classical learning; which, during the time of his apprentice ship, had, in a great measure, been lost. Through the generous aid of this worthy minister, he afterwards entered a student at Edmund-Hall, Oxford, where he pursued his academical studies with avidity and exemplary steadiness. It was here that he became acquainted with five young men, who were distinguished by personal religion and correspondent regularity of manners. It seems, they were in the practice of associating together, in a private house, for the purpose of prayer, reading, expounding the Scriptures, and singing hymns. They were charged also with holding tenets called Methodistical, which, in fact, were no other than the distinguishing doctrines of the Gospel, of the Reformation, and of the Church of England. Their meeting together for extempore prayer, singing hymns, &c. was judged an irregularity of such importance, as, if permitted, might produce dangerous consequences; and, in order to deter others, it was thought expedient, by the ViceChancellor and heads of houses, in March 1768, to expel them from the university +. Mr. Middleton had already incurred his father's displeasure by his connection with the Methodists; and now found himself cast upon the wide

However criminal the singing hymns in an University might be deemed, the same practice in a Camp was not thought reprehensible by a noble General. The late Duke of Cumberland, who, when in Germany, happened one evening to hear the sound of voices from a cave, at a little distance, asked the centinel, What noise it was?-he was answered, That it was some devout soldiers, who were singing hymns. Instead of citing them to appear before their officers, ordering them to the halberts to be whipped, or commanding them to be drummed out of the regiment, he pleasantly said, "Are they so? Let them go on then, and be as merry as they can." In this he acted wisely; for he knew, and found by repeated experience, as did other commanding officers, that singing and praying, in these private societies, did not hinder, but rather fitted and animated these pious soldiers to fight their country's battles in the field; and it may be presumed, that if these students had not been expelled for singing hymns, &c. they certainly would not have been less, but, in alk probability, much better prepared for handling the sword of the Spirit. the word of God, and fighting therewith, either from the press or the pulpit, the battles of the Lord of Hosts. See Mr. Whitfield's Letter to Dr. Durell, Works, vol. iv. p. 399.

This event occasioned a long and unpleasant controversy, in which Dr. Nowell and Sir Richard Hill were principal combatants. The apology offered by the friends of the expulsion was, that the young men had broken the statutes of the university, which would have been pleaded with a better grace, had the same zeal for discipline appeared in the expulsion of a few young men for swearing, gaming, and intoxication, which were certainly not less irregularities than extemporary praying, singing hymns, and expounding the Scriptures. It seems, one of the Heads of houses observed upon this occasion, that as these six gentlemen were expelled for having too much religion, it would be very proper to enquire into the conduct of some who had too little;" but his notion was overruled for obvious reasons; and the issue exposed the university to a great deal of ridicule, particularly in the Shaver's Sermon," which was writ ten by the late Mr. Macgowan; and was not only very popular at the ume, but has been repeatedly reprinted.

world, without human protection or support, and, in the judgment of the university, disgraced: but never could a man more justly accommodate to himself the words of David than our friend, at this season of darkness and dereliction: "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." His exalted Saviour, at whose girdle hangs the key that opens human hearts, graciously opened the hearts and doors of several benevolent and hospitable friends for him and his fellow-sufferers. Among these,

the late William Faller, Esq. banker, "whose private acts of generosity," to use Mr. Middleton's own words, "were much more numerous than the world were acquainted with," made him an unsolicited offer of support, in the further prosecution of his studies. This liberal offer, liberal both in respect of its amount, and of its being made by a regular and conscientious Dissenter to an Episcopalian, he very thankfully accepted; and, in 1769, entered King's College, Cambridge, where he finished his academical career, and was admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Divinity.

