recourse to experimental philosophy and the mathematics, which to him were diversions. His readiness in arithmetic was very uncommon. He was profoundly skilled in chronology, and well acquainted with the writings of the Greek philosophers. In physic, anatomy, and surgery, he possessed as much knowledge as could be obtained without actual practice; and as a reason for such acquisitions, he used to say, that "no man could be absolutely a master in any profession, without having some skill in other sciences.'

But, next to the study of the law, divinity engaged his chief attention. In this pursuit, not only his mind but his heart was occupied. He delighted in that most profitable part of it, contemplation-" to commune with his own heart, and in his chamber, and be still;" and at these times he would endeavour to conceive such exalted ideas concerning God, as might purify his thoughts, and invest his soul with a holy calmness, not

liable to be invaded by the cares of the world. The choicest of these speculations are bequeathed to us in his Contemplations, Moral and Divine, 2 vols. 8vo, and in several MSS. deposited in the library of Lincoln's Inn, which as yet remain unpublished.

He

His manner of study was liberal, and adapted to the character of the man. loved to be abroad very early in the morning, not so much for the health and exercise of his body, as of his mind. With the works of the Almighty before his eyes, and an inclination to make the most of the sentiments they suggested, he emancipated his understanding from the chains of prejudice and passion; he got above that short-sighted view of things which the narrow policy of this world is apt to engender; and having impartially brought his judgment to a balance, he then began to weigh the subject which he intended to investigate. In all his inquiries he went as nearly as possible to the fountainhead; not contenting himself with current opinions in the place of truth, but examining

all with a jealous eye, and striving to trace them, in every instance, to those immutable first principles whence only they derive authority. When all this was done, and his inquiries fell short of certainty, he did not draw positive conclusions from what he had learnt, but left his mind open to further light, from whatever quarter it might come. As far as he had gone, he cast up the amount of evidence, and saw the state of the question; but he never closed the account. With the same forbearance and humility, he believed that on many subjects it was impossible for human reason to be satisfied, yet this impression did not lead him to cut off all speculation concerning those higher matters. He rather applied another kind of argument suitable to their nature, and by analogy obtained an insight beyond that of the senses. Of the sublime mysteries of our religion he loved to reason, not rashly or with presumption, but according to that intellectual scale by which God has permitted us to estimate things so far above mortal reach and he had this proof given him of

the propriety of his practice in this respect, that after all his theories, he found himself still more lowly-minded, more conscious of his own ignorance and weakness, fuller of every christian grace, and fitter to practise every virtue. On Sunday evenings, after attending public worship, he made it a rule to meditate on some important question in religion; and because he could better follow the order of his thoughts when he wrote them down, as well as for the sake of improving himself by their subsequent perusal, he was accustomed to commit them to paper at the time. Though these opportunities may not seem to promise the completion of any considerable undertaking, yet it is a fact, that all his moral and religious works are the production of these scattered hours.

As he was himself a great lover of learning, so was there nothing more delightful to him than to encourage it in others. To young people, who were fond of reading, he was particularly kind and attentive, pointing out to

them the best plans for study, and answering all their questions with a readiness and sweetness, which won them to acquaint him with all their doubts and difficulties. He was no less earnest to promote their moral improvement, availing himself of his high character and great experience, to give advice on many things relating to their appearance and behaviour; so that many young men forsook the vanities of dress, with other youthful follies, from a desire to obtain his favourable opinion.

A benevolent disposition, and great simplicity of manner, gave a charm to his deportment which fascinated all who approached him. But his friends were particularly happy in his company, for he was playfully free and communicative in discourse, and never at a loss for some pleasant topic, which might equally interest and inform them by its discussion. It was a rule with him,never to interrupt another in his speech; and this forbearance caused others to lis