think it lost, but added a little more
to the account by writing down an experience so remark
able and so sweet.
REMARKS ON WHAT PASSED ON A SACRAMENT DAY,
SEPTEMBER 13, 1747.
I MUST record this day as one of the most blessed of my
life. God was pleased to meet me in my secret retirement
in the moming, and poured into my soul such a flood of
consolation in the exercise of faith and love, as I was
hardly able to contain. It would have been a relief to me
to have been able even to have uttered strong cries of joy.
Oh, how did I then wish for a melodious voice, and how
gladly could I have made earth and heaven re-echo with
praise ! Family devotion was unutterably sweet ; and
though the pleasure of my sermon was much interrupted
by an accidental disorder that happened in my throat while
I was speaking, yet I bless God, the sacramental attend
ance, and the evening services were all beyond expression
sweet. My soul was full of God, and of heaven.
The scripture on which the meditation turned was that
in 1 Pet. iii. 18. " Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the
just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put
to death in the fiesh, but quickened by the spirit." I cannot
express the view which was given me of the infinite love
and grace of Christ in suffering for our cause the just for
the unjust, whieh I was enabled to own before God with
great brokenness of heart and unfeigned humility. This
view I had of the sufferings of Christ, who himself was
perfectly just, for us; the righteous instead of the unrigh-

476 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
teous ; putting himself between the sword of the divine
justice and our souls. I then related the story of the poor
negro woman who saved captain Falconer, then her hus
band, by putting herself before him and the weapon of his
enemy, and receiving the blow at the expense of her owu
life, which appeared to me very affecting.
That we might be introduced to God, he thus suffered ;
God will not see us, will not have any intercourse with
us, till Christ undertakes to introduce us; then we are
welcome — then the Father smiles : and this is actually
done. Now we that were once afar off are brought nigh ;
are near him as his children, are the objects of his love,
and brought near to be separated no more. What shall, se
parate us from the love of God? nothing can but sin. The
rebels were put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the
Spirit : his divine nature raised his human from the grave,
and now he ever lives and reigns.
In breaking the bread, I had many sweet meditations,
and particularly on those words, " 1 will raise him up at the
last day." And I will raise him up at the last day. And
once more in the compass of a few verses, / will raise him
up at the last day. Oh how delightful ! our resurrection
is secure ; we shall be raised up with, and like our Lord :
he shall present us together with himself. My soul was
even transported with the hope. This is the promise that
was sealed to me so powerfully in my secret retirement, that
it seemed as if I were just going to receive the full extent
of the blessing, and almost as if the Day of the Lord were
come. My heart was strongly drawn out in prayer to God for
my fellow communicants and for the spectators ; as it was
also in repeating a very affectionate sermon from Christ's
invitation, " Come unto me," &c. I hope God blessed it as
the means of good to some persons ; and I was particularly
desirous that it might be so to Miss Saunders, the amiable

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 477
daughter of my once honoured and beloved friend, for
whom I had the highest regard. Providence has brought
her for awhile under my roof, in circumstances which de
mand my peculiar concern ; as she has fallen into a sad
negligence with regard to religion. My design is, if pos
sible., to draw her to Christ ; and I am in great hopes that
God will favour me so far as to make me the means of some
good to her soul.
There is one token for good, which is that perhaps I
have hardly ever enjoyed more of the presence of God,
especially in family prayer, than I have done since she
came into the family. I would humbly hope also that God
is beginning to work, iji some degree, upon the hearts of
some of my younger pupils intended for secular life : on
the whole, though I have a great many circumstances to
lament in the congregation, I have a secret hope that God,
who thus quickens my heart, will in due time quicken his
work; and that when he has exercised my faith a while
longer, he will appear to build up our ruins, and renew the
face of the Church, as he has in some measure done that of
the Academy, by an accession of several new pupils, and
those very promising and delightful. At least, I hope he
will revive religion more and more in my heart ; and though
I have not been without some melancholy forebodings as to
some future trials that may come upon me, I desire to leave
myself entirely in his hands ; and confident of his gracious
support, would fear none of the things that I may suffer.
September 14, 1747.
REFLECTIONS ON THE OPENING OF THE NEW YEAR, 1749.
It was too sure a proof of the disorderly situation in which
my mind was the last new year's day, that I did not write
down any memorandums of it, according to that profitable
custom I have so long maintained. Indeed, too much com
pany, though that very agreeable to me, but especially the

478 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
company of one friend, to whom it was difficult not to give
too much of my time and regard, led me to neglect that
and many other duties, and turned that, in which I so
much rejoiced, as a very pleasing circumstance, into a mis
chief rather than a benefit. I then insensibly lost ground
in religion, which I hope I have, in some measure, been
since recovering. Oh, that I may recover it more and
more ! I took this day some large time for recollection,
though certainly had I been resolute to command an hour
or two of yesterday , morning, I should have found myself
less embarrassed to day with the multitude of engagements
which a new year's day, a sabbath, and a sacrament, bring
along with them ; especially considering my preaching this
day a funeral sermon for Dr. Watts, in a manner obliged
me also to make a hymn, which demanded more time than
in these circumstances I could conveniently afford.
In reflecting upon the events of the last year, though it
opened in some respects less comfortable, especially in
sonie very tender articles of friendship. I have found great
reason on the whole to acknowledge the wonderful good
ness of God to me in various respects. As to my person,
in the continuance of my health to such a degree, that
since this day two years, when I begun the Family Expo
sitor on Romans, I have, through the divine goodness,
been enabled every day to do something at that great and
important work; so that most exactly, according to my
computation, I finished it last night, that is, finished the
first copy of the translation, paraphrase, and improvement,
and have proceeded in the notes as far as Ephesians, I
have also this year been enabled to publish the third
volume of the Family Expositor, besides Mr, Shepherd's
Funeral Sermon, my sermon on Christ's Invitation, not
now to mention Colonel Gardiner's Memoirs, which came
out since the date of my last article. The acceptance
which it has pleased God to give to my labours at home

OF DR. DODDRIDGK. 479
and abroad demands my particular thanksgiving, especially
as manifested in the great run of my two Letters for Hol
land. The translation of Colonel Gardiner's Memoirs into
the Dutch, French, and German languages; of the Sermons
on Regeneration, the Rise and Progress, and the Ten Ser
mons, into the low Dutch ; the Rise and Progress also, of
the good effects of which I have heard, into French ; and
the design of turning all the three abovementioned books
into the German language, is such an instance of the
goodness of God to me in this respect, as quite shames
and astonishes me. Oh, that my heart may give God the
glory of it, with that deep humility and self-abasement
which becomes me.
The great mercy of God in sparing the lives of my four
children, and giving us both growing comfort in them, and
in carrying my dear and valuable wife so safely tlirough
her confinement, and raising her up to such a state of
health, as through the divine goodness she enjoys, affected
me also very much. And indeed, God makes me every
day more and more happy, both in that dear love and in
my children. The number of my pupils has been increased
rather than diminished since the last year began ; Mr. B.
Clayton, G. Taylor, G. K, B,, and Offley, and a ninth,
that is, Mr. C. is now coming, I have also had great
satisfaction in the behaviour of many of them ; and think
upon the whole that there is reason to believe the interest
of religion and learning both are considerably advanced in
the Academy within the last year, of which the analysis
of the first classes is an agreeable proof
I ought before this to have mentioned the wonderful
instance of the Divine goodness in preserving me from
drowning on Monday, July 25th, as I was attempting to
pass under Westminster Bridge, when the wind set con
trary, and blew so violently, that we were in danger of

480 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
being borne violently against the side of the bridge and
dashed to pieces.
The accession of several valuable friends to balance the
loss of some few by death, is also to be gratefully remem
bered ; particularly my Lady Huntingdon, Mr. Edwin, and
Colonel Gardiner. Nor is good Mr. Williams to be forgot
ten, nor Mr. West, with whom I have formed a much more
intimate acquaintance than before. My introduction to
the Archbishop of Canterbury, and some other considerable
persons in the Establishment this year, I would acknow
ledge as from God. May it answer some valuable end !
Some steadiness that God has given me, especially of
late, in pursuing my schemes of service I also now reflected
upon with pleasure.
I reflected likewise on some affiictive circumstances
which Providence has appointed to me; particularly the
loss of my dear little boy, bom this year, for whom I felt a
very great fondness ; disappointment in the expected settle
ment of some agreeable friends at Northampton, particu
larly Mr. Oliver Cromwell, taken away by death ; and
above all, the prevalence of Moravianism, by which several
persons have been drawn aside from our communion, par
ticularly Mr. and Mrs. Maud, Mr. and Mrs. Agur, as Mr.
Evans has been alienated another way ; the decay of the
Church, by the loss of many more members than have been
admitted; for only ten have been taken in, and at least
sixteen if not eighteen lost ; the want of zeal in many, of
whom I have reason to believe that they are sincere Chris
tians, and who ought to appear much more strenuously for
the support of religion than they do. I have had reason
also greatly to lament the coldness I have often felt in my
own soul, especially in the exercises of devotion in the
evening ; the mispence of evening time in general, and the
neglect of a becoming care in visiting and personal inspec-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 481
tion of those committed to my charge ; though there has
not been a total neglect of this, yet there has not by any
means been all the zeal, fidelity, and activity which my
public engagements, and which my private devotions have
required. I have this day been renewing my solemn resolutions for
the service of God; and particularly of greater activity
where I have -been most deficient ; and greater vigilance
where I have been most careless. I hope and trust God
will continue it upon the imagination of the thoughts of
my heart. I have also this day made a solemn vow to
God, in my secret evening's devotions, that I would devote
a tenth part of the income of my estate, of my salary, and
of my income by my pupils, to charitable uses, and one
eighth of all that shall this year come in by my books or
presents, unless any circumstances arise that lead me in
my conscience to believe that it will be injurious to others
to do it.
My head and heart are full of schemes and projects for
God. Full, I hope I may truly say, of most affectionate
desires for promoting the honour and interest of my dear
Redeemer. And to the guardianship of my covenant God
in Christ I have this day solemnly committed myself, and
all that is dearest to me. And I doubt not but that he
will deal well with his servant according to his word.
P. S. I ought to have mentioned the pouring out some
thing of a spirit of prayer on myself and on several of my
people, and the attendance of several young people, so
that the galleries are generally pretty well filled ; and the
assistance that God has given me in my public labours,
which afford matters of praise this year ; and I note them,
that if God spares me to the end of it, I may see how far
these encouraging symptoms are answered.
VOL. V. II

482 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
SOME SCHEMES FOR THE SERVICE OF THE FUTURE YEAR,
IF GOD SHOULD BE PLEASED TO CONTINUE MY LIFE
THROUGH IT.
I TRUST God is witness to my sincere desire of dedicating
this year, and the whole of my life to him. The employ
ments of it I cannot very particularly sketch out ; but I
purpose to go on with the notes of my Family Expositor,
and I am not without hope but that I may this year pre
pare them, or the greater part at least of the remainder of
that work. I propose likewise to publish a Sermon for
Children, the Letter on Family Prayer, and perhaps one
on the Peace. I propose also taking a more accurate sur
vey of the state of religion in the congregation, pursuant
to that review I have taken of the congregation itself; and
of abounding more than ever in the discharge of the pas
toral duties in all the private exercises of it. For books, I
purpose reading Maclaurin of the Newtonian Philosophy,
and Arrian's Epictetus. I may also, perhaps, attempt a
little Essay on Sacrifices, and to make some provision for
that on Proselytes. I think also to draw up the Sermon I
preached to Children in order to its being published. I
intend also, by the divine assistance, to talk apart to each
of my pupils about religion, at least twice every year ; and
also to endeavour to manage my correspondence with more
care and exactness than I have in time past ; labouring to
keep up better with my friends in answering their letters,
and endeavouring to avoid improper length in mine to
them, and labouring to give some serious and useful turn to
what I write. Some hints of Meditations at the Sacrament
I will write out when I can ; and I propose preaching as
much as I conveniently may without notes, as I really find
that method in the main most edifying and affecting to the
people to whom I address myself I intend to get into a

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 483
better plan with regard to the visitation of our families,
and especially first to those that have children ; and where
I have matter of moment depending with regard to any,
would always recommend it to God in prayer before I
make any attempt whatever.
HINTS OF MEDITATIONS ON THE SACRAMENT,
IN FEBRUARY, 1749.
The subject of my meditation was, " What is thy petition
and request ?" We are at the banquet of wine of a king,
and imagine him to be addressing that question to each —
should we be at a loss for an answer ? " Lord that our sins
may be forgiven, all of them ; those since we first entered
into covenant with thee, and those since our last covenant
engagements." God answers, " I will be merciful to your
unrighteousness, your sin and iniquity I will remember no
more!" And what further? "Lord, that remaining sin
may be rooted out, not only from our actions and words,
but from our thoughts." He will subdue iniquities, he will
cast sin into the depth of the sea. " Sin shall not have do
minion over you, for you are not under the law, but under.
grace." And what further? "Lord, that our souls may
be animated in thy service, that we may have wisdom, and
courage, and perseverance." / will strengthen them in the
Lord, and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith
the Lord. And any thing further ? " That we may be
enabled to bear up under the burthens and afflictions of
life; not dismayed and terrified, but calm and composed."
" When thou passest through the fire and water I will be with
thee." Let not our Lord be angry, and we will speak but
once more. " That thou wilt support us in death, and
receive us to glory." This is the great promise, that after
passing through the dark valley, he will give unto us
eternal life. All the rest have a reference to this. Begotten
again to a Uvely hope, &c, which God that cannot lie has
1 i2

484

DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

promised. Lord, I have no more to ask for myself, but for
others I have. " Oh, that Ishmael may live before thee ! my
companions, my children, every one of them from the
eldest to the youngest. I cannot say it is an absolute pro-
rnise ; but he hath said, " / will be a God to thee and thy
seed." Confirm, O Lord, the pleasing hope, and accept
my grateful vows for the honour of thy name." O Lord,
extend thy gospel here, though perhaps not immediately
more among those which yet we are most concerned for :
Yet, surely, upon the whole, we have that comfortable pro
mise, the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth — a
seed shall remain to serve him. Lord, we believe thou hast
granted our petitions : we will turn them into praise : we
will go away as those that have this cheerful and comfort
able hope. Invitations to the aged and the young were
then given. Here are seasons now of gathering, for the
fruit is ripe ! and of hope, for others are coming forward
with the favourable gale of youth, may they steer into this
peaceful harbour.
HINTS OF THE SACRAMENT, IN MARCH, 1749.
Having preached on God's gathering together in one all
things in Jesus Christ, I added a meditation on these
words, that we might be to the praise of his glory. I con
sidered how we might be so. By celebrating his praise
v.'ith our voice — and by showing forth his praise in our
lives. I touched in the fonner on the error of those who
deny singing, and pressed the allowing a proper propor
tion of praise in public worship at all times, especially on
sabbath days and sacrament days. O that God would give
more of his Spirit to excite praise ! I then insisted on
showing it forth by an inoffensive, exemplary, and useful
conversation. Inoffensive : observe what it is that gives
offence and occasions reproach. Intemperance, being ab
sent from ordinances, covetousness, pride, censoriousness.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 485
I then urged an exemplary behaviour, so that men may
learn by us, and so that if we were in a country where our
language could not be understood, yet that by our good
behaviour they might I6arn how they should behave them
selves to us. Endeavour to be useful ; do good by diffusive
bounty. Many poor want assistance. Give it to them.
Do not indulge temptations of a sophistical nature, and so,
instead of relieving the poor, find out artful reasons why
they should not be relieved. Think of good to be done to
the souls of companions, of children, of servants, of friends.
Abound in this work. Remember that your opportunities
lie but within a little space.
I said little, particularly in breaking the bread. Before
giving the cup, I urged them to lift up their hearts to God,
that if he offered it they might see it as offered by his
hand, and might take it. May the mercy of the Lord
pardon those who neglect his grace.
This was but a low day. My animal spirits were ex
ceedingly weak, and scarcely one vigorous sentiment of
devotion arose in the whole day. Memorandum. — Yester
day I began a paper, called the History of my own Heart,
which see more of this day.
HINTS OF THE SACRAMENT IN APRIL, 1749.
I HAD some remarkable enjoyment yesterday and this
morning, and a charming season in attending Mr. Robin
son, after preaching from Isaiah, xliii. 1, 2. " Thus saith
the Lord that created thee, O Jacob," Sec. I introduced
the Lord's Supper with Isaiah, xhx. 13. " Sing, O heavens ;
and be joyful, O earth ; and break forth into singing, O
mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and
will have mercy upon his afflicted." The words express a
most affectionate rapture ; and as if the prophet were not
himself sufficiently able to express his joy, he calls upon
inanimate nature. Let the mountains reecho it downwards

