Le Clerc, it must he considered that no man
who undertakes merely to methodize or illustrate a system, pretends
to be its author.

In his metaphysical disquisitions, it was observed by the late
learned Dr. Dyer, that he confounded the idea of _space_ with that
of _empty space_, and did not consider that though space might be
without matter, yet matter being extended, could not be without
space.

Few books have been perused by me with greater pleasure than his
_Improvement of the Mind_, of which the radical principles may
indeed be found in _Locke's Conduct of the Understanding_, but
they are so expanded and ramified by Watts, as to confer upon him
the merit of a work in the highest degree useful and pleasing.
Whoever has the care of instructing others, may be charged with
deficience in his duty if this book is not recommended.

I have mentioned his treatises of Theology as distinct from his
other productions: but the truth is, that whatever he took in
hand was, by his incessant solicitude for souls, converted to
Theology. As piety predominated in his mind, it is diffused over
his works: under his direction it may be truly said, _Theologiae
Philosophia ancillatur_, philosophy is subservient to evangelical
instruction; it is difficult to read a page without learning, or
at least wishing to be better. The attention is caught by indirect
instruction, and he that sat down only to reason, is on a sudden
compelled to pray.

It was therefore with great propriety that, in 1728, he received
From Edinburgh and Aberdeen an unsolicited diploma, by which he
became a Doctor of Divinity. Academical honours would have more
value, if they were always bestowed with equal judgement.

He continued many years to study and to preach, and to do good by
His instruction and example: till at last the infirmities of age
disabled him from the more laborious part of his ministerial
functions, and being no longer capable of public duty, he offered
to remit the salary appendant to it; but his congregation would
not accept the resignation.

By degrees his weakness increased, and at last confined him to
his chamber and his bed; where he was worn gradually away without
pain, till he expired, Nov. 25, 1748, in the seventy-fifth year
of his age.

Few men have left behind such purity of character, or such monuments
of laborious piety. He has provided instruction for all ages, from
those who are lisping their first lessons, to the enlightened rea