ADVERTISEMENT.

It was resolved, that at the autumnal meeting of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, held this year, in the month of October, at Northampton, there should be a tribute of respect paid to the memory of Dr. Doddridge, with whose name the place is so intimately associated. The fact of the meeting being held there, just a century after his death, gave additional interest to the arrangement. The author, several months before the meeting, received a request from the Committee to prepare the Memorial: an honorable task, which, though he felt himself unworthy to fulfil, he the more willingly attempted, because there had previously been a purpose in his mind to write something in relation to Doddridge, as a sequel to the book on "Spiritual Heroes."

The acceptance which the Memorial met with from the meeting equally delighted and surprised the writer; but, on reviewing the work for the press, he is more than ever convinced, that the effect produced was mainly to be ascribed to its being presented in the place where Doddridge

labored, from the pulpit in which he preached, and to persons sitting in the very pews once occupied by the congregation of that eminent man. The silent voice of the genius loci was more effective than what fell in audible tones from the author's lips. On this account he fears that some who now read the book will feel disappointment. But the publication is in accordance with the request of the meeting; and it is now sent forth from the press, with the earnest hope that it may be the means of inspiring in some cases, of reviving in others, that beautiful, earnest, and practical piety of which Doddridge was such an illustrious example.

Having been favored with the use of unpublished letters and documents, the author hopes he has succeeded in obtaining some few original illustrations of Doddridge's life and history, in addition to those already so largely supplied in his Memoirs and published Correspondence. To Joshua Wilson, and Charles Reed, Esqs., he is so largely indebted in this respect, that he cannot but make grateful mention of their names; he would with pleasure particularly allude to others, but for the fear of too far extending the present Advertisement.

Much appears in the body of the work not read at Northampton for want of time; where, for the same reason, the Introduction was entirely omitted. Some account, compiled from

the original records of the three collegiate institutions, recently united, is now subjoined as an appropriate Postscript; because one was a continuation of that which Doddridge established at Northampton; and another, through the early history of a Society which supported it, stands connected with his name. The Postscript is the more appropriate, as New College, erected in consequence of that union, was opened the very month distinguished by the centenary commemoration of the celebrated theological Professor to whose memory these pages are intended to do honor. Being restricted to historical notices of such of the old academies as are associated with the name of Doddridge, the author has been prevented from tracing the rise and progress of other Colleges in different parts of the country; but he would take this opportunity of saying, that their prosperity he hails with joy, and for their continued progress he devoutly prays. For ven turing to include in this volume so much correlative matter, he is gratified that he can plead the authority of his respected friend and predecessor, Mr. Conder, who, in his Memorial of Watts, has so gracefully introduced the rise and progress of English Psalmody.