MEMOIRS OP DR. WATTS.. :tl the church (of which some abstracts are here subjoined) while it illustrates the truthof these observations, will gratify every readerof spiritual discernment. .a Brethren, " Youknow the constant aversion I have had to any proposalsof a pas- toral office for these three years. You know also, thatsince you have given me anunanimous call thereto, I have proposed several methods for your set- tlement without me, but your choice and youraffections seemed to be still unmoved. I haveobjectedmyown indisposition of body, and I have pointed to threedivines, members of this church, whose gifts might renderthemmore proper for instruction, and their age for government. These things I have urged till I have provoked you to sorrow and tears, and till I myselfhave been almost ashamed. But yourperseverance in your choice, your constant ,profession of edification bymy ministry, the great probability you shew me of building up this famous and decayed church of Christ, andyour prevailing fears of its dissolution, if I refuse, have given me ground to believe, that the voice of this church is thevoice of Christ ; and to answer this call, I have not consulted with flesh and blood: I have laid aside the thoughts of myself to servethe interestof ourLord. I give up myown ease for your spiritual profit and your increase. I submit my inclinations to my duty, and in hopes of being made an instrument tobuildup this ancient church, I return this solemn answer toyour call,that, witha great sense of my own inability in mind and, bodyto discharge the duties of so sacred an office, I do, in the strength of Christ, venture upon it, and in his name I acceptyour call, promising in the presence of God and his saints, my utmost diligence in all the duties of a pastor, so far as God shall enlighten and strengthen me ; and I leave this pro- mise in the hands of Christ our Mediator, to see itperformed byme unto you, through the assistance of his graceandSpirit." Theseprofessions and promises were followed by corresponding diligence and holy zeal. The number and variety of his writings, the frequency and excellence of his preaching, his exact attentihp to the)piritual affairs of bis flock by domestic visits, when not confined by illness,-shew the intenseness of his industry, and a laborious piety, as uncommon to others as they were ho- nourable to himself. The younger members of his church were peculiarly interested in his affection and zeal. For them he wasalways forming plans of religious improvement, andwhen he couldno longerbe useful to then in the pulpit, hewas solicitous for them in his afflicting confinement. To pro- mote their prosperity and happiness in the momentous concerns of a future world, he formeda society from this classof his charge, for prayer and spiri- tual conference. In thissociety the substance of his Guide to Prayer was originally delivered. In visitingthe families of his congregation, he was always careful to -leave a savour of divine truth upon their minds ; and as his own piety was cheerful, he endeavoured to diffuse its benign influences wherever he went : Walking or riding, in company or in retirement, he was either improving himself orothers. He wasnever somuch at homeas in his study, nor ever more in his element than when engaged in performing the works of mercy and the labours of c love. His temperswere such as became his character, and secured to him the veneration andesteem of those who most materially differed from, him inpoints von.; t. b
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