486 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
to the earth and upwards to heaven, and thus let it excite
our songs. Let celestial music in all its charms be em
ployed to celebrate it; to celebrate what? the deliverance
from Babylon. If it were so, how poor to our triumph.
To come back to an earthly Canaan, where some of their
fathers, some of their grandfathers lived, where so many
risks were to be run, and so many conveniences were to be
resigned, that the greater part, when they had liberty to
do it, chose still to reside at Babylon. But these, if they
had found occasion to weep the diminished glory of their
temple, how much more cause have we. The Lord has
comforted his people. He has a people; and if he sees
them in places that need comfort, he provides it. Who
else could have comforted but the Lord ? H^d we under
stood our true case, we might have derived grief from every
circumstance that had given us affiiction. Was it bodily
pain, gout, or stone; could it be scarcely endured only
a few days. Oh, what would it be to endure such anguish
and agony for ever? If it be grievous to support the dis
tress of a wounded spirit but for a little while, what are
the agonies of eternal despair ? If the loss of a friend be
grievous, what must the everlasting loss and absence of
God be? If I grieve to see a dear child in pain, what
must it be to behold all that are dear to me in torment ?
Oh, what must the situation of my mind be, if I can be
hold this with a strange kind of pleasure, rather than
sympathy? If the insult of enemies in any degree be
grievous, what must the scorn and insult of infernal spirits
be, wherewith they shall seize me as their helpless prey,
and cry, " there shall be no deliverer ?" Thus might we
have. argued, had not Redemption taken place; and what
then should comfort us ? But now, I, even I am he, saith
the Lord, that comforteth you. I speak forgiveness and
peace; and then who shall give trouble? He speaks it
through Christ, and by this memorial of that Saviour's

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 487
love, he will have mercy on his afflicted servants. His
people may be afflicted, as in my text, they may pass
through the fire and the water; but still he has mercy.
He will support them, and that wonderfully. To the up'
right there ariseth light out qf darkness. Have we not
experienced it ? Have we not found the blessed interpo
sition, when he has commanded it; — -when bewildered in
midnight obscurity, we have perceived a sudden light arise
in the mind, we knew' not when or how, and as if day was
born from the womb of the night ! He will deliver them
certainly, and speedily ; — deliver from Death ; for what is
human life, and how many years can remain of it ? He
will deliver them from all their afflictions, he will wipe off
every tear ; he will not merely put off their sackcloth, in
which they lay down in the dress of death, but he will
gird them with gladness. Therefore, O Sion, sing of his
•goodness. Say not, my God has forsaken me. Say rather,
he will never forsake me. He will multiply his comforts,
till he completes my deliverance. In the administration
of the elements, I observed, what if Christ were here in
person, and said, " Let all that love me, all that tmst . me,
all that believe in me, and obey me, come down and take
these meats at the table, and let the rest stay." What
would you say? Perhaps, " Lord, I desire to love thee.
Lord, take away every thing in my heart that opposes."
Well, all shall be well. That desire shows that thou art
his, and that thou hast a right to be here, whatever thou
mayst conceive of the matter. This was the substance.
REFLECTIONS ON THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR 1749.
Lodging at Maidwell on Friday night, I took some time
yesterday morning for a review of the past year; and I
have this evening been looking over what I wrote at the
beginning of it. Many thoughts collected abroad are
marked down on the beginning for reflection ; but I think

488 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
it proper to insert some of them here, lest they be lost or
mislaid, if I should desire to review them hereafter, and
particularly at the close ofthe opening year, if that should
happen, though I think of it with a deep sense of the un
certainty of such an event; and I hope, with an entire
submission to God, as wishing to live only for his glory.
I find the mercies of this year to have been many and
great; I am particularly struck with the thoughts of that
uninterrupted state of health which God has given me;
so that I think I have not been one Lord's day through
the whole year entirely silent, and seldom prevented once
from preaching by any indisposition ; and I have actually
written some of my Family Expositor every day this year,
having been urged to it by a solicitation to print much
earlier than I intended. I have not only ended all the
other notes, but a few on the last chapter of the Revela
tions ; and I have also transcribed, since the end of the
vacation, the whole Epistle to the Romans, and the six
first chapters of the first Epistle to the Corinthians. I have
also this year composed and published a Thanksgiving
Sermon on the Peace, and have transcribed and sent to
the press, though after immense hindrances, which I thought
would -have defeated the purpose, my Letter to Heads of
Families on the important subject of Family Religion. I
have also prepared, but not transcribed, a Letter to Count
Zinzindorf, whose enormous errors and enthusiasm have
filled the whole Protestant world with wonder and with
horror. God has this year given me many choice and
happy opportunities of speaking in his name, insomuch
that I have found upon a review, that besides repetitions
which have been thronged, I have preached a hundred and
fifty times, and our auditory has been generally as full as
it has been for some time, though I cannot say that many
new families or persons known to me have been added.
Yet I bless God, that twenty-two persons have been ad-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 489
Initted into communion ; but as twenty-two have either
died or removed, the number is the same ; but blessed be
God, if we do not decline. There is a comfortable prospect
with regard to the young persons in particular; and I
think the meetings on Lord's day mornings at the vestry
was never better attended ; and I am told by young Mr. B.
that there was never a greater number under serious
impressions. It is much satisfaction to me to learn, that
some societies have been formed among the young people,
who have sometimes been ready to form societies of a very
different kind ; and that some who were despisers of the
gospel are now much attached to it. This I ascribe to the
riches and freedom of divine grace, and to that be all the
glory. I have this year redeived increasing tokens of the ac
ceptance of my works abroad. As' the translation of my
Rise and Progress into French has met with great encou
ragement from the Prince and Princess of Orange, and
most of the Dutch nobility and gentry, and from many in
Switzerland and Germany, so the providence of God has
engaged that pious and elegant writer, M. Vernade, to go
through the work, which would else have been undertaken
in the hands of M. Castlegony; and the Abbot Steinmetz
has engaged M. Rambach to translate the Family Expo
sitor into High Dutch. But as some opposition was made
to it by the Lutheran clergy, it gave an opportunity of
translating the Sermons on Regeneration into that lan
guage, the moderation of which quieted much opposition.
Two eminent German divines, one of Hanover, the other a
son-in-law of the celebrated Schoepling, have undertaken
the translation of the Rise and Progress into that language ;
and apphcation has been made to me for my picture by
several persons. This is but a little circumstance, but it is
produced by others of much greater importance, in which
I desire humbly to acknowledge the divine goodness. I

490 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
think it is since the above year that I received the Ser
mons on the Power and Grace of Christ in Low Dutch,
God has been pleased this year to make the largest
accession of students to my Academy than it has ever
received in any one year, I think fifteen in number ; Cappe,
Cutler, Mercer, Gillebrand, Bradfoot, White, More, Roc-
quet. Walker, Beman, De Hondt, Murray, Rose, Brown,
Three of these, Rocquet, Beman, and De Hondt come
from Holland, from whence I hope there is a prospect
of a further accession, which may by the divine blessing
be of considerable service. And the two last are remark
able on another account : Mr. Murray being likely to rise
to a seat in the House of Lords, as Earl of Dunmore, and
Mr. Rose, his private tutor, is an excellent man. I see
much of the hand of Providence in this, and so much the
more, as there have been several removes ; notwithstanding
which my Academy is more numerous than it has been
for a long time. I think upwards of thirty pupils. At
present thirty-three, besides Mr, Clark,
I bless God, I have been lately delivered from the extra
ordinary fear I had of losing my dear daughter Mary, who
has been extremely ill, but is I hope in a way of recovery.
I solemnly put her, and all my other comforts, for the con
tinuance of which I would be humbly thankful, into the
hands of my father and my God ; and particularly I com
mend the dear, but now much afflicted youths, Clayton
and K. to his gracious care, protection, and favour.
God has been pleased to give me some steadiness in
pursuing my schemes, but not equal to what I could wish,
and I find many just causes of humiliation; especially
that my evening time has not been filled up, and my even
ing duties performed as I could have desired. Neither
have I been so careful of late in talking. and praying with
my pupils and servants as I might and ought to have
been.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 491
I have it further to add, that whereas I did at the be
ginning of the last year make a solemn surrender of a tenth
of my ordinary, and an eighth of my extraordinary income
to the service of God, I find upon a review that upwards
of twenty guineas have been this way employed ; whereas
the income of my people and estate, presents included, has
not been above a hundred and fifty pounds more than by
pupils, of which more than one-tenth has been given in the
education of four of my pupils. Walker, B. Strange, Mer
cer, and White. So that I judge myself to have acquitted
all due on that engagement, in which God has so blessed
me, that I hereby renew it for the ensuing year. This
account was taken, and it was the last written article of
the old year. Blessed be the name of the Lord !
SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE OPENING OF THE NEW
YEAR, 1760.
I HAVE this day been solemnly renewing the dedication of
myself to God, and my heart has been warmed with a great
desire to serve him. I have been considering how I am
to employ myself for him. And on the whole have deter
mined, by the divine assistance, to go on doing something
every day in my Expositor ; hoping that I may before the
end of the year, if God should spare my life, have tran
scribed at least to the end of Ephesians, with the notes, in
which I propose to read Lefant chiefly in the evening, and
to finish for the press the whole on the Romans. If I can
also publish a Sermon on Brotherly Love, and the account
of Zinzindorf, it will be well. For I plainly see that these
things rid very slow with the pressure of so much business,
and there are many letters upon my hands. Nor can I
persuade myself by any means to neglect my people, so
that I must not confide in reading many books or doing-
much other business, while the Family Expositor is in
hand, about the accuracy of which I grow more solicitous.

492 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
as I have so much reason to believe that it will go through
a considerable part of Europe. I must also attend to the
interest of religion among my pupils, and have more con
ferences with them, especially in the evening, than I have
had of late. I shall also probably end Rollin, and perhaps
may get an opportunity of reading a little of Tacitus, with
Gordon's translation, of which I hear so many good things.
But I fear I shall neither publish Sacramental Meditations
nor Hymns;* yet I may perhaps do something towards
getting them in some forwardness.
I would fain hope that the evenings will be more care
fully redeemed, and the beginnings of the afternoons saved,
which have so often been unaccountably lavished away.
I would at least secure four hours a week, to be set down
as to a cash account; and would devote to God the like
proportion of my substance as last year, keeping the ac
count carefully ; and would secure a little time for devout
meditation at least once a week ; and guard against excess
at supper.
In the prospect of being much pressed with letters, I
would consider what my debts of that nature are, and
what I may get dispatched by other hands, either dic
tating, or getting them set down in short hand, to be
transcribed. I would keep an attentive eye on the growth
or declension of the church, and would resolve to inter
cede more fervently with God both on public and private
accounts, as I find my prayers have been too selfish. I
will also bend my preaching with the most fervent applica
tion to the purpose of bringing sinners to Christ, and of
advancing believers in holiness.
I propose to keep my diary as constantly as I can; to
set down memorandums in time, and not to throw the
accounts of one day into another, when I can conveniently
* The Hymns alluded to were published by the Rev. Job Orton, after
the death of Dr. Doddridge.

OF DR, DODDRIDGE. 493
prevent it, which often has occasioned the omission of
many useful hints, and introduces a bad habit in other
things as well as that.
The tender state of my dear daughter's health this year
has thrown me into some anxiety. God knows how near
she lies to my heart. I earnestly beg that, if it be his
blessed will, he would favour me in preserving her life,
and that of poor Mr. Clayton for the ministry.
The lower class not having been very closely super
intended, it has occurred to me not to spend any time
between breakfast and dinner below, except so as to dress
myself, and if I have finished my lectures before dinner,
to call the juniors to spend some time in examining them.
I also would attend sometimes at Mr. Hopkins's society,
and on my own family evening prayer. These things I
propose, by the divine assistance ; and I desire to leave all
my affairs with God, waiting on him, and keeping his
way. MEDITATIONS ON THE SACRAMENT, MARCH 4, 1750.
After a very affectionate sermon on God's not sparing his
own Son, but delivering him up for us all, I delivered some
remarks on those words, " O send forth the lights of thy
truth; let them lead me; let them guide me to thine holy
hill." Whatever sense these words had in the mouth of
David, they refer to heaven, as used by a Christian, at
such a time. It is a hill. It is an ascent in every sense.
We must labour as in ascending a hill. But the pleasure
ofthe view from the summit will well reward the difficulties
of the way. It is not only to the wise a way to the life
above, but it is to depart from hell beneath. It is a holy
hill : there it is holiness in the abstract. Is it not desired
in that view. Am I so unhappy as to be surrounded with
those who are not holy, and who do not desire to be so ?
Lord, thou knowest I long for the perfection of holiness.