Finding it difficult, on account of the odium of the expusion, to obtain ordination in England, he went over, by thre advice of his friends, with suitable letters of introduction to the Right Rev. Dr. Trail, Bishop of Downe, in Ireland, by whom he was admitted to holy orders. Soon afterwards, he accepted the pastoral charge of a small Episcopal congregation, at Dalkeith, in Scotland; where he lived in habits of close intimacy with evangelical ministers in the Establishment and in the Secession; particularly with the late pions and affectionate Mr. Linderleath, then minister in Dalkeith; of whose paternal counsels and instructions he ever spake with much gratitude and warmth. By the care of that good man and able divine, our friend's views of the plan of redemption, through the atonement and obedience of the Son of God, became more scriptural, simple, and clear. The rubbish was removed; and his entire confidence for remission of sin, and the future grandeur and felicity of his nature, was placed on the foundation which God's wisdom, and not man's arrogance, hath laid in Zion.

While at Dalkeith, he married the daughter of the late Sir Gilbert, and sister of the present Sir Robt. Grierson, Bart: fa Mrs. Middleton, ber husband found a treasure: pious, modest, humble, affectionate; she was, as Solomon expresses it, "a crown to her husband." Though a woman of an ancient and respectable family, and of some fortune, possessing also a fine person and good understanding, she reconciled. her mind to the dependent and precarious condition of a curate's wife; and by thein who knew her best, was never heard to repent of her choice, or repine at her circumscribed estate. Her solicitude

for the comfort of her husband, the religious instruction of her children, and the relief of the destitute, was great. The accommodations of life for her own person and appearance in the world, were among the subjects of her slightest concern. The tears shed over her grave (for it pleased God to take her from her family and friends in December, 1802) not only by her husband and two surviving daughters, but by the neighbourhood, forcibly spake the high sense which they cherished of her worth and usefulness.

Mr. Middleton, when he left Dalkeith, became curate, first, to the late Rev. Mr. Romaine; and after serving him several years, to the Hon. and Rev. Mr. Cadogan, Rector of St. Luke's, Chelsea; with whom he continued till that excellent man's death. The religious views, and the temper of his successor, were found ill to accord with Mr. Middleton's. A separation was soon found to be indispensably necessary. This trial he bore with exemplary patience. Indeed, the suffering virtues shone ever bright in his character. Mild, sympathetic, gentle, forgiving, resigned, be followed in silence the footsteps of his Divine Master. "In the mount the Lord was seen!" Beside the consolations of an approving conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity he had conducted himself, it pleased God to afford to biin, in a very unexpected manner, the relief which the sympathy of the good, and the liberality of the generous, ever bring to the weary and the dejected soul. The friends of the gospel at Chelsea, as soon as his resignation was known, set on foot and promoted a subscription in his behalf. His Diocesan, the Right Rev. the Bishop of London, hearing of what had happened, wrote to him a letter truly pastoral and episcopal; in which he expressed his desire of giving hin some mark of the regard he had for his piety and attention to his duty, requested his name to be added to the subscription; and in a few days after, inclosed a draft on his banker for 50l. It is proper to add, that afterwards, his Lordship understanding that Mr. Middleton's health was on the decline, and that his native air had been recommended, sent him 20l. to clear the expence of his journey; and 207. more soon after the death of Mrs. Middleton. Such considerate kindness reflects equal honour on the heart of the excellent Prelate, and on the character of our friend. The impressions of piety and gratitude which the Bishop's concern and generosity made on Mr. Middleton's mind, as we learn from his answers to the letters of his Lordship, elucidate his true character, and place his virtues in the fairest light. Mr. Middleton was also chosen Lecturer of St. Bennet's, Gracechurch Street, and St. Helen's, Bishopsgate Street; and about the year 1783, appointed Chaplain to the Countess of Crauford and Lindsay.

Mr. Middleton's next engagement was with the Rev. John

Davies, M.A. Minister of St. Margaret's Chapel, Westminster, whose ardent love of evangelical truth and affectionate deportment, formed a pleasing contrast to what he had lately experienced. With him he consented to labour in the Lord's vineyard till last year; when the Rectory of Turvey falling vacant by the death of the late incumbent, was presented to him by Miss Fuller. Her late father, whose former friendship to Mr. Middleton we mentioned before, having purchased that part of the manor to which the rectory was attached, had designed it for Mr. Middleton; and the will of her aged and venerable parent, his daughter not only fulfilled, but, after his example, conducted herself with much friendship and repeated acts of generosity to the good man as long as he lived.

