=MOMS ,Or DR, WATTS, .Siü better perhaps to set them forth in their full and proper light, than that the guilty should never feel a reproof, who, by the very nature of their dis- temper, are unwilling to see or learn their ownfolly, unless itis set in a glar- ingview*. But as his great aimwas to be understood, and to supply his hearers with suitable matter for holy meditation in private ; as he watched for souls like one that was to give an account, a divine solemnity accompanied all he said. The frivolous,jocular dispositionof some modern pulpit orators, never degraded his character, never insulted the decency of public worship, Or mocked the expectations of the devout mind. Where is the expression that could raise the faintestblush upon the cheekof modesty, or irritate therisibi- lity of the most puerile ? In his personal appearance there was little that could interest the ad- mirers of external comeliness. He was low ofstature, and his bodily presence wsa weak; yet there was a certain dignitÿ in his countenance, and such piercing expression in his eyes, as commanded attention and awe. His man- nerwas animated ; but not boisterous ; the self-possession he enjoyed was igspircd.byconfidence in God ; and therefore, discoverednothing but respect and affection for his hearers. When Dr. Gibbons asked him, if he didnot fmd himselfsometimestoo much awedby his auditory, he replied, Thatwhen such a gentleman, of eminentabilities and learning, hascome into the assem- bly, and taken his eye, he felt somethinglike a momentary tremor, but that Ile recovered himself by remembering what God said to the Prophet Jeremiah, " $e not dismayed attheir faces, lest Ì eonfeund thee before them." In preparation for his ministry, he wrote and committed to memory, the leading features of his cursory sermons; the rest he trusted to his extemporary powers, and thepromised assistance of the Holy Spirit; andbe never failed to acquithimself with credit. " His reading hadmade him a full man, eon- ference aready man, writing an exact man¡," and his free access to the ful- ness. of Christ made him anessentially profitableman. At the conclusionof weighty sentences it was his custom to pause, thathe might quicken the atten- tion andmore solemnly impress the realities of the gospel upon themind. He had cultivated with care and singular success the graces of language. The correctness of his pronunciation, the elegance of his diction, and the grandeur of his sentiments, obtained him an uncommon share of popu- larity. I once mentioned, says Dr. Johnson, the reputation which Mr. Foster hnd gained by his proper delivery to my friend Mr. Hawkes- worth, who told me, that in the art of pronunciation he was far inferior to Dr., Watts. his ambition of usefulness was confined to no time or place , such was his love to the Head of thechurch, and his compassion for the fallen, children ofmen, that he was eager to seize every opportunity of glorifying him, and administeringthe word ofsalvation to them, as the subsequent anecdote, com- municatedby Mr. Kingsbury, ofSouthampton,to Dr. Gibbons, will testify: " Mr. Richard Ellcock was a servant in old Mr. Watts's family., Dr. Watts going to London after the last time ofhis visiting his father at ;,Iauthampton, Richard Ellcock was ordered to go withhim a day's journey. The Doctor entered into serious discourse with him, which made a deep and lastingim- pression on, his heart andwas the means of his sound and saving conversion. * Discourses on 'Humility: ', Bacon. `
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