Memoir of the Life, Character, and Writings of Philip Doddridge

OF THE

LIFE, CHARACTER, AND WRITINGS

PHILIP DODDRIDGE, D. D.

WITH

A SELECTION FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE.

COMPILED

BY REV. JAMES R. BOYD, A. M.,

EDITOR OF ENGLISH POETS, WITH NOTES, ETC.

PUBLISHED BY THE

AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY,
150 NASSAU STREET, NEW YORK.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, by the AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

DODDRIDGE'S ANCESTRY AND EARLY YEARS.

His grandfather and father-His mother the orphan daughter of a

Bohemian refugee-Rev. John Baumann--His flight to England

-Beautiful incident of his childhood-His grammar-school train-

ing-Early loss of both parents-Attendance at school in St.

Albans-Profession of religion-Resolves to study for the min-

istry-Serious obstacle interposed-Declines the offer of a uni-

versity education-Dr. Calamy's advice-Proposal to study law-

Generous assistance of Dr. Clarke of St. Albans-Remarks of Rev.

J. Stoughton-Doddridge's acknowledgment

CHAPTER II.

DODDRIDGE'S THEOLOGICAL STUDIES.

Enters on theological studies at Dr. Jennings' academy-Method of
reading and study at Kibworth-Letter to Rev. Samuel Clarke-
To Mr. Hughes-Great regard to the Scriptures--Rules for his
conduct--Social temper--Remarks of Mrs. Doddridge-His first
sermon-Social position and theological training-Description
of his study-First pulpit performances Examination of stu-
dents-His gentlemanly bearing and reciprocation of kindness---
Pious reflections -School expenses-Examination for licensure
-Habit of strict economy-His gown-Dr. Samuel Clarke's
advice-Grateful acknowledgments to Dr. Clarke-His abode
near Kibworth-Farm-house life-Want of congenial society-
Longing for his sister's recovery and society-Letter to Mr. Da-
vid Some-Account of his studies-Foundation of the Family
Expositor Remarks on the method of studying-Observations
on Baxter-Rules for ministerial duties at Kibworth-A gentle
reproof Pope's Homer's Iliad-Remarkable deliverance-De-
tails of classical studies-Pliny's Epistles-Laconic letter to
Dr. N. Wood-Expressions of ardent friendship - Remarks on
Pliny and Addison - Daily labors and pleasures as a student

-A A striking characteristic-The vanity of human desires-

Dependence on divine influence-Desires to learn every new

phase of infidelity-Burnet's History of the Reformation-Criti-

cism on a sermon desired-Burnet, Lucretius, and Howe-Reflec-

tions on the death of Mr. Some-Complaint of his own pride-

Rev. Thomas Saunders-Proposal to become an academical in-

structor-Letter to Miss Horseman-Correspondence with Mr.

Whittingham on the Deistical Question-Mr. Jennings' method

of education-Habits as a preacher-Conscientiousness in mak-

ing the most of time--

CHAPTER III.

INSTITUTION OF DODDRIDGE'S THEOLOGICAL

ACADEMY - EARLY PASTORATE AT NORTH-

AMPTON.

Death of Dr. Jennings-Letter of Dr. Isaac Watts in favor of Dod-

dridge-His appointment-Correspondence-Letter of accept-

ance-Removal to Northampton-Days of special devotion-His

ordination and installation-Letter to Miss King-Domestic life

-His marriage to Miss Mercy Maris-Letter to Dr. Watts—

Letters illustrating his paternal tenderness-Death of his eldest

child-Letters to Mrs. Doddridge-Persecution of Doddridge—

His visit to Cambridge-Complimentary letter of Dr. Warburton

--Favorable reception by a synod at Exeter-Solicitude for his

wife's recovery-His devotional feelings-A communion Sabbath

-Thoughts on the anniversary of his birth-Birthday letter

to Miss Doddridge-Kind counsels-His tenderness as a husband

-Education of his children-Demeanor towards his servants-

His character as a friend-Honor bestowed on him by his friends

-Methods in which his friendship was displayed-Letters illus-

trative of friendship-His conversational powers-Dr. Abraham

Taylor-Doddridge's happy administration of reproof - - 113

CHAPTER IV.

DODDRIDGE'S MINISTRY AT NORTHAMPTON.
Northampton a sort of Mecca-Doddridge visits the families of his
congregation-Pulpit preparation-Favorite topics-Wide range
of subjects—Popularity and usefulness accounted for-His excel-
lent temper-Derives lessons from the providence of God---Be-
fore sermon expounds a portion of Scripture--Affecting anecdote
-Composition of hymns-Expository lectures-Sacramental sea-

sons-Power as a preacher-Faithfulness in Christian discipline

-Special care for children-Zeal for religion at home and abroad

-Pastoral visitation-Case of Connell the prisoner-His pastoral

labors-Mr. Williams-Letter of Mr. Pearsall on the reputation

of Dr. Doddridge-Appoints an eldership-Letter of instruction

---Establishes a charity school-Earnest self-culture-His services

appreciated-Faithful love to his people-Extract from his last

will-Letters presenting him as a model pastor-Letter to Rev.

Samuel Wood-Correspondence with Miss Scott-Her marriage

and death
188

CHAPTER V.

DR. DODDRIDGE'S ACADEMICAL AND THEOLOG-