Mr. Middleton enjoyed the rectory but a short period. On Easter-Sunday, 1804, he commenced his pastoral work at Turvey; and on Easter-Sunday, the next year, he preached his last sermon. About five weeks before his death, he was deeply affected by a fit of apoplexy; at which time his life was despaired of. His intellects however returning, and his health reviving with apparent rapidity, he was able in a fewdays to resume his beloved work; and again he read prayers in the church.

On Tuesday, April 23, he was remarkably cheerful; and wrote to several of his friends in town, expressing his intention of paying them a visit on the following Friday. The next day, however, he was somewhat indisposed, yet able to walk in his garden. On the morning of Friday the 26th, between four and five o'clock, he complained of a pain between his shoulders; and in less than an hour, reclining his head on the pillow, without any visible emotion, he fell asleep in Jesus, to whose hands he had committed his departing spirit. Mr. Middleton had not completed his sixty-sixth year. The funeral-sermon (since published) full of the precious truths of the gospel, was preached at Turvey by the Rev. Mr.Davies, on the Sunday-week following, from these words (Mat. xxv. 21)" Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!" His parishioners, with tears and expres sions of the deepest sorrow, testified their love for him. God indeed had given to him several of their souls as seals of his ministry; and by an humble, modest, and affectionate carriage, he had greatly endeared himself to them all. His pulpit-talents were not brilliant; but there was so much artless simplicity, so much earnestness and unction in his manner, as drew the love, if they did not raise the admiration, of all good men. It may be truly said of him, that

"Truth from his lips prevail'd with double sway;
"And fools who came to scoff, remain'd to pray!"

"The last time I conversed with him," says one of his inti mate friends," he dwelt for several hours on the worth of imnortal souls, and on his earnest desire for the salvation of his new charge. He told me how God had prospered him in this situation, what a wide door of utterance was opened to him, -with what pleasure the people received the message of the gospel, what first-fruits of its effects were visible amongst them, and how he himself rejoiced in the hope of a glorious harvest. I am just come.' said he, to spend the last five mi nutes of my life with them. Had I but a little health, I should be the happiest man alive. At the beginning of his last ill ness, his expressions were peculiarly affecting. With uplifted hands, and tears rolling down his cheek, he prayed for "the precious souls," as he expressed it, "committed to his charge;" and appealing to God, added, “Thou knowest, O my gracious God, plead not for my own sake, but for the welfare of these precious souls. If it be thy wise and holy will, spare me a little longer for their sakes: for myself, I would wish to depart from this fial body, and " to be with Christ, which is far better!" O, blessed be God for Christ, that unshaken rock! Here I am secure, here I rest with entire confidence. I can trust my all into his hands, for I know in whom I have believed. He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure! This is all my salvation and all my desire!"

Except a few single Sermons, and Papers in periodical works, Mr. Middleton's only work was "The Biographia Evangelica," four volumes, 8vo; which was well received by the religious world, and will be e-teemed while the sentiments and stubborn morality of the old school are held in deserved repute. The Preface to this work laments the spread of Infidelity and Irreligion; and then suggests, that" a review of the lives and principles of the most eminent persons in the Protestant churches, from the beginning of the Reformation to the present day, might be a providential means of assisting, at least in giving a check to this general inundation of infidelity and false opinions." With this design the first volume appeared in 1799; and the second in the year following; which volume comprehends the Lives of the Reformers and Martyrs of our church. The third volume, published in 1784, and the fourth in 1786, continued the biography of eminent divines, of various denominations, to the author's own time; of whom his friend Mr. Toplady was one of the last. In the close of his work will be found a series of just and candid observations on the history of the church, in the several periods through which he had conunued the biography of its ministers; and we shall borrow a paragraph from the last page, to conclude this Memoir:

Blessed be God, however men and constitutions may vary,