MEMOIRS OF _DOCTOR WATTS_. It was a custom among the ancient Romans, to preserve in wax, the figures of those among their ancestors, who were of noble birth; or had been _more_ nobly advanced to the chair of honour by their personal merits. Sallust relates that Scipio and other great men, by beholding these likenesses, found enkindled in _their_ breasts, so ardent a thirst after virtue, as could not be extinguished, till, by the glory of their _own actions_, they had equalled the illustrious objects of their emulation. But it is the happiness of _Christians_ to possess truer notions of virtue, and to be governed by infinitely higher views. We may, however, hence observe the force of example, which is peculiarly operative in those who sincerely love God. They no sooner reflect on the accounts given of such as have been eminent for their piety and zeal, than they become desirous of imbibing the same spirit[1]. The advantages to be derived from theological biography, are too various to be enumerated; and of such obvious importance, as to supersede all studied encomiums. The sacred scriptures abound with relations of extraordinary occurrences in the lives of men, who were distinguished in their day by their virtues or their crimes: And, as if the Holy Spirit designed to provide for our entertainment, and to gratify our curiosity; there is not a beauty in this species of historical writing, of which we have not some interesting example, in the inspired volume. Each character is drawn by the hand of impartiality and faithfulness; so that we are in no danger of being deceived by the influence of any of those passions, which so often degrade other relations of the same kind. While compassion tempers the hatred of sin, the love of truth corrects the ardor of _private_ gratitude, the usual partiality of friendship, and the zeal of opinion. Here no excellence, which evidences them to be the Sons of God, is exalted above its intrinsic value; nor is any failing, common to them as the children of Adam, concealed or extenuated. Next to these divine records, our esteem is claimed by the many valuable literary monuments which have been raised in all succeeding ages, by the labours of piety and veneration, to the remembrance of those eminent names, whom the unerring Judge of _true_ excellence _has delighted to honour_.