494 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
to get rid of these remaining burthens of pollution. But it
is to be remembered, that we need God's light and truth
to be sent out for this purpose. His light. Lord, shine
out upon me, shed knowledge and vigour into my soul ; O
shed thy light upon me both to guide and cheer me;
lest I wander, lest I droop. A ray from God shot forth
into the soul is indeed delightful. And thy truth. Teach
me to depend upon it. Give me a sense of its excellency.
Let my soul rest upon thy promises, and be assured of a
performing God. Let me do an honour to them, by being
persuaded of their reality, and so embracing them. These
thoughts are especially proper at the table of the Lord.
We have been guided to Sion in one sense ; but there is
a better Sion in expectation. May we not hope that from
hence God will send forth his rays, his light, and his truth,
considering all the promises as here sealed. Yea, and
amen. Can we not say, as we have seen thee in the sanc
tuary. MEDITATION ON THE SACRAMENT, APRIL 8, 1760.
I INTRODUCED the Ordinance with these words, "Neverthe
less I have something against thee." I. — Who? Our Lord
Jesus Christ, who holds the stars in his right hand, who
walks among the seven golden candlesticks. He had some
thing against them; though their labour, patience, and zeal
are so honourably commemorated. We may emulate them,
and say, 0 that it were with us as with them ; yet CJirist
had something against them ! Then we should surely in
quire, whether he has not something against us ? and what
can we imagine it to be ? is it with regard to secret devo
tion? not that we omit it; but then it is carelessly per
formed, hurried into hasty moments; is it in our family?
not that we are guilty of the great wickedness of omitting
prayer, but then it is degenerated into a form; is it that
we have little concern about the souls committed to our

OF DR, DODDRIDGE, 495
care, children, servants, or friends ? is it that we are want
ing in charity ? whether in candour, finding fault with the
characters of others, and presuming to censure them, when
perhaps they are better than ourselves ? or that we want
charity to the bodies of others ? have not set apart a por
tion of our substance, as many do ? that we do not look into
their cases — do not care to hear of their sorrows, but are
ingenious to find out excuses for blaming, instead of pitying
and relieving them. Is it attachment to this world, either
its honours, profits, or pleasures ? is it the loss of our first
love ? how unreasonable ! why should we love Christ less
than we -did, when he first formed an acquaintance with
our souls? has he not rather bestowed more and greater
favours upon us ? well then, let us own, that whatever he
has against us we are inexcusable : and to you, spectators,
has he not something against you? even this single circum
stance, that you attend not upon his table : though you
have had so many engagements and invitations, though so
many have testified to the refreshments they have received,
which testimony we now repeat. What then is to be done ?
if thy brother has ought against thee, go and be reconciled,
much more is it to be reconciled here ; but you need not
go, for lo he is here ! pour out your hearts before him,
and say, blessed Jesus, I repent, forgive me. Give me grace
for the future to walk more consistently with thee ; if thou
hast any thing more against me. Lord make me know it,
and I will gladly renounce it. Lord, I can relish nothing
while thou hast ought against me.
MEDITATIONS ON A SACRAMENT, MAY 6, 1750.
Perhaps I have seldom in my whole life seen any sacra
ment from which I had less expectation than from the pre
sent ; in some measure on account of my bodily indisposi
tion, for a violent cold had seized my lungs, which kept
me from preaching either parts of the day, though in the

496 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
afternoon much against my will ; and besides, that I think
I never was in so languid a frame as to religion. I have
hardly enjoyed any thing of God, either in secret or the
family, during the preceding week ; my soul might, if ever,
be said to cleave to the dust. Some of the time which I
should this morning have spent in meditation, and this
afternoon in prayer, I spent in sleep ; and this from a real
persuasion, that in the state of animal nature, from which
I suffered, it was the best way I could employ my time.
Yet it pleased God to give me some wonderful enlargement
at the table of the Lord from those words, " we are no
more strangers and foreigners." — The state in which Chris
tians are, and the manner in which they came into it, fur
nished matter of much sweet meditation. We are of God's
household : witness our sitting at his table ; how honour
able and how happy a condition ! blessed to be servants ;
but we are children ; fellow-citizens with the saints ; en
rolled in the catalogue of those who belong to the New
Jerusalem. What if diseases and devils were subject to us,
it were not such matter of joy, as that our names should
be written in heaven. How pleasant to think that we are
brought into God's family, whereas once strangers. It is
by Christ we have access to him — by his blood. This
shows at what a dreadful distance we were. This gives us
cause to rejoice in our present privileges with trembling.
It is a privilege purchased by the blood of his own Son :
the agency of the Spirit was also concerned. There was a
certain dress in which we were to be introduced ; not merely
a habit of ceremony, but one necessary to our own case and
happiness. The Spirit's interposition was necessary. I then
mentioned the circumstances of Christ's blood being shed
for many ; for all the pious dead. Let us rejoice and con
gratulate each other it was also for us, for many unborn, 0
blessed society! rejoice and bless God for each ; for all that
have been, and that shall be. It was quite astonishing and

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 497
very delightful to me, that so dark a morning should end
in so bright an evening. Nor did I find animal nature
fatigued ; but rather on the whole refreshed by the labours
ofthe day.
MEMORANDUMS RELATING TO JUNE 2, 1750, A DAY SPENT
IN SOLEMN FASTING AND PRAYER.
Being much affected with many things I h^ve lately read
in the journal of that faithful and zealous servant of Christ,
Mr. David Brainerd, and observing particularly that he
abounded much more than most men of his day in the duty
of secret fasting and prayer, I determined, by the divine
assistance, to attempt the exercise of the former long neg
lected duty. I fixed upon this day for that purpose, and in
my secret retirements intreated the divine assistance in the
prosecution of the design ; that I might have the more
time to command in the forenoon, I delivered a devotional
lecture in the family before breakfast time on those words,
draw near to God and he will draw near to you, and I had
some enlargement of heart and tender touches in the prose
cution of that duty, though not the greatest readiness and
liberty of expression. Then, after a very slender breakfast,
which I thought might prevent my being unfit for duty, I
retired to the vestry, but finding some people at work in the
meeting, I walked out and meditated and prepared further
materials. I returned to my retirement in the vestry quickly
after eleven, when I solemnly endeavoured to prepare my
soul, and had a most cheerful hope that it would be a-
blessed opportunity. I spent a quarter of an hour in ear
nestly imploring the divine assistance ; then for more than
half an hour I reviewed my late conduct, and struggled
hard to humble myself deeply before God, which, blessed be
his name, I did. I reviewed also the dealings of God with
my soul. For three quarters of an hour more, that is, until
past one, I confessed my sins before God, and earnestly
VOL. v. K K

498 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
desired the warmer exercises of divine love. Then for about
twenty minutes I renewed, with great sincerity, the entire
surrender of myself to God, and thought, with unutterable
delight, on the counterpart of the covenant, that he is my
God, and resolved in his strength, rather to die, than to
deal unfaithfully with him; neither life nor heaven ap
peared desirable, but as for his sake, and as to serve him
and enjoy his presence; I felt great fervour and delightful <
outgoings of soul after' God ; I read hymns and passages
of Scripture, especially the end of Romans viii. I then
spent about half an hour in praying for temporal and
spiritual blessings on myself; and a whole hour in earnest
intercession for my dear flock, and for each of my pupils,
and children, and select friends by name ; I especially
intreated that God would do me the honour to accept my
son as a minister, and inspire him with a desire after that
office. I also interceded with growing fervour for the pro
pagation of the gospel abroad, and the advancement of
it in my own country. I spread the affair of my journey
before God, and intreated his protection and assistance,
especially in carrying on my design for the promoting mis
sionaries, and the education of young ministers, and lads
intended for that office. About a quarter of an hour more
was spent in projecting some further schemes for the di
vine honour; when I thought of visiting some heads of
families to inquire as to the success of my Letter on Family
Prayer, and the Letter to Count Zinzindorf, which, with the
Sermon on Candour, I recommended to the Divine blessing.
A storm of thunder then arising, I had some sweet views
in reading the twenty-ninth psalm ; and I then set myself
to a solemn act of thanksgiving, with which I concluded
these acts of retired devotions about a quarter before four.
And I must record it to the honour of divine grace, that I
never enjoyed more of God within the compass of five hours
that I can remember in my whole life. Oh, how wanting

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 499
have I been to myself, that I have no more sought such
feasts as these. The violent thunder and rain detained me
in some thing of an uneasy waiting for above half an hour
after my plan was finished, and kept me in such a situation,
that the devotions with which my mind was then enter
tained were very much interrupted. And afterwards I
found that cares lay in ambush for me at home, from which
I had great reason to rejoice that I had so long escaped.
MEDITATIONS ATTENDING THE SACRAMENT, JUNE 3, 1750.
The effects of those humble supplications I was yesterday
presenting were, indeed, powerfully felt this day, which
was one of the most blessed days of my whole hfe : it was
a circle of sacred joy from morning till evening. At the
Lord's table I discoursed on the feast of fat things, 8cc.
I bore testimony to God, that he has made this holy fea&t.
Is it not sweet ? Even thus to remember God on this side
heaven. Oh this wine of the neiv covenant ! How well
refined ! These sacred pleasures are pure indeed : and
God made this feast for all nations. For heathens as well
as Jews — and thus we of the Gentiles are brought into it.
Oh, that it may be every where spread, and every where
frequented. God has taken off the veil of sin from our
faces in some measure — once all was darkness ; now there
is light. Oh may he take it off yet more completely. Go
on, my soul, to contemplate the day when God will swal
low up Death in victory : no trace of it shall then be
seen, and God will then wipe away all tears.* Then the
rebuke shall cease, and scorn shall be no more. The
Lord has spoken it. Let us anticipate. Let us say with
dying Mr. Sanderson, This is our God, we have waited for
him. Oh, had it been longer, it had been worth our while,
* " This one scripture bore up a dying friend, that was Mr. Hopkins,
through more than three tedious months of confinemen.t on a dying bed."
This note is written on the margin ofthe MS.
K K 2

500 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
for he will save us. What reason have we to be glad, if
he will rejoice. He feasts us here, and that is but an
earnest of our eating bread in the kingdom of God. Ordi
nances shall soon be superseded, and we shall drink no
more of the fruit of this vine ! At the collection, I said :
You shall witness for me before God, that I have not
taught you a religion consistent with the neglect of doing
good.
MEMORANDUMS RELATING TO SEPTEMBER 1, 1750, A DAY
SPENT AT THE VESTRY IN SECRET FASTING, HUMILIA
TION, AND PRAYER.
I HAD long expected and wished for this day, in the
humble hopes that it might be a good day to my soul. I
laboured an hour in secret in preparing my heart, though
with too little sensible success. I then spent more than
another hour in family prayer, and a discourse from the
concluding words in Ecclesiastes, to my young people, in
all of which I was sincere, but had very little holy enlarge
ment. It was half an hour past ten before I could get to
the vestry, being obliged to go round for the key, and
when I began I found my thoughts too much dissipated.
I laboured pretty much with my heart to get it in a proper
frame ; th6n I intreated divine assistance suitable to the
plan. In humbling myself before God, I renewed my
covenant, and committed my affairs, public and private, to
him, and formed schemes for his service. This employed
about twenty minutes. Then for about thirty minutes
more I humbled myself before God, confessing my sins,
mourning over them, owning my demerit, but felt too
little of the divine purity, or of my own wretchedness, nor
could I shed a tear. I particularly called to mind the
sins of my journey — indevotion, neglect of scripture, sen
suality, barrenness, aggravated by the extraordinary mercies
of it; of v/hich see afterwards. But about this time my

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 501
heart grew more insensible ; I was weary of this necessary
work, and felt a sudden drowsiness seize me ; and hoping
that it might a little refresh my feeble spirits, and invi
gorate animal nature, after having the night before slept
but indifferently, I indulged it for a few minutes. After
this I spent an hour with much more spirit in confession,
reading psalms and hymns subservient to the service, and
in recollecting the mercies of my journey, my interview
with Lady Huntingdon, and deliverance from fire. In
these duties I found sweet minglings of gratitude and
humiliation ; and then till near one, I was employed iu
renewing the dedication of my soul to God, and my solemn
covenant with him through the blood of his son, and
rejoicing in it, and desiring to impress my soul with the
recollection that it was in virtue of the efficacy of Christ's
blood that this blessed privilege was allowed me. Till
almost two was employed in prayer for the interests of
religion in the world, the propagation of the gospel, and a
blessing on our own land. I lamented the sins of the
public with some affection, and prayed with some zeal for
the revival of religion, and the averting deserved judgments.
But when I came to pray for the church committed to my
own care, I was strangely confounded. The debates that
happened at the last church meeting ruffled my spirits and '
dissipated my thoughts ; and my devotion was much
interrupted by a reverie of thought concerning past facts
and future probabilities, though certainly the present diffi
culties should have awakened devotion rather than thus
have disturbed it. Yet the succeeding half hour was more
comfortably spent in intreating God for the church and
for my pupils : and going into the meeting, my heart was
enlarged, that the place might be filled with the presence
and blessing of God. Till past three I prayed for the
children, and recommended cases of particular friends to
God. I then surveyed the schemes of usefulness which I

502 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
had formerly planned, and selected some for more imme
diate execution, preparing in part some of those catalogues
which may direct me in future applications ; and then
praying them over, I concluded with thanks to God, and
intreaties for his blessing upon me. I ended a few minutes
before four ; and though this day was very unlike the 4th
of June, I bless God that it has been observed, as I hope
it may promote further humiliation, which the enlargement
of that day in one view may do as I have, alas ! so soon
forgotten that God, who then so remarkably manifested
himself to me, and made me so happy.
Written at the Vestry, Sept. 1, 1750.
These retirements certainly increase rny engagement to
holy diligence in my ministerial duties, and in walking with
God, in the care of my pupils, and people, and children,
and servants. Added to all this, tliere was one twenty
minutes which was beyond all comparison the sweetest of
all, and equal to any thing in the happy day referred to
above, that God drew and I followed after ; nor were my
cries for his holy Spirit in vain.
MEMORANDUMS OF THE SACRAMENT, SEPT. 2, 1750.
Having preached with great pleasure and enlargement
from those words of Paul, " If I live in the fiesh, this is
the fruit of my labours," I spoke at the table of the Lord
from those words, " Ye are not your own, ye are bought
with a price," &c. Were I addressing myself to heathens,
I might say, ye are not your own ; not to act as if you
were subject to no account; you are not self-existent, self-
sufficient beings, and therefore you must expect to account
for your Creator's benefits. But how much more as Chris
tians, and in the view of the Lord's table ? Ye are bought
with a price. What price ? If I were to ask, not only the
least instructed communicant, but a child, he would tell

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 503
me, with the blood of Christ. But who considers it?
What does it mean, that Christ has by his blood delivered
and saved us ? We were ruined. Pity entered his heart.
He was desirous to deliver, to secure pardon and peace, to
take us under his protection, and to conduct us to glory.
But here was an aweful condescension, and not as I
suppose unnecessary : it could only be accomplished by
death. Well, even at this rate, oh, astonishing grace ! he
condescended : so he bought us, and so we became his
property ; and therefore not our own — and we are to
glorify God. For he redeemed us to God by his blood.
He has no separate interest and property from the Father.
All mine are thine, and thine are mine. We are now
required to glorify God in body and soul, for Christ has
redeemed both ; redeemed our soul, yea, and our body,
although the meanest part of our nature. He leaves it,
indeed, to pass by death into a deplorable state, as abomin
able to the senses as the body of a dead brute; but he
will deliver it at the last day. We must therefore give
him body and soul. The body without the soul in out
ward acts of religion were abominable hypocrisy. The
soul without the body is impossible, while the soul dwells
in the body. The actions of the body will in the main
follow the dictates of the soul ; it is not, therefore, a
sanctified soul that dwells in a body, whose members are
used to profane, intemperate purposes. Both are the
Lord's. Is it not reasonable ? Does Christ demand too
much? Is it only a part of us that he ought to have?
No. Lord, were the faculties of our souls a thousand
times nobler, and the members of our bodies a thousand
times stronger, yea, were we to live a thousand years, all
were too little to give to thee. We are ashamed, but they
are such as we have; and we trust that thou wilt at length
make them nobler and better, and in token of this we now
come to thee.

