158 OUR HYMNS :
purposes of chanty. In 1736 he became curate of Dummer, in Hampshire, where he remained a year. He then went to reside at Stoke Abbey, in Devonshire. In 1740 he became curate of Bideford, where he was much beloved; but in 1742 he was deprived of his position by a new rector. In 1743 he became curate to his father, who was rector of Weston Favel and Collingtree, in Northamptonshire. He succeeded his father in both livings in 1752. His early death, by consumption, is said to have been hastened by his laborious devotedness to the duties of his sacred calling.
His view of himself was humble, but probably just. He said to his biographer, John Ryland, sen., " My friend, I have not a strong mind ; I have not powers fitted for ardent researches, but I think I have a power of writing in somewhat of a striking manner, so far as to please mankind, and recommend my dear Redeemer." His works, which were all on religious subjects, were in the form of dialogues and letters. They were written in a florid and familiar style, and with an amount of graphic picturing and reference to natural scenery, quite peculiar to themselves. His style pleased the public of that day, and was imitated by some writers and preachers ; but it has now by common consent been laid aside. In 174G-7 he {published " Meditations among the Tombs," " Reflections on a Flower Garden," " Contemplations on the Night," &c. The " Meditations among the Tombs" is said to have been suggested by a visit to the churchyard of Kilhampton, in Cornwall, during his residence in Devonshire : and one of his principal works was " Theron and Aspasio ; or, a series of Dialogues and Letters upon the most important and interesting subjects." From some letters published in the " Gospel Magazine" for 1774, and written by Hervey in 1753, we learn that he was then at work at this book : it appeared in January, 1755. It treats of several scriptural doctrines in the dialogues and letters of two imaginary characters, "Theron" and " Aspasio," but " the grand article," as he says in his pre face, " that which makes the principal figure, is the imputed
�� �
