six years. In
the midst of his sacred labours for the glory of God, and good of his
generation, he is seized with a most violent and threatening fever,
which leaves him oppressed with great weakness, and puts a stop at
least to his public services for four years. In this distressing season,
doubly so to his active and pious spirit, he is invited to Sir Thomas
Abney's family, nor ever removes from it till he had finished his
days. Here he enjoyed the uninterrupted demonstrations of the truest
friendship. Here, without any care of his own, he had everything which
could contribute to the enjoyment of life, and favour the unwearied
pursuit of his studies. Here he dwelt in a family which, for piety,
order, harmony, and every virtue, was a house of God. Here he had the
privilege of a country recess, the fragrant bower, the spreading lawn,
the flowery garden, and other advantages, to soothe his mind and aid
his restoration to health; to yield him, whenever he chose them, most
grateful intervals from his laborious studies, and enable him to return
to them with redoubled vigour and delight. Had it not been for this
most happy event, he might, as to outward view, have feebly, it may be
painfully, dragged on through many more years of languor, and inability
for public service, and even for profitable study, or perhaps might have
sunk into his grave under the overwhelming load of infirmities in
the midst of his days; and thus the Church and world would have been
deprived of those many excellent sermons and works which he drew up and
published during his long residence in this family. In a few years
after his coming hither, Sir Thomas Abney dies; but his amiable consort
survives, who shows the Doctor the same respect and friendship as
before, and most happily for him and great numbers besides; for, as
her riches were great, her generosity and munificence were in full
proportion; her thread of life was drawn out to a great age, even beyond
that of the Doctor's, and thus this excellent man, through her kindness,
and that of her daughter, the present Mrs. Elizabeth Abney, who in a
like degree esteemed and honoured him, enjoyed all the benefits and
felicities he experienced at his first entrance into this family till
his days were numbered and finished, and, like a shock of corn in its
season, he ascended into the regions of perfect and immortal life and
joy."

If this quotation has appeared long, let it be considered that it
comprises