504 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
MEMORANDUMS RELATING TO A SEASON OF SOLEMN
PRAYER, OCT. 5, 1750.
With great relish did I think of this day before its ap
proach. I was, indeed, hindered in my secret preparation
for it last night and this morning by Mr; Lucas's and Mr.
Proctor's visit, which made it a matter of duty to take tlie
season for a conversation with both, on matters which I
knew not how to postpone. But I spent more than an
hour and a half in prayer with, and preaehing to my
family from Psalm cxix. 9. " Wherewithal shall a young
man cleanse his way," S)C. Through unavoidable hinder-
ances, I could not get to my asylum, the vestry, till a
quarter before eleven. I then began with general actions
of devotion, by imploring Divine assistance, and reviewing
the memorandums of the last month; in which, indeed, I
found much cause for thanksgiving, mingled with humilia
tion, especially for the presence of God in secret, and
family prayer in a morning, and assistance in my public
labours, which, through grace, have this month been ani
mated and pleasant. But. I had reason to be humbled,
that I had been very careless in the evening, and that,
through so many interruptions, I had dispatched much
less business in my study than I could wish to have done.
There has also been too great a neglect as to the private
care of my congregation; for which I humbled myself be
fore God, while I acknowledged his mercy. I then cheer
fully renewed the dedication of myself to God, rejoiced
greatly in him, and earnestly begged larger degrees of sanc
tifying grace. I found particular reason to bless God for
the increase of my Academy this month, by the accession
of several charming and promising pupils, particularly Rol-
leston, Scholfield, Holland, Robins, my son, and Smith, with
the prospect of some others. For the prospect of success
in the youth's scheme ; for pointing out Mr. Lucas, when

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 505
I was disappointed in Mr. Rose as -a tutor. I solemnly
referred to God the youth's scheme, the Academy, and
Family Expositor, the subscription to which is soon to be
opened. On all these accounts, I felt a cheerful joy in
God ; but above all in the views of heaven, and in the hope
of appearing with acceptance and a blessing in the presence
of my great Judge at last. These meditations and prayers,
intermingled, employed me till twenty minutes past one,
and left me but one hour more for intercessions, for public
and for particular cases, social or personal. With great
fervency of spirit did I spend a whole hour in this delight
ful exercise, pouring out my soul before God, for the
World and the Church ; losing what was particular in
what was general, upon truly Christian and Cathohc prin
ciples, as God is witness. Yet I was enabled to cry earn
estly for God's blessing ori my labours, and the church
under my care, and ori every friend named in my list,
whose particular circumstances I spread before God. And
now my time was ended ; and I saw it with regret. I left
the feast with an appetite, and my soul said, it is good
to be here. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from hence
forth, even for ever. Amen. Vestry, Oct. 6, 1750.
HINTS OF MEDITATIONS AT THE SACRAMENT,
OCTOBER 7, 1750.
I iNTRODucEDtlie Ordinance with a meditation on Jer. 1.
20. " The iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there
shall benone : and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be
found; for I ivill pardon them whom I reserve." A promise
relating to the readmission of the Israelites into the charter,
therefore common to Christians. God will pardon them
more fully. It implies, if sin were sought for, there shall
be no trace found. This may refer to the mark of the curse
upon them, when the blood of Christ lay on them and their

506 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
children. God would do it entirely away ; and so he does
with respect to all believers. As yet we see not all things
put under his feet, though it is said they shall be. We see
not all the sins of Judah and Israel done away — or of
God's people — they are under some remaining token of
sin; and of these are all distempers — all the deaths of
children, and all other calamities. Yet soon shall their sepa
rate spirits be dismissed ; and then, with regard to them,
there will not be a mark of sin remaining ! God never
joined a rational soul to a body for a punishment : it was
a token of his favour to bestow instruments of action and
of happiness. Death never came otherwise than as the
wages of sin, actual or imputed ; therefore we must consider
souls in separate abodes, even in abodes of glory, as under
some remembrance of sin, that is only to be done away by
the resurrection. Never did any sinful creature appear in
the likeness of such bodies ; we are not then as servants
of Christ, in the likeness of sinful, but of sinless flesh.
Death and sin shall then be swallowed up in victory. And
God says, / will pardon those whom I reserve ; intimating,
that it was in consequence of his reserve that they were par
doned. He reserves them as a little remnant from destruc
tion : except the Lord had chosen them they would have been
cut off as Sodom, where there was no remnant. He pre
serves them as a remnant remaining according to the elec
tion of grace. We are a remnant. We might have been cut
off unconverted. God has spared, has reserved us. Adore
his name, and trust in him to abolish all remaining me
morials of sin. And, oh, rejoice in the pardon. Blessed is
the man whose iniquity is pardoned. Is not ours ? Are
we not receiving the pardon ? Let us trust in Christ. And,
oh, let us rejoice ! After breaking the bread, in which I
repeated the heads of the sermon, I had an affecting re
presentation of my heart's desire, and prayed for every one
of my people, and for each of my hearers.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 507

MEMORANDUMS RELATING TO A DEVOTIONAL DAY,
OBSERVED NOVEMBER 3, 1750.
The day began well with ardent aspirations after God in
secret and family prayer, and the devotional lecture. My
frame varied much. My voice was so much out of order when
I began, chiefly from taking too much hartshorn last night,
that I could scarcely speak; but my heart was so much
inoved in discoursing on that subject, how we ought to
walk to please God, that I spoke freely, and have seldom
delivered any discourse with more pleasure. Quickly after
ten I was coming to the meeting, but was prevented by
Mr.  's coming to settle accounts with Miss Ekins,
which employed me till past eleven. It was then a full half
hour past when I reached my asylum in the vestry, where
I began with pouring out my heart before God for his
blessing with much seriousness and ardour of soul. I then
reviewed the memorandums of the last season, and reviewed
an account of my conduct, in which I had much reason for
humiliation, especially that no more had been done in the
evening devotions, and in the care of the congregation,
pursuant to a scheme I had laid this day month ; I then
read my solemn acknowledgments to God for several par
ticular mercies ; and an addition to the Academy, that of
Henderson, the prospect of Mason and another youth ; and
for success thus far in the youth's scheme, in which several
of my people appear heartily to concur ; and the rise of a
Society, from which I have received a present of Bibles
and Catechisms for the poor ; the probabihty of further en
couragement to my Academy from London, and the pre
vention of some party schemes from taking place there ;
the serious impressions under which Mrs. Shelton appears ;
the delightful interview I have had with those kind, faith
ful, and flaming servants of Christ, Whitfield, Hartly, and
Rowland ; and some enlargement of heart which God has

508 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
lately given me in public service. In consideration of these
mercies, I renewed my covenant with God, and rejoiced
triumphantly in it. I was then earnest with God for a fur
ther blessing and more abundant assistance in my minis
terial work, in my characters as a tutor and a writer ; I re
commended my people and pupils to God, and my writings
already dispatched to his more abundant blessing. I then
interceded largely for my particular friends by name, and
this employed me till fifteen minutes past two. But my
spirits towards the end beg^n to flag, and the rather as it
grew extremely cold. . Then, till nearly three o'clock,
I interceded with God for the church and world, and was
taken up in admiring and adoring redeeming love, and in
blessing God for that communion which I enjoyed with
Him this day, though not altogether uninterrupted. But
God has been with me of a truth. He has heard the
language of my heart as well as my voice. And I leave it
upon record, that I expect his blessing, and hope to have
new matter of praise as to special manifestations of divine
love, and some as to ministerial success before another of
these days' returns. Amen, Lord, Amen.

MEMORANDUMS OF THE SACRAMENT, NOV. 4, 1750.
I HAVE seldom had less sensible enjoyment in the public
duties of a Sacrament day. I arose late, through the moni
tor's fault. I was sincere, but not lively, in my morning's
devotions ; attentive and comfortable in the forenoon, when
Mr. Clark preached an excellent Sermon from these words,
God is love. In the afternoon I preached an old sermon on
these words. The King's daughter is all glorious within.
And as it was all ready, I took too little care to impress my
heart with it ; as I was a little out of breath in going to
the place of public worship, my voice was bad, and my
thoughts dissipated, and my heart, though sincere and

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 509
honest, cold as a stone. I had very httle enjoyment at the
Sacrament, at which very few were present. The Scripture
was, " You who were once alienated and enemies in your
minds by wicked works, hath he reconciled in the body of his
flesh through death, that he may present you holy and
blameless, and unreprovable in his sight, if ye continue in
the faith, rooted and grounded, and be not moved from the
hope of the gospel." My meditation was very short. I
took up each of the thoughts; represented our natural
state; our reconciliation by Christ's death; the view of
blameless presentation ; and the necessary precaution to
be taken, that if we desire it, we must retain faith and
hope ; and on that I grounded a suitable exhortation, but
I had little enlargement • or sensible consolation. In the
evening I was something better. I visited some of my
people and prayed with them, both with some enlargement
and tenderness. . Coming home, I found a most affectionate
enlargement in secret prayer ; I never breathed more cor
dially and sincerely after God ; I gave up every thing to
him ; prayed for more grace, aud more nearness to him ;
and consented to be any how abased, humbled, affiicted,
bereaved, or tortured if for his glory. It was a bright,
though transient ray.

MEMORANDUMS RELATING TO A DEVOTIONAL DAY,
DECEMBER 1, 1750..
My heart was, I trust, upright with God in the duties of
the morning, both in secret and in the family, when I gave
a discourse on those words, " Knowing that whatsoever good
thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord,
whether he be bond or free." But as my voice was much
out of order, in consequence of a cold got last night, it
damped my spirit and hindered the service from being so
delightful as it often is. I got to the vestry a quarter

510 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
before eleven, and made it my first business to potir out
my soul before God, which I did with great freedom and
enlargement, ardently longing for more of the Spirit to
sanctify and quicken me, and humbly renewing the dedi
cation of myself to God. On reviewing the last memo
randums, and reflecting, as well as I could, on what has
passed since the beginning of the last month, the following
reflections occurred. I have had less communion with
God in secret than often at other times, yet in the main my
heart has been right with God. I have had great enlarge
ment in public worship, especially last Lord's day night,
when speaking on those words, I would make supplication
to my Judge. Drowsiness has interrupted me sometimes,
particularly in our days of prayer, on account of the dis
temper among the horses, and on account of the smallpox,
which has broke out at Harpole and in the neighbour
ing places. I have seen but little of the effects of my
ministry according to my hopes; God rather threatening
to diminish my auditory. Yet, besides evident tokens of
God's presence in my ministry, as to my own frame, there
has been great attention, larger auditories than I could
have expected, considering all things; the young men's
society seeming to go on very well. I have heard of two
pupils who promise well ; and, blessed be God, things go
on prosperously as to the regularity of the Academy, and
Mr. Lucas proves to my satisfaction. These are mercies
which I would acknowledge in the midst of some discou
ragements and sorrows. These things I acknowledged
before God ; and before I entered on what was peculiar to
the design of the day, I set myself to contemplate a little
on the sufferings of Christ. I found unbelief working
strongly for a while, and could not realize them at first;
but at length my heart melted. I had a sweet survey, and
was enabled to rejoice in his triumph and glory, and to de
vote' myself to him, as not being my own, but as having

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 511
been bought with such a price. I then found my heart
inflamed with an earnest desire of acting for this Saviour,
and asked of God wisdom and resolution for that purpose,
in the hope that I shall attain it. This employed me till
twenty minutes past twelve. I then employed some consi
derable time in praying for my friends and relatives, and
in recommending to God largely and earnestly those for
whom I often intercede by name; but especially the af
flicted family at Harpole, for whom I poured out a large
and earnest intercession. I was then seized a little with
heaviness ; but about one renewed my petitions relating to
my Family Expositor, which I in a very solemn manner
committed to God, and had a secret intimation, as I thought,
that some suitable Scripture would be given in as a token
that God heard and answered, when this came into my
thoughts, " Blessed is the man, whose delight is in the law
qf the Lord. — His leaf also shall not whither, and what
soever he doeth shall prosper." But I was on a sudden in
terrupted, while thinking on this, with a secret suspicion,
concerning the bank-bill which Mr. B. gave me for Mr.
Robins, not recollecting any account of it in what Mr. Neal
sent me last night. But I endeavoured to compose my
spirit as well as I could upon that occasion, only charging
it seriously upon myself as a providential admonition, to be
more" careful for the time*to come, in noting down any thing
which may hereafter occur, in a matter of such great im
portance, I concluded with a very fervent prayer to God for
his interest in general, and for the prosperity of his Church.
Herein particularly I found my heart unaccountably drawn
out in prayer for a backslider among my people; indeed
in such a manner, that I hardly knew what to think, whe
ther it were not an intimation that God would appear by
his Almighty power in this strange event, for such assuredly
it would be. But I left it with him, as I do every thing
else, waiting upon God and desiring to keep his way ; but

512 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
surely he will make it apparent that these eamest suppli
cations have not been in all respects in vain. I closed the
exercise at about half past two.
HINTS OF MEDITATIONS AT THE LORD'S SUPPER,
DECEMBER 2, 1750.
I PREACHED very seriously on those words, " I will declare
thy righteousness, that it shall not profit ;" and humbly ac
knowledged the deficiency of my best deeds, especially of
my ministerial services, with great affection. It was in
every respect a good day to me. And though I had little
time at the table of the Lord, upon account of the short
ness of the days, yet, I bless God, I had some tolerable de
gree of comfort. My Scripture was in Hebrews : " For the
joy that was set before him he endured the cross," &c. In
the preface I observed, how dear a view it gave of our Lord's
humiliation and exaltation. Humility — he endured the
cross and despised the shame. Here was the ignominy and
the agony of crucifixion, yet Christ made little of it, when
(aj'Ti) it was considered as set against the joy proposed as
a price, for so the word signifies. And what was this ? His
own exaltation and glory and personal advantage? No.
It was not a matter of bargain and sale, but liberal, com
passionate love. It was that he might have the benevolent
pleasure of redeeming us. This wagthe great end, and it was
one worthy of Christ, and worthy of our praise and admira
tion. But we leave him not on the cross. He sees us con
gratulating his sitting down at the right hand of the Ma
jesty on high. There he reigns, and will in due time ap
point us also a throne. But it is well for us that we do not
particularly know the glory of heaven. Stephen saw it at
the hour of death, else he would not have endured to live,
/ will be to you a God. — Delightful thought ! universal
cordial ! Oppose it to every human evil ; sickness, poverty,
the loss of friends, the near view of death. Yes. But

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 513
/ loill be to you a God ! — that balances all. I adore the
divine goodness in making this so blessed and joyful a
day. God has this day answered part of my prayers, and
I hope and trust he will answer the rest.
Yesterday I omitted to make a memorandum of Lady
Huntingdon's apprehended dangerous illness. I hope in
part there is a prospect of her recovery through my means
in sending over Mr. Jones. To have done any thing towards
the preserving of that angelic life would be one of the
greatest felicities that could attend mine,
REFLECTIONS ON THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR 1750.
God has lengthened out my too unprofitable life another
year, and I hope through his grace I can say that it has
been a year of some service, I am sure that it has been a
year crowned with many mercies, and worthy of being
particularly celebrated ; perhaps never any one year of my
life was distinguished by more, for which I desire humbly
to adore him. It has been a year of almost uninterrupted
and high health. I know not that I have been kept out
of the pulpit by illness any one whole sabbath. I have
now, through the fourth year, been enabled every day to
write some of my Family Expositor, and have not only
finished my notes on the Revelation, but transcribed from
the sixth chapter of the First of Corinthians to the end of
the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians, except only part
of the notes on Corinthians. I have also had an oppor
tunity of publishing my Sermon on Candour, and that of
the Guilt and Doom of Capernaum, and that upon account
of the Earthquake, together with Mr, Some's Discourse
upon Inoculation, which I hope, by the divine blessing,
may be a means of preserving some lives, I have also had
an opportunity of preparing a New Translation of the Minor
Prophets, in order to an Exposition upon them; and I have
proceeded since the 1st of October from the beginning
VOL. V. , L L

