Having been favoured with the use of unpublished letters and documents, the author hopes he has succeeded in obtaining some few original illustrations of Doddridge's life and history, in addition to those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, Esqrs., 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 Preface.

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 honour. 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 venturing 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.

INTRODUCTION.

DISSENT IN THE REIGN OF WILLIAM III.

THE booming of the cannon on the beach of Torbay, November 5, 1688, was a joyous signal for the Protestant Dissenters of England. The Prince of Orange landed as the deliverer of the oppressed, the champion of civil and religious liberty. "Since the English nation had ever testified a particular affection to his consort and himself, he could not but espouse their interests, and contribute all that in him lay for maintaining both the Protestant religion and the laws and liberties of these kingdoms." So ran the manifesto of William; and many a group of anxious citizens might be seen reading the document, as it was fastened, still wet, to the column of some old market-cross; and there were eager eyes at the same time tracing its lines as it was brought into the dwelling of

B