514 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
of Hosea to the end of Micah. I have had many oppor
tunities of preaching to large auditories, I think about one
hundred and forty-five Sermons, besides Repetitions and
Devotional Lectures this year. I know not that many new
families have been added to our auditory ; several persons
whom I may mention below have been taken off; and yet,
I thank God, we are in the main as well attended as last
year, though the smallpox in the neighbouring villages
must have been some disadvantage to our communion ;
indeed no more than thirteen have been added, some who
were proposed not having been accepted. The prospect
among the young persons grows instead of declining, and
perhaps it was hardly ever better since I came to North
ampton than it now is. The Societies go on well, and the
number of them and their members rather increases than
lessens. As for the reception of my works abroad, a vexa
tious accident has happened in the publication of the
translation of my Rise and Progress into French; but I
hope Mr. V. who has been at so great a distance a long
time, will soon undertake to finish it; but it is actually
published in High German, translated by Mr. M. of Han
over, as the Family Expositor has been at Magdeburg by
R. and my Letter on Family Prayer is also published in
Low Dutch.
My Academy continues in a fl&urishing state, and there
are circumstances which seem to promise its further estab
lishment. There have been added to it, Messrs. Scholfield,
Robins, Holland, Taylor, Henderson, RoUeston, to which
may be added my son and Mr. Procter, in all eight. God
has inspired Mr. Neal and Mr. Barker with a very kind
thought in our favour; in consequence of which a sub
scription of forty pounds per annum, I know not how, is
made for the support of a second tutor ; which has intro
duced a face of greater order than before into my family,
and may I suppose in its consequences bring in some who

OF DR. DODDRIDGX^ 515
may be added to the thirty, of which we already consist.
By means of this, I am enabled to bring into execution a
scheme I have some time since laid for the education of
lads in grammar learning; and I have now in that view
the six following, Mr. Bennet, a serious lad lately arrived,
and who is subsisted by an exhibition of ten guineas yearly
from Lady Huntingdon, Messrs. Howe, Brooks, Robotham,
Cole, and Smith ; three of whom come from a distance ;
and I hope they will many of them prove a seed to serve
the Lord, who shall be accounted to him for a generation.
The number of pupils, and lads altogether, is now thirty-
six ; and I hope a subscription will be raised for this good
purpose. My dear Polly's life was threatened again in the
spring ; but God had mercy upon me, and has graciously
raised her, and confirmed her health. She has been absent
from us ever since Midsummer, but, in the family where
she has been, was in the way of improvement ; and, I bless
God, I have growing comfort in all my children.
With some afflictions God has been pleased to exercise,
me. Nearly sixty have died or removed from the congre
gation during the course of the closing year. Some young
ones we have lost by the smallpox, of whose usefulness we
had hopes, and fifteen church members are either dead or
removed, (on the whole, forty-three dead, and ten removed)
so that we are declined by about two this year ; but, I bless
God, we have not lost any number of important persons.
The death of my dear friend Dr. Clark, who died suddenly
the 4th instant, is a providence long to be remembered;
indeed never to be forgotten. The mercies of my journey
I would solemnly acknowledge ; the wonderful preservation
of my study from fire, and the preservation and growing
friendship of Lady Huntingdon,
I know not exactly how the charitable account of the
last year stood, the book being burned; but I suppose,
including the book which I gave away so largely, I mean
ll2'

516 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
the Letter on Family Prayer, the whole was discharged,
I renew the like resolution for this year; and desire to
observe how God prospers me, that I may do in proportion
to it. Too many of the complaints of last year continue.
I have reason for humiliation. But adored be his good
ness, it is intermingled with some causes of rejoicing. This
memorandum, though written something late, I date
Monday, Dec. 31, 1750.
REFLECTIONS AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW YEAR, 1751.
Tins day have I very solemnly renewed my covenant en
gagements to God in secret, and spoken with great enlarge
ment of his mercies from Psalm cxxxvi. 1. O that my
life may speak my sense of them ! In considerations of
what I should do for God, it occurred to my mind, that I
will still go on with my Family Expositor, the publication
of which I shall look upon as the great work of some
ensuing years, and shall be very happy if I can transcribe
at least the paraphrase and improvements, as far as the
end of the Second of Peter. Whether I shall be able to
publish any of my Hymns, or whether my Letter to Count
Zinzindorf should be published, I know not ; but the Ser
mon on the death of my honoured friend. Dr. Clark, cannot
be excused. I intend to finish the Translation of the Minor
Prophets, and now and then to write out a Sacramental
Meditation for the press, and perhaps to transcribe a few
Hymns, but I can expect to do little of either, as I am
extremely in debt as to letters to persons of importance,
and here I must exert myself.
I thank God, my Diary has been useful this year, and
my retirements in the vestry especially, so that I will
pursue them; sometimes I will talk with servants, and
pupils, whom I have much neglected as to conversation
with them on religious topics. My own family prayer
and exposition of the New Testament have been strangely

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 517
neglected, which I would endeavour to reform ; and would
study to make visits in the congregation more useful. I
know not that I ever in my life felt a stronger resolution
for God than I have felt this day. I pray God it may not
be the occasion of showing my weakness, and the treachery
of my own heart. Amen.
A SEASON OF RETIREMENT FOR PRAYER AT THE
VESTRY, JANUARY 5, 1751.
I WAS much perplexed with business before I came, and in
terrupted so, that I went through family duty very heavily,
several of my young people being absent ; the sermon, which
I repeated, was from those words, " O taste and see that
the Lord is good." I was then quite lethargic ; but came
hither soon after eleven. I was very earnest in the intro
ductory prayer, and spent a good deal of time in reviewing
the memorandums with which the preceding year was
introduced, and in writing reflections on the past, and
some meditations on the present season ; struck with what
I had noted of the breaches made on the congregation and
church not being fully made up. I was very large and
very earnest in intreating that God would revive it, and
that he would give me some token for good very speedily ;
and indeed such was the unusual earnestness with which
my heart was drawn out after God, that I could not but
hope that it would be so. It was nearly two when these
devotions were concluded. I then renewed delightfully
the solemn dedication of my soul to God, with warm reso
lutions for his service ; then interceded largely and parti
cularly for the Academy, and the new school, in which
every particular pupil, and lad, with his circumstances,
was mentioned at large. All my select friends in the
ministry and others had their share in my intercession;
my works were also committed to God, and several thoughts
started relative to future service ; and of the consecration

518 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
to charity ; of a tenth of my clear income from the congre
gation ; pupils and books ; estate in land or money ; and
the eighth of extraordinary presents in money. It also
occurred to me to engage Messrs. Clark and Lucas to talk
with their lads about rehgion ; to endeavour to awaken
the zeal of senior pupils ; to think of a discourse upon zeal ;
to endeavour to animate poor Mr.  to set up his stan
dard for Christ ; to preach on the atonement of Christ ere
long as the justifier of him that believes ; and to think of
Cole's Inoculation. These thoughts occurring to me while
I was thus praying, I set them down to be recollected this
day month, if God should spare me so long. My affiicted
friends were largely remembered ; and on the whole my
heart was so drawn out in prayer on public and private
accounts, and so delighted with this approach to God that
it was nearer four than three, when I left the place. Adored
be the condescending God, who gave me such a meeting in
it ! Oh, when shall I come, and appear again before him.
There were two or three particulars which I forgot to in
sert. I purpose to have the next day of prayer particu
larly devoted for requesting the bringing in of members to
communion ; another for the conversion of the unconverted,
and the restoration of the fallen. And I desire to engage
the elders to spend some time each of them in secret prayer
on these two accounts; but to conceal the latter till the
former be dispatched.
RECOLLECTIONS OF A SEASON OF RETIREMENT AT THE
VESTRY, MARCH 2, 1751.
The last day of this sort I was confined by illness, which
hindered me from coming out two Lord's days, and has in
deed been a great impediment to various kinds of business
and to devotion too ; so that I have reason to fear, that I
am gone considerably backward. I was extremely languid
in the duties of the family this morning. I gave an unpre-

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 519
pared, honest, but heavy devotional lecture from 2 Chron.
XV. 2. " The Lord is with you, while you are with him," {k,c.
It was past eleven before I got hither ; I then implored the
divine presence and assistance, and reviewed the memoran
dums of the last day of this kind, in which I found I had
forgotten some articles, and particularly that I had omitted
talking with Mr. Lucas and Clark, to endeavour to animate
their zeal in addressing my pupils, especially the seniors,
which I propose to endeavour to do in the evening. I then
set myself till fifty-six minutes after eleven to deep humili
ation, and had very abasing thoughts of myself. I did in
some measure loath and abhor myself, and repent, as in
dust and ashes, before God ; arising from my knees, I
continued till about a quarter past twelve, with solemn self-
renunciation ; I then spent an hour in thanksgiving for a
variety of mercies, among which, the cihief particularly men
tioned, were the extraordinary enjoyment of God which
I had at the last sacrament ; my recovery from that stub
born cough by which I had been so long confined ; and the
great goodness of God in sparing the dear and excellent
Lady Huntingdon, and poor Miss Ekins. I acknowledged
the Divine goodness also in adding seven to our communion
since the last sacrament, as that in February was omitted ;
viz, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Pitts, and Hodgskins, and now Mrs.
Allistone and her son; Joseph Green, and Mr. Stafford from
Leicester ; besides which, Mr. Holland and Mr. Proctor are
proposed. There is also a comfortable prospect as to ... .
which I thought myself obliged solemnly to acknowledge ;
as also the increase 6f my Academy and the subordinate
school society by the addition of Messrs. Hunt, Mason, and
Stafford. Two great mercies showed in the relief of Mrs.
Allistone, who was in such great distress, the comfortable
news from Virginia by Mr. Davies's letter, and the prospect
of missionaries being sent into New York. And to this is
added, the encouragement of the subscription for the

520 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
Family Expositor from the Lord Chancellor and several
of the bishops and clergy, and the raising up some unex
pected friends to it. These mercies of God engaged me
to devote myself to him ; and I was taken up till twenty
minutes past one, including the time occupied in making
the memorandums. I then devoted myself to God under
all my characters ; I laid all my comforts at his feet. Then,
till nearly two, I recommended my flock, pupils, and chil
dren by name to God. I prayed for each of the children
and their dear mother; interceding particularly for Polly,
who is so weak and ill ; I then recommended the affair of
my subscription, which rises very heavily ; and the aug
mentation of my temporal circumstances to the divine care,
and intreated providential direction in the choice of a
schoolmaster, and an assistant, having received repeated
disappointments. And I would now leave all these cases
with God, hoping for his merciful interposition ; and that,
before many of these days recur, I shall have cause of
thankfulness on all these accounts. The rest of the time was
spent in prayer for yet more general concerns; for our Coun
try, the Protestant interest, the Jews, and Gentiles; and in
conclusion, I adored God for the enjoyment of the day,
registering the following purposes ; — of visiting in the con
gregation as much as I can, keeping some history of it ; of
talking on practical religion with as many of my pupils as
I can in an evening, and with the servants ; as also that I
will more frequently pray before I write letters ; that I will
select some of the most important of those that have long
been neglected and dispatch them by this day month ; that I
will endeavour to prepare by suitable memorandums for the
next of these days, and for my devotional lecture, on being
zealously affected in a good cause. My next devotional
day shall have a particular reference to additions to the
church in its members, and I will endeavour to collect some
scripture promises relating to the increase of the church.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 52 1
which may animate my faith and my prayers. Thus I left
the place at nearly half an hour past two, with some cheer
ful persuasion that my prayers were heard, and that I shall
see the outgoings of my God and king in the sanctuary.
A SEASON OF RETIREMENT, APRIL 6, 1751.
As my cough is returned with some violence, I was under
the necessity of lying in bed much longer than I should
have chosen, and was detained by Mr.  . But I thank
God, that I had a comfortable time in the devotional lec
ture, on Rev. iii. 3. " Remember how thou hast heard and
received," &c. I came to the vestry before eleven, and
after charging a sense of the Divine Presence upon my
soul, I spent most of the first hour in prayer, humiliation,
and self-dedication, on the whole very comfortably ; I was
much affected with the beginning of the 14th of John, espe
cially with those words, the way ye know. I saw Christ as
the way to the anticipation of heaven in a veiy particular
and striking manner. I then reviewed the last memoran
dums, and reflected on the conduct of God towards me,
and of mine before him, for the last month. Among the di
vine mercies, I found reason to reckon the addition of that
very promising youth, Mr. Alexander, to the list of my
pupils, and the prospect there is with regard to Mr. — ^ — ,
who has declared his readiness to go as a missionary to
New York, though his mother and Thomas Howe oppose
it ; such is the weakness of their faith and love. I hope
I can truly say, that should God put it into the heart of my
son to go under that character, I could willingly part with
him, though I were to see him no more. What are the
views of a family, or of a name, when compared with a re
gard to the extending of the Redeemer's kingdom and gain
ing souls to Christ ? Mr. F's generous scheme of carrying
on the interest of Christ by an augmentation of the second
tutor's salary has encouraged me so far, that Mr. Urwick

522 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
has been engaged to take Mr. Lucas's place in some mea
sure, and that I have some uncertain prospect of a school
master coming among us ; that my dear Polly is better ;
that Messrs. Proctor and Holland were added last sacra
ment, and Robins and Ward proposed now, these are all
matters of thanksgiving; and that I have discovered in
Mr. H. some appearance of good, and in Mr. Johnston con
tinued hope, and that several Christians have been much
refreshed, particularly good Mrs. Hopkins. Afflictive pro
vidences demanded my thoughts, particularly the terrible
stroke on the nation in the death of our promising Prince
of Wales, on the 20th of the last month, and about the
same time the death, of Mrs. Walker, and now Mrs. Avery.
I have also reason to lament, that I have failed in several
of the good resolutions recorded last time. I have visited
and registered but little, and although I have selected
letters to .be dispatched, yet I have made but very little
progress in them. -Till near one, I addressed myself to God
in suitable thanksgivings, humiliations, and confessions,
alluding to these things ; then nearly three quarters of an
hour was spent in prayer for the increase of the church ; in
pleading many select promises before God, and interceding
for my brethren and their Societies, as well as for my own ;
nor shall it I trust be altogether in vain. Then till twenty
minutes past two, I drew up some maxims agreeably to
what I had intended to think of in relation to my daily con
duct in general, and as to my behaviour as a husband,
father, master, tutor, pastor, and correspondent, and some
miscellaneous purposes, which- then I turned into prayer,
beseeching of God resolution and prudence ; and concluded
by recommending to him the labours of to-morrow. Me
morandum. — To review these maxims on the next day of
this kind.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 523

AN ACCOUNT OF SEVERAL OF THOSE MAXIMS, UPON
WHICH I PROPOSE TO PROCEED IN FUTURE LIFE,
UNDER THE FOLLOWING VARIOUS CHARACTERS.
1. As to the conduct of every day. — To breathe out my
heart to God before I rise ; to pray while dressing ; to
make prayer the first work -if possible before I read one
word ; to make the Scriptures the first book ; to do some
thing every morning at monthly letters before breakfast ;
to begin every lecture in time, with the watch before me,
and not to run on so far as to preclude those of the junior
class ; to get out soon in afternoons ; to be at home at
evening prayer : to expound when I can ; not to exceed a
limited time at a place; to be animated in conversation,
providing useful materials for that purpose ; to take notice
of children ; to keep a register of my visits ; to relate reli
gious remarks then made to the elders; to write before
supper; to prepare social entertainment, and demand it;
to sup moderately ; to go to bed before eleven when I can ;
if the prayer be slightly passed over in the morning, to
introduce it again in the evening ; never to acquiesce
merely in praying with my wife, without some fervent,
though short petitions alone ; to get a little time for medi
tation on Friday evenings.
2. As a Husband. — To be more careful to keep up the
spirit of religion in conversing with my wife ; to avoid pet-
tishness ; to make great allowance for the tenderness of her
constitution ; to reflect often on her distinguished wisdom
and goodness ; blessing God for her ; recommending her to
the divine blessing, and begging the continuance of her
life, as one of the greatest blessings that life can afford,
and that on which, under God, most of my own depend.
3. As a Parent. — To intercede for my children daily;
to converse more or less about religion with each, weekly;
to pray with them once a fortnight, and endeavour to dis-

524 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
pose them for communion ; to endeavour to oblige them ;
to drop short hints, when there is not room for long dis
course; also to speak on religious subjects to the servants,
at least once a fortnight.
4. As a Tutor. — To maintain a strict inspection ; to in
quire after each from his respective tutor; to have exposi
tions, prayers, and devotional lectures, as suitable as may
be ; to exhort and pray with each before the vacation,
where it has not yet been done; to get a society of lads
established if I can.
5. As a Pastor. — To review the state of my flock if pos
sible, at least in town before the vacation ; to visit, exhort,
and inquire into family religion, &c. ; to inquire after
every village ; referring to the last visit in the catalogue ;
to pursue a plan for monthly sermons, keeping four schemes
beforehand in the book of such papers.
6. As a Correspondent. — To be exact in the catalogue
of letters with regard to dates ; to review that catalogue to
determine when, and in what order to write; to guard
against excessive length ; to use as many assistants as I
can, to get clear before vacation as far as possible.
7. Miscellaneous matters. — To draw up a scheme for
every week, and then for every day, to be reviewed the
next; to make my will; to adjust the account of the lads'
society, and to fix on thirty letters at the beginning of the
month, to which one hour a day, if possible, is to be given :
to read over these maxims once a month.
SOME ACCOUNT OF A SEASON FOR RETIREMENT IN
THE VESTRY, MAY 4, 1751.
I HAD, in the retirement of the morning, written out the
maxims recorded in the preceding page, and given a devo
tional lecture on those words, " God was in Christ recon
ciling the world to himself, and has committed to us the word
of reconciliation." I admonished with great solemnity, and

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 525
prayed fervently; then, about a quarter before eleven, I
came to the vestry, intreating the divine assistance, but
being something indisposed for devotion. I looked into the
preceding part of this book to search after a plan for a day
of fasting and prayer. While I was searching after it, I
found and read many remarkable events at Harborough, in
that sad, inconstant state in which I was during the years
27 and 28. And, upon this, I took some time, more so
lemnly to humble myself before God, confessing those and
all other sins, intreating the mercy of God to pardon what
is passed, and the sanctifying influence of his grace more
fully to renew my soul. This was the chief of my employ
ment till forty minutes past twelve. I was much affected
to think, that yet notwithstanding those inexcusable trans
gressions, God should honour me as the instrument of so
much usefulness. I was enabled to cry earnestly for par
don ; and then reviewed late mercies, in which view I found
cause to reckon the happy death of dear Mrs. Billingham,
the steady, ardent faith of Mrs.  , the patience of good
old Mr. Mason, and the addition of Mrs. Ward to the
church ; the proposal of my dear Mercy, and the hopeful
religious state of Mrs. Johnstone. I then renewed the
solemn dedication of myself to God, and was earnest in
praying that I might be honoured as an instrument of use
fulness. After this, till three quarters past one, I reviewed
the memorandums of the visits of the former month, bless
ing: God that I had been enabled to be so faithful in that
part of my scheme, and praying for every family and per
son I had visited as their circumstances required. I then
recommended to God, my family, children, arid pupils, by
name, and all in, the list of my friends with true affection.
I particularly prayed for dying Christians; and for my
son ; and intreated for myself, the spirit of prayer, and a
heart more constantly devoted to God : I then offered a
few petitions for the Public, and proposed to make a cata-

526 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
logue of the servants in the congregation, which I do not
know that I have before taken ; I had some thoughts also
of writing a letter to Dr. Stonhouse relating to humiliation
for past sins, and on subduing the present pride of his
heart ; but I would refer the determination of that affair
to the leading of some future providence. I propose also
on the next occasion of this kind to enlarge on the Divine
Perfections, and on the prayer for the christian temper, in
my Rise and Progress, I broke off unwillingly at nearly
half past two, comforted in the review of my work, having
been in prayer, solemn, deliberate, sincere, and collected ;
though the whole period was nOt attended with such fer
vent devotion as I have sometimes felt at such seasons,
SOME ACCOUNT OF A DAY OF RETIREMENT IN THE
VESTRY, JUNE 1, 1751.
Having had more than ordinary work for 'some late days,
and less sleep than usual, I was prevailed upon by the im
portunity of kind advice, to lie in bed much longer than
usual this morning, which proved a great inconvenience to
me as I awaked rather fatigued than refreshed. After
having been so extremely low that I was not able to deliver
my devotional lecture, I therefore read my sermon on a
conversation in heaven, instead of it in the family. I met
with continued interruptions till nearly three quarters past
eleven, when at last breaking through them, I escaped to
the vestry. 1 began with imploring Divine assistance, and
then reviewed the memorandums of several of these seasons
since this time twelve moriths ; and upon the whole found
so much cause of thankfulness, that I purpose by the di
vine grace to continue this practice as long as I have life,
health, and ability. This perusal with some reflections
arising from the abovementioned review, employed me
until half past twelve. I then engaged in a course of devo
tional exercises until nearly three ; but they were strangely

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 527
mingled and sadly interrupted, and upon the whole this
was one of the most melancholy days of the kind that I
ever spent ; and such a day that in reflecting upon the pro
gress of it, I was under a temptation to think of spending
no more such days lest my time should be less profitably
employed in this retirement, than in the usual business of
my family and Academy. God seemed very much to desert
me : I fear this was the awful consequence of my having
been more dissipated and negligent than usual in my devo
tions and conduct. I have interrupted my Diary. I have
been careless in reading the word of God in secret. Truly,
secret devotion has suffered, amidst the many cares and
hurries, the unseasonable hours, the visits and company
of late days: and it seems just in God thus to disappoint
my expectations, that I may learn caution in the scenes
through which I am going to pass. I laboured much to
affect my heart with a sense of the Divirie Presence and
perfections, but my conceptions of them were very low. I
laboured to excite a self-abhorrence before God for my sins,
and in that I succeeded rather better. I was indeed bur
thened and ashamed. I cried earnestly for pardon. I set
myself to renew, but alas ! too coldly, my covenant with
God, and the consecration of myself to his service. I set
myself to pray for the presence of God in my journey, but
so coldly that my thoughts were distracted more than once.
As my spirits vvere much out of order, I endeavoured to
relieve them by slumbering for a few minutes, but it availed
little, and even while I was recording these memorandums
of my own stupidity, I grew still more stupid, and felt
depressed with a heaviness and a wandering of thought I
scarcely ever experienced before.* I had reason for hu-
* Nothing can be more evident than that the mental prostration, under
which Dr. Doddridge suffered, in this and other instances, was solely to
be ascribed to the state of his health, which was frequently more seriously
deranged than he appears to have imagined. The origin of his fatal ill-

528 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
miliation, that God has taken away Mr. Mason ; and rea
son for thanksgiving, that he gives me the encouragement
of seeing my dear daughter Mercy taken into the Church,
beside Mr. H., and three others proposed. I had particular
mercies to ask in reference to my journey, as well as to
the present situation of my affairs, besides many prayers to
present for vacant congregations, pupils going out, 8ic. ; yet
I had a heart for none of these things. I felt a barrenness
and deadness of spirit as if all these things were nothing
to me. I offered some petitions suitable to these cases ;
but really they were so unlike the prayers I have some
times offered with all my heart, and with all my soul, that
I hardly knew how to call them prayers. These were my
lamentations and struggle till about three, and then the
duties of the day concluded with a bright hour, when
committing my family. Academy, and Church to God, and
interceding for my Friends and the Public. My petitions
were then warm and lively, and I believe were heard of
God.
ness was, by his family, dated from a violent cold, caught when perform
ing the last affecting rites for his venerated friend Dr. Clark. In the Sa
cramental Meditations of May 6th, 1750, we find Dr. Doddridge observes,
that a violent cold had seized his lungs ; and there can be no doubt but that
his circulation during the two last years of his life was often in that irre
gular state in which the animal spirits sympathize ; and a hurried viva
city, a cheerless depression, or a drowsy apathy are more or less present
in accordance with the natural habitude of mind.
Trifling changes in atmospheric gravity, its relative electricity, warmth,
and dryness, are, under such circumstances, sufficient to awaken unplea
sant sensations, or to incapacitate the mind for exertion ; and it may be
observed that a melancholy depression, and a dreaming indolence are in
many instances diseases of the body, rather than of the mind. In con
sumptive persons these unsuspected impulses are most potent. Some
curious illustrations of this fact might be mentioned ; they would, how
ever, occasion too great a digression, and I would refer the reader, who
may feel inclined to pursue the subject, to my little Treatise recently pub
lished, entitled, " Remarks on a New Remedy in Consumptive Diseases," Sfc,
In addition to the original practical observations and scientific deductions
there given, an analysis of the effects of climate, and of the late investi
gations relative to tubercles, will be found.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE, 529
MEDITATIONS AT THE SACRAMENT, JUNE 2, 1751.»
Having preached from these words, in Hebrews, " Ye are
come to the general assembly," &c. I introduced the
Lord's Supper with Isaiah xliv. 3, 5. " For I will pour
out water on him that is thirsty, and fioods upon the dry
ground; I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my bless
ing upon thine offspring." " One shall say I am the Lord's,
and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob ; and
another shall subscribe with his hand to the Lord, and sur
name himself by the name of Israel." Concerning this, I
observed, the general character of believers, and the parti
cular circumstances of those to whom the promise is made.
It is given to Christians, saying, I am the Lord's ; to those
who confess that they are his property, and that at his
disposal they are willing entirely and absolutely to be, " I
am the Lord's .•" I, and all I have ; every possession, every
relative hope, every concern ; not as I will, but as thou
wilt. Another shall call himself by the name of Jacob. —
What ! though it be a despised remnant, though there
should not be one rich, polite, or learned person belonging
to it, yet are they God's people ; they are the seed of those
that love and serve him, and delight themselves in him,
A third shall subscribe with his hand to the Lord. This
some then present actually did. It signifies giving a public
token of devotedness to God, and we do the same thing
when we come to the Lord's table. In breaking the bread,
I observed, here is the effect of the sacrifice. What was
the cause ? the pouring forth of the Spirit and the blessing,
for all things are of God. Let us own the cause wherever
we see the effect, and look to the cause whenever we desire
to see it. Be more earnest with God for the pouring out
of his Spirit. Consider this text as especially illustrated
* Dr. Doddridge died, Oct. 27, 1751.
VOL. V. M M

530 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
in reference to those who are the seed and offspring of the
Church, for among them generally the seed of the future
Church is to be found, which may be an encouragement
to parents, and children, and ministers. Let us thank God
wherever we see it, and bless God that he has thus far
heard our prayers, and has succeeded our pious cares. And
where we do not as yet see it, let us wait and hope ; and
renew our supplications in favour of our remaining seed,
and for each other ; and especially for those who have not
yet seen any thing of this kind, which must to them be a
source of great grief. But let us here give a solemn charge
that all walk suitably. At the conclusion, I spoke of the
shedding of the blood of Christ; and before taking the
cup, I gave a solemn address to him as walking among the
golden candlesticks.

END OF THE DIARY.

' Finished transcribing this Manuscript,
Thursday, July 10, 1794. Laus Deo !"
" Thomas Stedman."

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 531

SECTION III.
Particulars relative to the Family of Dr. Doddridge : His Will : List
of Gentlemen educated under his Care, &c.
As it is natural that the reader may feel desirous of learn
ing something of the future welfare of a family of whose
domestic felicity these pages have presented so charming
a picture, I have thrown together the following brief par
ticulars :
At the decease of Dr. Doddridge, the family consisted
of the widow, son, and three daughters.*
It is related that, with the playful tenderness which so
strongly marked his character, he was wont to term the
three latter. Faith, Hope, and Charity. Not that either was
deficient in those amiable qualities, but because the meek
* In the following memoranda Dr. Doddridge has noted the births
of all his children : —
" My dear eldest child, Elizabeth Doddridge, was born on Thursday,
Oct. 7, 1731, and, to my unutterable grief, died on Friday, Oct. 1, 1736,
and was buried by good Mr. Hunt, Oct. 4, by whom the dear babe had
been baptized, Nov. 5, 1731. — My second daughter, Mary, was born
Monday, May 7, 1733, at six in the morning. — My third daughter, Mercy,
was born on Lord's day, Aug. 26, 1734, at near twelve at night. —
My son, Philip Doddridge, was born on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 1735, at
eight in the morning. — My fourth daughter, Anna Cecilia Doddridge,
was born on Lord's day, July 3, 1737, at six in the evening. — My second
son, Samuel Doddridge, was born on Monday, April 30, 1737, he died
March 14, 1740. — My fifth and sixth daughters, Sarah, and Jane Doddridge,
were born on Tuesday, April 22, 1746, at between eleven and twelve at
night, and both died on Thursday following, April 24. — My third son,
William Doddridge, was born on Saturday, Nov. 5, 1748, at three in the
morning, and died on Friday following, Nov. 11."

532 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
piety of the eldest, the frank cheerfulness of the second,
and the unwearied kindness of the youngest, rendered the
appellations singularly appropriate. The successful progress
which their brother made in his studies has been indicated
by several passages in this Correspondence, and a further
evidence of this fact will be found in the following extract
from an unpublished letter of Dr. Doddridge's, dated 1749.
" She (speaking of his wife) has done her part with
great and successful care in the wise and pious education
of our four surviving children, of whom three are daugh
ters, between the ages of seventeen and twelve. Our only
son, who bears my own name, is about fourteen, and has
made very uncommon attainments in Latin, Greek, French,
and Italian, under the instruction of his worthy master,
the Rev. Mr. Aiken,* of Kibworth, once my pupil, and
after that my assistant."
At the period to which I am now alluding, Mr. Dod
dridge was sixteen, and after about two years spent iri
study under the direction of the pious Dr. Ashworth, to
w hom Dr. Doddridge had confided the care of the Aca
demy, he was articled as a student of law with persons
of legal skill and eminence, first at St. Albans, and after
wards in London. In the meantime. Miss Doddridge
having been married to John Humphreys, Esq., of Tewkes
bury, an attorney, then in high reputation and extensive
practice, t Mrs. Doddridge was induced to remove to that
town with her two remaining daughters, for the sake of
reuniting the family so far as a near residence to her
eldest child would allow. Here for some years she en-
» Afterwards the Rev. John Aiken, D.D. and tutor at Warrington.
t My grandfather Humphreys was then a widower, having previously
married Elizabeth, the only daughter of Ebenezer Hankins, Esq. (See
vol. iii. p. 72.) The father of the Mr. Humphreys here mentioned was
also a lawyer in large practice at Tewkesbury, but came originally from
Upton upon Severn, in Worcestershire, in the neighbourhood of which
the family had estates.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 633
joyed the -felicity of witnessing the domestic happiness of
her family, and the advance of her grandchildren in the
paths of piety and useful learning.
As long as her health permitted, Mrs. Doddridge con
tinued to correspond with many of the valuable friends of
her former life ; and when growing infirmities obliged her
to resign this pleasing employment entirely to her daugh
ters, she was still actively alive to the duties of piety and
charity, and continued to keep a diary for the better
regulation of her time. It is to be regretted that, after an
interval of so many tranquil years, her resignation to the
afflictive hand of Providence was again, in the evening of
her life, to be called into exercise. The domestic sorrows
alluded to were, first, the ruined fortunes of her son-in-law,
and shortly afterwards the death of her son. The former
event arose from losses sustained by extensive speculations
in land, the value of which was then suddenly deteriorated
by the American war; and so total was the wreck that
her daughter returned to the parental protection. The
latter, although a more trying affliction, was not so sudden.
Mr. Doddridge having for some years suffered from ill
health, had, therefore, retired to Tewkesbury, where he
took some share in the business of his brother-in-law.
The immediate cause of his death was a strangury, which
occurred in the forty-seventh year of his age. After these
afflictions Mrs. Doddridge survived about five years, under
much bodily suffering, supported with cheerfulness of tem
per, and accompanied with that holy serenity of spirit,
and confidence in God, which rendered her death a wel
come transition to herself, — and to her children, a sorrow
sanctified by the consolations of religion. Her decease
occurred April 7, 1790, at the age of eighty-two.
In the simple round of domestic avocation, piety, charity,
and literary leisure, which best enshrine the female cha
racter, there is little to describe. And in the future lives

534 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
of the Misses Doddridge, and their sister, Mrs, Humphreys
(then a widow), there did not arise any event of general
interest. The gentle virtues which adorned the character
of Mrs, Humphreys have been slightly sketched on a
previous occasion in these pages ; and of her maiden sisters
the following particulars may not prove uninteresting :
Mercy, the eldest, possessed great comprehension of mind
and solidity of judgment, and consequently evinced a total
freedom from prejudice, and extensive information, qualities
which rendered her society highly instructive and pleasing.
She had many literary friends, among whom was the late
Miss Hamilton, Cecilia, the youngest, with equal piety,
but, perhaps, less mental activity than her sisters, had an
affectionate cheerfulness of manner which deeply endeared
her to her friends. The eldest and the youngest were
buried in the ground attached to the Presbyterian Chapel
of Tewkesbury, the decease of Mrs, Humphreys having
taken place June 8, 1799, at the age of sixty-six; and
that of Mrs, Anna Cecilia Doddridge, Aug, 3, 1811, at the
age of seventy-four.* The death of Mrs. Mercy Dod
dridge occurred when she was at Bath on account of her
health, October 20, 1809, at the age of seventy-five.
Of the three surviving children of Mrs. Humphreys, my
late father was the eldest. He was bred to the law ; and
* In the interesting and able " History of Tewkesbury," with which
Mr. Bennet has recently favoured the public, the following passage occurs
in allusion to the residence of part of the Doddridge family in that town.
" After the Doctor's decease, which happened at Lisbon in 1751, his
widow, son, and two maiden daughters, resided at Tewkesbury, in great
respectability and esteem." — " On a raised tomb, enclosed with iron
railings fire the burial ground at the back qf the Presbyterian Chapel), are
these inscriptions :"
" Memoriae sacrum Elizabethse Humphreys, Johannis Humphreys,
gen. uxoris, quae vixit annos 26. ob. Mali die nono 1752.
" Charlotta Elizabetha, praedicti Johannis Humphreys etMariae uxoris
ejus secundae filia. Obijt 18, die Augusti, 1766, natali die, anno ^tatis
suae quarto.
" Josephus filius Johannis ei Mariae Humphreys. Vixit septimanas

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 535
after the usual education at a classical school, studied for
some years at the Warrington Academy, then under the
able superintendance of Doctors Aiken and Enfield. He
afterwards passed through the ordinary professional course,
was admitted, &c. These steps were hardly taken, and
some advantageous prospects opened for his settlement in
Town (having then recently married my excellent mother),
when repeated attacks of paralysis rendered him incapable
of any active exertion, and obliged him to retire into the
country, where he led the secluded life of an invalid until
his decease, December 3, 1813, at the age of fifty-three.
Happily in his case the mental faculties remained unim
paired, and although he was subject to spasms, so painful
as frequently to prevent sleep, he bore these sufferings not
only without complaint, but with an unwearied cheerful
ness. In him fortitude and integrity were blended with
great tenderness of mind; his piety was free from preju
dice, and his nonconformity compatible with the most
cordial religious candour. Although unable to pursue the
common objects of life, he was constantly exerting himself
in offices of benevolence ; and his leisure was devoted to
the benefit of his children and the pursuits of literature.
I have said " his children ;" but, alas ! he was afflicted
with the loss of one j ust as her opening faculties promised
richly for the future; and he who now pays this little
decem. Obiit 10, die Octobris, 1766. Phi. Doddridge, gen. Ob. 13
Mar. 1785, aetat suae 47.
"Mercy Doddridge, Philippi Doddridge, S.T. P. vidua. Obiit vi-
cessima die Aprilis, anno Domini 1790, aetatis 82.
" Mary Humphreys, Johannis Humphreys, vidua necon predicti P.
Doddridge filia. Obiit die Junii octava, anno Domini 1799, aetatis 66.
" Anna Cecilia Doddridge, postrema superstes filia predicti Philippi
Doddridge. Ob. 3 die Augusti, A. D. 1811, Eetatis suae 74.
" Maria sola charissima filia Johannis Doddridge Humphreys et Mariae
uxoris ejus. Ob. 27 die Novembris, A. D. 1811, aetatis suae 14.
" Memoriae sacrum Johannis Doddridge Humphreys, Gen. Obiit 3 die
Dec. A. D. 1813, aetatis suae 53." — See History of Tewkesbury, page 239.

536 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
tribute to fihal affection, has not the opportunity of ex
pressing half his obligations to so valuable a parent.
The other grandchildren of Dr. Doddridge are the Rev,
Philip Humphreys, educated at Oxford, and Rector of
Portland, Jamaica : and Harriet Mercy,-^relict of the Rev,
Robert Knight, A.M.* late Vicar of Tewkesbury.
Of the great-grandchildren of Dr. Doddridge, there are
surviving, besides myself, the two Miss Knights ; the Rev.
Henry Hay Knight, A.M. Vicar of Neath, Glamorganshire,
and Fellow of Queen's College, Oxford, and Mr. Edward
Doddridge Knight, of Exeter College, Oxford. Of the des
cendants of Dr. Doddridge in the fourth degree, besides
my own children, are the two infant sons ofthe Rev. John
Blackmore, by his late pious and amiable wife, who was
the second Miss Knight. Of the four children here men
tioned, two, my own son, and one of Mr. Blackmore's,
bear the name of Doddridge ; and may they, and all his
descendants remember that the high reputation which that
good man enjoyed, and the sincere respect with which his
memory is cherished, are alone to be ascribed to the Ca
tholicism of his religious sentiments, the great example of
his unaffecte4 piety, the ardour with which he devoted
himself to the pursuits of useful learning — to those works,
" by which although dead he yet speaketh ;" — and to that
cordial wamith, and that charity, which made him the
friend, or the benefactor, of all with whom he communi
cated.

* " The Rev. Robert Knight died on the 23rd of July, 1819, aged 63,
at Trevenon, near Landrindod Wells, Radnorshire, shortly after his arrival
there for change of air. He had previously resided for some years at
Newton, Glamorganshire, and was brother of the late Colonel Knight, of
Tylhegston Hall, in that county. Mr. Knight was a man of strict inte
grity, and was possessed of considerable literary attainments : in addition
to several smaller works, he published, in 1818, ' A cursory Disquisition
on the Conventual Church of Tewkesbury and its Antiquities.'" — See History
nf Tewkesbury, page 193.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 637

THE WILL.
THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF
PHILIP DODDRIDGE Doctor in Divinity of the Town
and County of Northampton. Whereas it is customary on
these occasions to begin with commending the soul into the
hands of God through Christ, I do it, not in mere form but
with sincerity and joy, esteeming it my greatest happiness
that I am taught and encouraged to do it by that glorious
Gospel which, having most assuredly believed, I have spent
my life in preaching to others, and esteem an infinitely
greater Treasure, than all my little worldly store, , or pos
sessions ten thousand times greater than mine.
As for my Body, wherever I dye, it is my desire that it
may be buried, at as moderate an Expence as decency will
allow, in the Grave which I have prepared in the Meeting
Place at Northampton, where I have spent the most de
lightful hours of my life in assisting the Devotions of as
serious, as grateful, and as deserving a People, as perhaps
any Minister had ever the Honour and Happiness to serve ;
chearfuUy perswading myself that when I am Dead, they
will hear me speaking in my Writings with all due regard,
and making it my last request to them, that those of them,
who have, or can borrow my Family Expositor, will read it
over in their Families, once at least, beginning it the Lord's
day after my Funeral : And that they would also read over
in their Families on Lord's day Evenings, all my Sermons
which they have, or can borrow, especially those on Rege
neration, those on the Glory and Grace of Christ, the Ser
mons to Young Persons, And that on The One Thing
Needful. And I desire that every Parent that can procure
them, would read in their Retirements my Sermons on the
Education of Children, within one Quarter of a Year at
least after my Death. And as I make this request from an
affectionate desire for the edification and Salvation of Souls,

538 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
and an humble hope that in consequence of it, I may
glorify God, even when I am laid in the Dust, I desire that
this Clause of my Will may be read in the Congregation,
the Lord's day after I am buried, and mentioned also in my
Funeral Sermon, which I desire my dear Friend Mr, Orton
would preach from these Words 1 Cor. xv. 54 — 57. " Death
is swallowed up in Victory" &c : " Thanks be to God who
giveth us the Victory through Jesus Christ our Lord."
As a small token of my Respect to a Congregation on
many Accounts so dear to me, I leave the sum of £20 to
be distributed at the discretion of the Deacons of the
Church for the time being, in no smaller sum than 6s : and
no greater than 20s: to each person among such poor Chris
tians as statedly attend Ordinances amongst us, desiring
their prayers (which living I have greatly esteemed) may
be continued for the afflicted Remains of my dear Family,
which will not I am perswaded be upon the whole the
poorer for this little Kindness to those whom I hope they
will consider as the Friends of Christ, and will delight as
they can, in doing them good.
To each of the Elders of the Church for the time being,
I leave a Guinea for a Ring, and to each of the Deacons
for the'time being, such a Volume of my Sermons as they
shall choose, handsomely bound in Black Calf and lettered;
intreating each of these my valuable Friends to accept this
little token of my cordial Love, and to continue that Prudent
and generous Care of the Church, and that mutual affection
to each other, for which they have hitherto been so happily
remarkable. To the Rev. Mr. Job Orton, I give my Clarks Bible, my
interleaved Testament, and such of my Manuscripts, as he
shall select. The Family Expositor excepted, only .desiring
that if the Theological Lectures be printed, as I am very
willing they should, it may be done in a handsome manner
and for the benefit of^my Family, and that they may be
attended with my Lectures on Preaching and the Pastoral

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 539
Care. One copy of which last in sheets, I give to each
Pupil who shall be with me at the time of my death de
signed for the Ministry, with a solemn Charge, as before
God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, that they seriously attend
to the Contents of them, and form their preaching and con
duct upon them, so far as they are in their Consciences con
vinced of the agreeableness of those Advices to Reason, and
to the Word of God. I also desire that Four Octavo Volumes
of my Sermons may be printed by Subscription for the bene
fit of my Family (which I would not appoint if I did not
also hope it might be yet more for the benefit of the World,
and that Fruit may thereby abound to me at the day of the
Lord) I desire Mr. Orton who is the best Judge of this will
select such as he judges most fit to be published. I desire
also that those that are already transcribed in long hand
may be incerted. To the Rev. Mr. Goodwin of London who
I doubt not will correct the Press I leave one Sett of them
bound in Turkey Leather and gilt. And I hereby make it
my Request to my several Friends in different parts of the
Kingdom, to whose Prudence and Care I was so much
obliged in the Affair of my Family Expositor, that they will
endeavour to manage this Subscription in a manner which
may turn to some Account : Since I have thought it my
Duty to lay up but very little for my own Children, while
I have seen so many of the Children of God, and some of
them most excellent persons in necessity : And as I have
the most intire confidence in the Prudence and Fidelity of
Mr. Waugh's Advice who printed my Family Expositor I
hope he will with due regard be consulted in the Affair. *
* Some peculiar circumstances attending the recent publication of the
admirable Sermons here mentioned are related in the First Section of
this volume. Of the high estimation in which they were held by the late
Dr. Kippis, and other eminent individuals who read them in manuscript,
some notice has also been taken in the course of this work ; and I cannot
but reflect with satisfaction on having been the means of bringing before
the world a work which its pious author deemed of so much importance.

540 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
I leave my whole Library, excepting 100 English Books,
of which Setts are to be reckoned but as one, which my
Wife shall choose for herself and Children (out of those not
given by other persons for the Use of the Academy) together
with my whole Apparatus to the Trustees of the Charity of
William Coward Esq. for the time being and to their suc
cessors in that Trust for ever for the Use of an Academy in
Northampton or some place within four miles of it under
such a Tutor as they in Concurrence with the Neighbouring
Ministers shall approve : And I do hereby declare that so
far as I can judge no man living will be more fit for the
office since the removal of my dear Friend and Associate
Mr. Job Orton, than the Rev. Mr. Caleb Ashworth of
Daventry, and if it should so happen as I think it very pro
bably may, that the Congregation should also desire to put
themselves under his Ministerial Care, I do hereby make
my dying Request to him that he would accept the united
Charge, and thereby perpetuate those schemes which he
knows I am forming for the publick Service, the success of
which is far dearer to me than my own life.
As for the Estate with which it has pleased God to bless
me, the Ground rent in London I leave to my Son Philip
Doddridge, according to the Tenour of my Uncle Philip
Doddridge's Will ; but as for the Land in Hounslow held
of the Manor of Twickenham in Middlesex in consequence
of a Surrender of the said Land made in that Court to the
use of this my last Will and Testament, I do hereby direct
that the said Land be sold within a Year after my Decease
desiring by the Way that if the Right Honourable the Earl
of Hay continue Tenant for it till the time of my Death he
may have the first refusal of it. And my farther Will is,
that, the money arising from such Sale be paid into the
hands of my dear Wife hereinafter named as my sole Exe
cutrix, by her to be equally settled upon my Younger Chil
dren who shall survive me, when they attain respectively

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 541
the age of 21 years, or on the day of their Marriage, if they
should marry sooner provided it be with their Mother's
Consent And if any of them should dye unmarried before
that age, I do hereby direct, that the said sum shall be
divided between the remaining Younger Children in the
same manner as I have directed.
I also will, that a Sett of my Works (at least so many of
them as are not out of Print), bound in Calf be given to the
Academical Library at Northampton: And another Sett to
the Library in Red Cross Street London founded by the
late Rev. Dr. Williams.
I also give to Eliza Bagnal the sum of £5, as a Token of
the Remembrance I retain of the Affectionate Care she
took of my dear eldest Child during her last Illness: A
Tender Circumstance which it is not possible for me ever
to forget, I also Give to each of those Servants which
shall live with me at the time of my Death, one Guinea as
a Legacy^ desiring that if any of them have not a compleat
Bible they would lay out a part of this money in the pur
chase of that invaluable Treasure. . To my Cousin Mary
Doddridge £5 and to Mr. John Nettleton my Watch and
£5. And all the rest of my Goods, Chattels, and Worldly
Possessions, I give and bequeath, to my Dear Wife Mercy
Doddridge, whom I hereby constitute and appoint the sole
Executrix of this my last Will and Testament, desiring my
worthy Friends Mr. Job Orton abovementioned, and Mr.
Nathaniel Neal (to whom I leave my Topaz Ring as a little
Token of my grateful Sense of his Friendship) that they
will by their prudent Advice, assist my Dear Wife in the
many Difficulties which she must of course meet with in
her Affairs. And I hereby most affectionately recommend
her to the Divine supporting Presence and Care during
that short separation which her great Love to me will I fear
render too painful to her, praying earnestly that God may

542 DIART AND CORRESPONDENCE
succeed her pious cares in the Education of our dear Chil
dren, that they may be happy for Time and Etemity, To
this as my last Will and Testament, I have set my hand
and Seal this llth day of June in the Year of our Lord
1741 hereby revoking all former Wills made by me
P DODDRIDGE.
Signed and sealed the day and year above-
mentioned, and delivered as his last Will
and Testament by the said Testator PhiUp
Doddridge in the presence of us
John Holdsworth
Samuel Smalley
Richard Daniell
On farther Consideration I have thought it proper to
annex this Codicil to my last Will and Testament above
written abrogating such parts of it as shall be inconsistent
with this, and those parts only. I give the Estate in
Hounslow to my Son Philip Doddridge on his attaining
the age of 21 years subject nevertheless to the payment of
a clear Annuity or Rent charge of £10 a year to my dear
Wife during the time of her natural life by equal half
yearly payments with power of Distress in case of Non
payment, Nevertheless the first half yearly payment of the
said Annuity not to commence till the first day of the usual
payment of the rent of the said Estate, that shall happen
next after the expiration of one year, from the time of my
decease. And in case my death should happen before my
said Son Philip shall have attained his age of 21 years,
then my Will is, that my said Son Philip shall be admitted
thereto by his Mother as his Guardian, and that she shall
receive the rents and profits thereof during his minority,
that she may lay out the same or such part of them as she
shall think fit in his Maintenance and Education, without

OF DR, DODDRIDGE, 543
being accountable for the same, or for any Surplus and
Savings to him when of Age, or any claiming under him.
Item, I Give unto my said Dear Wife and her heirs all that
my undivided Moiety of a piece or parcel of Ground and
the rent arising out of the same and payable in respect
thereof lying and being in White Lyon Alley near Birchin
Lane London whereon divers Houses lately stood which
were burnt down by the late fire Upon Trust, that she or
they sell and dispose of such Moiety at the best price that
can be conveniently got for the same. And until such Sale
that the said Mercy Doddridge receive the Rents Issues and
Profits thereof for her own Use, And immediately upon and
after such Sale lay out the money arising thereby in the
purchase of some publick Stocks and Securities the Interest
or Dividend of which Stocks and Securities when purchased
I Give to the said Mercy Doddridge for her own Use and
benefit, and for and towards the Education and Mainte
nance of our Children during her natural life or so long as
she continues a Widow, And such is my Confidence in her
prudence and goodness in case of a second Marriage that I
lay her under no particular restraint but leave it to her to
concert such measures with and by the Advice of my wor
thy Friends Nathaniel Neal Esq. and Mr. Job Orton as
may most effectually secure the Possession or Reversion of
what shall so arise for the benefit of our younger Children
among whom I desire her living or dying to distribute it
in such a manner as she shall see good, hoping they will all
continue to behave so as equally to deserve her favour, which
if they do, I question not, but the Distribution will upon
the whole be equal, unless any Circumstances peculiarly
afflictive should really make it advisable in the Judgment
of such Wise and Tender Friends that one should be pre
ferred to another. I Give to the County Hospital at North
ampton 5 Guineas. And as the Providence of God hath
been pleased to give me a particular Interest in the Friend-

544 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
ship of the truly Honourable George Lyttleton Esq. I beg
he would please to accept 5 Guineas to buy him a Ring
which I desire him to wear at least 10 days every year
from the 19th of January (that ever memorable day) in
memory of the unfeigned Affection which has subsisted
between us. And as I desire that those two valuable and
excellent persons Nathaniel Neal Esq. and the Rev. Mr.
Job Orton of Salop, would assist my Executrix in the ma
nagement of her Affairs with their Counsel and Inspection
I leave to each, 3 Guineas to buy a Ring; and I intreat
them to consult with the said Mr. Lyttleton in any Scheme
they may set on Foot for the Publication of any of my
Papers, confident that he will readily join with them in
doing what he may have a convenient opportunity to do
for promoting of my Usefulness, or the assistance of my
Family after my Decease. And I desire that the Rev. Mr.
John Barker, Dr. Samuel Clarke, Doctor David Jennings,
Dr. John Guyse, and Miss Hannah Neal, would each of
them be pleased to accept of a Guinea, to buy them a
Ring, in Memory of one who has been so much indebted
to their Friendship. And I do hereby declare this as Co
dicil to this my last Will and Testament this fourth day
of July one thousand seven hundred and forty nine.
P DODDRIDGE.
Signed sealed and delivered and declared by
the above named Testator as a Codicil to his
last Will and Testament the said 4th day of
July 1749 in the presence of us
Jabez Hirons
John Heap
Thomas Urwick
As since the Date of my Will I have finished the Copy
of the Family Expositor in short hand I desire that Mr.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 545
Orton, and Mr. Ashworth, would get it transcribed under
their Direction, And that it may be published by a Sub
scription to be opened as soon as possible after my death :
And I desire that a due acknowledgment may be made
them for their trouble.
I make it my request to my dear Wife, that she would
in case of Widowhood make her Will as soon as possible,
and would constitute Mr. Neal, and Mr. Orton, the Guar
dians of my Children, And I solemnly charge those of them
who may be in their Minority, that if God should join me
and their dear Mama in our deaths so that she should not
have an opportunity of making a Will after my Decease,
that they would choose those two most prudent faithful
and amiable Friends their Guardians if they please to accept
the office ; And that they govern themselves constantly by
their Advice P. DODDRIDGE. July 4, 1749.

VOL. V. N N

546 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE

NAMES, RESIDENCES, ETC. OF GENTLEMEN WHO FINISHED
THEIR EDUCATION UNDER TIIE CARE OF THE REV. PHILIP
DODDRIDGE, D. D."*
" So great was his reputation as a Tutor, that the num
ber of his Pupils was large; communibus annis, thirty-four.
He had sustained this office about twenty-two years, and
during that time had about two hundred young men under
his care ; of whom one hundred and twenty, as far as I can
learn, entered upon the ministry, and several intended for
it died while under his instructions. He had several
Pupils from Scotland and Holland. One person who was
intended for the Ministry in the Church of England chose
to spend a year or two under his instructions before he went
to the University. Others, whose parents were of that
church, were placed in his Family, and they were readily
admitted as Pupils, and allowed to attend the Established
worship ; for the constitution of his Academy was perfectly
catholic Some young Divines from Scotland, who had
studied and taken the usual degrees in the Universities
there, and had begun to preach, came to attend his Divi
nity Lectures, and receive his Instructions, before they
settled with Parishes in their native country. .During
their residence with him they preached occasionally in
the dissenting congregations of that town and neighbour
hood, and two of them were ordained there." — See Orton's
Memoirs of the Life, 8fc. of Dr. Doddridge, page 120.

• The following list is printed from that given by the Rev. Job Orton,
iu his commonplace-book : it has been collated with the original account
books of the Academy, but is probably still imperfect ; at least more of
the gentlemen must have sustained the pastoral office than are so marked.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE.

547

THE LIST,

1729.
John Grew  Trade .... Leicester.
Joseph Saunders . . . Minister . . . Stamford.
William Worcester . . Tutor .... Academy, West Haddon.
George Pembroke . . . Barrister . . St. Albans.
1730.
Joseph Paul  Blackdown, Dorsetshire.
Charlton Palmer . . . Lawyer . . . London.
Tim. St. Nicholas, Esq. '•'¦ . .- -
Joseph Walters .... Lawyer . . . London.
Thomas Olive.
John Maylin, Esq. . . Army. 1731.
Henry St. Nicholas, Esq.
Isaac Wilkinson .... Minister . . . Kibworth.
Hugh Farmer ..... Minister . . . Walthamstow.
William Johnston  . Tunbridge.
1732.
William Hextal .... Minister . . . Northampton.
John Aiken, D.D. . . Tutor .... Warrington.
Simon Reader  Wareham.
William Martin  : . Hull.
Samuel Wilcox .... Minister . . . Hull.
Joseph Hulme, M. D  Leeds.
John Hulm  Trade .... Leeds.
Rowland Cotton  Wilton.
1733.
Joseph Wilkinson  Birmingham.
James Davis  Conformed . . Sandwich.
John Pigott. 1734.
Samuel Merrivale . . . Tutor .... Exeter.
Samuel Morris  Salop.
S. Lucas Killingworth . Trade .... Birmingham.
Sam. Lessingham, Esq.  London.

548 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
Benjamin Boyce  Kettering.
Job Orton  Minister . . . Salop.
William Lister  Minister . . . Ware.
Thomas Steffe ..... Minister . . . Taunton.
John Jennings  Minister ... St. Ives.
John Prothero  Atherstone.
1735.
Benjamin Wainman . . Conforrned . . Skipton.
Risdon Darracott . . . Minister . . . Wellington.
Abraham Tozer .... Minister . . . Exeter.
John StefFe  Conformed . . Baddow.
1736.
John Firth, M.D  Yorkshire.
Moses Carter.
Coriol Coplestone . . . Conformed. . Risborough.
John Bryant  Beminster, Dorsetshire.
Richard Clarke, Esq  Devonshire.
Charles Bulkely  London.
Henry Kendall .... Trade .... Lancashire.
Samuel Wilson  New York.
Samuel Wood  Minister . . Framlingham. — Norwich.
Edward Godwyn . . . Methodist.
John Hubbard .... Trade .... London.
1737.
Samuel Smalley .... Minister . . . Harborough.
John Brogden  Trade .... London.
Gilbert Robertson . . . Professor . . Edinburgh.
Silv. Wadsworth, Esq  Sheffield.
Thomas Towgood . . . Minister.
Jeremiah Gill  Gainsborough.
John Reynell  Totness.
Robert Atkinson  Coventry.
William Falk.
Jenkin Jones  Haverford.
Ebenezer Johnston  Lewes.
John Taylor  London.
James Foot.
Chard Bradford.
John Roebuck, M. D  Birmingham.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 549
1738.
Benjamin Fawcett . . . Minister . . . Kidderminster.
John Holdsworth  Chelmsford.
Samuel Brookes, Esq. returned M. P.
Thomas Webb  Broadway, Somersetshire.
John Grundy, Esq.
Samuel Dyer, Esq  London.
John Sedgley  Minister.
George Webb  Trade. 1739.
John Wilson  Bolsover, Derbyshire.
Philip Holland .... Minister . . . Bolton.
Thomas Ellis  Conformed . . Cave, Yorkshire.
Herbert Greensmith, Esq.
Caleb Ashworth, D. D. Tutor .... Daventry.
Thomas Small  Trade.
John Hanchett, Esq.
James Hewett  Laubyer . . . Coventry.
Benjamin Hewson  Kibfrorth
John Walrond  Trade .... Devonshire.
James Quarrell.
Samuel Beasley .... Baptist . . . Abihgdon.
1740.
Richard Daniell .... Minister . . . Truro.
Joseph Wilkinson  Shields.
John Olding  Deptford.
James Campbell, Esq. Army.
Benjamin Sowdon  Holland.
John French  Wellingborough, r' '-T''-'
Thomas Hancock  Totness.
John Hanmer  Plymouth.
Thomas Copleston . . Trade.
Robert Balch, £«§'. . . returned ilf. P.
Samuel Fenton .... Trade .... Leeds.
John Spilsbury Witton.
Thomas Drew  London.
Andrew Parminster . . Moravian.
John West  Ashley.
James Shepherd  Braifitree.

550 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE
Thomas Greaves  Rotterdam, Holland.
Thomas Brabant . . . Assist. Tutor, Bloxham.
1741.
Tho. Bageholt Gillespie, Scotch Divine.
John Lowe  Minister.
Philip Blinch.
John Gibbs.
Thomas Ashworth  Yorkshire.
Timothy Laugher  Hackney.
Daniel Baker  Trade .... Kettering.
David Dickson .... Trade .... Edinburgh.
Joseph Marshall.
John Tylston, M. D.
Samuel Berry  Crediton.
Robert Braithwaite . . Conformed.
Andrew Kippis, D.D  London.
Thomas Tyndall  Kingswood.
John Gardner  Berwick.
Richard Gardner  Hampstead.
David Gardiner, Esq. . Army.
Thomas Clarke .... Trade.
William Warburton  Creaton.
Jeremiah Rudsdell . . Trade .... Northampton.
1743.
Thomas Morison, (Shot.)
Malachi Blake  Witney. > ''
Humfrey Marshall . . Conformed.
John Godwyn  Minister . . . Wisbeach.
Thomas Parsons.
John England, M.D  Bristol.
Samuel Lyde  Trade.
John Dunkley  Minister , . . Kirkstead.
Thomas Bingham  Nottingham.
Benjamin Wills  Appledore.
Peter Fabyan  Minister . . . Newton — Bushel.
John Ferguson, Esq. . Army. 1744.
John Holland  Conformed.
Edward Medlicote, Esq.

OF DR. DODDRIDGE. 55 1
Edward Penryn .... Conformed . . Kent.
Thos. Watson  Bridgewater, Somersetshire.
1745.
William Holman . . . Trade.
John Cogan  Trade.
William Lincoln  Beccles.
Samuel Clark  Minister . . . Birmingham.
Jabez Hirons  Minister . . . Harborough.
Thomas Hirons .... Minister ... St. Albans.
John Coplestone. . . . Trade.
Richard Simpson  Westmoreland.
Richard Jones  Cambridge.
James Robertson, Assistant Tutor, afterwards Profossor, Edin
burgh. 1746.
Hugh Somerville, Esq  Scotland.
Davenant Hankins, JSig'  Tewkesbury.
Josiah Follet  ,  Bury.
David Graham .... Minister . . . Tewkesbury. — Yeovil.
Steven Addington  Harborough.
Jeremiah Tidcomb . . . Conformed.
Sir Henry Hoghton. 1747.
William Renkine, Esq. Army.
David Kennedy.
William Farr, M. D.
John Affleck  Middleburgh, Holland.
Richard Denny .... Minister . . . Buckby.
John Houghton  Nantwich, Yorkshire.
Joseph Birch  Trade.
John Williamson.
William Boughton  Buckingham.
Thomas Strange  Kilsby.
Thomas Urwick .... Minister . . . Worcester. — Clapton.
John Heap  Minister . . . Chichester.
1748.
William Beasley  Clement Glynn.
Nicholas Clayton . . Minister . . . Liverpool.
James Taylor, Esq.

552 DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE.
William Sample, Esq.
Wadsworth Busk, Esq  Derbyshire.
Edmund Offley, Esq.
Ebenezer Ratcliff . . . Minister . . . London.
1749.
Henry Cutler  Minister.
John Bradfoot.
John Mercer  Lancashire.
Joseph Browne  Coventry.
Nathaniel White  Hinckley. — Leads.
Newcome Capp .... Minister . . . York.
Thomas Blake  Croscrake, Westmorland.
Joseph Gillebrand  Tottenham.
Henry Moore  Minister . . . West Modbury.
John Walker  Minister . . . Framlingham, Suffolk.
Peter Roquette .... Trade .... Holland.
William Henderson.
William Rose  Tutor.
Andrew Beman .... Trade .... Holland.
Peter De Hondt .... Bookseller . . London.
The Earl of Dunmore  Scotland.
1750.
RatclifFe Scholafield . .  Whitehaven.
Thomas Robins  .'. .... Bromwich.
H. Holland  Prescot.
Matt. Rolleston, M. D.
Wilham Proctor  Stamford.
John Alexander  Norwich.
Thomas Taylor .... Minister . . . London.
William Howe  Minister . . . Essex.
•William Jackson  Coventry.
William Bolton .... Baptist . . . Dublin.

THE END.

C. Whittingham, Tooks Court, Chnncery Laae.

3 9002 06050 4454

'"'.TS'tM'-

.^^^il^;?.;
i-U^-i^ ^^